the Paper - March 27, 2024

Program seeks families to host

international students

By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer

Imagine being a teenager again. Now imagine traveling hundreds, maybe thousands of miles from everything and everyone you know to live for 10 months in a foreign country with a family whom you’ve never met. It seems daunting, doesn’t it?

That’s exactly what thousands of high school kids do each year when they take part in an student exchange pro

are welcomed with open arms by strangers, who are ready to show them what everyday life is like in the United States.

“Nationwide, we place over 1,200 students each year, including 120-130 in Indiana,” said Sheila Claassen, local coordinator for International Cultural Exchange Services, one of the organizations, which helps to bring students to America. “We try hard to get all of the students placed.”

Claassen said the program has stu

come for a five-month or 10-month term. Occasionally, there are students who are not chosen by families to come to the U.S. Some of those try again the following

year, but for some it is their only chance to fulfill their dream.

Students come from a variety of coun-

Continued on page 2

IN THE CITY A group of exchange students recently enjoyed a day in Chicago. Among those pictured front to back are Maria Silvola, Finland; Gabriela Pablador Tolosana, Spain; Elena Paganoni, Italy; Maria de las Heras Lucena, Spain; Sheila Claassen, local coordinator; and Mattia Valentini, Italy. Photo provided by Sheila Claassen.

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW Exchange students

Aimar Legaz from Spain and Michele Calderone from Italy participated in soccer and diving during this school year. Diving was a new sport for both of them. They are pictured with their host parents, David and Shannan Vincent, Nappanee. Photo provided by Sheila Claassen.

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR Sheila Claassen and Christina King, local coordinators for International Cultural Exchange Services, took 10 exchange students from around the world to Siesta Key, Fla., for four days in early March. Pictured from left are Maria Silvola, Finland; Mario Zamorano, Spain; Theo Hauber, Germany;

Guillermo Sanchez, Spain; Gabriela Pablodor Tolosana, Spain; Elena Paganoni, Italy; Sonia Bertoli, Italy, Bruna Santos, Brazil; and Marco Mazzette, Italy. The students are spending the year at various high schools across the region. Photo provided by Sheila Claassen.

Writer helps people discover and understand their inner selves

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I believe that human beings house whole kingdoms within them,” stated MariJean Wegert, Winona Lake. “Each of us has hidden longings. Writing is a vehicle to help us discover and nourish a richer relationship with our souls and bodies.

Wegert started writing when she was 12 years old. “I received my first journal for Christmas one year, and I began filling it up with words. I already had a box of empty notebooks. I decided to fill them with words, too.”

Wegert received her bachelor’s

degree in 2010 from Grace College, Winona Lake. She went on to earn her master’s degree in English a decade later, with a concentration in rhetoric.

Her prose poem, “The Howling Girl,” was featured in the fall edition of Pan-O-Ply Magazine, a publication by Dan Breen highlighting story and art in Michiana.

The opening lines read: “There is a girl inside my house, and she is howling for love. She is howling because she does not yet believe that she will be tended: she is howling because she’s never met someone who did.”

“I’d recently gone through a pretty traumatic experience when

I wrote ‘The Howling Girl.’ Writing the piece was a big part of healing. It’s easy to demonize the unpalatable parts of ourselves and others. But if we ask them what they need, we often find that they are hurting, too.”

Wegert is currently a ghostwriter and editor, and teaches peer-support writing classes at Scribere, a communal healing space offering narrative therapy, expressive arts, and community groups in Brownsburg. She will be offering local classes to Warsaw soon. “I want to offer opportunities for others to make maps of their inner territories. Finding that connection between the heart and body is so magical.”

Wegert likens this inner understanding to the work of a shaman or healer before the formal study of psychology and myth. “They attempted to unite heaven and earth in the imaginations of their communities. They were storytellers.” She is working on a curriculum that unites scholarship, ecology, myth and poetics.

Her first book of poems, “Water the Bones,“ will be released later this year by North Meridian Press. “It’s a bit of a love song about my

very complicated relationship with Indiana.”

She learned her writing philosophy from authors like C.S. Lewis and Ray Bradbury, who created their stories around a series of images. “Like them, I always start with nouns. Pictures in my head. Then I build the story around what I see.”

Wegert has two daughters, ages 8 and 5. “We go on so many adventures together. My oldest writes pages of stories. My youngest writes music and sings. They often come with me to poetry readings.”

Wegert recently performed at an open mic hosted at L.I.T.E., a recovery and community center in Milford, offering services and support to formerly incarcerated community members, and has also appeared at readings in Fort Wayne and South Bend.

Those interested in finding out more about Wegert’s writing may subscribe to her Substack, The Poetics of Place, at marijeanelizabeth. substack.com. Those interested in scheduling her as a writer, speaker or teacher can email her at marijeanelizabeth@gmail.com. She can be found on Instagram and TikTok @regressada.

INNER SERENITY MariJean

Wegert, Winona Lake, stands in a peaceful setting, one that inspires her creativity. She is a teacher and writer, seeking to help readers discover and nourish a richer relationship with their souls and bodies. Her first book of poems, “Water the Bones,” is based on her rather complicated relationship with Indiana.

Program seeks families

tries across the world. Once a family is approved to be a host, they are given profiles of prospective students that they can review and choose from. The profiles are extensive, which allows the host family to select a student who fits the family’s lifestyle and interests.

Continued from page 1 their own spending money, which the program recommends be a few hundred dollars each month to cover some of their personal expenses, such as shopping, entertainment and other outlays. The host family is expected to provide three meals each day, plus reasonable transportation, including to and from school, which often includes a daily trip on the ubiquitous yellow bus.

Claassen said the students often are interested in participating in a particular sport or extracurricular activity, such as marching band. Others suggest they would like to have host siblings or are animal lovers. These are some of the many criteria taken into consideration by families as they choose the student, who essentially becomes a member of their family for the year, and oftentimes for many years after they complete the program.

Exchange students do come with

The students who come to America are fluent in English, but come to immerse themselves in the culture, language and its idiosyncrasies, including slang. They also come with their own medical insurance, so they are covered if something should require attention.

“They have dreamed of becoming an American teenager for so long, and finally its their time to come to come here and have the experience,” said Claassen. “We try to match the host family with a student who is going to fit in.

“There are host family rules, as well as our organization’s rules, that they have to follow, and we go over those with them several times during the year. The local coordinator is here for anything you need as far as guidance and a little bit of direction on handling these teenagers, who are coming into your home. It’s not always easy; there always are problems. They are teenagers; they’re going to break the rules. We’re not promising the perfect child. But we’re looking for some host families who will be coming here in August.”

Classen said she places students in high schools across the region, including those in Kosciusko and Elkhart counties. She has placed students at Warsaw, Wawasee and NorthWood, just to name a few.

If you would like further information about the program or are interested in possibly being a host family, contact Claassen at (574) 529-1340 or by email at shefor24@ hotmail.com. You can also visit icesusa.org, where more details and an application can be found.

Photo provided by MariJean Wegert.

POWER OF THE PURSE EVENTS COMING UP — Women from Whitley and Kosciusko counties come together at United Way’s International Women’s Day photo shoot to bring attention to the upcoming Power of the Purse events.

Featured in no particular order are Tera Yoder, Linzy Warner, Juli Eckel, Kassie Timmins, Tracie Hawblitzel, Jeri Purdy, Vicky Decker, Kim Strawbridge, Aimee Lunsford, Mandy Wilkie, Kayla Knuckles, Hannah Hackenberg, Emily Illingsworth Kosnik, Amy Stitt, Christa Harman, Janille Montel, Bethany Jones, Arica Edwards, Gina Cesaretti Clevenger, Haley Allen, Michelle Hansen, Jade LeDrew, Lauren Miller, Neena Burgher and Sarah Wordhouse. Photo provided by United Way of Kosciusko and Whitley Counties.

