Shopping Guide News - May 8, 2024

3-D PRINTING

bers

Akron Students

CLUB creating objects through…

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

Akron Elementary School student Nash Mills likes “creating stuff.”

It’s why the fourth grader joined the school’s 3-D printing club.

In its second year, the program allows fourth and fifth grade students to make various small plastic objects.

Club advisor and Akron fourth grade teacher Chris Rassi said Akron Principal Scott Sterk asked him to start the extracurricular activity.

The school has received three printers through grants, with two

more gifted from Pike Lumber Co. of Akron.

Rassi is leading two sessions of the club with eight students apiece this spring.

Kids meet three times a week after school for an hour.

“During the club meetings, they get on a program ... called Tinkercad and then they can build their module inside Tinkercad and then it goes into a program called Wiibuilder,” explained Rassi. “Wiibuilder pushes it out to the printers, and then they print from there.”

Students can pick the color of plastic that their objects will print out.

Rassi said the printing can

Continued on page 3

RHS senior Jackson is record-setting

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

MaKenna Jackson is a recordsetting pole vaulter, model and sometime demolition specialist.

That’s all at the ripe old age of 18.

The Rochester High School senior who resides just outside the city recently broke the school record set by Ashley (Minix) Meadows by clearing 9-7 at an invitational in LaPorte on April 20.

“It feels like all those hard morning cold practices all just paid off, and I think from my freshman year, (trainer) Karmin (Reeves), and I had a goal to break the record, and it felt good to finally achieve that,” said Jackson.

She said she believed doing gymnastics when she was young helped her with pole vaulting.

Jackson pole vaulted as a freshman and sophomore before taking a break her junior year to focus on video.

She’s interested in film, currently job shadowing sports broadcasting at the University of Notre Dame.

Her post-high school plans include studying cinema arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida.

“I want to get into journalism and screenwriting,” said Jackson.

“I’m a big James Dean fan,” she said, talking of her love for old Hollywood.

She hopes to act and direct.

“I think that was really my goal since I was very young,” said Jackson.

Her parents are David and Katrina Jackson.

Katrina is a photographer, which

helped MaKenna start modeling.

“My mom always had photographed me and so I’ve always just been photogenic,” said MaKenna. “When I really started (was) at 5, doing fun little shoots.”

A few years ago, MaKenna signed with Heyman Talent agency based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She’s now with Helen Wells Talent and Promotional Model Agency based in Indianapolis.

One of the brands MaKenna did work for was Nationwide Insurance. She’s modeled in New York, California, Texas and Tennessee.

MaKenna also had a photographer take her senior pictures in Puerto Rico last year.

Her sister, Lydia, 6, is already following after her by modeling, doing a shoot for Finish Line.

MaKenna has also helped her father, David, with his business Jackson Demolition Services.

“I’ve always just helped out and worked but ... we got to do an internship program (through school),” said MaKenna, mentioning she got to go “on the excavator or Bobcat, scrapping and doing all that fun stuff at the concrete crusher site by the landfill.

“Republic Services actually had me film two videos for them ... since they won best landfill,” she added.

MaKenna said she plans to still

model after high school graduation.

Her college doesn’t have pole vaulting, but MaKenna said she still hopes to continue the sport in some way while in Florida.

She said she thinks she can do anything like movie star James

Dean who was from the small town of Fairmount.

“I think anything’s possible, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” said Makenna. “I just want to inspire all of my classmates and peers that you’re able to achieve anything wherever you are.”

A MODEL Rochester High School senior MaKenna Jackson has professionally modeled for the last few years. Here, she is shown in Puerto Rico. Photo provided by MaKenna Jackson.

POLE VAULTER Rochester High School senior MaKenna Jackson, shown before a home meet at RHS on Tuesday, April 30, broke the school record in pole vaulting by clearing 9-7 at an invitational in LaPorte on April 20. Photo by Leah Sander.

Akron Students

Continued from page 3 take “anywhere from two to six hours” for items, with them often printing out after the club is done each day.

Mills has made a crocodile, basketball and a fidget toy so far.

He said he hopes to make another fidget toy and wants to be in the club again next year.

Another club member, Declan Carrothers, also a fourth grader, has made an elephant, a fidget toy and a name tag.

“I want to make a piano,” he added.

Carrothers added he joined the club “to learn how to make more things with my 3-D printer that I have at home.”

Rassi said the club is meant to make 3-D coding “normal” for students.

He said he wanted to have students “do more advanced things” in the future such as projects with moving parts.

Rassi said he hoped the kids enjoyed the club and got “used to some coding-type things and ... to the science behind a lot of the reasons why 3-D printers are becoming a new way to go.”

The Fulton County Community Foundation awarded a $3,500 grant to Akron Las Donas Club to help fund its summer concert series.

Shown from left are Brenda Ross, and Brooke Honeycutt, Las Donas members; and FCCF Director Brian Johnson.

provided by Akron Las Donas Club.

JEWELRY BOX One of Akron Elementary School’s 3-D printers creates a heart-shaped jewelry box.

Akron Las Donas summer concert series receives grant

The Fulton County Community Foundation awarded a $3,500 grant to Akron Las Donas Club to help fund its summer concert series.

Concerts take place at Akron’s

Community Square during the months second Friday from June through September with varying genres of live music. The event is free and kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, June

14, with the band “The Marchsellers.”

The Akron Las Donas Club, founded in 1957, is a ladies’ civic club that works to promote and aid the Akron community.

Photo

B ituaries

Nancy B. Muir

Nancy B. Muir, 73, Winamac, died at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Hickory Creek, Winamac.

She was born on Dec. 9, 1950.

She is survived by daughter Mia (Wes) Wald, Kenosha, Wisc.; two sons, Dustin (Dawn) Johnson, Plymouth, and Russell Muir, Angola; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four siblings, Gertrude (Clifford) Willins, Greer, S.C., Robert (Dulcine) Hunnicutt, Knox, Millie Besoui, Florida, Francis (Kay) Hunnicut, Medaryville and serveral nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are husband, Jack Johnson, on July 29, 1984; five siblings, Wilma Harrington, Bonnie Musselman, Gerald Hunnicutt, Roberta Crull, and James Hunnicutt.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, in Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18 St., Rochester.

Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with the family at goodfamilyfh. com.

Jason Salyers

Jason Glen Salyers, 48, Elkhart, and formally of Knox, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Elkhart.

He was born Friday, August 29, 1975.

He is survived by daughter, Jasmine(Tyler) Ross, South Bend; son, Zachary (Alia) Salyers, Osceola; daughter, Savannah Dietrich, Knox; son, Troy Salyers, Sturgis, Mich.; three grandchildren; father, Tim Salyers, Knox; two brothers, Tim M Salyers, and Brian (Tracy) Salyers, both of Knox; two nieces; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Delcie Salyers; and one sister, Melissa Ann Salyers.

Friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, Knox, with Rev. Bruce Bennett officiating.

Interment will be held in Round Lake Cemetery, Knox.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Juanita ‘Betty’ Kindig

Anna Marie Podell

Pat Jane Smith

Ripley Grace Smiley

Juanita “Betty” Kindig, Silver Lake, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at her residence. She was born on Aug. 9, 1937. She married Donald W. Price; who preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 1973. On Sept. 24, 1974, she married Richard Lee Kindig; who survives.

Additional survivors are three sons, Michael W. (Nelrose) Price, Greensburg, Daniel A. (Edna) Kindig, Silver Lake, and Todd Lee (Heather) Kindig, Simi Valley, Calif.; three daughters, Tracy (Bryan) Murphy, Akron, Rose Alee Click, Silver Lake, and Traci L. (Robert “Bob”) Arthur, Simi Valley, Calif.; son-in-law, Rodney Grossman, Silver Lake; daughter-in-law, Rosemary Price, Warsaw; and foster son, Darnell E. Sutton, Warsaw; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles (Rosa) Owens and David (Jean) Owens, both of Greensburg; and one sister, Sharon (Thomas “Tom”) Butz, Greensburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret L. (Kress) and Albert M. Owens; daughter, Kelly Grossman; two grandchildren; son, Gary Allen Price; four sisters; and one brother.

A celebration of life service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Calvary Tabernacle, 1300 Wooster Rd., Winona Lake, officiated by Pastor Brie Lycan, and assisted by Pastor Tim Duffy.

