Shopping Guide News - March 20, 2024

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

Pete Smith said “it’s truly humbling” to be inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

March 20. Rochester Mayor Trent Odell, shown with Smith, has therefore declared March 20 “Pete Smith Day.” Photo provided by Pete Smith.

The two-time, Class 3A state championship boys’ basketball coach noted there are “a lot of great coaches” who haven’t been inducted into the hall of fame.

Smith, formerly of Rochester, will be inducted Wednesday, March 20, along with 16 others, with a reception at the Hall of Fame in New Castle and a banquet in Indianapolis.

Rochester Mayor Trent Odell has therefore decided to declare March 20 “Pete Smith Day.”

“It’s very, very cool and humbling,” added Smith of the local honor.

He said the person and coach he became was “formed by my 18 years in Rochester.”

A 1979 Rochester High School graduate, Smith played basketball and tennis and competed in track and field.

As a junior, Smith was on the Rochester Zebras’ 1978 sectional championship basketball team, playing next on the Zebras’ 1979 Northern Lakes’ Conference championship team.

While on the team, he earned the Zebras’ Most Valuable Defensive Player and the Don Smiley Memorial Sportsmanship honor.

Smith also won a NLC tennis doubles title in 1977 with class-

mate Tom Weaver.

Smith said he spent much time taking his “bike from our house on the south side of Lake Manitou, to the city park to play hours and hours of basketball against the older guys who were basketball players.”

He practiced with Arik Lee, Dave McCarter, David Hiatt, Greg Carr and Mark Wisely.

“Both Arik and I had half-court basketball courts at our house, and we’d take turns going to each other’s court,” said Smith.

After graduation, he headed to then Bethel College to play basketball and tennis, majoring in business education and administration and minoring in economics and physical education.

“I was so lucky that my mother was an accountant, and then I had Mrs. (Joan) Hungerford as accounting teacher and Coach (Phil) McCarter as a general business teacher,” said Smith. “They helped fuel my interest in teaching business after college, although I thought I would follow in my mom’s footsteps the first two years of college and become an accountant.”

“But my college basketball coach, Homer Drew, explained that to be a head high school basketball coach someday, you had to be a teacher back then,” added Smith. “So my junior year in college, I switched my major to concentrate on education as my degree.”

As a college senior, he served as assistant basketball coach at John Adams High School, South Bend, also coaching track and field Continued on page 2

A ZEBRA Pete Smith, No. 12 in the photo, is shown playing basketball for the Rochester High School Zebras in 1979. Photo provided by Pete Smith.

STATE CHAMPION COACH Pete Smith is shown coaching for Guerin Catholic High School. Photo provided by Pete Smith.

PETE SMITH DAY— Former Rochester resident Pete Smith, right, won two Class 3A state championships as boys’ basketball coach for Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville. He is being inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Wednesday,

K now Y our n eighbor Library assistant finds joy in working with senior citizens

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“I enjoy working with people of all ages,” stated Vickie Coughenour, Akron. “Whether I’m working with kids or senior adults, I love hearing their stories. That’s why I enjoy having seniors come to our exercise programs at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Working out with them is so much fun.” Coughenour is the library assistant at Akron Carnegie Public Library. She has served in that role for seven years.

Before she came to the library, Coughenour worked at Peabody Retirement Community for 14 years. “I started out in meal service there. Then I was promoted to dietary manager. The last couple years I was transporting our seniors to doctor’s appointments and back and forth from the hospital. I loved the work. I had quality time with the seniors, and we could talk. They told me their stories. I also felt like I could help them. That’s a

good feeling.”

Coughenour left to take care of her mother-in-law who had dementia. Then she began babysitting the grandchildren. “I have the heart of a grandmother. I love spending time with them. I remember having Grandma Camp Week. We had a different theme each day. And we went to the library for Storytime and to do crafts and create tie-died shirts.”

She began a new season of life. “The grandkids grew up on me. They no longer need me to care for them.” She started at the library as a part-time janitor, eventually becoming the library assistant. “I still help with janitorial work when needed.”

It was when staff members were talking about programs that were inclusive to all ages, that they discovered they didn’t have many programs to target senior citizens.

“We had Pre-School Story Hour, Storytime, Lego and Wow Clubs for the kids; Tween Scenes for the youth; and Craft Corner for the adults. Then we were reminded of a senior fitness program that we’d had in the past. We started it up again in October 2023.”

At 10 a.m. the seniors come for chair exercises to YouTube videos. “The other week, we were doing stand-up exercises with the ladies who felt comfortable stretching their

exercise time for 10 more minutes. We were moving and dancing to 50s music and the ladies began singing. We were all laughing and having a wonderful time.”

Coughenour realizes how important physical fitness is for senior citizens. “Angi from North Manchester, the lady who helps coordinate the exercise program, explained to us that there’s a definite correlation between the body and brain. An active body makes for an active brain. Physical fitness promotes brain cell growth. In our program we try to work with the physical, mental and spiritual part of a person. The social aspect is also very healthy.”

The second Tuesday of every month, Coughenour oversees Bingo for the seniors at 2 p.m. “Again, the social aspect is so important for people of all ages.”

She’s also responsible for a lot of clerical work at the library. “I check in books and work at the desk. I’m in charge of decorating all the bulletin boards.”

Coughenour has been married to her husband Mike for 39 years. They have three grown boys and six grandchildren, with one on the way.

“I love our small community of Akron. I’m looking forward to eventually retiring here with a good book.”

Former Rochester

Continued from page 1

during his time there.

Smith’s first basketball coaching stint after graduating from Bethel in 1983 was at Warsaw High School under Hall of Fame Coach Al Rhodes.

Over four years, Smith helped coach players to wins in three sectionals, two regionals and the state championship in 1984.

Smith said he applied to be a RHS coach in the late 1980s.

“It didn’t work out,” he said. “RHS went a different direction, and Dr. John Eckert, previously the superintendent at Rochester, hired me at Manchester (High School).”

Smith was head coach at Manchester for four years, then Noblesville High School for three years, Penn High School for four years, and Carmel High School for four years.

While at Penn, Smith was selected as the school’s 1998 South Bend Teacher of the Year.

Smith then helped new Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville begin its boys’ basketball program.

“I was blessed with that great opportunity. It turned out to probably be my legacy in high school

coaching,” he said. “I had always replaced coaches at my first four schools I was head coach at, and would work to change the program’s identity to my own style and philosophy. At Guerin Catholic, I was the first coach, so immediately I instilled how I wanted teams and players to conduct themselves and play and the program took off.”