Power of the Purse: Empowering women to transform lives

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of empowerment and philanthropy as United Way presents two extraordinary “Power of the Purse” events, poised to create positive change in the lives of children and families across Whitley and Kosciusko counties.

“Power of the Purse is where women are empowered to support dynamic efforts to change the lives of children and families. It’s fun and energizing. There’s time to connect, enjoy food and win amazing purses,” remarked Juli Eckel, Women United chair.

Mark your calendars for two spectacular events. “Power of the Purse,” Whitley County is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 25, at Eagle Glen Clubhouse, Columbia City.

Lilly

Center invites families to fishing expedition April 13

The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams is inviting the community to a fishing expedition from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Pike Lake beach pier in Warsaw.

Join David Hamerick to learn all about the sport of fishing. Hamerick is a seasoned volunteer at the Lilly Center, an avid fisherman and boat captain. He will share his experiences, fishing tips and tricks.

The first 30 Indiana residents to register for the event will receive a free fishing license. The license will be valid until March 31, 2025. One must be an Indiana resident to register for the license. Children aged 18 and younger are not required to have a fishing license.

A limited number of fishing poles will be available; feel free to bring your own. Bait will be provided by the Lilly Center, and games and snacks. One can register for the event at lakes. grace.edu/events/expeditionfamily-fishing-day.

The event is underwritten by the Zimmer-Biomet Foundation.

“Power of the Purse,” Kosciusko County is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. May 2, at Blue Barn Berry Farm, Syracuse.

At the heart of “Power of the Purse” is the highly-anticipated designer purse raffle, featuring an array of spectacular purses generously donated by the community. Each raffle ticket represents a chance to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

United Way cordially invites the community to join it for an evening of celebration and giving back. Tables of eight are available for $600, which includes dinner, the raffle, and a brief program. Individual tickets will also be available for purchase.

“We believe that when women

come together with a shared purpose, they have the power to create meaningful and lasting change,” said Mandy Wilkie, United Way business development executive. “Power of the Purse is a unique opportunity for women to connect, celebrate their philanthropic spirit, and make a tangible difference in their community.”

Don’t miss a chance to be part of this empowering event. Purchase tickets online and get ready for an evening filled with camaraderie, excitement and the chance to win fabulous prizes, all while supporting a worthy cause.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit uwwk. org or contact Darren Bickel at (574) 269-2592, Ext. 104.

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club in Pierceton welcomes area enthusiasts to meetings

The local chapter of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club holds regular meetings for area enthusiasts. Meetings start at 6 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month and are held at the

Old Train Depot, 115 E. Market St., Pierceton.

Meetings are informal and open to anyone interested in motorcycles.

For more information, call Terry Sell at (574) 371-5862.

Letters to the editor

Vote for Ryan Prince and Sue Ann Mitchell

Dear Editor:

I have done some research and have two Republican primary picks I feel good about. The first one is for the north county commissioner position that is opening up this election. This pick is sort of like the one made by the kid in the playground that chooses Barkley to be on her basketball team. Our “Barkley” is Sue Ann Mitchell; she is tried, true and tested. I feel fortunate she is willing to be one of the commissioners.

My next choice is for the county surveyor position that is opening up as well. Ryan Prince is an experienced licensed surveyor. His primary opponent is not licensed. Please vote for Ryan Prince and Sue Ann Mitchell.

Bill Rensberger Professional Land Surveyor

Nathan Scherer for county commissioner

Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Nathan Scherer, who is running for Kosciusko County’s northern commissioner seat in 2024. I believe that Nathan’s dedication, experience and commitment to the community make him an excellent candidate for this important role.

Nathan’s service as a Syracuse town councilman demonstrates his deep commitment to the well-being of our community. His successful election to the Town Council, both through caucus and winning the Republican primary, is a testament to the trust that the residents have in his ability to lead and represent their interests.

With over two decades of experience held by the current commissioner, Brad Jackson, Nathan Scherer presents a fresh and dynamic perspective. He brings a wealth of experience from both

We welcome readers’ letters.

the business and public service sectors, making him wellequipped to address the challenges facing our county and guide us towards a prosperous future.

One of the qualities that sets Nathan apart is his profound dedication to family values and community building. Having raised his family in Kosciusko County, he understands the importance of creating a vibrant and secure environment for families. His four children, Preston, Carson, Parker and Elin, are a testament to the heart of his commitment to our community.

Nathan’s entrepreneurial journey, founding a company at the age of 23 and managing it for nearly two decades, has given him valuable insights into the challenges our community faces, especially concerning job opportunities, economic stability and childcare. As a family man, com-

munity advocate and business leader, Nathan is motivated to ensure that Kosciusko County remains a place of opportunity, growth and strong family values.

His involvement in nonprofit organizations, such as Joes Kids, and coaching various youth athletic teams showcases his dedication to the well-being of the community. Furthermore, his service to the Noble County Economic Development Corporation board and the Syracuse Town Council underlines his steadfast dedication to public service.

I believe that Nathan Scherer is the right candidate at the right time. The community needs fresh perspectives, and Nathan’s commitment to preserving the values that make Kosciusko County exceptional is exactly what the community needs.

Sincerely,

Travis Cox

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signatures will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Letters may be emailed to dpatterson@the-papers.com. Again, letters must include an address and phone number. We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: ‘the PAPER,’114 W. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580.

K21 foundation awards $750,000 to Joe’s Kids

The K21 Health Foundation recently awarded $750,000 in grant funding to Joe’s Kids to lead the way in support of the purchase, renovation, and expansion for the new Joe’s Kids location at 1692 W. Lake St.

Joe’s Kids is a nonprofit, pediatric rehabilitation clinic that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and tutoring services to help each child reach their maximum level of independence.

Joe’s Kids moved to its new property in January to allow the organization to continue to

expand its services to the children of Kosciusko County and beyond.

“Joe’s Kids has been serving our community’s children and families for over 10 years now. We’ve been proud to partner with them every step of the way”, stated Rich Haddad, K21 president and CEO. “For K21 to step forward to provide a lead gift in helping them grow and be more effective in their mission is frankly an honor and our board was excited to make this commitment.”

“We are blessed to have the support of our friends at K21

who have partnered with us from the beginning to meet a need for our community’s children and have now led the way in this building project” said Rebecca Bazzoni, executive director of Joe’s Kids. “Our new campus will serve as Joe’s Kids forever home providing us opportunity for growth and expansion for years to come. We are grateful for K21’s continued support of our mission as we invest in the long-term needs of our community’s children.” To learn more about how you can help Joe’s Kids, visit joeskids.org.

Rural realism

By DEEANNA MURASKI, and DARLA MCCAMMON Guest Writers

In our journey across American art and its influence, we have discussed the introduction of Realism by Harnett; American Impressionism by Cassatt; AshCan School/ Realist movement led by Henri; Synchromism through MacDonaldWright; Sheeler’s Precisionism; Realist Marsh; and Harlem Renaissance champion Douglas. This only brings us from the late 1800s through the early 1930s in American art.

We are extremely fortunate that these thought creators fashioned an artistic opus frozen in time to be viewed for ages. Our artist this week continues the genealogy of American art through regionalism.

Thomas Hart Benton was born in 1889 in Missouri to a family with a strong political bent. While he never ran for any civic office, he would grow to be very outspoken and considered a populist. Encouraged by his mother, Benton attended the Art Institute in Chicago a stark change from his Missouri upbringing. Like almost all of our other artists in this series, Benton traveled to Paris to experience first hand the historic pieces of artists from centuries ago.