A graveside service was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Athens.

Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Tarzan Prater

Tarzan Prater, 60, died April 27, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

He was born on March 5, 1964.

He is survived by his son, Nathan Prater, Wabash; mother, Alice Prater, Warsaw; three sisters, Christine Blankenship and Heather Blankenship, both of Akron, and Kathy Mae Sparks, Salyersville, Ky.; three brothers, Sammy Prater, Prestonsburg, Ky., Charlie Prater Jr., Allen, Ky., and Kenneth Prater, Lexington, Ky.; three grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; childhood friend, Randy Leckrone; and his faithful dog, Tina.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Prater; and two brothers, Roy and Steven Prater.

Interment will be in Prater Cemetery, Prestonsburg, Ky. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, and Magoffin County Funeral Home, Salyersville, Ky. have been entrusted with arrangements and care.

Anna Marie Podell, 96, Tavares, Fla., formerly of Winamac and Akron, died April 28, 2024. She was born on Jan. 17, 1928. On Nov. 24, 1951, she married Robert “Bob” Podell; who preceded her in death in 2008.

Additional survivors are three sons, Robert M. (Mollie) Podell, Jr., Tavares, Fla., Gregory L. (Betty) Podell, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Douglas J. (Cheryl) Podell, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; six grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; brother, Mike Porter, Akron; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim (Ann) Podell, Elgin, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Sarah (King) Porter; two brothers, William Porter and Robert Porter; two sister and brother-in-laws, Patricia (Dave) Davis and Betty (J.C.) Carl; sister-in law, Patsy Porter; sister-in-law and brother-inlaw, Laverne (“Fritz”) Bertucci.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac, with Pastor Thomas Woodley officiating.

Friends may visit from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the church.

Interment will be in the Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac or Woodlands Lutheran Church, Montverde.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Rachel A. Scheffer

Rachel A. Scheffer, 49, Winamac , died at 8:50 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2024, at home.

She was born on March 16, 1975.

She is survived by her sons, Zach (Shannon) Markley, Michigan, Jacob Scheffer, Colorado, and Harvey Wenglarz, Lafayette; mother, Jane Scheffer, Winamac; brother, Matthew (Natasha) Scheffer, Michigan; sister, Laura Scheffer, Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Scheffer; and grandparents, Ed and Olive Fisher, and Julia Turnpaugh.

A celebration of life gathering will be from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, 304 S. Chicago St., Royal Center.

A dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the V.F.W. 1066 S. Monticello St., Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Pancreatic Association american-pancreatic-association.org.

Pat Crippen Smith, 75, Kewanna , died Thursday, May 2, 2024, at home.

On Dec. 15, 1988, she married Tim Smith; who survives.

Adrian Paulik and Markis Smiley, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Ripley Grace, born at 10:01 a.m. Thursday, May 2, in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 18.25 inches long. She joins sibling, Rayze Smiley, 2.

Ellie Adele Zehner

PAT JANE SMITH

Additional survivors are her children, Jamie (Brian) Handy, Lyndee (Shawn) Duhnovsky, Jodi (Brad) Boldry, Jake (Michelle) Smith, and Josh (Sumer) Smith; 14 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Sally (Wilson) Crippen; mother and father-in-law.

Graveside services were held Monday, May 6, at Grass Creek Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice and Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Christopher Zehner and Rylee Lautt, Monterey, are the parents of a daughter, Ellie Adele, born at 7:53 a.m. Thursday, May, 2, in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 7 pounds, 8.5 ounces, and was 19.25 inches long. She joins siblings, Paisley and Hadley.

Beau Timothy Shumaker

Isabelle Schmucker is the parent of a son, Beau Timothy, born at 4:26 a.m. Saturday, May 4, in Woodlawn Health. He weighed 7 pounds, 0.50 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

C O unty r ep O rt

Court News Circuit Court

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

Portfolio Recovery Associates v. Jilllyn Kline, Rochester, $779.59; McMahan Pemberton, Rochester, $2,046.59

Midland Credit Management v. Mary Reese, Akron, $1,316.66; Travis Huffman, Rochester, $1,087.44; David Thomas, Rochester, $1,631.08

Superior Court

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

Midland Credit Management, Inc. v. Gary Cooper, Rochester, $5,438.91

One Main Financial Group v. Scott Ervin, Rochester, $1,867.98

SAC Finance, Inc. v. Toriana Rogers, Etna Green, $10,992.09

Traffic Violations

The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts: Speeding — Angel Vera, Mishawaka, $192.50; Zachary Stein, O’ Fallon, Mo., $192.50; Reaghan Babrick, Kalamazoo, Mich., $164.50; Cori Weaver, Indianapolis, $164.50; Lauren Mitchell, Indianapolis, $192.50; Debbie Mead, Luther, Mich., $164.50; Jaxton Peas, Largo, $192.50; Daniel Landisch, Wauwatosa, Wis., $192.50; Tracy Johnson, Salem, $154.50; Aleisha Hartley-Kiser, Flat Rock, $164.50; Jennifer Evans, South Bend, $175; Philip Long, Plymouth, $192.50; Jeannie Franclancia, Illettsville, $154.50; Raymond Casillas, Kissimmee, Fla., $154.50; Richard Robak III, Orangevale, Calif., $175; Shaman Al Bataineh, Noblesville, $175; Brittany Porter, Cadillac, Mich., $154.50; Terussa Griffin, South Bend, $154.50; Innocent Tuyisenge, Goodyear, Ariz., $164.50; Gavin Craver, Jones, Mich., $175; Michael Roeder, Lexington, Ky., $179.50; Morsal Rasouli, Fishers, $192.50; Terussa Griffin, South Bend, $154.50; Christopher Noble, Grand Haven, Mich., $164.50; Bryce Hudson,

Indianapolis, $164.50; Brittany Vetter, Granger, $154.50; Kade Werner, Goshen, $154.50

Driving while suspended — Renasia Smith, Indianapolis, $164.50; Tony Roston, South Bend, $164.50; Bryce Johnston, Hebron, $164.50

Failure to register — Trent De Baets, Plymouth, $164.50

Failure to register, operating a motor vehicle with a false plateplate belongs to another person — Jeffrey Knoebel, Rochester, $189.50

Improper or no tail or plate light — Esiquiel Luna, Logansport, $164

Improper display of license plate, not hung properly or is obscured — Rylan Mack, Tipton, $149

Loads not securely fastened — Michael Smith, Argos, $164.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Craig Holloway, Rochester, $25

Operating with expired plates, no valid drivers license — Pedro Chavez, Miami Lakes, $189

Speeding, driving while suspended — Luke Petty, Brownsburg, $189.50

Speeding, failure of occupant to use safety belt — Michael Roeder, Lexington, Ky., $179.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Hanish-Robin Tyler Hanish, 31, Claypool, and Jessica Robin, 24, Rochester

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts: Smith — John Buckley Smith, Rochester, and Kazumi Smith, South Bend. No minor children. Pelfree — Merle Pelfree, Rochester, and Sherri Pelfree, Peru. No minor children.

Garcia — Roberto Garcia, Peru, and Trenda Garcia, Rochester. No minor children.

JUANITA ‘BETTY’ KINDIG

NANCY B. MUIR

ANNA MARIE PODELL

TARZAN PRATER

JASON SALYERS

RACHAEL A. SCHEFFER

Fulton County Chamber, Habitat for Humanity celebrate opening of Habitat’s office, storage building

By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer

Fulton County Habitat for Humanity finally has room to keep all of its building materials in one place.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting for Habitat’s new building at 917 Franklin Ave., Rochester, Thursday, May 2.

Not only is there room for storage in it, but also meeting space for Habitat board members and people being helped.

Habitat Board President Andrew Horstman said the board previously met at Grace Church in Rochester.

“We had no office space to talk with potential families or anything, and storage was spread out all over the place, so (the new building) brought everything under one roof,” he said.

Habitat started using the building Jan. 1 though it wasn’t finished until more recently.

Habitat Board Member Karmin Reeves said First Federal Savings Bank of Rochester and its late President and CEO Dick Belcher donated the lot to Habitat.

“When COVID-19 hit ... we saw this as, why don’t we use this ... as a building for storage and then that developed into a conference room, bathroom and office, and that would get everything out of every place,” said Reeves.

