Shopping Guide News of Fulton County - March 29, 2023

Caston Schools recognized for

‘Fields of Excellence’

As a sophomore soccer player in southern Indiana in the 1980s, my teammates and I started our season with an afternoon of shoving smoke bombs down the many gopher holes that dotted our field. The sport is hard enough on legs and ankles without the threat of a break or sprain from stepping into a hole, and it may have been nice to have had the support of an award-winning grounds crew like the one currently tending Caston School Corporation’s fields of play.

For the fourth consecutive year, Josh Lowe, Caston School Corporation transportation and grounds director, and assistant Chuck Warpenburg earned Pioneer Athletic’s Fields of Excellence award for their many hours of hard work maintaining the sports fields along with their oth-

er duties.

In 2022, Caston was one of 101 schools nationwide that earned the award, joining the likes of Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium and Franklin College in Indiana.

Lowe and Warpenburg took over groundskeeping responsibilities seven years ago that include the entire campus, though game fields require “special attention.”

“We took the bull by the horns and tried to improve the facilities the best we could with the means we had,” said Lowe. At first, the pair received direction from vendors on proper application of chemicals and turf management. “There was more to it than I ever imagined,” he recalled.

Continued on page 3

NOW Y OUR N EIGHBOR

Ladd plans to bring more transparency to FEDCO

In January 2023, Fulton Economic Development Corporation named Michael Ladd as its new director. Among his immediate goals are to make FEDCO “more transparent.”

Noting the county halved its funding to the organization this year, Ladd emphasized the importance of letting the council and the public “know more about what the organization is doing.”

He plans to do this in part through monthly reports and publishing news articles “talking about what economic development is,” a process already well underway.

Ladd began his professional career as a journalist. A native of Carbondale, Ill., Ladd attended Southern Illinois University, where he double majored in political science and journalism. He was then a reporter for a Mount Vernon newspaper, which he was sad to see go out of business around six years ago. “I remember my time as a journalist fondly,” he said.

However, in the 1980s he transitioned to the nonprofit world, first with the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce as manager of governmental affairs, followed by stints in East Chicago, Marion, Indianapolis and New Albany.

In Marion, Ladd oversaw

a Main Street program; in Indianapolis and New Albany, he was director of enterprise zones, tax-increment funded areas designated for economic development.

The Indianapolis zone, he explained, was a 4-squaremile area in which tax abatements were given to incentivize property improvements. Other zone ventures included public art, facade improvements and entrepreneurial programs.

Before accepting the FEDCO position, Ladd spent eight years with Metal Dynamics, a contractor for the U.S. Navy.

Before Ladd came to FEDCO, the organization developed a strategic plan, which Ladd said he will be following. That plan may be viewed at fultondevelopment.org.

“I’ve had a long nonprofit management career,” he noted, which he plans to bring to the various programs FEDCO oversees. He also looks forward to partnering with Harry Webb and the Rochester Downtown Partnership.

Ladd will also be working to push forward the Blacketor Industrial Park development, using Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative funds from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Ladd said there are some misperceptions about how economic development works.

“It’s not magic. It’s a slow

process.” He hopes to make this process more transparent through his articles and at regular meetings.

“Everybody needs to be pulling in the same direction,” he added, and the various entities of city and county government and nonprofits, should “start talking about what portion of the work each takes. … A strategic plan is not only for our organization but the community as well and should be viewed that way.” He also hopes to ensure communities outside Rochester are more involved in the process.

Ladd enjoys the variety of nonprofit work. “No two days are the same.” He also gleans a satisfaction from “helping the communities I’m in.” He still enjoys writing and looks forward to “getting FEDCO’s story out there.”

In his free time, Ladd is an avid fisherman, particularly

fly fishing for trout. “There’s nothing better to get your head together than stand-

Rochester Mayoral Race —

ing in an ice-cold stream. … It’s really more about being outside than fishing.”

Denton and Odell respond to questions

Do you see the mayor’s job as a part-time or full-time position?

Why?

Trent Odell

I see the job as a full-time commitment. That term has a different meaning for me than fulltime position. I raised hogs for 37 years and was on call 24/7 365.

I’ve sacrificed family events and vacations, worked to restore backup power in the worst of weather conditions and endured many periods where I had to continue my care for them even though I was losing money hand-over-fist. I understand commitment.

I no longer raise hogs as of a year ago, and if I’m elected, 2023 will be my last grain farming. I have made arrangements for that part of the farming operation to be done for me by someone else.

I am also blessed with a great team at Odell Lumber who are able to carry the load without me. However, my presence there is another opportunity to stay in touch with the community and to hear their ideas as well as their complaints. Even now, I’m constantly spending time with individuals who want to be heard and I enjoy our conversations.

As I have stated in previous responses, I am not a micro-manager, and I entrust the responsibility of different departments to those in charge of those departments. It is a shared load of responsibility for all of our elected officials and the city employees to move our town forward. I will do anything and everything that I can to help them be successful,

and as they succeed, we as a community will all benefit.

Ted Denton

There is a saying, “The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the time invested.” Absolutely the mayor’s job is fulltime if done right.

When I took office, Rochester was showing all the signs of the previous “care taker”-style of management left by a mayor who spent a lot of time traveling and not attending to business, adding extra burden and stress to the department heads and the clerk/ treasurer. We have changed all of that.

I travel very little and only when it will benefit Rochester, not for social reasons. There are 84 scheduled meetings that are publicized at the start of each year

involving our local government and another dozen-or-so related to the chamber of commerce and other local involvement. Throw in another couple of dozen involving projects, engineering meetings and meeting with department heads, and you have very full days, which turn into full months and full years.

There is no way an active, engaged, successful mayor could accomplish what we have in seven years and have another business on the side. This mayor has given full attention to the city of Rochester for over seven years to the point of not taking a vacation. I have always said that it is all right for the voters to expect more from their elected, and I vow to always give my all while working for you.

Woodlawn Hospital candy sale

Woodlawn Hospital candy sale will take place on March 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. Wakarusa Dime Store will be on site with their candy. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to come.

“We are so excited to welcome back Wakarusa Dime Store to our campus. The community is welcome to stop by and pick up some Easter candy including their giant jellybeans, taffy and nostalgic candy,” Marlayna Gagnon, Em-

ployee Engagement Committee Member stated.

All the proceeds will go towards the Woodlawn Employee Assistance Fund. The fund helps employees who are in need. In the past, they have helped to pay outstanding utility bills, medical and care repairs. “This is just one of the many ways we are earning the right to care for our community by offering our employees and team members assistance when they need it,” Gagnon said.

Let’s study the Bible

What is the royal law?

(Read: James 2:8-13)

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9)

First, The Bible’s Royal Law (James 2:8-9): If you love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. James learned faithfully from his master (the Lord Jesus Christ). When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus said the law has two sides to it: (1) love God and (2) love thy neighbor (Matthew 22:34-40). You can’t claim to love God while you hate others (1 John 4:20). If you show favoritism, you don’t merely do something socially unacceptable — you commit sin (James 2:9).

Second, The Significance Of Favoritism (James 2:10-11):

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” (James 2:10-11)

How serious is the sin of favoritism? James sets it alongside adultery and murder. The reason the church still suffers from sins of favoritism is because we are not willing to acknowledge how serious and wretched it is. If you are condemned as a murderer, it does no good telling the judge that you are innocent of adultery (James 2:11).

If you are hanging from a chain off the edge of a cliff, it doesn’t matter which of the links breaks because they are all connected. The end result will be the same. If you practice any form of favoritism against those made in the image of God, you are guilty no matter how many rules or laws you follow (James 2:10).

Third, The Law Of Liberty (James 2:12-13): “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For

he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” (James 2:12-13) Therefore, speak and act with the knowledge that you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day (James 2:12). Everyone who enters our churches should experience them as environments of mercy and hope. If you don’t show mercy, don’t expect mercy. If you don’t offer hope, don’t expect hope. Confess any partiality in your life and look for opportunities to show mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).

If you have true saving faith, you will practice impartiality (James 2:1–13) and see people in terms of character and not clothing or other factors. You will not cater to the rich or ignore the poor, but you will love each person for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian love simply means treating others the way the Lord treats you and doing it in the power of the Holy Spirit. Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.

Caston Schools

Continued from page 1

The multi-purpose football/soccer field gets the most use — or “abuse” — according to Lowe. “We take extra pride in that because it gets the most use … and for the viewing pleasure it receives from fans.”

Water management is key, especially during the three- to fourmonth period in late summer and early fall. Irrigation must be regulated to achieve the necessary balance between too much and not enough. “We’ve learned through the years to manage that.”

Preparing the fields before and after this period is also important. They are careful to reseed where and when necessary. “What gets damaged needs to be replenished.” Aeration in the fall and spring is also important.

And, yes, the duo have their “fair share of varmints here to deal with,” said Lowe; however, these pests are managed by controlling the insects they eat. Insecticides are applied in the summer.

Warpenburg does most of the

painting on the game fields. He strings the lines in the summer and then tries to repaint every week or so. The paints are mixed in-house.

At Caston, Lowe and Warpenburg are known for their modesty, so it is fitting they would be recognized for an award designed for, as the Pioneer Athletics website

states, “the unsung hero, the undefeated MVP. … With the lights low and the bleachers emptied, they keep working, never relenting … setting the scene for every tackle, goal and home run.”

For more information, visit pioneerathletics.com/fields-of-excellence or facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063562570881.

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Glenda F. Vaughn Bookkeeper

Glenda F. Vaughn, 81, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:04 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, at Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester.

On Oct. 10, 1941, Glenda Faye Bailey was born in New Albany, Miss. She was a treasured daughter of Pinson and Francis Crump Bailey. Growing up, she shared her childhood with two sisters and three brothers.

