Shopping Guide News - January 4, 2023

Ted Denton announces candidacy during ‘State of City’ address

By DAVID HAZLEDINE Staff Writer

Rochester Mayor Ted Denton gave his “State of the City” address on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at an event hosted by Fulton County Kiwanis Club in the Fulton County Historical Society Museum, during which he announced his intention to run for a third term as mayor.

Denton also presented Judy Climie with the “Citizen of the Year” award, which came shortly after the Fulton County Community Foundation presented her with the “Lifetime of Philanthropy” award.

“We had a great year,” stated Denton, before singling out attendee Julie Shambarger, director of the Times Theater, which he said “typifies what’s happen-

ful Life.” He contrasted that occasion with a moment seven years prior when he said he stood at the corner of Ninth and Main Streets and took note of a desolate downtown where the buildings “look they’re about to fall down. The streets are closed up; everything is shut down by 6 o’clock. … I thought I’d come to the outskirts of Detroit not Rochester, Indiana.”

That moment inspired the first of a series of mantras, “a new direction,” which Denton suggested was coming to fruition. “I think we made it. Downtown is beautiful. We’ve got a lots of things going on,” he said, adding there have been over 60 projects completed in the last seven years.

“These things build up and build up and pretty soon you see the fruits of your labors.”

Denton stressed the need to

Text and Photos

CONDUCTING CITY GOVERNMENT — Rochester Mayor Ted Denton gives his “State of the City” address at the Fulton County Historical Society on Dec. 28. During the address, Denton announced his candidacy for a third term as mayor.

ing in our community with the turning on of the marquee the other night.”

Describing the LED Christmas

lights, speakers playing holiday music and the falling snow, Denton likened the scene to Bedford Falls, the town in “It’s a Wonder-

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR — Judy Climie received the “Citizen of the Year” award from Rochester Mayor Ted Denton

Raymon Turner’s travels from New Zealand to Rochester

in New Zealand, where Turner’s mother was a nurse.

Among the members of Rochester’s VFW Post 1343 present at the Dec. 7 ceremony remembering Pearl Harbor was Raymon Turner, who has a personal connection to that historic day. His step-father, Byron Hill, was actually present during the Japanese surprise attack that thrust the United States into World War II.

“He went over for breakfast, and he heard the planes zoom over … bombs were going off all over … He said he knew he was in the war then.”

But World War II had already fundamentally changed the trajectory of Turner’s life. Although he grew up in Rochester, he was actually born in Aukland, New Zealand, which had joined the war in 1939 along with the rest of the British Commonwealth. However, his biological father was killed in North Africa during the Battle of El-Alamein, one of the first significant allied victories against Germany in 1942.

But as fate would have it, following Pearl Harbor, Byron Hill had gone on to fight against the Japanese in another historic — and costly — early victory, the battle for Guadalcanal, where he was one of roughly 8,000 wounded. From there, he was transported to an army hospital

The two were married, and after the war they moved back to Rochester, where Turner was raised on Pontiac Street and graduated from the old Rochester High School. Like other American boys, he enjoyed sports, especially baseball. “I was a little leaguer,” he recalled.

However, he would not become a citizen of the United States until decades later, in 1986. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was young,” he said. He had even considered returning to New Zealand, which he has not seen in over 70 years. But he would travel the world as a member of the United States Army and, later, the Indiana National Guard.

“I always wanted to be in the military,” said Turner. His first choice was the Navy, but he instead joined the Army in November 1963. “I was in basic training when Kennedy was assassinated. They locked the base down.”

He served from 1963-66, and after basic was trained as a tank turret technician at Fort Knox. Though the Vietnam War was in its infancy, Turner spent most of his early service in Europe and the Middle East, where he was stationed on the Syrian border training Israeli soldiers on tanks.

After leaving the army, Turner

returned to Indiana, working construction. “I was out of the Army quite a few years before I joined the National Guard. … I’d always wished I stayed in the service.”

In the guard, Turner served as a retention NCO and mess steward, and had training in a variety of skills at Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Atterbury and others. He was in the guard roughly 20 years, and was among those selected for security at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. “I’ve never seen so many people in one place in my life.”

While serving in the guard, Turner also worked at AK Industries in Plymouth and then the Rochester Wastewater Department for 17 years.

But like his step-father, Turner also chose to join the VFW and American Legion Post 36, where he was been a member since 1966 and served as a commander at the post and district levels. He was legion commander six times.

Climie named mayor’s ‘Citizen of the Year’

Judy Climie was named Mayor Ted Denton’s “2022 Citizen of the Year” during his Dec. 28 State of the City address at Fulton Historical Society Museum.

Denton commented Climie moved to Rochester “in the retirement mode, but nobody told her you got to slow down.

“For over two decades going back to the Round Barn Festival, Judy started a volunteer history in the community that has been hard to beat. She has devoted a life of volunteerism to Rochester.”

Among the beneficiaries of Climie’s labors have been Grace United Methodist Church, Tri Kappa, Friends of the Library,

Climie said she came to Rochester in 1998 to get away from a “bad situation.” She described the warm welcome she received and the series of acts of kindness that helped her acclimate.

“I needed to be healed,” she said, “and this town so welcomed me. … Anything I can do is payback for your welcoming a stranger and letting me participate in this wonderful county, this wonderful community.

“It just goes to prove that anybody can add to their community. You don’t need a lot of money. Your time and service is often more valuable than anything.”

Fulton County Community Foundation, Women of the Moose and Retired Teacher’s Association. In 2010, she helped start the Women’s Giving Circle. Recently she was given FCCF’s Lifetime of Philanthropy award.

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. —o—

Pill bottles/bottle caps/snow blower

Good neighbors: I have quite a few pill bottles with lids if anyone can use them for a project. I have a lot of the hard bottle caps if anyone is saving them to make a bench. I have an old snow blower; we have not run it for years. It has sat inside, has electric start, is an old model and does not have a chute that shoots snow at top. Winona Lake or Warsaw area. Call (574) 269-4975 or (574) 306-7913.

Books

Good neighbors: We have the series of “The House of Winslow” books from 1-19 we would like to get rid of. They are Western-type books. Call (574) 646-2603.

New questions

Lost keys — I lost two sets of keys off my golf cart on Nov. 3 on 16 EMS D16A Lane, EMS D16 Lane or EMS D16B Lane in Quaker Haven Park. They may have fallen in the leaves on the side of the road. If you found them, leave a message at (317) 750-4975, A reward will be given on the return.

Wood wanted — Would someone cut some wood for me for next winter? Nappanee or surrounding area. Call (260) 768-8199, ext. 4111.

Construction set — Does anyone near Middlebury have an old-fashioned erector set or other basic, mechanical construction set in good construction that you no longer need and would be willing to share with two preteen boys? Call (574) 322-0668.

Grow light — In search of a grow light for winter seeding. Call/text (574) 377-0838.

DNR K-9 program marks 25 years

The Indiana Department of Natural Resource Law Enforcement’s K-9 program marked its 25th anniversary on Dec. 19, according to a recent news release from the state.

