Shopping Guide News of Fulton County - December 28, 2022

‘marquee’ moments’

As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s natural to take a look back over the year ending, to wonder where the time went and to take stock of all that happened.

For residents of Fulton County, 2022 was surely a year like many others: full of familiar people, places and events, work, school and worship. It was a year of businesses opening and closing and moving. Of elections, festivals, the fair, contests and awards. Of volunteering, fundraising and donating to worthy causes. Of births, deaths, grief, hope and hard work.

The year’s end is a time to shine a spotlight over the prior 12 months and highlight just a few of the “marquee” moments the community enjoyed and which the Shopping Guide News reported to you.

Times Theater Marquee

On Dec. 16, the rejuvenated marquee of the old Times Theater in downtown Rochester was officially illuminated once again. The event echoed New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square, complete with softly falling snow, a crowd cheering in the street and a 10-second countdown.

“I think it’s awesome,” said local business owner Stacy Heckathorn of Craft Crossing and Antiques, who was in the crowd. “It was so run-down. I think it’s just wonderful, beautiful.”

The relighting of the marquee — with its dancing lights, glowing neon and colorful digital boards — showed the progress being made in a longtime, nonprofit project to renovate the Times Theater into a venue for community events.

A lot of fundraising has been going on behind the scenes and a lot of work has been happening inside the building, but residents were able to witness the outdoor marquee restoration over the past many months as they drove

or walked by the theater on Main Street. A grand reopening of the theater is expected in February 2023.

Decades Of Chili And Cars

Early October saw the 30th annual Chili Cook Off and Red Hot Car Show in downtown Rochester. That’s 30 years. The fall weather was perfect, people filled the street, the 16 chili entries were double from the year before, and 550 cars were on display. Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107 was crowned chili champ of the big event.

Making A Splash

A new splash pad at City Park in Rochester made a big splash with children when it opened in May.

Local women (and sisters) Andi Lee and Wendy Zent spearheaded the project, working with the Fulton Economic Development Corp.

to tap funding and with city officials to help create a space where kids can splash, play, yell and cool off in the summertime.

Public Art ‘Destination’

Murals in downtown Rochester by Full Tilt Arts were named a “destination” as part of Visit Indiana’s Arts & Culture Passport program, as Shopping Guide News highlighted in August.

Full Tilt Arts is a nonprofit group dedicated to bringing art to public spaces in Fulton County. It was formed in 2019 by Christine Walsh, her husband, Brian Walsh, and Erica Coffing. See the group’s artistic handiwork next to the Native Nook, at Primos Bar & Grill and at Webb’s Pharmacy, all on Main Street.

Main Attraction

The Rochester Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit group with the goal to make downtown —

with an emphasis on Main Street — a welcoming, vibrant place for businesses, residents and visitors, as the Shopping Guide wrote about this past summer.

“The heart and soul of a community is its downtown,” Harry Webb, the organization’s president, told the Shopping Guide News. “It’s what makes that community unique.”

The fruits of nearly $1 million in grant money the group has snagged have gone toward improvements to downtown facades and awnings, the installation of bike racks and benches, mural projects and the revitalization of the Times Theater.

Always More

The Fulton County Bark Park opened in May at the Richland Restoration Nature Park, to the delight of dogs (and their huContinued on page 3

Ginger Slisher earns the title of Miss Cardinal

“I believe we’ve got to invest our lives into something that’s bigger than ourselves,” stated Ginger Slisher, Fulton. “When we work on developing our leadership ability and other skill mixes, we can go anywhere we want in life.”

Slisher is serving as Miss Cardinal, a branch of the Miss America Pageant. This June she will be competing for the title of Miss Indiana.

“There are five areas of the Miss Cardinal pageant,” she explained. “The first is a 10-minute interview. Then there’s the social impact initiative. My platform centered on affordable housing. For the talent portion, I recited the speech, ‘So God Made a Farmer,’ by Paul Harvey. Of course, we had the evening gown portion. Lastly, we answered an impromptu question that was tailored to each contestant.”

Because of her title, Slisher has spent a great deal of time with Miss Cardinal Outstanding

Teen Meg Dimmett. “She won the teen version of Miss Cardinal. We had so much fun making public appearances together.”