On Aug. 13, 1957, Glenda and Jolly E. Vaughn were married in DeSoto County, Miss. They shared 65 years of life’s adventures. From their union came four beautiful daughters, Candy, Terry, Pamela and Kisia. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

As a bookkeeper, Glenda assisted Jolly with the accounts of the J.E. Vaughn Painting Service. To relax the Vaughns loved to take day trips on their burgundy Honda Goldwing. It was always the unexpected destinations that made the best memories. Grandma and Grandpa followed and supported all of the grandchildren’s music and academic competitions in school and sports activities, as their number one cheerleaders.

As a mom and grandma, Glenda was remembered for her delicious from scratch homemade banana pudding and pies, especially chess and pecan. She was an avid reader, enjoying Amish novels and Christian books. Glenda also liked to work word search puzzles.

Left to cherish Glenda’s memory are three daughters, Terry Norrell and husband Kurt of Cuero, Texas, Pamela G. Gagnon and husband Robert of Rochester and Kisia Ulery and husband Rod of Rochester; 15 grandchildren, Mark, Renee, Chad, Colton, Jamie, Joshua, Jonas, Sam, Andrea, Phillip, Ryan, Neal, Kyle, Kody and Allison; numerous greatgrandchildren; a sister, Jeannie Burns of Georgetown; a brother, Earl Julian Adams of Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Linda Vaughn of Wilson, Ark., and Carol Vaughn of Rochester; two brothers-in-law, Billy Vaughn and wife Nadine “Dean” of Wilson, Ark., and Gary Vaughn of Wilson, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Glenda in death are her parents; beloved husband, Jolly, on Feb. 11, 2023; daughter, Candy Denny; sister, Sue Gast; and two brothers, James Adams and Bobby Bailey.

The family of Glenda F. and Jolly E. Vaughn received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. A private family service followed with Pastor Terry Baldwin officiating.

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

Phyllis Whitmore

Former Macy Resident

Phyllis Ehrhardt Whitmore, 98, Franklin, formerly of Nyona Lake, Macy, passed away at 1:17 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Indiana Masonic Home, Franklin.

She was born May 2, 1924, in Indianapolis, the daughter of William and Helen (Ambuhl) Ehrhardt. On Nov. 23, 1944, in Indianapolis, she married Dr. Russell M. Whitmore. He preceded her in death on March 7, 1963.

Survivors include her daughter, Christine Wells, Westfield; son, Russell W. (Sharon) Whitmore, Nashville; six grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time. Interment will take place at a later date at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.

Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.

Frederick M. Carpenter Sr.

U.S. Army Veteran

Frederick M. Carpenter Sr., 77, passed away at 2:22 a.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

Fred was born Nov. 30, 1945, in LaPorte, to the late Robert and Mary Lou (Beauchamp) Hans Sr. He has lived in Rochester for the past 20 years. On Aug. 28, 1982, in Koontz Lake, Fred and the former Linda Amor were united in marriage.

Along with Linda, his loving wife, Fred is survived by his three sons, Frederick (Jacki Dollins) Carpenter Jr., Rochester, Scott (Rhonda Elder-Brown) Carpenter, Spartanburg, S.C., and Paul (Kristin) Carpenter, Rochester; three stepchildren, Jim (Connie) Lawton, Rochester, Melinda (Sam) Ahlenius, Knox, and Jeff (Deb) Lawton, Plymouth; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Kathy (Pastor Ed) Damron, West Virginia.

Along with his parents, Fred was preceded in death by one sister, Marsha Cole; and two brothers, Robert Hans Jr. and Terry Hans.

Fred formerly worked for New York Carpet World and Color Tile. He retired from Bomarko. After retirement, he assisted the Amish and Mennonite community by offering transportation services, which he enjoyed immensely. He was reliable and formed many friendships. Fred was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Rochester. He enjoyed cooking and always made the best baked beans. Fred was an avid fan and faithfully watched Notre Dame women’s basketball as he was a season ticket holder. He proudly served his country with the United States Army.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Palmer Funeral Home, 202 N. Main St., North Liberty, where friends visited with the family beginning at 11 a.m. Military graveside services and burial followed at Eastlawn Cemetery, North Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Frederick M. Carpenter Sr. may be donated to Trinity United Methodist Church, 819 E. Ninth St., Rochester, IN 46975.

Online condolences may be offered to the Carpenter family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Donald T. Taylor Retired Commercial Aircraft Mechanic

Donald “Donn” T. Taylor, 63, Lake Station, passed away suddenly at 8:37 a.m. (CDT) Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at St. Mary Medical Center, Hobart.

Donn was born Sept. 2, 1959, in Bremen, the son of Robert and Rose (Davis) Taylor. He grew up in Walkerton, where he graduated from John Glenn High School in 1978. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On Aug. 9, 1986, in Argos, he married Damita Jo Ritter; she survives.

Donn proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps for nine years, where he learned his trade as an aircraft mechanic. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he started his career with American Airlines as a licensed commercial aircraft mechanic, servicing countless aircraft at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., for 35 years before retiring just two years ago.

Donn had been a member the Transport Workers Union of America and had received an associate degree in computer science from Ivy Tech Community College. Donn loved to travel and was an avid Harley Davidson lover. He made many trips on his Harley to Sturgis, S.D., and in his retirement was able to go on his dream trip to Hawaii twice. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be truly missed. Though his spirit is now with God, his love and memories will live on with his family and friends.

Donn is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Damita Jo Taylor, Lake Station; sons, Joshua (Meredith) McKinney-Taylor, Indianapolis, and Jake Taylor, Indianapolis; was a loving grandfather, “Papaw Donn,” to his two granddaughters, Lydia Marie and Clara Rose McKinney-Taylor, both of Indianapolis; his grand dog, Max Taylor, Indianapolis; siblings, Nancy Bowers, Knox; Theresa (Jim) Collings, Walkerton; Ron (Myrna) Taylor, Florida; and Barbara (Phil) Lee, North Liberty; mother-in-law, Annetta Ritter, Rochester; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and greatnieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Bishop Richard Ritter; and brother-in-law, John Bowers.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. (EDT) Saturday, March 25, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends visited from 9-11 a.m. (EDT) Saturday at the funeral home. Military graveside rites were observed at the funeral home following services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Donald T. Taylor Memorial Fund through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed www.zimmermanbrosfh. com.

Susan M. Aderman

Susan Margarite Aderman, 66, Warsaw, died at 3:15 a.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Warsaw Meadow’s Care Center in Warsaw.

She was born June 15, 1956. She married Richard Aderman on Dec. 20, 1980. She is survived by a son, Eric Aderman, Bedford; daughters, Sarah Aderman, Rochester, and Gretchen Aderman, Warsaw; sisters, Mary (Bob) Trombadore, Virginia, and Elizabeth (Jim) Milliman, Fort Wayne; and brothers, Dwight (Amy) French, California, Kent (Evelyn) French, Arizona, John (Jackie) French, Warsaw, and Andy French, Winona Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Helen (Endicott) French and Harold Kilborne French.

Visitation was held was held Thursday, March 23, at RedpathFruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. She was laid to rest with a private family graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Community Bible Church, 2947 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw, IN 46580.

Donald Newman

Donald (Don) Newman, 60, Akron, died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in his home.

He was born July 16, 1962. He married Tammy Leiter.

Surviving are his children, Shandi (Brad) Brady, Argos, and Shad (Ann) Newman, Warsaw; six grandchildren; his in-laws, Ted and Karen Leiter; siblings Cathy (Jim) McClone, Rob (Patti) Newman, Dusty Newman, Tim (Cynthia) Leiter and Tracey (Jim) Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Shirley Newman. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Any donations can be made in Don’s honor to Wheels on Fire Cancer Crusaders, C/O Beaver Dam Community Church, Akron, IN, 46910.

Wilma Richardson

Wilma Richardson, 84, Claypool, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Warsaw. She was born March 1, 1939. She married William “Bev” Richardson, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a daughter, Cathy (George) Shepherd, Claypool; sister, Phyllis (Gary) Beane, Rochester; brother, William “Bub” (Judy) Yates, Palestine; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and 20 nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Edward “Eddie” Yates and Elzira (Marshall) Yates; sons, Tim and Rob Richardson; brothers, Ronnie Yates, Willard Yates and Terry Yates; and a sister, Thelma Black.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

O BITUARIES Junior R. Oliver

Retired From Reith-Riley Construction

Junior R. Oliver, 78, Rochester, passed into the arms of our Lord and Savior at 10:28 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester surrounded by his family.

Junior was born on Feb. 16, 1945, in Rochester, the son of Rue Oliver and Melva Lowe (Sanders). On July 12, 2000, in Sevierville, Tenn., he married Verna Holloway Spencer; she survives.

He was retired after working many years for Reith-Riley Construction in South Bend and owned and operated his own mini-farm raising cattle and goats. He was a member of the American Legion and Eagles Lodge. In his spare-time, he enjoyed working on his farm, fishing, camping and cooking, and was known for making his famous potato soup every week for the Kewanna Methodist Church supper, and loved to donate food he grew on his farm to friends and neighbors.

Survivors include his wife, Verna Oliver, Rochester; children, Stephanie J. Oliver (Connie), Lafayette, Douglas R. Oliver, Fulton, Angel (Sean) Insko, Noblesville, and Christal Jewell-Garrison (Rich), Rochester; siblings, Harry J. “Jimmy” (Sandy) Oliver, Angola, Ruth Ellen (Dave) Ballinger, Florida, Patricia (Greg) Mellinger, Rochester, Maxine (Don) Cowles, Rochester, and Debra (Dennis) Dell, Rochester; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert J. Oliver and Walter “Eddie” Oliver; and great-great grandson, Oliver Jackson, who was born and entered his heavenly home on June 6, 2019.

Funeral services were conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, with Rev. Todd Wilson officiating. Friends called from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.

David A. Floyd

Retired Railroad Engineer

Denver resident, David A. Floyd, 72, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his residence.

