Shopping Guide News of Fulton County - December 14, 2022

On Monday, Dec. 5, the Fulton County Historical Society Museum opened its Christmas Pop-up Store to the public for the third year running, offering holiday shoppers an opportunity to find unique gifts, while at the same supporting area entrepreneurs, artisans and collectors. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 24.

The pop-up store was first organized by Melinda Clinger, museum director, and Charlotte Robson, her business partner in M & C Craft Creations. Initially, the event brought together area arts and crafts vendors, many of whom had been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was the end of 2020, and nobody had been out. So we

thought we would try to throw this together,” Clinger recalled. The museum also provided a

large room where people could be distanced from each other, while at the same time enjoy-

ing the fellowship of the shows and festivals, most of which Continued on page 3

Habitat homeowner sees community labor as the best gift ever

“Even now, almost eight years later, I see the hours of community labor that took place to make my Habitat home a reality,” stated Marci Murphy, Rochester. “Karmen Reeves, on the board of Fulton County Habitat for Humanity, was always so encouraging. Arnie Snipes, Dee Williams and Don Christianson were there each day helping in the construction. My brother, Eric Murphy of Murphy Electric, wired the house and Mark Sroufe did the landscaping. Habitat houses are not free; however, the hours of community labor will always remain one of my fondest gifts.”

Murphy is a single mom. “When I moved back to Rochester my son Kye and I lived in an apartment. My friend Heather Carlson, who does my hair and nails, told me to fill out an application for a Habitat home. I did and we qualified.”

But first she had to put in some community volunteer hours. “I volunteered at my church and Kye’s school. I helped United Way pack their Christmas baskets. When the building began, I was helping at the construction site. Kye, who was only 7 at the time, was also helping in areas that he was

able. The community and friend support continues to touch my life. People helped in the area of their own expertise.”

She and Kye moved in February 2015. Having the lot on Main Street is an incentive for Murphy to make sure everything about her house and yard is perfect. “I am the one who mows the yard. I plant flowers. People who come by look forward to seeing my decorations for the holidays.”

Murphy’s yard is featured in pictures about twice a year in the Shopping Guide News.

“When Easter rolls around, I put Easter eggs in the trees for my friend Mark Sroufe. On the Fourth of July, our house is decorated with a flag and red, white and blue pleated flag buntings. Thanksgiving I put out turkey inflatables and take them down as the days get windy. I don’t want them blowing over to Jefferson Street. This Christmas we have 14 large Christmas inflatables. Kye, who is now 15, helps me hang the lights on the house and around the bushes.”

Murphy gets her decorative aptitude naturally. “Both my grandmas and my mom are craft oriented. One of my grandmas is a seamstress. Grandma Lewis gave me my love for flowers.”

Working in the restaurant business for 25 years, Murphy loves people. During COVID,

the restaurant closed. Now she works at Frounfelter Dental Clinic, Rochester. “I put braces on kids and adults. I especially enjoy watching the changes that occur for the young people as their teeth get straightened. When their appearance changes for the better, their confidence level increases.”

Each day, Murphy learns something new at the clinic. “I want to learn all I can to make the patients happy.”

She loves gardening and crafting. “I make all the wreaths that are displayed on my door. I also enjoy watching my son play football for Rochester High School.”

Murphy believes it’s important to have a home she and Kye can be proud of. “I encourage others who move into Habitat homes to remember all the love that went into the construction of it. It’s our job to take the initiative to upkeep our house and continue to make it beautiful.”

Fulton County History

Continued from page 1

had been cancelled in the previous months. “We invited vendors we’ve been associated with through craft and toy shows.”

This year’s pop-up store features nine vendors, though there may be a tenth before the sale ends, said Clinger. M & C Craft Creations first sold clothing, blankets, potholders and other items embroidered or appliquéd with tractor-themes at the 2004 Farm Progress Show. Clinger and Robson, whose mother also worked at the museum, have since expanded their offerings and travel to craft and tractor shows and the state fair.

Other vendors include Bill Smith of Hamilton, who specializes in pedal tractors and NASCAR items; S & S Farm Toys of Kokomo; Mary Baker, Logansport, who makes jewelry, dream catchers and more; Cheryl Peterson, the “Tupperware Lady,”; Dawn Bradley of Argos,

a crochet specialist known for her gnomes; Jim Garland, a Rochester woodworker; Judi Leininger of Rochester, who creates T-shirts and etched plates and cups; and Carol Kelly of Kewanna, who crochets several items and also makes candles.

All of these vendors create or collect unique items, many of which are difficult to find and several are also capable of providing personalized items such as clothing or mugs.

Clinger added the museum gift shop will also be open and is full of gift ideas unique to Fulton County, while also helping raise money to support the preservation of local heritage and history.

“Sometimes you don’t know what you need until you start looking,” said Clinger, and the museum could be an ideal place to find multiple items. Clinger and Robson both take evident pleasure in perusing the various displays. Speaking of the

pedal tractors, Robson noted, “You learn something new every time you look at them.”

Yet another attraction unique to the Fulton County Historical Society Museum this month is the large Santa Claus statue currently standing in the museum parking lot, where it hails traffic passing on US 31.

Many Fulton County residents may remember this statue from its previous location on Old US 31, where for nearly 50 years it was annually displayed atop the factory building occupied by several companies through the years, including Indiana Metal and Acument Global Technologies, the latter of which was planning to send the giant Santa Claus to its corporate headquarters in Rockford, Ill., when it closed its Rochester location in 2020.

However, according to Clinger, Mayor Ted Denton, a former Acument employee, intervened on the museum’s behalf, and in

the end Santa “did not leave the county,” she said. “We received him in January 2021.” Volunteers from the Fulton County Historic Power Association helped move the statue to its display location on the Satur-

day after Thanksgiving.

For more information, visit facebook.com/fultoncountyhistoricalsocietyIndiana or call (574) 223-4436. The museum is located at 37 E. 375N, Rochester.

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

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

—o—

LEGO friends

Good neighbors: I have a large amount of LEGO friends I would like to get rid of. Call (574) 215-1540.

Christmas lights

Good neighbors: I have 40+ boxes of Christmas lights (never used and all different kinds) that I would like to give away. Call (574) 889-2700 after 5 p.m.

Organ and grand piano

Good neighbors: I’m looking for a church, school or nursing home that would welcome the donation of an organ and/or a grand piano. Please leave a message at (574) 542-2398.

New questions

Old wax — Do you have old wax or a candle that doesn’t burn? I’ll take it. Call (260) 894-3152, ext. 2.

Book on descendants — Looking for a book on the descendants of Nathaniel P. and Mary (Miller) Miller, 2003. Call (260) 894-3152, ext. 2.

Seamstress — I live in Fulton near Caston School and need to find a seamstress who can cut out and sew four pairs of men’s pajama pants. Also, hem some pants and do some small mending jobs and possibly finish sewing a quilt top. Call (574) 889-2700 after 5 p.m.

Handicap van — Looking to rent or borrow a wheelchair-accessible handicap van to transport a patient from Fishers to Warsaw in late December. Call (507) 993-3143.

BITUARIES

Donna Jarrette Polley Rhodes

Former Court Reporter

Donna Jarrette Polley Rhodes, 90, Rochester, passed away at 8:14 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at her residence.

She was born May 10, 1932, in Rochester, to the late Wade H. and Letha (Potts) Jarrette. Donna graduated from Rochester High School in 1950, then attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill.

