the Paper - September 6, 2023

The GoBabyGo! program is about to start its sixth year at Edgewood Middle School. Abbi Richcreek heads the program, along with Sam Cook and many volunteer mentors.

Richcreek originally learned about the program during an engineering conference she attended; the program was showcased at the conference.

“The keynote speaker was Cole Galloway, who is a physical therapist from the University of Delaware, and he’s the one who created this idea. He gave an inspirational speech, and it just captured my attention,” Richcreek explained, “He asked, ‘Who do we help?’ with GoBabyGo! you can spend all this time on design and you get to help people, and it made me stop and think how we could do that here at Edgewood.”

GoBabyGo! is an after-school

program to enter its SIXTH year

program where 12-volt vehicles are modified for toddlers who have developmental impairments. Each car is worked on and customized by a group of Edgewood students, under the guidance of community mentors and physical therapist, Dr. Aaron Turner. Students are continuously collaborating with each other, the toddler, their family, and their mentors. Besides receiving hands-on engineering experience, students also grow their communication skills.

The students participating in the program apply for their spots and are picked by committee. Students are not required to have engineering backgrounds or any pre-requisite classes. This year, the program has 16 students working on five Jeeps. EMS students have reconfigured and donated 22 Jeeps to impaired toddlers.

Students reconfigure each car with the toddler’s abilities in mind. If the toddler is unable to use pedals, the team will wire the car to

run off of buttons.

Among the mentors are engineers from Depuy, Zimmer-Biomet, Paragon Medical, Dalton, and a couple of engineering students from Grace College.

“My favorite part of being apart of the program is getting to see the kids’ happiness. Seeing them be able to do and get around like they want to. It’s so cool to see and it feels so good to be apart of that,” Bayleigh Sleeth explained. “Besides learning about the engineering side, I have grown in my communication and team work skills. We are constantly talking to each other, our mentors and our kid. We are a team.”

She is a part of the Depuy team and her team is modifying a pink Jeep for their toddler, Coralynn. Sleeth is wanting to pursue engineering as a future career.

“One of my favorite moments of the program is seeing the joy of the children when they receive the final car,” JoElla Hauselman, prin-

cipal of EMS, explained.

“I would love to see GoBabyGo! get bigger. We would love to be able to help more kids. But with more vehicles, comes more expenses. Each Jeep costs $600 to complete,” Richcreek explained.

The program has been made possible from a KEYS grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation; however, if community members would like to make a donation to GoBabyGo! contact Richcreek at arichcreek@warsawschools.org.

The 2023 GoBabyGo! cars were presented to their drivers at the Third Friday in May. The first meeting of the 2024 GoBabyGo! is set for February, and there will be six meetings over the course of February to April. The cars will then be presented to their toddlers during the Third Friday in April.

If you’re interesting in signing your student or toddler up, or interested in becoming a mentor, contact Richcreek for more information.

K NOW Y OUR N EIGHBOR

Sturtevant thankful for the Akron community

tion unraveled faster than he had anticipated.

will never find anybody more caring than him,” Surtevant said.

Starting his second year as the athletic director at Tippecanoe Valley High School, Sam Sturtevant appreciates the support he has received.

“So thankful to be a part of this community. I’m not from Akron. I didn’t go to school here but they welcomed me with open arms,” Sturtevant said. “It amazes me every sporting event that we have that you look out into the stands and they’re filled. It’s incredible support that the community gives our student-athletes. Whether we are home or away, we’re coming.”

It was an eventful first year at TVHS for Sturtevant as he and his wife, Kerianne, welcomed their first child. Their son Simon is just 3 months old.

“He is probably the happiest baby I’ve ever met in my life,” Sturtevant said.

The first year had a few challenging obstacles too, with the biggest in the form of conference realignment. Sturtevant knew a change was coming with the Three Rivers Conference, but the situa-

“My biggest achievement was advocating for joining a new conference. Unfortunately, when we wanted to leave this conference we wanted to leave in 2025-26. We were voted out of the TRC effective immediately,” Sturtevant said.

Schedules for all teams had to be reworked on the fly while a new conferene was being created for the Vikings. Most athletic directors fill out their schedules years in advance, but Sturtevant had just a few months to put games together for his teams and coaches.

“It’s hard to fill a football schedule that is four years out, five years out,” Sturtevant said. “We now have a full varsity schedule and full JV schedule.”

His experience for the athletic director position started in college when he was a manager on the Butler University men’s basketball team. He learned from coaches Chris Holtmann and LaVall Jordan while with the Bulldogs.

Sturtevant spoke highly on Jordan.

“I loved that guy, everything people say about him is true. You

After college, Sturtevant had stops with the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association, working roles that included scouting and team operations. However, the pandemic in 2020 made him rethink his career plans.

“My first dream was to work in the NBA, and I was able to actually do that for a few years. Everything was great and I loved it and then COVID kind of hit and I decided it was time to try something else. So I moved back to Plymouth, where I’m from. I had a really fortunate experience to become the assistant athletic director at Plymouth High School,” Sturtevant said.

Michael Delp was the athletic director for Plymouth at the time and Sturtevant credits him with getting him established.

“Basically, I owe my life to him. He mentored me, he trained me. After a year and half at Plymouth I had the opportunity to apply for the job at Tippecanoe Valley and I got the job,” Sturtevant said.

Now, at 26, Sturtevant is confident he has found his right

career path.

“I love education-based athletics,” Sturtevant said. “It’s a

blessing to see our kids compete everyday. That’s what it is. It’s about the kids.”

Holcomb announces $30M funding for school safety

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced the approval of more than $29.8 in matching state grants, marking the fifth straight year of record-breaking investments in the safety of Indiana schools.

In Kosciusko county, the following schools were issued the following grant amounts:

• Lakeland Christian Academy was allocated $91,083.

• Sacred Heart School was allocated $34,776.

• Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation was allocated $100,000.

• Warsaw Community Schools was allocated $100,000.

• Wawasee Community School Corporation was allocated $65,000.

In Elkhart County, the following schools were issued the following grant amounts:

• Bethany Christian School was allocated $5,835.20.

• Fairfield Community Schools,

was allocated $99,545.10.

• Goshen Community Schools was allocated $100,000.

• Wa-Nee Community Schools was allocated $100,000.

In Noble County, the following schools were issued the following grant amounts:

• Central Noble Community School Corporation was allocated $88,839.15.

• East Noble School Corporation was allocated $93,024.01.

• West Noble School Corporation was allocated $100,000.

In Whitley County, the following schools were issued the following grant amounts:

• Whitko Community School Corporation was allocated $50,000.

• Whitley County Schools was allocated $100,000.

Earlier this year, the Indiana General Assembly approved Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda budget proposal to increase the Secured School Safety Grant by

$25M each year. Due to additional funding from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security budget, the Board voted to approve all application requests, totaling 605 projects for 474 schools.

“These school safety grants represent another example of historic investments in public safety,” Holcomb said. “I am pleased we are able to financially support every school that identified safety as a top priority.”

Since 2013, Indiana has invested in school safety, when the SSSG program was initiated. For this fiscal year, the board approved $29,824,803.67 in school safety funding. The performance period for the grants begins Sept. 1. Holcomb’s 2023 agenda also included significant modernizing reforms to the SSSG through House Enrolled Act 1492, including broader access, greater flexibility and new uses.

The breakdown of applicants and grant money allocated for each is as follows:

• There were 302 applicants for student resource officer/law enforcement officer grants, with $19,425,611.83 allocated.

• There were 208 applicants for equipment, tech and Hardware grants, with $8,325,

667.02 allocated.

• There were 31 applicants for student and parents support services grants, with $1,150,253.41 allocated.

• There were 21 applicants for training grants, with $160,820.29 allocated.

• There were seven applicants for firearm training for staff grants, with $101,979 allocated.

• There were six applicants for AEWS grants, with $100,737.50 allocated.

• There were seven applicants for site vulnerability assessment grants, with $20,962.82 allocated.

• There were two applicants for bullying prevention grants, with $17,000 allocated.

• There were 11 applicants for design and construction grants, with $521,771.80 allocated.

• There were no applicants for post-incident counseling services grants, so there was no money allocated.

“Since the inception of the Secured Schools Safety Grant program, we have listened to schools across the state about what they see as their greatest needs in the way of safety,” said IDHS Executive Director Joel Thacker. “As a result, this year we can offer more eligible funding categories than ever before, leading to saf-

er schools and an overall better learning environment.”

The Indiana School Safety Hub provides schools with a wealth of resources, training opportunities and other information designed to give schools the tools they need to keep students and staff safe.

City of Warsaw updates milling, paving schedule

The city of Warsaw has released an updated schedule for milling and paving projects.

All work is dependent on the weather. The city will provide further updates about any major changes.

