PLAY PRACTICE — Students go through a scene in “The Music Man,” which will be performed by Rochester High School’s Tri-Epsilon on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.
‘The Music Man’
LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Rochester High School Tri-Epsilon welcomes the public to meet “The Music Man” Harold Hill in its next production.
Students will present “The Music Man” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, in the RHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for those ages 4 and younger, and are available at the door or by contacting the school ahead of time.
“The Music Man” by Meredith Willson follows Hill as he arrives in River City, Iowa, and informs the townspeople he aims to start a band.
There are 26 students in the cast, including some elementary students, with nine students making up the stage crew and four student tech designers.
“We chose ‘The Music Man’ for its memorable music, fun storyline and variety of characters,” said RHS drama
teacher Megan Allen, who is co-directing the play with Brenda McClain. “This is a show that can be shared with multiple generations.”
She said she hopes students have “an enjoyable experience” from being in the musical.
“We want the students to experience working toward a goal and being able to not only achieve meeting that goal through hard work and dedication, but to also be able to present a finished product that they are proud of,” said Allen. “We strive to guide the students with lessons on time management, teamwork and problem solving, which will aid them throughout their lives. As the students reach their performances, we want them to have a sense of accomplishment.”
dance and storytelling.”
‘The Music Man’ Cast List
Harold Hill — Daniel Yocum
Jacey Squires — Kaine Pearson
She added she hopes the audience has “a fun-filled evening of comedy, music,
Mayor Shinn — Jesse Smith
Continued on page 3
PREPARING FOR THE SHOW —
Daniel Yocum, left, and Seanna Gudas are two of the cast members of Rochester Tri-Epsilon’s “The Music Man.”
RHS sophomore preparing for future career through attending flight school
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Rochester High School sophomore Riley Vessels has dreams of becoming a pilot.
She will get started toward that potential career through a special flight academy this July.
Vessels, of Rochester, is the
first RHS student in more than 25 years to take part in the Aviation Academy by Envision by WorldStrides at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
She will join students from across the U.S. and world during the week-and-a-half academy.
Vessels noted during the program she’ll visit the U.S.
Air Force Academy where she hopes to go one day.
“I’m going to be working with a team on building a model aircraft ... so I’m excited, but I’m very nervous,” she added.
Academy members will also hear from former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao and participate in simulations.
Vessels is also earning college credit from George Mason University through the program.
She noted the academy is also connected to Ivy League universities, which may help her get into those after high school graduation, along with joining the military.
The daughter of Kenneth Vessels and Margaret Felts said she wants to go into the Air Force in part because she’s had other family members in the military.
Her extracurricular activities at RHS have included track, tennis, theater and student government. She’s also been a football team manager.
Vessels leads RHS’ Key Club, a student branch of the Kiwanis Club of Rochester.
“I have over 200 hours of service so far,” she noted.
By RUSS DAVIDSON SR. Guest Writer
l
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HEADED TO FLIGHT SCHOOL
Rochester
High School student Riley Vessels is taking part in the Aviation Academy by Envision by WorldStrides this July in Colorado.
Photo by Leah Sander.
Good Neighbors
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.
Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. This column will now run every other week.
Baby food jars
Good neighbors: I have lots of baby food jars free for picking them up. Nice for crafts. Leave a message at (574) 773-2795. I will get back with you. — A good neighbor
New questions
Landscaping blocks — Does anyone have landscaping blocks or bricks and cement blocks they
Let’s Study The Bible —
want to get rid of? I would be happy to have them. Call (574) 248-0257.
Edger/Stewards Journal magazines — Does any good neighbor have an edger or Stewards Journal magazines they no longer want? Call (574) 646-2022.
Electric sewing machine — Looking for an electric sewing machine in good condition. Preferably in the Nappanee or surrounding area. Call (574) 646-1021.
Serger machine — Does any good neighbor have a Serger machine they no longer want? Call (574) 253-8602. Prefer in the Nappanee or surrounding area.