If Slisher becomes Miss Indiana, she’d like to tour the state, focusing on her affordable housing platform. “I know affordable housing is a bit different in a rural setting than it is in an urban setting. Eventually, I want to lobby for legislation that will grant lower interest rates and laws that will help families own a home of their own.”

Slisher’s activities with Habitat for Humanity go back to her high school days. “I was part of the board of directors of Habitat my junior year at Caston High School. I’ve been with the organization ever since.”

As secretary of the organization’s board, Slisher does the minutes and sends out the agenda for each meeting. She’s also co-chair of the publicity committee and the affiliate development committee. She’s in charge of Habitat’s Instagram and Facebook pages. “I’m also involved in the fundraisers.”

One of the principles Slisher is in total agreement with is Habitat’s stance on not giving a handout but a hand-up. “We work with people who can’t get bank loans and couldn’t afford the interest if they could. But they are invested in this project. They put in 250 hours of sweat equity, doing some of the labor. They also make to Habitat a monthly mortgage payment with 0.0% interest. We’re helping people start a better life.”

According to Slisher, the children benefit from having their own home as much as the adults. “They have their own room, a quiet place they can retreat to for privacy and study. They do better in school.”

Always the farm girl, Slisher works as the sales director at New Holland in Rochester. “I started as an intern my senior year of high school.”

This year she also earned her American FFA Degree. “I did supervised work with the boar goats on our farm, keeping records of the babies and feed costs. I love doing that type of work. It gives me a taste of running my own farm.”

Slisher is a senior this year at Indiana University, Kokomo. She’s double majoring in management and finance. “After my graduation this May, I plan to stay onboard to get my MBA.

Eventually, I want to be the CEO of an agricultural business and also help run the family farm.”

The Slisher farm specializes in boar and dairy goats and beef cattle.

Woodlawn Hospital receives Performance Leadership Award

As part of the National Rural Health Day celebration, Woodlawn Hospital today announced it has been recognized with a 2022 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Outcomes.

Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (e.g., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspective.

“Woodlawn Hospital is honored to have been awarded the 2022 Performance Leadership Award for Outcomes. Our mission at Woodlawn is to provide excellent health care services by

highly skilled staff in a compassionate and caring manner. We recognize the responsibility to serve patients, employees, physicians and the community. The goals of our providers and staff are always centered on providing high-quality, safe care to all those we serve. Although we are a small rural hospital, we provide outstanding services that result in excellent patient outcomes,” stated Paula McKinney, chief nursing officer at Woodlawn Hospital.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of ru-

ral hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted and relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“Although the last two years have placed unprecedented pressure on the rural health safety net, the dedication to serving the community that we’re so accustomed to seeing from rural hospitals across the country hasn’t wavered,” said Michael Topchik, national leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Let us celebrate the power of rural on National Rural Health Day and honor the facilities working tirelessly to provide access to high quality health care services to their communities.”

Correction

A photo that appeared on Page 3 of the Dec. 14, 2022, edition of the Shopping Guide News incorrectly stated the number for the Rochester Fraternal Order of Eagles. The correct number is No. 852.

The Shopping Guide News regrets the error.

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

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—

Bunny food/nail clipping

Good neighbors: Free bunny pellet food for anyone who is in need of it. Wakarusa area. Text only to (574) 304-6375. We are also taking a survey to see if there is a need for bunny, ferret or guinea pig nail clipping in this area?

Egg cartons

Good neighbors: I have about 30 empty egg cartons and live in the Syracuse/Milford area. If

any good neighbor would like to have them, you can pick them up or I’d be happy to drop them off to you. I just hate to see them go in the trash. Reply to yotsky2001@yahoo.com.

New questions

Wallpaper/car seat — I am looking for rolls of wallpaper you no longer need or want. Also, I have a car seat for a toddler I’d like to get rid of. Call (574) 646-2292.

Glass gallon jars — Looking for glass gallon jars. Call (574) 653-2311.

Continued from page 1

mans) who wanted a safe, fenced place to run.