In 1951, Donna married D. Ward Polley and from their union came three daughters, Susan, Margot and Lee Ann. They shared 26 years of marriage before his death in 1977. In 1996, she married Bob Rhodes of Rochester, whom she was married to for 21 years before his death in 2017. Also preceding her in death were her parents and her oldest daughter, Susan L. Kirk.

Surviving are her two daughters, Margot E. Denger, Carmel, and Lee Ann (Brett) Stinson, Cary, N.C. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Reichert, Michigan City, and brother, James C. (Teri) Jarrette, Warsaw. Donna was blessed with six grandchildren, Ryan (Dianna) Barnett, Japan, Kyla (Dylan) Johnson, Lucerne, Geralyn and Jack Denger, both of Indianapolis, Wade and Cole Stinson, both of Lynchburg, Va. Her four great-grandchildren include, Logan Scott, Harper Johnson and Maisie Johnson, all of Lucerne, and Jaiden Barnett, Japan.

Donna worked as a secretary for Topps Manufacturing of Rochester for several years, and as the court reporter for Judge Douglas Morton for 11 years until her retirement in 1995. In other service to the community, Donna served as secretary for the Rochester Water Department and was a Girl Scout leader for many years.

Donna was a lifelong and dedicated member of Presbyterian Church. She served as a deacon, elder and as clerk of the session. She loved singing in the church choir and playing in the bell choir. She was especially proud of starting and participating in the Christmas Cookie Walk and working on the annual St. Patrick’s Day supper at the church. She was instrumental in starting the community garden and was a member of the Rochester Chapter of Tri Kappa Sorority. After many years of service, she became a member of the Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa.

Donna was an ambitious and enthusiastic person who was honest and had high standards. She always did her best in her many endeavors. Donna’s passions included keeping a beautiful home, cooking fine meals and working in her flower garden. She loved providing her flowers for the church services. She was a very loyal friend and had a great sense of humor. She liked to tease and joke with all she met.

Visitation for Donna took place from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, 1101 Jefferson St., Rochester. A private service for the family followed with Donnie Kohls officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester, or donor’s favorite charity.

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

Steven Lee Coplen

Avid IU Basketball Fan

Steven Lee Coplen, 64, Pierceton, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at his residence.

He was born July 22, 1958, in Rochester, the son of Harold A. Coplen and Donna Jo (King) Coplen Romig. He was a 1976 graduate of Rochester High School.

Steven was assistant plant manager for J.C. Manufacturing in North Webster. He was an avid Indiana University Basketball fan, enjoyed watching college sports, fishing, playing the lottery scratch-off tickets, but most of all, loved to spend time with his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Cary Cay Pierce, Rochester; grandchildren, Alyssa Morgan Pierce, Mooresville, and Daren Lee Pierce, Terre Haute; sister, Serita (Rusty) Markley, Rochester; brothers, Robert Coplen, Pierceton, and Timothy Coplen, Rochester.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Tyler Jordan Pierce; and stepbrother, Michael Allen Coplen.

Friends visited from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Burial will be at a later date at Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.

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

Terry Conwell U.S. Air Force Veteran

Terry Conwell, 75, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 2:09 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital.

On March 30, 1947, Terry Cleon Conwell was born in Logansport to Cleon and Marguerite Heishman Conwell. Proudly he graduated with the class of 1965 from Rochester High School. Answering the call of patriotism, Terry served in Vietnam with the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Terry first married Susan Craig Horn, they later divorced, but remained friends. On July 21, 1984 , Terry and Jerilynn “Jeri” Brown were married in the First Christian Church of Rochester. They have shared 38 years of life’s adventures. Both Terry and Jeri liked to ride the motorcycles. The lightning speed ride on his 1977 maroon Yamaha to Plymouth will always be remembered. Grandpa Terry cherished the time with his grandchildren. He always attended their ball games and school concerts and activities to cheer them on.

As a young man, Terry developed a strong work ethic on the farm. Raising cattle and Duroc hogs kept him busy. Teaching the kids to drive the tractor created many memories. Springtime included planting a big garden to the bountiful harvest in the fall. Over the years, Terry was a truck-driving professional, hauling his load from coast to coast. He had also made many friends while working for Dean’s Foods and Sealed Power.

Left to cherish Terry’s memory are his wife, Jeri; three daughters, Melissa Weitzel and husband Brian, Lesley Corn and husband Troy and Becky Sweany and husband Brian, all of Rochester; a son, Christopher Vanata and wife Christy of Akron; 10 grandchildren, Clifford Vanata, Bronson Vanata and wife Elizabeth, Maggie Rock and husband Andrew, Nathanial Beck, Emma Beck, Bryan Corn and wife Heather, Kyle Corn, Madison Bauer and husband Joe, Josselin Sweany and Dasha Lynch and husband Jared; numerous great-grandchildren; three bonus siblings, Frank Brown and wife Nancy, Connie Jones and Andrea Natali and husband Tony; several nieces and nephews; and two canine companions, P.J. the Yorkie and Birdie the Rat Terrier.

Preceding Terry in death are his parents; two sisters, Cora Conwell, age 5, and Angela Nichols; a brother, La Verne Conwell; and three treasured canine companions, Patches, Jewel and Poppy.

Private family services will be held.

Daniel W. Rausch, 68, Frankfort, formerly of Winamac , died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in his home.

He was born Sept. 15, 1954, in Logansport.

He is survived by his former wife, Vania Rausch; stepdaughters, Tsetsy (John) Baron, and Gabriela Angelova; three stepgrandchildren, and one on the way; sisters, Joyce (Art) Kelsey, Trudy (Larry) Kruzick, Helen Rausch and Mary (Tom) Seidel; brothers, Dr. F. David (Linda) Rausch, and Larry (Cloretta) Rausch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Gertrude Meyer Rausch; and his brothers, John Rausch, and Dr. Mosey Rausch.

A funeral Mass was held Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. A private burial will take place later at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be made to Winamac Boy Scouts or Winamac Girl Scouts.

Online tributes may be offered at frainmortuary.com.

Lucreda A. ‘Crete’

Hutton

Lucreda A. “Crete” Hutton, 96, Rochester , who held a doctorate from Indiana University, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at Wynnfield Crossing.

She was born Jan. 5, 1926, in Logansport. On June 9, 1950, she married Dr. Charles E. Hutton, who preceded her in death in 2017.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Charles R. “Randy” (Donna) Hutton, Winamac; daughter, Lucinda A. “Cindy” (Dr. Gene) McElhinney, Vancouver, Wash.; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Clara Leffert Williams.

A scriptural wake service was held Thursday, Dec. 8, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A funeral Mass was held Friday, Dec. 9, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Boys Town of Nebraska or Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

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

Linda J. Johnston

Linda J. Johnston, 71, Culver, died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at her home.

She was born March 10, 1951, in LaPorte. On July 4, 1970, in Winamac, she married Terry G. Johnston, who survives.

She also is survived by her sons, William (Catherine) Johnston, Toccoa, Ga., and Daniel (Candice) Johnston, Rochester; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brothers, William H. Mack Jr., Francesville, and Dale (Terri) Mack, Winamac; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William H. and Ruth R. Gee Mack Sr.; and her sister, Roseanna Kennedy.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 12, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Burial took place at Riverview Memorial Cemetery, Monterey. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be offered at frainmortuary.com.

Bonnie Faye Whitaker

Bonnie Faye Hurd Whitaker, 78, Warsaw, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw.

She was born March 3, 1944, in Denver, Ky. On Dec. 20, 1964, she married Jo Ed Hurd, who preceded her in death in 2003. On Aug. 7, 2009, she married Grover T. Whitaker, who preceded her in death in 2012.