On Aug. 22, 1950, David Allen Floyd was born in Rochester. He was the treasured son of Lester and Chloe G. Walker Floyd. Growing up, he shared his childhood with five sisters and one brother. Proudly, David graduated with the class of 1969 from North Miami High School.

In Macy, David and Kathy Ann Stahl were married on Dec. 10, 1971. They shared 48 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, she passed away on Nov. 11, 2019. Their union produced two wonderful children, Courtney and David. Another generation has been added to the family tree with the blessings of two grandsons.

As an engineer, David was dedicated to the Norfolk and Southern Railroad for over 40 years, retiring in 2007. Grandpa looked forward to greeting and picking up the boys every day after school. He was their chauffeur and cheerleader, always seated in the bleachers at their sporting events, supporting all of their endeavors. An avid sports enthusiast, David loved to watch the Chicago Cubs, the Indianapolis Colts and IU basketball. Working outside and taking pride with his lawn and landscape, David mowed and manicured his lawn to perfection. After retirement, he used his expertise to help friends and neighbors with their lawns. As a free and accepted mason, David was a member of the Lincoln Lodge No. 523 of Macy.

Left to cherish David’s memory are his son, David H. Floyd and wife Martha of Denver; grandsons, Lucas Floyd and Colin Floyd; blended grandchildren, Megan Conrad and Tyler Conrad; sister, Adella Wilson of South Bend; sister-in-law, Phyllis Floyd of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding David in death are his parents; beloved wife, Kathy; daughter, Courtney Lynn Floyd, on Sept. 13, 1996; four sisters, Grace Mills, Betty Harper, Aretha Mills and Ruth Carrothers; and brother, Dale Floyd.

A celebration of the life of David A. Floyd will be at 6 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 31. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. The Masonic Lincoln Lodge No. 523 of Macy will conduct a service at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be in the Plainview Cemetery of Macy.

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

B IRTHS

Mariah M. Ramer

Simon and Pollyanna (Martin) Ramer, Argos, are the parents of a daughter, Mariah M., born at 9:19 p.m. March 18, 2023. She weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces.

Avery Mae Boyd

Dawn Piotter and Terry Boyd, Macy, are the parents of a daughter, Avery Mae, born at 3:36 p.m. March 23, 2023, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She weighed 4 pounds, 8.5 ounces and was 7 1/4 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Philip and Lisa Piotter, Macy. Paternal grandparents are Anthony Boyd and Janet Boyd, Peru, and Heather Moore, Peru.

Maternal great-grandparents are Farmer and Alma Baker, Macy, and

Charlotte M. Berger

Charlotte

M. Berger, 94, Star City, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello.

She was born Dec. 19, 1928. On July 21, 1951, she married Raymond I. “Ray” Berger. He preceded her in death March 14, 2019.

She is survived by a daughter, Christina Fugate, Monticello; sons, Frederick (Sally) Berger, Rensselaer, Larry (Laura) Berger, Monticello, and Jonathan (Jena) Berger, Indianapolis; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Doyle Roth, Pulaski, and Ronald (Marlene) Roth Sr., Monticello; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Isadore V. and Gloria M. (Snow) Roth; sisters and brothersin-law, Arvilla (Arthur) Thornbury, Phyllis (Richard) Foerg and Dolores (Charles) Gading; and sister-in-law, Joyce Roth.

A scriptural wake service will be held at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 29, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, and will be followed by a Christian mother’s service. Visitation will be from 4:30-8 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 29, at Frain Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, March 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pulaski. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery South, Pulaski. Memorial contributions may be made in the form of mass intentions.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

David C. Norris

David C. Norris, 85, Kewanna, died at 9:21 a.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Vibra Hospital of Northwestern Indiana.

Arrangements are currently pending at Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna.

Gary Lin Calhoun

Gary Lin Calhoun,70, Argos, a native of Rochester, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born June 16, 1952.

On Aug. 3, 1974, he married Ginger Delli Gatti; she survives.

He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Calhoun, Plymouth; a brother, Brian (Pam) Calhoun, Plymouth; sister-in-law, Deborah Calhoun, Plymouth; brother-in-law, Dennis Clifford, Fishers; two nephews; a niece; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Calhoun Jr.; brother, Stephen Calhoun; grandparents, Arthur and Glenn Zentz, Donald Calhoun Sr. and Cora Calhoun; in-laws, Vito and Marilynn Delli Gatti; and sister-inlaw, Candy Clifford.

Patricia Ann Albright

Patricia Ann (Corwin) Albright, 80, Rochester, died at 8:25 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, in Life Care of Rochester.

She was born May 12, 1942. She married Charles Douglas Albright, having later divorced. He preceded her in death April 28, 1993.

She is survived by a son, Steven Albright, Greenfield; daughter, Deidre Albright, Plymouth; and a grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Donna Teeter.

A celebration of life services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 214 Overlook Circle Ste. 153, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos.

Patricia Ryan Proudy

Patricia Ryan Proudy, 62, Rochester, formerly of Stockbridge, Mass., died at 10:48 p.m.

Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

She was born Nov. 23, 1960. She is survived by her companion, Steven Wonders, Rochester; daughter, Katherine Proudy; her Indiana family, Lois Wonders, Lori Roberts and Nancy (Mark) Ramsey; her feline companions, the Maine Coons: Kami, a tuxedo, and Rey, a tabby.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Carey Ryan; infant daughter, Helen Elisabeth; brother, Tim Ryan; and Champ, the golden retriever.

Family services will be held at a later date. The Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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

Armel E. Wireman

Armel E.

“Carl” Wireman, 84, North Judson, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver.

He was born Sept. 25, 1938.

Murphy A. Wynn

Murphy A. “Murph”

Wynn, 69, Knox, died Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home.

He was born Feb. 21, 1954.

On Nov. 21, 1998, he married Barbara Black Riffey, who survives.

Also surviving are sons, Joshua (Heather) Wynn, Grovertown, Jordan (Lyndsie) Wynn, Plymouth, Robin (Jennifer) Riffey, Culver, and James (Tabitha) Riffey, Grovertown; daughters, Elizabeth (David) Lacy, Forney, Texas, and Kelly Shotsman, Kewanna; 24 grandchildren; a greatgrandson; brothers, Brady (Charlotte) Wynn Jr., Paducah, Ky., Ralph Wynn, Clinton, Tenn., and Jerry (Patsy) Wynn, Harlan, Ky.; and a sister, Barbara Sue Wynn, Newark, Del.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brady Wynn Sr. and Delora Hensley Wynn; brothers, Monroe, Noble, Charles, Elmer, Hershel, Kenneth and Herbert Wynn; and sisters, Dolly Jane Wynn, Jewel Blanton and Jean Besaw.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (central time) Thursday, March 30, at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, 108 S. Main St., Knox. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Braman & Son. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Fulton County Clerk:

Hathaway-Heinzman

Thomas Jerome Hathaway II, 53, Rochester, and Rebecca Lynn Heinzman, 44, Rochester

Godwin-Creedon

Calvin H. Godwin III, 33, Akron, and Jacklyn S. Creedon, 33, Akron

Marriage Dissolutions

Jerry and Carol Piotter, Macy. Paternal great-grandparents are Scot Moore, Peru, and Julie Walker, Peru.

Avery joins a sister, Adaline Boyd, 5. Cannon Knight Correll Chaz and Kyiah (Elmore) Correll, Macy, are the parents of a son, Cannon Knight, born at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.

Maternal grandparents are Keith and Wonda Elmore, Peru. Paternal grandparents are Steve Correll, Kewanna, and Dave and Denece Cooley, Gilead.

Maternal great-grandmother is Rowena Elmore, Peru. Paternal great-grandparents are Bill and Linda Reed, Akron, and Scott Nethercutt, Huntington.

Organ donation and subsequent cremation followed death. A time of celebration and fellowship will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at The Wooded Knot, 4655 SR 10, Tippecanoe. A short program will begin at 11:30 a.m. A meal will be provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Inc., P.O. Box 224, Leesburg, IN 46538; or to The Watershed Foundation, c/o Lake City Bank, Warsaw, IN 46581. Alzheimer’s Association contributions in his name provides research.

Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Surviving are daughters, Pebbles Wireman, Plymouth, Cindy Lynch, DeMotte, and Angie Rose, Plymouth; sons, Joey (Sherry) Wireman, Knox, Ronnie Wireman, Knox, David Wireman, La Crosse, Ricky Wireman, Maryland, Karl (Ruthie) Taylor, Winamac, Michael (Brenda) Taylor, Lake Bruce, and Randy Taylor, Knox; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Josephine (Farish) Wireman, Rensselaer; brothers, Donald (Stella Kasnick) Wireman, Rensselaer, and Clayton (Linda) Wireman, DeMotte; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Georgia (Joseph) Wireman Sr.; his fiance, Clara Ulm; a son, Timothy Wireman; a grandson; brothers, Simon Wireman Jr., Chuck Wireman and Rosco Wireman; and sisters, Janis Wireman and Ruby Wireman.

Services were held Tuesday, March 28, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Private burial took place at Mt. ZionFranklin Township Cemetery, Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts: Marti — Katie Marti, Rochester, and James Marti II, Rochester. No minor children. Woodcox-Brooks, Brooks — Kelly Michelle Woodcox-Brooks, Rochester, and Jerry Wayne Brooks, Middlebury. No minor children.

Court News Circuit Court

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

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Jane Harrold, Kewanna, $1,715.49.

Superior Court

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

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Nora Grimm, Rochester, $1,130.88. LVNV Funding LLC v. Mark Hott, Kewanna, $10,531.84.

Updates and happenings in and around the area

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at St. Joseph Parish Hall, 1310 Main St., Rochester. If you give blood April 1-23, you might be able to snag a free Red Cross and Peanuts “Joe Cool” T-shirt, but quantities are limited. To schedule a time online to give blood, go to: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time.