In November, rural parts of the county came closer to better high-speed internet. RTC Fiber Communications marked completion of its first project to bring broadband fiber and internet con-

nection speeds up to 1 gbps (1,000 mbps) to all of Fulton County with fiber installations in Leiters Ford and then in Kewanna. And, in frequent guest columns published over the past many months, Rochester Mayor Ted Denton kept residents apprised of several city projects that hap-

pened in 2022, such as the $7.5 million wastewater treatment upgrade, LED streetlight installation, a new pickleball court and much more.

There’s always much more — to do, to report, to remember. Here’s hoping for more good news in 2023.

Editor’s

Sean L. Garrison

Sean L. Garrison, 47, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.

On May 7, 1975, Sean LaMar Garrison was born in Logansport to Stephen L. and Judith Tirey Garrison. Proudly he graduated with the class of 1995 from Rochester High School. Sean went on to further his education at Lincoln Tech Diesel of Indianapolis. He earned the distinction driving professionally with a Class A CDL.

On Sept. 18, 1999, Sean married the love of his life, Sarah Beth Schrader, in the Macy Christian Church. Pastor David Welsh was the officiant of the wedding. As high school sweethearts, they have shared 31 years of life’s adventures and as married partners 23 years. From their union came two wonderful children, a son Bryce and a daughter Brenah.

With a strong work ethic, Sean drove for “R.I.M.” Rochester Iron & Metal Trucking, hauling loads of scrap to the Rochester plant from all over northern Indiana. He was a member of the Macy Christian Church. Serving his community, Sean was a dedicated member of the Macy-Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The attributes of loyalty and speed define Sean’s vision and way of life. In the early days, he took Sarah to dinner at South Bend on the back of his shiny black Harley, making their destination of South Bend in record time. They also enjoyed summer day trips around the countryside, catching the breeze and enjoying the freedom only a Harley ride can bring. His loyalty to family, friends and coworkers was unmatched, always counted on to be there for all of them.

A man able to blend adventure with education, Sean was delighted to take his family on expeditions and places to explore. They enjoyed the Smoky Mountains, an amazing place of beauty for a family field trip. Blending educational opportunities with fun and adventure was the perfect ingredient for learning. Sean and Sarah made many memories with Bryce and Brenah at Monterey’s Rising Sun Campground, hugging the shores of the Tippecanoe River.

Left to cherish Sean’s memory are his wife, Sarah; two children, Bryce and Brenah; parents, Judy and Dale Coffing of Macy and Steve and Nancy Garrison of Rochester; sister, Amy Freeman and husband Matt; two brothers, Brent Coffing and wife Cindy and Chad Garrison and wife Danielle, all of Rochester; in-laws, Melissa and Craig Armstrong, Paul and Dawn Schrader and Katie Hanley and fiance’ Chris Hight; numerous nieces and nephews; and his black and white feline companion, Avenger.

Preceding Sean in death are grandparents, Ed and Kate Tirey and Dave and Mary Schrader.

A celebration of the life of Sean Garrison will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor David Welsh will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please wear your favorite blue jeans to honor Sean. Interment will be in the Tippecanoe Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for the benefit of the children’s education.

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

Rodney D. Zellers

Rodney D. Zellers, 61, Wabash , died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Parkview Wabash Hospital, Wabash.

He was born Jan. 13, 1961, in Rochester. On April 28, 1984, he married Rebecca Conway, who survives.

He also is survived by his mother, Janice L. Wagoner Zellers, North Manchester; brothers, Steve (Mary) Zellers, Wabash, and Daniel (Donna) Zellers, Rochester; and sister, Kandy Vicini, Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry J. Zellers.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at mcdonaldfunerals.com.

Patricia

Joan Paris, 75, Warsaw, formerly of Talma, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at her residence.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1947, in Lewistown, Ill. On July 30, 1966, she married George “Tim” Frank Paris, who survives.

She also is survived by her sons, Randy (Carmen) Paris, Winona Lake, Chris Paris, Carmel, and Jason (Jessica) Paris, Greencastle, Pa., and seven grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maurine Bowden and Delbert A. Ruberg, and her daughter-in-law, Dawn Paris.

Patti’s life was celebrated with a service on Dec. 27 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. A graveside service followed at IOOF Cemetery, Rochester.