The building was paid for using American Rescue Plan Act money, Fulton County had received from the federal government and grant funds from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.

House of Decor of Rochester donated tile for the floor and an individual gave furniture for the building.

Reeves said Habitat got a

HABITAT’S NEW OFFICE BUILDING — The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for Fulton County Habitat for Humanity’s new office and storage building at 917 Franklin Ave., Rochester, on Thursday, May 2. In the front from left are Chamber Ambassador Julie Shriver, Habitat Board Secretary Ginger Slisher, Habitat Board Member Daniel Butler, Habitat Board Member Karmin Reeves, Habitat Board Member Harley

$1,000 Fulton County REMC Operation Round Up grant, which paid for carpeting.

The Skiles family, whose home is currently being built in Rochester via Habitat, completed some of their required community service hours by helping install the carpet at the office building.

Reeves said some teenage Habitat volunteers also helped by painting.

Lewis’ athletics recognizes local student with Delahanty Award

Lewis University student athletes were honored for their academic excellence April 22 as 368 student-athletes received Brother David Delahanty, FSC Awards at the Convocation Hall on the Romeoville Campus.

The Delahanty Award recognizes Flyers, who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher while balancing the demands of athletics and academics.

Madilyn Calloway, Rochester, was honored. The women’s cross country team member is studying accounting at Lewis University in Romeoville.

Delahanty served as president of Lewis from June 1982 until his untimely death in October 1987.

A personal advocate of physical fitness, he encouraged Lewis students to achieve excellence not only in the academic sphere but also in the athletic arena.

Following his death, several members of the Lewis’ athletic teams inquired if they could wear black armbands to mourn the popular president. After much consultation, it was decided he would have preferred a tribute to athletes based on their academic achievements. The first ceremony took place in 1988.

“It takes a village, a Fulton County village to help support Habitat, and we really appreciate all of those who have supported

McVay, Habitat Board Treasurer Sharon Van Sickel, Habitat Board Member Marci Murphy and Habitat Board Member Scott Zeyen. In the back row are Chamber Ambassador Amber Basham, Chamber Board Member TJ Garner, Chamber Board Member Lindy Breeden, Habitat Board President Andrew Horstman, Chamber Board Member Mayor Trent Odell and Chamber Executive Director Jillian Smith. Photo by Leah Sander.

us,” she said. Horstman encouraged people to help out on a Habitat work day. They may learn more by mes-

saging Fulton County Habitat for Humanity’s Facebook page or visiting fultoncountyhabitatforhumanity.org.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FIVE YEAR PARK MASTER PLAN REVISION OF THE FULTON COUNTY PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Fulton County Park & Recreation Department of Fulton County, Indiana will hold a Public Hearing at the Fulton County Park & Recreation Germany Bridge Meeting Center, 4173 N 375 W, Rochester, Indiana on May 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST on the Revision of the Five Year Master Plan of the Fulton County Park & Recreation Department.

A copy of this plan, and all pertaining thereto are on file and available for examination prior to the Public Hearing at the Fulton County Auditor's Office 125 East 9th Street, Rochester, Indiana: Akron Carnegie Library, 205 East Rochester Street, Akron, Indiana; Fulton County Public Library, Fulton Branch, 7420 Liberty Ave., Fulton, Indiana; Kewanna Public Library, 210 East Main Street, Kewanna, Indiana; Fulton County Public Library, 320 West 7th Street, Rochester, Indiana; Fulton County Public Library, Aubbeenaubbee Branch, 7432 Olson Road, Leiters Ford, Indiana. Written comments in support of or in opposition of the plan may be filed with or mailed to the Fulton Cowity Park & Recreation Department, 125 East 9th Street, Rochester, Indiana prior to the Public Hearing, or filed with the Auditor's Office.

Said Public Hearing will be open to the public and any comments for or against the plan will be heard at the meeting.

The regular meeting of the Fulton County Park & Recreation Board will be immediately following.

For special accommodations needed for disabled individuals planning to attend phone (574) 223-8143 at least forty-eight hours prior to the meeting.

Fulton County Park & Recreation Board

Bill Walsh, President

Mary Chesser, Vice President

Mark Kepler, Member

Jessica Riffle, Member

Eric Schlarf, Member

Austin Prater, Member

Sheila Kindig, Member

ATTEST: Jean E Cloud, Sec.-Treas.

(Read Matthew 6:19-34)

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

First, the basic principle (verses 19-24). Christ states several reasons why living for material things is foolish. For one thing, material things do not last.

Fabrics were treasured by

Jews, yet moths ruin them. Rust ruins metal; thieves steal riches. But treasure used for God’s glory is invested in heaven where it lasts eternally.

The way people use wealth is an indication of the condition of their hearts. If we spend our time and money only on business, and neglect God, then our hearts are in business and not fixed on God. Compare Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13:5-18 for an illustra-

By THE REV. RON PURKEY

tion of the “single eye.” The eye here speaks of the outlook of the heart. A single eye means one that is fixed on the spiritual. It is the opposite of the double-minded person in James 1:8; 4:4, 8. “Evil” in verse 23 means the opposite of simple; it suggests a sinful outlook, a double vision.

In verse 24 Jesus clearly tells us that we cannot look in two directions at one time, serve two masters, and live for God and material wealth. The Bible does not condemn the possession of wealth, but it does warn against the love of money and the wrong use of wealth (see 1 Timothy 6:9-

10, 17-18; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 16:1-31).

Second, the daily practice (verses 25-34). Christ’s “therefore” suggests that now he is going to apply this principle to our lives. He shows that worrying about material things is foolish because it accomplishes nothing! He reminds us to have our values straight — life consists of far more than food and clothing. Jesus was poor, yet how happy and peaceful He was!

Christ points to God’s care of nature —the flowers, grass, and birds. “You are of more value than they. Certainly God will care for you!” The father knows our needs, and if we put him first, he will meet every need.

How do believers today practice Matthew 6:33? We will start with our time, and put God first in every day. This means time for prayer and reading the word. We

will put God first in every week, attending the house of God faithfully. We will put God first every payday, paying the tithe to the Lord. We will put God first in our choices, making no decision that would leave God out.

Third, there are spiritual parallels for the material things people seek today. We should seek to feed the hidden person of the heart with spiritual food just as we seek to feed the body (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 3:4). We should see that our spiritual garments are in order (Colossians 3:7-15) just as we fret over the physical garments that clothe our body. We drink physical water, but we should also drink the spiritual water of life that Christ offers (John 4:13-14; 7:37-39).

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

Tax reform is essential for the future of Indiana agriculture

By RANDY KRON President of Indiana Farm Bureau

It’s finally that time of year when temperatures are getting warmer and farmers are in the fields trying to get a crop in the ground. That also means it’s time for property tax statements to hit mailboxes. How closely do you examine your property tax assessment each year?

I challenge you this year to really investigate how much your taxes

went up and to which unit of government those increases are being allocated. On your bill, there will be notations on which areas have increased the most. If they increase by more than 27% overall from the previous year, something besides the base value is impacting your bill.

Farmers will experience that 27% increase in their farmland taxes this year after a 16% increase in 2023.

Some farmers’ bills are increasing 60 to 70% due to their local school

district’s debt obligations. But this is more than just a farmer problem.

The Indiana State and Local Tax Review Taskforce met on April 17 and heard testimony from House Ways and Means Chairman Representative Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton). He shared information about farmland tax increases and the elements of the farmland formula that impact the base value. He emphasized how school tax levies have escalated tax bills tremendously.

Chairman Thompson intends to focus on reducing the complexity of the property system, addressing some tax base problems — like farmland values — and closely examining how to effectively and fairly control the growth of tax levies. He has predicted that it will take multiple legislative sessions to accomplish the breadth of tax reforms being discussed.

In the meantime, Indiana Farm Bureau formed its own tax taskforce and is taking a deep dive into what’s impacting a farmer’s tax burden. Many different elements will be reviewed by the internal taskforce, and will continue to work with legislators and other stakeholders to find solutions.

How can you help? Start asking questions and having conversations at the local level with your county assessor or auditor. Talk to your state legislators about your personal stories and how your tax bills have increased so you are encouraged to have those conversations now so tax issues can be at the forefront.

If you have ideas on how the system can change for the better, reach out to your county Farm Bureau or a member of INFB’s public policy team, as they are working with the state’s financial leaders in crafting effective tax reform.