Benton returned to the United States and decided he would settle himself in another large city: New York City. He remained there until World War I. Similarly to Theodore Griesel (Dr. Seuss), while stationed with the Navy, Benton’s art abilities were put to use. Also, like Dr. Seuss, the artistic-war experience would be pivotal to Benton’s art career. His skills were essential to create quick sketches and drawings of strategy and daily life in warfare.

The New York Art Students League hired Benton in 1925 as an instructor. During this time is when he was mentoring one of his most famous students, Jackson Pollack. His daily frequent work during this time afforded him a chance to hone his identity, first discovered during World War I: regionalism.

Regionalism in art depicts rural and astoral settings, or “regions,” and a true, accurate account of the activities. These were essentially Polaroid pictures set to canvas but way before the Polaroid was even conceived.

However, it was this very desire to depict regionalism, which got Benton into trouble in the late 1930s. He was commissioned to create a significant mural of life in Indiana. While he was used to unabashedly depicting gruesome

accurate account of activities. Shown is a self portrait with Rita. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski. warfare, in his Indiana mural he illustrated the prominence of the Ku Klux Klan.

Benton allegedly intensely opposed the KKK and was “outing” Indiana for their regional acceptance. Unfortunately, the immediate response to Benton’s mural was that he aligned with KKK’s theology.

This harsh turn of events promulgated Benton’s exit from New York to re-locate back to his roots. He took a teaching position at Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo. From here, he continued to be commissioned to depict largescale murals.

Benton is also noted for his ability to mass produce his work on lithographs and sell them for a nominal fee. As a mediocre musician, his artwork took on a synchro-

nomous feel with rounded undulat ing scenes in bright colors bouncing around the confines of the canvas. The curves of his subjects help car ry the eye around the painting in a pleasing arc. Benton passed away in 1975 after a robust career in art, which ended with him putting the finishing touches on a mural for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

Thomas Jefferson

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KNOWN FOR REGIONALISM — Thomas Hart Benton was known for regionalism, depicting a true

Personett chosen as Nappanee Chamber’s

Longtime Nappanee resident, John Personett, was named “Citizen of the Year” during the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Appreciation and Awards Dinner, held Tuesday, March 19, at The Barns of Nappanee. Chamber Director Bill Dutkowski introduced Personett, a retired accountant with Rieth-Riley. Personett now dedicates much of his time as a volunteer, serving as director of the Nappanee Open

CHAMBER RECOGNITION

The Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual appreciation and awards dinner Tuesday evening March 19.

Door food pantry. “It’s overwhelming,” said Personett. “Nappanee is a great community to serve in, and I’m very appreciative of the recognition and the award.”

Many members of Personett’s family, some local and some from as far away as Texas, joined him and his wife, Norma, to celebrate the achievement.

Other awards presented during the evening included three Excellence in Business Awards. They were given to Ayr Custom Cabinetry, Culinary Mill Market & Deli and Newcomer Towing & Service.

The Educator of the Year Award was presented to NorthWood High School science teacher Justin Bell.

Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins delivered short remarks, pointing out that 2024 marks the sesquicentennial of the city, which traces its roots to 1874. He noted that two time capsules would be opened Dec. 12, the actually anniversary date of the city.

Numerous door prizes donated by various chamber members were given out, including a 65inch television and numerous $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Pictured from left are Mark Miller, Newcomer Towing and Service, Excellence in Business Award; Weldon Miller, Ayr Custom Cabinetry, Excellence in Business Award; Lynn Miller, Culinary Mill Market and Deli, Excellence in Business Award; John Personett, Citizen of the Year Award; and Justin Bell, Educator of the Year Award.

NORMA AND JOHN PERSONETT

HIGH PRAISE Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Dutkowski, right, introduces the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award winner, John Personett.

Mayor Jenkins reveals bids for new fire station to common council

By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer

During the Monday, March 18, meeting of the Nappanee Common Council, Mayor Phil

Jenkins shared with the members the bids placed by three design/build companies hoping to build the city’s proposed new fire station. He also shared the scores assigned to each proposal

Volunteers needed for baby changing station

The Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival is looking for mothers and grandmothers to assist with monitoring the baby changing station at the The Garage Coffee Shop during the festival, which will be held April 26-28. Shifts will be three hours on Friday and Saturday, and two hours on Sunday. Contact Tricia Foster at drtriciafoster@hotmail.com for more information about volunteering. You can also contact the the chamber at chamber@wakarusachamber.com and they will forward your information.

as determined by the project’s technical review committee. The scores reflected the committee’s evaluation of the quality of each proposal and scored each team based on its merits.

Majority Builders’ bid was $12,435,855. It received a design score of 63.8. Performance Services’ bid came at $13,260,145, with a design score of 41.2. Weigand Construction’s bid was $11,804,851, and it’s design score was 71.0.

The city had estimated the cost of the project to be $12,000,000. The city has proposed the project be paid for using a 15-year lease/rental bond, $2-3 million from the general fund cash reserves, $400,000 per year from public safety

funds and $500,000 per year from redevelopment funds. This payment plan would result in no tax increases for residents. The plan must be approved by the redevelopment commission.

Renderings of the three proposals are available to see in the lobby of Nappanee City Hall. Further information about the plans can be requested by contacting the mayor’s office at (574) 773-2112, as well. The technical review committee will make its recommendation on which plan to accept to the Nappanee Board of Works on March 25.

In other business, the council:

• Approved the quarterly ambulance billing charge-offs at $63,776.56. Much of this defi-

cit results from Medicare’s approved costs against the actual billing amount.

• Approved the cancellation of checks issued in 2021 that had not been cashed.

• Established a board of trustees for the Firefighter 1977 Pension Plan. It will initially include Jenkins, Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Knight and Fire Chief Don Lehman.

• Discussed and approved a redevelopment commission amendment to the Economic Development Plan.

• Was informed the city was awarded a $127,000 grant to purchase two electric vehicles. The grant will also pay for the installation of the infrastructure necessary for the vehicles.

The

meals, which includes sides. Carry-outs are also available.

The cost is $12 per person. For further information, call (574) 773-7686.

Eclipse viewing glasses available for purchase

Metz Auto Group will have eclipse viewing glasses available for $2 per pair. All proceeds will be donated to Boys and Girls Club in Nappanee.

Stop by 2450 N. Main St., Nappanee, to get your glasses for a safe, solar-eclipse viewing experience. A limited amount will be available per pickup and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

The glasses can be picked up during business hours through April 5, or while supplies last.

Obituaries

Jack Brazel

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Jack Brazel, 78, Kimmell, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024.

He was born on Dec. 8, 1945, in Wolf Lake, to Russell and Kathryn (Bair) Brazel.

He was an honorably discharged United States Air Force veteran, where he served as an airplane mechanic. On April 3, 1982, Jack married Sandra Cavender, who survives.

He was a member of the North Webster American Legion, where he served on the Legion Riders. He was also a former race car driver.

Jack will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Sandra Brazel of Kimmell; one son, Joe Brazel of Fort Wayne; one daughter, Jamie Brazel of Kimmell; two stepsons, Michael Cavender of Syracuse and James (Amy) Cavender of Leesburg; one stepdaughter, Dawn Cavender of Syracuse; one sister, Lexie (Gene) Deusler of Cromwell; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded by a brother, Walter Brazel.

Razzle Dazzle for Jack Brazel. A celebration of life will be held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Syracuse Eagles. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, is handling the arrangements.

David E. Fuller

National Guard and Coast Guard Veteran

David E. Fuller, 86, a lifetime resident of Warsaw, passed away at home Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

He was born in Winona Lake on April 13, 1937, to Floyd Fuller and Maria (Hicks) Fuller.

He was a 1956 graduate of Warsaw High School and spent many years with Zimmer, where he devoted his time to the tool and die department. He was also an honorably discharged veteran, having served in both the National Guard and the Coast Guard. David was also a member of American Legion Post 49.