The Indiana Conservations Officers’ K-9 program started in 1997 with a pilot program consisting of two teams, Officer Jeff Milner and K-9 Journey and Officer Scotty Wilson and K-9 Judge. Because of its effectiveness, the program grew to a team of 13 K-9 units throughout the state. At least one K-9 unit serves in each of 10 Indiana DNR Law Enforcement districts.

The Indiana DNR K-9 program is not only well respected in the Hoosier state, but is recognized as one of the top K-9 programs in the nation. In addition to in-state

teams, Indiana DNR Law Enforcement has helped start or train teams from natural resource agencies in Virginia, Kansas, Washington, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Oregon, Utah and the African country of Zambia.

The program trains the teams who serve in Indiana in man-tracking, wildlife detection and article searches. All K-9s are trained to locate white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl and ginseng. They may also be trained to locate other species, depending on where in Indiana the handler is stationed. Indiana teams excel in man-tracking and locating firearms.

K-9 teams provide the officers in their districts another tool to help stop poaching. K-9 teams have been used to find concealed game

and guns, as well as to find shell casings in road hunting and cases where spotlights have been used to hunt illegally.

K-9 teams are used to find lost hunters as well as poachers who have tried to hide from officers pursuing them. Because of their unique abilities, K-9 units are often requested by other state and local law enforcement agencies for help in locating evidence, missing persons or fleeing felons.

In the past 25 years, Indiana DNR K-9 teams have been involved in more than 8,200 deployments and resulted in more than 2,300 arrests. In addition, Indiana DNR K-9s have been used in more than 2,700 demonstrations at a variety of public events throughout the state.

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“keep this thing going” and, as an example, said the READI grant of $1 million to repair Apache Street south of town was set to begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Denton reiterated his approach to running government on a “goals and objectives basis. … You can run government like a business and we have been.” He cited the white board in the City Projects Room, which lists projects and their levels of completion. “If you don’t plan for success … you’re planning for failure.”

“The mayor has to be engaged,” said Denton. He noted his skills as a negotiator, citing “thousands and thousands of dollars” saved in negotiations over health insurance, Duke Energy, Republic Landfill and with the government, specifically the State Revolving Fund’s $7.5 million loan for the waste treatment plant at 1.5% interest. “It’s all about working the business.”

The plant had not been renovated in 30 years, said Denton. “We’ve been pretty big on infrastructure and taking care of our assets.” The project will be “functionally com-

plete by the end of this month,” after what he described as an “arduous” process.

Attention will then shift to repair of clarifiers damaged when a roof erected just 10 years prior rotted and fell down in what Denton characterized as an example of bureaucrats “kicking the can down the block.”

According to Denton, nine projects have been “wiped off the board since February.” These included installing a total of 500 LED lights throughout the community, saving “thousands of dollars in electric bills; using ARPA funds to fix the water mains at Fox Run and Deere Crossing, “improving the quality of water tremendously for folks out there.”

And The Minnow Creek renewal project, he said, ended flooding problems which had persisted “for years.”

Other completed projects included the new pickleball courts and splash pad, which also involved private donations, which Denton said was “great” because “government doesn’t necessarily do this stuff so well.” He also noted the rebuilding of the north wall of

the water department and repair of the golf course, which will be ready for next spring.

Denton then described some of the 16 “continuation projects,” including the aforementioned Apache Drive and the Nickel Plate Trail, the latter of which was erroneously designed to run through wetlands. Negotiations with land owners and DNR to accommodate an alternate route are complete, he said. “I’m happy to report that is going to be one of the first projects on the board for next year.”

A Community Crossing grant of $1 million will also be used to repair Main Street, particularly the storm water system. A previous attempt to do this work was thwarted when bids during the “COVID era” came back double the amount expected, said Denton. “These are older newer projects that are going to take precedence.”

“I’ve said all along if I’m healthy and I still have gas in the tank I’ll be back … I am making it official today that I am running for a third term.” Denton added that the mantra for his third term will be “keep it going.”

BITUARIES

Joyce A. Perdue Bookkeeper

Joyce A. Perdue, 88, Rochester, passed away at 1:42 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

She was born July 1, 1934, in Church Hill, Tenn., the daughter of Atly H. and Lillie B. (Arnold) Cencion. On Jan. 23, 1954, in Lansing, Ill., she married Dean L. Perdue. He preceded her in death Jan. 27, 2016.

Mrs. Perdue had worked as a bookkeeper most of her life, having been employed by the family business, Gilliland Auto Machine Company (NAPA), Norwest Bank, eventually retiring from Wells Fargo Bank. She had been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Trinity Women’s Group and church choir. She had also been active in the Rebekah’s Lodge, Tri-Kappa and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed sewing, participating in bowling leagues, had been a season ticket holder for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball for numerous years, enjoyed playing bridge and spending her time with family.

Survivors include her daughters, Deana (David) Gottschalk, Rochester, and Karen (Dave) McGowen, Rochester; a grandchild, Dean Robert (Natalia) Gottschalk, Chicago, Ill.; great-grandchild, Mia Gottschalk, Chicago, Ill.; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Florence (Sonny) Perdue; and brother, Royal (Marline) Cencion.

Funeral services were conducted at noon Thursday, Dec. 29, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends visited from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the funeral home. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh. com.

Stephen Patrick Biggs

NASCAR Fan

Stephen Patrick Biggs, 51, Rochester, passed into eternal life Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Rochester.

He was born June 12, 1971, in Highland Park, Ill., the son of Louis and Juanita (Yarbrough) Biggs. Stephen grew up in Deerfield, Ill., and was a graduate of Deerfield High School.

Stephen had an unapologetic character with a unique take on life. He always had a strong opinion and wasn’t afraid to voice it. He knew how to make you angry and happy at the same time, never forgetting to crack a joke. Besides his great personality, he was a hard worker and fan of NASCAR. Stephen was a family man and loved spending time with his mother, Juanita, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed getting tattoos and sharing great music, like Led Zepplin, and life stories with family and friends. We will greatly miss these stories.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Rena Lou Biggs; sons, Cody (Mandy) Biggs and Joseph (Makayla) Biggs; daughter, Arianna Blomquist; grandchildren, Jaxson and Dean Biggs, Stephen Joseph Biggs and Persephone and Salem; brothers, Richard (Julie) Hazelwood, Scott (Jennifer) Biggs and Sam (Jenny) Biggs; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Shawn Biggs.

Friends visited from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 31, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Cremation will take place.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.

Helen L. Notz Lifetime Area Resident

Helen L. Notz, 95, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Wynnfield Crossing of Rochester.

On Feb. 24, 1927, Helen Lucile Kindig was born in Fulton County to Oral and Eva Severns Kindig. Growing up, she shared her childhood with a sister, Donna, and a brother, Omer “Skip.” Proudly, she graduated from Rochester High School with the class of 1945. She was a lifetime resident of Rochester.