Memorial donations may be directed to Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, designated in the memo line to Wheels on Fire, 9798 W. 1000S, Akron, IN 46910.

John Michael Green

John Michael Green, 65, Lagro, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at Majestic Care in New Haven.

He was born March 28, 1957, in Huntington.

He is survived by two children, Jerry Green and Jessica Green, both of New Haven; two grandchildren; and siblings Tim Green, Rochester, Shelly (Larry) Owen, Peru, Marie Green, Lagro, and Linda (Kerry) Steele, Wabash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Goldie Ellen Murray Green; and brother, Danny Green.

No services will be held. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, is handling arrangements. The memorial guest book for John may be signed at grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Joan L. Winters

Joan L. Winters, 87, Monterey , died Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

She was born July 30, 1935, in Hammond. In 1958, she married Frank L. Winters, who survives.

She also is survived by her sons, Michael Winters, Lansing, Ill., Jim Winters, Monterey, and Brian (Sally) Winters, Dyer; two granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and her sister, Diane Natke, Monterey.

She was preceded in death by her son, David J. Winters; parents, Clarence and Evelyn Miller Natke; and a granddaughter.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Burial was at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at frainmortuary.com.

Jerry Duane Davis

Jerry Duane Davis, 76, Logansport, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Wesleyan Health Care Center, Marion.

He was born Aug. 30, 1946, in Valparaiso. On Dec. 9, 2013, in Iowa, he married John Wayne Freels, who preceded him in death in 2021.

He is survived by his sister-inlaw, Carol Sue Chase, Peru; and brother, Brad (Michelle) Davis, North Manchester.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, Meredith Duane and Florence L. Hall Davis.

Per Jerry’s request, there will be no services. Jerry and John will be entombed in Grass Creek Cemetery, Grass Creek.

Condolences may be left at gundrumcares.com.

Kimberly A. Boyer

Kimberly A. Boyer, 52, Mentone, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, with her husband by her side at their home.

She was born June 2, 1970, in Rochester. On March 25, 2000, in the Izaak Walton League of Argos, she married D. Kevin Boyer, who survives.

She also is survived by her brothers, Neal Haimbaugh, Culver, and twin Kenneth Haimbaugh, Rochester; fatherand mother-in-law, Donald and Carol Boyer, Mentone; uncles Bill (Karen) Shull and Spencer (Cathy) Shull; aunt, Dana Nichols; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allison Jr. and Sharlene Kay Shull Haimbaugh; and grandparents, Allison Sr. and Dorthea Haimbaugh and Paul and Opal Shull.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 27, at King Memorial Home, Mentone. Interment followed at Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

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

C OUNTY R EPORT

Court News

Circuit Court

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

Complaint

Discover Bank v. Gloria J. Cooper, Rochester, $7,946.30.

Superior Court

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

Complaint

DNF Associates LLC v. Bryan Kamplain, Rochester, $3,479.53.

Traffic Violations

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

Speeding — Joanna K. Reese, Indianapolis, $160.50; Lyndon R. Barnes, Rochester, $171; Devin L. Bean, Indianapolis, $171; Elmer

J. Lehman, LaGrange, $150.50. 50.50.

Marriage Licenses

The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of the Fulton County clerk: Flook-Jolley

Jacob Roy Flook, 24, Fulton, and Samantha Renee Jolley, 24, Fulton.

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolution in Fulton County courts:

Tuttle — Ashley Tuttle, Rochester, and Brock Tuttle, Rochester. With children.

Patricia Joan Paris

Rochester Iron & Metal Employee

200,000 pounds of poultry donated

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler and the Indiana State Poultry Association recently recognized the generosity of Indiana’s poultry producers at the 75th annual Indiana state poultry recognition event at the Indiana Statehouse on Nov. 22.

Over the past year, Indiana poultry farmers have donated nearly 100 tons or 200,000 pounds of poultry products to Hoosiers in need.

“I am so proud of the Hoosier poultry producers and the large impact they have on food-insecure Hoosiers,” said Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Donating 200,000 pounds of poultry products throughout the year is an incredible feat and I am grateful I was able to thank them in person today for their generous donations.”