Wednesday, Sept. 6 — Continuing milling and patching work on Jefferson Street; paving Country Club Drive

Thursday, Sept. 7 — Paving County Farm Road/Ranch Road

Friday, Sept. 8 — Paving Jefferson Street

Saturday, Sept. 9 — Paving Jefferson Street

Thursday, Sept. 21 — Milling Center Street

Friday, Sept. 22 — Milling Buffalo Street

Monday, Sept. 25 — Paving Center Street

Tuesday, Sept. 26 — Paving Buffalo Street

Kosciusko Connect installing fiber beyond Kosciusko REMC membership

Kosciusko Connect, a provider of fiber internet services to Kosciusko REMC members, has announced it has begun fiber internet installations to some nonmember locations.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet, we have started to actively explore opportunities to extend our services beyond our cooperative membership in Kosciusko County,” said Kosciusko REMC and Kosciusko Connect President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt Carver.

Kosciusko Connect has completed its initial fiber network construction project and successfully connected more than 7,200 residences and businesses to fiber internet since December 2021.

“We are proud of the positive impact we have made on the lives of our members, empowering them with faster, more reliable internet connections that enhance their everyday experiences,” said Carver.

Currently, Kosciusko Connect is connecting a small number of customers, who are not members of Kosciusko REMC. These

customers reside near existing KREMC lines or in an area where it has built fiber on the way to serve KREMC members.

Carver said the company understands that the larger community is excited about the possibility of having access to Kosciusko Connect’s fiber internet service.

“We appreciate the continued patience as we continue to evaluate and plan our continued expansion,” said Carver.

After the completion of its initial two-year project, Kosciusko Connect is poised to launch its newest expansion project: building a fiber network to service more than 90 residents of the town of Sydney. The project is facilitated by $302,798.45 in allocated funds from the Kosciusko County American Rescue Plan Act. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

If you are interested in receiving Kosciusko Connect service, register your address at https:// register.kosciuskoconnect.com. Follow Kosciusko Connect’s website, social media channels and podcast for the latest news and updates regarding expansion.

Parkinson’s support group will meet Sept. 8

The Parkinson’s Support Group of Warsaw will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the administrative offices of Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, formerly Kosciusko Community Hospital.

Aaron Turner, who has been with Regional Rehabilitation since 2009, will be the guest speaker. The topic for the evening is “Physical Therapy: Daily Movement for Your Good Health.”

Turner attended Grace College, received an undergraduate degree in biology and has a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Indiana University.

Each month’s meeting is an opportunity to learn from professionals and specialists in the community, along with receiving answers to questions, sharing experiences and encouraging other participants.

The support group is open to

Trine University students complete degrees

The following area Trine University students completed degrees at the end of the second summer 2023 term.

• Rye Stevens, Pierceton, completing a degree in biology.

• Harshitha Chadalavada, Warsaw, completing a degree in Master of Business Administration.

• Russell Keene, Warsaw, completing a degree in Master of Science in engineering management.

• Gaurav Pandey, Warsaw, completing a degree in Master of Science in information studies.

• Michelle Thrasher, Milford, completing a degree in Master of Business Administration.

all members of the community and meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month, except December, at the administrative office classroom of Lu-

theran Kosciusko Hospital, door No. 20. A parking lot is located on Provident Drive. For information, contact Pam Baucom at (574) 370-5709.

‘Touch-A-Truck’ fundraiser in Silver Lake

Silver Lake Fire Department will hold a “Touch-A-Truck” fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. The event will include fire trucks, construction vehicles, emergency

vehicles and more.

Food and beverages will be available for a freewill donation.

The fire department is located at 702 E. Main St., Silver Lake.

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Good Neighbors

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

Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. This column will run every other week.

—o—

Lily bulbs

Good neighbors: Free lily bulbs, Warsaw area. If interested, please reply through this column with contact information. — A neighbor

New questions

Ladies gloves — Is there anyone in the Nappanee area that would be interested in ladies gloves, many colored ones? Reply through this column. — A reader

Welder/fence row cleaning — I need a welder who can make a large peace sign out of rebar and old

iron wheel and someone who can clean out everything on fence rows; trees, grapevines and weeds. Kewanna area. Reply through this column. — A neighbor

Old gas stove/screen replacement — I need to find an old gas stove with the name of “Chambers,” either in good working order or one for parts only. Also need someone who can replace the screen in four porch doors. I have the screen and can deliver the frames. Kewanna area. Reply through this column.

— A reader

Canning jars — Would any good neighbor have pint jelly or quart-size jars? Prefer in the Nappanee area. If not in Nappanee, would you be able to deliver? Call (574) 773-7736, ext. 1.

LEGO sets — Does anyone have LEGOs/LEGO sets they don’t want or need in the Nappanee/Bremen/Wakarusa area? Call (574) 747-7017 and leave a message.

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary starts annual nut sale

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s annual fruit, nut and candy sale has begun, and the last day to order will be Friday, Sept. 29.

People can obtain an order

form from any member, at the Salvation Army office, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, or by calling (574) 267-5361. Also, a form can be downloaded at sawarsaw. org. Payment is due at the time

of order.

Curbside pickup of orders is planned for Nov. 9 and 10 at the women’s building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw.

What?! Brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are the same plant?

large group by itself, I will focus on three particular species of this genus that provide much of our food:

B. oleracea (e.g., kale, collard greens, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower),

species. Turnips and Chinese cabbage can cross pollinate with each other, too.

Many of our most popular vegetable plants come from the mustard family, or Brassicaease, which contains 338 known genus and more than 3,700 species worldwide. One of the subgroups in that family is the genus Brassica.

While the genus Brassica is a

B. napus (e.g. rutabaga, rape)

B. rapa (e.g., turnip, Chinese cabbage, bok choi)

All of these plants can potentially cross-pollinate within their species. For example, kale, kolhrabi and Brussel sprouts can cross pollinate with each other because they are all oleracea

However, kale cannot cross pollinate with rutabagas or turnips, because they are a different species. The fact some plants can cross pollinate does not affect the taste or the look of this year’s plant. If the seeds were saved, the offspring would be some odd combination of the two parents, and may or may not be very desirable.

The development of these plants is an incredible story. Just

Food Bank mobile food distributions set for September

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana has set its mobile food distributions for September.

Assorted food items are offered free of charge. All items are preboxed and pre-bagged. Distribution is first-come, first-served,

while supplies last, for those in need of food assistance. One box or bag of food is available per household.

Distributions are drive-thru and remain in the vehicle and open the trunk to receive items.

Live Well Kosciusko announces launch of educational campaign

Live Well Kosciusko, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing, recently announced the launch of a campaign aimed at educating the community on new public health funding and the opportunity it brings to small communities.

Health First Indiana is the state of Indiana’s initiative created to improve public health. As part of the initiative, new funding has been designated to support core public health services. The state of Indiana has published Key Performance Metrics that 60% of local funding must support. Live Well Kosciusko provides programs in several of those areas and is encouraged by the possibility of expanding programs into small communities in Kosciusko County.

Rural communities often ex-

perience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity due to limited access to preventive care services and healthy lifestyle resources. By investing in health programs for the rural population, the county can work toward reducing these disparities.

Live Well Kosciusko has been at the forefront of providing essential resources, education and support to individuals seeking to lead healthier lives. The organization’s mission centers around fostering positive lifestyle changes, promoting well-being, and ensuring accessible health-related programs to all.

An area will be available for selfloading if the trunk does not open. Kroger, United Way of LaPorte County, United Way of Marshall County and HealthLinc are sponsoring the distributions.

Kosciusko County

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, while supplies last, at Mary and Jerry’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, 10352 W. CR 600S, Mentone. This is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution and will serve 200 households.

• 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, while supplies last, at North Webster American Legion Post 253, 756 S. Main St., North Webster. This is a USDA distribution and will serve 200 households.

Elkhart County

• 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 8, while supplies last, at New Paris Missionary Church, 67621 SR 15, New Paris. This is a USDA distribution and will serve 200 households.

Marshall County

• 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 28, while supplies last, in the park behind the LaPaz Fire Station, Park Drive, LaPaz. This distribution is sponsored by the United Way of Marshall County with added USDA product and will serve 200 households.

look at Brassica oleracae, a single plant which humans have been modifying through artificial selection for over 1,000 years. In the original form, it is a weedy little plant growing between rocks in the Mediterranean. By selecting and breeding the plant for bigger leaves or larger buds or better taste, at least seven different looking plants all sharing the same scientific name, Brassica oleracae are fed to people all over the world.

Kale and collard greens were the first to be domesticated, probably before 300 B.C. In the 1200’s, red and green cabbage was selected from kale plants for its large terminal bud. Brussel sprouts appeared at the same time, bred for their tiny cabbage-like buds that grow along the stem.

Kohlrabi, the odd-looking plant that looks amazingly like the little green men in the Toy Story movie, first appeared in the 1400s, selectively bred from kale for its thick round stalk. Broccoli came along in the 1500s, again from kale, and was selected for its larger flower stalk, which are harvested before the plant flowers. A hundred years later, cauliflower was developed from some broccoli varieties, focusing on the flower buds once again.