Jesus is the Messiah
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
(Read: Luke 4:3144) Jesus said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth…” (Luke 4:18-19, 21-22).
It was customary in synagogue services to ask visiting rabbis to read the Scripture lesson and make whatever comments they felt were appropriate. By this time, Jesus had ministered about a year and was very
popular; so it was natural that the synagogue leader ask Him to participate. The appointed lesson included Isaiah 61:1-2, and Jesus used it as the text for His sermon in which He made three startling announcements.
First, Jesus announced that the Scriptures were fulfilled in him. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit to minister to all kinds of needy people and bring them the salvation of the Lord.
Second, he announced that the Year of Jubilee had begun. “The acceptable year of the Lord” refers to Leviticus 25:8-22, the 50th year when everything in Israel was restored to its proper place. (Notice that Jesus omitted part of Isaiah 61:2, “the day of vengeance of our God,” for that day is yet to come.)
Finally, He announced that all of this was by the grace of God. He gave two examples from Jewish history to prove that God showed mercy to Gentiles (see 1 Kings 17:1-7; 2 Kings 5:1-15).
The miracle Jesus did in the synagogue brought a great crowd to Peter’s door! People brought the sick and afflicted to Jesus, and he
RHS Tri-Epsilon
Continued from page 1
Charlie Cowell — Max Zartman
Ewart Dunlop — Brody Simons
Oliver Hix — Oliver Miller
Olin Britt — Alex Porterfield
Marcellus Washburn — Kollin
Williams
Tommy Djilas — David Smith
Marian Paroo — Seanna Gudas
Mrs. Paroo — Madyson Hisey
Amaryllis — Eloise Packer
Winthrop Paroo — Brantlyn Brubaker
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn — Alex Lockhart
Gracie Shinn — Layla Tyler
Alma Hix — MadiLynn Coble
Maud Dunlop — Audrey Guard
Ethel Toffelmier — Ruth Love
Mrs. Squires — Sophie Beehler
Constable and Conductor —
Cherokee Wallace
Adult Ensemble — Evelyn Bitterling
Adult Ensemble — Mackenzie
Kuhnz
Zaneeta Shinn — Cerenity Meisner
Teen Ensemble — Peyton Spencer
Kid — Lizzy Walley
Kid — Gweth Tindi
‘The Music Man’ Crew List
Cely Aguilar, Grace Fowler, Jade Trottier, Emma Beck, Nichole Hester, Ruj (Alfie) Sirihantra, Bruce Clark, Charlie Perry and Zoey Lawson.
healed them.
It was after sundown, so the Sabbath Day was over. Notice that both in the synagogue and at Peter’s house, the demons bore witness that Jesus is the Son of God, but Jesus did not encourage their testimony. In time, his words and his works would convince some people that he was indeed the Son of God and Israel’s Messiah; but he did not want any testimony from the evil one (see Acts 16:16-18).
Jesus proved that he is the Messiah (the “Christ”): the promised Savior. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
As important as it was to meet the physical needs of people, prayer (verse 42) and preaching the word of God (verses 43-44) had higher priorities in our Lord’s ministry; and so should they be in ours.
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
‘The Music Man’ Co-Directors
Megan Allen and Brenda McClain.
‘The Music Man’ Choreography
Brenda McClain.
‘The Music Man’ Music Director
Megan Allen.
‘The Music Man’ Assistant Music Director
Jill Weaver.
‘The Music Man’ Set Construction
Nick McClain and Dan Yocum.
‘The Music Man’ Tech Crew
Tech Directors Lisa McMillan and Megan Allen and Student Tech
Designers Kadence Bradley, Bruce Clark, Sienna King and Chloe Wheadon.
Bertha ‘Bertie’ Shirley Schuler
Owner/Operator Of Bertie’s Beauty Shop
Bertha “Bertie” Shirley Schuler, 88, Roann, died Thursday, April 10, 2025, at her home.