Smith won a sectional championship at Guerin Catholic in 2010. Just two years later, the team was the Class 3A state champion, repeating again in 2015.

Smith retired in 2016 from teaching and 2018 from coaching. He works for Performance Services of Indianapolis as a business development specialist along with being on the Kokomo-based Community First Bank Board of Directors and a basketball analyst for the IHSAA Championship Network and ISC Sports Network.

“My heart will always bleed black and gold,” said Smith, referring to RHS. “When asked where I’m from, I tell people, I was a ‘Fighting Zebra’ as I call it, and I’ll always be proud to have been raised in Rochester.”

MIKE AND VICKIE COUGHENOUR

Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write the Shopping Guide News, 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 now run every other week. —o—

Yamaha piano

Good neighbors: I’m offering my late husband’s Yamaha piano to any music enthusiast. If you or someone you know might value this instrument, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at alcongdon@hotmail.com.

Used cards

Good neighbors: I have nice, used cards of many varieties. I am willing to give to anyone interested in making crafts. Birthday, Christmas, get well and others. If you wish to have them, I live in the Wakarusa area. Reply through this column. — A reader

New questions

Handyman — I am looking for a handyman to do some small work in my home. I need someone who isn’t expensive since I’m a senior citizen on Social Security. I need someone I can count on and will do the job right. Call (574) 267-2851 as soon as pos-

Let’s study the Bible —

sible. I was supposed to have work done months ago. Canning jars — Looking for canning jars: quart, pint, half pint and 2 quart sizes. Preferably in the Goshen/Millersburg area. Call (574) 642-9973, ext. 4.

Berenstain Bears books — I am looking for old Berenstain Bears books, written by Stan and Jan Berenstain. If you have some you no longer want, I would be willing to pay. Call (574) 349-4568.

Recliner/playhouse — I am looking for a reclining love seat and recliner and playhouse or garden shed in good condition. Call (574) 952-6554.

Two-quart jars — Does any good neighbor have 2-quart jars they would like to get rid of? Also, old brass candlesticks? Call (574) 248-0181.

Used treadmill — Wanted: Used treadmill that’s in good condition in the Nappanee area. Call (800) 940-6313, ext. 2.

Auction piece — I attended Metzger Auctions for John and Debbie Gray, north of Akron. I ended up with a piece of a nativity set (Joseph) by mistake. If this belongs to you, call (740) 513-9516 for more information about the piece.

The rapture: the next great biblical event

(Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

This is the great passage on the rapture of the church.

By REV. RON PURKEY

Sorrow had come to the lives of these believers, and they were wondering whether their dead fellow Christians would be left behind at the return of Christ. The Apostle Paul assures them that their dead will be raised first, and that all the saints will be gathered together to meet Christ in the air.

The rapture (meeting Christ in the air) can take place at any time; but the great tribulation will happen shortly after the rapture, and the Revelation (the second coming of Christ) will occur some seven years after the rapture.

First, there is the comfort that death for the believer is only sleep. “Sleep in Jesus” in verse 14 is literally “put to sleep through Jesus.” Regardless of how a believer dies, Jesus Christ

is there to put him to sleep. Of course, the soul goes to be with Christ (Philippians 1:20-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8); it is the body that sleeps, not the soul. The word “cemetery” means “a sleeping place”; it is the place where the bodies sleep, awaiting the resurrection.

Second, there is the comfort of heavenly reunion. The hardest thing about death is separation from our loved ones; but when Christ comes, we will be “together with the Lord” forever. The living saints will not precede those who have died; all will be caught up together to meet Christ.

Third, there is the comfort of eternal blessing. We shall be “forever with the Lord.” We shall obtain new bodies (1 John 3:1-3; Philippians 3:20-21). Paul says that the body we place in the cemetery is like a seed awaiting the harvest (1 Corinthians 15:35-58). Of course, the body turns to dust, and that dust becomes a part of the earth (Genesis 3:19).

Our family would like to say thank you to all the amazing friends and family for thinking of us during this very difficult time in our lives.

We really appreciate the prayers, cards, meals, special gifts and kind words.

Gordon will be greatly missed by many who knew him. God Bless.

The Family of Gordon Potter

The Bible no where teaches that God raises and unites every particle of the believer’s body. What it does teach is that the resurrection body has identity with the body that was buried. Just as the seed that is planted (and that dies) in the ground has identity and continuity with the seed it produces, so the resurrection body will have identity and continuity with the body that was buried. Resurrection is not reconstruction.

The words “caught up” (verse 17) are full of meaning. They mean: (1) to catch away speedily, for there will be no warning (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10); (2) to seize by force, for Satan will seek to hinder our Rapture to heaven; (3) to claim for one’s self, just as the bridegroom claims the bride; (4) to move to a new place; and (5) to rescue from danger, for true believers in Jesus Christ will not go through the coming Tribulation (1 Thessalonians1:10; 5:9).

OB ituaries

Ruth E. Gelbaugh

Dedicated Rochester Greenhouse Employee

Ruth E. Gelbaugh, 89, Warsaw, formerly of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Ruth Ellen was born on Feb. 6, 1935, in Royal Center, the third of four daughters born to George and Vera G. Brock Conn. She attended schools in Royal Center, Deedsville, Churubusco and graduated proudly from Rochester High School with the class of 1953. Continuing her education at the Fort Wayne International Business College, she earned an associate degree in accounting. She worked for the Weatherhead Corporation and Midwestern United Life Insurance Company.

RUTH E. GELBAUGH

On May 21, 1955, Ruth was introduced to a handsome man by the name of Richard Gelbaugh. They were married on Sept. 21, 1957, in the Tiosa Brethren Church. They shared 48 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, Dick passed away on May 23, 2005.

From their union came two sons, Jeffery and Michael. After the boys were school age, mom went back to work at the Rochester Greenhouse, where she had worked in high school. As a longtime dedicated employee, she was their grower of mums and carnations. In the spring, she looked forward to manning the garden plant stand.

Being very active in the Republican Party of Fulton County, she served on the Richland Township board for a few years. She was a member of the Sew and Sew Club and the 31 Club. As a member of the Talma United Methodist Church, she served on various boards, including administrative head. She was also on the committee to plan her class reunions for many years. Dick and Ruth worked side by side with projects for the Talma Lions Club, including the pancake and sausage dinners.

