the Paper - August 2, 2023

Edgewood Middle School earns IDOE STEM

School is set to start soon and one school in Kosciusko County has made a big accomplishment. Edgewood Middle School has been certified by the Indiana Department of Education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This certification puts Edgewood in the company of Claypool, Jefferson, Madison and Washington elementary schools, all of which are also certified in STEM.

Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools’ superintendent, praised this year’s achievement.

“We are so proud of Edgewood and all the work by their teachers, staff and ad-

their staff and administration to achieve this state recognition. It has been a team approach with the goal of

continuing our corporation’s K-12 STEM programming and our local students will receive the benefit of this dedicated work. Warsaw Schools has proven itself as a national leader in STEM education and this recognition is another step in that continued growth to ensure we are meeting the needs of our local community industrial needs,” Hoffert said.

Established in 2015, the STEM-certified schools program recognizes schools that prioritize STEM education and engage in innovative, non-traditional teaching methods, including projectbased learning, community engagement and cross-curricular collaboration. STEMcertified schools are held to rigorous educational stan-

educational standards and are expected to excel under the system of accountability set by the state

The certification process for Edgewood Middle School was strenuous. It took place during the past two years and required 1,000 hours to train staff It was no easy feat. Teach-

ers and administrators had to complete a rigorous application and review process. The hard work paid off. The school received a perfect score from the IDOE site visit in March and a nearperfect score of 74 out of 75 on the IDOE’s certification report. This achievement highlighted Edgewood’s commitment to focusing on 21st century skills, cross-curricular collaboration and college and career readiness.

Over the past several years, Edgewood’s teachers have received extensive project-based learning training and designed crosscurricular, project-based learning units. Additionally, the school’s STEM leadership team and community partners have played an in-

have an instrumental role in the progress toward STEM certification. With this achievement, “Edgewood Middle School will continue to offer students a robust, innovative and engaging STEM curriculum by preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving workforce,” said JoElla Hauselman, EMS principal. “Students will have more handson learning. This will be an ongoing process.”

She gram p

She said this new program will help better prepare students for the future.

“We are preparing them for jobs that aren’t there yet,” she said.

In addition to the programming provided at the STEM certified buildings, WCS’s Warsaw Inquiry

Learning Lab bus is a state-of-the-

art mobile lab serving as an interactive mobile STEM laboratory for students. WCS veteran teacher of 34 years Dan Graney serves as WILL Bus STEM coach and instructor. He also serves as the Warsaw Community Education Association’s vice president and the elementary summer school program administrator.

For more information about the STEM program, visit warsawschools.org and click on “STEM.”

Olivo serving Warsaw restaurant for over 25 years

Adela Olivo was just 14 years old when she had to leave everything she knew. Olivo, her mother and 10 siblings came to America in attempt to escape the overwhelming poverty they had been living in.

“Life was not easy, we were really poor but we appreciated every single, little thing we had,” Olivo explained. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would know two languages.”

Olivo used to describe herself as “shy” and suffering from low self-esteem, but not anymore.

“We see faces but we do not know hearts. This job has helped me break out of my shell. I felt ugly before,” Olivo said. She contributes her new found confidence to her serving job.

Olivo has been a Hacienda “amigo” for over 25 years. She started working at Hacienda, at the Warsaw location, in 1998, the same year that it opened its doors. She reminisced on the training process, and how she was invited to attend the ribbon cutting.

During her time with the restaurant, Olivo has seen other amigos come and go, and servers move up the ladder into management. The people she gets to meet is one of her favorite parts of the job.

“Every day is a new adventure. You never know who is going to sit down at your table.

Sometimes people come in to eat just so they have someone they can talk to. It’s nice hearing people’s stories and getting to share yours as well,” Olivo explained.

Because of this bright-side attitude, Olivo has built herself an army of regular customers. She is an iconic part of Hacienda’s team and history.

To honor her 25 years of dedication, Hacienda celebrated her with a plaque above the table of her choosing. She is one of very few amigos that have accomplished this momentous milestone.

“I chose table 41 because it is the age I was when I first started here. Also, because it is the first table to be sat at in the mornings,” Olivo explained.

Getting her 25-year plaque was a big goal for Olivo, so with that under her belt, what is next? When asked about retirement, she just laughed.

“I might be here another 25 years. I will work until I can’t

walk, and they will have to wheelchair me from the building right into hospice,” Olivo half-joked. She holds the record

of being Warsaw Hacienda’s longest employee.

“My mission does not end here. God will tell me when it is

time,” Olivo said. Until then, you can find Olivo exceeding guests expectations one table at a time.

Elkhart County Open Class Home and Family Arts Department announces grand champion winners

Over 285 exhibitors entered into the Elkhart County Open Class Home and Family Arts Department contests this year. Sponsors included: The Barn Door Antique Boutique, Hahn Auctioneers Inc., Hawkins Water Tech, Inc., Sweet-Em’s Cake Shoppe, Sew

Creative Threads, Welcome Home Farm, Woldruff’s Footwear and Apparel, a local bakery, The Nut Shoppe, The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus, and Maple Corner Boutique and Gift Shoppe. The overall grand champion award was sponsored by Interra Credit Union.

Below are the grand champion winners of each category:

• Antiques: Joe Hibschman, Syracuse.

• Aprons: Maryann Zerbe, Goshen.

• Creative Arts: Jennifer Quinton, Goshen.

• Culinary Arts – Baking: Carolyn Riddle, Goshen.

• Culinary Arts – Cake Decorating – Cakes: Amber Schlundt, Goshen.

• Culinary Arts – Food Preservation, Canning: Carl Lauster, Winona Lake.

• Culinary Arts – Food Preservation, Misc.: Melinda O’Neil, Lafayette.

• Handicrafts: Fiona Denham, Goshen.

• Needlework: Penny Conover, Elkhart.

• Photography: Jodie Thurston, Connersville.

• Quilts – Individual: Rosalyn Cross, Middlebury.

• Quilts - Group: Kathy Koch, Middlebury.

• Sewing (Wearable): Melody Moore, Elkhart.

• Sewing (Non-wearable): Ashley Gardner, Syracuse.

• Overall Grand Champion Exhibit: Jennifer Quinton, Goshen.

Correction

In the front page story, “For area ski shows, emphasis is on fun and family,” which ran in ‘the PAPER’ July 26, Chuck McLaughlin’s name was misspelled. Also the wrong time for the Lake City Skiers public shows was listed. It should have been 6:30 p.m., not 5:30 p.m.

We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused.

Art’s origins are in religion, which continues today

The mission of this column is to help create an awareness of art. We strive to help the trained and untrained to discover art all around us. A perfect example of this is the recent trip my family took to the Ark Encounter and Answers in Genesis, a theme park between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington Ky.

The genius behind both The Creation Museum and The Ark Encounter is a man, Dr. Ken Ham, who originally taught school in Australia where inquisitive students threw such questions at him as: “ How can you believe the Bible when you know it is not true?” This led Ham to delve into creation apologetics in his studies and caused a move to the U.S. in 1987.

Once in America, he created the nonprofit called Answers in Genesis, an award-winning organization that defends the truths in the Bible.

Once you arrive at the Ark property, you will ride a bus through semi-mountainous terrain that winds around past several zip-lines and drops you in front of a behemoth boat. The boat is a replica of the Biblical Ark mentioned in Genesis and is the tallest timber frame structure in the world.

Amish artisans, known for their quality work, were employed and they, with other craftsmen, set to work. They built a full-size Noah’s Ark following the dimensions from the Bible. The Ark is 510 feet in length, 85-feet wide and 51-feet tall.

Once inside, things become even more incredible as you walk through rooms where produce and food are stored or growing to feed a hungry on-board population. You get to see the living

Pleasant Grove Church holding chicken sale

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church will be having a Nelson’s Catering Chicken and Pit-tatoes sale from 10:30 a.m. until sold out Saturday, Aug. 5.