For decades, Indiana’s poultry producers have been working to address food insecurity in their local communities by providing protein to food banks across the state. Some of the main products that were donated over the course of this year include eggs, chicken, duck and turkey.

The strength of Indiana’s poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony as Indiana is one of the top poultry producing

states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high quality broiler chicken production as well.

The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state, contributing more than $15 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,500 Hoosiers.

“Our Hoosier farmers are incredibly generous and quick to give back to their community,” said Kettler. “This event highlights their year-round contributions to various food banks and pantries located throughout Indiana and we are grateful to recognize them.”

Indiana State Poultry Association members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. According to association president Becky Joni-

skan, the large poultry donations come from small communities across Indiana.

“Indiana’s bountiful, high quality feed, ample water supply, dedicated farmers and business climate that understands the needs of agriculture make it an ideal place to raise poultry,” Joniskan said. “We pride ourselves on feeding our neighbors, our nation and, indeed, the world, with wholesome, nutritious poultry products.”

The ceremony marked an annual tradition that dates back to the late 1940s. Organized by the Indiana State Poultry Association, one of the oldest poultry organizations in the nation, it was designed to recognize the strength of Indiana’s poultry industry, as well as the annual donations made by its members, who are responsible for more than 95% of the chicken, duck, turkey and eggs produced in Indiana.

Updates and happenings around the area

A big thank you to all the fruit buyers. Rochester Rotary Club thanks all the folks who made purchases during its recent fruit sale fundraiser. The club sold 285 cases of fruit and raised just over $3,000. The money will be used for the club’s community project, “Shoes for Kids,” which provides shoes for Fulton County elementary school children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford them.

The Rotary Club also sends a

B IRTHS

Brianna Cunning, Rochester, is the mother of a son, Macen Mathias, born at 6:31 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. He weighed 6 pounds and one-half ounce, and was 18.5 inches long.

Maddilyn Nicole Jolly

Haley and Daniel Jolly, Plymouth, are the parents of a daughter, Maddilyn Nicole, born at 7:13 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 18.5 inches long.

Bonnie Callahan Barts

Clint and Leigh Barts, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Bonnie Callahan, born at 10:58 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. She weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Bonnie joins a sibling, Jacqueline, 1. Maternal grandparents are Peter and Lynda Soderlund, Plymouth.

Paternal grandparents are Dave Barts and Jim and Mila Ewen, Rochester. Maternal great-grandparents are Fred and Edie Collins, Plymouth.

special thank you to RTC, which again this year allowed the club to use its Fourth Street garage facility. Without use of the facility, the club says it would be nearly impossible to receive, stage and distribute the fruit.

—o—

Pooch patrol. The Fulton County Bark Park recently reminded folks on its Facebook page all the humans who visit the park with their dog friends really need to pitch in to help keep it clean. A crew visits the park weekly to clean, but between those times, people are asked to pick up after their dogs and to encourage others to do the same. If you notice the supply of waste bags is getting low, please send a message on the group’s Facebook page. Also, if you’re interested in volunteering some time to help take care of the park, send a message. The Bark Park, which opened last May, is located between Old US 31 and US 31 on CR 450N.

—o—

On the subject of dogs ... The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

has K-9 T-shirts for sale to help support its K-9 Fund. The fund helps provide equipment and training for the department’s K-9s and handlers. The shirts are $25 apiece and are offered in sizes small through 3X. Sales are cash only. Purchase a T-shirt between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the sheriff’s office, 2006 Sweetgum Road, Rochester. —o—

Winter reading contest heats up. “Warm Up to a Good Book” is the name of the 2023 adult winter reading program at Kewanna Union Township Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna.

The program will be held from Jan. 3 through Feb. 28. All adult readers ages 19 and older are welcome to participate. All books must be checked out from the Kewanna library in order to count for the program. Participants will receive an entry in the library’s winter reading program contest for each book checked out and read. Prizes will be awarded to the lucky winners chosen at the

end of the program.