To relax, Ruth could often be found working puzzles, including jigsaw, word search and crossword. As a season ticket holder, Ruth loved to watch the Notre Dame girls basketball games. With her green thumb and her own greenhouse, she raised flowers and vegetable plants, including 100 tomato plants. Ruth enjoyed watching birds; the cardinal was her favorite.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffery (Joseph Comby) of Warsaw and Michael (Linda) of North Webster; three granddaughters, Ashley Mullins, Arin Gelbaugh and Emily Gelbaugh; and three great-grandchildren, Tanner William Edward Mullins, Dominic Aiden Mullins and Audrey Lanae Mullins.

Preceding Ruth in death are her parents; husband; three sisters; one sister-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Friends visited with Ruth’s family from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 19, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Visitation was followed by the celebration of life service. Rev. Michael Beezley officiated. She was laid to rest beside her husband, Dick, in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind through the Lions Club in care of Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.

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

Robert J. Loebig

Avid Golfer

Robert J. “Bob” Loebig, 76, Rochester, passed away at 5:22 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on July 23, 1947, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Edmund J. and Maurine K. (Hansen) Loebig. After graduating from Rochester High School, Bob served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. On June 27, 1986, in Rochester, he married Vicki Carol (Torrence) Perdue. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2022.

ROBERT J. LOEBIG

Bob had worked for various companies over the years, including, Sealed Power, Auto Tech, Airmarking, Fulton County Jail, Sonoco Products and O’Reilly Auto Parts Store. He had been a member of the Elks’ Lodge, Eagles’ Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. In his spare time, he was avid golfer.

Survivors include his children, Kim (Norm) Benzing, Tampa, Fla., and Robert Loebig II, Lewisville, Texas; stepchildren, Christy Perdue (fiance’ Justin Pearson), Rochester, and David M. (Jordan) Perdue, Rochester; grandchildren, Brogan, Joey “JoJo” and Jude Loebig, all of Lewisville, Texas, Kenzie Miller, Marion, Madison Jackson, Rochester, Mallory Benzing, Rochester, Mitchell Benzing, Marion, Evan Michael Perdue, Rochester, Ethan Jay Perdue, Rochester, and Madysen Arcuri, Lafayette; several great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Pam Loebig, Rochester; brother-in-law, Nick Torrence, Costa Rica; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jerry Loebig and James Loebig.

Friends visited from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Private interment will take place with military rites at a later date at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.

Jack L. Horn

Dedicated Machine Operator

Jack L. Horn, 85, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 5:05 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024, at his home.

On Dec. 12, 1938, Jack Lee Horn was born in Warsaw to Clarence Wilbur and Dorothy L. Tobey Horn. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister, Carolyn. Proudly he graduated with the Talma High School class of 1957.

Jack married the love of his life, Helen Deaton, on Feb. 22, 1959. They have shared 65 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two children, Pamela and Jeffrey. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.

As a servant to the Lord, Jack was a member of the Rochester Church of Christ, serving on various committees and as a past deacon. A dedicated machine operator, Jack worked at Sonoco Products for 42 years

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen; daughter, Pamela McCoy and husband Joseph of Lancaster, Ohio; son, Jeffrey J. Horn of Rochester; four grandchildren, Brad Horn and wife Michelle, Brandon Horn, Jesse McCoy and wife Sarah and Rachel McCoy; four great-grandchildren, Azalia Horn, Matthias Horn, Milo McCoy and Cooper McCoy; and sister, Carolyn Metzger of Greenwood.

Gerald M. Romine

Gerald M. Romine, 95, Mentone , died at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, in his residence.

He was born on July 30, 1928. On Jan. 29, 1950, he married Donna Lee Linn; who preceded him in death on July 22, 1988.

On Nov. 24, 1995, he married Elvira L. “Beezy” Reed; who preceded him in death on Nov. 28, 2018.

He is survived by his children, Gary Romine, Mentone, and Susan (Eldon) Kinney, Silver Lake; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Smith (Don) Hall, Atwood; and his caregiver, Linda Frenger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Monroe “Dutch” and Maude (Hissong) Romine; brother and sisterin-law, Kenneth and Mary Esther Romine; brother-in-law, Thomas Smith; one niece; and two nephews.

A graveside service with military rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, in Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.

Arrangements have been entrusted to King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Mentone 4-way Ambulance Service.

Mary Jane Beliles

Mary Jane

Beliles, 77, Bourbon , died Thursday, March 14, 2024, in her home.

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

Additional survivors are two daughters, Cynthia Lynn (David) Robbins, Warsaw, and Pamela Long, Inwood; three sons, David Allen (Tina) Beliles, Mentone, Jason (Julie) Beliles, Sellersburg, and Adam (Julie) Beliles, Warsaw; 25 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara R. (Brad) Tam, Fulton, and Joan Bradley, Rochester; two brothers, Chuck (Christine) Bradley, Rochester, and Rev. Erve (Dee) Bradley, Hamlet; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Henry and Hildegard Eichler Bradley; and infant son, Donnie Ray Belile.

A celebration of the life of Jack L. Horn was held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at The Church of Christ, 120 E. Fifth St., Rochester. Pastor Jim Dillinger officiated. Friends visited with the family from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday at the church. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery of Claypool.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Rochester Church of Christ.

The Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester has been entrusted with the services. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at goodfamilyfh.com.

A celebration of life service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 18, in Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Pastor Bob Brown officiating.

Interment was held in the Sycamore Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at goodfamilyfh.com

Maria

inches long. She joins siblings: Miguel Negrete, Patricia Jimenez, Roberto Jimenez, Manuel Jimenez, and Maximilian Jimenez.

Maternal grandparents are Rosalva Contreras and Manuel Torres, Rochester.