She is survived by her daughters, Samantha (Terry) Bradford, Silver Lake, and Velia (Ray) Grosch, Rochester; sons, Christopher (Geri) Hurd, Warsaw, and Faron Hurd, Warsaw; stepdaughter, Debra (William F.) Bleak, Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Jackie (Pat) Blair, Urbana, Ohio, Jimmy (Beulah) Blair, Urbana, Ohio, Timothy Blair, Urbana, Ohio, Jerry (Belinda) Blair, Martin, Ky., David (Gladys) Blair, Denver, Ky.; sisters, Jean (David) Spear, Urbana, Ohio, Janie Auxier, Hager Hill, Ky., Tenia Ratliff, Denver, Ky.; Teresa Lynn (David) VanHoose, Denver, Ky., and Lisa Ann (Keith) Murry, Meally, Ky.; and sister-in-law, Carol Blair, Urbana, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bethel Hitchcock Blair and Harlan Blair Jr.; brother, Billy; brothers-in-law, Leroy and Charlie; and a great-grandchild.

Bonnie’s life was celebrated with a service on Saturday, Dec. 10, at First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County, Claypool. Burial followed at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester.

Memorial donations may be directed to First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 43, Claypool, IN 46510, or to the Alzheimer’s Association , Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

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

Daniel W. Rausch

Patricia Ann Porter

Patricia Ann Porter, 79, Akron, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at her residence.

She was born April 4, 1943, in Birmingham, Ala. On Nov. 23, 1960, in Birmingham, Ala., she married Michael J. Porter, who survives.

She also is survived by children Michael Lee (Christy) Porter, Cary, Ill., Elizabeth (Tom) Synak, Hanover Park, Ill., and Susan (Joe) Dentamaro, St. Clair Shores, Mich.; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; sister, Terri Staten, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edna Seems Moss, and siblings, Michael Moss, Sue Nixon and Judy Mattingly.

Private family services are being held at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950.

Shelle J. Galbreath

Shelle J. Malott Galbreath, 58, Winamac , died surrounded by her family Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at Community North Hospital, Indianapolis.

She was born Nov. 18, 1964, in Rochester. On May 7, 1988, she married Eric Galbreath, who survives.

She also is survived by her children Nichole (Noah) Hawkins, Linton, Ryan (Holly) Galbreath, Winamac, and Whitney (Kyle) Minnick, Winamac; her mother, Betty Malott, Winamac; brothers, Randy (Rhonda) Malott, Star City, and Gregg (Kris) Malott, Winamac; and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Malott, and her grandparents, Alfred and Rosie Reinholt and George and Martha Malott.

A celebration of life and time of sharing memories was held Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Winamac Church of the Nazarene, Winamac. Burial followed in Winamac Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Galbreath Family Charities, a charity that benefits the local community, at P.O. Box 342, Winamac, IN 46996.

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

Robert Wayne Hoover

Robert Wayne Hoover, 61, Knox, formerly of Winamac, died Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Northwest Health Hospital, LaPorte.

Arrangements are pending at Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Pauline Evelyn Clark Retired From Torin

Pauline Evelyn Clark, 96, passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Peabody Retirement Home, North Manchester.

She was born Aug. 18, 1926, in Muskegon, Mich., to Marion F. and Evelyn (Bliss) Salathe. Her parents were retail merchants, working in Kendallville and Nappanee, before purchasing a dime store in North Judson. Polly worked in the store, attended the Methodist Church and graduated from North Judson High, where she especially enjoyed music.

Polly married her junior high sweetheart, Willard Lloyd Clark, on Feb. 3, 1946, and they moved to Kewanna, where they co-owned Clarks 5 & 10 store until the mid-1950s. They were active in the community, formed new friendships and began their family there.

From 1959-1966, Willard was Fulton County sheriff, and Polly was the jail matron. Her duties included cooking and serving meals for inmates and staff members, answering phone calls, responding to radio messages and being present whenever a female person was brought in for questioning. The Clarks lived in the residence side of the jail facility with their three daughters.

After their years of service to Fulton County, the Clarks moved to Lake Manitou. Polly then worked in the fan division of Torin, with several of her good friends, until her retirement. She was very interested in workers’ rights and was active in union events.

Polly enjoyed listening to music, collecting carnival glass and spending time with friends and family. Having been an only child, she also treasured family pets. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a past Grand Worthy Matron. She continued her membership in the Methodist denomination at Grace United in Rochester.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, on Aug. 27, 2019.

She is survived by their daughters, Cynthia K. (Michael, deceased) Croussore, Susan M. Clark and Patricia Jean (Keith) Keim; a granddaughter, Natalie R. Keim; a grandson, Phillip Clark Keim; a nephew, Clark (Bonnie) Matthew; a niece, Susan Gwen (Larry) LaFavor; and several cousins from the Oscar and Jean Minkert family.

The family of Polly Clark will receive friends from 4-7 EST Thursday, Dec. 15, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. A private family celebration of life will take place with Ch. Todd Wilson officiating. A graveside service will follow at noon CST/1 p.m. EST Friday, Dec. 16, at Highland Cemetery, North Judson.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made to Polly’s family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Jeannine Nellans

Jeannine Nellans, 91, Mentone , died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Mason Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw

She was born June 10, 1931, in Mentone. On Dec. 17, 1964, in Mentone, she married Dean C. Nellans Jr., who preceded her in death in 2016.

She is survived by her children, Sherry (Stan) Pequignot, Winona Lake, Kathy (Lloyd) Morgan, Akron, Randy (Aimee) Nellans, Rochester, and Rusty (Kelly) Nellans, Mentone; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and five greatgreat-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mary Lena Busenburg Blue; a stepson, Sonny Nellans; brothers, Donald Blue and Royal Blue; and sisters, Jeannette Baker and Phyllis Secrist.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, Dec. 16, at King Memorial Home, Mentone, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 49.

Online condolences may be shared at hartzlerfuneralservices. com.

Eldon W. Eichholtz

Eldon W. Eichholtz, 75, a longtime resident of Laketon and Liberty Mills, died Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Majestic Care of New Haven.

He was born March 4, 1947, in Rochester. On May 16, 1970, in Liberty Mills, he married Kathleen Warren, who preceded him in death in 2008.

He is survived by his brother, Ronald Eichholtz, several nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Fred K. and Viola Mae Blocher Eichholtz; and a brother, Victor Eichholtz.

A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Harvest Community Church, Pierceton. Interment will be held privately in Swartz Cemetery, Wabash County.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to Harvest Community Church are appreciated. Written condolences may be left at titusfuneralhome.com.

Alan E. Kingery

Production Manager

Alan E. Kingery, 56, Fulton, passed away at 4:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 31, 1965, in Rochester, the son of William and Patricia (Thompson) Kingery. On June 16, 1990, at the Fulton United Methodist Church, he married Lori A. See; she survives.

Alan had been production manager at Midwest Spring, Mentone, for many years. He attended the Fulton Baptist Temple, was an avid Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed attending White Sox games with his family. He also loved spending time with family on vacation.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Lori A. Kingery, Fulton; children, Holly (David) Dusold, Portland, Ore., and Jake Kingery, Indianapolis; one granddaughter to arrive in April 2023; sisters, Bonnie Kingery, Logansport, and Julie (Lynn) Miller, Russiaville; brother, Kenny Kingery, Fulton; mother and father in-law, Bill and Lucy See, Fulton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeffery Lee Kingery.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at The Fulton Baptist Temple, Fulton. Friends may visit from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, N.C. 27715.