All pre-sale ticket holders must pick up their chicken before noon. The Nelson’s barbecue sale will be held at the Kroger parking lot, 2211 E. Center St., Warsaw. Cost is $8.50 for half a chicken and $4.50 for pit-tatoes.

For more information, call the church at (574) 269-4294.

quarters of Noah’s family and walk the paths they would have tread.

Within the ark, each exhibit is painstakingly detailed with exquisitely carved woodwork, each model sculpted to reflect different characters in the Bible and their clothing researched and woven by professional seamstresses.

You will be moved by how their accurate depictions help put you in that time and place.

There are three levels of interactive exhibits that draw a lot of attention. Massive artwork, depicting specific scenes in the Bible, adorns many of the areas along with helpful explanations of how this worked or why this part of the Bible is true and why.

If you recall from prior Art In Action columns, religion has played a huge role in the establishment and promotion of art.

Many early artists survived on money received from churches to provide large-scale art and sculptures in their churches.

“The Last Supper” by Leonardo de Vinci is one of the most famous paintings of all time.

“The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo is a close second. Being surrounded by the religious renderings in the art is reminiscent of visiting an art museum and evokes the same feelings and wonder.

Taking the time, wherever you find yourself, to study the art to intensify your experience and make it more memorable. Think about how you would replicate the painting or sculpture you see; could you even replicate it?

Look at how the light falls on the painting, how they used shadows and darkness, do they have symbolism in the painting? Most importantly how does the work

make you feel? Do you feel the power of the images portrayed? Art is around us every day so make sure you do not miss it.

Famous artists, like Salvador Dali, have tried to create paintings of their version of the ark. American folk artist, Edward Hicks, seems to be the closest to the Biblical dimensions in his work. The Ark Encounter receives over 7,000 guests to the property daily, a true testament to this living art exhibit.

Exhibits

• Sam Hoffman at Warsaw City Art Gallery. His talent for incorporating historical elements into his paintings is unique and refreshing. This exhibit is free to attend. The address is 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for holidays.

• “Van Gogh Immersive Experience.” Experience his paintings in large scale and organized according to study. Open until Aug. 10. Located at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Expo III, 4000 Parnell Ave. Fort Wayne. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Get tickets at vangoghfortwayne.com.

• Lakeland Art Gallery. Brenda Stichter and Tom Zuber are exhibiting their artwork. Their show is “Marks, Lines, and the Movements Within.” This exhibit is free to attend. LAA is located at 302 Winona Ave., Warsaw, and is open 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday except for holidays.

Awards

Congratulations to Brenda Stichter for receiving the Best of Show for the Lakeland Art Gallery’s juried show.

reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.

Publisher, Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

Business Manager, Annette Weaver .................aweaver@the-papers.com

Editor-In-Chief, Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

Editor, Lauren Zeugner ...........................lzeugner@the-papers.com

Warsaw Office Manager, Mary Beth Spalding ..........warsaw@the-papers.com

Director Of Marketing, Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

Advertising Manager, Bill Hays .......................bhays@the-papers.com

Advertising Representative, Carl Lauster clauster@the-papers.com

Advertising Representative, Susan Stump sstump@the-papers.com

Circulation Manager, Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com Commercial Printing Sales Representative Rodger Salinas .............................rsalinas@the-papers.com

Commercial Printing Customer Service Tina Carson tcarson@the-papers.com Rich Krygowski ...........................rkrygowski@the-papers.com

Visit DNR at the Indiana State Fair

Head to the Indiana State Fair, Friday through Aug. 20, and make the Natural Resources Building and its surroundings your prime destination.

Just as in past years, there is no charge for any Department of Natural Resources activity after entering the fair.

Located in the northwest area of the fairgrounds, the building and its new banners, paint, and freshly cleaned and repaired

stone will welcome you.

While enjoying its air-conditioned comfort, you can pick up the latest guidebooks on recreation, fishing, and hunting and trapping. There will also be educational and recreational resources and activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. You’ll also find new public bathrooms with new sinks, toilets, toilet partitions and plumbing.

DNR will loosely tie into this

year’s overall fair theme, basketball, by focusing on outdoor recreation. Fairgoers can test their skills at the Indiana Conservation Officers’ Pellet Gun Range, and kids ages 5-17 can try their luck at the Fishin’ Pond, which is next to the building. Volunteers are still needed at the Fishin’ Pond to help children fish, prepare poles, register anglers, and guide guests. Volunteers receive a free Tshirt, as well as fair admission and parking for their days of service. Register at www.in.gov/ dnr/places-to-go/events/dnr-atthe-state-fair/dnr-state-fairfishin-pond.

At the amphitheater, which is also next to the building, check out the live reptiles at 10 a.m. and a live birds of prey program at 4:30 p.m., scheduled for every day of the fair. More programs will be offered at the amphitheater and on the building’s front porch. Updates, schedules and more are at dnr. IN.gov/statefair.

“It is a delight for the Department of Natural Resources to return to the Indiana State Fair to showcase our team, programs, and services to our returning visitors of the building, as well as first-time guests,” said Coni Hudson, director of special for DNR communications. “This year, you can expect the old favorites plus some new surprises from DNR. We’re excited to have a fisheries biologist on hand more often because we will have fish on display the full length of the fair, plus some additional fishing education activities to reflect that.”

While shopping for outdoorsthemed gifts, T-shirts and toys inside the building’s Mother Nature’s Mercantile, you can get an exclusive deal on Outdoor Indiana magazine that is available only to fair attendees while supplies last. Simply buy a subscription at the cash register, and you will be handed the current July/August issue, highlights of which are at OutdoorIndiana.org. Your one- or two-year subscription ($15 or $28, respectively) will start with the September/October issue, so you will be getting one issue free.

Building hours run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays, when the fair is closed.

Kosciusko Connect announces upcoming launch of new podcast

Kosciusko Connect, a leading fiber internet company in northern Indiana and a subsidiary of Kosciusko REMC, has announced the upcoming launch of its brand-new podcast “Connected Conversations.” The podcast debuted Wednesday, July 26, and will be available on various podcast platforms, as well as through the official podcast website.

Extension offering program on scam safety

People all around the world are affected by scams every single day. Learn about common scams, proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your information, and where you can report a scam or fraud that has taken place.

Join Elkhart County Extension for this free educational pro-

gram 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, Aug. 17, in person at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office and again at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

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 Emily Christ at the number above by Aug. 4.

With over 7,000 satisfied internet customers and counting, Kosciusko Connect has become a trusted provider of cutting-edge fiber internet solutions. “Connected Conversations” will serve as an essential platform for the company to engage directly with its audience and address diverse topics related to fiber internet technology, community building and navigating the digital landscape.

Listeners can look forward to insightful discussions with industry experts, community leaders and representatives from Kosciusko Connect. The podcast will serve as the go-to platform for the latest internal news and developments from Kosciusko Connect. Listeners will gain exclusive insights into the company’s growth and its ever-expanding role in the region.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce ‘Connected Conversations’ to our community,” said Tara Haack, manager of marketing and communications for Kosciusko Connect. “This podcast represents our commitment to open dialogue, transparency, and bringing valuable content to our customers and beyond. We believe that fostering a connected community is vital for the overall well-being and progress of our region.”

To listen, visit connectedconversations.transistor.fm or access the podcast through your favorite podcast platforms.

Kosciusko Connect is a subsidiary of Kosciusko REMC, a Touchstone Energy electric cooperative serving over 18,000 accounts throughout Kosciusko County and into surrounding counties.

OrthoWorx meant to support orthopedic industry’s social, economic interests

OrthoWorx in Kosciusko County.

OrthoWorx President and CEO Robert E. “Bob” Vitoux Jr. said the organization’s purpose is to support the orthopedic industry’s social needs and its economic interests.