Beyond his work life, David is remembered in many ways … mainly his good sense of humor which was equal parts corny and sarcastic. He always brought a smile to those around him. His sociable nature meant that he rarely knew a stranger, always ready to strike up a conversation or share a laugh. One of his cherished routines was three times weekly breakfast with his friends and watching western movies.

David leaves behind a legacy cherished by many. In his passing, he is survived by children, Kathy Powell of Warsaw, Mark Fuller of Texas, Rick Fuller of Mentone and John (Melissa) Fuller of Mentone. Additionally, he is remembered by his four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren who will carry forward the memory of David.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with care of the Fuller family. The family is grieving privately at this time. Visit TitusFuneralHome. com to leave a condolence.

Rosemary Lynch

Homemaker/Farmer’s Wife

Rosemary Lynch, 93, Silver Lake, left her earthly life and entered into heaven on March 20, 2024.

The daughter of Bruce C. and Mildred L. (Barnett) Meyer, she was born on March 9, 1931, in Wabash County.

23, 1957, she married Loren “Jake” Brumbaugh. He preceded her in death Oct. 27, 2008.

Surviving are sons, Marty Brumbaugh, Mike Brumbaugh, Brent Brumbaugh, David Brumbaugh and Jeff Brumbaugh; sister, Jayne Barron; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Services were held March 24 at Columbia City Church of the Brethren. Burial was in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Buss

Jerry Buss, 74, formerly of Goshen, died at 5:25 a.m. March 21, 2024. He was born Dec. 29, 1949.

Surviving are his children, Kerrie Peck, Westfield, and Tim Buss, Elkhart; seven grandchildren; sister, Linda Thompson, Nappanee; and former wife, Nancy Buss, Westfield.

Services were held March 25 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial with military graveside services were held in South Union Cemetery.

Louise Creighton

Louise (Jordan) Creighton, 91, rural Atwood, died March 18, 2024.

She was born Nov. 25, 1932. On Aug. 10, 1952, she married Eddie Creighton. He preceded her in death in November 2023.

Surviving are her children, William “Bill” Creighton, Tim Creighton and Mindy Truex, all of rural Warsaw; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Connie Jordan.

Services were held March 22 at Atwood Otterbein Church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

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Rosemary graduated from Laketon High School in 1949 and two years later married Charles Lynch on Aug. 4, 1951. The couple was soon blessed with five children and later seven grandchildren. Rosemary had the impossible job of being both a homemaker and a farmer’s wife, but she performed both roles with incredible grace and beauty. She could still be found on the farm driving tractors at age 86.

Faith was always important to Rosemary and on Sundays she enjoyed worshiping at Silver Creek Church of God in Silver Lake, where she was a member. She was also a member of Ivy Chapter No. 69 Order of Eastern Star in North Manchester. Rosemary was blessed with the ability to balance both discipline and love and was an excellent cook and baker.

The loving memory of Rosemary Lynch will be forever cherished by her children, Connie (Don) Eades, North Manchester, Donnie (Brenda) Lynch, Warsaw, Debbie (Matt) Winger, Warsaw, Jon (Sharon) Lynch, Silver Lake, and Ronnie (Greta) Lynch, Rochester; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles, on Dec. 8, 2002; and sisters, Emma Lou Allen and Ruth Eleanor Winger.

A private service will be held at Silver Creek Church of God in Silver Lake. Burial will follow at Silver Creek Cemetery.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Rosemary Lynch, memorial contributions may be made to Silver Creek Church of God, 15252 E. 100S, Silver Lake, IN 46982.

The family of Rosemary Lynch has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com.

Mary Jane Beliles

Mary Jane Beliles, 77, Bourbon, died at 11:08 a.m. March 14, 2024.

She was born Aug. 6, 1947. On Feb. 20, 1965, she married Donnie Ray Beliles; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Cynthia Lynn Robbins, Warsaw, and Pamela Long, Inwood; sons, David Allen Beliles, Mentone, Jason Beliles, Sellersburg, and Adam Beliles, Warsaw; 25 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara R. Tam, Fulton, and Joan Bradley, Rochester; brothers, Chuck Bradley, Rochester, and Rev. Erve Bradley, Hamlet; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held March 18 at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Interment was in Sycamore Cemetery.

Teresa J. Bollman

Teresa J. Bollman, 68, Milford, died March 17, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Wilbur M. Borkholder

Wilbur “Willie” M. Borkholder, 79, New Paris, died at 10:15 p.m. March 19, 2024.

He was born June 14, 1944. On April 7, 2000, he married Beverly Borkholder. She preceded him in death April 24, 2020.

Surviving are his children, Donna Evans and Jeffrey C. Denny, both of Valparaiso, and Lisa Lowe, Middlebury; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Vera Graff, Fort Wayne, Inez Schmucker and Orpha Toth, both of New Paris, and Vernon Borkholder, Milford.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen. A private burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, at a later date.

Janet L. Brumbaugh

Janet L. Brumbaugh, 89, Albion, died March 21, 2024.

She was born Nov. 17, 1934. On Aug.

Jeffrey Dixon

Jeffrey Dixon, 36, Larwill, died March 20, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw.

Roger E. Hyde

Roger E. Hyde, 62, Plymouth, died March 20, 2024.

He was born June 11, 1961.

He is survived by a son, Josh Hyde, Warsaw; his former wife and mother of Josh, Bambi Hyde, Warsaw; former wife, Angie Hyde, Plymouth; and sisters, Robin Eaks, Mt. Juliet, Tenn., and Molly Mortimer, Biloxi, Miss.

At his request, there will be no services. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Blake A. Jamerson

Blake A. Jamerson, 32, Marion, formerly of Wabash, died at 10:31 p.m. March 15, 2024.

He was born March 4, 1992.

He is survived by his father, Gregory Jamerson, Fort Wayne; mother, Stacey Jamerson, Peru; grandmother, Wilma Petry, North Manchester; sons, Jayden and Kayden Rangel, both of Gas City; daughter, Carolyn Rangel, Gas City; one bonus child, Hayden Justice, Gas City; brothers, Matthew Jamerson, Fort Wayne, and Dustin Shipper, Tennessee; sisters, Rashell Jamerson, Warsaw, Linda Johnson and Michelle Johnson, both of Peru; and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash.

Rebecca Mary LaRue

Rebecca “Becky” Mary LaRue, 52, Winona Lake, died at 11:50 p.m. March 15, 2024.

She was born May 15, 1971. On April 9, 1999, she married Anthony “Tony” Thomas LaRue. He preceded her in death April 25, 2002.

She is survived by a son, Colt Hudson, Rochester; daughter, Sidney LaRue, Winona Lake; two grandchildren; and a sister, Sarah Baltazar, Bristol.

Services were held March 19 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Michael G. Lattimer

Michael G. Lattimer, Leesburg,

Continued on page 9

JACK BRAZEL

DAVID E. FULLER

Bobi Doll, Dawn Calveledge, Kristene Harris, Cory Benz, Eldonna Warren

ROSEMARY LYNCH

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Continued from page 8

formerly of Elkhart, died Jan. 21, 2024.

Friends and family may gather to celebrate his life from 11 a.m. to noon

Saturday, March 30, at Titus Funeral Home, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster. The memorial service will begin at noon.

Rebecca J. Mann

Rebecca “Becky” J. Mann, 71, Elkhart, died March 16, 2024.

She was born July 16, 1952. In 1972, she married Tom Mann; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Tina Spiert, Granville, Ohio, Tammy Ragland, Elkhart, and Tonya Cerow, Indialantic, Fla.; six grandchildren; and brothers, Ed Weiss, Round Rock, Texas, Tom Weiss, Osceola, Dan Weiss, Goshen, and Fred Weiss, Las Vegas, Nev.