On Jan. 13, 1946, Helen and Richard B. Notz were married in Rochester, while Richard was on leave from the U.S. Navy while serving in China. They shared 48 years of life’s adventures. After retirement, they wintered in Florida at the west end on the panhandle, making Apalachicola their snowbird getaway for nearly a decade. Their union produced four wonderful children, Terry, Pat, Rick and Joe. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations, including eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

For many years, Helen assisted our community with transactions at First Federal Savings Bank of Rochester. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church for over 70 years and actively participated in the ministry of the Lutherans. Keeping busy and active was Helen’s way of life. She enjoyed the lady’s coffee table in the mornings at Tweedle-Dees. Playing cards, going to luncheons and her dinner group was the best way to keep up with her friends and the community.

Grandma Helen loved hosting celebrations and creating memories with her family. They always looked forward to her specialty, either the roast pork or turkey. For dessert, the fruit pies, especially the blueberry and the rhubarb fresh from the oven were the family favorites.

Left to cherish Helen’s memory are two daughters, Terry Pfeiffer and husband Wally of Rochester and Patricia Zehr and husband Ben of Franklin; two sons, Rick L. Notz and wife Karen of Rochester and Joe W. Notz and wife Angie of Rochester; eight grandchildren, Jody Pfeiffer McCall and husband Matt, Alison Pfeiffer, Greta Notz-Black and husband Geoff, Richard “Rich” Notz and wife Brie, Joseph Landon Notz, AJ Charles Notz, Kelly Aucremanne and husband Jim and Kimberly Zehr; five great-grandchildren, Grady McCall, Ashly McCall, Connor Aucremanne, Alana Aucremanne and Benjamin Zehr; a brother, Omer “Skip” Kindig of Rochester; nieces, Jean Mize and husband Bobby, Karen Smith and husband Tim and Tammy Smith; and special cousin, Hans and Vera Schwartz of Zurich, Switzerland.

Preceding Helen in death are her parents; beloved husband, Richard, on Dec. 24, 1994; sister, Donna Jean Smith; brother-in-law, Francis Smith; sister-in-law, Annette Kindig; and great-grandson, Austin McCall.

A celebration of the life of Helen L. Notz was at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends visited with the family from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Curtis A. May officiated. Interment was in Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 404 Jefferson St., Rochester, IN 46975.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Derek M. Kaser

Derek M. Kaser, 30, rural Claypool, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at his residence.

He was born May 1, 1992, in Columbia City.

He is survived by his children, Bently, Jaydon and Kinzley; his parents, Mike and Johna Kaser, Akron; siblings, Brooke (Brody) Townsend, Rochester, and Tyler Kaser, Fulton; maternal grandparents, John and Crystal Weida, Akron; paternal grandparents, Lynn and Carolyn Kaser, Churubusco; a nephew; and two nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with visitation preceding from 10-11:30 a.m. After the service, interment will take place at Akron Cemetery, Akron.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

Roy E. Briney Roy E. Briney, 68, Kewanna , died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Kewanna.

He was born Feb. 21, 1954, in Rochester.

He is survived by his brothers, John (Jackie) Briney, Kewanna, Jim (Kathy) Briney, Rochester, Dave (Celinda) Briney, Winamac; twin sister, Ruth Ann (Jack) Nicholson, Martinsville; sister-in-law, Karen Briney, Warsaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Raymond and Priscilla Pauline Parman Briney, and his brother, Raymond Briney.

Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be from 2 p.m. Jan. 6 until the time of service.

Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Roy’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared at ransfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ellen Link

Mary Ellen Link, 93, Monticello , formerly of Pulaski, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello.

She was born March 19, 1929, in Francesville. On June 4, 1947, in Pulaski, she married Donald Paul Link, who preceded her in death in 2009.

She is survived by her children, Mike L. Link, Monticello, Cynthia (Bill) Scott, Pulaski, Patricia Ringen, Star City, Ronald P. (Karen) Link, Star City, and Donald G. (Tammy) Link, Winamac; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Maria Ann Link; parents, Charles Gilbert and Jessie Lee Ren Parker Sr.; daughter-inlaw, Sue Link; brother, Charles Gilbert Parker Jr.; half-brother, Wayne W. Allen; and halfsisters, Wanetta E. Ezra and Rubye F. Reutebuch.

Visitation and a scriptural wake service were held Monday, Jan. 2, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Jan. 3, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pulaski. Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery West, Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to the Christian Mothers of the Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pulaski.

Online tributes may be offered at frainmortuary.com.

Mary Rockenbaugh

Mary Ellen Keitzer Rockenbaugh, 69, Rochester , died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Vibra Hospital of Northwestern Indiana.

She was born March 11, 1953. On Sept. 17, 1995, in the Elvis Presley Chapel of Las Vegas, she married James Rockenbaugh, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Amber Waller, Akron; son, Anthony Byerline, Logansport; three grandchildren; siblings, Frank Keitzer, Ted (Lynda) Richard, Rita (Jim) Jenkins, Hugh (Vicki) Richard, Joe Richard, Ruth Gunter, Jane (Kyle) VanMeter, Ed (Amy) Richard, all of Rochester, and Mark Richard, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She also was preceded in death by her son, Roy Byerline; parents, Paul Joseph and Ellen Louise Reinholt Keitzer; and three brothers, James Richard, Carl Richard and Charles Richard.

A graveside service at the Monterey Cemetery, Monterey, will be announced.

Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, is handling arrangements.

David L. Kuhn

David L. Kuhn, 73, Mentone , died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 8, 1949, in Rochester. He was previously married to Suzannah Blodgett Kuhn.

He is survived by his children, Amber Kuhn, Peru; Tiffany (Michael “Jamie”) Scheffer, Kokomo, and David Dustin Kuhn; five grandchildren; siblings, Pamela (Darrell) Miller, Mentone, Gary (Marla) Kuhn, Etna Green, Tim (Laura) Kuhn, Claypool; and stepsister, Debbie (Rodney) Clark, Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Norma Williamson Kuhn, and his stepmother, Evelyn Kuhn.

Visitation and a memorial service were held Monday, Jan. 2, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to the Seward Township/Burket Volunteer Fire Department.

Share a memory or online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices. com.

Terrill ‘Tate’ Dean Hoover

Terrill ‘Tate’ Dean Hoover, 87, Winamac , died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Hickory Creek Healthcare Center, Winamac.

He was born Nov. 18, 1935, in Winamac.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Hoover, Winamac; several nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Sharon Cowley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Jessie Tyler Hoover; brother, Steven “Butch” Hoover; sister, Sandra Sue Hoover Knebel; and a niece.

A celebration of life service with military rites will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Tate’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at ransfuneralhomes.com.

Hugh M. Funk U.S. Army Veteran

Hugh M. Funk, 73, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 2:41 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at his home.

On July 3, 1949, Hugh Martin Funk was born in Fulton County to Carry and Lucile King Funk.

Hugh was the second youngest of 12 children. He graduated from Akron High School in 1967. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent the majority of his time serving in Alaska, where he worked on heavy equipment and spent his off-time fishing for salmon that he would send home to his mom. Hugh was honorably discharged on Sept. 3, 1971. Returning home, he furthered his education at the Lincoln Tech Diesel School in Indianapolis.