That ties into planning for spending $30 million the state is allocating to OrthoWorx for retaining the industry locally.

OrthoWorx got its start in 2009, with former Grace College President Dr. Ron Manahan being “the real driver” of it, said Vitoux.

“Dr. Manahan was the one that had heard about an organization in Indianapolis called BioCrossroads, (which) was the organization that we chose to really be a replication of,” said Vitoux. “They were serving the life science community (there).”

BioCrossroads’ co-founder David Johnson then helped start

Vitoux, who was named one of IBJ Media’s Indiana 250, or “most influential and impactful business leaders” in the state for 2023, describes OrthoWorx as “a catalytic partner” for orthopedics.

“What I mean by that is the industry prior to OrthoWorx really didn’t have anybody here locally that was looking over it,” he said. “The whole concept behind OrthoWorx is to have an organization that is daily responsible for the future of the industry.”

That falls into its missions of talent attraction and retention, development and innovation. While some might consider that only delves into direct economic help for orthopedic companies, it also involves assisting with a way of life for those employed by those businesses, as Vitoux explained.

“One of the most notable things early on was STEM education,” said Vitoux. “We funded

Open class home and family arts department announces fashion show winners

Fifteen local seamstresses entered into the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s Open Class Home and Family Arts Department Fashion Show. Judging took place Thursday, July 13, with the open house show Thursday, July 20.

Listed are the first-place winners of each category: Non-Professional

Aprons: Donna Hibschman, Syracuse

Coats or Suits: Melody Moore, Elkhart

Dresses: Louanne GressmanDunn, Goshen

My Choice: Marcia Kay Stewart, Elkhart

Other – Embellished: Deb George, Wakarusa Sewing for Others (infant to 5): Donna Hibschman, Syracuse Sewing for Others (ages 6 to 12): Kay Method, Nappanee Sewing for Others (ages 13 to 17): Elaine Mast, Nappanee Sewing for Others (adult): Louanne Gressman-Dunn, Goshen

Bridesmaids or Formals: Karen Meade, Goshen Professional Family Outfits: May Beane, Elkhart

Separates: May Beane, Elkhart

the first study and then were the catalyst associated with getting STEM education into Warsaw Community Schools. The schools have done the heavy lifting … “U.S. 30, the coalition, that stems back to a study that was done by OrthoWorx, the performing arts center at the high school, that stems back to some work that OrthoWorx was involved in,” added Vitoux.

The organization is financially supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment, funds from some investors and dues from its members, said Vitoux.

That includes members whose businesses aren’t orthopedic ones, but those which “benefit from the … industry being here,” he said.

One of OrthoWorx’s goals is helping the industry adjust to climate shifts within it, said Vitoux.

“One of the major changes that’s happening right now in the orthopedic industry is the move from the hospital scene to the ambulatory surgery center, known as the ASC,” said Vitoux. “Not every procedure’s moving there, but heavy, heavy predominance … so as a result, there are many changes that are taking place in the industry to accommodate that change.”

He added, “Part of what we’re doing at OrthoWorx is to help (orthopedic companies) think about what those changes look like and, as an industry, see if there are things that we can do that can make the industry better.

“One of the other areas that I would say the industry is facing right now that’s very challenging is a squeeze on margins and an impact on their pricing,” he

added. “That’s often what happens when an industry matures and … (The industry is moving) largely from a traditional metal and plastic industry to more of a medtech thinking.”

As for the $30 million OrthoWorx should be receiving from the state next year, Vitoux said planning is underway for how to best utilize it before leaders will present before the state how they wish to spend it.

“We know that the important areas of focus for us are we’ve got to have housing, we’ve got to have preschool, and we’ve got to have really good education, but that’s a little bit like boiling the

ocean, and so we’ve got to distill that down into where can we make tangible impact in those areas and, at the same time, continue to think about the amenities that are going to continue to attract our talent,” said Vitoux.

OrthoWorx is reaching out to entities like the Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, K21 Health Foundation and the city of Warsaw to help with the planning process, said Vitoux.

“We also do have some work underway to engage an outside consultant to help us with the distillation process,” Vitoux noted.

See the new Kosciusko County Mural, meet the artists Aug. 8

The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a Popsicle party and ribbon cutting to celebrate its new mural and allow people to meet the artists behind the work.

The events will take place Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Visitors Center in Warsaw, with the ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. and the party from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The mural artists, Erica Deuel and Beth Williman, from Spoonful of Imagination, will offer kids art activities and hand out Popsicles, while supplies last. Attendees can admire the new mural and take pictures in front of it.

Last January, Indiana Destination Development Corp. launched the “IN Indiana Public

Jason Michael Carroll to perform Aug. 11

Country music artist Jason Michael Carroll will perform Friday, Aug. 11, at the American Legion Post 49 in Warsaw.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. live show; must be 21 or older to enter the Legion.

Tickets are $25 and are available by calling (574) 267-5549.

A special ticket offer will let

some fans enjoy a private dinner with Carroll in addition to attending the concert; tickets cost $250 and only 10 are available.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit local veterans.

American Legion Post 49 is located at 301 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

Art Activation Grant,” the goal of which is to give local artists and communities opportunities to create artwork and signage with the new “IN Indiana” brand incorporated into it. The CVB applied for and received the grant last spring and chose Deuel and Williman’s design for the mural.

This new mural is designed to represent the more than 100 lakes in the county. It is also designed to be photogenic so visitors and residents alike will use it as a backdrop for their next social media post, helping to further promote the area. This piece of art will be added to the All Things Art Map and the Public Art Trail Challenge Passport, drawing more people to the visitor center.

“We are excited to provide the community with an event where they can explore the new mural and meet the artists behind the work. This piece of art will help show why the place to live, work, learn and play is Clearly Kosciusko IN Indiana,” said Cori Humes, executive director of the CVB.

For further details on the event, contact Laura Rothhaar at laura@koscvb.org or call the visitors center at (574) 2696090.

OBITUARIES

Joyce Wolf

A Native Of Milford

Joyce Wolf went to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at her home in Atwood. She was 94 years old.

Joyce was born Aug. 30, 1928, in Milford, to Herman and Ruth (Wise) Miller. She spent most of her adult life in Kosciusko County, graduating from Milford School and later from Fort Wayne Beauty College. On Feb. 11, 1950, she married James M. Wolf; they shared more than 65 years together before his passing in 2016.

Joyce was a longtime member of Otterbein Methodist Church in Atwood, where she loved and served her church family and her Lord Jesus. She was also involved in numerous clubs such as the United Methodist Women, Atwood Home Study and Red Hat. She was an avid basketball fan, cheering on her favorite Indiana and Georgia teams.

In the spring and summer, she could always be found in her flower and vegetable gardens. She shared her bounty with friends and family and often entered them in the 4-H Fair; this year she was recognized for her pickles. Her favorite activity was growing beautiful roses and sharing them with others.

Remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Joyce is survived by three children, Joe Wolf of Atwood, Ann (Steve) Collins of Tyrone, Ga., and Pam Slabaugh of Warsaw; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Anna Mary Harlan; and a special nephew, Jerry (Cheryl) Miller, both of whom she loved as her own. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

In addition to her husband, James Wolf, she was preceded in passing by several siblings and son-in-law, Mark Slabaugh.

Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, is entrusted with the care of Joyce and the family. Visitors gathered at the funeral home from 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 28. A life celebration funeral took place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at Otterbein Methodist, 306 E. Main St. in Atwood, with doors open for one hour prior. Burial followed at Stony Point. Pastor David Banning officiated.

The family has asked that gifts of memory for Joyce be designed to Otterbein Methodist Church, P.O. Box 98, Atwood, IN 46502.

Written condolences may be left for the family at www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Wendy Benzing

Wendy Benzing, 78, Warsaw, died July 28, 2023. Arrangements are pending with Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw.

Daryl R. Bilderback

Daryl R. Bilderback, 84, Silver Lake, died July 21, 2023.