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

Robert Joseph Sears Jr.

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather

Robert Joseph Sears Jr., 68, Winona Lake, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

He was born June 21, 1954, in Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, DeBorah; two sons, Robert (Betty) Sears, Portland, and William Sears, Fort Wayne; daughter, Kristin Sears, Fort Wayne; brothers and sisters, Willie Sears, Peru, Pam (Mike) Myers, Newton, Kan., Violet Hunt, Logansport, Judy McKay, South Dakota, Kathy (Mike) Stutzman, Florida, Bill (Melody) Krisher, Arnold, Mo., and Douglas Krisher, Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Bradley, Bryce, Bethany, Mikayla, Jasper Sears, Sadie and Nathan Manson; two great-grandsons, Jaxon and Silas Sears; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. And Betty (Woodward) Sears; two brothers, Hayden Wayne Sears and Bryon Utter and wife Linda Bucher Utter.

He was blessed with many lifelong friends and (adopted by heart) family.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 404 Fourth St., Rochester.

B IRTHS

Olive LeAnne Fox

Jerry and Shirleen Imhoff Fox, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Olive LeAnne, born at 6:02 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center Inc., Nappanee. She weighed

7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Olive joins siblings Sheri LaRose and Bohita Fay. Maternal grandparents are David Roy and Ida Imhoff, Rochester. Paternal grandparents are John and Anna Fox, Rochester.

Thank You

The family of Kelsa Carr would like to thank

Crossing Staff

Hospice Staff

Bros.

Beeker Donnie Kohls family and friends for your cards, calls, food and support during our time of sorrow.

Phil, Greg, Greta & Family

Updates and happenings around the area

Mr. Claus will see you now. If you haven’t had a chance yet this season to visit with Santa Claus, you’re in luck. He’ll be in his little red cottage outside the Fulton County Courthouse in downtown Rochester at the following times: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, and Thursday, Dec. 15; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18; 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. —o—

Two different places at once. While he’s in downtown Rochester, Santa Claus will be using a little of his special magic to also be at the Kewanna Union Township Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17. At the Kewanna library, he’ll be posing for pictures and listening to children’s Christmas wishes.

In addition to Santa, families will find treats to eat, crafts to make and lots of Christmas stories to listen to at the library. Children of all ages are welcome.

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

Stay safe this season. The Rochester Fire Department offers a smoke alarm program for residents in need. Just stop by the fire station at 2006 E. SR 14 and fill out a form in order to get one. The department reminds residents to test the smoke detectors they may already have in their home to make sure they’re in good working order.

—o—

A precious gift this holiday season. The Red Cross has two blood drives coming up in Rochester.

The first will be from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the Rochester Church of Christ, 120 E. Fifth St. The other will be from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Woodlawn Hospital, 1400 E. Ninth St.

You can find each drive and schedule a donation time by visiting the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org/give.

At both events, the Red Cross will be collecting pints of whole blood, which usually takes about an hour and is the most common type of donation. “Power Red” donations also will be taken at the Church of Christ drive. A Power Red donation collects the red cells but returns most of the

Cadets and students named to The Citadel’s dean’s list

The Citadel’s Spring 2022 dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

Cadets who are named to the

dean’s list receive a medal, which is worn on their uniform during the semester following their academic achievement. Non-cadet students on the dean’s list are presented a certificate. Local cadets and students include:

Akron — Dylan Wood Mentone — Brant Norris

plasma and platelets to the donor. These donors must meet specific eligibility requirements and have type A negative, B negative or O blood.

—o—

Speaking of blood drives …

The Red Cross needs some help at these events from people who are willing to volunteer as blood donor ambassadors

As a blood donor ambassador,

you’ll be asked to work a fourto six-hour shift once per month for six months, and you should be able to follow safety protocols and directions. You’ll greet people, assist with initial donor intake and manage the hospitality experience by offering refreshments to donors. You should have good communication skills and be comfortable approaching people you don’t know. If inter-

ested, contact the Red Cross at (317) 886-8508.

—o—

Meeting coming up. The city of Rochester’s Board of Public Works and Safety is set to meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, in the City Building Complex at 320 Main St. The board, composed of Mayor Ted Denton and appointees John Little and Rick Figlio, meets every two weeks.

Rick Abbott’s musical journey comes full circle

Ed. note — The following is a continuation of an article which ran in the Dec. 7 Shopping Guide News.

In 2014-15, Rick Abbott “reinvested himself in music,” which primarily involved playing pedal and lap steel guitars in local bands including Voodoo Garden and Acoustic Voodoo led by Braxton Eikenberry, and a number of recording and performing projects with Terry Rouch.

In 2019, however, Abbott told Rouch about his 30-year-old heavy metal project, “Tod,” started as a joke and involving a mythological universe inhabited by Alien Masters of Doom.

Rouch himself was by no means restricted to country, and was so intrigued by the idea he suggested they perform the material with other local musicians. These included Chris Kollmar on lead vocals. “As soon as he opened his

mouth I was gobsmacked,” Abbott recalled. Calling themselves Alien Masters of Doom, or AMOD, the band started recording at Rouch’s Dragline Studio in August 2020.

“It was so much better than I though it would be,” said Abbott, who rather than lilting country steel played fluorescent 80s-style heavy metal leads. And although the new recordings were 35 years after the fact, Abbott’s Bloomington friends mistook them for the original band.

But things took an even more unexpected turn when Rouch incorporated the AMOD universe into a film he had written, “The Curtain,” featuring the band’s music and characters. The film, shot primarily at Rouch’s farm near Royal Center during the summer of 2022, was shown on Halloween at the State Theater in Logansport.

“To have this weird idea immortalized in a local film is something I never thought would happen. … That it was important enough to someone else they put it into their

art makes me very grateful.”

Abbott continues to play in AMOD, Square Nut and other musical projects. He is also enjoying being part of the thriving music scene centered around Logansport. Noting the city’s population of just 18,000, he commented, “It’s an anomaly. The number of musicians per capita is bigger than Indianapolis.”

He is also enthusiastic about the future of music in Rochester, especially in light of the Times Theater renovation. “If they play their cards right they could benefit the local scene.”

Abbott has also returned to Bloomington to play bluegrass dobro. “I’ve come full circle as a musician in Bloomington.”

Music is again a part of Abbott’s daily life. And it all goes back to those first days at Rochester High School, when a social outsider picked up a guitar and found a way to make himself be heard, even by the state champion football players. “From the first moment I picked up a guitar I had an identity.”

VFW holds ceremony on Pearl Harbor Day

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Rochester’s VFW Manitou Post 1343 remembered the day in 1941 when Japan attacked the Pearl Harbor base of the United States Navy in Hawaii, causing the US to enter World War II.

A ceremony was held featuring the VFW honor guard, which fired volleys and performed Taps in honor of fallen veterans. Speakers were Rob Beckman of American Legion Post 36 and VFW Chaplain Dan DeCrow. A wreath was also cast on Lake

Manitou to remember five Fulton County veterans who were present at what President Franklin Roosevelt called “a day that will live in infamy.” They were: Byron Hill, Kenny Zartman, Harold Grill, Woody McGlothin and Tony Miller.

The attack came at 7:55 a.m., Dec. 7, 1941, and when it was over 2,403 US personnel were killed, 1178 wounded and 19 ships were destroyed or run aground, including eight battleships.

“Today we’re remembering those who paid this price to secure a victory for hope and virtue,” said Beckman.