Services were held March 21 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa. Burial was in Old Olive Cemetery (East), Elkhart. Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, assisted the family with arrangements.

Larry Marshall

Larry Marshall, 81, Kerrville, Texas, died March 7, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Robert Eugene Marshall

Robert “Bobby” Eugene Marshall, 90, Warsaw, died March 17, 2024.

He was born Dec. 9, 1933. In 1957, he

B i R ths

Kyla Rose Fry

Jerry and Kaitlyn (Hochstetler)

Fry, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Kyla Rose, born at 7:56 a.m. March 13, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 6 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Elizabeth Charlotte Gary

Kyle and Mary (Corbin) Gary, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Charlotte, born at 9:46 p.m. March 13, 2024, at home. She weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces.

Kyle Koty Scarborough

Elizabeth Rodriguez and Kyle Scarborough, Syracuse, are the parents of a son, Kyle Koty, born at 8:47 a.m. March 15, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 3.3 ounces, and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Kimberly Dawn Borkholder

James and Karen (Hochsterler) Borkholder, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Kimberly Dawn, born at 12:34 a.m. March 17, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Kimberly joins two siblings, Brenton and Ashley.

Avery Ryan Troyer

Josh and Laura (Hartman) Troyer, Elkhart, are the parents of a son, Avery Ryan, born at 8:51 a.m. March 17, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 12.5 ounces, and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Kendall Jacob Miller

Marion and Sharon (Hershberger) Miller, Etna Green, are the parents of a son, Kendall Jacob, born at 11:33 p.m. March 18, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

married Dixie Click.

Surviving are his children, Sue Bartley, Claypool, Laura Bickel, Akron, Brent Marshall, Leslie Deeter and Rob Marshall, all of Warsaw.

Services were held March 23 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Carter McCorkle

Carter McCorkle, 21, Warsaw, died March 17, 2024.

Surviving are his parents, Jason and Regina McCorkle; brother, McClain McCorkle; paternal grandmother, June McCorkle; maternal grandparents, Jim and Rexeen Laughlin; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation was held March 23 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. A gathering was held at Warsaw Moose Lodge following the viewing.

Jay Anthony Montalbano

Jay Anthony Montalbano, 58, died March 15, 2024.

He was born Aug. 28, 1965.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Stine Montalbano; his children, Ericka Hudson, Jessica Overmeyer and Ben Montalbano; nine grandchildren; his parents, Ben and Pauline Montalbano, Greeneville, Tenn.; sister, Kathy Koontz, Plymouth; and in-laws, Larry and Aimee Ross, Bourbon, Ed and Gloricella Stine, Marana, Ariz., Jess Stine, Tucson, Ariz., and Phil Stine, Saddlebrooke, Ariz.

A celebration of life and Bano’s retirement party was held March 24 at Berkey’s Shop, Bourbon. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, was in charge of arrangements.

Aneta Fifer Moore

Aneta Fifer Moore, 91, Warsaw, died at 8:56 a.m. March 20, 2024.

She was born April 21, 1932. On Sept. 23, 1950, she married Russell Charles Fifer, who preceded her in death July 5, 1992.

She is survived by a son, Danny “Dan” Fifer, Warsaw; daughter-in-law, Janet Fifer, Warsaw; six grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; sister, Jody Wiley, Warsaw; a niece; and two nephews.

Services were held March 25 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Douglas J. Payne

Douglas “Doug” J. Payne, 89, Claypool, died at 1:17 p.m. March 18, 2024.

He was born Dec. 14, 1934. On July 11, 1980, he married Katheryn L. Stroud; she survives.

Also surviving are brothers, Rocky Addair Sr., Liberty Mills, and Ronald Hurley, Warsaw; and sisters, Claudia Brown, Virginia, and Rhonda Addair, Leesburg.

Services were held March 20 at Water of Life Church, Silver Lake. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Jeanetta Kay Perkins

Jeanetta Kay “Wonder Woman” Perkins, 60, Warsaw, died March 15, 2024.

She was born May 30, 1963.

Maternal grandparents are Ivan and Betty Hershberger, Goshen. Paternal grandparents are Earl and Edna Miller, Bourbon. Kendall joins a sibling, Krista.

Virginia Martin

Leander and Erma (Martin) Martin, Goshen, are the parents of a daughter, Virginia, born at 3:03 a.m. March 19, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 9 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandmother is Rhoda Martin, Goshen. Paternal grandparents are Marcus and Alice Martin, Goshen.

Virginia joins six siblings: Richard, Conrad, Nathanael, James Alan, Maciah and Stephanie.

Ellianna Joy Miller

Matt and Michelle (Miller) Miller, Middlebury, are the parents of a daughter, Ellianna Joy, born at 12:52 a.m. March 20, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Marlin and Marilyn Miller, Topeka. Paternal grandparents are Herman and Karen Miller, Middlebury.

Mallory Renee Jones

Mason and Morgan Jones, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, Mallory Renee, born at 6:05 p.m. March 20, 2024, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 3.9 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Benjamin Lynn Schwartz

Daniel and Katherine Schwartz are the parents of a son, Benjamin Lynn, born at 10:04 p.m. March 20, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 9 pounds, 11.5 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Ligonier, died at 12:34 p.m. March 17, 2024.

He was born Oct. 9, 1947.

Surviving are siblings, Raymond Slabaugh, Marvin Slabaugh and Lonnie Slabaugh, all of Nappanee, Jerry Slabaugh, Bremen, Martha Cesavice, South Bend, and Freida Burkholder, New Paris; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held March 23 at Berea Christian Fellowship, Nappanee. Burial was in Berea Cemetery, Nappanee. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Randy Slone

Randy Slone, 65, Warsaw, died March 19, 2024.

He was born April 30, 1958. On July 19, 1975, he married Jessie Swindle; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Rachel Ann Sanford, Warsaw; three grandchildren; and two nephews.

Services were held March 26 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Randall Rex Slusher

Randall Rex Slusher, 62, South Whitley, died at 1:55 p.m. March 19, 2024.

He was born July 24, 1961. On Oct. 28, 1989, he married Karla Maria Sweeden; she survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Megan Slusher, Fort Wayne; a grandson; a sister, Debra Slusher, Pierceton; and brother, Doug Slusher, Pierceton.

Surviving are sons, Nathan Oglesbee, Claypool, Lucas Oglesbee, Warsaw, and Gary Black Jr., Warsaw; brother, David Perkins, Warsaw; sister, Bobbie Perkins, Warsaw; and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation was held March 21 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, at a later date.

Leroy Slabaugh

Leroy Slabaugh, 76, formerly of

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be at South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Ed Strang

Ed Strang, 72, Warsaw, died March 21, 2024.

He was born April 3, 1951. On Sept. 7, 1992, he married Jani Snively; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Lisa Evans, North Manchester, Kelly

C ounty R epo R t

Court News

Small Claims

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

Warsaw Health System LLC, dba Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Andrea Chilafoe, $3,711.35; v. Guadalupe Ibarra, $1,141.57; v. Kristin Noble, $899.27; v. David Prater, $1,799.16; v. Dana Slone, $1,070.56; v. Gary Syndram $1,323.50; v. Chelsie White, $2,159.94

Via Credit Union v. Darrin Gibbs, $3,945

Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Sydney Bell, $1,320.86; v.