—o—

The Tippecanoe River State Park, Winamac, will be holding its fifth annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 8. Kids will be able to hunt eggs, create crafts and play games. Call (574) 946-3213 for more information, or visit the website at: on.IN.gov/tippecanoeriversp.

—o—

Fulton County REMC is sponsoring an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 1, at the Outlet Youth Center, 491 Apache Drive, Rochester. Festivities get underway at 4 p.m., and the egg hunt starts at 5.

—o—

The Fulton Liberty Lions Club will be holding an Easter egg hunt

at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Liberty Township Park in Fulton. Age groups include 3 years or younger; ages 4 and 5; ages 6, 7 and 8; and ages 10, 11 and 12. Participants will be asked to leave the plastic eggs in the totes that are provided. Winners of $5 eggs will be asked to have their pictures taken for media publishing.

—o—

Rochester Ducks Unlimited will be offering “Gun Bingo” Friday, April 7, at the Moose Lodge 1107, 1911 Westside Road, Rochester. Doors open at 6 p.m., and bingo starts at 7.

At least 10 bingo games will be played, and a gun will be given to the winner of each game. A cash option also will be available.

Ticket prices include entry to the event, Ducks Unlimited membership, food and drink. Bingo packages also will be sold at the door.

Separate raffles will be available too. For tickets and questions, call or text Dave Horvath at (574) 9521876.

—o—

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 1343, Rochester, will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, that all officers should attend. The auxiliary will be conducting a regular meeting that includes nomination and election of officers. Current officers who cannot attend but wish

to continue holding their office should put the request in writing and have it presented at the meeting.

—o— Riddle Elementary School’s One School, One Book program will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April

11, at the Rochester High School cafeteria. The menu includes spaghetti, breadstick, salad, dessert and lemonade You can dine in or carry out. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased by calling the Riddle Elementary office at (574) 223-2880. TCU is sponsoring the fundraiser.

Spaghetti fundraiser a huge success

New Life Church hosted the freewill donation spaghetti fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 26. All proceeds raised went to help students who signed up to work at the event, with the fundraising needed for their Washington, D.C., trip in May with National Junior Honor Society. They raised $2,500 and it was a huge success.

The trip costs around $1,300 per student and right now there are over 50 people signed up to attend, including adult chaperones. This is one of the largest groups that have gone on the trip.

Students will tour places like the Washington Monument, Library of Congress, Arlington National Cemetery and more.

National Junior Honor Society elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship and helps middle-level students develop the knowledge and skills to become wellrounded student leaders in their school, community and beyond.

The students are not only required to perform well academically, but within their community by performing 20+ hours of community service each school year they are in National Junior Honor Society.

Springtime brings allergy time for many

Editor’s Note: Paula McKinney is the vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She is a registered nurse who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree and nurse executive certification.

Every spring as the trees bloom and pollen is released into the air, people who suffer from allergies begin to have watery eyes, sneezing and sniffling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allergies (also known as hay fever) are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness.

Allergies occur when our immune system mistakes pollen as a foreign invader and releases antibodies to attack it. When the antibodies attack, a chemical known as histamine

is released. Histamine is what causes the symptoms of allergies — itchy, watery eyes and runny nose — to occur.

Breezy days carry the pollen through the air and thus cause allergy symptoms to be increased, whereas rainy days cause a drop in pollen so allergy symptoms are decreased.

Your primary care provider can properly diagnose and prescribe an allergy treatment/management plan to help in the care of allergies. Medications that they might prescribe include antihistamines and decongestants. If you or someone you know have symptoms of an allergy, consult a physician for treatment.

4-H and agriculture’s mutualistic relationship

4-H is closely tied to agriculture because it was initially founded as a program for rural youth to learn about farming and home economics. Today, 4-H has evolved into a national organization with over 6 million members in the U.S. and its mission remains rooted in agriculture and related industries.

There is a long history of agriculture and 4-H working together to support the development of young people as well as the future of the agricultural industry. For more than a century, 4-H has been one of the most successful youth development programs in the U.S., providing young people with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Young people have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of agriculture, from raising animals to crop production, soil science and sustainability.

They can also participate in agricultural fairs and shows, where they can showcase their skills and knowledge in competitions and exhibitions.

In addition to learning about agriculture, 4-H programs also teach young people important life skills,

such as communication, leadership, problem solving and teamwork. These skills are essential for success in the agricultural industry, where collaboration and effective communication are crucial.

4-H offers numerous opportunities for young people to engage in community projects related to agriculture. They can participate in local food drives, organize community gardens or help with animal rescue efforts.

These activities not only benefit the community but also help young people develop a sense of responsibility and engage with their communities.

Emily Vigar, going on nine years in 4-H, expressed how much the program has impacted her life.

“4-H has shaped me into who I am. It has made me a better overall friend, teammate, communicator and person,”she said.

Opportunities for young people to connect with mentors in the agricultural industry are abundant and important for developing their skill sets. Through partnerships with universities and agribusinesses, members can work alongside experts in the field and gain valuable insights into the latest ag research and practices.

The ag industry and 4-H have a

mutualistic relationship. By supporting the development of young people with an interest in agriculture, the industry helps ensure a bright future for itself. Young people who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to pursue careers in

agriculture, which is important for maintaining a workforce in an industry so heavily relied upon.

Also, the program helps promote the values of agriculture, such as hard work, responsibility and care for the land.

Instilling these values in young people is helping create a generation of agricultural leaders who understand the importance of sustainable agriculture practices and who are committed to the future of the industry.

Riddle lauded by SWCD for no-till farming

During the 83rd annual Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District banquet held in February 2023, SWCD Supervisor Mike Norman presented Duane Riddle with the State of Indiana River Friendly Farmer Award and the Joe Kroft Conservation Award for his implementation of conservation practices such as no-till farming, cover crops and

rotational grazing for his cattle.

“Riddle uses intensive halfrotational grazing and feed lots. These best management practices have helped benefit his farm because he has been able to make more money. It also provides 100% cover and sequesters carbon,” said Norman, who quoted Riddle as saying “All no-till for years and planting green works. I don’t know for the life of me why I would do anything different. I’ve been doing it right for 30 years.”

Riddle credits predecessors such as George Krom III, Glen Jones, Kroft and others for “doing all the research for me. I didn’t have to waste my time failing.” Kroft, he noted, was “no tilling when no one else was,” and it is “quite and honor,” he added, to receive the award with his name. Riddle exhorts more farmers to follow their example, not only for the sake of the environment, but for their own yields and soil health. “We’re creatures of habit,” he said. However, to be a successful no-till farmer, he added, “you have got to think different. Stop looking at your neighbor. … Find smart people and learn from them.”

Riddle recalled his first exposure to no-till farming came in high school, when his agriculture teacher took the class on a field trip to see a field where it appeared the farmer “forgot to plow. … Grass was up to our waste in places. To this day I don’t know how he got his seed in the ground.” The farmer was undoubtedly the subject of jokes from his neighbors; however, Riddle said, “He had a million reasons why he didn’t care.”

When Riddle started no-till farming, he worried his hard clay soil could not be properly planted without tilling. Jones, he said, showed him how it could be done. He was soon planting right into soybean rows, the stubble providing a “perfect seed bed for corn.” He soon realized a “perfect stand” and “zero yield loss. … I didn’t need 180 horsepower and fourwheel drive. I had zero problems and I continued to do that.”

No-till planting into corn stalks was “even easier and better.”

“Every time you perform tillage you are releasing carbon into the air.” Not only is carbon a greenhouse gas, but it is also a primary ingredient in healthy soil. No-till sequesters carbon into the soil. Furthermore, according to Riddle, “The water holding capacity goes through the roof. You get that hummus level up, and it increases drought tolerance. Every drop of water will soak in.”

The Earth’s crust, Riddle explained, contains only a thin layer of topsoil. “We don’t manage it very well. We need to preserve the topsoil for future generations.”

The Mississippi River near New Orleans “looks like chocolate milk,” Riddle observed, the result of sediment run off. “There’s no reason for it. We need to eliminate that.”

“One thimble full of topsoil contains more microorganisms than there are people on the planet,” said Riddle. However, constant application of chemicals and tilling degrades soil health, and creates a self-perpetuating problem.

Last fall, Riddle planted cereal rye, which can grow up to seven feet tall in places. This helps retain moisture and

Riddle lauded

Continued from page 8

weeds. Meanwhile the bacteria and earthworms are performing all the tillage he needs, without, he added, running an expensive tractor burning gas at up to $5

per gallon. However, he emphasized, “You’ve got to get the biological elements kick started.” We should be “feeding the microbes,” he insists, “not killing them.”

Recalling the words of a plant

physiologist he knows, Riddle is also not in a big hurry to plant. “Wait till the ground warms up. The corn will jump out of the ground so fast your head will spin.”

Award-winning

presented to

Culver Community High School student Katie Schouten was recognized at the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District’s 83rd annual banquet for her awardwinning 4-H project on water pollution. The project earned her a grand champion ribbon at the Fulton County 4-H Fair before going on to win special merit accolades at the Indiana State Fair.

Using information gleaned from the Environment Protection Agency, Indiana Department of Environmental Management and other websites, Schouten produced a presentation on different types of water pollution and their effects on macroinvertebrates and fish, such as water pennies, mayflies and midges. Particularly intolerant fish species include the gravel chub and northern hog sucker. The presence of these fish likely indicate a healthy waterway.

“The health and diversity of the Continued on page 11

Award-winning

Continued from page 10

macroinvertebrates and fish species reflects the health of the water,” Schouten’s poster explained. “If there are species intolerant to pollution found in the waterway, it shows the water is clean enough for them to live. The same goes for macroinvertebrates.