At the Grace United Methodist Church, Hugh and Rita Paulus were married on July 31, 1976, in Rochester. From their union came two wonderful sons, Daniel and Brian. The family tree continued to grow with the birth of Grandpa’s favorite buddy, Jonah Eldred Funk.

With a strong work ethic, Hugh worked for Northwest Fuel Injection in Mentone, where he repaired and tuned-up nearly any make and model of diesel pump and set of injectors. During those years, he met many customers that stayed cherished friends long after retirement. Retirement for Hugh was far from sitting around, he loved woodworking, making anything from bedroom furniture sets to civil war era lanterns and canteens.

Left to cherish Hugh’s memory are his wife, Rita; sons, Daniel and Brian; grandson, Jonah; siblings, Isabelle Kamp, Martha Schultz, Robert Funk, Rose Habegger, Sue Quintinia and Judy Armstrong; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Hugh in death are his parents, Carry and Lucile Funk; sisters, Elma Swihart and Elizabeth in infancy; brothers, James “Harvey” Funk, Arthur Funk and George in infancy; and his in-laws, Eldred “Bud” and Juanita Paulus.

A celebration of the life of Hugh Funk was at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Kurt Nichols officiated. Friends visited with the family from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, and one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. Interment was in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester, IN 46975.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

James ‘Butch’ R. Salyer

James

“Butch” R. Salyer, 74, North Judson, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Franciscan Hospital, Michigan City.

He was born Feb. 23, 1948, in Athens, Ind. On Nov. 13, 1972, in Winamac, he married Sue Rowe Salyer, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his brother, Eugene Salyer, Knox; sister, Janet (Jerry) Button, Winamac; and many nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Virginia Hopkins Salyer; brothers, Woodrow Salyer Jr., Benjamin Salyer and Edgar Salyer; and sisters, Wanda Faye Salyer and Bertha Claybough.

Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Braman & Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson. Interment followed at Highland Cemetery.

Bernard Marcum

Bernard Marcum, 81, North Manchester, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 4, 1941, Logan, W.Va.. On Jan. 9, 1960, in Akron, he married Nancy R. Harmon, who preceded him in death in 2009.

He is survived by children Cindy (Matt) Powell, Nette Poe and Aaron Marcum; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Renee (William) Sword; and sister-in-law, Joann Marcum.

He also was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Sue Taylor; parents, James and Nannie Marcum; brothers, Larry Marcum and Harold Marcum; and sister, Jewell Chambers.

Allen B. Chesser Jr.

Community Servant

Allen B. Chesser Jr., 68, Culver, passed away unexpectedly at 7:16 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at his residence.

On July 22, 1954, Allen Baird Chesser Jr. was born in Augusta, Ga., to Allen B. Sr. and Katherina Preywisch Chesser. Proudly, he graduated with the class of 1972 from Culver High School. Continuing his education at Purdue University, he earned a BS in biology in 1976. Allen professionalized his career in the financial world as a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

High school sweethearts, Allen and Mary L. Croy were married on May 29, 1976, in the Zion Church near Bruce Lake. They have shared over a half century of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Emily, Alex and Carl. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of eight grandchildren.

With a strong work ethic developed as a young man, Allen worked at Monterey Bank for many years. In the leadership role, he served as president, overseeing the daily operations with a vision for the future and a passion for helping his community and friends.

As a community servant, Allen was a member of a multitude of organizations. Locally, he served as a past member of the Fulton County 4-H Fair Board, two terms on the Woodlawn Hospital Board and the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council. Allen was the treasurer for the Aubbeenaubbee Improvement Association and the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church.

Gifted with his hands, Allen was a man of diverse interests and from his woodwork shop came many custom creations. Among them are bird houses gifted to the Fulton County Park Board for use in our parks and trophies built for Power of the Past. He once made a walnut table for his son, step stools and more. Cutting wood for the family wood boiler, maple syrup evaporator, fireplace or campfires was a way of relaxation.

An outdoorsman, Allen loved nature. As an artifact hunter, he acquired a unique collection of arrowheads. He proudly displayed them in framed shadow boxes he built. A coveted friend, Dave McGowen assisted him with building a camp structure at the family maple syrup camp. Allen would pick black raspberries for Mary to make jam and pies. He often said he liked two kinds of pie, hot and cold. Annually, Allen would be responsible to till, water and weed a large garden. He also loved driving the hay baler during the baling season.

The restoration of antique tractors was another interest of Allen’s. He restored International Harvester and John Deere tractors to be used on the family farm. While working in the barn, he could be found repairing bicycles for the family and friends.

As the patriarch of the Chesser family, Allen was proud to oversee three generations. Dedicated to his family, Grandpa Allen or Papa adored his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them. Making memories, taking them on rides in the Gator or playing in the pool were special times. He and Mary followed their school and sporting activities.

Left to cherish Allen’s memory are his wife, Mary; daughter, Emily Schouten and husband Andrew, and their children, Adrian, Katie and Nicholas of Rochester; two sons, Alex Chesser and wife Janel, and their children, Jack, Emmett and Seth of Winamac; Carl Chesser and wife Courtney, and their children Conan and Carsyn of Kearney, Mo.; a sister, Frances Bowers of N.C.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Mike Holdmann, Tom and Lana Croy; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Allen in death are his parents, Allen and Katherina Chesser.

A celebration of the life of Allen Baird Chesser Jr. was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Bob Metzger officiated. Friends visited with the family from 3-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment was in Leiters Ford Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund, 116 N. Main St., Culver, IN 46511 or the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Leiters Ford, IN 46945.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Liberty Marie Daulton Krys and Paige Daulton, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Liberty Marie, born at 9:58 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21.5 inches long.

Ottis Houstyn Jackson

Destanie Humble and Justin Jackson, Rochester, are the parents of a son, Ottis Houstyn, born Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. He weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 30, at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial followed at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.

o bitua R ies

‘Millie’

Helton

C ounty

Amelia R. “Millie” Helton, 85, Marion, formerly of Akron and Silver Lake, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at Wesleyan Health Care Center, Marion.

R. ‘MILLIE’ HELTON

She was born Aug. 26, 1937, in Fort Wayne. On Feb. 18, 1977, she married Grady Helton, who preceded her in death in 1998.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Lee (Suzanne) Egolf, Mount Juliet, Tenn., Johnny (Elizabeth) Egolf, Marion, Jason (Torie) Helton, Claypool; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; a special niece; and many friends.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Jay Egolf; parents, Harold and Fonderine Moore Butler; brothers, Marvin Butler and William Butler; sisters, Betty Danalds, Bonnie Ogg and Beverly Gordon.

Funeral services, preceded by visitation, were held Tuesday, Jan. 3, at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1385 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.

Condolences may be emailed via mckeemortuary.com.

R epo R t Court News

Circuit Court

The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding:

Complaints

Woodlawn Hospital v. Anita Sonafrank, Rochester, $1,589.93.

Mortgage Foreclosure

PennyMac Loan Services LLC v. Anthony Aaron Brown, Rochester.

Superior Court

The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding:

Complaints

Mariner Finance LLC v. Amy D. Davis, Rochester, $3,001.57.

Capital One NA v. Noel R. Mojica, Rochester, $5,982.69.