Deneen Diehl, $996.29; v. Rebecca Garcia, $3,296.19 LVNV Funding LLC v. Corey Blanchard, $1,043.52; v. Kimberly Deorto, $3,661.92; v. Taylor Kennedy, $1,750.55; v. Eliseo Martinez, $1,256.23; v. Rebecca Sprague, $668.03

Interra Credit Union v. Athena A. Boes, Dennis J. Hench, $11,759.07 Cavalry SPV I LLC v. Bartola Sanchez Cuba, $1,419.37; v. Paul D. Higdon, $3,218.64

DNF Associates LLC v. Trevor Griffith, $1,012.01

Bank of America NA v. Ricky W. Johnson, $8,072.61

Three Rivers Federal Credit Union v. Javier C. Juarez and Ana Malagon, $10,906.79

Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Petrita Figuero Mercado, $1,070.22

Absolute Resolutions v. Tadd D. Neeley, $7,719.32

J. P. Morgan Chase Bank NA v.

Strang, Warsaw, Amanda Bradley, New Jersey, Tanya Jackson, Warsaw, Gabe Koser, Warsaw, Holli Burkart, Fort Wayne, and Annie Cline, Peachtree City, Ga.; 18 grandchildren; sisters, Sandra Butte, Edwardsburg, Mich., and Mary Ann Robinson, Claypool; and a brother, Gene Nelson, Alaska.

Ed’s life will be celebrated privately by his family. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

David A. Stump

David A. Stump, 67, Ligonier, died March 16, 2024.

He was born Oct. 25, 1956. On June 13, 2011, he married Nancy Featherly; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Coty Stump, Derek Stump, Shalena Brady, Jalena Cervantis, Tierra Osbon, Christina Kiefer and Walter Kiefer; 13 grandchildren; and sisters, Debbie Church and Diane Shuh.

Services were held March 22 at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster. Burial was in Salem Cemetery.

Jamison Tanner

Jamison Tanner, 48, Leesburg, died March 21, 2024.

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

James Dean Witham

James Dean Witham, 49, died March 14, 2024.

He was born Jan. 14, 1975. On April 6, 2001, he married Shannon Heiman; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Tyler Humphries and Sabrina Witham; three grandchildren; his parents, Chris Witham and Connie Hite; siblings, Judie Witham, Daniel Witham, Maggie Witham, Pete Peterson, Edna Heiman, Thomas Heiman, Richard Heiman and Natasha Borton; a cousin; and nieces and nephews.

No public services will be held. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Damien W. Petersen, $11,533.65

Synchrony Bank v. Linda Wolfe, $7,140.46

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Linda K. Wolfe, $18,940.65

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Briar Ridge Apartments v. Matthew B. Bradley, $4,412.70 Syracuse Housing LLC, dba Villas of Wawasee v. Jordan Keaffaber, Kaylea Fletcher, $3,155.65

Sherri Makinson v. Michelle Fulton, Robert Wyatt, $3,245

Neighbors of Timber Creek Estates LLC v. Gary Moore, $3,503.74

Mortgage Foreclosures

The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Freedom Mortgage Corp. v. Samantha A. Snyder, $134,599.17

Garage Sales A040

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BUSINESS SERVICES

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Willis Trash Removal. Residential, commercial and industrial. Bobcat, dumpsters and burn barrels available also.

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Marketing Assistant

We’re seeking a tech-savvy and detail-oriented Marketing Assistant to join our team! As a valued team member, you’ll collaborate with multiple departments, thrive in a deadlinedriven environment, and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office. Let your detail oriented side shine as you assist with various marketing tasks. Familiarity with Meta Business Suite, web design knowledge and proofreading skills are a highly valued bonus!

Requirements:

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• Education or work experience required

• Full Time: Monday – Friday

• Competitive wages and benefits Join our dynamic team and make an impact! Apply today.

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Hearthside dinner, fundraising event May 11 in

Ligonier

The public is invited to join the Stone’s Trace Historical Society and the Richard Stone family, portrayed by society members, in an entertaining, educational event to be served Saturday, May 11, at the historic Stone’s Trace site, 1 ½ miles south of Ligonier on U.S. 33.

The “Spring Hearthside Dinner” will take place in Stone’s Trace Tavern, starting at 6 p.m., with guests requested to arrive by 5:45 p.m. Reservations for this one-of-a-kind event are $50 per person. All proceeds from the dinner will be used for preservation of the tavern site.

Stone’s Trace Tavern is known as one of the oldest structures in Noble County and was built by Richard Stone in 1839. Members of the historical society will portray the Stone family.

The eight-course meal will feature dishes prepared from 19th century recipes. The menu features stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, fresh baked bread and herb butter, barley soup, roasted whitefish, lemon ice, coleslaw, cornish hen, roasted herb potatoes and carrots, fresh green beans, apple pie, and assorted fruit, nuts, cheese and coffee.

Those attending are encouraged to dress in 19th century attire; however, this is not required. For reservations and additional

The evening will be conducted under conditions similar to those experienced by Indiana pioneers in the 19th century. Visitors are invited to take a step back in time to join others in a pleasurable evening of period music with Sarah Tuttle and stories to go along with the authentic hearth side meal.

information, contact Janet Sweeney at (260) 856-2666 or email sweeneyjanet0841@gmail.com.

Stone’s Trace holds an annual festival the first weekend after Labor Day. The festival is based upon experiential education from traditions and lifestyle crafts handed down from our ancestors.

The Triton School Corp. school board is inviting the community to participate in a public meeting to discuss proposed school improvements.

The meeting will start at 7

The pre-1870 local history embraces concepts of self sufficiency and innovation based on the necessity of surviving in the early pre-settlement era of northeastern Indiana.

Also, visit during the vintage Christmas open house from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 7. Visit with Saint Nicholas and members of the historical society and learn of Christmas customs of the 19th century. There are snacks and a treat for the children. Visit stonestrace. com for more information.

p.m. Monday, April 8, at the Triton administration office, 100 Triton Drive, Bourbon.

At that time, the school board will discuss and hear objections and support regarding

proposed renovation of and improvements to school facilities, including site and athletic improvements and the purchase of equipment, buses and technology.

Cooking class for a smaller household

Many people live alone or in a smaller household. This can make finding the motivation to cook difficult especially after a long day at work.

Coming up with meal ideas and finding recipes can be a chore in itself. Learn how to master a few basic cooking skills, stock up on essential ingredients, and get creative in making meals that work specifically for you.

Join this free educational program presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University extension educator in health and human sciences in Elkhart County. This program is being offered at 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 18, at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office.

If you would like to attend the program, register by calling Jenn at the extension office at (574) 533-0554 or emailing fink24@ purdue.edu.

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 Christ at (574) 5330554 by Thursday, April 4.

Bristol Public Library, Elkhart Extension partnering to offer two educational programs April 17

Bristol Public Library will be hosting two free educational programs April 17, presented by Emily Christ, Purdue University Extension educator in health and human sciences in Elkhart County.

During the “Sleep On It” program, participants will learn why healthy sleep is important. Millions of Americans are failing to get the sleep their body needs. Adults typically need about seven to nine hours of regular sleep, but the CDC reports that 28 percent of adults get six hours or less. What can you do to sleep well and be well? Learn about healthy sleep basics. Then, make healthy sleep one of your top

priorities. This program will be held from 1-1:45 p.m.

During the “Learning to Relax” program, participants will learn skills to handle everyday conflict in ways that lead to better health and healthier relationships. This program will be held from 1:45 -2:30 p.m.

If you would like to attend, pre-register by calling Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or emailing fink24@purdue.edu.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 April 3.

Walls

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Small Patch Repair

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Drywall Repair

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SWCD STAFF & PARTNERS:

Tashina Lahr-Manifold — Soil Health Specialist

Amanda Heltzel — Education & Outreach Coordinator

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE:

Chad Schotter — District Conservationist

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

SWCD SUPERVISORS:

David Ransbottom — Chairman

Jewel Wise — Vice Chairman

Ryan Martin — Treasurer

Stan Moore — Supervisor

Luke Mullet — Supervisor

SWCD annual meeting

The 2024 SWCD annual meeting was a success. The event was held at The Roost on Feb. 20. There was an attendance of approximately 100 people.