She was born on Oct. 19, 1936, in Turkey Run, to Marcus and Anna (Sexton) Hansing.
BERTHA ‘BERTIE’ SHIRLEY SCHULER
Bertie was a 1954 graduate of Noble High School. On Feb. 2, 1958, in Richvalley, she married David N. Schuler, in Richvalley; who preceded her in death on June 14, 2020. She owned Bertie’s Beauty Shop for more than 35 years, the founder of Royal Attic Design and co-owned and co-founded Nomanco Trailers, all of Roann, with her husband.
Bertie was a member of Wabash Christian Church, a former member of Roann Christian Church and a former member of Richvalley Community Church. She enjoyed doing charity work at OAXACA in Mexico, working on crafts, decorating, shopping and antique shopping.
She is survived by three children, Trina (Greg) Heller, Rochester, Trent Schuler and Mark (Juanita) Schuler, both of Wabash; seven grandchildren, Corrine Heller, Fort Wayne, Kelsey Heller, Lansing, Mich., Travis (Christa) Schuler, Roann, Justin Schuler, Wabash, Jacqui Schuler, Marion, Zachary Schuler and Abby (Dawson) Cearbaugh, both of Roann, five great-grandchildren, Tess, Terica, Teagan, Jayvion and Oaklynn; and sister, Mona (Wayne) Reese. Wabash.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Joann Votaw and Thelma Jones; and brother, Leonard Trinkle.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Home, 335 S. Chippewa Road, Roann, with Jack Suits officiating. Interment will be in Roann Community Cemetery, Roann. Friends may call two hours prior to services in the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are Roann Community Cemetery or Roann Covered Bridge Association.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at grandstaff-hentgen. com.
Julie A. DeMano
Accomplished Teacher And Coach
Julie A. DeMano 81, Rochester, and formerly of Peru, passed away at 1:59 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.
She was born on Sept. 15, 1943, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Robert and Rosanna (Spitznagle) Redmon.
Julie was a 1961 graduate of Peru High School. She continued her education at Ball State University receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and business respectfully. On Aug. 26, 1967, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Peru, she married Kenneth R. DeMano; who survives.
While living in Chicago, Illinois, Julie was an educator for many years teaching and coaching basketball and volleyball at Northeastern Illinois State Teacher’s College. She also taught computer and physical education at Divine Savior Catholic Elementary School.
Julie spent much of her youth on Lake Manitou at her family’s summer residence. She and her family made many visits to Lake Manitou over the years becoming permanent residents in 2001. She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and former instructor at Curves. She enjoyed belonging to her sewing group, researching genealogy, golfing, family outings on the lake aboard her pontoon boat, was an outstanding athlete on the tennis court, softball field and as a bowler.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth R. DeMano, Rochester; daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Jonas, Elk Grove, Ill. and Angela (Dirk) Doehring, Springfield, Ill.; son, Robert (Amanda) DeMano, Glenview, Ill.; eight grandchildren, Paul Jonas, Benjamin Jonas, Mia Jonas, Madison DeMano, Kaden DeMano, Carli DeMano, Ayden Doehring, and Madeline Doehring. Preceding her in death were her parents.
Services to be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements were entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Bonnie Jo Kingery
Dietary Manager At Camelot Care Center
Bonnie Jo Kingery, 66, Logansport, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.
Bonnie was born on Aug. 13, 1958, in Rochester, the daughter of William and Patricia (Thompson) Kingery.
She worked as a dietary manager for Camelot Care Center, Logansport, for 45 years. She enjoyed crocheting, making tissue box covers, reading and spending quality time with her family and close friends, especially her great nieces and nephews. Bonnie was a kind and generous soul who helped everyone around her who was in need, she was a literal angel on this earth. Bonnie never thought of the times she would go out of her way as sacrifices or burdens, to her they were special moments and she was grateful for every one of them that she had with her family and friends.