For more information, call the library at (574) 653-2011 or visit the website at kewanna.lib.in.us. —o—

Colorful new program. The Kewanna Union Township Public Library is starting a program for all ages called “Coloring Club.” A variety of coloring pages will be available to take home or to color at the library. Staff hope to see posts on the library’s Facebook page from people sharing their coloring talent. —o—

Volunteer in the new year. The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program is always looking for new members age 55 or older who want to donate time to their community.

Volunteers currently are needed to: visit a couple of residents at Life Care Center once or twice a month as part of the Guardianship Program; drive community members to doctor’s appointments; work at information desk and gift shop at Woodlawn Hospital; sort and organize donations

of clothing, bedding and shoes at St. John’s Lutheran Church for those in need; play with the dogs and cats waiting for adoption at the Fulton County Animal Center; assist Head Start children with making crafts.

If you’re interested in helping, stop in at the Fulton County Council on Aging, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester, and see Anne King. Or give her a call at (574) 223-3716.

Local students named to president’s list

The following local students were named to the president’s list of their respective colleges/universities:

Trine University Akron — Cheney Canada, Shane Wood Mentone — Joseph Irons Rochester — Noah Swango, Brianna Yarber

Buying locally helps rural economies

Efforts to revive small business sectors have helped countless communities regain their prosperity and sense of community pride. Those efforts have been wildly effective in many urban areas, and they can help rural economies recover from the many challenges they’ve been confronting since the Great Recession, which occurred between 2007-2009.

Rural communities have faced many unique challenges since 2007. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Rural Sociology found 46% of remote

rural counties were depopulating, while just 6% of metropolitan counties were facing population losses. Reviving rural communities does more than help the people who call those communities home. Thriving rural communities can ensure access to fresh foods for people in both rural and urban areas, thus keeping costs down.

Thriving rural communities also can reduce reliance on government assistance programs. With access to well-paying jobs, more people can live above the

poverty line. That’s a significant benefit, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that roughly 85% of counties combatting persistent poverty are rural.

Attempts to revive rural economies will require a collective effort on the part of people from all walks of life, and there’s much they can do to pitch in.

• Buy products from local farms. When buying foods, looking for products from local farms and/or domestic farms can benefit consumers in various ways. Buying local provides much-needed eco-

nomic stimulation to rural communities.

• Look beyond foods. Rural communities produce more than food. Soaps, lotions, candles, decorative items and other products people use everyday are produced on farms and within rural communities.

• Support legislation that benefits rural economies. There are many reasons why rural economies have fallen on hard times, and a lack of digital infrastructure has undoubtedly contributed to those struggles.

Macen Mathias Minix

Fulton County Farm Winter School starts in January

ter High School Vocational Agriculture Department are jointly sponsoring the 2023 Fulton County Farm Winter School. All meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Most meetings are in the Rochester High School VoAg Room.

Session 1, Jan. 4, “Agriculture Economic Outlook,” features Dr. Michael Langemeier, Purdue Agriculture Economist and the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture. He will discuss farm commodity prices, cash rents and land value. He will provide updates on livestock prices, interest rates and other issues affecting farm inputs and prices.

Session 2, Jan. 11, “Indiana Corn Season Overview and Research Update,” features Dr. Daniel Quinn, Purdue Extension Corn Specialist. He will talk about the research Purdue is doing in the area of corn management. His research involves yield physiology, agronomic management intensities, precision technologies and

nutrition management. A portion of this class will include information about Private Applicator Record Keeping presented by Mark Kepler. The program is certified as a PARP class for those needing a private applicator pesticide credit. The cost is $10 for those needing the pesticide credit. This session meets in the Rochester High School Auditorium.

Session 3, Jan. 25, “Dealing with the Weather,” features Austin Pearson a meteorologist with Midwestern Regional Climate Center based at Purdue University. He will give a general weather and climate discussion and discuss new technologies available to farmers.

Session 4, Feb. 1, “Understanding Your Farm Insurance Policy and Coverage,” features Courtney Schmidt, Purdue Extension Educator. Schmidt was a former insurance agent and will talk about current coverages and posssible ones to consider in a farm owner’s policy and other policy types.