Traffic Violations

The following fines and levies were assessed in Fulton County courts:

Open Alcoholic Beverage Container During Operation of a Motor Vehicle — Anthony M. Jacobson, Rochester, $170.50.

Speeding — Latresher D. Underwood, Austell, Ga., $171; Jinell Zimbron, Kokomo, $171; Joshua D. Lease, Rochester, $160.50; Jeremy J. Colon Nieves, Logansport, $150.50.

Updates and happenings in the area

Experience new art in the new year. For the first week of the new year, Jan. 2-6, “The Mind of Leah Merrix” display is being featured at the Native Nook gallery, 616 Main St., Rochester.

Merrix, who was raised in Peru, is also the highlighted subject of the first edition of Alien Dove Magazine, published by Digital Wolf Network, the umbrella under which the Nook operates. A podcast with Merrix done by Blind Pig Confessions, also part of the network, will be recorded Jan. 7 and released Jan. 20.

—o—

Time to get involved. Rochester city boards are getting to work in the new year with several meetings this month, all of which are open to the public.

The city of Rochester’s parks board, 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9.

The Board of Public Works & Safety, 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 and 26.

The city’s tree board, 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19.

Rochester City Council, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24.

All of the meetings take place

at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.

—o—

The Fulton County Board of Health will hold a public health meeting at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Commissioners’ Room at the Fulton County Government Office Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.

—o—

What have you been reading? The Adult Book Club meets from 2-3 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Kewanna Union Township Public Library, which means the next meeting is coming up on Jan. 11.

People are invited to pick out and read a book of their choice, then join the meeting for a lively discussion of what was read. You can also join the club anytime on its Facebook page, Adult Book Club Kewanna Union Township Public Library.

The library is located at 210 E. Main St., Kewanna. For more information, call (574) 653-2011.

—o—

Meaty topics of discussion. The

Indiana Beef Cattle Association and Purdue Area 8 beef meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the People’s Winery, 414 S. Third St., Logansport.

Counties included in Area 8 are Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Miami, Tipton and Wabash. The meeting will feature food and information on a variety of beef topics. The association will provide an update on current policy and programs. The Purdue Department of Animal Science will provide the educational presentation.

RSVP to the Cass County extension office at (574) 753-7750 by Friday, Jan. 13. —o—

Family road trip. The Children’s Museum in Indianapolis holds First Thursday Night from 4-8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, and the first First Thursday Night of the year is Jan. 5. Regular admission is cut by about 75%, and it’s the only time the museum is open to the public in the evening. The food court is open for families who want to make a night of it. Things to do this Thursday include solving a Scooby-Doo Mansion Mayhem mystery, touring the Dinosphere and visiting Greece without leaving Indiana.

BURST PIPE — The Rochester branch of Fulton County Public Library will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 4, following a closure caused by flooding resulting from a burst pipe, likely related to recent extreme temperatures. More than 450 gallons is believed to have flooded the building. Photo provided by FCPL.

COLD CATCH — Jackson Rentschler, from the Fulton area, proudly displays a fish he caught using a Tungsten jig with a little plastic. Rentschler pulled this one out of a local pond he was ice fishing on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Photo provided by Schmack Em’ Bait & Tackle.

Amelia R.

AMELIA

Akron man shares his lifelong love of horses

It’s more than a hobby, it’s a way of life.

What would that be in reference to, you may ask? The simple answer is, horses.

For generations horses have been a huge part of the Heckathorn family, beginning with Eddie Heckathorn. Eddie and his son, Phillip, were contract loggers as well as Eddie’s grandson, Dean. They used draft horses to help with the dayto-day operations of a logging business, most importantly the heavy work. The most popular breeds used for power work are Belgians and Percherons. They are known for their muscular, powerful, hardworking yet gentle dispositions.

Akron resident Dean Heckathorn, has been active with horses his entire life, in many different disciplines and breeds. He has been successful in areas from thoroughbreds and horse racing to Belgian and Percheron draft horses and horse pulling competitions throughout the upper Midwest, including Michigan and Wisconsin.

“I’ve had a lot of champions,” he said. The “gentle giants” are a true passion for Heckathorn and he is striving to bring his love of the amazing animals to other avenues, allowing others to meet the horses that hold such a special place in his heart.

Dean is eager to introduce his services of wagon and carriage rides through Cowboy Carriage Company to the events, people, festivals and other gatherings in and around the area. “I bought a wagon years ago, around 2001, and I would do rides for friends and birthdays, just occasionally,” Heckathorn said. Most recently, he has been hired to give carriage rides at the Christmas tree farm in Michigan and at the 2022 Kewanna Fall Festival. He hopes to one day purchase a horsedrawn hearse for funerals.

“It is so enjoyable to see the expression on kids’ faces,” he said, “and many kids don’t get to see

that type of thing. … I want to be the guy who makes a difference in children’s lives.”

There is something so simple and pure about the interaction people have with horses. Watching the powerful yet very gentle nature of the horses and what they bring about in the most amazing interactions between eager, excited kids or even timid, nervous people and seeing the true connection is second to nothing you see anywhere else.

Cowboy Carriage Company acquired a number of conveyances — sleds, carriages and sleighs — to provide the ideal experience in any given situation. Whether looking for a special attraction for a church group, festival, family gathering, group, or individual outing, there is an option to make the experience memorable. Heckathorn hopes to keep prices at a point where more people can enjoy the experience.

He has a bobsled sleigh, built to be pulled by three horses, which is ideal when there is snow on the ground.

“Besides my kids, horses are the love of my life,” said Heckathorn, who has been blessed with children who also enjoy the company of his horses. They are a huge part of his life. “Those things are my world. When one of them is sick, I’m sick because I’m worried about them.”

Heckathorn currently has four horses that can be used for services through Cowboy Carriage Company. He is particularly excited about a newer horse, a Belgian-Percheron mix. In addition to running a logging business and the happenings with the horses, he is also in the process of building a new barn at his Akron home for the Cowboy Carriage Company rides operation. It is this love Heckathorn hopes to share with the community.

Cowboy Carriage Company offers horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides for individuals or groups. For information on pricing and availability, call (574) 505-0027.

Let’s study the Bible

Filled with Christ

(Read: Philippians 3:1-21)

“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Philippians 3:13

Too many Christians get wrapped up in “things” and lose the joy and peace they ought to have in Christ. They “mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:19) and lack that spiritual mind of the

dedicated believer. Notice how many times the word “things” is used in this chapter.

Here Paul describes the spiritual mind — the mind that thinks God’s thoughts and is directed toward God’s goals. Read Romans 8:1-17 for more about the spiritual mind. In this chapter, Paul describes his past, present,

and future, a full biography of the Christian life.

First, salvation: The Christian’s Past (Philippians 3:1-11). Paul was religious before he met Christ, and then he became a true believer. He had to lose his religion in order to find eternal life! He begins this chapter by warning the believers against religion apart from Jesus Christ.