“Watersheds, rivers, creeks,

Spring farm challenges

The month of March has been cold and wet. From an agricultural perspective, the cold is fine, as it has slowed the growth of fruit trees and other overwintering plants. Otherwise, they may have a tendency on a warm day to start their biological process toward blooming, only to have that bloom killed in a late spring cold weather snap. Several years back, we had three 80-degree days in March and no fruit crop that year because of the late cold.

The wet part has its good and bad issues. We needed the moisture recharge after a dry fall, but our livestock producers would rather forego the muddy lots and would also like to do some field applications of manure.

Manure has become a more valuable asset, as fertilizer prices have increased over the past few years. Many farmers in our area purchase chicken manure to be spread on fields. It has become a hot commodity in some areas; there are even chicken manure auctions. Besides its organic and nutritive values, it also contains trace minerals and is considered organic fertilizer by certifying agencies. This includes not only the conventional farmer but the organic ones into the auction.

Continued on page 15

streams and lakes all have a diverse ecosystem. It is crucial to have and keep this diversity. … Water pollution can change the natural balance for the worse.”

She also noted how scientists collect samples from waterways by electrofishing, which temporarily paralyzes the fish so they may be identified and measured. To collect macroinvertebrates, nets are used to kick up the dirt at the bottom of the waterway.

Schouten’s project ended with some suggestions for helping maintain healthy waterways, which included proper disposal of chemicals, not littering, avoiding buying and using plastic, planting trees and mulching or composting yard clippings.

“In this part of Indiana, good water quality is very important,” said Schouten, citing the region’s large aquifer. “To preserve that natural resource is very important.”

Schouten is in her eighth year of 4-H. She is also regularly involved

in poultry and raises ISA brown chickens at her grandmother’s. Other projects have included big foods (rolls, bread, cookies and cakes) and food preservation. “It’s been really fun picking out a different project every year.”

Although Schouten has yet to decide on a project for this summer, she does think she will continue to study Indiana’s waterways.

Apart from 4-H, Schouten is particularly interested in her math and chemistry classes at school. She is also a goalkeeper with the Culver Cavaliers soccer team. “I’m looking forward to the soccer season this fall.” Like 4-H, she has played soccer for 8 years.

Eventually, Schouten would like to attend Purdue University, where she hopes to study architecture, so she can apply mathematics in a creative way. Architecture, she said, provides an opportunity to “create something new that no one’s seen before. … And there’s so much you can do with the designs.”

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that Rochester, by and through its Board of Works, will receive sealed bids for the construction of:

ROCHESTER NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION

APACHE ROAD & PEACE TREE VILLAGE FULTON COUNTY, INDIANA

Sealed proposals will be received at the Rochester City Hall, 320 S. Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975 by 5:00 P.M. (local time) on May 11th, 2023. All proposals will then be publicly opened and read aloud during the Board of Works meeting, which begins at 5:00 P.M. (local time). Any proposals received after the above-designated time will be returned unopened.

The proposed construction will include new road construction of 8 inches of HMA pavement over subgrade treatment with 2-12’ lanes, 2-3’ paved shoulders, with curb and gutter, detention pond, storm sewers, 8-inch sanitary sewers, and 8-inch watermain. Sidewalk will be placed behind the curb on each side of the roadways and all incidental work required, as more fully specified in the Contract Documents and Plans.

All proposals must be submitted on State Board of Accounts Form No. 96 together with the proper forms included in the Contract Documents, the entire set of which shall be filed intact as a bid.

The contract documents are available at www.questcdn.com. This contract is QuestCDN project number 8429242. A contractor may view the contract documents at no cost prior to deciding to be a planholder. To be considered a planholder for bids, a contractor must register with QuestCDN.com and purchase the contract documents in digital form at a cost of $22.00. Registering for all prime contractors and subcontractors is recommended as planholders will receive automatic notice of addendums and other contract document updates via QuestCDN. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration or downloading digital project information.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

SECURITY: Any person, firm or corporation who submits a proposal MUST file with their bid a CERTIFIED CHECK, BANK DRAFT, CASHIER’S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER issued by a financial institution insured by an agency of the United States in the amount of five percent (5%), made payable to the ClerkTreasurer of Rochester. In lieu of the above, any person, firm or corporation who submits a proposal and has a principal place of business in the State of Indiana MAY file with their proposal a BID BOND in the amount of five percent (5%), made payable to the City Council of Rochester.

Proposals may be held by the Board of Works for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days from the public opening.

The successful Contractor will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, each, within ten (10) days after award of the contract and a two (2) year Maintenance Bond in the amount of thirty percent (30%) of the contract price prior to completion and final payment of the contract.

No Contractor may withdraw his proposal within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

The Rochester Board of Works reserves the right to ask for clarification for any bid submitted. In comparing bids, consideration will not be confined to price only. The successful bid will be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, however the City Board of Works reserves the right to reject any proposal, to waive technicalities or irregularities therein, to delete any bid item or items and to award a contract on the proposal that in their judgment is most advantageous to Rochester.

Rochester Board of Works

Theodore J. Denton, Mayor John Little, Member | Richard Figlio, Member

Fulton County’s farmers keep small businesses thriving

Small businesses in Fulton County heavily rely on agricul-

ture and farmers for their livelihoods. With a population of around 20,000, Fulton County is largely rural, and agriculture is a major industry in the area. Farm-

ers are often relied upon for the supply of produce and goods to local businesses.

Arinder Cheema is the new

Continued on page 13

Fulton County’s

Continued from page 12

owner of Viking Foods in Akron. Being the new owner, he has spent his first month there removing expired items and said he is just now attempting to reach out to vendors to get better prices. At the top of his priority list is connecting with local farmers for his produce.

Right now he acknowledges pricing is a bit of an issue for them, because he is importing all his produce from Indianapolis, and transportation costs are driving the prices up in the store.

Their biggest issue is that the “big companies” require a certain amount of product to be ordered. Being a small business, Viking Foods ends up buying more food than it can sell.

Cheema said he would much rather work with a local farmer to cut a lot of the transportation costs and have better, fresher and cheaper produce for his customers.

His goal for the future is to only order products from Indianapolis if something is unavailable through a local farmer. He would also like to find a local supplier for their meat.

“Obviously we’re not going to compromise onthe quality of our meat,” said Cheema.

Right now Viking works with

Miller Poultry out of New Paris and a company out of Ohio.

Peggy Burtner, an employee who works in Viking’s deli, added, “Last year we got cantaloupes and watermelons. In the past, we have gotten apples and things like that. That kind of fell to the wayside with the last owners. Cheema is going to see if perhaps they’ll work with us again.”

Cheema said he will attend the farmers market to work with local farmers who might supply the grocery store with fresh produce and meats.

Farmers are a key source of employment, as many small businesses in the area are involved in processing, packaging and distributing agricultural products. Without the support of local farmers, many small busi-

nesses in Fulton County would struggle to survive.

Rouch brings his farming past back to working order

In the 1980s, Pulaski County farmer Terry Rouch made a name for himself in the farm toy collecting world for his scale models of equipment he had grown up with on his family farm. Rouch’s innovation was not to recreate tractors, but rather the implements those tractors pulled. His initial inspiration came from seeing some of the old toys that had meant so much to him as a child. They were lying in a junk

pile and Rouch recalled, “I felt bad.” Soon he was making scale models of various implements and found he was also learning something in the process. “If you make a scale model of something, then you understand how it really works.”

However, after 30 years of model making, he said, “My eyesight got to the point where I had to give it up.”

But he still had the old equipment, such as wagons, plows, manure spreaders and more. “I had always toyed with the idea of fixing up our old John Deere wagon, so when I reached my 70s I pulled the running gear into my shop and studied the problem.

“You can’t buy much off the shelf for something built in 1960, so the challenge was to make it yourself. For example, if you need two red oak sills — 3-feetby-6-feet, 14 feet long — for your wagon, you’re going to have to know the guy who runs the local sawmill.

“If the back beater on your spreader is missing, you’re going to get to know your local junk yard guy. You’re going to learn how to weld. You’re going to look at problems a whole new way.

“Like they say, ‘It’s a journey.’ So I almost look forward to the next problem, the next step in bringing back to life a tool not used for 50 years.”

Rouch grew up on a family farm near Royal Center. “It was a typical 1950s farm with cattle, hogs and chickens. We grew corn, soybeans and wheat.”

Rouch’s most recent project was a 1940s manure spreader he pulled out of a fence row. The implement is again “mechanically sound,” he said. Another

Continued on page 15

Rochester Youth Baseball assessments

Rochester Youth Baseball League is open for registration. Assessments will be held Sunday, April 2, at a time yet to be determined. After April 2 a $25 late fee will be imposed on registrations. Register online at rybleague.com or main or drop off completed forms and money to Rochester Glass Corp., 1525 Main St. Rochester, IN. 46975.

All players that are moving

up from Pony to Major or new players who did not attend RYBL Major last year will need to come to Assessment Day. All teams in the Major league in 2023 will be redrafted.

All players moving up from TBall to Pony will need to come to Assessment Day, or any new player that did not attend RYBL last year. All teams in the Pony league in 2023 will be redrafted.

Rouch brings

Continued from page 14

spreader, this one from the 1930s, was brought back to working or-

Spring

Continued from page 11

One auction in Pennsylvania had 40 bidders this past year.

Input prices are now the main concern of farmers. Leading this list are fertilizer prices. The index Purdue Economist uses for inflation shows general economic inflation at 5.5%, while agriculture production costs increased at 12.5% this past year. The University of Illinois reported: Fertilizer costs for corn were $175 per acre using the Sept. 23, 2021, price and increased by $72 per acre to $247 per acre (a 41% increase) using Sept. 22, 2022, prices. Soybean costs increased from $85 per acre to $110 per acre, an increase of $25 per acre. Prices have decreased over the past several months but still are sustainably higher than in the past. Around 21% of the cost of growing corn is the fertilizer charge.