This fascinating story, spanning more than 2,000 years, shows humans have been tinkering with the genetics of our food for a long time. While some people are very concerned about genetically modified organisms, I will contend these new lab techniques like CRISPR are just a way for us to do the same thing our ancestors did, but in a more precise, direct and faster way.

In fact, if you really think about it, even plants that are labeled “non-GMO” really are GMOs, even so-called heirloom varieties. The popular tomato, Brandywine, is the product of years of selected breeding, not natural selection. No plant we cultivate in 2023 has avoided human tinkering. The term GMO is not really a very accurate label.

The other issue that can keep plants of the same species from crossing with each other is simply the timing of flowering and pollen drop. Broccoli and cauliflower may be able to cross pollinate, but if the flowers emerge at different times, the physical transfer of the pollen is not going to happen. Plant breeders need to take into account planting dates if they wish to force pollination between two similar but off-timing species.

‘New Beginnings’ brunch at Pathway Church Sept. 16

“New Beginnings,” a gathering for women of any age, will be hosting a brunch from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in the gym at Pathway Church, 2402 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the brunch. The event is free, but those attending are asked to bring personal hygiene

items, which will be donated to All Things New in Warsaw.

To register for the brunch, call the church at (574) 267-7983 by Monday, Sept. 11, along with any child care needs you have for children age 3 or younger (age and number of young ones). Those calling are asked to leave a phone number.

Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival celebrating 50 years

There aren’t many pioneer festivals that have lasted 50 years. The Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival is one of the lucky ones as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10.

“It will be the same festival, just a bit bigger, but not commercial,” said Jim Hossler of the Stone’s Trace Historical Society.

The Pioneer Festival and Regulators Rendezvous will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.

Stone’s Trace is located 1 1/2 miles south of Ligonier at the junction of US 33 and SR 5. Parking is available at West Noble High School with shuttle buses ready to transport visitors across the highway to the festival.

The 50th fall festival will feature the frontiersman and pioneers of northeaster Indiana with long hunters, tomahawk skills, primitive archery, Native American reenactors, craft demonstrators and vendors, 1812 reenactors, a Civil War encampment.

This year there will be two stages at the event. The main stage will remain out front at the tav-

ern. This is where the musicians perform. A second stage will be set up in the Civil War area. This is where five Civil War Generals will be seen. Reenactors will portray General Robert E. Lee; General Ulysses S. Grant, General J.E.B. Stuart; General Edward Ord; and General George Meade. A Benjamin Harris reenactor, a native of West Noble, will also be participating in the festival.

A traveling Civil War museum is coming to the festival and will be located in the Civil War area.

There will be new kid’s games, all period correct, such as Mousetrap Puppet Theatre. Librarians from area libraries will be coming to do games on both days of the festival.

A large variety of food will be available on-site, including ham and beans, fry bread and apple fritters.

Many demonstrations will also be taking place, including weaving, felting, wheat weaving, chair caning, broom making, pewter casting, wool dyeing, basket weaving, spinning, blacksmithing and stained glass.

Be sure to bring lawn chairs or a blanket and stay all day to listen to music of the heritage;

Paul Mitchell, Liza & Mark, The Browns and Hand Hewn will per-

form on Saturday. The Applejack Cloggers will also perform.

Visit with Johnny Appleseed as he strolls the festival grounds.

Saturday will conclude with a

closing ceremony at 5 p.m.

Sunday’s activities will begin with an opening ceremony featuring the National Anthem and flag raising Frontier Gathering with

Reverend Hansen and Living Water Church.

Performers for Sunday include Paul Mitchell, Liza & Mark, Craig

Continued on page 7

New history book tells the story of Goshen College’s journey around identity, inclusion

A new Goshen College history, “A Mennonite College for Everyone (?): Goshen College and the Quest for Identity and Inclusion, 1960-2020,” vividly describes the transformation of a faith-based, liberal arts college as it has wrestled with questions of identity and inclusion in a context of rapid social and culture change.

Author

researched and

John D. Roth, a noted Anabaptist-Mennonite scholar and professor emeritus of history at Goshen College,

gathered information for the book from the college’s extensive archives. He brings the dynamic, often challenging story to life in chapters about the denominational relationships, international engagement, racial inclusion, gender and culture wars, LGBTQ+ inclusion, athletics, Latinx/Hispanic enrollment, and Anabaptist stances toward patriotism and nationalism.

Goshen College President Rebecca Stoltzfus wrote in the book’s foreword, “The stories in this book

are very human — in turns dismaying and hopeful, but always soul-stirring. … Roth has provided a rigorous and humane account of a Mennonite college that has been and continues to be transformed — rooted in a particular heritage and theology and continually subverted by its very motto and mission. I hope that we learn from these stories as Goshen College strives toward our present vision: ‘Rooted in the way of Jesus, we seek inclusive community and transformative justice in all that we do.’”

Although the story he tells is focused on Goshen College — a Midwestern school shaped by Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition — the narrative illuminates the experience of many other mission-driven colleges and universities which are undergoing similar changes. It asks the question: Can a progressive vision be integrated with deep conservative impulses that shape denominational and political realities? “A Mennonite College for Everyone(?)” shows a way forward: Tell the story honestly and well, and begin the careful, courageous weighing of lessons learned.

“A Mennonite College for Everyone (?)” is available for purchase at Fables Bookstore, 215 S. Main St., or the Goshen College Box Office, 1700 S. Main St. The box office is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for students on campus.

John D. Roth will be holding a book release and conversation on campus 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. He will also be available to meet and sign books 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Fables Bookstore.

During the past 20 years, Goshen College has undergone a profound demographic, religious and cultural transformation. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of students

identifying as other than white U.S. Americans, grew from 16 percent to 55 percent, with the largest growth coming from Latin/Hispanic students, who currently make up 30 percent of the student body. In 2023, the college was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Fewer students today live on campus than 20 years ago; the percentage of first-generation students has significantly increased; one-third of students are involved in athletics; and a greater percentage qualify for grants from the federal government for families with the largest financial need.

During the same period of time, the religious profile of the campus changed significantly, with a decline in the percentage of students and teaching faculty who identify as Mennonite, the religious denomination with which the college is affiliated. The number of Mennonites and Mennonite youth declined similarly and concurrently. In 2002, the college adopted a set of five core values that express its Christian theological and educational values in non-denominational language.

Also in terms of religious identity, in 2015 Goshen College, along with two sister Mennonite colleges, voluntarily withdrew from the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities when the college announced a new hiring policy not acceptable to the council.

Goshen College no longer discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and in fact openly welcomes and celebrates LGBTQ+ employees, students and alumni.

“These changes offer opportunities for revitalization of our campus culture as well as our commitments to social justice and cross-cultural engagement. It’s essential to reflect honestly on our own history and to integrate these changes into our institutional story and identity,” said

Stoltzfus. “I am very grateful that Professor Roth took on this important writing project as a final gift to the college as he was retiring.”

In 2021, Goshen College received a NetVUE “Reframing the Institutional Saga” grant to examine and frame the college’s history, identity and heritage in light of the present context of the college’s mission and vision. The college was among a select group of NetVUE members chosen to receive one of these awards, which were made possible through financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges by Lilly Endowment Inc. The grant supported the writing of this new history.

Stone’s Trace Pioneer

Continued from page 6

Malone with the Bixby funeral letter event and Inclognito Cloggers.

The event will conclude at 4 p.m. with a closing ceremony and a flag lowering.

Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds. Service animals are allowed.

Admission is $8 for those 12 and up. Those age 11 and under are free. For the first time, the festival will be taking credit cards at the gate for admission. There is a nominal service fee for credit card charges.

For more information visit www.stonestrace.com.

Festival parking - across highway at West Noble School Corporation. Shuttle bus transportation to site. Handicap Accessible. No household pets, Service Animals only! Group tours - schedule with Janet Sweeney or Jim Hossler.

FESTIVAL ADMISSION: $8.00 per person age 12 and over; 11 and under free. All other events: donations accepted.

SCHEDULE

Frontiersman Camp: Black Powder Shooting Skills Camp Life

Long Hunter Cabins Tomahawk & Knife Skills

Blacksmith

Primitive Archery

Blanket Traders

Sutler Shops

Pioneer area:

Pioneer Log Cabin

Woodworking Shop

Pony Wagon Rides

Johnny Appleseed

Stone’s Tavern

Food Area

Children’s Area:

Mousetrap Puppet Theater

Scavenger Hunt

Kids Games

Face Painting

Hands On Activities

1812 Military Camp:

Field Cannon Camp Life

Civil War Camp:

Field Hospital & Mortician

Camp Life

Military Cannon

President Abraham Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln

General US Grant

General Robert E. Lee

Traveling Civil War Museum

Demonstrators & Exhibitors: Weaving

Quilting

Herbs

Pottery

Duck Decoys

Penny Rugs

Basket Weaving

Spinning

Sutler Shops

Pewter Casting

Grapevine Weaving Beekeeping

Felting

Blacksmith

Wheat Weaving

Gunsmith

Rug Weaving

Rug Hooking

Needle Work

Wool Dyeing Chair Caning

CIVIL WAR STAGE SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 9

10:00 General Grant & President Lincoln

12:00 General Robert E. Lee

2:00 President Lincoln

4:00 General Grant & General Ord

Sunday, September 10

11:00 General Robert E. Lee

1:00 General Grant & President Lincoln

3:00 General Meade

With so much more to taste and see, come on out to the festival and find what is in store for you!