Unique ways to use fine wine to enhance the holidays

(BPT) - No matter if you’re celebrating a holiday or another seasonal occasion, a glass of fine wine is the traditional way to toast all the good things in life. With more than 4.25 billion bottles purchased by Americans just last year - followed closely by 3.6 billion by France and 3 billion by Italy - wine is broadly appealing and provides endless ways to enhance affairs big and small.

“The holiday season is an exceptional time of year marked by heartfelt memories and hope for the future, and wine has been a part of celebrations around the world for thousands of years,” said Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby’s global wine business. “Today, wine can be used in many unique ways to craft events and spark joy.”

If you want guidance for incorporating fine wine into your celebratory season, Ritchie recommends using The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia as your guide. Fully updated and revised, this comprehensive book will become a resource you can access over and over again, not to mention the stunning photography makes it a beautiful addition to any coffee table or book shelf.

“Beautifully illustrated with more than 400 stunning images and 100 brand-new National Geographic maps, this stunning new edition is appreciated by amateurs and enophiles alike,” said Ritchie. “You can learn about more than 14,000 red, white and rose wine recommendations hand-picked from more than 100 wine-growing regions.”

With comprehensive information on a variety of topics, from historical insights and wine making to tasting tips and pairing suggestions, you’ll be able to customize any type of celebration. Ritchie shares some favorite ideas inspired by the book:

Explore Pairings

A crimson red, a crisp white or a beautiful rose - explore new varieties and enjoy experiencing new flavors. Whether you want to elevate an elegant multi-course meal or enhance appetizers or even holiday desserts, consider wine parings to complement the foods being served. In general, the more delicate the food flavors, the more delicate the wine should be. Similarly, rich foods with deep flavor pairs well with richer wines.

For example, Champagne is a naturally festive drink for

myriad celebrations, pairing nicely with many foods, including seafood, salads, fish, roast, ham and caviar. For rich, meaty main dishes, consider the layered flavors. Lamb pairs well with pinot noir and beef with cabernet sauvignon, for example. Even that amazing creme brulee you’re serving for dessert is made more divine with the right wine, such as an Australian Liqueur Muscat.

Celebratory Themes

Selecting a theme can define an event and make a gathering distinctive. Let fine wine help direct the theme so you can create a memorable occasion enjoyed by all. For example, choose a time period and select related food, wine and decorations. Maybe the roaring ‘20s or rockin’ ‘60s would be a fun way to celebrate with friends and family? If you’d like people to dress the part, you can even request period-inspired attire.

You can also let wine from different countries or regions influence your theme. If you have a French heritage, you could create an elegant event featuring French cuisine, pastries and wine. Or, create a German holiday gathering that gives a nod to the old country, decking your

space in traditional decor and toasting using German wine.

Gifts And Experiences

Making the holidays special often includes a blend of memorable moments and thoughtful gifts, and wine can support both. When hosting guests, consider creating a staycation feeling by selecting wines from certain locales. If you prefer to get out and about, consider a day trip to a local winery with loved ones. Wineries are often decorated beautifully during the holiday season

for a magical mini escape.

Gifting is also made simpler with wine. Personalize to the individual’s tastes or select a variety of bottles to help them build their collection. You could also add in wine accessories such as decanters, carafes, electric aerators or wine preservation tools. Of course, a set of fine wine glasses alongside a bottle is a classic gift. Add in The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia and you have a gift guaranteed to bring good cheer.

How to ensure your holiday gifts become treasured keepsakes

(StatePoint) We live in a time when digital communication dominates the way we relate to one another, with many people opting for the speed and convenience of texts and emails over the intention and beauty of handwritten cards, letters or keepsakes.

Even around the holidays, people tend to rely on e-cards, social media updates and other digital tools to do the heavy lifting of yuletide greetings. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By being intentional about it, we can share our sentiments in a way that is much more meaningful and long-lasting.

This season, write your holiday cards by hand, then get inspired by these holiday gift ideas, all of which tap into the pre-internet age to embrace the art of handwritten communication:

• Jazzed up Jewelry: A beautiful piece of jewelry will always be appreciated, but you can truly make the gift special, unique and 100% their own by having it engraved with a special someone’s signature. Whether you gift a watch, bracelet or necklace, adding a loved one’s John Hancock to the item will make a statement and give new meaning to the con-

cept of a “signature accessory.”

• Deck out a Diary: Keeping a journal or diary is an act of selfcare and a beautiful way to preserve one’s thoughts, memories, poetry, lyrics, artwork, doodles and more. Gift the tools needed to start and maintain this goodfor-you habit. From heavy, serious leather-bound journals with a vintage vibe to compact floral notebooks that fit into a small bag, journals come in all styles, sizes and colors, so find one that will foster creativity in your loved one and consider inscribing its inside flap with a personal message

or quote. Pair the journal with a smooth-writing, long-lasting gel ink pen, like the G2 from Pilot, which features black and blue archival-quality ink to ensure their written words stand the test of time and can be appreciated for generations to come.

• Memorialize a Meal: Do you have a special recipe that has been passed down from a loved one’s kitchen? Repurpose a treasured handwritten recipe and have it carved into a cutting board or imprinted on a tea towel. You’ll not only be gifting a useful item for the kitchen, but you’ll also be honoring a special dish, allowing a legacy to live on.

• Upgrade and Inspire: Make sure your loved one is ready for any writing task with the gift of a timeless, sophisticated writing tool. Pilot’s classic Vanishing Point fountain pen features a unique, retractable design and a rhodium plated 18K gold writing nib. Making a thoughtful present for any special occasion, the Vanishing Point comes in an elegant gift box and includes an ink cartridge and converter for easy refilling.

Celebrate the holidays by speaking from the heart, and let your season’s greetings and gifts become treasured, long-lasting heirlooms.

Let’s study the Bible

The throne of grace

(Read: Hebrews 4:14-16)

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

We have a high priest (Jesus Christ) who knows our temptations and weaknesses, who endured testings that we must endure. When times of testing come, we need but turn to the throne of grace for the help Christ alone can give. The writer will elaborate on this theme in the later chapters, but he puts this exhortation here lest his readers become discouraged and

say, “It is impossible for us to go on! We simply do not have what it takes!” Of course, we don’t! No believer has strength enough to cross Jordan and conquer the enemy! But we have a great high priest who has mercy and “grace to help in the nick of time!” (That is the literal meaning of verse 16.)

The reference to the “throne” refers to Exodus 25:17-22, the golden mercy seat. The ark of the covenant was a wooden chest covered with gold. On top of the ark, Moses put a golden “mercy seat” with a cherub at each end. This mercy seat was God’s throne, where he sat in glory and ruled the nation of Israel.

But the OT mercy seat was not a throne of grace, since the nation was under a yoke of legal bondage. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Christ is our mercy seat (“propitiation” in 1 John 2:2). When we come to him, we come to a throne of grace, not a throne of judgment;

and he meets us, talks to us and strengthens us.

Read the whole chapter and you will see it is encouraging us to live in the word and in prayer and to let Christ take us into our spiritual Canaan where we will find rest and blessing. Spiritual progress is the result of spiritual discipline.

Billy Graham said this about prayer: “Praying is simply a twoway conversation between you and God. Thousands of people pray only when they are under great stress, or in danger, overcome by uncertainty. I have been in airplanes when an engine died; then people started praying. I have talked to soldiers who told me that they never prayed until they were in the midst of battle. There seems to be an instinct in man to pray in times of trouble. We know “there are no atheists in foxholes,” but the kind of Christianity that fails to reach into our everyday lives will never change the world. Develop

the power of prayer. Man is more powerful when he is in prayer than when he is behind the most powerful guns. A nation is more powerful when it unites in earnest prayer to God than when its resources are channeled into defensive weapons. The answers

to all our problems can be had through contact with almighty God.”