He was born June 8, 1939. On March 31, 1962, he married Janet Davis, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Joe Bilderback, Columbia City, Candi Castle, Lowell, Leslee Brunton and Stephanie Bilderback, both of Warsaw; nine grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren; a sister, Bev Yandle, Ocala, Fla.; and brothers, Tom Bilderback, Waverly, Tenn., and Jim Bilderback, New Jersey, N.Y.

Private burial will take place in Graceland Cemetery. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Randall M. Brogdon

Randall “Randy” M. Brogdon, 65, Elkhart, died at 9:45 p.m. July 19, 2023.

He was born Oct. 9, 1957.

He is survived by a sister, Lisa Maloney, Wakarusa; sister-in-law, Debbie Brogdon, Elkhart; two nieces; four nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Mary Hoover, Mishawaka.

Services were held July 27 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mishawaka. Burial was in Olive (West) Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Gary Wayne Burnau

Gary Wayne Burnau, 76, died at 12:23 a.m. July 27, 2023.

He was born July 2, 1947. On Jan. 28, 1984, he married Marthene Fullhart; she survives.

He is also survived by lady dog; daughter, Juli Vardaman, Leo; sister, Teresa Evans, Alexandria, Va.; brothers, Donovan Burnau, Burns, Tenn., and Jim Burnau, Yuma, Ariz.; two grandchildren; six great-

Andrew L. Cook

Andrew L. Cook, 62, Etna Green, died July 20, 2023.

He was born Oct. 11, 1960. On Dec. 23, 1982, he married Patti Neidig; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Terra L. Mettler and Mackenzie

M. Cook, both of Etna Green, and Morgan A. Cook, Troy, Tenn.; sons, Andrew J. Cook, Seth I. Cook and Derek Cook, all of Etna Green, and Aaron A. Amiotte, Crown Point; two grandchildren; and sisters, Lorraine Amerikanos, Peru, Amy Lamon, Bourbon, and Janet Walls, Citrus Springs, Fla.

A celebration of life was held July 28 at Heritage Park, Etna Green. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, was in charge of arrangements.

Mark D. Fuller

Mark D. Fuller, 63, Leesburg, died July 20, 2023.

He was born May 11, 1960.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristen Mitchell; four grandchildren; his father, Jerry Fuller; brothers, Kim and Chris Fuller; and an uncle.

Visitation was held July 24 at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Dominick Michael Gill

Dominick Michael Gill, 26, North Manchester, died July 23, 2023.

He was born May 16, 1997.

He is survived by his father, Daniel Gill, North Manchester; mother and stepfather, Karie and Michael Bruder, North Manchester; brother, Stanley Gill, Hessel, Mich.; sister, Rianne Stier, North Manchester; paternal grandparents, Dave and Connie Gill, Bremen, and Kimberly and Russell France, North Manchester; maternal grandmother, Karen Baldridge, North Manchester; a niece; and two nephews.

grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held July 29 at First Christian Church, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Nora Irene Walls Clay

Nora Irene Walls Clay, 89, Warsaw, died July 24, 2023.

She was born Nov. 26, 1933. On Dec. 12, 1949, she married Norman Duane Clay, who preceded her in death in 2013.

She is survived by a sister, Alice Locke, North Webster; daughters, Lin Jones, Warsaw, and Beth Collins, Fort Wayne; a son, Tony Clay, Warsaw; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Per Irene’s wishes, her viewing was private. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Dominick’s wishes were for people not to gather to honor him but instead to do acts of kindness for others. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

Debra K. Hampton

Debra K. Hampton, 66, Goshen, died July 23, 2023.

She was born Dec. 20, 1956.

Surviving are her children, Stephanie Buck, Cromwell, Jason Lee Pettry, Goshen, and Michael Kerby, North Webster; her best friend dog, Bella; 11 grandchildren and one on the way; nine greatgrandchildren; and a sister, Diane Buck, Syracuse.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting with cremation services. A private graveside service will take place in Milford Cemetery.

Lewis H. Hartman

Lewis H. Hartman, 90, Goshen,

died July 24, 2023.

He was born March 29, 1933. On Aug. 21, 1955, he married Evelyn G. King. She preceded him in death March 18, 2019.

He is survived by a daughter, Lori Wilson, Lakeville; sons, Daryl Hartman, Chicago, Ill., Arlen Hartman, Goshen, and Kevin Hartman, Winona Lake; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rita Harter, Wakarusa.

Services were held July 28 at New Paris Missionary Church. Burial was in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

Mary E. Hochstetler

Mary E. Hochstetler, 84, Nappanee, died July 28, 2023.

She was born April 8, 1939. On Oct. 6, 1960, she married Ernest R. Hochstetler; he survives.

She is also survived by two sons, Ray (Leona Miller) Hochstetler, Nappanee, and Michael (Linda Mast) Hochstetler, Nappanee; daughters, Lorraine (Mark) Stutzman, Nappanee; Sharon (Allen) Borkholder, Bremen; Linda (Frederick) Miller, Bremen; Diana (Eddie) Borkholder, Bremen; Vonda (Daryl) Yoder, Bremen; Regina (Larry) Chupp, Bremen; Amy (Virgil) Yoder, Nappanee; daughter-in-law, Etta (Schwartz) Hochstetler, Nappanee; 54 grandchildren; 48 greatgrandchildren; a brother, Clarence (Sarah Jean Eash) Chupp, Bremen; and a brother-in-law, Jonas Hochstetler, Bremen.

A funeral service was Monday, July 31, at a family residence. Bishop Howard Schwartz and the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church officiated. Burial was in Weldy Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Joan Howard

Joan Howard, 90, Warsaw, died at 8:17 p.m. July 25, 2023.

She was born March 4, 1933. On Sept. 12, 1972, she married Charles Howard; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Tommy Hatfield, Winona Lake, and C. Brian Howard, Fort Wayne; daughter, Tammy Patrick, Leesburg; son-inlaw, Virgil Johnson, Prestonsburg, Ky.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Howard, Warsaw; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A private family service was held at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Ali Elizabeth Hygema

Ali Elizabeth Hygema, 10, Warsaw, died July 21, 2023.

She was born July 3, 2013.

The family will be grieving privately. No services will be held. Ti-

tus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Susanna Kurtz

Susanna Kurtz, 95, Goshen, died July 5, 2023.

She was born July 10, 1927. On June 7, 1946, she married Delbert Eugene Kurtz, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Kennlyn Robinson, Woodbury, Minn., Bruce Kurtz, Syracuse, and Debra Bailey, Azle, Texas; five grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; 10 great-grandchildren; two stepgreatgrandsons; and half brothers, David Schrock, Indianapolis, and Bob Schrock, South Bend.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Greencroft Meeting House, with a reflection time at 3 p.m. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is in charge of arrangements.

N. Marlene Landry

N. Marlene (Davis) Landry, 85, South Bend, died July 23, 2023.

She was born Sept. 14, 1937. On Jan. 26, 1957, she married Lewis Eugene “Gene” Landry, who preceded her in death in 1987.

Surviving are her children, Kevin Landry, Niles, Mich., Dennis Landry, Salem, Wis., Bryan Landry, South Bend, and Dana Landry, Leesburg; sister, Vicki Davis, South Bend; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Services were held July 27 at Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend. Palmer Funeral Home, South Bend, was in charge of arrangements.

Christopher R. Leinbach

Christopher “Chris” R. Leinbach, 44, Goshen, died at 12:33 a.m. July 25, 2023.

He was born Feb. 8, 1979.

Surviving are his parents, Robert and Shelly Leinbach, Goshen; and a sister, Carrie Cale, Goshen.

Services were held July 31 at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel. Burial was in Yellow Creek Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Keith Rex Miller

Keith Rex Miller, 82, Goshen, died at 2:20 a.m. July 19, 2023.