Everyone has a vested interest in easing tax burdens. This is especially true for farmers and rural communities who are grappling with predictions of lower farm income in 2024. Success in agriculture means greater food security and a stable economy in Indiana, of which the ag industry is a primary driver. Call your legislators and share your stories to help build a foundation for the 2025 legislative session.

TV student Gunnar Crispen

won, placed in top 10 at national JAG competition

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development congratulates Jobs for America’s Graduates Indiana students for accolades garnished through their efforts at the 2024 National JAG Career Development Conference.

The National CDC is the pinnacle experience for JAG youth across the country to demonstrate their professional skills, explore career options, connect with employers and create pathways for their future. Top students from the JAG Indiana state CDC, which took place in March, traveled to compete.

An award-winning JAG Indiana student included Tippecanoe Valley High School student, Gunnar Crispen, who placed fourth in prepared speaking.

Additionally, JAG programs at Austin High School and DeKalb High School were named Outstanding Chapters for their work recording and

preserving their JAG chapter’s achievements during the school year.

At the National CDC, students from approximately 38 states compete in events that highlight the employability skills they have learned through the program. This year’s national competition took place April 18-20 in St. Louis, Mo.

“Through JAG Indiana, we at DWD see the educational and professional impact the program has on students,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Their recognition and accomplishments on the national stage are encouraging votes of confidence in our expansion efforts. The students’ success is a reminder of why Governor Holcomb committed to doubling the number of JAG students to 11,000 by the end of his term.

JAG hones students’ innate talents and abilities, enabling them to make a long-term positive

impact on workforce throughout the state of Indiana.”

DWD is expanding JAG with the goal of impacting 11,000 Indiana students through 250 programs annually and looking to launch programs at more middle and high schools, as well as some universities, by the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. Currently, JAG Indiana is over 60% of the way toward completing its goal. Schools interested in JAG expansion are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/jag to learn more.

JAG is a state-based, national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise, who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences, achieve academic success through graduation. Students learn up to 88 competencies, such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills to increase employability.

Woodlawn Health Partners with Concord Medical Group for emergency department provider coverage

By KHRISTA BOSTER Woodlawn Health

Woodlawn Health has partnered with Concord Medical Group to provide physician services for the emergency department.

“We are thrilled to be working with Concord Medical Group and hope to continue improving our emergency department’s customer satisfaction as we earn the right to care for our community,” Alan Fisher, president, and CEO of Woodlawn Health, stated.

Concord’s emergency department partnership with Woodlawn Health brings new, highly-qualified emergency physicians to Rochester to continue Concord’s proven track record of exceptional patient care. The emergency providers have been thoroughly vetted and understand the needs of the community around Rochester. These physicians also place the highest degree of importance on the courteous and professional treatment of patients.

“We’re extremely excited to partner with Woodlawn Health. Concord has always strived to provide the highest quality of care possible to the communities that we serve. Woodlawn Health’s commitment to increasing patient satisfaction fits per-

fectly with our mission and vision for the community in and around Rochester,” Kyle Sheets, M.D., founder and owner of Concord Medical Group stated.

In addition to the highest level of patient service, patients will have a better billing experience as Concord honors balance billing laws and the No Surprises Act to ensure patients will not receive requests for high, out-ofpocket payments beyond allowable amounts as determined by any applicable deductibles and co-pays.

Patients will receive a bill from Concord Medical Group for

an emergency department visit in addition to Woodlawn. The first bill from Concord will be sent via text message. If the patient doesn’t respond to the text or opts out of the text messaging, a paper bill will be sent.

Patients who have questions about their bill or service will have a direct line to a Concord representative, and are encouraged to reach out to ensure that their experience at Woodlawn Health is exceptional.

“We believe having Concord as a part of our organization and community is a positive change,” Fisher said.

Yakym sets mobile office hours for May

U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym of Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District has announced the following dates, times and locations for mobile staff office hours in May throughout the 2nd District. Mobile office hours allow for Yakym’s staff to assist constituents.

Fulton County

• 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, at the Rochester District Office, 709 Main St., Rochester.

Rochester High School graduate Kimberly Batten was recently named IUPUI’s top 100, and also named a Top 10 student, during an awards ceremony held at IUPUI, Indianapolis, on April 12. Batten is a 2021 RHS graduate.

Each year, IUPUI, Indianapolis, honors 100 outstanding juniors and seniors on campus for demonstrated excellence in academic and scholarly achievement; co-curricular activities; and external, personal, or other activities.

From these 100, the Top 10 students are recognized, as well as IUPUI’s Most Outstanding Student, the epitome of Jaguar excellence.

Batten will graduate in December with a BA in Political Science and minors in Business and Legal Studies. She will attend law school in the Fall of 2025.

Shown from left are IUPUI Chancellor, Latha Ramchand; and Kimberly

• 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, Akron Clerk’s Office, 206 W. Rochester St., Akron. Pulaski County

• 9-10 a.m. Monday, May 13, Pulaski County CDC/Economic Development (board room), 623 W. Eleventh St., Winamac.

ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECEIVES HONORS —

Batten. Photo provided by Kristina Batten.

‘Dining with Diabetes’ session begins May 22

By JESSICA RIFFLE

Purdue Extension Educator

The Purdue Extension-Fulton County office will be offering “Dining with Diabetes” in partnership with the Fulton County Health Department, from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the Fulton County 4-H Fairgrounds, in the Community Building.

“Dining with Diabetes” is a series of four sessions, with an additional three-month reunion session. The “Dining with Diabetes” program is open to those with pre-diabetes, diabetes, their family members, and caretakers. The series of five sessions is at no cost, in partnership with Health First Indiana Initiatives.

Pre-registration is required.

Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions.

The educational programs and cooking school will help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar to feel better and reduce the risk of health complications. People will learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good. Recipes will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to taste each one.

Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise, and how to understand common diabetes-related medical tests. Recipe and handouts will be given to each participant. Diabetes is a very serious

and costly disease, but research has shown that those who learn to manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly can lower their risks of complications and lead healthier and more productive lives.

Purdue Extension-Fulton County is currently recruiting participants for this program. If

you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or know someone who is part of the support system for an individual and are interested in being a part of this program, call the Purdue Extension office at (574) 223-3397.

Registration is required by Tuesday, May 14. Online registration is available by following the link: cvent.me/aOa95D.

People will experience educational classes, food demonstrations, and take-home program material at each session.

Dining with Diabetes is offered statewide and is sponsored by Purdue Extension. Registration is limited; call the office if you wish to be added to a program wait list after this class is filled.

THE

The

gave a $20,000 grant to the

Community foundation grants

goat barn improvements

The Fulton County Community Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant to the Fulton County 4-H Council for the Fulton County Fairground’s goat barn improvements.

Funds will be used for upgrades within the goat barn, including more durable stalls, exhaust fans for better ventilation, and an area for participants to groom their animals for show.

“We are thrilled about this grant. It’s a game changer for our youth,” said Fair Board Vice President Ben Reason. “Not only

does it ensure a safer environment for our kids, spectators, and animals, but it also provides long-term cost savings by eliminating the need for frequent fence repairs.This investment will leave a lasting impact on our community and the future of this program.”

Over the years, the foundation has awarded more than $161,000 in grants to Fulton County 4-H projects and endeavors.

“The foundation appreciates organizations that work to provide the best experience possible

for their members,” said Fulton County Community Foundation Director Brian Johnson. “4-H provides youth the opportunity to learn a variety of life skills, and this grant will help provide a better, safer environment for learning.”

Grants like this one are made possible through Fulton County Community Funds, which currently have a $2-to-$1 donation match initiative. Community Funds create a pool of flexible grant dollars available to charitable organizations.

PRAYING FOR OTHERS People gather outside the Fulton County Courthouse Thursday, May 2, during the community’s National Day of Prayer ceremony. Photo by Leah Sander.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Rochester Church of Christ Pastor Jim Dillinger speaks briefly before the community National Day of Prayer ceremony Thursday afternoon, May 2, outside the Fulton County Courthouse. He said the ceremony has been going on for at least 30 years. Photo by Leah Sander.

IMPROVING

GOAT BARN

Fulton County Community Foundation

Fulton County 4-H Council for goat barn repairs at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. From left are the foundation’s Brian Johnson and Fulton County 4-H’s Kristin Woods, Tina Hirsch and Crystal Grossman. Photo provided by the foundation.