GERALD M. ROMINE

MARY JANE BELILES

JACK L. HORN

C ounty R epo R t

Court News

Circuit Court

The following petition has been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaint

Discover Bank v. James Brown, Rochester, $4,232.34 Superior Court

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

Crown Asset Management, LLC v. Anita Spangle, Rochester, $755.29; Amanda Coggins, Rochester, $3,004.66; Hayley Hill, Rochester, $1,115.86

RHP Partners III Capital, Inc. v. Jeremy Morris, Rochester, $39,153.08 Midland Credit Management, Inc. v. Justin Overholser, Rochester, $854.47

Plenary

Hao Nguyen, Land O’ Lakes, Fla. v. Truong Vu, $25,000

Traffic Violations

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

Speeding — Jacen Rea, New Carlisle, $154.50; Nicole Hunter, Culver, $154.50; Stephanie Johnson, Elkhart, $192.50; Ada Fuller, Mishawaka, $192.50; Jessica Hawk, Indianapolis, $175; Timothy Graupner, Carmel, $164.50; Dylan Chin, Greenwood, $154.50; Tyler Evers, Wakarusa, $175; Joseph Hearn, Indianapolis, $164.50; Rosa Regalado, Indianapolis, $164.50; Landon Sorg, Goshen, $192.50; Kendra Carlson, Plainfield, $175; Troy Layton, Lafayette, $164.50; Tracy Williams, Indianapolis, $192.50; Troy Turnipseed, Rochester, $164.50; Stacy Setty, Elkhart, $154.50; Amber Rose, Rochester, $154.50; Drew Gommesen, Grand Rapids, Mich., $164.50; Stephanie Hardy, Westfield. $164.50

Disregard lighted signal, signals exhibiting colored lights

oChris Wayne Cummins

Chris W. Cummins, 64, Francesville , died Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Franciscan Health Hospital, Lafayette.

He was born on July 6, 1959. On March 2, 1990, he married Beth (Sutton) Roberts; who survives.

Additional survivors are daughter, Nichole (Douglas) Perdue, Fortville; three grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; two great-grandchildren; parents, Roscoe “Bud” and Alice Cummins, Winamac; three sisters, Barbara (Steve) Bonnet, North Liberty, Iowa, Patti (Jim) Wolpert Cummins, Indianapolis, and Dolly Cummins, New Buffalo, Mich.; one brother, Kim (Kathi) Cummins, Bradenton, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 2, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville, with Phil Aldrich and Alan Sutton officiating.

Memorial visitation hours will be held two hours prior to the memorial service, in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of, Beth Cummins.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary QuerryUlbricht Chapel, Francesville.

Adam See, Rochester, $164.50

Driving while suspended, speeding — Omar Mendez, Venice, Calif., $204.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Arriaga-Baca-Bahena

Rafael Arriaga-Baca, 49, Akron, and Veronica Bahena, 40, Akron

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts:

Jefferies — Francies Jefferies, Goshen, and Samantha Jefferies, Medaryville. No minor children.

Dunnuck — Sean Dunnuck, Culver, and Lauren Dunnuck, Akron. No minor children.

Rider — Jeffrey Rider, Delphi, and Jane Abbott-Rider, Burnetsville. No minor children.

Reagan — Rodney Reagan, Monterey, and Cathy Reagan, Grove City, Ohio. No minor children.

Habitat for Humanity to hold ground breaking for Skiles home

Fulton County Habitat for Humanity will have a groundbreaking for the Skiles home at 6 p.m. Friday, March 22.

The home for Cameron and Aubrey Skiles and their children will be completed at 1016 Monroe St., Rochester. Everyone is welcome to attend.

COMPETING AT DISTRICT LEADERSHIP Tippecanoe Valley FFA students are shown at the District II FFA Leadership Contest at NorthWood High School March 8. Photo provided.

Valley FFA students win multiple categories at district leadership contest

Tippecanoe Valley FFA members won in multiple categories at the District II FFA Leadership Contest.

The event was March 8, at NorthWood High School, Nappanee, with 34 Valley students competing.

Valley’s results were:

Novice Plant and Soils Science Demonstration, Brailyn Adams, first place.

Star Greenhand, Hayden Stookey, first place.

Discovery Creed Speaking, McKinley Burton, first place.

Discovery Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Kade Jones, first place.

District Welding, Luke Tucker

and Dalton Alber, first place team.

District Senior Chapter Meeting Contest (parlimentary procedure), first place team.

Beef Production Proficiency, Hayden Stookey, first place.

Sheep Production Proficiency, Lindsay Petersen, first place.

Novice Food Science Demonstration, Claire Haney and Haley Derf, second place.

Ag Mechanics Demonstration, Dalton Alber and Colton Crabb, second place.

Novice Horticulture Demonstration, Rylee Thompson, second place.

Novice Horticulture and Landscaping Demonstration, Kyzer Hughes and Jordan Lybarger,

second place.

Talent, Kolyn Grossman, second place.

District Novice Chapter Meeting (parlimentary procedure), third place. team.

Traditional Scrapbook, Chloe Haussmann, Lindsay Petersen and Bailey Bussard, third place.

Natural Resources Demonstration, Olivia Jones and Chloe Haussmann, third place.

Prepared Public Speaking, Hayden Stookey, third place.

Novice Ag Mechanics Demonstration — Jacob Ousley and Evan Kneller, third place.

FFA Advisors Mike Jones and Hope Slagle coached the students.

CHRIS WAYNE CUMMINS

TVHS theater department to present ‘Mamma Mia!’ March 21-23

Text and Photos

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

People may enjoy hearing ABBA’s songs through Tippecanoe Valley High School’s spring play.

The TVHS Theater Department will perform the musical “Mamma Mia!” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22, and 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Tickets may be purchased at the door or tvtheater.ludus.com.

The play tells the story of Sophie Sheridan, who tries to find out who her real father is before her wedding.

Director Thomas Boys said students suggested the play.

“It was to be an ambitious undertaking, but after seeing how many students were excited to hear this was a possibility, I decided to go for it,” he said.

“The overall theme of the show is love and acceptance, as shown through the main characters’ interaction,” said Boys. “The plot also touches on more social ideas such as single parenthood, search for personal identity and taking risks to achieve one’s dreams.”

Twenty-three students make up the cast, with 14 others serving as crew, with many of the latter being “members of the new technical theater class being taught at TVHS,” said Boys.

“The students are learning the amount of dedication and discipline it takes to make a production successful,” he said. “From the cast to the crew, all

members are learning to work as a team with the understanding that each individual person’s contribution is equally important and integral to the show’s success.”

“These students have a real ‘heart’ for this show,” added Boys. “You will stand and applaud their efforts when you see them giving their all doing what they love. Assistant director Kayla Rassi, art director Lisa Lynch and I have been there every step of the way to guide students to see the value

in what they’re doing and learn and enhance skills in all areas of theater production.”

Boys said audience members “can expect to enjoy the fantastic lights, sights and singing from a cast and crew that are pumped to bring this show to the public.”

“If you are a fan of the show or a fan of ABBA, a dominating musical force from the 1970s, you will be sure to leave the school with a positive feeling and perhaps be humming one of the well-known songs from the show,” he continued.