He was born March 22, 1941. On June 26, 1981, he married Carole A. Watkins; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Kelly Marquart, Joliet, Ill., Rex Marquart, Howe, Rick Marquart, New Paris, and Vallie Havens and Heather Ezzell, both of Elkhart; five grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

Services were held July 25 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial will be in Whitehead Cemetery at a later date.

Continued on page 8

O BITUARIES

David Cloice Munson

David Cloice Munson, 77, Claypool, died at 10:44 p.m. July 24, 2023.

He was born Feb. 12, 1946. On March 11, 1966, he married Margaret Elaine Walters; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Cheryl Thompson and Amy Pfeiffer, both of Claypool; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Max Munson, Warsaw; sister, Arlene Ryan, Syracuse; and sisters-in-law, Elaine Munson and Phyllis Munson, both of Warsaw.

Services were held July 28 at Calvary Tabernacle Church, Winona Lake. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Warsaw. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Homer Ousley Jr.

Homer Ousley Jr., 79, North Manchester, died July 20, 2023.

He was born Feb. 4, 1944. On Aug. 11, 1979, he married Marcia Kay Hines. She preceded him in death June 6, 2017.

He is survived by a brother, Jerry Ousley, Larwill; sister-in-law, Becky Ousley, Pierceton; brother-in-law, Brent Hines; two nephews; a niece; great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great nephew.

Visitation was held July 24 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Services were held July 25 at Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God, Silver Lake. Burial was in Akron IOOF Cemetery.

Robert Lee Pickens Sr.

Robert Lee “Bob” Pickens Sr., 70, Warsaw, died July 9, 2023.

He was born Sept. 1, 1952. On Jan. 23, 1973, he married Rebecca “Donna” Carroll; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Rob-

ert Pickens Jr., Warsaw; a daughter, Robin Pickens, Warsaw; a sister, Nancy Anderson, Mason, W.Va.; brothers,Roger Pickens, Point Pleasant, W.Va., and James Pickens, Pomeroy, Ohio; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Bob’s wish was to be donated to science. These wishes were granted by partnering with Science Care. A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Etna Green Heritage Park Building.

Donald Ralston

Donald “Bud” Ralston, 70, Goshen, died July 24, 2023.

He was born Feb. 8, 1953.

He is survived by his wife, Susan (Sexton) Ralston; daughters, Faith Lewis, Goshen, and Monica Hall, Millersburg; two grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and siblings, Delores Black, Dixie Stauffer and Mike Ralston, all of Elkhart.

Visitation was held July 29 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. No other services are planned. Cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory, Goshen.

Linda K. Roberts

Linda K. Roberts, 79, North Webster, died July 27, 2023.

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

Bobbie E. Whitmill

Bobbie E. Whitmill, 66, Silver Lake, formerly of Noblesville, died July 23, 2023.

He was born July 13, 1957.

He is survived by a brother, Dean Whitmill; sister, Donna Barron; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family has decided to grieve privately. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Fraud loss impacts Lake City Bank’s profit

Lakeland Financial Corp., the parent company of Lake City Bank, has announced it is the victim of an international wire fraud. The fraud has cost the company more than $18 million.

The loss was reported in its quarterly earnings report. Bank officials said the incident did not result in any client information being compromised.

The fraud was discovered June 30 and involved a “foreign threat actor” targeting a specific general ledger, through a single employee email account outside of the company’s network.

A forged wire transfer form was used to remove the funds from the bank.

The earnings report stated a third-party forensic investigation determined no client accounts were threatened, nor was there attempts to access client information or funds. The investigation found the com-

Court News

pany’s network was never breached and the foreign threat actor made no attempt to access the network.

The same day the fraud was discovered, the bank notified its insurance carriers and a forensic technology investigation company hired to conduct an investigation. The U.S. Secret Service, FBI and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network were also notified.

In the earnings report, Lakeland Financial reported a net income of $14.6 million in the second quarter, a 43% decrease from the same period a year ago.

Despite the drop, there were bright spots for the bank.

A loan growth of $438 million was reported, representing a 10% annual growth throughout the bank. This is said to have been driven by a strong growth in Indianapolis where Lake City continues to grow its market share. A sixth office in the market was opened in the second quarter.

Small Claims

Kosciusko County

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Dewayne Busz v. Carolyn Bannon, $5,415 Snow and Sauerteig LLP v. Brian Barger, $1,030.10; v. Tiffany Cramer, $10,000; v. Cindi E. Delacruz, $3,922.90; v. Angelita C. Garcia, $1,085.17; v. Kelli Hamilton, $600; v. Mary A. Miller, $3,665.24; v. Brandon M. O’Hara, $2,988.15; v. Karen L. Olds, $1,947.48; v. Queenetta Reiff, $2,046.22; v. Natalie Sherrard, $566; v. Amanda Jo Vermillion, $1,878.23; v. Jordyn Walker, $4,119.93

Total Recovery Services Inc. v. Carlos E. Orejuela, $830.50 Tuscany Homeowners Association Inc. v. Ana L. Cabrera, Jamie Cabrera, $390; v. Ana L. Cabrera IV, Jamie G. Cabrera, $315

Civil Collections

Kosciusko County

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

Discover Bank v. Shashank Anumandla, $10,133.42; v. Suzanne Briggs, $6,341.37; v. Joel McNicholas, $4,442.37

CommunityWide Federal Credit Union v. Jessie L. Miller, $18,940.65 Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Doug Brinegar, $12,166.18; v. Thomas A. Cannon, $1,423.68; v. Kaitlyn E. Sommerfield, $2,413.21

Westlake Services LLC d/b/a Westlake Financial Services v. James Stephens, $9,731.63

Gateway Financial Solutions v. David L. Timmreck, Victoria Timmreck, $4,401.76

Warsaw Health System LLC d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Brittany Wuchter, $21,418.76

OneMain Financial Group LLC v. Bradley R. Columbia, $10,175.86

Student Loan Solutions Inc. v. James M. Guy, James R. Guy, $6,362.93

Mariner Finance LLC v. Kevin J. Harris, $1,484.51; v. Robert W. Lonjin, $3,506.31; v. Roberta M. Pena, $2,038.60

Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Anastacia Brito, $16,659.95; v. Travis Hughes, $10,700.51; v. Dawn Johnson, $9,647 Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Jaime M. Arriaga, $4,318.48

Capital One NA v. Tracy R. Perkins, $3,328.48

Velocity Investments LLC, assignee of Lending Club Corp., assignee of Webbank v. John Snyder, $13,236.18

Mortgage Foreclosures

The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing f/k/a Caliber Home Loans Inc. v. Kelsey M. Caldwell, $96,131.72

Ruoff Mortgage Co. Inc. v. Johnathan D. Engle, $143,885.20 Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Cavender Realty LLC v. Scottie Lee Haney, Haley Stamper, $3,585; v. Chelse Ann Roucloux, Cody Schaetzel, $4,630

Village Management Co. d/b/a Pike Lake Pointe Apartments v. William Sellers, $6,679.97

Brown’s Rentals v. Damian Henry, Elizabeth Hoffman, $6,000 802 Center Apartments v. Leola Nelson, Bernice Raphael, $3,015.87 Plenaries

The following plenary has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court One, Judge Karin McGrath presiding: Kosciusko County Health Department v. Charlene K. Marshall, $2,467.89

Superior Court III

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

Speeding — Peter J. Foster, Millersburg, $160.50; Jose S. Nunez, Warsaw, $160.50; Ernest D. Trent, Claypool, $160.50

No valid driver’s license — Zachery R. McKenzie, Claypool, $160.50; Fernando Olage, Warsaw, $160.50; Maria Jose Hernandez, Pierceton, $160.50

Speeding in school zone — Amairany Hernandez, Warsaw, $160.50

Operating a motor vehicle with fictitious plate, operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Tistin K. Shultz, Warsaw, $210.50