The district proudly distributed awards to individuals for their dedication to conservation in our community.

The annual meeting included the election of new board supervisor, Luke Mullet. Luke was raised on a family farm which produced corn, soybeans and hay. He has since taken over the family farm and farms corn and soybeans full-time with his brother, Mark. He uses conservation practices such as no-till and cover crops, his favorite cover crop being cereal rye.

For over four years, he has served as an associate supervisor and actively volunteers at district events. Luke expresses joy in helping with district activities, such as rafting and farmer breakfast, and wants to help promote conservation in his community.

Congratulations and thank you for serving in this important role, Luke!

Kosciusko County SWCD awarded an Arrow Head RC&D grant for 2024

Arrow Head Country RC&D is a notfor-profit service organization encompassing 10 counties in northern Indiana (Pulaski, Starke, Jasper, Newton, White, Fulton, Marshall, Kosciusko, Cass and Miami) which encourages conservation of natural resources and community development.

For the last several years, Arrow Head Country RC&D has utilized its funds to support conservation, natural resource and community development projects throughout the 10-county RC&D district with its grant program. This year’s focus was on projects pertaining to natural resources and conservation awareness and education. RC&D received 16 applications from eight of the 10 member counties.

Kosciusko County SWCD was awarded $2,500 as one of the grant recipients.These funds will be supporting Soil-Con.

Soil-Con is an agriculture-based outreach event that will be held on March 20 at the Oakwood Event Center in Syracuse. Doors open at 8 a.m. Our mission, similar to RC&D, is to educate our community and neighboring communities about the importance of soil heath and how we can make improvements through the adoption of conservation practices. We will do this by having reputable speakers discuss their areas of specialty relating to agriculture and conservation.

The speakers for Soil-Con will be coming in from across the country and include: David Montgomery, Anne Bikle, Dr. Elaine Ingham and Dr. Christian Krupke.

David Montgomery is a geomorphologist who focuses on the processes shaping Earth’s surface and impacts on ecological systems as well as human societies.

In addition to his academic work, he and his wife, Anne Bikle, have written a number of popular science books, three of which won the Washington State Book Award. The “Dirt Trilogy” includes “Growing a Revolution,” which discusses how particular farming methods can reverse past soil degradation.

“The Hidden Half of Nature” reveals in-

sights about the microbiomes of soil, plants and people and why we need to change the practice of farming and medicine. “Dirt” kicked off their unplanned trilogy of books and tells the story of soil since the dawn of agriculture.

Dr. Elaine Ingham has advanced our knowledge about the soil food web for over four decades. Widely recognized as the world’s foremost soil biologist, she’s passionate about empowering ordinary people to bring the soils in their community back to life.

Dr. Elaine’s™ Soil Food Web Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on six continents. She now teaches through Dr. Elaine’s™ Soil Food Web School. Her courses are designed for people with no relevant experience — making them accessible to individuals who wish to retrain and to begin a meaningful and impactful career in an area that will help to secure the survival of humans and other species.

Dr. Christian Krupke, professor of entomology at Purdue University, has been named the Dean’s Fellow for Resilient Agriculture to provide research leadership aimed at making agriculture more productive and durable. Krupke will lead a multi-year initiative that brings together research faculty from different disciplines in the College of Agriculture.

The goal is twofold: to conduct long-term research that helps farmers make decisions based on reliable, field-scale data and to demonstrate practices bolstering the durability of the entire agricultural system. His primary research themes include measuring the pest management benefits and potential costs associated with various approaches in corn and soybeans, including the impact of refuge construction for resistance management in Bt corn hybrids and the costs and benefits associated with neonicotinoid seed treatments of both corn and soybeans.

We are grateful to RC&D for recognizing the importance of this meeting and allowing us to bring exceptional speakers like these to our county producers.

NEW BOARD SUPERVISOR Luke Mullet accepts elected position as a supervisor on the board for the Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District from County Commissioner Robert Conley.

CONSERVATION TEACHER OF THE

YEAR Emily Gough of Warsaw Community High School received the Conservation Teacher of the Year award from Kosciusko Soil & Water Conservation District.

RAINFALL SIMULATOR

The rainfall simulator demonstration at the September 2022 workshop.

Eel River Watershed Grant Completion

Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with three neighboring counties, Whitley, Wabash and Huntington, for education and a cost-share program in the Upper Middle Eel River Watershed, funded by Clean Water Indiana. The program ran from January 2021 through October 2023.

The first goal of the program was promotion and implementation of Best Management Practices within the primary critical sub-watersheds identified in the watershed management plan. The cost-share program promoted BMPs for implantation of grassed waterways, filter strips and cover crops to address identified natural resource concerns. \

The second goal was to address priority concerns by reducing total bitrate-nitrite, total phosphorus, E. coli, TTS and improve stream ecological integrity.

The third goal was to build positive partnerships with agricultural producers while increasing public awareness about non-point source pollution.

CONSERVATION

To boost public awareness and build relationships, a “Farmer Workshop” was hosted by Huntington, Kosciusko, Wabash and Whitley SWCD counties Sept. 14, 2022, at the Cleveland Township Fire Department, South Whitley. Hans Schmitz, with CCSI lead conservation cropping system agronomist, presented on how soil management makes a difference.

Derek Thompson, NRCS district conservationist DeKalb County, spoke on getting to

the root of it, showing videos of tiles with roots in them, which were not connected to cover crop. Adam Jones, NRCS district conservationist Wabash County, shared how you can make cover-crop termination fit into your soil health cropping system.

A farmer panel of supervisors from all four SWCD counties shared how implementing cover crops has improved their production and expressed their passion to take care of their land to pass on to the next generation. Wabash and Whitley Purdue Extensions partnered giving free PARP credit sponsored by the Indiana Corn and Indiana Soybean Alliance. A rainfall simulator demonstration was presented by Kosciusko County to display how much water soils under different management practices absorb and why soils may be dry again after a three-inch rain in just a few days. The meeting was attended by approximately 38 people.

Over the course of the three-year program, 25 producers received cost-share to implement cover crops. 3,785.39 acres of cover crop were planted within the watershed — Kosciusko (1,972 acres), Wabash (1,403 acres) and Whitley (411 acres) counties. As a result, Kosciusko County SWCD distributed $39,418.20 in costshare to landowners.

We would like to thank the 25 producers that participated in the cost-share program in addition to the partnering counties (Whitley, Wabash and Huntington), which made this grant a success.

and Dee Moore; Truland Equipment; and Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation.

Affiliate Sponsors Andrea Baker; Avelu LLC; Bill and Vicky Bailey; Brad Clayton and Jewel Wise; Brock and Gwen Ostrom; Dan and Eileen Ransbottom; Don and Darci Zolman; Doug and Tammy Wise; Gervas (Doc) and Ann Schafer; Linda Hathaway; Manchester Farm Center; Paula Miller; Roger Miller; Scott Fetters; The Watershed Foundation; Tic Toc Trophy Shop; Tom and Becky Price; Doug and Jill Shock (Lakeview Farms); Wise Family Farm; Jamie Scott; and Jim and Cathy Scott.

RIVER FRIENDLY FARMER Tom Parker received the award for Indiana’s River Friendly Farmer.

TOP FFA SOIL JUDGERS Kosciusko County’s top FFA soil judgers are Hayden Stookey and Lindsay Petersen from Tippecanoe Valley High School and Wyatt Schafer and Jace Beer from Wawasee High School. Shown with them is Jamie Scott.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AWARD Dave Shively accepts the Environmental Enhancment Award from Jamie Scott.

FARMER AWARD

Robert Frantz accepts the Conservation Farmer Award from Jamie Scott.