“Mamma Mia!” Cast List

Emma Craig, Kaitlyn Eastgate, Porter Rich, Jacob Kiefer, Kodiak Hillen, Anessa Stutzman, Sarah Gross, Madison Grossman, Kayly Miller, Olliver Pettit, Hailee Norman, Wyatt Craig, Karsen Putman, Sarah Farley, Karlee Harshman, David Walker, Guadalupe Jimenez-Baca, Cassie Rich, Karis King, Tessa Rich, Lily Kiefer, William Cunningham and Kaien Fields.

‘MAMMA MIA!’ The Tippecanoe Valley High School Theater Department will present the musical “Mamma Mia!” on Thursday, March 21, Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. Shown rehearsing a scene on March 14 are Kaitlyn Eastgate, left, and Emma Craig.

PREPARING FOR THE PLAY Porter Rich, left, and Emma Craig rehearse a scene from “Mamma Mia!” on March 14.

REHEARSING A SCENE From left Emma Craig, Olliver Pettit, Wyatt Craig and Hailee Norman practice a scene from “Mamma Mia!” March 14. Photo by Leah Sander.

Updates and happenings in and around the area

The Akron Las Donas Club

Marcus Hackworth and Scott Sechrist Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998, is available this year through the Tippecanoe Valley High School guidance counselor’s office. You may also apply online by requesting the application, or by email at akronlasdonasclub@gmail.com.

The scholarship is for graduating high school seniors of TVHS pursuing secondary education for a two-year, four-year or vocational degree. The deadline is Monday, April 1. If you have any questions, send an email or call (574) 835-1891.

—o—

Akron Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Easter egg hunt from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 30. Over 6,000 eggs, prizes, pictures with the Easter bunny, and a spring animal petting zoo, will be held in Pike Memorial Park, Akron.

—o—

The Caston High School FFA annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, on the Caston playground, 9815 S. SR 25, Rochester.

—o—

Fulton-Liberty Lions Club

Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday,

March 30, at Liberty Township Park, Fulton. Meet at the pavilions; hunt is in ball fields and playground; ages through 12 years. All plastic eggs need to be left in provided totes after finishing.

—o—

Recovery Rockstars N.A. Group will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Tweedle D’s Diner, 725 N. SR 25, Rochester. For more information call Nathaniel Helm (574) 933-4768.

—o—

The Fulton County 4-H Council, Fair Association, and 4-H members will be hosting the annual fish and tenderloin fundraiser. It will be from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at the door. Prepared by Dan’s Fish Fry Service.

—o—

Fulton County GOP’s meet and greet will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in the Fulton County Museum, Rochester. It it is open to the public. Republicans running for office will be the featured speakers.

—o—

The mobile food truck from “Food Finders” is coming to the Kewanna Water Tower lot at 11

a.m. Tuesday March 26. This is a drive-thru event; bring a box and have your trunk open; usually at location for an hour.

—o—

St. John’s Lutheran Church is offering the Helping Hands Store. All items in the store are free. The store is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, at 404 Jefferson St., Rochester. Ring the bell at the front door to enter. You may call the office after hours for an appointment (574) 223-6898.

—o—

Free soil sampling is being offered by the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Rochester. It is open to Indiana farmers, specialty growers, suburban farmers, and any farmer or livestock producer with land. Free soil sampling up to four samples per field. If you live in Fulton County, contact Chris Gardner, ISDA representative, (574) 223-3220.

—o—

Solar eclipse glasses will be available to all Fulton County residents. Pick up the glasses at all branches of the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester, beginning March 27. Quantities are limited and available on a first

Prehistoric Indian Artifact Show April 6

The Indiana Archaeological

exhibition of prehistoric to

artifacts from 8 a.m. to 3

Saturday, April 6, at the Mi-

County Fairgrounds, 1079 W.

come, first served basis.

Spring break movies at The Times Theater are: 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, “Minions” and 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, “Miss Congeniality.” Free admission and popcorn for all. Sponsored by Psi Iota Xi-Eta Mu.

VFW Auxiliary 1343 will have a meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6. All officers need to attend. There will be a regular meeting, nominations and election of officers. Some officers are not running for re-election. These offices will need to be filled to continue the auxiliary. Members are needed to step up and participate. If you are an officer and cannot attend the meeting and wish to continue holding an office, you will need to put it in writing and have it presented at the meeting.

—o—

There will be a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. in the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. Call (800) 733-2767, or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.

—o—

An All-Praise Gospel Jam will be at The Times Theater, 618 Main St., Rochester, from 4-6

p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free admission.

—o—

The 31st Annual Rochester FFA Consignment Auction will start at 9 a..m. Saturday, March 23. The auction will be held at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.

—o—

A hunter education course, sponsored by Rochester Ducks Unlimited, will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 22, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Rochester Fire Department. Registration begins Friday, Feb. 1; and pre-registration is required. To register, visit register-edu.com. For more information, visit IndianaHunterEducation.com.

—o—

Soap sale by the FultonLiberty Lions Club are back. Orders accepted April 1-12. Soap pickup is from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Fulton Community Center, 204 E. Dunn St., Fulton. Order forms are available at the Fulton Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Fulton, or contact a Lions member. For questions call Beth Burton (574) 857-6750, and leave a message. The deadline to turn in orders is April 22.

FRIDAY,

at 7:00 PM

Rev. Mark Foreman (Speaker)

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 at 10:30 AM

Rev. Phil Pratt (Speaker)

“Willy Wonka Jr.” is coming to Rochester.

The Northern Indiana Community Foundation and Rochester Telephone Co. are pleased to sponsor a performance of “Willy Wonka Jr.” at Rochester High School.

The show, just more than an hour in length, is written for younger performers and with an audience of children in mind.

The cast is made up of 40 children from the greater Indianapolis area who are members of former RHS students Jennifer (Elliott) Estes’ and Jayson Elliott’s brainchild, Epsilon Theatrical Co.

The performance is slated for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in the RHS Auditorium. All children under the age of 18 are admitted free; adult tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.

According to a press release, the brother-sister team never forgot their time on the stage during their years at RHS. Elliot said coming “home is emotional, heartwarming and thrilling.”

Estes, a 1993 grad, and Elliot, a 1995 alum, were active in TriEpsilon, the drama club, and

the RHS choral program. Both found that what they learned through the performing arts has shaped them.

Estes remembers experi-

encing improv in Maria Kelsay’s drama classes, where she learned “I was able to express myself freely ... As a shy kid, it was the outlet I needed.”