Updates and happenings in and around the area

The following activities are scheduled at the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester.

Wednesday, May 8

Makerspace, 3-5 p.m. Meeting Room B; ages 18-plus; sign-up at the circulation or call (574) 2232713.

Thursday, May 9

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in the PC Office.

Rather Be Reading 4-5 p.m. in the Indiana Room; grades 5-8.

Friday, May 10

LEGO Day, 3-4 p.m. in the Teen Oasis.

Maker Space: Sketchin’ Sessions, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Teen Oasis; ages 12-18.

Bingo, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Meeting Rooms A & B; all ages invited.

Monday, May 13

Express Your Story, 1:15-3:15 p.m. in Meeting Room B.

Teen Movie, “Chicken Little,”

3:30-5:30 p.m. in Teen Oasis.

Board Meeting, 6-6:45 p.m. in Meeting Room B.

Tuesday, May 14

In-Person story time with Grab and Go Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A.

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in the PC Office; classes are free and open to the public. Oneon-one sessions may be scheduled; call Zak Schoff (574) 2231014.

Let’s Paint, 3-4 p.m. in Teen Oasis.

Wednesday, May 15

Pro Bono Legal Aid Indiana, 1-3 p.m.

Basic computer class, 2-3 p.m. in Meeting Room B.

Thursday, May 16

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in PC Office; classes are free and open to the public. One-onone sessions may be scheduled through Zac Schoff (574) 2231014.

Nutrition 101, 4-5 p.m. in Teen Oasis; presented by Purdue Extension, ages 12-18.

Kids movie, “Aquaman and the Last Kingdom,” 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B.

Friday, May 17

Maker Space: Sketchin’ Sessions, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Teen Oasis; ages 12-18.

Monday, May 20

Express Your Story, 1:15-3:15 p.m. in Meeting Room B.

Teen Craft: Beautifully Beaded By You, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Teen Oasis.

Tuesday, May 21

In Person Story time with Grab and Go Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A.

Tech Time with Zak, noon2 p.m. in PC Office; classes are free and open to the public. Oneon-one sessions may scheduled through Zak Schoff (574) 2231014.

Wednesday, May 22

Kids Yoga, 4-5 p.m. in Meeting Room B; ages 12 and under.

Thursday, May 23

Home-school Group, 10:3011:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A.

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in PC Office.

Rather Be Reading, 4-5 p.m. in Indiana Room; grades 5-8.

Friday, May 24

Maker Space: Sketchin’ Ses-

sions, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Teen Oasis; ages 12-18.

Monday, May 27

Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday, May 28

In-person story time with Grab and Go Craft, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A.

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in PC Office; classes are free and open to the public. One-onone sessions may be scheduled through Zak Schoff (574) 2231014.

Wednesday, May 29

Guitar Hero, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Teen Oasis.

Author Talk: “One Chance, One Dance,” 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B. Join Donna Frisinger as she reads excerpts from her new adult book “One Chance, One Dance.” Immediately following the presentation, she will be available for book signings with copies of her book(s) available.

Thursday, May 30

Tech Time with Zak, noon-2 p.m. in PC Office.

Friday, May 31

Teen VR Day, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Teen Oasis; sign-up is required; minimum age is 11.

—o—

Burton Richland Center United

Medthodist Church is celebrating spring, by inviting anyone in the Rochester area to a free spaghetti meal from 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Fulton County Museum, 37 E. CR 375 N., Rochester. This is no strings attached, no program; just a time to say hello to neighbors and friends with the love of Christ.

—o—

St. John Lutheran Church, 404 Jefferson St., Rochester, is collecting gently-worn, used and new shoes. Drop off locations: 404 Jefferson St., and 617 Main St. Shoes will be collected until Thursday, May 30. For more information call (574) 223-6898.

—o—

Rochester tree board will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at City Hall.

—o—

Mini 4-H sign-up deadline is Wednesday, May 15. It’s open to all children in kindergarten through second grade. Sign-up for 4-H online is required. For more information, contact the extension office, (574) 223-3397.

—o—

Ladies Auxiliary Spring Fling Craft Fair and Bazaar is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at

the American Legion Post No. 60, 828 Burlington Ave., Logansport. The bazaar is for all veteran affairs. There will be items for silent auction bidding, bake sale, raffles, food served all day, and a party for the kids. Raffles are: a military quilt, fire pit, a 50/50, meat bundles and more; free admission. Many bid items are from the Rochester area. For more information, call Sandy (574) 7538620, email sandysuesturdivant@ gmail.com. Proceeds used for veteran’s needs.

—o—

Ivy Tech is offering free college classes to all Indiana high schoolers this summer; no tuition, no fees. To learn more visit ivytech. edu.

—o—

A pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 7-11 a.m. Monday, May 27, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available from club members or at the door. The Rochester Optimist Club is sponsoring the breakfast and all proceeds go to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Tickets are $8 for adults and $3.50 for ages 12 and younger.

—o— Rochester High School’s plant

sale will be from 3-5 p.m. May 8, and 8 a.m. to noon May 11. Plants available are: petunias, marigolds, impatiens, geraniums, peppers, tomatoes, a variety of planters and hanging baskets.

—o—

Free bowling is offered to children this summer. Registered children receive two free games of bowling each designated day of the program. For more information, to get registered, and to find a participating bowling center in your community, visit kidsbowlfree.com.

—o—

Purdue Extension of Fulton County is offering “A Matter Of Balance” class from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday’s and Friday’s June 11 through July 5, the Fulton County 4-H Fairgrounds Community Building, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. The program is free; space is limited to 12 participants. Once the class is full, call to be added to the wait list.

Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, June 3. For more information, contact the extension office at (574) 223-3397 or register on the link cvent.me/v0Ez8g.

Caston English HNAC team in first place

Text and Photos

By MELINDA SCHULTZ Caston High School English Teacher

The Caston High School English team came in first place during the Hoosier North Athletic Conference. Each school in the conference is invited to participate.

There are two divisions. The junior division is for freshman and sophomores. The second is the senior division for juniors and seniors. Each school is allowed to send three poems, three short stories, and three personal narratives for each division. The senior division also sends three challenge categories. This year, the challenge category was comic strip.

At Caston, all of the students submit entries into at least one of these categories. In some classes, they complete all categories. Then, teachers, librarians, aides, and other volunteers, who help the English department choose the top three to send to the competition. The winners do some final editing before they are sent.

At the competition, the host school, Culver, provides multiple judges for each category.

Each judge is given all the entries, with the names removed, and they rank the entries. The judges’ rankings are averaged together to get the placement. Entries were sent by March 14, and then to Culver May 2 for the results.

This year, the team results were really close and the final score between the top two teams was Caston 119 and Culver 111.

This contest provides CHS students the opportunity to write creatively, go through numerous edits, and receive feedback from people besides their teachers. It is a chance for students across the conference to get recognized and celebrated for their academic talents in a variety of writing forms.

Individual Placings

Seniors

Madison Raub, first place, challenge category

Ashley Pacheco, third place, senior division poetry

Alexander Ault, fifth place, junior division poetry

Silas Manley, sixth place, challenge category

JOB POSTINGS FOR WATER DEPARTMENT

The City of Rochester Water Department has an opening for a full-time Laborer.

Successful candidate must have excellent mathematical, written, and oral communication skills. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and perform general labor duties such as digging, bending, twisting, etc. with hand tools and equipment. Experience in operating machinery or equivalent is preferred, but not required. A valid driver’s license with clean driving record and a high school diploma or equivalent are required.

Successful candidate will also be required to obtain the necessary certifications for water plant operations.

Complete job description and applications are available at the City Building Complex, City Hall, 320 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975. These are available through the drive-through at the Water Office and City Hall.

Applications

by

Alexa Finke, seventh place, senior division personal narrative

Kylee Young, ninth place, senior division personal narrative

Ava Sylvain, senior division poetry entry

Jullina Sherrick, senior division poetry entry

Juniors

Zach Rogers, first place, senior division short story

Mackenzie Bauknecht and Braden Rush, second place (tie), senior division short story

Amalia Klingstein, sixth place, senior division personal narrative

Arrik Miller, seventh place, challenge category

Sophomores

Alexander Ault, fourth place, junior division short story

Samuel Kerr, fourth place, junior division poetry

Cheyenne Price, seventh place, junior division poetry

Alexa Lowe, seventh place, junior division personal narrative

Freshmen

Gage Thomas, fourth place, junior division personal narrative

Juno Manley, fifth place, junior division personal narrative

Rylee Miller, sixth place, junior division short story

Madisyn Douglass, third place, junior division short story

ProPEL US 31 team to be in Rochester May 8

Those behind the ProPEL U.S. 31 study, looking at the future usage of the highway, are having upcoming office hours in Rochester.