Around 40% of production cost is in the machinery needed to produce a crop. With the COVID shutdowns of many manufacturing plants in 2020, coupled with the lack of steel and computer chips, used equipment soared in price. This market is still red hot. Manufacturers have ramped up production but are still years behind as demand far exceeds supply. Today’s higher interest rates are having little effect on demand, with some farmers having cash and nowhere to invest. That means taxes are being paid on income that normally would have been reinvested in the same tax year.

If your child will be playing TBall, they do not need to attend assessments. Assessment times will be announced via RYBL social media: Facebook, Rochester Youth Baseball; Twitter, @RYBL46975. Opening night for Major, Pony and T-Ball will be Friday, May 5.

Questions should be directed to Kyle McLochlin, league president, (260) 415-5740; or Marcus Halterman, player agent, (574) 382-0259.

der, complete with a new coat of red paint. Rouch is occasionally taken aback by the fact some of these implements are approaching 90 years old.

“I’m fixing up something from my childhood. I’m not worried about making money from these projects. The hours add up quickly. This work keeps me moving and thinking, and the memories come flooding back of working on the family farm.”

Fulton County REMC 1448 W. SR 14 Rochester, IN 46975

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday

7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: (574) 223-3156 www.fultoncountyremc.com

Take a gander

Continued from page 16

doelings and young males are bucklings. When a goat gives birth, it’s called kidding. Interestingly, this is why we call our human offspring “children” rather than “kids,” although sometimes we do refer to them as such, leaving others to question, “Are you kidding me?”

Moving on to sheep, a baby sheep is a lamb, regardless of sex. A female sheep is known as a ewe, and a male sheep is called a ram. When a sheep gives birth, it’s referred to as lambing.

When it comes to pigs, a sow giving birth to a litter of piglets and raising them to weaning age is called farrowing. Young females are called gilts, and males are boars. It’s essential to avoid confusing the term “gilt” with the human notion of guilt. Confessing that you’ve been “feeling a lot of gilt” may cause concern for a therapist.

A young bovine of either sex of the beef or dairy variety is called a calf. A young female is a heifer, while a young male is a bull. When a cow gives birth, it’s referred to as calving. Interestingly, the lower leg muscle that we all have is also called a calf, despite having no resemblance to the animal. In fact, the etymology of this word remains unknown.

A young female chicken is called a pullet, while a young male is a cockerel. A newly hatched bird is known as a chick. You don’t have to look too hard for a pun here, so I’ll leave it to the imagination.

Turkeys also have unique names for their offspring. A young turkey is a poult. A male poult is a jake, while a female is a jenny. A young duck is called a duckling, and a young goose is a gosling. A young male duckling is a drake, and a female is a duck. Similarly, a young male gosling is called a gander, while a female is a goose. When someone asks me to “Take a gander over there!” I’ll make sure

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to start looking for my goose.

When a mother horse, called a mare, gives birth, it’s called fowling. A young male horse is a colt, and a young female is a filly. It’s quite amusing how the word “foul” is often used in baseball games, and we hear phrases like, “The Phillies have been hitting fouls all night!” Sure would make for an interesting baseball game.

Finally, let’s not forget about rabbits. The birth process in rabbits is known as kindling, and all newborn baby rabbits are called kits. A male rabbit is called a buck, while a female is a doe.

Next time someone asks me to gather kindling to start a fire, I’ll ensure them, “Rabbits are known for their copious amounts of copulation in the spring, but, I don’t think it’s enough friction to start a fire.”

It’s fascinating how many animal terms have found their way into our common vernacular, and these names indeed make life perplexingly coincidental.

FFA, 4-H member Emily Vigar prepares for busy fair season

Emily Vigar, a 16-year-old sophomore at Rochester High School, has found an impressive amount of success in the world of agriculture and raising show animals for someone her age.

For three years, she has been a member of FFA and is going on her ninth year with the 4-H.

Last year she won the “double double” at the Fulton County 4-H

Fair: double grand championships in sheep, grand champion ewe and grand champion market lamb.

“Having a double grand is a feeling that is unmatched. It’s great for any showman, not just myself, when something like this happens. It tells you you’re doing something right and that you’re not spending all your summer in the barn for no reason. It all shows your work ethic paid off.

“I’ve always been told, ‘If we’re

going to do something, then we’re going to do it right.’ I’ve always been a competitor, not only in 4-H,” said Vigar.

During this time of year, she has her work cut out for her.

Preparing for this coming fair season means cleaning out their barn and organizing tack.

This is also the busiest time of year, as it is birthing season, and they are taking care of kidding and calving.

She is also assisting the Rochester FFA Chapter in preparing for the annual FFA auction Saturday, March 25, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.

Vigar explained they don’t keep sheep at her farm yearround, as they do not have the room to raise them. She primarily raises beef and dairy cattle and dairy goats. When the season approaches, they purchase sheep from market.

“My sheep get raised and walked at least 4 times a week,

sometimes more,” said Vigar. During this time they also “work leg hair,” where they wash and condition the sheep to help the growth and volume of their leg hairs for showing.

“Winning any spot in the grand drive is a huge accomplishment, not in just the sheep project. This is the feeling when you know all your work paid off. It’s a feeling that is kinda unexplainable,” said Vigar.

She humbly added, “I can’t take all the credit; my family has a huge part in everything I do and accomplish. They spend those hours in the barn with me. They push me to work harder and encourage me on the days I need it. Stiffler Club Lambs and family help me present my sheep to the best of their ability. Their time and effort to help me be successful is something I will always be thankful for, along with the quality time and friendships I have

Continued on page 19

Regenerative gardening

Regenerative gardening focuses on biodiversity and working with nature to create a balanced habitat of interdependent plants and animals, from the fauna, fungi and bacteria that live in the soil, to the insects and animals that we interact with day to day.

To promote a healthy backyard ecosystem, we must seek to understand the natural cycles that are part of our world.

Growing food plants is itself an earth-friendly practice in that it eliminates “food miles” and the carbon costs of producing and trans-

porting food. Here are some ways to bring holistic management practices into the vegetable gardens:

• Plant lots of flowers and herbs along with vegetables to create a healthy ecosystem. A diverse garden will have pests, such as aphids and cabbageworms. It will also attract pollinators, as well as lady beetles and parasitoid wasps that will help keep pests in check.

• Compost kitchen and garden waste. Or, bury food waste and coffee grounds in the soil. Our food wastes are nourishment for soil biContinued on page 21

FFA, 4-H member

Continued from page 18

grown with them.”

Unfortunately, she explained this year has been less than perfect. The grand champion cow that “started it all” for her has been down lately.

“Each step we take we get closer to being back to the normal, but it takes time that seems like ages. This has taken a toll on my family emotionally. Anyone in the show life or farm life will say, ‘If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.’ And this is a real truth. So much goes into it that people don’t realize,” said Vigar.

Despite the struggles, the benefits are worth it. Some of her favorite things about being a member of the 4-H is the relationships she grows with her animals, the countless hours in the barn and spending time with her family. The memories and friendships she has made during her time in both 4-H and FFA are something she says she will always be grateful for.

“FFA has really gotten me out of my comfort zone. I’ve become an overall better person through FFA and the opportunities I have been given,” said Vigar.

POLK

Leesburg, Indiana 46538

Ph. 574-453-2411

The Fulton County Parks and Recreation Board has started the process of revising its Fulton County Parks and Recreation 5-Year Master Plan. As a supporter of Fulton County Parks, your input into the future direction of the Fulton County Parks and Recreation Board would be greatly appreciated.

Please complete the survey and return with one of the following options: Scan the QR code or use the link below for an online form: https://forms.gle/paew1F4gugtxsjP67

Mail to:

Fulton County Parks and Recreation PO Box 462 Rochester, IN 46975 fultoncoparks@rtcol.com

STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONS

1. What are the main issues that must be dealt with in the next five years to ensure adequate park and recreation services in Fulton County?

2. Are there any programs, services or facilities that you feel the Fulton County Parks and Recreation Department should provide for county residents?

3. The Parks Department currently receives no tax money. Do you believe that park and recreation services should receive some tax support?

4. Do you know of any organizations or service providers who would be interested in partnering with the Fulton County Parks Department to help with programming or the development and maintenance of the Fulton County Parks?

5. Do you see the need for any of the following types of park and recreation amenities in Fulton County in the future?

Local veterinarians discuss reasons for shortages

The United States is currently experiencing a serious shortage of veterinarians for both large and small animals. The problem became more widely reported following the COVID-19 pandemic, but in many rural areas the problem has been around for much longer.

6. Is there anything we have not asked you, need to ask you or you want to share with us?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, over 500 counties across 46 states reported critical shortages in large animal care in 2022. Mars Veterinary Health has projected 41,000 vets will need to enter the small animal practice in the next 10 years to meet the health care needs of pets in 2030. However, only about 2,500 graduates per year

are becoming vets, compared to 2,000 retiring per year. Also, the turnover rate for veterinarian technicians before the pandemic was 23.4%, twice as high as it was for physicians at that time. Vet techs’starting wage is less than that earned at McDonald’s.

While COVID is getting much of the blame in the media, anecdotal evidence from local vets corroborates early findings by the American Veterinary Medical Association that the shortages are resulting from systemic problems predating the pandemic.

One of those problems is economics. “A lot of it has to do with pay,” said Dr. Bill Howard of Akron Veterinary Clinic. The cost of education for human or animal medicine is roughly the same; however, where a human medical doctor can expect upwards of $200,000 per year, a starting vet earns around $60,000.

Howard turned down scholarships to medical schools to be a veterinarian. Then, like many others, after opening his own small, rural business, he was stunned by the number of pet owners who refused to pay, which cost him dearly and eventually forced him to limit his services.

Once, while shopping, he overheard someone “bragging” about not paying their vet bill.“A small business cannot afford to lose that much money,” he explained.