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

Holiday tech gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list

(Statepoint) Holiday shopping season is in full swing and making sure everyone gets the best tech gifts while you snag the best deals is likely top of mind for you.

Nearly 80% of Americans plan on gifting tech-related products and services this year – with the top gifts being headphones and

earbuds, smartphones, streaming and downloading services and gaming consoles, according to this year’s Consumer Technology Association report.

The good news? You don’t need to break your budget in order to make your loved ones’ season bright. Here are some affordable tech gift

ideas to please everyone on your shopping list.

For Affordable 5G Smartphones: If your loved one has a 5G smartphone on their holiday wish list, you are in luck! T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile offer the latest affordable devices. T-Mobile’s REVVL 6 PRO 5G is developed in collaboration with Google, making 5G more accessible to everyone at a time when saving is a priority for

Americans. Priced at $219.99, it’s free when T-Mobile customers add a line. Another affordable option is the OnePlus Nord N300 5G, retailing for $228. For a limited time, T-Mobile customers can get the Nord N300 5G for free when adding a line and Metro by T-Mobile customers can get it for free when switching. These are worthwhile gifts to consider this particular holiday season because right now, for

a limited time, T-Mobile is bringing back a deal that hasn’t been available in more than two years -- four lines for $25 per line per month with autopay for unlimited talk, text and data, which also includes 5G access.

For the Travel Enthusiast: New tools are making it easier than ever for globetrotters to stay connected while on the go. T-Mobile’s industry-leading travel benefits, which include high speed data and unlimited texting in 215+ countries and destinations around the world, now get a travel companion just in time for the holidays. T-Mobile collaborated with Samsara luggage to create the Un-carrier On, a limited-edition magenta smart suitcase. It’s the only carry-on suitcase with wireless charging and includes a removeable battery pack with USB-C charging to take the hassle out of hunting for a power outlet at the airport. The smart suitcase also features built-in Bluetooth luggage tracking to locate your belongings no matter where you are. The Uncarrier On suitcase is available for preorder exclusively online at travelmagenta.com.

For Children: The SyncUP KIDS Watch can help curious kids explore and navigate their daily adventures with confidence while giving parents peace of mind. The latest SyncUP KIDS Watch features talk and text with approved contacts, real-time location tracking with virtual boundary alerts and a help and 911 button for emergencies. For a limited time, the SyncUP Watch is free for existing T-Mobile customers when they add a line to their existing account.

Stocking Stuffers Under $50: Portable Bluetooth speakers, headphones, portable charging banks and phone cases and accessories make for the perfect stocking stuffers. Check off everyone on your list with the following accessories, all priced under $50.

• JLab JBuddies Pro Kids Headphones for only $34.99

• mophie Snap Plus Juice Pack portable charger for $49.99

• JBL GO 3 Bluetooth Speaker for $49.99

• GoTo Phone Cases and accessories starting at $19.99

For more tech gift ideas and deals visit t-mobile.com/devices/ tech-gifts.

Pains of holiday shipping - solved

(StatePoint) Unlike Santa, most of us don’t have elves to take care of properly packing up holiday packages. With shipping deadlines coming up quickly, it’s time to start thinking about getting those presents in the mail. If you don’t know where to begin with sending gifts across town or around the world, read on for the most common holiday headaches and solutions to help you “get your ship(ping) together” early!

1. Packages arriving after the First Noel. No one wants to be the person whose gifts arrive after the holidays. That’s probably why over a third of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Shurtape Technologies said that the biggest aggravation when it comes to holiday shipping is packages arriving at their destination in a timely manner. Avoid this issue by taking note of shipping deadlines. This year’s USPS shipping deadline for standard ground shipping for arrival by Christmas Day is December 17.

2. Festive fragile items being damaged. Leg lamps aren’t the only “fra-gee-lay” items being delivered during the holidays! Duck brand Original Bubble Wrap Brand Cushioning is the key to items arriving in one piece. Air Lock Technology maintains consistent cushioning and long-lasting protection to keep objects intact. And of course, you’ll want to mark the box as fragile.

3. Costs so high, you think you’re on the naughty list. Between purchasing materials and paying postage fees, shipping costs can feel sky-high. Prepare

’Tis the seasoning: learn about spices

Curious about the many types of spices available and how to use them to flavor food?

Jessica Riffle, Fulton County’s Purdue extension educator, will be teaching on these topics at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Kewanna Union Township Public Library.

The public is welcome to stop in for the free “Spice Up Your Life Make & Take” program.

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

to mail presents by factoring these expenses into your holiday budget. To start, create a list of how many gifts you’ll need to send, the anticipated size of each and what materials you already have on hand. However, when using what you already have, you’ll want to ensure that these items are the proper size for the gift being shipped so you don’t overpay for box size or weight.

4. Too much time away from the tree. Mailing gifts to their destination isn’t just pricey – it’s downright time consuming. Spend less time transporting and more time merrymaking by planning ahead to avoid last-minute rushes to the post office – the closer to the holidays you mail, the longer those lines will be.

5. Materials you can’t find under the mistletoe. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the store, not a shipping supply was found, not even one box more. Last-minute shoppers should get ahead of the game and purchase necessary tools as soon as possible to ensure they can secure their preferred products. Stock up on your shipping supplies early.

6. Poor packing tape that would never make it out of the North Pole. Don’t let packing tape that rips and tears make you a Scrooge this holiday season! Duck brand EZ Start Packing Tape is made with Frustration-Free technology, so it always unrolls smoothly, easily and quietly. Its strong adhesion provides a long-lasting hold, and

its unique design eliminates the annoyance of losing the tape end, so you can pack up your gifts and leave the stress behind.

For more holiday shipping tips and supplies, visit duckbrand. com/products/mailing-shipping.

Don’t let shipping be a source of stress this holiday season. Use these tips to pack and mail your gifts like a North Pole pro.

Two winners receive cash prizes

Since joining the Shopping Guide News’ annual Christmas Bucks promotion, Devon Rensberger and Phil Bailey, owners of Rensberger & Phil’s Automotive Repair, draw out their own winners from their entry box and award a cash prize to each one.

This year’s winners were Tammy Kline, Kewanna, who won a $100 cash prize, and Jeffrey Mooney, Rochester, who won $50 in cash.

Rensberger & Phil’s Automotive Repair, located at 2759 N. 200W, Rochester, wished both their winners a very Merry Christmas.

the season to save on

holiday

essentials

(Statepoint) This holiday season, stretch your budget when shopping for gifts, including toys and stocking stuffers, as well as last-minute needs, meal prep and more!

Spend more time creating memories and less time preparing with a few tips from experts at Dollar General.

Joyful Gifts

One of the best parts of the holidays may be seeing the excited reaction of someone opening a gift, especially children. Save on some of America’s most popular name brand toys at Dollar General, which recently announced an enhanced 2022 toy selection from popular brands such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, VTech, Play-Doh, Barbie, Pokémon, L.O.L. Surprise!, ZURU 5 Surprise and more. Most toys are priced at $10 or less. Another option for the person who has everything is a gift card. Available at neighborhood stores, gift cards provide the recipient with various ways to enjoy your thoughtfulness!

Dashing Decor

To transform the home, consider Continued on page 13

’Tis

Life Care Center seeking gifts for residents

Life Care Center of Rochester is asking the community for gift donations for residents this Christmas season.