The team will be at the Fulton County Public Library’s

Rochester branch, 320 W. Seventh St., from 1-3 p.m., and the Fulton County Health Fair at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., from 4-7 p.m., both Wednesday, May 8.

People may ask questions and provide feedback then. For more information on the study, visit propelus31.com.

ABOVE THE REST — Students from the Caston High School English HNAC team recently placed first for the seventh year in a row.

In the front row from left are Samuel Kerr, Cheyenne Price, Alex Ault, Gage Thomas, Zach Rogers, Braden Rush, Ashley Pacheco and Rylee Miller.

In the back row are Arrick Miller, Amalia Kingstein, Alexa Lowe, Jullina Sherrick, Alexa Finke, Ava Sylvain, Madisyn Douglass, Mackenzie Bauknecht, Silas Manley, Madison Raub and Juno Manley.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS — Madison Raub (challenge/comic strip category), left, and Zach Rogers (short story) recently received first place during the Caston High School English HNAC team competition.

Historic preservation grants to be awarded throughout Indiana

Fourteen projects are expected to receive federal financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund program administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology.

This year, the Historic Preservation Fund grant awards total more than $635,000, which will be matched by the applicants with more than $604,000 for a total investment of more than $1.2 million for Indiana’s historic and

cultural resources.

Divided into the categories of archaeology, rehabilitation, and architectural and historical, the projects are expected to begin this summer and be completed by June 30, 2026.

Among the 14 projects are:

Archaeology project in Wabash County: A grant to Ball State Applied Anthropology Laboratories to conduct a Phase Ia archaeological survey of approximately 40 acres in Salamonie River State Forest.

Rehabilitation project in

Elkhart County: A grant to the Elkhart County Clubhouse to assist with installing high-efficiency heat pumps and rebuilding the unsafe rear porch in the 1890 Cora Dale House.

Rehabilitation project in St. Joseph County: A grant to the city of South Bend to assist with the rehabilitation of the Walker Field Shelter House, which was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1938. The project will replace the asphalt shingle roof on the park structure and arcade wings.

Conservation officers remind citizens to stay safe while operating off-road vehicles

With the coming of warmer weather, off-road vehicle enthusiasts are eager to ride.

Indiana conservation officers remind the public to operate ORVs responsibly and remember to follow these safety rules:

Always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet. All riders under 18 years of age are required by law to wear a helmet while operating an ORV. Goggles, long sleeves, long pants and over-the-ankle boots are also

recommended.

Never operate or ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Never carry a passenger on an ORV designated for one occupant, and don’t ride with more than one passenger on an ORV specifically designed for two occupants.

Children should only ride ORVs if they meet the minimum age designated by the manufacturer of that ORV.

Riders younger than 14 years

of age are required to be supervised by an adult at all times when riding an ORV.

ORVs are primarily designed to be operated off road and should be operated at a speed where the operator can control the ORV and stop in time to avoid a collision.

On side-by-side style ORVs, in addition to helmets and other safety equipment, seat belts should be worn by the operator and any passengers.

Rehabilitation project in St. Joseph County: A grant to the St. Casimir Parish to assist with the cost and installation of new boilers for the sanctuary and school wing of the historic church.

Architectural and historical project in Allen County: A grant to the city of Fort Wayne and the Wildwood Park neighborhood to prepare a landscape study for the Rockhill Park.

The investment of Historic Preservation Fund money means the projects are considered a federal undertaking. Because of that, consulting parties have the opportunity to comment on the respective project under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 306108) and 36 C.F.R. Part 800.

The proposed scope of work for each project has been reviewed by Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology staff, who

have determined that each meets the secretary of the interior’s standards and guidelines for historic properties and therefore will have no adverse effect on historic properties.

Anyone who would like to be a consulting party or provide public comments for any of the projects listed should contact the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology by May 31, specifying the respective project(s), by mail at Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, Attn: Historic Preservation Fund Grant Staff, 402 W. Washington St., Room W274, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or email at mvanaman@dnr. IN.gov. The Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology will then provide the scope of work, maps and photographs for the project(s) you are interested in for your review and comment.

Applicants need at least a Class B CDL with hazmat, air brakes and tanker endorsements. Willing to train the right person.

If interested, stop in and fill out an application at 9968 E. St. Rd. 14, Akron, IN 46910 574-893-4733

Rochester Mending and Alterations named May Fulton County Chamber member of month

Rochester Mending and Alterations is the May Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month.

The business, located at 706 Main St., provides professional alterations, miscellaneous mending and custom project sewing and design.

It handles everything from clothing to costumes, upholstery, leather, autos, marine, shoes/ boots and even stuffed animals and dolls.

Mondays at Rochester Mending are reserved for onsite jobs

repairing or remaking items too inconvenient to move, like boats, or large sofas. Mondays are also reserved for customers that are house- or wheelchair-bound due to disabilities.

The business also provides professional dry cleaning services for clothing, hats, comforters, area rugs, winter coats and formal wear.

Formal sewing classes are also available at Rochester Mending and Alterations for those seeking to choose, use and care for a sewing machine of their own.

Rochester Mending and Alterations is currently working on its wedding side of the business.

Friday afternoons at Rochester Mending are now reserved for private wedding party fittings.

People may contact the business at (574) 223-8090.

Your annual mammogram for Mother’s Day; Just do it

By LYNDA SODERLUND Woodland Health

Editor’s Note: Lynda Soderlund is a mammographer at Woodlawn Health.

Pink ribbons and flowers have become symbols of Mother’s Day. If you are a female over 40, this is your friendly reminder to schedule your mammogram. The good news

is that you can have a mammogram all year.

So why get a yearly mammogram every year after 40? Beyond a recommendation by the medical community, breast cancer found in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 98%. When breast cancer is found in its advanced stages, and has traveled to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate

drops to 27%. Getting a mammogram can be a scary experience and sometimes is not comfortable. Still, excellent professionals are working hard to make this experience positive. Generally, two pictures of each breast are taken to see all the tissue in two separate planes.

Sometimes, medical care is avoided because of getting bad news; however, about 85-90% of screening mammograms are normal. That’s great news. Your doctor will receive a detailed report from the radiologist, and you will receive a letter from the imaging facility with your results. Your next step will be to continue monthly self-breast exams and return for your next annual mammogram in one year.

About 10-15% of screening mammograms will have recommendations to return for a diagnostic mammogram, a call back, which could also include an ultrasound. Most of these cases turn out to be normal; less than 10% will result in cancer.

So, if you have not scheduled a mammogram this year, please do so. It will be a great Mother’s Day gift to those you love.

MEMBER OF THE MONTH Rochester Mending and Alterations was recently selected as the Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. From left are Chamber Ambassadors Julie Shriver, Beacon Credit Union; Terry Engstrand, White Oaks Bison Farm; Amber Basham, Life Care of Rochester; and Chamber Board Member Lindy Breeden, First Federal Savings Bank. Photo provided by Kellie Scobie.

LYNDA SODERLUND

By LESLIE BONILLA MUNIZ Indiana Capital Chronicle

The cucumber magnolia tree, freshly planted on the Indiana Statehouse’s plush green lawn, stands lanky and sparse.

But the 12-foot sapling will grow to “stand guard” outside the capital building for “generations to come,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said.

His administration recently celebrated the fulfillment of a four-year-old promise to plant 1 million trees in public lands around the state. Officials marked the occasion with a ceremonial planting of the millionth tree, grown at Clark State Forest.

Holcomb made the pledge in his 2020 State of the State speech. Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner said his agency “knew it would be a massive undertaking” but added, “Thankfully for all Hoosiers, conservation is a team sport.”

Bortner lauded a lengthy list of natural resources partners, telling the crowd, “It’s the people standing here with us today — plus many, many more — who stepped forward to help us plant trees that one day will tower over our descendants, leaving a legacy

that will long outlast our time on this planet.”