O BITUARIES

Michael T. Graff Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital Employee

Michael T. Graff, known to most simply as “Mike,” unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born Aug. 2, 1964, in Wabash County. He graduated from NorthWood High School in 1982 and attended Valparaiso University with a focus on journalism.

Mike was hard-working and dedicated himself to whatever he did. He spent time working for several RV factories and several feed mills, including ADM and Purina. Most recently, he worked in environmental services at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. He was respected for his commitment and strong work ethic.

Family and friends will always remember Mike for his good sense of humor and his dad jokes. He had a knack for making people laugh and brightening up any room he entered. He had a quick wit and infectious laughter.

Those who knew Mike described him as occasionally stubborn but also as a big teddy bear with an immense heart for his family. He took great joy in spoiling his grandchildren and showering love upon his wife. His children were a great source of pride for him.

Outside of work and family, Mike had diverse interests. He had a deep appreciation for music from the ’80s across all genres. DC Comics captivated his imagination and he found solace being around lakes, appreciating their beauty. Mike also enjoyed collecting knives as a hobby.

Surviving Mike is his wife and partner of more than 31 years, Tami Graff of Warsaw; son, Brandon (Ashley) Graff of Warsaw; daughter, Tori (Christopher) Bourland of Wakarusa; daughter, Kati (fiancé, Dakota Brown) of Vista, Calif.; and three cherished grandchildren. He also leaves behind his parents, Marty and Donna Graff; and two siblings.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw. A life celebration service followed the visitation beginning at 7 p.m.

Betty Joan Burns

Betty Joan Burns, 86, died Aug. 18, 2023.

She was born Aug. 10, 1937. She married David “Buck” Burns, who preceded her in death in 2018.

She is survived by a daughter, Deb J. Anderson, Milford; sons, Jerry L. Burns, North Webster, and Jeffrey D. Burns, Monroe, Ga.; six grandchildren; four great-children; sisters, Julia Galloway, Goshen, and Penny Lamb, North Webster; and brother, Larry Keim, Hot Springs, Ark.

A memorial service was held Sept. 2 at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster. Burial was in Mocks Cemetery, North Webster Addition.

Nicole Coburn

Nicole Coburn, 41, Syracuse, died Aug. 25, 2023.

She was born May 1, 1982.

She is survived by a son, Isaiah Tiscareno, Cromwell; father, Ronnie Coburn Sr., Wolf Lake; brothers, Ronnie Coburn Jr., Columbia City, and Justin Coburn, Goshen; and grandmother, Helga Hewitt, Columbia City.

Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City. DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City, was in charge of arrangements.

Robert D. Coplen

Robert D. Coplen, 61, Pierceton, formerly of Rochester, died at 2:48 a.m. Aug. 28, 2023.

He was born Aug. 28, 1962.

Surviving are sons, Travis Yoder,

Indiana, and Brian D. Coplen, Michigan; sister, Serita Markley, Rochester; and brother, Timothy Coplen, Rochester.

No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.

Loretta Jean Deason

Loretta Jean Deason, 65, Culver, formerly of Monterey, died Aug. 26, 2023.

She was born Aug. 10, 1958. She married Johnny Deason, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her father, William J. Zehner Sr., Warsaw; daughters, Gina Navarro and Dorothy Elsea; sons, James Deason, Johnny Deason and William Deason; sisters, Amy Housinger and Marcella Hopple; brothers, Matthew Zehner, Joseph Zehner and Mark Zehner; 11 grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Mike Hurford.

A graveside service was held Sept.

1 at St. Anne’s Cemetery, Monterey.

Anita DeFrees

Anita DeFrees, 90, Nappanee, died Aug. 29, 2023.

She was born March 6, 1933. On May 29, 1954, she married Harvey DeFrees Jr.; he survives.

She is also survived by a son, Philip DeFrees, Muncie; daughter, Elaine Howell, Bluff City, Tenn.; three grandchildren; a stepgrandson; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Linda Hathaway, Liberty Mills.

Services were held Sept. 1 at

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial was in Union Center Cemetery.

Richard Allen Dilling

Richard Allen Dilling, 83, Warsaw, died at 3:05 p.m. Aug. 30, 2023.

He was born July 30, 1940. On Aug. 17, 1968, he married Linda Marlene Edmiston; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Dawn D. Halbakken, Ostrander, Ohio; sons, John M. Dilling, South Bend, and Richard A. Barnhill-Dilling, Durham, N.C.; five grandchildren; sisters, Donna Kay Karickhoff, Blacksburg, Va., and Suzanne Jean Gray, Wabash; and brothers, Joseph E. Dilling, Roaring Spring, Pa., Thomas E. Dilling, South Whitley, and David L. Dilling, Warsaw.

A memorial service was held Sept. 1 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial will be at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Richard Dobbins

Richard Dobbins, 94, Warsaw, died Aug. 28, 2023.

He was born Jan. 18, 1929. He married Laura F. Dobbins, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, Richard J. Dobbins; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Ted Dobbins; and his companion, Phyllis Kirkendall.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 E. Center St., Warsaw. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis A.

Haynes

Dennis A. Haynes, 64, North Manchester, died Aug. 30, 2023.

He was born Oct. 16, 1958. On Sept. 6, 2012, he married June Airgood; she survives.

Also surviving are his twins, Derek Haynes, Peru, and Brooke Betten, North Manchester; brothers, David Haynes, Akron, Douglas Haynes, North Manchester, and Dwight Haynes, Laketon; sister, Dail Ann Moore, Ramseur, N.C.; and five grandchildren.

Dennis’s wishes were not to have a service, but instead remember him in your own way. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, was in charge of arrangements.

James S. Hostetler

James S. Hostetler, 81, Waubee Lake, Milford, died Aug. 29, 2023.

He was born March 4, 1942.

He is survived by his wife, Joy (Faulkner) Hostetler; daughter, Angie Hostetler, Milford; son, Clark Hostetler, Goshen; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Mary Hostetler, Fishers.

The family will be grieving private; no services will be held. Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is in charge of arrangements.

Helen M. Huffer

Helen M. Huffer, 104, Warsaw, died at 4:24 p.m. Aug. 25, 2023.

She was born March 2, 1919. She married Charles Huffer, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a daughter, Connie Fields, Columbia City; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A life celebration was held Sept. 2 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Daryl Keith

Daryl Keith died Aug. 26, 2023. All services are private. McHattonSadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary K. Kelly

Mary “Kathy” K. Kelly, 78, Warsaw, died Aug. 28, 2023. She was born Nov. 27, 1944. She

married Michael Kelly; he survives.

She is also survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jacque and Troy Stukowski; and two grandsons.

No services are planned at this time. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Beverly June Konkle

Beverly June Konkle, 83, Warsaw, died at 11:44 p.m. Aug. 28, 2023.

She was born Sept. 14, 1939. On Sept. 24, 1994, she married LeRoy Eugene Konkle. He preceded her in death Dec. 10, 2020.

Surviving are sons, David Shepherd, Moncks Corner, S.C., and Danny Shepherd, Warsaw; daughters, Billie Myers, Columbia City, Sherri Day Sanders, Louisville, Ky., Julie Kaladadi, Elkhart, and Lori Adams, Ogden, Utah; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dottie Bentley, Westville.

Services were held Sept. 1 at God’s Highway to Heaven Church, Warsaw. A graveside service followed at Palestine Cemetery. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Alice E. Meeks

Alice E. Meeks, 99, Warsaw, died Aug. 26, 2023.

She was born Nov. 26, 1923. On April 21, 1946, she married Junior Meeks. He preceded her in death Dec. 11, 1999.

She is survived by a son-in-law, Richard Silverman; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a nephew; a niece; and her children, Elaine, Sue and Rick.

Services were held Aug. 30 at Pierceton Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Pierceton, was in charge of arrangements.

Russell Arthur Menzie Sr.

Russell Arthur Menzie Sr., 84, died Aug. 29, 2023.

He was born March 13, 1939.

He is survived by a son, Russell Arthur Menzie Jr., Columbia City; six grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Norma Garcia, Warsaw; and a stepson, Larry Payne, Logansport.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Gundrum Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of service. A private inurnment will take place at Davis Cemetery near Burnettsville.