Stay safe; always assume you are on ‘thin ice’

With the inevitable upcoming drop in temperatures across the state, Indiana conservation officers advise Hoosiers and visitors of the potential hazards of being on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

It’s also important to keep a watchful eye for other people who may venture out on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways and find themselves in trouble.

Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And every year, people drown after falling through ice. Don’t let this happen to you or yours.

Similar to needing to drive differently on snowy versus clear roads, being able to safely have fun on ice may require adjusting what you have done in the past. When thinking about getting on the ice, put safety first. Believe all ice is thin ice unless proven otherwise.

Here are a few tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen body of water:

• No ice is safe ice.

• Before going on the ice, leave a note of your whereabouts with a friend or family member.

• If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don‘t go on it.

• Don’t test the thickness of the ice while alone.

• Test the thickness of the ice with an ice auger. At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for ice fishing; 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.

• Carry ice hooks and rope gear.

• Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.

Wearing a life jacket is especially important when on ice. If you fall through, a life jacket will keep your head above the water until help arrives.

Remember that a new coating of snow, while perhaps beautiful, can make for treacherous ice conditions. Snow can serve as insulation, caus-

ing water to freeze at a slower rate. When snow and rain freeze into ice, it is not as strong as solid, clear ice.

Another potentially dangerous situation is when you see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice. If that happens, do not go after it. Instead, contact local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue.

A few more tips:

• Some bodies of water can appear to be frozen solid but have thin ice in several potentially unexpected areas.

• Flowing water, such as rivers and streams, should be avoided when covered by a layer of ice.

• Similarly, water that is surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.

• Underground springs, wind, waterfowl and other animals can also keep areas of ice thin.

Enjoy the winter weather, but make safety a priority.

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and Roches-

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Is it ready for harvest?

to ripen over several weeks. If you know your variety, the color may help, but in general this is unreliable.

Black layer. It’s a term all farmers know and it has nothing to do with the color of a dyed blond person’s hair near the scalp.

Black layer is the stage of corn development at which kernel growth ceases and maximum kernel dry weight is achieved. It is a visible sign that the corn has matured and will grow no more.

This black layer can be found by removing a kernel from the cob and peeling the skin back at the root where the kernel was attached to the cob.

It does not mean it’s time to harvest, as the moisture content will dictate when that actual date will occur. Farmers generally start harvesting corn when the moisture levels get down to 22% to 25%. Then it has to be dried even further to around 15% or less for

moldless storage.

Black layer is a nice visible sign that harvest can or will soon begin. Not all plants give you such good signals. How does the apple tell you it’s time to pick? No easy answer here.

Depending on the apple variety, they can be picked from August to early November. Some varieties are the best harvest when the snow flies. So, knowing the varieties will help you narrow down a picking date. Even then, summer apples tend

Individual income tax rates to change in three counties

Effective Jan. 1, three Indiana county income tax rates will change, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Local income tax rates are determined by county officials and provided to the Department of Revenue for review regarding compliance with Indiana law.

Below are the three counties impacted along with their new tax rates:

— Greene County: 0.0215 (increased from 0.0195)

— Montgomery County: 0.0265 (increased from 0.023)

— Perry County: 0.014 (decreased from 0.0181)

P UBLIC

A UCTIONS

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These tax rates affect businesses with employees who live or work in any of these counties and have income tax withholdings.

For Indiana residents on Jan. 1, county tax rates for individuals are based on the employee’s Indiana county of residence on that date.

For individuals who are not Indiana residents on Jan. 1, county tax rates are based on the individual’s county of principal business or employment on Jan. 1.

Current rates for all Indiana counties are available on the Department of Revenue’s website at dor.in.gov in Departmental Notice No. 1. To view the complete list, click on “Legal Resources,” then “Tax Library,” followed by “Departmental Notices.”

William Thonn named to dean’s list

William Thonn, Rochester, was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 term at Trine University. To earn dean’s list honors, students must complete a minimum of 12 hours and have a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.749.

Ground color is the color of the skin in the stem indentation. As apples mature, the ground color changes from a bright green to a lighter green and then to yellow. This change is a good indicator of maturity on cultivars such as McIntosh but is useless on solid red varieties.