Dr. Cindy Fouts of Fouts Veterinary Care in Macy has been a vet for 30 years. During that time she has seen many changes in the farm community, which have also affected her profession. The proliferation of larger, corporate livestock farms, for example, has led to greater specialization, she said.

But perhaps the greatest threat to veterinarians is burnout. Veterinarians, for obvious reasons, tend to be animal lovers. “We devote a lot of emotional energy to our patients and clients. We want to see every case resolved to a positive conclusion. When a pet passes, we can take that hard.”

Howard described situations early

Continued on page 21

Regenerative

Continued from page 19

ota, and composting keeps organic materials out of the landfills.

• Plant a cover crop in your dormant season. “Green manure” crops are easy to grow even in small gardens or raised beds and offer multiple benefits. Keep the soil covered by living plants as much as possible to feed soil microbes and capture soil nutrients while preventing erosion and reducing weeds. Flowering cover crops, such as buckwheat and clover, also attract pollinators.

• Disturb garden soil as little as possible. Growing food crops in

permanent beds is a good idea for the simple reason that reduced foot traffic means the soil will not be compacted. Compaction restricts the movement of water and soil disturbance of any kind affects the community of soil organisms.

• Avoid using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Pesticides kill not only target insects but affect nontarget insects and animals as well and can disrupt natural systems. Synthetic fertilizer production uses large amounts of fossil fuels and studies have shown that its use depletes soil organic matter.

Local veterinarians

Continued from page 20

in his career when he would be called “in the middle of February when it’s 5 degrees outside to treat a horse that should have been taken care of properly.”

A 2020 study found half of all vets reported work-related injuries over a two-year period, and those working with farm animals are twice as likely to get hurt on the job, yet another reason the diminishing supply of vets are choosing small animal care.

Also, euthanasia is a large part of the profession. “We deal with death every day,” said Fouts. At the same

time, she said, “client expectations have increased.” However, most rural vets do not have access to CAT scans and other technologies available in larger cities.

“It is not uncommon to work 70-80 hours per week,” said Fouts. “People don’t want that anymore. They are more aware of the mental health toll, and they want a better work/life balance.”

According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, one in six veterinarians has contemplated suicide, and veterinarians are nearly three times more likely to die by sui-

• Invite birds and pollinators into your landscape. Sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers and other summer bloomers provide nectar for bees and butterflies as well as seeds for birds. Birds play a critical role in keeping insect populations in check in natural systems.

• Use weed-free mulch from local sources to regulate and preserve soil moisture. A mulch layer also creates habitat for beneficial insects such as spiders and ground beetles, which feed on other insects and, in turn, become prey for small mammals and birds.

cide than the general public.

Fouts also noted the “face of the profession” has changed since she started. In those 30 years, the percentage of women has increased from 30% to 50%, and many leave to raise a family. Conversely, like Fouts, they often reenter the profession later.

Bills have been introduced to ease the costs of veterinary school and incentivize rural practices; however, the reality is that livestock farmers, particular smaller operations, may have to take extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of their animals.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUYER 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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Flea Market A050

AKRON FLEA MARKET, East of Akron, SR 114, every Saturday & Sunday 9-4.

Garage Sales A070

HUGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE

SALE, April 1-2: Saturday 8-7pm, Sunday 10-4pm, 15472 North Pleasant Hill Road, Akron. Huge selection baby, kid, adult clothing, baby and toddler items, strollers, toys, antique vanity, tools, household, linens, clothing racks, pet items, tons of misc. Cash Only!

Miscellaneous A085

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

BUSINESS SERVICES

Handyman C157

HANDYMAN TROY

Small Remodeling, Decks, Landscaping, Odd Jobs, Garage Door Pressure Washing

Call Troy (574) 835-8499

Tax Service C380

QUICK REFUNDS! Professional tax returns at Suzie’s Accounting - Open by appointment. Accepting new clients. Call 574-382-2285.

TV Satellite C400

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

1-866-479-1516

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

Misc. Service C430

Misc. Service C430 Work Wanted E080

Wesley Financial Group, LLC

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

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Mechanical Services C228

WALNUT REPAIR, starters, alternators, generators, costume hydraulic hoses & battery cables, tractor repair, mag neto repair, Mon.-Sat. dawn to dusk. 574-892-5968

Plumbing C260

Unlimited wireless 4G LTE or 5G internet. Only $50/month. 15-day trial. No contract. Includes hardware. Fast & reliable. 888-996-6799. https://broadbandq.com

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

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code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

EMPLOYMENT

General Employment E030

DSP

Manitou Training Center has a full-time opening for a DSP (Direct Support Staff) working with individuals with developemntal disabilities. Valid driver’s license required. No experience necessary, training is provided. Apply at 1690 E. Lucas St., Rochester, IN or online at www.msdcin.org

Work Wanted E080

HAVE CLASS A CDL, clean driving record, semi retired, call 574-505-0440, please leave message.

HELP WANTED

Receptionist Wanted For Local Companion Animal Veterinary Clinic

The position will be 30 to 35 hours weekly and will include some Saturday hours.

Duties include: answer phones, greeting & invoicing clients, receiving payments, small administrative tasks, & explaining doctor directions and use simple professional veterinary medical terminology. Qualified applicants will have professional attitude & appearance, excellent verbal & written communication skills, be able to lift 30 pounds, must have experience in Windows based software systems, be on time and dependable, and learn quickly.

If interested send resume to:

Akron Vet Clinic 13438 East State Road 114, Akron, IN 46910

Or you may email us at: tbone@akronvetclinic.com NO CALLS PLEASE

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

FARM

Miscellaneous Farm G070

FISH FOR STOCKING: Most ponds and lakes. Laggis Fish Farm, 269-628-2056 days or 269-624-6215 days.

LEISURE, RECREATIONAL

LOOKING TO BUY

PROPERTY - Anything from woods to swamp. Call or text Greg, 574-727-0329.

MERCHANDISE

Health Aids P140

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

Health/Fitness P150

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50

Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Misc. Merchandise P200

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

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

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

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PETS

Dogs/Cats/Pets Q010

FOR SALE: German Shepherd puppies. Call 765-327-9579.

CKC SHIHTZU PUPPY, got first shots and wormed, hypoallergenic. $450. 574-542-4413

FREE KITTENS OR CATS. Call 407-394-8428 or 407-235-2012 before 1:00 pm.

20 MONTH OLD male German Shepherd, black tan, extremely friendly, great with kids. Call 574-223-5752

P UBLIC A UCTIONS

Real Estate Auction

6 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at Fulton County Museum, 37 E. 375N, Rochester. Four tracts totalling 193.94 acres include house and two sets of buildings, tillable land and woods. Property located at 550 N. US 31, 8 miles north of Rochester on US 31 to 550N. Tracts 1 and 2 are east of US 31; tracts 3,4 are west of US 31. Owners are Lisa K Wynn and Jacqueline E. Murray. Hahnauctioneers.com, (574) 773-8445.

Fred and Betty Wood Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at 4284 E. 50S, Rochester. Tractors, backhoe, tools, log splitter, antiques, guns, toys, Hiawatha scooter and much more. For more information go to bidmetzger.com.

Dogs/Cats/Pets Q010

LOOKING FOR

Do you have a great attention to detail?

Do you take great pride in a job well done?

If you answered yes, you should consider a career in vehicle detailing! Rochester Ford has a full-time position opportunity to join their team as a vehicle detailer.

Daily responsibilities include washing, waxing and vacuuming cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as picking up and delivering customer vehicles.

Experience a plus but on-the-job training is available to someone motivated and prideful of their work. We offer great full-time benefits.

574-835-8499, Rochester.

TRANSPORTATION

Apply at Rochester Ford, 119 East 4th Street, Rochester.

LIVE PUBLIC AUCTION ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

THE HEAT WILL BE ON . . .

HELD REGARDLESS OF WEATHER

MONDAY, APRIL 3rd

Auction Starts At 5 P.M. (Eastern Time)

Doors Open @ 4 P.M.

TED’S AUCTION CENTER, 11536 4A RD., PLYMOUTH, IN 46563 SOUTH OF LAPAZ OR NORTH OF PLYMOUTH ON OLD U.S. 31 (MICHIGAN RD.) TURN EAST AT TRI-WAY THEATRE, FOLLOW 4A TO AUCTION, OR OFF THE 31 BY-PASS EXIT 233 (LAPAZ EXIT) ONTO U.S. 6 EAST ¼ MILE TO LILAC RD., TURN SOUTH & FOLLOW SIGNS TO AUCTION . . . PLENTY OF PARKING.

TABLES FULL OF GLASSWARE & SMALLS . . .

HEAD VASE, 2-BEAUTIFUL BRIDES BASKETS, PYREX NESTING BOWLS, ETCHED COLORED GOBLETS, WATERFORD CRYSTAL CMAS

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BELLS, REDWING CANOE CENTERPIECE W/ MATCHING CANDLE HOLDERS, LAMPS, FANCY FLOOR LAMP, JEWELRY, ROSEVILLE 283-8 VASE, CUPS & SAUCERS, CARNIVAL GLASS, 12 PC. CZECHOSLOVAKIA SPICE JAR SET, 20-EMMETT KELLY JR. FIGURINES (SOME IN BOXES), OLD CHILDS WIRE GROCERY CART, WIRE PLANTER, VERY OLD MESH WIRE DOLL STROLLER, PAIR STERLING SILVER CANDLE STICKS, PICTURES-PRINTS-MIRRORS . . . TABLES WILL BE FULL!! FURNITURE . . . 2-BEAUTIFUL WALNUT VICTORIAN SETTEES, WALNUT VICTORIAN FULL BED FRAME W/7’ HEADBOARD, MATCHING MARBLE TOP DRESSER W/FANCY MIRROR, VERY ORNATE WOOD UMBRELLA STAND, BRASS 2 TIER SHELF W/MARBLE INLAY, CAST IRON END OF BED SEAT, LARGE OAK ROCKER, VERY OLD PLATFORM ROCKER, 2-VICTORIAN MARBLE TOP PARLOR TABLES, WHITE PORCELAIN TOP NAPPANEE COPPES LAUNDRY CABINET, OAK DESK, OLD OAK CHILDS HIGHCHAIR/SEAT, ASST. MISC. CHAIRS, YELLOW METAL KITCHEN STOOL/STEPSTOOL, 5-PC. (NOT OLD-SOLD CHOICE PC.) WHITE WICKER BEDROOM FURNITURE W/PLATE GLASS TOPS . . . MORE.