Second, sanctification: The Christian’s Present (Philippians 3:12-16). The unforgiven sinner is a slave, but the Christian is a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20) and has been set free by Christ. Each Christian is given a special place on the “track” for his or her own service, and each one has a

goal established by Christ. Our task in life is to “lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of us” (Philippians 3:13). Paul is not talking about salvation but sanctification — growth and progress in Christian life and service.

How do we reach the goal God has set for us? For one thing, we must be honest with ourselves and admit where we are: as Paul declared. “Not that I have already attained” (Philippians 3:12).

Then, we must keep our eyes of faith on Christ and forget the past — past sins and failures, and also past successes. We must press on in his power. The Christian life is not a game; it is a race that demands the very best that is in us: “This

one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13).

Too many Christians live divided lives. One part enjoys the things of the world and the other part tries to live for the Lord. They get ambitious for “things” and start minding earthly ambitions. Our calling is a “high calling” and a “heavenly calling”; and if we live for this world, we lose the prize that goes with our high calling.

Third, glorification: The Christian’s Future (Philippians 3:17-21). What a blessed future the citizen of heaven has! Paul proclaims, “We shall be like him!” This humble body will be changed to be like his glorious body.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 to see what a happy event the return of Christ will be for the Christian. This will be a day of resurrection and reunion. May we be found faithful to him and not ashamed at his coming (1 John 2:28-3:3). Remember, we get the prize and heaven’s glory because of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at www.rcpbibleoutlines. com free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.

Livestock manure sought-after fertilizer

When I teach composting, I tell my audience one of the greatest composters is the cow. Here we send fiber through one end and it comes out the other end, very well broken down.

That essentially is the mission of a compost pile. Invariably this leads to a discussion of animal manures as fertilizers. With the recent spike in fertilizer prices, manures have become much more valuable and are a sought-after fertilizer, not just an animal waste product.

I start the discussion of livestock manures with what the animal has been fed, specifically the protein level of the feed. Protein and nitrogen have a numerical relationship: Nitrogen x 6.25 = protein level.

When you feed an animal a high-protein diet, they have more nitrogen in their manure. For example, young poultry are usually fed grain diets with more than 20% protein. This manure has little fiber and a lot of nitrogen. When you use it as a fertilizer, you get the nitrogen benefit but very little organic matter or humus.

Hogs are fed diets lower in protein than poultry, so their manure is usually lower in nitrogen. They too are fed little fiber. That is a general statement, as young pigs will have a higher protein diet than a laying hen.

Using manure from beef cows that have been fed less than 12% protein will give you less

January happenings at the Akron library

Stop in and view Akron resident Judy Steininger’s balloon and floral paintings on the library’s art wall. The display can be seen throughout January during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Akron Carnegie Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron.

Special events are planned on several days in January:

Thursday, Jan. 5 Adult Readers’ Book Club, 5 p.m. Start the new year off by picking a book of your choice and letting the group know what you thought of it.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 — The Akron library board of trustees, 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 — W.O.W. Club (Wacky On Wednesday), 4 p.m. This is a free club with lots of wild and crazy fun activities for elementary kids in grades one

through five. The program lasts about an hour.

Monday, Jan. 16 — Are You Yeti to Read? Select your books or audiobooks and get started on a winter reading adventure by participating in the Adult Winter Reading Program, which starts Jan. 16 and runs through March 10. You must check out material from the library for books to be counted. Raffle prize drawings will be available to select from for every three books read. The more you read, the more chances you will have to win. Names for drawings will be drawn at the conclusion of the program in March.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 — The Chain Gang, 2 p.m., for those who enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing or needlepoint. Bring your own materials and work alongside others who enjoy these hobbies.

Thursday, Jan. 26 — The Adult Crafty Corner, 4-6 p.m. The month’s craft will be a braided winter wreath. Sign-up is required. Call the library at (574) 893-4113 to reserve your spot.

Monday, Jan. 30 — LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m. Elementary kids can explore their creativity with LEGOs and Snap Circuits.

nitrogen but more humus from these forage-based diets. Dairy cows receive higher protein diets and so there would be more nitrogen fertilizer value in their manure. Sheep and goats are generally fed higher protein than beef animals.

What about horse manure? The digestive tract of a horse and rabbit are different from those of cattle, sheep and goats. Horses are generally fed lowprotein, high-fiber diets. Their digestive systems do a poor job of fiber digestion, so the manure contains a lot of fiber. So much, in fact, that adding a lot of this manure to a garden will result in the nitrogen being used up to complete the process of decomposition.

The fiber can even cause a heating reaction during this process that can hurt plants in the garden. Horse manure should be allowed to set in a pile and decompose for at least six months before being added

to the garden.

In general, all manures would be best added to the garden in the fall to help prevent the spread of disease organisms such as E. coli. Although we hear of these bacteria being associated with hamburger recalls, E. coli infections have been associated with raw milk, lettuce, untreated water, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, produce from manure-fertilized gardens, and radish and alfalfa sprouts.

According to Purdue’s food safety specialist, Scott Monroe, “The longer between manure application and harvest, the more time the manure has to break down. In healthy soil, human pathogens are poor competitors. The National Organic Program requires a 90- to 120-day interval between manure application and harvest, 90 days for above-ground crops and 120 days for crops that contact the ground.”

Composting manure will reduce those day requirements but it has to be done right, not just left in a pile. Monroe also said, “Current FDA research, which Purdue research in southern Indiana would seem to corroborate, indicates that soil types play a big role in manure dynamics.

“If you’ve got a healthy soil teeming with competitive microbes, the risk of crop contamination will decrease much more quickly than if you are growing on a drouthy sand with minimal organic matter and a questionable pH.”

There is no better way to improve soil than by adding compost and other organic constituents.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BEWARE The Shopping Guide News 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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Outdoor Indiana magazine’s January/February issue features a cover article on oaks, from acorn to seedling to mighty tree, and how they benefit wildlife. The magazine is a publication of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The issue also includes features on the 70th anniversary of Cagles Mill Lake and the many uses and types of bug antennae.

Outdoor Indiana is available now for $4 per issue at Indiana State Park Inns across the state. Subscriptions are $15 for one year (six issues), a 27% savings over cover price, and $28 for two years (12 issues), a 42% savings.

Subscribe at shopinstateparks. com or (317) 233-3046. To read article excerpts, go to outdoorindiana.org.

Ceres Solutions earns Innovation Award

Ceres Solutions has earned the 2022 Business Innovation Award, presented at an industry conference in December through Farm Journal. Ceres earned the award due to the team’s dedication to helping drive new technologies as they work with farmers to gather, manage and utilize business data. As an organization, Ceres has also adopted programs to help elevate efficiency in service, transparency and sustainability for the future.

In this 10-year transformation, Ceres Solutions has applied a clear strategy of digitizing and then automating its business. Ceres Solutions’ seed business served as the starting point. By digitizing its seed business, Ceres Solutions recognized three substantial gains: zero shrink, reduction in overtime and boosted employee morale.

“When the idea was brought to the team,” said Uriah Paddock, Ag Seed Data lead, “I was a hub man-

ager at that point, so I was thinking just how it would benefit my team.

But now, having realized the benefits across our entire workflow — it helps everyone focus on the things that need to be focused on,” he said.