Robert W. Myers Sr.

Robert Wayne “Bob” Myers Sr., 81, died Aug. 23, 2023.

She was born Jan. 8, 1942. On Sept. 21, 1966, he married Madaline Miller; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Robert W. Myers Jr., Fort Wayne; daughter, Christy Myers, Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; sisters, Betty, Katie and Sue; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Aug. 31 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors.

Rebecca A. Richard

Rebecca A. Richard, 71, Warsaw, died Aug. 24, 2023.

She was born July 4, 1952. On May 24, 1975, she married Daniel W. Richard; he survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Erin Richard, Indianapolis, and Kelly Rodriguez, Yorktown; two granddaughters; sisters, Mary Wilbur, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Karen Tobias, Nappanee; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held Aug. 30 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, at a later date.

Sanford J. Schrock

Sanford J. Schrock, 74, Goshen, died Aug. 27, 2023.

He was born April 25, 1949. On Aug. 20, 1983, he married Janie

Speicher; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Benjamin Schrock, Millersburg; stepmother, Christina Schrock, Ligonier; and sisters, Denise Hershman, Ligonier, Harriet Martin, Goshen, and Eleanor Johnston, Knox.

Services will be private at YoderCulp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen, at a later date.

Lorees C. Sherman

Lorees C. Sherman, 93, Warsaw, died Aug. 25, 2023.

She was born March 29, 1930. On June 30, 1973, she married Max Sherman; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Kathy Couvillion, Covington, La., Laurie Marracini, McKeesport, Pa., and James Sidary, Monessen, Pa.; stepchildren, C. Elaine Sherman, Pittsburgh, Pa., Maxine Sherman, Hastings on the Hudson, N.Y., and Joel Sherman, Pittsburgh, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held Aug. 31 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw.

Evelyn Lovelle

Moyer Simmons

Evelyn Lovelle Moyer Simmons, 89, Goshen, died at 7:01 a.m. Aug. 28, 2023.

She was born March 21, 1934. On April 26, 1953, she married Orville Edmund “Ed” Moyer, who preceded her in death Jan. 1, 2015. On June 23, 2018, she married Charles “Chuck” Simmons; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Timothy Moyer, Elkhart, and Thomas Moyer, Indianapolis; stepdaughter, Sonia Smittendorf, Elkhart; two stepgrandchildren; brothers, Ernie Pease and Terry Pease, both of Wabash; and a sister, Sharon Dwinell, Fort Wayne. Services were held Aug. 31 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Wabash Friends Cemetery.

Lorraine Sinkuler

Lorraine Sinkuler, 93, Warsaw, died Aug. 28, 2023.

She was born Aug. 4, 1930. She married Frank M. Sinkuler, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Victoria Schmitt, Wilmington, Ill., Martin Sinkuler, Baden-Baden, Germany, Lawrence Sinkuler, Greer, S.C., and Christine Oyer, Marion; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, with internment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Linda Kay Smith

Linda Kay Smith, 74, Warsaw, died at 5:50 a.m. Aug. 30, 2023.

She was born March 26, 1949. On Aug. 12, 1977, she married Alan A. Grimm, who preceded her in death Dec. 27, 1987. On Oct. 25, 2005, she married Dan L. Smith; he survives.

She is also survived by a son, Adam Grimm, Warsaw; daughter, Ashley Doty, Syracuse; stepson, Jason Smith; stepdaughter, Shera Chaney; three grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; brother, Randy J. Snyder, Warsaw; sister, Christine Farrell, Fishers; brother-in-law, Craig Smith, Pennsylvania; four nephews; and one niece.

Services were held Sept. 5 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Stony Point Cemetery, Atwood.

Savanah Lynn Stalhood

Savanah Lynn Stalhood, 17, Nappanee, died Aug. 28, 2023.

She was born May 31, 2006.

Surviving are her parents, Nicholas and Jessica Stalhood, Nappanee; sisters, Michelle Holman, Tucson, Ariz., and Angel and Jocelyn Stalhood, both of Nappanee; brother, Isaiah Stalhood, Nappanee; maternal grandparents, Mike Hayes, Kansas, Continued on page 9

L. Herschberger • 9783 E. 350 S. • Akron, IN 46910

Continued from page 8 and Debbie Rohten, Bolivar, Mo.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services were held Sept. 2 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Cremation followed services.

Earl Eugene Stutzman

Earl Eugene “Gene” Stutzman, 93, Warsaw, formerly of North Webster, died Aug. 30, 2023.

He was born May 5, 1930. He married Ruth L. Klopenstein, who preceded him in death. He then married Jean Korthal Smith, who survives.

He is also survived by a son, Brent Stutzman, Brownsburg; daughters, Becky Butterfield, Mus-

Marriage

Licenses

tang, Okla., and Debra Stutzman of Lafayette; sister, Sally Guard, Nappanee; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and stepsons, Kip Smith, Bloomington, Jay Smith, Bargersville, and Tim Smith, Mentone.

Services were held Sept. 5 at North Webster Church of God.

Burial was in Leesburg Cemetery.

Titus Funeral Home of North Webster was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ellen Truex

Mary Ellen (Middaugh) Truex died at 9:40 p.m. Aug. 27, 2023.

She was born Feb. 6, 1929. On May 7, 1949, she married Max H. Truex, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are sons, Mark Truex and

Matt Truex, both of Wakarusa, and Mike Truex, Goshen; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 2 at Bible Baptist Church, Wakarusa. Burial was in South Union Cemetery. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements

Marilyn R. Wallace

Marilyn R. Wallace, 85, Goshen, died at 3:35 p.m. Aug. 28, 2023.

She was born April 15, 1938. On July 14, 1962, she married Doney G. “Boots” Wallace. He preceded her in death Jan. 22, 2015.

She is survived by a daughter, Cheri Holmes, New Paris; son, Gary Wallace, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.; two grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 5 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Highland Memorial Park, Beloit, Ohio.

Larry D. Weaver

Larry D. Weaver, 79, Elkhart, died at 6:10 p.m. Aug. 24, 2023.

He was born Dec. 27, 1943. He married Mardell “Susie” Andrews; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Tim Weaver, Nappanee, and Todd Weaver, Mentor, Ohio; a stepson, Dustin Miller, Warsaw; a stepdaughter, Debi Xaver, Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 5 at Wakarusa United Methodist Church. Burial was in Olive West Cemetery, Elkhart. Thompson-Lengacher & Yo-

der Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Denise Whybrew

Margaret Denise Whybrew, 51, Tippecanoe, died at 7:04 p.m. Aug. 25, 2023.

She was born Dec. 5, 1971. On Nov. 23, 1990, she married Tillman “Tim” W. Whybrew; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Paige Miller, Mishawaka, Taylor Whybrew and Chase Whybrew, both of Tippecanoe; three grandchildren; mother-in-law, Donna Smith, Tippecanoe; and her BFF, Sandra Adkins Anders.

Visitation was held Aug. 31 at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Kosciusko County

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

Bonta-Vande Kamp

Cory Ryan Veugeler Bonta, 36, Claypool, and Danielle Marie Vande Kamp, 31, Claypool

Martz-Coffman

Madison E. Martz, 25, Warsaw, and Justin T. Coffman, 25, Warsaw

Wagoner-Hartle

Madison Elisabeth Wagoner, 24, Warsaw, and Braxton Paul Hartle, 26, Claypool

Wallace-Crum

Tonya R. Wallace, 48, Warsaw, and Eric Crum, 45, Warsaw

Amsden-Soriano

Quentin J. Amsden, 22, Bourbon, and Jennifer R. Soriano, 24, Warsaw Rego-Lesch

Anne Shirley Rego, 25, Warsaw, and Marcus Michael Lesch, 27, Warsaw Chupp-Miller

Kevin E. Chupp, 23, Nappanee, and Carla D. Miller, 22, Bremen Woods-Henry

Jayne E. Woods, 33, Syracuse, and

C OUNTY R EPORT B IRTHS

Jason E. Henry, 44, Syracuse Brown-Blankenship

Kayla L. Brown, 32, Nappanee, and Rachel N. Blankenship, 26, Nappanee Adkins-Rohrbaugh

Samantha A. Adkins, 44, Warsaw, and Anthony J. Rohrbaugh, 46, Warsaw Ebersole-Miller

Curtis C. Ebersole, 54, Etna Green, and Misty D. Miller, 49, Etna Green Hochstetler-Bender

Joel Hochstetler, 25, Nappanee, and Bethany Bender, 21, Bremen

Marriage Dissolutions

Elkhart County

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Elkhart Superior Court:

White — April Nichole White, no town noted, and Allen Stewart White III, Milford, without children.

Scott — Santasia Scott, Nappanee, and Eddie Scott, Goshen; without children.