GUY STUFF . . . NEAT SHIP BRASS PORTHOLE WINDOW, CAST IRON DOG DOORSTOP, HARRY PEDLER & SON TRUMPET, 11-JIM BEAM FISH DECANTERS, SET OF 11 WRIGLEY FIELD BOBBLEHEADS, LOTS OF 1ST DAY ISSUE STAMPS, OLD FRAMED LAS VEGAS MATCHBOOK COLLECTION, NOTRE DAME PROGRAMS & PICTURES (SOME AUTOGRAPHS), NICE OLD PHANTOM BANTUM TROLLING MOTOR IN ORIG. BOX-WORKS, TIN DR. PEPPER MATCH SAFE, ELEC. WRINGER WASHER, 1913 STUDEBAKER ALMANAC, OLD MILITARY CAVALRY PACK COOKING OUTFIT, A. LINCOLN BRONZE BOOKENDS, LAURAL & HARDY ITEMS, HOWDY DOODY ITEMS, 3-STARTERS PISTOLS, VERY UNUSUAL CARVED WOOD HUMIDOR W/SNAKE & FROG, HUBLEY BULLDOZER & OTHER TOYS, OLD CLOCKS, VIOLIN IN WOOD CASE, ORIGINAL LAWN JARTS IN BOX, 2-VERY NICE NAVY SHIP PRINTS, LARGE FRAMED OCEAN LINER PRINT, STOP & OTHER ROAD SIGNS, WORKING EIKI SCHOOL STYLE PROJECTOR, SEVERAL HISTORY & MILITARY MOVIES (SOLD SEP.), SMALL SQUARE WASH TUB, DIET COKE BATT. OP WALL CLOCK, MICKEY MOUSE WATCH WALL CLOCK, STILL UN-PACKING.

100’s OF BOX LOTS . . . VINTAGE FISHER PRICE TOYS-GLASSWARE-100’S OF REFERENCE BOOKS-OLD CHILDRENS BOOKS-BARBIE ACESSORIES-OLD YEAR BOOKS- VINTAGE ROCK LPS-MORE.

VERY CONDENSED LISTING . . . VIEW PICTURES & UP-DATES AT WWW.GOTOAUCTION.COM I.D. # 6381 ** OR TEDS AUCTION CENTER ON FACEBOOK **

TERMS: CASH - GOOD CHECK W/I.D. - VISA/MASTER/DEBIT W/3% CONVENIENCE FEE

Thursday & Friday March 30 & 31 2pm-6pm

Saturday, April 1 9am-5pm PRICED TO SELL!!

***WE ARE A NO RESERVE - NO BUYERS PREMIUM AUCTION*** ALL SALES FINAL . . . NO GUARANTEES OF ANY KIND! NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACCIDENTS OR MERCHANDISE AFTER SOLD! INSIDE SEATED AUCTION - PLENTY OF PARKINGRESTROOMS - CONSESSIONS NO PETS ALLOWED . . . UNLESS CERTIFIED SERVICE ANIMALS W/CERT. AS PROVIDED BY THE AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT TEDS AUCTION CENTER AC31400065 PHONE... 574-936-SALE (7253) COL. DARRELL PITTS AU10300102 TED ANNIS AU08900148

NEXT AUCTION . . .

MONDAY, MAY 1st

AKC LAB PUPPIES. Black and chocolate, 10 weeks old, ready to go. Had shots and wormed. Make good family pets. $75. 260-463-3344, ext. 2.

Sports commentary: Enrollment proposal shows it’s more urban vs. rural than private vs. public

Editor’s Note: Val Tsoutsouris is sports editor for Rochester Telephone Co. and writes the Val T Sports blog at rtc4sports.com.

Ever since the start of class basketball in 1998, the Indiana High School Athletic Association has operated under a system of four classes with each class containing approximately 100 schools. The top 25% are in Class 4A, the next 25% are in Class 3A, and so forth.

But an association of athletic directors statewide made a proposal to the IHSAA within the last week that the association is willing to consider moving away from that premise, according to reporting in the IndyStar.

Instead of dividing up the schools into four evenly divided pieces of pie, the new proposal would put

schools with enrollments of 1,400 or larger in Class 4A, schools with an enrollment of 600 to 1,399 in Class 3A, schools with an enrollment between 325 and 599 in Class 2A and schools with an enrollment under 325 in Class 1A. Class 4A would be smaller with approximately 68 schools, and the other three classes would be larger.

Locally, this would impact Tippecanoe Valley, which had an enrollment of 561 the last time the IHSAA counted last year. This would move Valley from Class 3A to Class 2A for volleyball, girls and boys basketball, softball and baseball. It would also push Rochester girls basketball back to Class 2A from Class 3A.

Pioneer, with an enrollment of 313, would apparently move back to Class 1A for volleyball, girls and boys basketball, softball and baseball.

Meanwhile, I logged on to Facebook Sunday morning after the IHSAA boys basketball state finals, and there was the usual grousing about private schools beating public schools — and it happened Saturday with Indianapolis Lutheran beating Southwood for the Class 1A title and Fort Wayne Black-

hawk beating Linton-Stockton for the Class 2A title — and that there should be a separate class for private schools, so something like that does not happen again.

Of course, the grousing leads to a debate over “recruiting” and what exactly is recruiting and whether public schools recruit or not and school choice.

The proposals to make the classes different sizes and the grousing over public vs. private seem to be tied together.

The biggest schools in the state are getting bigger and bigger. We now have 37 schools in the state with an enrollment of 2,000 or more. Thirteen schools have 3,000 or more. Ben Davis has over 4,500, and Carmel has 5,327.

It’s not that we just discovered it’s unrealistic that Argos or Caston could compete with Ben Davis or Carmel. We knew that a while ago.

It’s that schools the size of Plymouth and Logansport cannot compete with Carmel or Ben Davis either.

Thus, we have the proposal to shrink the size of Class 4A and funnel the old 4A schools into a larger 3A, which would have downstream

impacts on schools like Valley and Pioneer and on Rochester’s girls basketball team.

The enrollment levels here have shown slight increases and decreases over the 25 years of class sports, but it has stagnated over the last decade. An area school might have a large or small graduating class here and there, but there are no strong trends.

Meanwhile, for schools in Indianapolis and its suburbs, the enrollment totals continue to skyrocket.

And that leads to the aforementioned grousing. We have idealized the idea of a small, rural sports powerhouse. The Southwood boys basketball team represented that when they made the state finals.

You might not have been cheering for them directly, but they represented an ideal for people who live in these parts. They are not your kids or grandkids or nephews or buddies or the kids who serve you at the local fast food place or the kids that bag your groceries, but they could be.

The kids from Indianapolis Lutheran and Fort Wayne Blackhawk are not like those kids. Fort Wayne Blackhawk has a 6-8 sophomore guard-forward named Kellen Pickett who can shoot 3-pointers and defend out on the perimeter and who is apparently a Division I recruit, and you cannot relate. He’s a wonderful player. What are the chances he would ever play on a small, rural public school team?

You feel like the IHSAA set up the class system for kids like the Southwood kids or the Linton-

Stockton kids, but it’s not happening.

We always have manipulated sports at every level to make them more competitive. In pro sports, the worst teams get the highest draft picks. In college sports, the NCAA has enacted scholarship limitations, so the best teams don’t hoard all the good players. Those are just two examples.

In Indiana high school sports, we’re still working on it.

There are those that say that private schools have an advantage over public schools, and they will take to Facebook or their social media site of choice to complain. But it’s also true that private schools like DeMotte Christian and Lakeland Christian, just to name two around these parts, struggle just like the public schools in those areas to succeed. They do not win much, or at least they do not win enough to make you pay attention.

So really, this is not an argument over public vs. private. Instead, it is a debate of urban vs. rural. It’s a debate about resources. It’s a debate about opportunities and getting on that top travel team with the really nice uniforms and travel budget. It’s about multi-sport athletes and what we ask of our young people and what big-city folk ask of their young people.

People in the small towns want their interests to count and be heard. Those in the big cities want a majority rule.

One side cannot relate to the other. The debate continues, and there is no end in sight.

Editor’s note: In the March 22 edition of Shopping Guide News, the responses to the following question were mistakenly attributed to the wrong candidate. Below are the correct responses. We sincerely regret any confusion this has caused for both the candidates and the voting public.

“What is your position on golf carts in the city of Rochester?”

Ted Denton

First of all, the decision to legislate the use of golf carts in the city is not one the mayor makes. It is decided by the city council. The council makes the laws (ordinances) and the mayor is charged with enforcing them. This is still a very valid topic as the council has formed a committee to evaluate the issues leading to a council presentation and decision on the issue. I choose not to comment while the committee is still active.

Trent Odell

This matter will most likely be decided before I would take office, but I will revisit it if I’m not in agreement with the decision. It’s my understanding that there are 76 municipalities in Indiana that have a golf cart ordinance allowing them. I have spoken with other mayors and law enforcement and have yet to be given any information that causes concern about having them on our streets. There is a state law prohibiting them on state highways, but they can cross at a 90 degree angle. There is an ordinance drafted and waiting to be put on the council’s agenda supporting them, so we will see how that plays out. So, the bottom line is that I have no problem with them as long as they follow the requirements laid out in the ordinance.