Product information, pricing, invoices and orders are now all digital.

The transition then expanded into crop protection, energy and other areas of the business.

“Something we do today that I didn’t think was possible 10 years ago is we have a live inventory,” said Clayton Cunningham, seed manager at Crops 63. “As soon as we dispatch something out to a farm, we have a live inventory of what went out, when and where. And then we can pull a report to see what went out that day specifically.”

And as for product ordering and delivery, having digital records with manufacturers helps both sides of the business forecast and stay updated on logistics.

Are artificial sweeteners really that bad?

Editor’s

Note: Kelsey Heckaman is a family nurse practitioner with Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. To schedule an appointment with her, call (574) 223-2020.

Being a healthy consumer in America can be quite tricky these days. The grocery store can feel overwhelming. Reading through labels and deciphering ingredients might make one feel as if they need a degree in chemistry to understand what they are ingesting. Products marketed with zero sugar, zero calories can be eye-catching and make us feel as if we are making the better choice compared with the alternative. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Artificial sweeteners are synthetically made sugar substitutes. Common artificial sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, cyclamate, neotame and saccharin.

Further research into artificial sweeteners has been taken. A study (Mather et al.) found that the use of artificial sweeteners causes the pancreas to release insulin, which contributes to insulin resistance, which then contributes to glucose elevations and diabetes. Our body releases insulin in response to what we eat and drink.

When you drink a diet soda, it does not directly raise your blood glucose

level, but it does trick your body and make it believe a glucose rise is coming given the sweet substance you are drinking, so your body releases insulin. As insulin levels rise this causes insulin resistance, which then can lead to diabetes.

Another alarming association with artificial sweeteners is routine consumption of these products can increase your risk for cancer. A decadelong research study in the United Kingdom analyzed the eating/drinking habits of more than 100,000 participants and found that those who regularly consume artificial sweeteners (main source was diet sodas) had an increased risk of breast cancer and obesity-related cancers compared with those who did not.

Lastly, artificial sweeteners can disrupt your gut microbiome. Our microbiome should be in perfect harmony with a combination of good and bad bacteria all doing their jobs succinctly to promote digestion and a healthy metabolism. A healthy gut microbe is often overlooked but incredibly important for our overall health.

Many chronic diseases have been linked to gut inflammation. It is hard for our gut to be in tiptop shape if we are drinking artificial sweeteners on a regular basis.

I would encourage you to give a bit more thought to that diet soda, or that sugar-free lemonade, Crystal Light, Gatorade Zero, flavored water.

Turn it around before you drink it and look at the ingredients. If you see an artificial sweetener listed, take a second thought about the health risks before you consume it.

Customers have benefitted from the spread of innovation at Ceres. For example, “Our invoicing is much better — more timely, more accurate,” Cunningham said. Ceres has abandoned shared spreadsheets and filing cabinets of paperwork for a paperless, streamlined experience. On the precision side, Ceres has worked to build 2.2 million acres of field boundaries for 450 users in its farm management information system. In 2022, Ceres doubled

the number of farm plans it created with farmers.

Matt Clark, who oversees the precision ag and digital support team, says centralizing all the information and data management has streamlined how the business does things from collecting data to analyzing the data to sharing prescriptions.

“Our field records used to be in a file drawer,” Clark said. “Now, we’re able to view digital field records, share prescriptions and do every-

thing we need to very quickly.”

He says particularly in the past couple of years, doing business with farmers has changed as they seem more likely to engage with business partners digitally.

“We’re looking at things for how it works agronomically, but also how scalable it is and can it easily replicate across our customer base,” Clark said. “We want to be the expert trusted advisor for technology just like we have been for seed, chemical and fertilizer.”

Postal staffing issues causes delivery problems

Many of our Shopping Guide News customers have experienced irregular delivery problems.

We contacted Nick Wells, operations manager with the United States Postal Service. He stated that staffing issues in Rochester is part of the challenge. “This is a challenging area to get new hires on board so we have continually been short handed over the past couple years.” He stated on Dec. 28 there were three routes with no carriers.

Wells explained when staffing issues are encountered car-

riers are pulled from other units that have also been short staffed. When this is done, delivery is generally much later than normal on a given day. “I believe sometimes customers check their mail and think they didn’t get anything when they may get delivery later in the day,” stated Wells.

“There have been days especially during our peak season that we do not have the staff to deliver all available mail but rather have to focus on first class, periodicals, and packages. That is when you would see the guides get delivered one to three days

later. With this type of mailing it is within our service standards but if we have an agreement with you we need to make every effort to honor it.”

Wells stated he has authorized the office an additional carrier over what they earn to help them stay adequately staffed.

“I spoke to the Postmaster and we will make every effort to get the Guides all out for delivery every Wednesday. I will authorize additional overtime if need be. The Postmaster understands the importance of this and we both truly value your business.”

Victory over Western proves Rochester is a wrestling town

Editor’s

Note: Val Tsoutsouris is sports editor for Rochester Telephone Co. and writes the Val T Sports blog at rtc4sports. com. He was the longtime sports editor for the Rochester Sentinel.

While there was a brief period of doubt over who won the wrestling dual between Western and host Rochester at the Rochester High School gym Tuesday, Dec. 20, there is no doubt anymore about the transformative nature of what had just happened. It was evident in the way that the crowd of approximately 900 to 1,000 people roared after every takedown, every reversal, every escape, every time somebody got put on their back, every “whoa,” every pin, every win and especial-

ly at the end when the Rochester wrestlers celebrated on the mats following their 37-36 win.

Rochester is now a wrestling town.

For those not in the know or for those who showed up looking for something to do on a Tuesday night, this might seem like an isolated event – literally, a long, loud holiday cheer.

Actually, we have been headed in that direction.

The wrestling room at the high school is no longer big enough to hold all of the wrestlers for practice; they have taken over the auxiliary gym.

There was a consistent flow of state-caliber wrestlers, from Jordan Shafer and John Hunting and Aaron Orr to Drew Sailors and Zane Gilbreath. The sport did not enter the conversation quietly.

And then last year happened: Rochester won the Three Rivers Conference, the sectional, the first regional title in school history and the first semi-state title in

school history. They finished 14th at the state finals.

Four Rochester wrestlers made it to state. One of them was Marshall Fishback, who made history by becoming Rochester’s first individual state champion when he defeated Westfield’s Mihail Platonov for the 285-pound state title at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Of the four who made state, Fishback was the only one who graduated. A second state qualifier from last year did not graduate but is no longer on the team.

If Rochester proved that it was a wrestling town Dec. 20, it also proved that Western, a school located 52 miles away in Russiaville, is their wrestling arch rival.

They are always good, they never back down and they are always moving forward. Rochester aspires to the same status.

The two state qualifiers left are Alex Deming (195) and Brady Beck (220), and both won by fall against Western.

Deming, ranked No. 5 in the

state according to IndianaMat. com, won in 3:32 over Western’s M.J. Norman, who was ranked No. 17. Beck, ranked No. 2, won in 3:38 over Sam Summerfield.