Failure to register — Jesus M. Lopez, Warsaw, $160.50; Dominic L. Blair, Pierceton, $160.50; Anthony K. Vanover, North Webster, $160.50

Operating a motor vehicle with a false plate — Travis J. Dice, Warsaw, $160

Harboring a non-immunized dog/no injury — Tyler M. Frazier, Warsaw, $160

Littering — Mark E. Mock, Syracuse, $235

Operating with a transferred plate/no proof of ownership — Preston M. West, Pierceton, $160

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Trenton D. Gillman, Claypool, $25; Hannah J. Florentine, Warsaw, $25; Chandler M. Hyndman, Cromwell, $25; Brittany L. Huston, Warsaw, $25; Ocxiel Sanchez, Warsaw, $25; Justin R. Hale, Warsaw, $25; Jerry K. Bentele, Leesburg, $25; Ryan P. Rautenberg, Warsaw, $25; Erica L. Hyde, Warsaw, $25; Shawn R. Lovell, Claypool, $25; Rowan M. Ponko, Winona Lake, $25; Ashlee R. Lippert, Bremen, $25

Driving while suspended — TL B. Hollar, Milford, $185.50

Unsafe start — Ayden M. Merkler, Warsaw, $160.50

Failure to yield right of way at entrance to through highway

Nolan T. Ransome, Syracuse, $160.50

Distracted driving — Bonnie M. Baugher, North Manchester, $160.50

Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility

Lonnie R. Orr, Pierceton, $160.50

Illegal taking of a wild animal

Crystal Hoover, Cromwell, $160

Disregarding stop sign — Robert L. Fuson III, Winona Lake, $160.50; Kevin T. Westover, Leesburg, $160.50

Failure to signal turn, no valid driver’s license — Saul C. Lopez, Warsaw, $185.50

Marriage

Licenses

Kosciusko County

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court

Ann Torpy:

C OUNTY R EPORT B IRTHS

Joab Ellis Troyer

Josh and Monica (Borkholder)

Troyer, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Joab Ellis, born at 6:59 a.m. July 21, 2023. He weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces.

Ella Rose Miller

Jason and Kaylene (Borkholder)

Miller, New Paris, are the parents of a daughter, Ella Rose, born at 2:26 p.m. July 22, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 21 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Lamar and Rebecca Borkholder. Paternal grandparents are Michael and

Barnhill-Dewar

Robert Aaron Clifton Barnhill, 28, Warsaw, and Victoria Marie-Cortez

Dewar, 29, Warsaw

Conley-Jackson

Trenton J. Conley, 19, Winona Lake, and Kaitlyn P. Jackson, 18, Winona Lake

Holsclaw-Smiley

Skyler L. Holsclaw, 26, Leesburg, and Paige M. Smiley, 25, Milford

Tucker-Stealy

Racquel A. Tucker, 28, Warsaw, and Dawson L. Stealy, 24, Warsaw

Reiter-Hamilton-Frey

Chase A. Reiter-Hamilton, 24, Warsaw, and Adara L. Frey, 22, Warsaw

Orendorf-Pletcher

Cleo L. Orendorf, 73, Nappanee, and Linda S. Pletcher, 75, New Paris

Meeker-Chimal

Joshua Olvin Canales Meeker, 21, Warsaw, and Nayeli Quintero Chimal, 21, Warsaw

Frantz-Adams

Robert E. Frantz, 85, Warsaw, and Lela M. Adams, 77, Lincoln, Neb.

Kennedy-Gentry

Taylor P. Kennedy, 31, Warsaw, and Amanda S. Gentry, 28, Canonsburg, Pa.

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior Court: Steinbach — Angela S. Steinbach, Warsaw, and James A. Steinbach, Berkeley, Mo. They were married Nov. 28, 2015, and separated Jan. 1, 2023. No minor children.

Strieby — Shilo Strieby, Warsaw, and Luke Strieby, Warsaw. They were married March 16, 2013, and separated June 4, 2023. Two minor children. Condinho — Anna Condinho, Warsaw, and Elijah Condino, Warsaw. They were married Oct. 11, 2014, and separated June 2, 2023. Two minor children.

Sopher — Darrell A.Sopher, Claypool, and Bobi K. Sopher, Pierceton. They were married Oct. 18, 2007, and separated June 17, 2022. Two minor children.

Scarlet-Smith — Nigen Scarlet, Warsaw, and Roneka Smith, Warsaw. They were married Nov. 18, 2018, and separated March 4, 2023. Two minor children.

Aylor — April Aylor, Winona Lake, and Brandon Aylor, Winona Lake. They were married June 21, 2003, and separated July 10, 2023. Two minor children.

Platt — Kenneth Platt, Warsaw, and Katrina Platt, Warsaw. They were married Oct. 15, 2016, and separated Aug. 12, 2020. No minor children.

Ryan — Christina Kay Ryan, Silver Lake, and Todd Michael Ryan, Silver Lake. They were married March 3, 2012; no separation date given. No minor children.

Megething-Mething — Justine Megething, Warsaw, and Jesse Mething, Warsaw. They were married June 3, 2008; no year of separation given. No minor children.

Viola Harper.

Ella joins two siblings: Kyle Jay and Mariah Kate.

Janie Adelle Miller

Michael and Retha (Slabaugh) Miller, Bremen, are the parents of a daughter, Janie Adelle, born at 7:41 a.m. July 26, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents (Devon) and Kathryn Slabaugh. Paternal grandparents are Kenneth and Barbara Miller.

Janie joins three siblings: Owen, Loren and Leland.

P UBLIC A UCTIONS

Personal Property Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at 1265

W. Westgate Ave., Columbia City.

safe,

Detasseling: The annual art of producing next year’s corn seeds

seeds, or seeds that were purposefully bred to create a plant with specific, very desirable characteristics.

Contact Auction Manager Jim Bayman, (260) 244-5666. bidmetzger. com.

Online Only Auction

an opening bid of $175,000. High visibility corner with development potential, 18,000 square feet. For more information call (260) 982-0238.

self-pollination issue.

After last week’s story on corn tassels, a reader asked why do they detassel corn if the tassel is so important. That is a great question, and it leads to discussions about the types of corn we raise in the area and the process of producing seed for next year.

The vast majority of corn grown in the Midwest is field corn. The familiar yellow kernels are grown for their starch content. Most is fed to livestock, used as fructose in food production and even as a source of energy for ethanol production. The corn humans consume is sweet corn, developed over the millennium to taste sweet and be juicy, it makes up just a fraction of local corn acres.

The third type of corn commonly raised here is seed corn. The seeds grown in those fields are used to grow next year’s crop. Northern Indiana and southern Michigan are one of the largest areas for seed production in the northern hemisphere, primarily due to our cornfriendly climate, the plentiful and accessible water supply, and sandy soils that allow for field work just a few hours after a driving rain.

To understand detasselling, you need to know three basic things about seed corn production:

1) A corn plant has both male and female parts.

2) Some corn plants are planted to be harvested for their ears. I will call them the female plants. Corn detassling is needed to grow seeds for next year’s crop.

3) Some corn plants are planted to provide pollen for those ears. I will call them the male plants.

A seed corn field is planted two times. One set of rows are the “female” rows, which will produce next year’s seeds on her ears. The “female” rows are typically four to eight rows wide. The other planting is typically one or two rows of the “male” corn, planted specifically to produce the pollen, which will pollenate the female rows.

The male rows and the female rows have different desirable characteristics. One may have resistance to certain diseases and be more drought tolerant, while the other has high yield potential and be insect resistant. When allowed to pollenate, the result is hybrid

A corn plant has both male (tassel) and female (silk and ear) parts. To control the pollination process, the tassels on the “female” or ear producing plants must be removed, or the female plant tassel would pollenate its own ears. The resulting offspring, when planted the following year, would most likely be undesirable.