Court News

Small Claims

Kosciusko County

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court

III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Michael Compton, $6,653.45; v. Tyler Johnson, $1,275.79; v. Bobbie Pelfrey, $1,055.22; v. Anthony Ward, $5,767.04 SAC Finance Inc. v. Joseph R. Heeter Jr., $8,410.31 Heron Preserve Partners RA, LLC v. Mercedes Jaynes, $1,313.21

Civil Collections

Kosciusko County

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Chris Kehler presiding: SAC Finance Inc. v. David J. Bowers, $6,748.37

Briar Ridge Apartments v. Hannah N. Dunn, Robert Roberson, $1,607 Warsaw Health System v. Matthew Glassman, $15,995.74

Credit Service International v. Randy J. Jessop, $2,911.06 Stone Creek Financial Inc. v. Blake Lamb, $3,514.80; v. Ana Malagon, $2,099.35

Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Scott Maughmer, $3,905.97; v. Jesse R. Pena, $1,499.46; v. Janua Riley, $764.61; v. Bri Ann Tait a/k/a Bri Ann M. Tait, $2,920.37

Discover Bank v. Kara Raymond, $11,642.98; v. Kaylee M. Rese $5,784.58 Capital One NA v. Abby Roberts, $2,332.33 CommunityWide Federal Credit

Union v. Debi K. Ruhe, $12,444.54

LVNV Funding LLC v. Michael T. Sautter, $5,058.35

OneMain Financial Group LLC v. Christopher R. Shafer, $4,424.79 Elkhart County

The following civil collection has been awarded in Elkhart County Superior Court III: Midland Credit Management, Inc. v. Andre Byler, Wakarusa, $2,450.29

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Noelia Gonzalez v. Eduardo Angel Aguilar Cuahuizo, $2,682.11

Main Street Inn v. Amanda Bridgeman, $2,908.08; v. Christina Haab (Myers) v. Amy Church, Ronald Church Jr., $10,000

Eastwood Apartments of Warsaw LLC v. Alissa Drummond, Johnny Witham, $2,215; v. Clifford D. Linn v. Sherman Gillum, $4,800; v. Li Na Mei Zhen v. Shade Manns, Theresa Manns, $3,085 Mineral Springs LLC v. Amber Richter, $6,000

Civil Torts

The following civil tort has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:

Progressive Paloverde Insurance Co. v. Brandon Bermingham, $7,309.71

Civil Plenary

The following civil plenary has

Abraham Matthew Risenger

Matthew and Anna (Needham) Risenger, Bremen, are the parents of a son, Abraham Matthew, born at 12:05 a.m. Aug. 23, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7.35 pounds and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Thomas and Barbara Needham, Africa. Paternal grandparents are Robert and Monica Risenger, Bremen.

Makenzie May Yoder

Joas and Stacy (Hershberger) Yoder, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Makenzie May, born at 5:17 a.m. Aug. 24, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Makenzie joins a sibling, Lindsey.

Crimson Lynn Koss

Josh Koss and Kyra Williams, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, Crimson Lynn, born at 1:08 p.m. Aug. 24, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 20 3/4 inches long.

Jacob Mathias Whelchel

James and Margaret (Miley) Whelchel, LaPorte, are the parents of a son, Jacob Mathias, born at 3:55 p.m. Aug. 24, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Leota

Burton and Peter Soria, Portage. Paternal grandparents are James and Patricia Whelchel, Lacrosse. Jacob joins two siblings, Evangeline and Athena.

Iva Caroline Hochstetler

Matthew and Marla (Miller) Hochstetler, Bremen, are the parents of a daughter, Iva Caroline, born at 4:07 p.m. Aug. 25, 2023. She weighed 7 pounds.

Timothy Jace Yoder

Nelson and Sarah (Nisley) Yoder, Millersburg, are the parents of a son, Timothy Jace, born at 11:54 a.m. Aug. 26, 2023, at home. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces.

Kate Emmaline Schmucker Brian and Regina (Hochstetler) Schmucker, Bremen, are the parents of a daughter, Kate Emmaline, born at 4:36 p.m. Aug. 26, 2023. She weighed 8 pounds.

Austin Kade Ramer

Arlin and Alyssa (Martin) Ramer, Goshen, are the parents of a son, Austin Kade, born at 2:54 p.m. Aug. 27, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 14.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Austin joins three siblings: Karissa, Karlin and Samantha.

been filed in Elkhart Circuit Court: Donegal Mutual Insurance Co., James and Deanne Quissell v. Chad M. Raby, Nappanee, and Catherine M. Rohn, Nappanee, $9,509.48

Mortgage Foreclosures

Elkhart County

The following mortgage foreclosure has been awarded in Elkhart County Superior Court III: Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership v. Joshuah J. Cherrone, Wakarusa, $174,881.07 Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Amber C. Weaver, a/k/a Amber Weaver, Goshen, Gina Schaefer, Nappanee, Discover Bank c/o Discover Products inc., et al, $108,424.89 together with interest at the rate of 3.375%.

Superior Court III

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

Failure to register — Eric D. Carnes, Warsaw, $164.50

Speeding — Cathy J. Yoder, New Paris, $164.50; Jesus A. Romo-Juarez, Warsaw, $164.50

No valid driver’s license — Pedro R. Sarabia, Warsaw, $164.50

Boat load beyond safe carrying capacity — Carlos Rico, Warsaw, $164

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Ryan M. Kennelly, Warsaw, $25 Distracted driving — Michael S. Moss, Warsaw, $164.50

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

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Garage Sales A070

311 N. BUFFALO ST., WARSAW, two blocks north of courthouse. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8-4.

GARAGE SALE: Sept. 7,8,9. Lawn roller, pressure cooker, cream cans, canning jars, crosscut saws, glassware, Cuttlebug, books, blue jars, too much to list. Carl Yoders, 9563 W. 750 N., Etna Green.

TUPPERWARE SALE 35-50% Off

Everything In Stock!

Sept. 7 & 8 • 8 am-6 pm Mary Hochstetler 4520 W. 1050 N., Milford

HUGE MULTI-FAMILY & AREA GARAGE SALES

Thurs.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 9am-1pm

Everything 1/2 Off On Saturday 68862 CR 11

(Between CR 44 & 46), Nappanee Wooden table w/4-matching chairs, bikes, window AC, wooden playset equipment, toys, lots of clothing (mens, womens, childrens, baby), shoes, home decor, kitchenware, lots and lots of miscellaneous.

Come Check Us Out!

Garage Sales A070

MASSIVE ESTATE SALE!

A lifetime of collecting. The house and barn are full. Kitchen items, vintage kitchen, linens, household, garage, upright freezer, Christmas/ holiday decor, garden, clothing. Several collections: a massive HO Train set-up, Boy Scout, vintage Tonka Jeepsters, vintage 1/25 scale model cars in original boxes, old quilts, glassware, Pierceton & Warsaw memorabilia, vintage clothing, Longaberger baskets, vintage/ antique toys. Woodworking tools, metal shelving racks, Exmark zero turn riding mower, Craftsman riding lawn mower, 1940s Willys Jeep transmissions, Adapter for Chevy to Willys Jeepster transmission straight 6, front axle 2WD 1948-50 for Willys delivery truck, and so much more! Pictures and details on estatesales.net 2087 E. 8 Square Rd., Warsaw, IN

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BUSINESS SERVICES

Construction C100

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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.

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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.

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

TV Satellite C400

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TOWN MARSHAL POSITION

The Mentone Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Town Marshal. Applications can be picked up at the Mentone Police Department or the Town of Mentone’s Clerk Treasurer’s office.

Interested applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent, and hold a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Applicants must have completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy or be able to do so upon a conditional offer for employment. Applicants not already having completed ILEA will be required to complete a physical agility test (minimum requirement is ILEA entrance standards). All applicants will be interviewed before consideration for the position. Applicants must reside in or be willing to move within 10 miles of the town limits of Mentone.

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Are

Silver Lake Lions to host fry

The Silver Lake Lions will be hosting a fish, chicken and tenderloin fry for $12 per pound at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Silver Lake Conservation Building, 12451 S. CR200W, Silver Lake. The event will run until food is sold out. Side dishes will be available and food is carry out only. This will be the last Lions fish fry until September 2024.

Yakym announces mobile office hours

Congressman Rudy Yakym announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in September throughout Indiana’s Second District.

The following mobile office hours will allow for Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with case work questions. Elkhart County

Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, Wakarusa Public Library, 124 N. Elkhart St., Wakarusa.

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, Goshen Chamber of Commerce, 232 S. Main St., Goshen.

10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, Nappanee City Hall, 300 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee. Kosciusko County

10-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, Bell Memorial Library, 101 W. Main St., Mentone.

10-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Etna Green Town Hall, 106 S. Walnut St., Etna Green.

10 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 25, Warsaw City Hall, 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw.