DNR picked trees native to Indiana, including red oak, white oak, bur, chinkapin, swamp chestnut, Shumard, pin, cherry bark oak and black walnut. They were planted on state forest, state park, fish and wildlife area and nature preserve land.

Millions more trees could be on the way.

In October, the leaders of eight states and two Canadian provinces — including Indiana’s Holcomb — launched a campaign to plant an additional 250 million trees by 2033. All are part of the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.

Holcomb is term-limited, with eight gubernatorial candidates hoping to succeed him. But Bortner said the change in leadership wouldn’t jeopardize the new, higher goal.

Indiana’s next governor, he noted, will be part of the regional group leading the charge. And, tree planting has been a unifying force.

“There’s no downside to planting trees,” Bortner said. “There’s different ideas of how to go about it and things like that,

but everybody supports putting more trees in the ground. And it’s good for the environment, it’s good for for recreation. I mean, there’s just so many positives to it. So, you know, all you can do is

leave it ready to go.”

Much of Indiana’s forested land was cut down in the 1800s for lumber and to open fields for farming, according to a news release. The state created its for-

estry-focused division in 1901 to conserve state forests.

Now, Indiana is home to 4.8 million acres of forestland, including 160,000 acres across state forests, per the release.

State hospital association president to step down

By WHITNEY DOWNARD Indiana Capital Chronicle

After 16 years with the state’s powerful hospital lobbying group, Indiana Hospital Association President Brian Tabor will step down once the organization selects a new president.

“It has been an honor to serve IHA, as the commitment of Hoosier hospitals to delivering the best care to every single patient is unsurpassed anywhere in the nation,” Tabor said in a release.

The IHA board will start a search committee to find its next leader, who will represent the interests of over 170 Indiana hospitals in the Indiana Statehouse and beyond.

“Our industry couldn’t have asked for a better leader to guide us through these years of monumental health care reform, and we can’t thank Brian enough for his passion and dedicated service to our member hospitals and the patients we serve,” said Steve Holman, chair of the IHA Board of Directors and president and CEO of Union Health. “I am confident that our board will find the right person to keep IHA on a successful path for the future.”

Prior to becoming president in 2016, Tabor was the association’s chief advocate for hospitals and their patients. He joined the hospital group in 2008 after holding various policy roles in the Indiana General Assembly and the

Indiana Association of Realtor.

As president, Tabor was honored with a Sagamore of the Wabash by former Gov. Mike Pence for his role in expanding Medicaid coverage under the HIP 2.0 program, which grew to include hundreds of thousands of previously uninsured Hoosiers.

During the Holcomb administration, Tabor served on the Governor’s Public Health Commission, which pushed the General Assembly to invest $225 million into the state’s beleaguered public health system after the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, Tabor has been at the forefront of conversations on behalf of hospitals as lawmakers seek to reduce high health care costs.

HATS OFF — Brantlyn Brubaker gives a friendly hello as he prepares to watch “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at the Times Theater, Rochester. Brubaker is a fourth grade student at Riddle Elementary School. Photo by Andrea McKee.

OUT

CARPET — Deytin Annis,

fourth grade student at Riddle Elementary School, leads the way down the purple carpet. Students enjoyed the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” on April 30. Photo by Andrea McKee.

WONKA CARPET — Students from Riddle Elementary School were

cited to see the premier of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” on April 30.

Photo by Lori Carr.

The dime store has closed

By RUSS DAVIDSON SR. Guest Writer

Her old house was for sale; don’t think she lives there anymore. I met her in the dime store. She was 7, and I was 8; we were too young to have a date.

Do you ever wonder what happened to someone you think about?

Guess I will never know what she looks like; the old dime store has closed.

Chamber to offer ‘Coffee and Conversation’ May 9

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce’s next installment of Coffee and Conversation is Thursday, May 9. It’s from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Jarrety’s Place, 701 Main St., Rochester. Members may network. Registration and coffee are complimentary with chamber membership, with breakfast available for purchase.

Members should register at fultoncountychamber.com/events or with Kellie Scobie at (574) 2242666.

PROM COURT — Shown is Caston’s Prom Court. Caston High School’s prom was Friday, May 3. Shown from left are Shaylei Yadon, Max Sommers, Noah Herd, Olivia Thomas, Alexa Finke, Talon Zeider, Edison Byrum and Addison Zimmpleman. Photo provided by Angie Miller.

KING AND QUEEN — Caston High School’s prom was Friday, May 3. The king and queen were Talon Zeider, right, and Alexa Finke, left. Photo provided by Angie Miller.

PRINCE AND PRINCESS — Caston High School’s prom prince and princess were Noah Herd, right, and Olivia Thomas. Photo provided by Angie Miller.

State purchases another $5M in Israeli bonds

By WHITNEY DOWNARD Indiana Capital Chronicle

Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott recently announced the purchase of another $5 million in Israeli bonds, bringing Indiana’s total investment in the U.S. ally to $110 million.

“Despite the hardships currently faced by the nation of Israel and their citizens, the economy and will of the Israeli people remains unbroken,” Elliott said in a release. “These investments are a reflection of my confidence in those markets and will provide great value for Hoosier taxpayers.”

As treasurer and chief investment officer, Elliott oversees

Indiana’s investment of nearly $17 billion in state assets.

In the 2023 legislative session, Elliott spearheaded an effort to remove politics — specifically environmental social and governance conscious investing, or ESG — from state investments before approving the purchase of $35 million in Israeli bonds several months later.

The office told the Indiana Capital Chronicle the November investment still has 18 months left on its term at a bond rate of 5.28%. It noted that compared to an 18-month note from the U.S. Treasury, the Israeli bonds are 16 basis points higher.

Wednesday’s purchase has a three-year term at 5.5%, or 65 basis points over U.S. Treasury notes. Additionally, the office noted the bond purchases make up .8% of the state’s overall portfolio.

Elliott, in his statement, tied the move to ongoing protests at Indiana universities demanding a Gaza ceasefire and divestment of campus assets in Israel.

Several students at Indiana University have been arrested, adding to the hundreds of students nationwide who have been arrested in campus protests calling for fighting to stop after the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis.

“While there may be a few loud individuals on college cam-

puses and other places that want us to abandon Israel, I believe now is the time to refocus and recommit to our most important ally,” Elliott said. “We don’t need to boycott and divest, but engage and invest.”

The move was lauded by the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, which decried the “shocking sharp increase in antisemitism … and the anti-Israel protests emerging on college campuses.”

“Thank you to Treasurer Elliott for his leadership,” said Jamie Ratner Rich, the organization’s president. “Investing in Israel bonds sends a loud and clear signal that Indiana stands with and supports Israel.”

Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla also shared her support for the move.

“What a privilege to represent a state that is offering further investment to Israel that aligns with our fiduciary duty to deliver solid yield, low risk and high liquidity with state dollars,” said Nieshalla in a statement.

“As an American, seeing what is happening to Israel and the Jewish people is devastating and there is a strong sense of duty to stand with our friends.

As a Hoosier, I value the opportunity for our state to partner with a country that has offered us decades of innovation and security support.”

Farm to School listening session to occur May 21

A Farm to School listening session is Tuesday, May 21, at the Fulton County Public Library’s Rochester branch, 320 W. Seventh St. It’s from 1011:30 a.m.

School personnel, including food service workers, as well as farmers, leaders, those with nonprofit organizations and community members, are welcome to come to the event hosted by Indiana Grown for Schools.

Discussion will be on successes, challenges and priorities for increasing local food, fostering school gardens and integrating nutrition and agriculture education in community classrooms and statewide.

To register, visit surveymonkey.com/r/F2SNCIN.

For more information, contact Tashi Teuschler at tashi@communitysolutionsinc.net.

Fulton County H.O.P.E. to host resource fair

Fulton County H.O.P.E. is hosting a resource networking event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednes-

day, May 15, at the Fulton County Public Library’s Rochester branch, 320 W. Seventh St.

For more information, contact (574) 223-4357 or visit fchope. com.

Jackson, Wagner win TRC track titles

Rochester’s MaKenna Jackson won the title in the pole vault, and Audrey Wagner won the title in the 300 hurdles at the Three Rivers Conference girls track meet at Wabash Friday.