So, seed corn companies hire thousands of people to pull the tassels from the female rows to avert the

Over time, more of the detasseling has been done by specially designed machines, but the need for a final, last pass though the fields to remove the remaining tassels from the female row is still a critical step in the seed corn production process.

In one of the final steps before harvest, the male rows, which pollenated themselves, are destroyed, typically by mowing them out. If done correctly, the only ears left to harvest in the seed fields are on the female plants, pollenated by the now removed male plants.

6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. Open house from 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7464 N. 550E, Rochester. Country home with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, living room and pole barn situated on 0.88 acres. For bidding or more information, go to metzgerauction.com or call (260) 982-0238.

Hochstetler Auction

1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at 11462 N. 500W, Milford, south of downtown Nappanee to CR 1350N, then east to CR 500W, then south.

Commercial

Real Estate Auction

Bid online, Monday, Aug. 21, at bidmetzger.com. Guaranteed sale with

Online Cropland Auction

6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. Farm with 30 acres offered in two tracts: 6 acres and 24 acres. Located south of US 30 at the intersection of CR 325E and Wooster Road. For bidding and information, go to bidmetzger.com, (260) 982-0238.

Live Simulcast

Real Estate Auction

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Country home with pole barns in wooded setting located at 11605 Richard Road, Churubusco. Open house: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. More information available at bidmetzger.com. Auction Manager Rainelle Shockome, (260) 341-4801.

2006 Ford F-150 truck, shop and woodworking tools, Stihl equipment, outdoor, 20-plus guns, gun

camping and hunting supplies, knives, antiques, primitives, cast iron, furniture, karaoke machine.

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

Garage Sales A070

TUPPERWARE INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE

August 3 & 4 • 9 am-4:30 pm

August 5 • 9 am-Noon

Almost Everything That’s In The Catalog, Plus More GREAT DEALS FOR EVERYONE 24350 SR 119, Goshen 574-862-2572

BUSINESS SERVICES

YARD SALE, Aug. 4 & 5, 9am-3pm. Toys, books, clothes, household goods, video games, lots of misc. 11696 N. McCulloch Rd., Syracuse.

Construction

C100

HOCHSTETLER CONSTRUCTION for all your building needs. Pole barns, horse barns, garages, new home construction, additions, all types of metal and asphalt roofing, windows and siding. Superior Service... Quality Workmanship. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. Call Kermit 574-549-3473.

Hauling C160

CLEAN UP AND TRASH REMOVAL

Willis Trash Removal. Residential, commercial and industrial. Bobcat, dumpsters and burn barrels available also. (574) 293-2937

Insurance C200

DO YOU NEED HELP cleaning your home? I have 30+ years of experience. Excellent work provided. Will clean small and large jobs. References provided. 574-265-8224

Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

MUSSELMAN - PUBLIC AUCTION

Tree Service C390

LUMBERJACK JIM TREE SERVICEProfessional tree trimming and removal. Storm damage clean up. Safe and reliable. Fully insured. Locally owned. Call 574-371-6536.

TREE TRIMMING, tree and stump removal service, storm damage clean up, tree climbing or bucket lift, Free estimates. Dan The Tree Man. 574-831-4381, New Paris.

TV Satellite C400

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Wicker Repair C420

CHAIR CANING, rush and splint seats, wicker repair. Quality work. Teresa Dick, 574-457-3566.

Rabb Water Softener - 100 Amp - Home Needs Cosmetic Improvements - Great Starter or Investment Property

$5,000 Earnest Money Deposit Due Day of Auction - For More Pictures Please Visit Our Facebook Page or Website. Not Contingent Upon Financing.

HOUSEHOLD

-

ANTIQUES - COLLECTIBLES

Amana matching washer & e. dryer (white-nice set); GE gas range; small 8 cu. ft. chest deep freeze; 2012 KitchenAid side-by-side reg. d.f. w/ice maker; 72”x40” wood dining room table w/6 matching chairs; cherry 48”x24” island w/14” drop leaf, drawers & doors; misc. pots, pans, utensils, linen, other box lots; floral sofa; leather office chair; 4 tier shelf; modern marble top coffee table; 2-wooden wardrobes; 4-drawer chest; Sleep Ezz side-by-side twin bed w/controls; step stool; Sanyo & Vizio 32” flat screen TVs; Magnavox DVD recorder; new 6000 window AC; 4-window AC units (2-10,000, 1-12,000 & 1-5,000); 2-new 18,000 & 20,000 BTU propane heaters; 2-matching patio recliner chairs (very nice); 2-matching patio rockers; poly lawn chairs; unique yard ornaments; 2-poly pet houses; dog crates; live trap; campfire tri-pod; Char-Broil charcoal grill; ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: 30”W x 66”T kitchen cupboard; 4-drawer chest; 5-drawer chest; 3-drawer chest w/mirror; wall mirror; 4 pc. Ransburg metal canister set (nice); Royal Doulton 5 pc. Toby jugs (unique); iron kettle w/jacket; milk can; watering can; jars & milk bottle; lanterns; wash tubs; Cant hook.

LAWN - GARDEN - SHOP

Snapper 20” 5.5 hp. push mower; tilt bed lawn trailer; 3’x2’ pull lawn roller; RYOBI 18” pole chainsaw; tree trimmers; electric weed eater; B & D edger; Echo 440 EVL chainsaw; fiberglass 8’ step ladder; aluminum mower ramps; shelving; tarps; 2-wheel cart; ratchet straps; canvas folding wagon; Lincoln welder; welding supplies: acetylene torch w/tank & cart; bench grinder; battery charger; metal bender; electric power washer; large vise; skilsaw; sawzall; miter saw; jig saw; air nailer; hose reel; mechanics stool; Craftsman 3-tier tool cabinet; creeper; air compressor; air tank; air hoses & tools; jack stands; hitches; drill bits; metal detector; e. fans; e. hand tools; Craftsman battery drill; assort. of tools (Craftsman & Napa); post digger; clamps; gear puller; band saw; lots of misc. items; buckets; fishing poles; tackle box.

AUTO - PICKUP - TRAILER - DUNE BUGGY - SNOWBLOWER

2011 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Z71 4x4 ½ ton pickup, 4 door, ext. cab, V8, automatic, bedliner, rear step, side rail, black cloth full bench console interior, red color, good paint & rubber, very nice 1-owner pickup with 132,622 miles; 2001 Lincoln Town Car Executive, good body & rubber, no rust, silver body & interior with 86,982 miles; shop built 2-wheel trailer, 4½’W x 6½’L w/12” sides, 2” ball hitch, 15” rubber w/fenders; 4-wheel 2-seater gas dune buggy w/ roll guard, 22x10-10 rubber; Ariens 520 20” self-propelled snowblower w/Plexiglas snow deflector.

AUCTION NOTE: Good 3 hr. auction with some nice items.

SALE ORDER: Real Estate — Household — Lawn — Garden — Shop, with the special items to sell at time indicated.

Misc. Service C430

BACKHOE SERVICES, small demolition, tree stump removal, trenches, tile repair, etc. Joe Mast 260-350-8078.

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medial alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

My Caring Plan has helped thousands of families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 866-511-1799

Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+?

You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

Motorcycles M050

FOR SALE: 2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE, 1 owner, engine has a big bore kit, garage kept & well taken care of, 29,800 miles. $10,500. Call 574-453-7182 for more information.

Appliances P020

FRIGIDAIRE ELECTRIC glass top stainless steel stove, still works good. 574-831-5857

Good Things To Eat P130

CRAIG’S BLUEBERRIES.

Health Aids P140

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Health/Fitness P150

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW!

888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Viagra stop overpaying! Generic Viagra or Cialis 70 tablets - only $99 shipping included! USAServicesOnline.com call now 888-203-0881

Misc. Merchandise P200

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

General Employment E030

NOW HIRING!

Do you want a new career and work outside? Join Our Fun & Ambitious Team!