Immature apples are hard to the touch. Mature apples should be firm and crisp but not hard. By applying some pressure to the fruit with your thumb, you can feel a change

in firmness over a period of weeks. Apple producers have a knack of knowing about their trees. Experience is the best teacher.

How about another tough one? Watermelon. A watermelon’s appearance and feel are better gauges then the time-honored practice of tapping on the outer skin. A watermelon that is ripe will be faded on the top. If the watermelon has stripes, look at the area between the stripes. This area should be a light green.

Turn the watermelon over and look at the place where the fruit stood on the ground. If the water-

melon is ripe, the “belly spot” will be white or yellow. If you can see the stripes through the belly spot, it may not be ripe. If you do want to thump, an unripe watermelon will “ping” when thumped. An overripe watermelon will “thud.” The one you want to buy is somewhere in between.

Some plants are easy to tell when they are ripe. If a tomato is red, then it is ready to go. Then I ran into an old heirloom variety that is green when ripe called Green Zebra. It turns an amber gold with dark green zebralike stripes and is green inside.

Why can’t some things just be easy?

The birth of Jesus Christ

(Read: Luke 2:1-20)

“(Mary) had brought forth her firstborn son: and (Joseph) called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:25)

Let’s study the Bible

The Advent. (Luke 2:1-7): That Jesus would be born in Bethlehem was ordained by God long before Caesar Augustus made his decree (Micah 5:2; Acts 15:18). The difficult three-day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem may have taken longer because of Mary’s condition. Jesus

must have been born in one of the cattle stalls; the feeding trough was his bed. See Philippians. 2:1-11 and 2 Corinthians. 8:9.

The Announcement. (Luke 2:8-20): In that day, shepherds were considered to be at the lowest rung of the social ladder. Their work not only

kept them away from the temple and the synagogue, but it made them ceremonially unclean. Yet in his grace, God gave the first announcement of the savior’s birth to lowly shepherds! Gabriel may have been the angel who appeared. What a privilege this messenger had to tell about the advent of the Messiah!

The first human ambassadors of the Gospel were humble shepherds who hurried to see the baby and then told everybody what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20). The Greek word for “found” in verse 16 means “to find after a search.” The Magi had a star to guide them (Matthew 2), but all the shepherds had was the sign given them by the angel (verse 12). The shepherds, like the angels before them, glorified and praised God (verse 20).

The Adoration. (Luke 2:21-40): There was a remnant of believing Jews, waiting for their redeemer (verse 38); Simeon and Anna were among them. We do not know how

old Simeon was, but he was probably elderly. The spirit both taught him and led him so he was right there when Mary and Joseph came with their baby. The remarkable thing about his hymn of praise is that he included the Gentiles! Simeon was now ready to die because he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes. Simeon blessed God, and he also blessed Mary and Joseph; but he did not bless the baby, because Jesus is the source of every blessing. Mary did feel “the sword” in her heart repeatedly as she watched her son during his ministry and then stood at the cross where he died (John 19:25-27).

The Amazement. (Luke 2:4152): Jesus was “filled with wisdom” (verse 40) and his questions and answers amazed the teachers in the temple. We must not assume that at the age of 12 Jesus understood as much as he did when he launched his ministry at the age of 30 (Luke 3:23); for Luke makes it clear that he “increased in wisdom” (verse 52). But he was already aware of his special mission to “be about (his) father’s business.”

Nazareth was not an easy place for a youth to grow up. Mary bore other children (Matthew 13:54-58), so Jesus grew up in a crowded and probably poor home. But Jesus was the promised Messiah!

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

Argos Entomology team places second in state event

The State 4-H/FFA Entomology Judging Contest was held at Purdue University in West Lafayette on Dec. 10. Two 4-H teams from Argos were eligible to participate in this contest. The senior team consisting of Triston Hutchison, June Clark and Nora Weiser placed second, with Clark placing sixth and Weiser placing ninth.

The junior team of Kyndra Thayer, Makenzie Smith, Xander Binfet and Kai Hooker placed second, with Smith placing second and Thayer placing fifth.

The participants from across the state are required to identify 50 insects from a list of 150 Indiana insects by common name and order. They must also answer questions about the pest status, life cycle and appearance of these insects.

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