Survivors include her brother, Kenny Kingery, Fulton; sister, Julie (Lynn) Miller, Russiaville; six nieces and nephews, Marie (Dustin) Davis, Tony Kingery, Pete Marocco, Amy Kingery, Holly (David) Dusold and Jake Kingery; great-nieces, and nephews, Ellie and Cameron Davis, Amara Schneider, Madelyn and Theodore Dusold.
Services to be announced at a later date.
Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Carol A. Wilburn 85, Rochester, passed away at 11:53 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.
She was born on Sept. 15, 1939, in Fulton County, the daughter of Verl and Annona (Zartman) Packard. On Oct. 26, 1957, in Peru, she married Henry Delmont Wilburn; who preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 1991.
Carol had worked for Federal Mogul, Leiters Ford and for Resistance, Argos. She enjoyed word circle puzzles, puzzles, word books and dancing. She was a member of the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall.
Survivors include her son, Rick (Janet) Wilburn, Granger; daughter, Anita (Dale) Murphy, Rochester; six grandchildren, twelve great- grandchildren; and sister, Dorris Clingaman, Kokomo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sue Stambaugh; brothers, Jim Packard, Garrie Packard and Verl D. Packard.
Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Friday April 11, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Athens.
Arrangements were entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Kimberly Dawn Brown Gardening Enthusiast
Kimberly Dawn Brown 55, Fulton, passed away at 9:51 a.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025, at her residence.
She was born on Aug. 27, 1969, in Louisville, Ky., the daughter of Irma McDaniel and Tommy Clark.
Kimberly had worked for Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport and Caston School Corporation, Fulton, in the dietary departments.
She enjoyed gardening and her flowers.
Survivors include her children, Megan Brown, Christopher Brown and Benjamin Brown, all of Fulton, Shawn Brown, Louisville, Ky. and Hank Brown, Seattle, Wash.; sisters, Jill McDaniel, Louisville, Ky. and Connie Nix, Georgia; and brother, Robert McDaniel, Louisville, Ky. Preceding her in death were her parents; and sisters, Tammy McDaniel and Mary McDaniel.
A memorial visitation was held 4-7 p.m Thursday, April 10, at the Fulton Community Center, Fulton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or donors’ favorite charity.
Arrangements were entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Dora M. Miller
Dora M. Miller, 83, Palestine, died at 2:26 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at her residence.
She was born on Oct. 18, 1941. On Jan. 23, 1976, she married to Dr. Robert E. Miller DVM; who preceded her in death on March 29, 2001.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Swick and Lloyd (Laureen) Swick, both of Palestine; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and one on the way; sister; Betty (Fred) Wood, Rochester; former husband, Ronald Swick; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven; brothers, Joe, Wayne and Kenneth Kelley; and sisters, Maxine Jensen, Jean Adams and Esther Sainer.
No service will be held at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
Memorial contributions can be made to the United We Stand Ministries Food Bank.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
O unty
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
Bank of America, N.A. v. Jason Bogseth, Rochester, $2,698.33
Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC v. Rosie Fritz, Kewanna, $3,121.24 Plenary
RHP Partners III Capital v. Maria Vick, Rochester, and Samuel Rice, North Manchester, $45,228.42
Civil Tort Progressive Southeastern Insurance Company v. Cree Wheadon, Rochester, $6,734.49 Superior Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Complaint
Mariner Finance, LLC v. Brian Vogt, Rochester, $2,938.51
Onemain Financial Group v. Arturo Rosas, Akron, 2570.19; Megan Miller, Akron, $10,906.25
Synchrony Bank v. Jasmine Barkas, Rochester, $3,019.50
Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts: Allow unlicensed individual to operate vehicle on highway — Wilson Mejia Lara, Dekalb, Ill., $164.50
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Jonatan Roman, IndiContinued on page 5
DORA M. MILLER
KIMBERLY DAWN BROWN
Tasha Kate Burkholder Nancy and Paul Burkholder, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Tasha Kate, born
BONNIE JO KINGERY
Carol A. Wilburn Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall Member
CAROL A. WILBURN
JULIE A. DEMANO
O bituaries
Kenneth L. Steininger
Skilled Automotive Mechanic
Kenneth L. Steininger, 87, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at his home at 8:45 a.m. April 10, 2025.