Also, position available for retired or semi-retired individual with ¾ ton truck.

Dan The Tree Man 574-831-4381

Work Wanted E080

HONEY DO HANDYMAN & RENO. We do it all - remodels, repairs, scrap removal, lawn care and all your general home needs. Give Brad or Jessica a call at 574-253-5462, we would love to be able to help.

Horses & Equipment G060

HORSE PASTURE FOR RENT. Willow Creek Farm, Silver Lake. Clean water, shelter, hitching posts, outdoor riding arena, horse trails, tack storage. Hay provided during winter. No studs. $250/month plus deposit.

574-377-2040

Indiana college applications on decline as high school grads delay higher ed

have a high-quality post-high school credential.

programs and earn all types of credentials beyond high school.

College enrollment numbers are down in Indiana as more high school graduates are choosing to take one or more gap years, pursue vocational certification or not attend college at all.

Lumina Foundation is a private group promoting post-high school education. Its goal is by 2025, 60% of Americans will

Want To Buy P280

NOW BUYING

LH Investment Group, LLC is now buying real estate, whole estates, gun collections, toy collections. Do you have a family member with lots of “Treasures” and need someone to help get rid of them?

Call LH Investment Group, LLC 574-538-1492

PETS

Pet Services Q020

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

REAL ESTATE SALES

Time Share S095

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

TRANSPORTATION

Misc. Auto W100

SPORTS & GENERAL NEWS REPORTER

We have an opening for a combination sports and general assignment news reporter to assist in sports coverage for the Wawasee School Corporation and wide-ranging news and feature writing for several of the weekly and monthly newspapers and magazines published by The Papers Incorporated.

• This is a full-time

Courtney Brown, vice president of impact and planning for the foundation, said brain drain — college graduates who seek better jobs outside of Indiana shortly after obtaining a degree — often affects decisions to remain in the state and seek advanced education.

“How do we get more Hoosiers to enroll in college as 18 year olds, as a 24 year old, as a 37 year old, whatever it might be?” Brown asked. “We need more people to go get a credential. There’s only about 40% of Indiana residents that have an associate’s degree or higher, and then once they get those credentials, we need them to stay in Indiana.”

Companies eyeing Indiana as a future business site want to know the state’s education level to size up the talent pool for jobs.

According to the foundation’s “A Stronger Nation” report, almost 21% of people living in Indiana aged 25 to 64 hold a bachelor’s degree, while almost 11% in the same age bracket have a master’s degree or higher.

The report also stressed to reach state goals, Indiana will need to maintain and exceed the number of people who enroll in

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education reports almost 53% of the class of 2021 enrolled in college, down from 54% of the class of 2020. It means about 400 fewer high school graduates sought a college degree.

Brown suggested removing some barriers may boost college enrollment.

“We know cost is one of the biggest factors,” Brown acknowledged. “So how can we find ways to make college more affordable? High school students can take college classes while they’re getting their high school degree.”

Brown recommended employers should offer their employees incentives to stay in Indiana. Another suggestion is the 21st Century Scholars, an early-college promise program designed to make college more affordable.

Earlier this year, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Bill 167, requiring high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form to apply for grants, loans, or scholarships. The hope is students who are aware of their financial aid options will attend college.

PART-TIME DRIVER

Camarena promoted at Live Well Kosciusko

Jessica Camarena is a local to Kosciusko County, growing up in Milford and attending Wawasee High School, before going to college at Purdue Fort Wayne, majoring in biology and chemistry.

Camarena considered going into the health care field as either a physician’s assistant or a nurse. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, she decided she wanted to move back

to Kosciusko County.

After moving back to the area, she had a job at AlignLife, while also volunteering her time at Live Well Kosciusko. While a volunteer, Lisa Harman, Live Well’s CEO and president, spoke of a potential job opening to Camarena, leading her to apply for the tobacco-free coordinator opening.

This job was created as a result of a grant the company received from the Indiana Department of Health to reduce county-wide tobacco rates. She received an of-

Ksiezopolski recognized by National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Ed Ksiezopolski, of Claypool, has been recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for achieving 30 consecutive years of national EMS certification as an EMT-paramedic.

“This is an honor held by few, and we are grateful for your ongoing support and dedication,” wrote William Seifarth, executive director of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, in a letter of congratula-

tions to Ksiezopolski.

Ksiezopolski is retired from Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, where he was employed as an EMT-paramedic. Prior to that, he worked for Multi-Township EMS from 1980. His career as an EMT started in 1976, and he has served the community since then.

He also has served his community with the Winona Lake Fire Department and as a substitute nurse for the Kosciusko County Jail. In addition, he was a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve for 14 years.

Along with his accomplishments in his career as an EMT-paramedic, Ksiezopolski taught the EMT-basic course at Warsaw Community High School for many years.

fer for the job and accepted it, educating others about the health impact of tobacco use and vaping on the community.

When she began working full-time for Live Well, there were only three employees — herself, the CEO and a marketing agent. During her time working for the nonprofit, there had been rapid expansion with the different programs available to the public. A grant was given to fund an organizational chart of their programs, evaluating where there were gaps to be filled. This was when a new job was created to oversee the programs being offered to the community. Camarena stepped into the vicepresident of programs role in June, excited for the opportunity to further her career in public health.

When asked how she felt after receiving this promotion, Camarena said, “It meant a lot to be a part of an organization invested in my growth potential.”

“As a member of the millennial generation, I feel like I am able to bridge the gap between older generations and younger generations to educate people in our community on health eq-

uity,” continued Camarena. “One of our goals at Live Well is breaking down barriers to make health more accessible through education and different programs that we offer.” When asked what her favorite program was, Camarena responded with her top three: Voice, Clock Into Potential and Baby and Me Tobacco-Free.

The Voice program, said Camarena, is a program working with youth as an empowerment on advocacy and education on vaping in their school community. This program is currently meeting at Wawasee High School with a group of students coming together. The students have been able to talk with their school board about the importance of vaping awareness and also plan on doing a presentation for the middle school next year on the subject.

The Clock Into Potential Program is career and purpose focused, pairing together a mentor and mentee to evaluate where the mentee is at in their career goals. Anyone is welcome to participate in this program and caters to those who are feeling a little lost or not generally thriving in their goals, said Camarena. There are also workshops to attend when involved in Clock Into Potential, focusing on making a budget or finding a purpose. Camarena herself went through this program and said it brought a lot of clarity, and she loved what she learned

about herself.

The Baby and Me TobaccoFree Program provide pregnant moms a resource to help them stop smoking. The program offers both prenatal and postnatal care with incentives, such as diapers and wipes. Live Well Kosciusko partners with Heartline Pregnancy Center and Lutheran Hospital in order to provide more incentives and connect those moms with more resources to help with a healthy pregnancy.

Camarena has now been with Live Well Kosciusko for a little over two years, both as a volunteer and as a tobacco-free coordinator. Through this new position, Camarena hopes to continue making relational connections with others to provide the help and resources necessary to improve the health and general well-being of Kosciusko County.

Tippecanoe and Chapman RSD to hold public hearing

The board of trustees of the Tippecanoe and Chapman Regional Sewer District will hold a public hearing 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive comment on any charges being implemented by the district associated with the adopting of its use ordinance and implementation of a capacity charge for future customers.

All users of the works and owners of property to be served, or to be served, and other interested shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed rates and charges.

Extension offering program on women’s safety

Despite progress in recent years, threats to women’s safety continues to profoundly affect their security, health, safety and overall wellbeing. This program will elaborate the different ways you can ensure you are proactive instead of reactive in case of a dangerous situation.

Join Elkhart County Extension for 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, Aug. 24, at the Owls Club, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart.

Owls Club is a private, community organization that exists to help aging adults in Elkhart County and surrounding communities thrive.

Call the Owls Club at (574) 3362652 to learn more and sign up for a free membership to register for upcoming programs.

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 Aug. 10.