Elliott said he learned from Kelsay and RHS choral director, Hope Showley, remains as the “building blocks” as he seeks to inspire a new generation of storytellers with ETC.

Both participated in a summer theater program where they spent time in Chicago and Indianapolis, visiting restaurants and attending shows. The visits exposed “small-town kids who had never seen a building taller than a silo to a world they didn’t even know existed,”

shared Estes.    Elliott, who was based in New York City for nearly two decades, performed on Broadway, with touring ensembles, for the Disney Cruise Line, and in regional theaters, including Beef and Boards in Indianapolis. His signature role is the Big Bopper in “The Buddy Holly Story,” a role he has played more than 20 times all over the U.S.

Sister, Jennifer, left high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, but her love of the theater remained. In 2003, she began studying improv, including at The Second City improv theater in Chicago, and became a founding member of IndyProv, which toured throughout the country. In 2018, she became a leader of a drama ministry for children, In His Light Players.

When COVID-19 closed down NYC,  Elliott made the decision to move back to Indiana.  Although he had decided to step back from performing, it wasn’t long before his older sister talked him into helping with the IHLP productions. The two have directed and produced shows, such as “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.,” “Matilda Jr.,” “Seussical Jr.,” and “Shrek Jr.”

In 2022, they wowed local theatergoers with their larger-

than-life production of “Beauty and the Beast.” The fall of 2023 marked the final IHLP production, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Building off the momentum of the IHLP success, Elliott and Esters then founded the Epsilon Theatrical Co. The name pays homage to their high school drama club, Tri-Epsilon, with its goal to grow the next generation of leaders both on stage and off.

Drawing from Elliott’s performing experiences and Estes’ strong sense of community and commitment to building a dedicated and capable team, Epsilon opened its inaugural season this year at Broadway United Methodist Church in the heart of Indianapolis with “Willy Wonka Jr.”

“In today’s digital age, theater provides a tangible outlet for performers and audiences, which is why ETC exists to produce high-caliber theatrical opportunities for the enjoyment and enrichment of all participants, patrons and residents of central Indiana,” said Elliott.

“We are ecstatic for the opportunity to bring a little piece of our world back to where it all began, the RHS stage,” said Estes. “Thank you to everyone who is making this homecoming a reality. Go Zs!”

‘WILLY WONKA JR.’ Rochester High School graduates Jennifer (Elliott) Estes and Jayson Elliott will present “Willy Wonka Jr.” at the Roch-

ester High School Auditorium Thursday, March 28, with free admission for those under 18. Photo provided.

NOW OPEN The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting for Runnings Thursday, March 14, during its grand opening. The outdoor and farm store is located at the former site of R.P. Home & Harvest at 2100 Peace Tree Village, Rochester.

Runnings officially opens in Rochester

Text and Photos

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

Runnings is officially open in Rochester.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting for the store Thursday, March 14.

That was during the store’s grand opening in the former location of R.P. Home and Harvest, 2100 Peace Tree Village.

The Minnesota-based Runnings acquired R.P. Home and Harvest last year. Like R.P. Home and Harvest, the store stocks outdoor and farm merchandise, though

Runnings’ Rochester Store Manager Miraenda Widman and Assistant Store Manager Shannon White noted there was more merchandise than before.

The store carries everything from clothing and hunting and fishing supplies to chicks. There are 36 employees who work at the Rochester location. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. “We’re just happy that (the grand opening) is finally here, and we’re excited for what the future brings,” said Widman.

GOING FISHING A look at fishing poles for sale in the Runnings store.

March

County to work on negotiating with alternative EMS provider after Lutheran withdraws bid

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

joint

of the Fulton County Commissioners and Fulton County Council Wednesday, March 13, at the Fulton County Office Building. Leaders had initially arranged the special meeting to discuss a delay in Lutheran communicating with the county

Thank you to the kind person who found my Subaru keys in the Kroger parking lot.

Thank you for turning them in. It has sentimental value and the UPS insignia means the world to me.

Thanks again, Susan O’Dell

about a new EMS contract, but had to pivot after Lutheran announced Tuesday, March 12, it was taking back its bid.

In a letter sent to Commissioners’ President Bryan Lewis, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital CEO Lynn Mergen stated the following:

“We entered into the (request for proposal process) with an expectation of accepting a mutually agreeable go-forward agreement. However, at this point in time, we have concluded that we must focus our resources elsewhere while we enhance and expand the facility-based health care we provide in this region. We know that Fulton County will be in very good hands with your alternate provider.”

Fulton County leaders had started working on obtaining bids from several companies after Lutheran opted to remove its third ambulance in the county from Akron. With only several years left on the current, 10year contract with Lutheran, the county decided to use EMS consulting firm, Ritter Strategic Services, to consider more ambulance choices.

The county had several public meetings to garner public input and put together a committee representative of the whole county to advise leaders.

The committee consisted of: Commissioners’ Vice President Rick Ranstead, Fulton County Council President Ron Ditt-

man, Fulton County EMA and 911 Communications Director Gail Karas, Akron ClerkTreasurer Rebecca Hartzler, Kewanna Town Council member Jeff Finke, Rochester Fire Department Chief Tom Butler and Woodlawn Hospital Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Paula McKinney.

Stipulations for quotes were they were for four-year contracts and would include three ambulance sites: one in Akron, Kewanna and Rochester.

Quotes came in from Lutheran, Parkview EMS and Heartland Ambulance Service.

Parkview was ruled out as it misunderstood what the county desired, thinking: “We wanted them to help us start an ambulance service,” said Ranstead.

With Lutheran having the lowest bid, the county used law firm Ice Miller to negotiate a new contract with the entity.

Lutheran asked for several short-term service extensions over the last few months while the entity went over the contract. The county granted them, but after learning about the last one at the end of February, in which Lutheran asked for a new service extension to April 1, county leaders said they’d extend it, provided Lutheran put an ambulance back in Akron March 1.

Lutheran didn’t meet the deadline or communicate with the county until after March 1.

Thus, leaders agreed to start negotiating with Heartland in Muncie. Heartland’s bid was $1.35 million annually, more than three times what Lutheran’s had been.

However, RSS’ Brent Mead-

ows, who was present at the meeting, said he and RSS head Barry Ritter would “ask (Heartland) to sharpen their pencils” or drop the price.

Ritter, who attended the meeting electronically, noted there were only “minor” differences between the scope of what Heartland would provide versus Lutheran and RSS would work to iron out those while negotiating.