But it was the previous three matches in which Rochester might have shown off their skill: At 160, freshman Brant Beck earned an impressive decision over Western’s Deaglan Pleak. At 170, Wesley Meadows overpowered Brandt Gamble for a fall in 1:34, and at 182, the unheralded Colin Weiand pinned Brody Burns in 3:08.

The other Rochester fall came from freshman prodigy Layne Horn, the top-ranked 106-pounder who needed only 44 seconds to pin Benton Kanable.

Rochester led 33-12 after Horn’s fall.

Then it got close.

Western won on a fall at 113 and a decision at 120. Rochester’s Aaron Swango won on a 10-3 decision to increase Rochester’s lead to 36-21.

Then came Western’s big three:

Aiden Raab (132), Tye Linser (138) and Robert Dinn (145).

Raab won by fall over Joey Spencer. Linser won by major decision over D.J. Basham.

It was 36-31 going into the last match between Dinn and Rochester’s Mitchell Shafer.

If Shafer could avoid losing by a technical fall or fall, Rochester would have the team win. Despite the raucous crowd chanting “Let’s go, Mitchell,” the relentless Dinn got the 24-9 win and the technical fall with back points with two seconds left.

It was 36-36, and on a night with so much action, it came down to an ironic ending: coaches and the referee looking at scorebooks to determine who would win on the tiebreaker.

Rochester had won by five matches by fall while Western had won four.

The kids erupted in the center of the mat. The crowd soon followed.

Rochester’s reputation as a wrestling town is secure.

Rochester girls basketball recap: Lady Z’s place fourth at Twin Lake Holiday Invite

Van Dyke and junior guard Ellie Kelleher scored 10 points each to lead Westfield, which improved to 9-7.

Editor’s

Note: Val Tsoutsouris is sports editor for Rochester Telephone Co. and writes the Val T Sports blog at rtc4sports. com. He was the longtime sports editor for the Rochester Sentinel.

Girls basketball: Westfield 45, Rochester 23 (Wednesday, Dec. 28)

Rochester girls basketball coach Joel Burrus said his team’s defensive motor must always be running at 110% every possession, even when they are not hitting shots.

That was one of the issues he spotted in the Lady Z’s 45-23 loss to Westfield in the third-place game at the Twin Lakes Holiday Invitational at Alva R. Staggs Gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School, Monticello.

Sophomore forward Lindsey

Rily Holloway hit four 3-pointers in the second half and led Rochester (7-9) with 13 points.

Ella McCarter had six off the bench, and Sydney Haughs had four.

Both Holloway and Emma Howdeshell, who led the team with six points in a loss to Crown Point earlier Wednesday, were named to the all-tournament team.

But Rochester had more turnovers (25) than points against Westfield’s lengthy man-to-man defense.

Defensively, after giving up 13 3-pointers in a loss to Crown Point in the semifinals earlier Wednesday, Rochester yielded seven more 3-pointers to Westfield.

Westfield jumped out to a 12-2 lead and never trailed.

Rochester got within 12-7 on a Haughs 3-pointer and a McCarter pull-up 12-footer with 7:32 left in the half.

Westfield coach Kelsey Key called a 30-second timeout with 6:30 left in the half, and the Lady

Rocks followed with a 21-1 run that bled into the third quarter. The run included one 3-pointer each from Emmrey Collinsworth, Kelleher and Aubrey Crockett.

“The only way we can win is if we play really good defense,” Burrus said. “I would have been interested to see if we could have held them in the 30s and hit a couple more shots to put a little more heat on them. That could have been a little more interesting fourth quarter, but the credit goes to Crown Point and Westfield, though; they’re both really good teams.”

Girls basketball: Crown Point 58, Rochester 18 (Wednesday, Dec. 28)

One day after the Rochester girls basketball team hit 10 3-pointers in a win over North White, the Lady Z’s were on the receiving end of a shooting maelstrom.

Brooke Lindesmith hit four 3-pointers and scored a gamehigh 15 points, and Ava Ziolkowski also hit four treys and scored 14 points to lead Crown Point to a 58-18 win over Rochester in a Twin Lakes Holiday Invitation-

al semifinal at Alva R. Staggs Gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School, Monticello.

Crown Point shredded the nets for 13 3-pointers. Seven different players made at least one.

Emma Howdeshell led Rochester (7-8) with six points, but no other Lady Z had more than one field goal.

Rochester coach Joel Burrus later praised Howdeshell’s competitiveness, saying she “didn’t play to the scoreboard.”

Crown Point played a switching man-to-man defense with each defender quickly passing off the player they were guarding when a Rochester player would set a screen.

Crown Point (11-6), a four-time defending sectional champion and a state champion as recently as 2021, has four starters 5’-10” or taller. Rochester’s tallest starter is the 5’-6” Sydney Haughs.

Having to shoot over Crown Point players’ heads while also trying to fit passes over and around thickets of long arms, Rochester had more turnovers (19) than points. The 18 points were a season low.

Girls basketball: Rochester 52, North White 27 (Tuesday, Dec. 27)

Rochester girls basketball coach Joel Burrus has said he is so confident that Rily Holloway and Rylee Clevenger are going to make 3-pointers that maybe he is too confident at times.

His confidence was not misplaced against North White in the quarterfinals of the Twin Lakes Holiday Invitational at Alva R. Staggs Gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School, Monticello.

Holloway buried six 3-pointers and scored a game-high 22 points, and Clevenger scored all 12 of her points on four 3-pointers to lead the Lady Z’s to a 52-27 win over the Lady Vikings.

Rochester improved to 7-7.

Westfield will meet Class 3A No. 1 Twin Lakes in the other semifinal.

Tessa Robertson had 16 points

and seven rebounds for North White, who lost their sixth straight game and fell to 3-11.

North White senior point guard Abigale Spry, who hit a buzzer beater to win at Rochester on Dec. 29, 2020, and who has scored in double figures five times this season, missed her fifth straight game.

“I told them before we got on the bus today this morning … in walkthrough … I told them, ‘We’ve got to get better in this tournament.’ Today we took a step forward. How do we do tomorrow?” Burrus said.

Girls basketball: North Miami 48, Rochester 43 (Thursday, Dec. 22)

Rily Holloway hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points, but the Rochester girls basketball team lost a Three Rivers Conference road game to North Miami 48-43.

Rochester had a chance to carve into the lead when North Miami was called for a technical foul for having six players on the court with 2:51 left and the Lady Z’s trailing 43-38, but Holloway missed both technical free throws, and Rochester committed a turnover on the ensuing possession.

They never got closer than that five-point margin.

Rochester committed 18 turnovers.

Kaiden Hanley led North Miami with 13 points, and Molly Freeman and Laney Musall had 10 points each.

North Miami improved to 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the TRC. Rochester dropped to 6-7, 3-2.

North Miami and Rochester have split their last six meetings.

North Miami’s lone conference loss was to Tippecanoe Valley on Dec. 9, and Valley remains the only unbeaten team in the TRC.

Rochester never led in the second half, but they did tie the game twice, including at 35-35 on a Sydney Haughs 3-point play with 6:14 left.

Musall, a freshman shooting guard, hit the go-ahead free throw with 5:34 left.