Free seed for wildlife food plots

It is nearly that time of year again. Kosciusko County SWCD will be providing free seed for food plots. This seed is provided to landowners who would like to plant it as a food source for wildlife during the fall and winter months, when most food supplies are limited.

A food plot is an annual or perennial planting of grain, legumes and/or forbs. It is planted in the spring and left standing through the fall and winter for wildlife. A food plot offers wildlife a place to forage for food in late fall, winter and early spring, as food sources become scarce.

To be effective, a food plot should be at least 1,000 square feet. No more than 1/4 to 1/2 acre of food plot is usually needed for each 20 acres of land. If the food plot is expected to provide winter cover, then plots of an acre or more are necessary.

Food plots are usually planted in long strips adjacent to cover, such as a brushy fence row, field border, windbreak, woodland edge or wetland. Strip width can vary but wider strips create more cover for wildlife. Wildlife also prefer food plots that are closer to dense cover.

The district will have corn, soybean, sorghum and sunflower seed this year, with some possible seed mixes. Limits are placed on quantities to allow more landowners the opportunity to plant this food source.

Seed will be available mid-May and can be picked up at the SWCD office at 217 E. Bell Drive, Warsaw (across from Zimmer-Biomet).

To be notified when food plot seed is available, please send an email to SWCD at kosciuskoswcd@gmail.com and notification will be sent when seed is ready. For general

Common Food Plot Errors

• More is better. Exceeding the seeding, lime or fertilizer recommendation is a waste of both time and money.

• Not fertilizing. Most crops need applications of fertilizer to help them grow and achieve maximum productivity.

• Using old seed. Seed that is old may not have been properly stored and handled.

• Planting in shaded areas. Plants grown for agricultural purposes require sunlight for energy and growth. Avoid placing these seeds in shaded areas such as woods.

• Not planting enough acres. Food plots that are too small are ineffective.

• Planting too late for seed maturity. All crops require a certain number of days to grow and mature. If planted too late, they will not mature and will fail to provide food to wildlife.

Soil health on the Small Farm Workshop

Kosciusko Urban Healthy Soils program held a partnered event at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams on the evening of March 12.

Dan Perkins, owner and farmer at Perkins’ Good Earth Farms, based in DeMotte, presented on sustainable practices he uses on his farm. Perkins is known as the “Cover Crop Guy” in northwest Indiana. Perkins’ Good Earth Farm utilizes no-till, permanent deep-compost beds and is a certified organic farm growing 18,000 bulbs of hard neck garlic and produce.

Perkins’ Good Earth Farms distributes produce via a 200 member CSA (community-supported agriculture/crop sharing system), through their farm stand and to commercial kitchen and local wholesale accounts. The farm generates a good living and lifestyle for their family of six. Dan has over 16 years of experience in organic and conventional crop management and growing in Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Indiana.

Chad Schotter, district conservationist for Kosciusko NRCS, presented a tabletop rainfall simulator after Dan’s presentation. The simulator included two pans of soil with catch trays in front of the pans and below the pans. Water was poured into a tray above each soil sample to simulate rainfall. One soil sample was collected from ground that had been worked (conventionally tilled) and was bare. The other soil sample was taken from an undisturbed (no-till) field with a cover crop planted.

The model displayed how rain impacts

WATER CYCLE BRACELETS Students show off their water cycle bracelets, which demonstrate where they traveled during the water cycle.

WINOGRADSKY COLUMNS Fourmonth-old Winogradsky columns with active layers of cyanobacteria, algae, diatoms, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and purple sulfur bacteria.

Winter education updates

While we may not be able to get outside for field trips in the winter, we’ve been busy working with partners to continue bringing educational programming to our local schools.

Thanks to a new partnership with the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, we have had the opportunity to guest teach at their indoor field trips for third grade. Students learned about soil ecosystems and built Winogradsky columns to take back to school.

Winogradsky columns are a method for culturing (growing) soil microbes and are a fun way to observe life in the soil if you don’t have access to a microscope. The microbes grow in layered colonies based on oxygen and light requirements, as well as what nutrients they need to survive.

We also had the opportunity to guest teach about the water cycle for third grade students on the Warsaw Inquiry Learning Lab Bus. Students pretended to be a water droplet and learned about different places that water travels to in the water cycle.

disturbed soils, which had murky water run off the surface. The cover crop sample with roots demonstrated its ability to infiltrate rainfall, as clear water percolated through to the pan below.

According to a publication on cover crops from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), “Increased infiltration also signals possible benefits to the water conditions within the soil profile. By keeping the soil in place and improving soil conditions, cover crops are mitigating pollution risk while also boosting the productive capacity of the soil.”

The approximately 40 attendees included local market farmers, community gardeners and curious emergent-beginning farmers. The workshop provided materials to continue their personal education journey and resources to be successful businesses owners/ conservation gardeners.

The WILL Bus is a mobile STEM laboratory that visits Warsaw elementary schools. For high school students, we partnered with other member counties of the Arrow Head Country RC&D to host the North Central Envirothon regional contest at Camp Buffalo. Seven high school teams competed in the categories of wildlife, aquatic sciences, soils and land use, forestry and renewable energy to see who would come out on top.

Students also enjoyed presentations from experts in each of the subject areas, including Tony Carroll (Indiana DNR), Mary Cutler (Tippecanoe County Parks and Recreation), Joanne Mosher (Mosher Soil Consulting), James Potthoff (Indiana DNR) and Saundra Smart (Bio Town Ag). Thank you to the Arrow Head Country RC&D Education Committee for hosting the competition and to SWCD staff from Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke, Jasper, Newton, Pulaski, Fulton, Cass, White and Miami counties for assisting with coordination of the North Central Envirothon regional contest.

PERKINS’ GOOD EARTH FARMS

Pictured are Dan and Julie Perkins of Perkins’ Good Earth Farms. They presented at the local workshop on March 12.

FOOD PLOTS Food plots provide both shelter and a food source through the winter.

information on food plot seed, call the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

Rural landowner survey

The Kosciusko County SWCD and The Watershed Foundation are working with many community partners to improve and protect water quality by gathering information from both rural and urban residents to guide our conservation efforts. Those efforts include technical assistance and cost-sharing opportunities for conservation farming projects.

If you are an agricultural landowner with land that drains to the Tippecanoe River, your insights are particularly important to us. We would greatly appreciate your participation in a survey to help us learn how we might best serve you.

It’s easy. Visit https://bit.ly/ruralwater24 or scan the QR code to complete the survey securely and confidentially. The survey deadline is March 31.

To thank you for sharing your valuable

time (about 15 minutes), you will be entered to win one of five $50 gift certificates to area restaurants.

Your voluntary participation is important to ensure we understand the conservation interests and priorities of our local agricultural community. This is your chance to be heard and help us prepare for the future.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Tashina Lahr-Manifold at the Kosciusko County SWCD at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3 or Brad Clayton at TWF (574) 528-0968.

Thank you in advance for your valuable input.

WARSAW ENVIROTHON Congratulations to the Warsaw Envirothon teams which placed first and second at the Northeast Envirothon regional contest Feb. 29 in Columbia City. The teams were coached by Emily Gough.

Kosciusko SWCD is proud to support Envirothon teams representing our county. Envirothon is a natural resources academic competition for high school aged students. If your school or youth organization is interested in putting together a team in the future, reach out to Amanda. Heltzel@in.nacdnet.net to learn more.

Shown in front from left are Claire Temple, Kevin Gough, Titiksha Gorhe and Bronwyn Harrison. In back are Griffin Roe, Evan Hand, Payten Irvine, Elizabeth Osborn, Caleb Aukeman and Sydney Clark.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and driving positive change, we invite you to apply and be a part of our mission-driven organization. Visit kosciuskoswcd.org/ career-opportunities for the complete job description and benefits. Submit your resume to our email: dzolman@live.com.