Dittman said the county council was to discuss potentially implementing a special, local-income tax to help cover the cost of Heartland if needed. Those funds would only be used for EMS.

As an example, Dittman noted the tax worked out to a person with a $50,000 salary paying “$100 more a year in taxes.”

“It’s not something that there is a person up here that wants to do, but for us to supply our needs of Fulton County, and keep our citizens protected, is what we must do,” he said.

The public would have a chance to weigh in before a vote on the tax. Dittman said the tax, if approved this year, wouldn’t go into effect until next year, thus making tax funds ineligible to be used until 2026. The county would have to use other money until then.

“None of us up here on this board want to raise taxes, but we have 21,000 people we need to think about, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” he reiterated.

Leaders Wednesday also signed an extension with Lutheran for the company to provide EMS in the county until June 30, giving the county time to secure a new EMS provider.

DISCUSSING AN EMS SWITCH At a special joint meeting of the Fulton County Commissioners and Fulton County Council Wednesday,

13, from left are Commissioner Dave Sommers, Commissioners’ Vice President Rick Ranstead, Commissioners’ President

Bryan Lewis, Council President Ron Dittman, Council Vice President Phyl Olinger, and Council Members Steve Fishburn, Lorie Hurst, Chayse Thompson and Pete Karas. Photo by Leah Sander.

AGRICULTURE AREA A look at the

Drywall started in new TVHS auditorium

Text and Photos

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

Workers have started hanging drywall in Tippecanoe Valley High School’s auditorium.

The Skillman Corp. Project Manager Scott Rogers gave that information as part of his update to the Tippecanoe Valley School Board at its monthly work session

Thursday, March 14, at TVHS. The Skillman Corp. is the construction management company for TVHS’ construction project.

“In the auditorium, we’re just now finishing all of the duct work

and electrical for lighting roughins up high. We have everything framed out for the walls,” he added.

Rogers also said new general locker rooms were able to be used for the boys’ basketball sectional, recently hosted at TVHS. Those are complete aside from finished flooring.

“Today we started taking scaffolding down (in the pool area),” he said.

Workers have finished the ceilings and duct work there.

In the new agriculture area, plans are to start putting up walls soon, said Rogers.

Rochester Manitou Moose Lodge accepting donations for tornado victims

On Thursday, March 14, a tornado tore through the town of Winchester. Rochester Moose Lodge No. 1107, 1911 Westside Drive, Rochester, will be a designated drop-off site for donations being sent to Winchester. Because of the immediate need, donations need to be dropped off by Monday, March 25. Mark and Janice Butler will deliver items Tuesday, March 26.

The immediate needs are: totes for displaced families hard hats safety glasses

wipes diapers

phone-charging banks

nonperishable foods

black trash bags

tarps

cleaning kits

paper towels

water pet supplies pillows (major need)

blankets sheets (all sizes)

Ziplock bags (all sizes)

toiletries

small first-aid kits

If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, contact the Moose Lodge at (574) 223-3914 or Janice Butler at (765) 469-3295.

He said current estimates to have parts of the project finished are: late July for the pool, early August for the auditorium, and June or July for the agriculture area.

new agriculture area at TVHS where walls should be going in soon.

NEW DRYWALL Shown is a view of Tippecanoe Valley High School’s new auditorium. Workers recently started putting the purple drywall up.

The Outlet Youth Center holds fourth annual Bra Day at RHS

The Outlet Youth Center held its fourth annual Bra Day March 6, at Rochester High School.

“This event has become our favorite event to host each year,” said Outlet Executive Director Taylor Showley. “I have never seen a group of kids more excited than when we come for bra day. One student walked in the door this year and told me Bra Day was her favorite holiday.”

In partnership with The Stacey Carvey-Schoenhals Foundation and I Support The Girls, over 240 girls were served Wednesday.

During Bra Day, female students in 8-12 grade were called down to the gymnasium by grade and the first initial of their last name. Their attendance was completely voluntary, and they had the option to not participate in the program. When students arrived, Lindsay Brubaker, a professional bra fitting specialist with the company, Essential Bodywear, gave a brief presentation on how to properly wear a bra and explained the importance of doing so.

GIVING BACK — Students at Rochester High School are selecting items during the fourth annual Bra Day March 6 at RHS. Photo provided by Taylor Showley.

Brubaker is passionate about educating women about bra-wearing.

“It’s important for girls to know

how wearing a bra properly can affect their posture and prevent rashes and dermatitis. Aside from health reasons, I believe a good supportive bra makes or breaks how a girl feels about themselves. When women are properly covered and feel comfortable, their self confidence has room to shine.”

After a brief presentation, the girls were invited to come pick up their free items. This year, items ranged from one free bra for each girl, sports bras, feminine hygiene products, makeup, skin care products, and underwear. I Support The Girls donated so much underwear that students were able

to take home 14 pairs for themselves. If students were not sure of their sizes, Lindsay was available to size them if they chose to do so.

RHS Assistant Principal Lauri Atkinson said “Bra Day” is very exciting at RHS.

“I had a girl tell me she actually wasn’t planning on going to school that day, but remembered it was Bra Day, so she was there,” Atkinson said. “I had another young lady tell me how grateful she was because she had no idea what her size was, and she will be interviewing for jobs soon and now feels more confident. It’s awesome to see these young women being excited and feeling special. RHS truly appreciates the volunteers who make our girls feel com-

fortable and proud to be a young woman.”

As all products are provided for free by I Support the Girls, The Stacey Carvey-Schoenhals Foundation served as a sponsor to ensure each girl received the products they needed. If a particular size ran out, The Outlet purchased the size and will deliver it to the schools after spring break.

Lukas Schoenhals, husband of the late Stacey Schoenhals, commented on the sponsorship.

“Giving back to students at Rochester Community Schools is at the heart of the Stacey CarveySchoenhals Foundation and being able to sponsor this wonderful program would have been something near and dear to Stacey,” he said.

appearance, professional presence, willingness to be a team player, ability to learn and expand skill sets (training will be provided), answer phones, work with clients and their pets, be able to lift 35 pounds, experience in Windows based software, invoicing, receiving payments and monitor inventory accurately, accurate with records and documents, take direction from others and punctuality and dependability.

CASTON STUDENT OF THE MONTH — Alexa Lowe was recently named student of the month for February at CJSHS. Photo provided by Angie Miller.

CASTON JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH— Isaac Albright was recently named student of the month for February at Caston Junior-Senior High School, Rochester. Photo provided by Angie Miller.