By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Guest Writer

Jackson, a senior, cleared 9-0 and edged Maconaquah’s Leilena Beachy, who vaulted 8-6. It’s her first TRC title. Jackson broke the

school record with a vault of 9-7 earlier in the season. Wagner, a junior, was timed in 51.20 seconds.

Jackson and Wagner helped Rochester finish fifth with 67 points.

Other Rochester scoring athletes in the girls meet included Kyra Doran, Allyson Calloway, Ashlynn Weyant, Rilyn Strasser, Brooklyn Chandler, and Taylor Navara.

In the boys meet, Rochester accumulated 59 points and tied for fourth. There were no individual Zebra champions.

Rochester athletes who scored points by finishing in the top

eight included Trevor Walley, Mason Hisey, Grant Bailey, Bryce Baugher, Maddox Jewell, and Gage Zimpelman, Harrison Dunwoody, Tyler Reese, Reece Johnson, and Liam Pinder.

On April 30, Rochester held its lone home meet of the season against Tippecanoe Valley and Triton.

In the girls meet, Rochester had 25 points.

Calloway was Rochester’s only individual event winner.

Rochester had 47 points.

Rochester individual event winners included Bailey, Johnson, Leandro Javier, Dunwoody and Hisey.

FTC non-competes rule ripples out into state

By WHITNEY DOWNARD

Indiana Capital Chronicle

Decades ago, when Kenneth Dau-Schimdt first started teaching about labor and employment law, he said non-compete agreements weren’t all that common. But over time, as their use has grown, so too has the scrutiny of the practice, which now extends beyond specialized positions down to employees at sandwich shops.

State lawmakers have been wrestling with the agreements for several years. And now a “huge” ruling from the Federal Trade Commission could ban the use of non-competes for all, but the highest earners if it survives legal scrutiny.

Doing so would reduce the number of Americans employed under such a contract from roughly 19% — though some research suggests that number is closer to 50% — to 1%.

Non-compete agreements are contracts preventing employees from leaving their jobs to work in similar positions with competitors. Businesses often say the agreements protect trade practices, while workers chafe at the restrictions. Meanwhile, economists say the agreements have become anti-competitive, stifling the free market.

But not everyone is pleased

with the agency’s move, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and state affiliates like the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The national organization sued the Federal Trade Commission shortly after the rule announcement in a business-friendly Texan court.

Aside from questions raised by its national counterpart about whether the federal agency has the authority to enforce such a rule, Greg Ellis, the Indiana Chamber vice president of energy/environmental policy and federal affairs, said the organization opposes intervention in private employer-employee contracts.

Debate Over Non-compete Agreements

Several sectors have come to rely on non-competes as a way to protect company investments, whether it’s medical training, sales client lists or even on-air media personalities. While the particulars vary from position to position, a non-compete can limit an employee from leaving a company — and taking valuable knowledge — to a competitor. Such impositions can be confined to a geographical area or to a set amount of time.

Ellis noted other forms of intellectual property, including trade secrets, and the training employers give their employees as reasons why a business might require such a contract.

Baseball Kaleb Lutz had a pair of RBI singles. Jake Seuferer had a tworun single, but the Rochester baseball team could not overcome eight errors in an 18-8 loss in six innings to Warsaw Saturday.

Colton Ferverda had a hit and an RBI, Tanner Reinartz, Gavin Young, Brady Beck all had hits.

The game marked senior day for Ferverda, Young, Lutz, Seuferer, Beck, Wes Steininger and Mike Sterner.

Rochester was coming off a 13-0 win in five innings over host Tippecanoe Valley Friday.

On May 1, Rochester edged Maconaquah 3-2.

The win improved the Zebras to 3-2.

Rochester began the week with a 6-4 win over conference and sectional rival Wabash April 30.

Reinartz had Rochester’s only hit, a single.

Softball

But sometimes, Dau-Schmidt said, companies might require employees to sign non-competes that are unenforceable — defined as an employer having a “legitimate interest” — and employees don’t know that unless they decide to break it.

Another place where the contracts can stifle markets: employers trying to lure an employee from another company to work for theirs — something that he observed hurt small businesses the most. Often, these potential employers have to pay that employee more to cover penalties for breaking the agreement.

Dau-Schmidt said economists have found non-competes suppressed market competitiveness, effectively discouraging employees from seeking other employment opportunities that might pay more. In the release accompanying the ruling, the FTC said it believed the average worker would earn $524 more each year and an estimated 8,500 new businesses would form each year.

The ruling won’t take effect for a few months, even if it survives a legal challenge. Notably, some fields have blanket noncompete exemptions at the state level, such as lawyers, because the public interest outweighs that of an employer.

Bria Rensberger had the goahead two-run single to cap a four-run fifth inning at the plate. She struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh to earn the save as the Rochester softball team rallied from a three-run deficit to top host Tippecanoe Valley 6-4 Friday.

On May 1, the Lady Zs claimed a 3-2 win over Maconaquah, improving its TRC record to 3-2. The win followed a 9-0 win over conference and sectional rival Wabash April 30.

The teams could meet again in the sectional final May 23.

Girls Tennis Rochester lost to host Northfield 3-2 Thursday.

Rochester’s points came from Ella McCarter at No. 1 singles and Rylee Clevenger at No. 3 singles.

The Lady Zs also suffered a 3-2 loss at home to Lewis Cass May 1.

Boys Golf Noah Riffle shot a 38 on the back nine at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek, but the Zebras suffered a 163-166 loss to Northwestern April 30.

Robert Bozzo had a 41, J.R. McLochlin had a 43, Ashton Musselman had a 44, Isaac Heishman had a 45, and Davis Renie had a 47.

Rochester began the week by finishing second in a three-way home match against Tippecanoe Valley and Culver Academy April 29. Rochester had a 165.

Sectional Alignments

The IHSAA released sectional alignments for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years for girls soccer, boys soccer, football, volleyball, girls basketball and boys basketball April 30.

The following sectionals include Rochester: Rochester sectional lineup (2024-25 and 2025-26)

Class 1A, Sectional 36 (girls soccer)

Argos, Culver, LaVille, Manchester, Oregon-Davis, Rochester

Class 2A, Sectional 22 (boys soccer)

Eastern (Greentown), Maconaquah, Northwestern, Peru, Rochester Tippecanoe Valley, Wabash

Class 2A, Sectional 38 (volleyball)

Eastern (Greentown), Lewis Cass, Manchester, Oak Hill, Rochester Southwood, Wabash

Class 2A, Sectional 36 (football)

Alexandria, Blackford, Eastbrook, Eastern (Greentown), Elwood, Rochester, Tipton, Wabash

Class 2A, Sectional 38 (girls basketball and boys basketball)

Eastern (Greentown), Lewis Cass, Manchester, Oak Hill, Rochester, Wabash

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State suing over Title IX rule rewrite

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is suing the U.S. Department of Education over the rights of girls and women via a rewrite of the Title IX rule.

The new rule allows biological men in the private spaces of girls and women, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, according to a news release from Rokita.

“We cannot effectively protect women’s rights — or even their physical safety — if we refuse to acknowledge there are in fact two sexes, male and female — and only two sexes,” Rokita said. “We cannot function effectively as a republic if we deny the basic facts of creation.”

The six-state lawsuit is being spearheaded alongside Tennes-

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see, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Enacted in 1972, Title IX helped equalize women’s access to educational facilities and programs by barring discrimination based on sex by federally funded schools. At the same time, because of the physical differences between men and women, Title IX has always allowed sex-segregated spaces, like bathrooms and locker rooms.

The new Department of Education rule, said to confront “gender identity discrimination,” essentially abolishes sex-based distinctions in educational activities and programs, according to Rokita. It forces Indiana and other states to “accept radical gender ideology in

our schools,” according to Rokita.

The Department of Education has adopted the new rule despite Congress not extending Title IX’s protections to anything other than sex, according to the news release.

If the Department of Education’s rewrite of Title IX is allowed to stand, Indiana schools will have to allow males selfidentifying as female — in every grade from preschool through college — to use girls’ and women’s bathrooms and locker rooms, play on girls’ and women’s sports teams, and access other femaleonly activities and spaces or risk losing billions in federal funding, according to Rokita.

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“Congress intended Title IX to prevent discrimination against girls and women,” Rokita said. “The point was to encourage increased participation by girls and women in middle school, high school and college athletics. Now leftists are trying to twist Title

this travesty.”