Life Care, a nonprofit, skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, currently serves about 60 residents and each year seeks the public’s help to make their residents’ holiday a little brighter.

The facility is seeking items such as lotion, soap, socks, shawls, puzzles and door decorations — practical and pleasant small gifts that give residents something new to enjoy. A list of recommended items is below.

Each resident receives a holiday gift bag to open on Christmas Day, said Amber Basham, business development director for Life Care.

Staff sort through donations and assemble each gift bag with an eye toward what each resident likes or needs.

While some residents may have marked the holiday earlier with family members, they light up to receive a gift on Christmas Day itself, Basham said.

Many other residents, though, have few or no family members in their lives, she added, and the gift bags are especially important to them.

“The joy on the residents’ faces the day they get their presents is wonderful to see,” Basham said. “This makes a world of difference to

’Tis the season

choosing one holiday color palette to stay consistent in each room. Color options may include gold and silver, various shades of green, red and green or blue and silver. Next, shop for decorations in your preferred palette and sprinkle throughout the home. Ornaments, bows, ribbons and stockings aren’t just for the tree and fireplace. Add accents to the kitchen table, front porch, living room surfaces and everywhere else for more holiday spirit throughout the home.

Festive Food

The holidays are often synonymous with family meals, get togethers with friends and coworkers and seasonal dishes. For all household essentials, such as canned foods, milk, bread, eggs, baking items and more, consider shopping at a discount retailer to save in one convenient shopping trip. Additionally, consider using healthier variations of the season’s comforting and tasty dishes with DG Better For You recipes found at dollargeneral.com. Created by a registered dietician and nutritionist, these recipes include options like risotto and hamburger soup and all use ingredients available at every Dollar General store.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but keep your sights on the essentials! Simplify shopping by creating a signature theme for your home décor, finding deals on gifts for everyone on your list, and serving something easy and delicious for the whole crew. Plan ahead this year and enjoy the extra time you’ll have celebrating the season with friends and family!

each one of them.”

Monetary donations are also welcome and put toward the purchase of the items listed below.

The following list includes items the facility recommends:

Personal care — Body wash, lotion for very dry skin, deodorant, lip balm, toothbrushes, hairbrushes or nail stickers. Bath & Body Works lotion or other name-brand lotions or soaps give residents something different to use from the bulk goods the facility supplies, Basham noted.

Clothing/accessories — Warm socks with nonskid traction on the soles, gloves, hats, hair accessories, sweatpants, sweatshirts, shawls or costume jewelry.

Hobby — Word searches, adult coloring books, crayons, markers, colored pencils or jigsaw puzzles

with no more than 500 pieces.

Desk items — Pens, writing tablets, calendars, stationery, photo frames or cards.

Candy without nuts — Something like Hershey kisses or Hershey bars that do not include nuts.

Decorations — Door decorations, silk flower arrangements or wreaths.

Other items — Blankets, bags or caddies to use on a walker or wheelchair, radios, headphones, bird feeders or stuffed animals.

Life Care Center asks that people do not donate nail polish, hand sanitizer or anything in an aerosol can because those items can pose a risk within the facility.

Donations may be dropped off at the facility at 827 W. 13th St., Rochester.

Staff members are also glad to pick up donations, too. Just call Kati Thomas at (574) 223-4331 or Amber Basham at (574) 835-1034.

Red kettle drive in need of donations

vation Army’s annual red kettle drive.

After 11 days of collecting — and with only about two weeks left to go — the drive has generated approximately a quarter of what is needed, Pastor Steve

Hartman, coordinator of the drive, indicated to the Shopping Guide News Monday in an email.

About $12,000 has been collected so far. The program would like to have close to $50,000 to be in a position to better help those in need, Hartman said.

The drive started Nov. 25 and will continue through Dec. 24.

Red kettles and bell ringers can be found in Rochester at Kroger, Walmart, R.P. Home & Harvest (formerly Big R) and Smith Farm Store.

Ramirez awarded scholarship at Manchester University

Melissa Ramirez of Akron has been awarded the Arthur W. and Lois R. Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship at Manchester University. The Tippencanoe Valley High School graduate is majoring in elementary education at the campus in North Manchester.

This endowed scholarship fund was established to honor Arthur

and Lois Zimmerman. After Arthur’s death in 1951, Lois supported their four children through college. Earnings from this fund provide scholarships with preference given to first-generation college students pursuing a major in accounting, communication, education, mathematics or psychology.

State sends $1.2 million for local road improvements

Over $1.2 million is headed to Fulton County communities to accelerate local road and bridge improvements, according to State Representative Jack Jordan. Area grant recipients include Fulton County, $1 million, and Akron, $222,885.

Jordan said the local funding from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is for

road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage, and can cover material costs for chip sealing and crack filling operations. In total, 229 towns, cities and counties will receive over $119 million in state matching grants.

Jordan said smaller municipalities provide a 25% match in

local funds, while large communities provide a 50% match. State law requires 50% of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.

More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.

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A new boutique helps customers ‘feel beautiful’

ture. “Treva saw something in me and helped me blossom.”

In October 2022 Sarah Reynolds opened Grace and Jane Boutique with the simple goal of helping her customers “feel beautiful.”

The boutique carries casual women’s clothing in a range of sizes from small to 3X, as well as a wide variety of home decor and accessories for men and women: T-shirts, shoes, purses, lotions, colognes, hats and much more. “It’s not just women who come in,” Reynolds observed.

The boutique’s inventory is selected with inclusiveness in mind, and Reynolds goes the extra mile to ensure the clothes reflect her own desire to connect with her community. “It’s hard to find that full size run for people,” she said. “Everything is something I would wear and take home with me if I had a chance.”

Reynolds first became involved with the boutique world five years ago, when she began working as a social media and marketing manager for Rochester’s Flirt Boutique. In fact, she still works at Flirt with new owner Pam Romine throughout the week. “Helping people is something I truly love to do.”

She credits both Treva Mulligan of Flirt and Lisa Paxton of The Bird’s Nest with inspiring and encouraging her own ven-

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Reynolds also gave thanks to God. “He truly put together all the pieces to make it happen.”

“I love the people and the relationships created with customers.

… It’s meaningful to customers to know you care. That’s what drew me in to the boutique world.”

Paxton invited Reynolds to open her own store in a space at the back of The Bird’s Nest. “Lisa Paxton is amazing. She supports so many people and is a very talented florist,” enthused Reynolds. The Bird’s Nest carries the work of around 60 local makers. “She opens her arms to every single one of them.”

An Akron resident herself, who also raises show goats and show rabbits with her daughters and husband on a small farm outside of town, Reynolds also saw a local need for a business like Grace and Jane.

“Fulton County is such a destination … our little community is amazing.”

Grace and Jane Boutique is at 105 E. Rochester St., Akron.

Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visit facebook.com/GraceAndJaneBoutique and find exclusive deals online at graceandjaneboutique. com.

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Notes from the mayor’s project room

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This time of the year, I like to reflect on our city and the accomplishments we have attained in 2022. As stated in the past, the mayor is the project leader who “orchestrates” goals and objectives not only for the year, but for two and sometimes three years out, making up a city business plan used to create specific department goals and objectives. I stay engaged with department heads, chiefs, the clerk-treasurer, engineers and construction companies who are involved in the particular projects. It’s the mayor’s responsibility to make sure goals for completion dates and budgeted expenses are maintained.

The 16 projects established and put on the project room white board for 2022 are now down to seven, as over half of the

projects have been completed. The seven left will be carried over into 2023, with new projects added. It should be noted the nine completed projects have been done without raising taxes or utility fees. ARPA grant money, local option income funds, utility earnings and budgeted general funds were all used in completion of these projects. This is the goal we work toward (not new taxes).