A healthy body: Use it or lose it

By KYLE L. SOMMERS, MSN, FNP-BC Woodlawn Health

Editor Note: Kyle Sommers is employed at Woodlawn Health

in the up and coming occupational health department.

Use it or lose it. This is a common expression in health care. Reality is we will lose the

ability to do things if we stop trying. This is especially true regarding our ability to walk, bend, lift and bear weight. The expression applies to everyone however, it is especially relevant for those living with arthritis. Arthritis can be painful! Exercising through the pain never sounds enjoyable. However, in the long run, regular exercise and physical activity can reduce pain and maintain range of motion.

When I say exercise, I am referring to any activity that gets the body moving. This does not mean you have to join a gym or take on a strenuous program. Many activities can be done at home. The bottom line is that we need to increase our heart rate and move our muscles. Increasing muscle strength protects our joints and our bodies in general. Increasing our heart rate improves cardiac health, increases oxygen within our bodies and lowers blood pressure. Together these actions keep our bodies healthy and moving!

Ideally, we should be physically active for 30 minutes most days of the week. Let 30 min-

utes of activity be a goal. Keep in mind, it does not have to be done all at once. It is okay to start low and slow. For those with painful arthritis, start out by being active for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes later in the day, gradually increasing time as tolerated. Frequency is more important than duration.If you cannot sustain 10 minutes, move as often as possible and notice that your tolerance will increase.

Those with arthritis can follow the safety tips below to help build an exercise routine:

Warming up with a slow walk.

Start with low weights or no weight at all.

Work on a flat surface.

Wear supportive footwear.

Avoid twisting joints.

Support joints with braces as recommended by your health care provider.

Let pain be your guide, if you feel pain, stop and modify what you’re doing.

Cool down with a slow walk. Exercising does not have to be a miserable experience, but it does take commitment and consistency. Choose to move as much as possible. Take the first step towards managing your arthritis. Make one change at a time. Set one goal at a time. Set goals that are attainable. Take this step towards controlling pain, maintaining range of motion and taking charge of your arthritis as well as your overall health.

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SOMETHING GREEN FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY Fulton County RSVP sold green carnations as a fundraiser. Here, Beacon Credit Union’s Jenny Steininger, left, accepts some from RSVP’s Jay Wilson Friday, March 15. Photo by Leah Sander.

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Online Only Trophy Shop Liquidation Auction

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Annual Rochester FFA Consignment Auction

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Farm and Recreational Land Auction

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STATE PARTICIPANTS — Riddle and Rochester Middle School students participated at the state level for the Optimist Tri Star basketball contest held in Franklin.

From left are

Children’s book with Rochester roots returns with new book

Last spring, local resident Katy Wills, together with her sister, Sarah Wills Carlsson, launched their first children’s book. They visited the Rochester Public Library July 19 and donated a book to the library during their visit.

Now, they are launching a new book in their series of children’s books, which is part of the two sister’s global mission to make the world a better place.

Together with their launch, they will do a book reading and signing from 1-2:45 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Rochester Branch of the Fulton County Library. During the reading, they will also donate their two country books to the library.

Their first book, “’ittle Bear: The Adventures” begin, introduced the stuffed bear who travels the world in a big person’s suitcase. While the big person works, she goes out on adventures of her own. As she travels, she experiences the wonderful things that one does when traveling, like new places,

exciting sights, new food, and new friends.

She also experiences a challenge that she solves through three super powers, curiosity, courage, and compassion, that she has the potential for and develops within herself. These super powers enable her to interact effectively across cultures, religions, and communities and are based on research in organizational psychology and intercultural collaboration.

The sisters launched their first country book, “Adventures in France,” in November and now are launching their next book, “Adventures in Ireland.” Each country book includes a new friend and cultural guide (René rooster in France, Siobhan sheep in Ireland), a bit of language, culture, geography, history, and a unique cultural problem to be solved through her super powers.

They have also translated the first book to Spanish, Arabic, and Swedish for use in bilingual schools and integration projects in the United States

JOB OPENINGS PARK LABOR

The City of Rochester Parks Department has an opening for seasonal laborers responsible for assisting in maintaining buildings, mowing and cleaning debris and trash from property at designated areas.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

• Job requires frequent lifting, squatting and bending over.

• Be able to operate small power equipment and use hand tools.

• Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Applications can be picked up and submitted at City Building Complex, City Hall, 320 Main Street, Rochester, Indiana 46975

Applications must be returned by April 5, 2024. EOE

LIFEGUARD

The City of Rochester Parks Department has an opening for Lifeguards responsible for the safety of City Pool patrons, supervising all swimming activities and ensuring that policies, guidelines, and safety procedures are followed at the direction of the pool manager. Position is part-time through the pool season.

• Must be able to pass Lifeguard Certification.

• Must have or be able to pass CPR Certification.

• Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Applications can be picked up and submitted at City Building Complex, City Hall, 320 Main Street, Rochester, Indiana 46975

Applications must be returned by April 5, 2024. EOE

ADVENTURES IN IRELAND —

The Fulton County Public Library will hold a book signing and reading. The books are written and illustrated by Katy Wills, and her sister, Sarah Wills Carlsson. It will be from 1-2:45 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Rochester library. Photo provided by Birja Brauneller Short. and Sweden. They currently have several pilot projects ongoing around the world with great feedback and success.

The sisters’ history in Rochester began long before their birth, in the 1930s when their great-grandfather bought a cottage on Lake Manitou. Seldom Inn, as the cottage was known, was a regular family retreat for their mother, Birja Brauneller Short, and then their generation.

Birja and Katy both live in Rochester on Lake Manitou, and all the drawings for the book were done on the shores of Lake Manitou. Sarah lives in Gothenburg, Sweden, and will

visit Rochester. The principles behind the book come from research from both women. One is a former engineering director and engineering management consul-

tant, and another is an IT product owner and Agile coach. They regularly apply these principles in their jobs. Carlsson teaches to global engineering companies.

Coffee or work?

By RUSSELL DAVIDSON Guest Writer

I don’t want to go to work today.

Would you please pour me another cup of coffee? I really don’t like this new job. “Guess what honey; today is

Saturday. No work today. Don’t give up; our family needs you to stay stand strong. It’s the American way.

Jude Brown, Kellen House, first place; Declan House, second place; Lizzy Walley and Hailey Howell, first place; and Harper Howell, second place. Photo provided by Charlee Schwenk.