PUBLIC A UCTIONS

Online Only Auction

10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 — 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 7. 2.31+ acres on the Tippecanoe River. Zoned residential. Located on SR 15, 1.7 miles north of US 30 at Clearwater Dr. and SR 15. Bid online at schreaderauction.com. Auction Managers Gary Bailey (260) 417-4383 or Phil Wolfe (260) 2481191.

Real Estate & Antique Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Commercial lot, woods, buildings, 23+ acres offered in two tracts. 200+ garden tractors, quality antiques and primitives, pedal cars, signage, clocks, oil cans, petroliana. Located at 7529 W. 200S, Larwill. Bid live or online at bidmetzger. com.

Timed Online IH & Case IH Consignment Auction

Saturday, Sept. 2 — 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Tractor and implements, tractor parts new and used, memorabilia, More infor-

mation at batesauctionandrealty. com.

Raber Farm Auction

3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Horses, ponies, goats, buggies & harness, farm equipment, lawn & garden, butchering, farm tools, appliances. Located 3 miles north of Millersburg on SR 13 to CR 36, then west 1 1/2 miles, at 13621 CR 36, Goshen. Chupp Auctions.

Real Estate Auction

6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, held at Nelson’s Banquet Hall, 600 Maple Lane, Wakarusa. 64.6 acres in three parcels, located on CR 3, Wakarusa. Hahn Auctioneers.

Silver Coin Auction

3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Silver dollars (Morgan & Peace), half dollars, quarters, dimes, Buffalo, Liberty and Jefferson nickels, Indian and Lincoln pennies. Held at Hahn Auction Facility, 401 S. Oakland Ave., Nappanee.

Public Auction

3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Cadillac DTS, cargo trailers, golf

cart, shop tools, picture framing equipment, lawn & garden, antiques, furniture and household goods. Located at 1095 N. 925W, Shipshewana, 1 1/4 miles west of US 20 & SR 5 junction on US 20 to CR 925W, then north. Lewis & Lambright.

Real Estate Auction

6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Brick ranch home, 3 bed and 2 bath, 5-bay attached garage. Located at 1402 E. 225S, Winona Lake, on corner of CR 225S and Faunn St. Visit shcraderauction.com or call Auction Managers Gary Bailey (260) 417-4383 or Phil Wolfe (260) 248-1191 for more information.

Fox Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, personal property, 6 p.m. real estate. Brick ranch house on three acres (partially wooded) with outbuilding, golf cart, antiques, tools, household and miscellaneous. Located on the corner of CR 27 and CR 48 at 17603 CR 48, New Paris.

Timed Online Only Auction

Lots start closing 10 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 14. :Late model and antique restored tractors, implements, backhoe, trailer, shop, lawn & garden, antiques and more. Three sites, Sites 1 & 2 located at 8255 N. 550E, Syracuse. Site 3 located at 4863 800N, Leesburg. Preview 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. Catalog and absentee bid forms available, schraderauction.com.

Draper Estate Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Tractors, vehicles, vintage motorcycles, garden tractors, tools, building supplies, primitives, toy tractors, Atari, household furniture, collectibles. Located at 1195 E. 550N, Rochester.

Timed Online Only Personal Property Auction

Lots start closing 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Van, camper, RV supplies, golf cart, mower, trailer, household/ collectibles, antiques, shop/lawn & garden, ammo, guns & accessories, reenactment muskets and clothing. Preview noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, located at 1402 E. 225S, Winona Lake. Catalogs and absentee bid forms available at schraderauction.com.

Public Collectors Auction

4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Doors open for previews at 1 p.m. Collector coins, guns, knives and watches. Expecting 100+ guns and 200-300 coin lots. Held at Claywood Event Center, 13924 N. 1100W, Nappanee. For pictures, visit auctionzip.com, Auctioneer ID #52210. Premiere Auctions.

Online Only Commercial Real Estate Auction

Thursday, Sept. 21. Lot 1: 6.47 acre lot with pond, 1.62 acres zoned residential with surrounding 4.85 acres zoned commercial, located at 8041 E. 400N, Leesburg. Lot 2: 1 acre, potential building site with US 30 visibility, 2-car garage included, located at US 30 and Mill St., Pierceton. Bid online at bidmetzger.com.

Robert

of Kosciusko County

Cancer Care Fund hosts fifth annual Glow Golf event KCCCF raises $17K through golf fundraiser

The fifth annual Glow Golf fundraiser, hosted by the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, was Friday, June 16, at Wawasee Golf Club.

Committee member, Lisa Rosales, led this year’s event. Food was supplied by Big Mouth BBQ’s food truck and attendees lined up

Continued on page 4

During its annual golf fundraiser, the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund committee raised over $17,000 in 2022.

Because the fund is administered by The K21 Health Foundation, it covers the administrative costs; every penny of the funds raised went back to Kosciusko County cancer patients.

This year’s fundraiser was held at the Maxwelton Golf Course, Syracuse. The event was a scramble and included a shotgun start. Contests included a 50/50 putting contest, one ball for $5 and three balls for $10; golf grenades, $5 each; a par-three contest, $10; and team skins, $20 each. Participants had the chance to promote a business or a loved one by sponsoring a hole for $150. A sign was placed at the tee box during the event.

The fundraiser hosted a $5,000 Hole Contest Dream Golf Getaway. For an additional $200 per foursome, participants had a chance to win a dream golf getaway for two.

A Charity Golf International professional long driver teed off on a selected par five and every team member had a chance to hole out for a hole in two and win a trip for two, which included Ameri-

can Airlines airfare, two nights at The Pebble Beach Lodge and three rounds of golf at Pebble Beach Links, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. This year, the raffle prize was a four-day, three-night Sandals Re-

sort vacation.

The 2022 golf fundraiser hosted 27 teams. The teams who won with the best low score were ERS Wireless, men; Jo Lemon, women; and Crossroads Bank, co-ed.

Cindi Wells believes its important to give back to the community

fore I was on the board,” Cindi said. “I’ve been selling golf balls at the golf outing for 10 years.”

Approximately 10 years ago, Sandy Green approached Cindi Wells at the Sleepy Owl and started telling her about the Cancer Care Fund and how the board needed help getting the word about it out to the public.

Wells decided to get involved, assisting with the Cancer Care Fund’s outreach committee, “because not a lot of people knew about the fund,” she said.

The outreach committee would set up booths at farmers markets and other community events to provide information about the Cancer Care Fund.

Looking back over her tenure with the Cancer Care Fund committee, Wells found a donation letter from 2013. Back then the committee members developed mailing lists from the area lake directories.

Today, Cindi and her husband, Jeff, serve on the Cancer Care Fund board and both are active in the various fund raising activities that take place throughout the year.

“I’ve sold golf balls even be-

The charity golf outing is her favorite event to help out with.

When Wells and her husband first became involved, the committee had 39 members. It’s now significantly smaller.

Wells said she’d like to see more younger people get involved, as just about everyone knows someone who has or is battling cancer. Her own father battled four different types of cancer.

“Truly, it doesn’t take that much time. You’ll go all winter without a meeting,” Wells said, explaining that meetings are held once or twice a month and when fundraisers come up, the long-time volunteers know what needs to be done.

She’d love to have younger people join and shadow some of the more experienced volunteers. “You have to give back to your community,” she said.

And work still needs to be done to get the word out that the fund is there to help those going through cancer. Wells said she’s referred three people to the fund as they battled can-

cer. “People don’t want to ask for help,” she said. “You have to let your pride go a little bit. It’s (the help) for your family.”

She encourages everyone to come out to an event and get involved. “We need new fundraising ideas. It doesn’t take a lot of time. We need brainstorming (ideas),” she said.

She’d also like to see people from different areas of Kosciusko County get involved, providing ideas for fundraisers that would work in their communities. “ Even if its just setting up a booth with our literature at an event to get the word out,” she said.

Want to donate to the Cancer Care Fund? Here’s how you can

Battling cancer is tough, it’s not for the faint of heart. While a person is battling cancer, they are dealing with expensive medical treatments, doctors appointments, various scans and tests. Often they are so ill, they can’t work, meaning there is no income coming in.

Here is where the Cancer Care Fund comes in. The fund, administered by the K21 Health Foundation, provides assistance to cancer patients and their families. Last year the fund spent $140,060 assisting 68 clients.

Funds are raised in a variety

of ways. The Cancer Care Fund committee hosts a variety of fund raising events throughout the year such as the recently held Dueling Pianos event and Cancer Care Fund Charity Golf Fundraiser, with proceeds going to the fund.

Upcoming vents include the Power of Pink Champagne Brunch and the Freaky 5K Family Halloween Run/Walk. There’s even a Glow Golf Tournament.

Individuals, families or local businesses may also give directly to the fund by sending a donation to: Kosciusko County Can-

cer Care Fund, c/o K21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Ave., Winona Lake, IN. 46590.

Jennifer Stewart, grants manager for the K21 Health Foundation, said many make memorial donations in honor of friends and family who have battled cancer. “We have a lot of ‘in memorial’ donations,” she said.