The nine completed projects:

1. Nine LED lights installed downtown around courthouse, completing a streetlight project resulting in Rochester being one of the few cities in Indiana with all LED street lighting, saving thousands of dollars.

2. Water main fix at Fox Run addition, increasing water pressure to customers.

3. Water main “looped” in Deer Crossing addition, rectifying an installation issue from years ago. Result today is better water, less rust, etc.

4. Minnow Creek rebuilt. A project that street department and county highway worked together to rebuild drainage points, resulting in no more flooding for occupants along Minnow Creek in city limits.

7. Water department saw new construction of a wall along the north side of building.

8. Rebuilt damaged putting green at golf course. Litigation to recover cost.

9. Year-and-a-half-long wastewater treatment $7,500,000 upgrade will see substantial completion on Dec. 30, 2022.

Two of the remaining projects, Nickel Plate Bicycle Trail and Apache Drive project, are scheduled to start the first quarter of 2023.

This list does not include the efforts of our street department (sometimes with labor help from water and waste departments) to replace and upgrade six of our storm sewer entrance points from old brick construction to cement-cast large structures, resulting in better storm drainage in key areas.

It does not include upgrades to roughly 50 of the air-vac sewer pods around town, preventing potential breakdowns this winter due to their age. Project to continue with 50 more in 2023 and 50 each year until all are upgraded.

We are very proud of our accomplishments for 2022.

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5. Salt barn built. New salt and sand repository built behind the old Forest Farms building on Fulton Avenue.

6. Pickleball courts built behind the swimming pool and splash pad in park.

Be assured the “team” will continue to work in this manner for 2023 and years to come in an effort to make Rochester the “Best it can be in a fiscally responsible manner.”

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

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Rochester sports weekend recap

(Editor’s

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

Boys basketball: Logansport 60, Rochester 51 (OT, Saturday)

Jacob Taylor hit six 3-pointers and scored 32 points to lead the Logansport boys basketball team to a 60-51 win in overtime over Rochester Saturday.

A 6-5 junior forward, Taylor hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 2:04 left in regulation that made it 48-48. He then hit 3-pointers in back-to-back possessions to break a 50-50 tie and give Logansport a six-point lead in the overtime.

Brock Bowers scored 17 points to lead Rochester (2-2). Luke Hunting added 14 and Paul Leasure tallied 10.

Logansport, which won three games last season, improved to 2-3.

Rochester lost to Logansport for the 12th consecutive time. They have not beaten Logansport since February 2010.

They also lost 57-53 in overtime to Logansport last year at home.

The Zebras trailed by as many as 12 points in the third quarter before closing the quarter on a 20-4 run to grab a 42-38 lead.

His minutes limited due to foul trouble in the first half, Hunting scored seven points in the third quarter and seven of the Zebras’ nine points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Logansport started each half on a 9-0 run.

Rochester took their first lead at 39-38 with 47 seconds left in the third quarter on a short pullup in transition by Leasure after a Hunting steal of Logansport’s Chrisanthony Del Valle.

When Leasure found Tanner Reinartz in the right corner for a 3-pointer with two seconds left in the quarter, the Zebras had a fourpoint lead.

But Logansport rallied behind Taylor. The Berries had 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, and Taylor had 15 of them.

Girls basketball: Rochester 36, Wabash 32 (Saturday)

Emma Howdeshell scored 14 points, including the go-ahead driving banker with 1:11 left in the third quarter, and Sydney Haughs scored six of her eight points in the fourth quarter to lead the Rochester girls basketball team to a 36-32 win over Wabash Saturday.

Rily Holloway added nine points, all on 3-pointers.

Kaitlynn Honeycutt hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points for Wabash, including a trey that cut a seven-point deficit down to 36-32 with 21 seconds left and ended a 6:02 scoreless drought.

Haughs missed the front end of a one-and-one with 15.7 seconds left, but Wabash missed a pair of shots in the final two seconds to end the game.

Rochester improved to 6-6 overall and 3-1 in the Three Rivers Conference. Wabash fell to 5-5, 0-2.

Wabash committed 22 turnovers while Rochester had just nine. Rochester also made more free throws (three) than Wabash attempted (two).

Rochester trailed 24-20 on a Honeycutt 3-pointer from the top of the key in the third quarter, but Howdeshell answered with a 3-pointer off a Kallie Watson assist and she then flipped up a banker driving from the left of the lane to put Rochester ahead 25-24.

Leading 30-29 in the fourth quarter, Watson gave the Lady Z’s some breathing room on a driving layup and Howdeshell passes found their way to Haughs twice for buckets to make it a sevenpoint lead.

Rochester has won their last five meetings against the Lady Apaches.

Wrestling: Rochester boys take second at Jim Nicholson Invitational (Saturday)

The Rochester boys wrestling team scored 407 points and finished in second place out of eight teams at the Jim Nicholson Invitational at Elkhart High School Saturday.

Penn won with 443 points.

Individual weight class champions from Rochester included Layne Horn (106), Ethan Holloway (120), Aaron Swango (126), Greyson Gard (152), Alex Deming (195) and Brady Beck (220).

Horn, a freshman, is ranked No. 1 in the state in his weight class, according to IndianaMat.com.

Rochester will host Manchester at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and host the 16-team Rochester John McKee Memorial Invitational Saturday.

The Rochester girls wrestling team scored 119 points and finished fourth out of 52 teams at the Lebanon Invitational Saturday. Individual weight class champions included Jadyn Geller (126) and Grace Hiroms (160).

Boys basketball: North Judson 65, Rochester 45 (Friday)

They tried a 2-3 zone, a 1-2-2 zone, a half-court trap, a man-toman and some traps.

The Rochester boys basketball team seemingly exhausted their defensive packages against visiting North Judson at the RHS gym Friday, but they could not find the defense that bothered the Blue Jays, a team that won a Class 2A sectional last season and that starts four seniors and a junior this season.

Rochester coach Rob Malchow thought his team competed. They hit eight 3-pointers as a team and put three players in double figures.

But stopping North Judson was the unsolved mystery.

Ty Schumacher scored 11 of his game-high 16 points in the first quarter as the Blue Jays beat the Zebras 65-45. Quinn Bales added 15, Kelson Jordan had 14, and Cheyenne Allen had 10, including a pair of second-half dunks.

Paul Leasure and Brock Bowers scored 13 points each for Rochester, who fell to 2-1. Luke Hunting had 12.

“They’re long, they’re athletic, and they don’t get fazed,” Malchow said. “They’re very confident, and that’s what you have since their sophomore year, they’ve been playing varsity. … They can see over you because they got size. They’ve been there, done that against every opponent. There’s nothing we threw at them that they haven’t seen. … That’s what happens when you play for your third straight season for the same guy.”

North Judson improved to 2-0. They led by double digits for the final three quarters, and their 20-point final margin represented their largest lead.

North Judson made more free throws (9) than Rochester attempted (8) and committed only six turnovers. The Zebras had 18 turnovers.

3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, south of Argos to SR 110, then west 3 miles to Fir Road, then north to 20129 Fir Road. Hahn Auctioneers.

New Year’s Auction 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. 13787 N. 200W, North Manchester. Now accepting consignments, including tractors, equipment, livestock equipment, shop tools, ATVs, trucks and trailers, construction equipment, hay and straw. metzgerauction.com or (260) 982-0238.

Sheldon and Sharon Campbell