Another way people donate to the fund is to host their own fundraiser. Stewart said there are people in the community who have lost a loved one to cancer and host their own event such as golf outing or car wash, donating the proceeds to the fund.

For those who like to wear meaningful jewelry or just a bit of bling, there are the “in memoriam”

crystal bracelets. Each bracelet is strung with 18 different colors representing a number of different types of cancer. The bracelets are $20. They can be purchased at any Cancer Care Fund event or by contacting a committee member and placing an order.

Others have also designated gifts to the Cancer Care Fund in their wills.

Cancer Care Fund hosts ‘Dueling Against Cancer’ event

Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County held its third annual “Dueling Against Cancer” event Friday, May 19, at The Owl’s Nest in North Webster.

The evening’s activities included cocktails, dinner, dueling pianos and a live silent auction.

The entertainment was provid-

ed by Paul Bickel and Dave Caruso, who took song requests from attendees “dueling” to have their songs played. Whoever donated the most money would have the song of their choice performed.

The event was divided into two competitions: the highly popular college fight song duel and a

Cancer Care Fund

Continued from page 2

in lawn chairs to listen to music provided by Indianapolis live band, The Tempos. There were 65 participants in the golf game. They spent time giving their carts fluorescent decorations before tee-off time at 9:20 p.m. The game was played in the dark, using glow-in-the-dark golf balls.

This year’s Glow Golf event raised $4,869. All proceeds will go to residents of Kosciusko County currently undergoing cancer treatment. The KCCCF assists with things like transportation costs, mortgage or rent payments and bills in order to ease the financial and emotional strain of

battling cancer.

The next Glow Golf fundraiser will be Friday, June 21, 2024, at Wawasee Golf Club.

Upcoming KCCCF fundraising events include the Power of Pink brunch and a designer purse auction Sunday, Oct. 1, at Tippecanoe Country Club. For more information, visit cancercarefundkc.org.

table duel. In the first, donations went toward having the fight song for one of several different colleges played on the piano. In the second, each table competed to donate the highest amount of money.

The duel portion of the evening was followed by the silent

auction, organized by committee member Liz Surface.

The “Dueling Against Cancer” event raised $5,668 this year, with the silent auction bringing in an additional $6,050. Highbidding items included a bourbon basket with Warsaw Cut Glass items, which sold for $1,850, a

Kelly Jae’s Lakeside gift card for $700, and a Bowers Jewelry gift card for $700.

All proceeds from KCCCF fundraisers go to residents of Kosciusko County currently undergoing cancer treatment. For more information, visit cancercarefundkc.org.

Lea Fitzgerald is a cancer warrior

“I just felt so bitter. The bills drained my savings that I had worked so hard for,” Lea Fitzgerald explained, “I was so unaware of all these great programs and charities that help people like me, people fighting cancer. I wish I would have known.”

Fitzgerald is a three-time cancer warrior. She has fought uterine, skin and breast cancer.

Her journey started October 2019, when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Fitzgerald was unable to see a doctor for a while because of insurance lapses and issues, but when she finally got an appointment, she got a diagnosis no one is ever ready to get: cancer.

“I was having symptoms, and I ignored them. Backaches, cramps, you name it, I had it,” she

explained. “The doctor, almost immediately, said ‘something’s not right,’ and so she sent biopsies off and sure enough it was cancer.”

To fight uterine cancer, Fitzergerald went under surgery. After the six-week surgery recovery period, doctors re-tested her lymph nodes and realized the cancer was still there.

This lead Fitzgerald to have to start six months of chemotherapy and two months of radiation.

“By the time I was done with that, it was so bad. It was during COVID. Having cancer during COVID was miserable. No one could come see me, because everyone was afraid. I couldn’t go anywhere and no one could come visit me,” Fitzgerald explained. “It was so emotionally and mentally draining.”

The YMCA’s LiveStrong program was a game changer for her. At the beginning of the sixweek program, Fitzgerald could not even walk into the room, she was so weak. The program was a twice a day workout program. By the end, she realized how much strength she had gained, both physical and emotional. She was able to be surrounded by people

who had the same struggles she had.

In the following year, Fitzgerald noticed a mole on her face that looked bigger every time she looked in the mirror. She saw her dermatologist. The dermatologist tried to calm Fitzgerald’s nerves by assuring her it was not cancerous. However, when the biopsy came back, the diagnosis was clear: skin cancer.

Fitzgerald has to have a golf ball-sized section of her cheek removed to get rid of the cancer.

During a routine mammogram, Fitzgerald heard the dreaded words: something’s not right. Her doctor did a biopsy of some of her breast tissue, and once again Fitzgerald was told she had cancer. She went through another cancer surgery that wiped out her strength. She attended the YMCA’s LiveStrong program. She found her strength again.

“It’s a daily thing for me to look around and see beauty. Especially working here, being surrounded by beautiful flowers. I love talking to customers. It’s hard to feel sad. I see a lot of people come through the door. I just want people to know you’re not alone.

People need to face adversity in life, or else you won’t be a wellrounded person.”

Fitzgerald is a pillar of Anderson’s Florist and Greenhouse in Warsaw. She is now in remission.

Third annual Power of Pink to benefit cancer patients

KCCF eases cancer patients’ financial stressors

We have all heard the term “battling cancer” whether related to a loved one, friend or neighbor.

Those who have had the unfortunate experience of facing this battle personally or while helping another, knowing this term exists because cancer is an all-out assault on every aspect of a patient’s life. Beyond the physical challenges, patients often face job loss, inability to pay bills and have difficulty caring for their families. A strong support system can make all the difference in easing these stresses throughout the treatment process.

The Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund was formed in 1999 to build a support system specifically for Kosciusko County residents diagnosed with cancer and are in financial need. The volunteer founders had a simple mission: to reduce the challenges facing cancer patients and their families by financially assisting them during their fight.

The cancer care fund committee organizes an array of events to grow its mission; on its event calendar is a golf tournament, dueling pianos, champagne brunch, glow golf tournament and a Halloween 5K.

In addition, private personal do-

nations are made and many service clubs, students, individuals, and businesses donate money from independently-organized fundraisers to the fund for distribution.

Over the past 20 years, well over $2 million has been raised to help Kosciusko County residents, who are fighting their cancer battles. In 2022 alone, the committee raised $140,060 to support 68 patients with health insurance, rent and mortgage, utilities, patient programming, car payments, insurance and repairs, gas and food certificates, home insurance and repairs, motels and prescriptions.

Because K21 Health Foundation covers administration costs, every dollar of every donation goes directly into the fund to assist Kosciusko County cancer patients and their families.

“When you’re fighting for your life, you shouldn’t have to fight to pay your bills and thanks to CCF and K21 we help to ease that stress,” said Brittney Niles, CCF fundraising committee vice chair.

For more information on available community resources, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, visit cancercarefundkc. org.

The third annual Power of Pink champagne brunch will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, 7245 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg.

The event includes food, champagne and a designer purse auction. “We will have Rob Parker (president and CEO) of the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce) as our master of ceremonies. He had those ladies whipped up. He missed his calling, he should MC a game show,” said Julee Rauch, chair of the Power of Pink committee.

There will be entertainment, plans were being finalized as to who will be performing at press time.

Once again there will be approximately 10-12 designer purses being auctioned off. Fall sport athletes from Wawasee High School will serve as models. For the first Power of Pink event, members of the Wawasee Football team served as models. Rauch said the word has gotten out among the athletes that the event is a fun community service opportunity and they

all want to be a model. “I think its cool they see how they can support the community,” Rauch said.

Those attending the event will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a very special purse. A friend of Rauch’s, who designs bags, is busy creating a very special purse based on Power of Pink to be raffled off.

The purses up on the auction block will range in size and come from designers such as Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Bogg Bags, Kate Spade and more. At press time there were plans in the works to have one special very high end purse hit the auction block.

This year the centerpieces will be sold at check out, rather than be auctioned off.

Last year the event raised approximately $10,000. This year the Power of Pink committee hops to raise between $15,000 and $20,000.

Once again Brew City has partnered with Power of Pink, roasting a special brew for the event. Rauch said the beans are coming from a woman-based

company. This year’s brew will be different from the previous two years. Not only will the coffee be different, but so will its packaging.

Brew City is also working on a raspberry filled cookie which will be offered as a party favor at the brunch. Both the coffee and the cookies will be available for sale at Brew City with a portion of the proceeds going to the Kosciusko County Cancer Fund. “They are just the most supportive people,” Rauch said, pointing out that Cassandra and Derek Poirer, Brew City’s owners, are a relatively new business that is eager to support the community.

Table sponsorships are now available. A table for eight costs $480. Sponsors receive signage and eight tickets for the brunch and for the raffle. Other sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Raugh at (815) 263-8819

The deadline to RSVP for tickets is Friday, Sept. 15. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased through Eventbrite or by contacting Rauch at the number above or by email at ccfpowerofpinkevent@gmail.com.