On Oct. 17, 1937, Kenneth Leroy Steininger was born in Hinsdale, Ill. He was the son of Dwight and Zona Steininger. Later the family moved to Aubbeenaubbee Township and Kenny attended Aubbeenaubbee Township High School. In 1954, his family moved to near Richland Center. Ken graduated with the Richland Center class of 1955.
At the Grandview Church near Richland Center, Ken married Betty Louise Rynearson, on July 31, 1955. From their union came three wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations. Sadly, Betty passed away in 2017.
On March 3, 2018, Ken married Mary Diane White at the New Life Church, Rochester. Their family tree blended two beautiful families as one.
A skilled automotive mechanic, Ken served the Fulton County area with engine repairs and maintenance from the Steininger Garage, located on Indiana 14 W. Selling the shop, he worked at Hammel Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep. At age 62, he concluded his professional career at Shepherd’s Chevrolet, retiring in 1999. Ken was also a devoted member of New Life Church. Gifted with his hands he was an avid participant of MAPS Ministry traveling to help communities build churches.
Left to cherish Ken’s memory are his wife Diane; his children, Melody Sweany, and companion, Martin Sandberg and David Steininger (Cindy), all of Rochester; his grandchildren, Kim Meyer (Donnie), Angie Black (Ryan), Ashley Hayes (John), Carmen McFarland, Matthew Steininger (Jenny), Chad Steininger, Nathan Steininger (Megan) and Joshua Steininger (Jennifer); 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Cledith Steininger (Sarah), Valparaiso; sister, Edith Kay Heishman (Gary), Fort Wayne; his blended children, Kenneth Gordon (Linda), James Gordon (Stacey) and Kimberly Sheets (Wade); blended grandchildren, Caleb Sheets, David Sheets, Jacob Sheets and Erica Sheets; along with the blending of seven other grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Preceding Ken are his first wife Betty; daughter, Debbie; granddaughter, Amanda Wagoner in 1982; and sister, Gladys Kuhn.
A celebration of life service was held at noon on Tuesday, April 15, in Good family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Pastor Larry Pyeatt officiating.
The Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the United States Army accorded military graveside rites at Rochester’s IOOF Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wheels On Fire Cancer Care Fund: ATTN: Beaver Dam Community Church, 9798 W. 1000 S. Akron, IN 46910.
Online expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Nancy C. Hunter
Talented Seamstress
Nancy C. Hunter, 83, passed away on March 24, 2025, at her home with her loving family at her side.
Nancy Carol Bookout was born on Aug. 28, 1941, in Fort Wayne. She was a treasured daughter of Herb and Juanita Weaver Bookout Fultz.
As a homemaker, Nancy Carol cherished the time with her family. She was a seamstress at Topp’s Manufacturing of Rochester for a number of years. She enjoyed swimming and often visited the pool at least three times a week. Playing euchre and pinochle was a great way to keep in touch with her friends.
Nancy Carol and Russell Dean Hunter were married on Oct. 12, 1957, in the Rochester Evangelical United Brethren Church. They shared 66 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, Dean passed away on Feb. 29, 2024. From their union came four wonderful children, Danette, Ranette, Jerry Dean and Angela. The family tree continued to grow with the blessings of four more generations.
The Hunter’s have made homes in Houston, Texas, Orlando, Fla., Jensen Beach, Fla. and Fulton County prior to retiring in Stuart, Fla. They have enjoyed the adventures of traveling to several countries including, Canada, Panama Canal, France, Spain and Italy. They also enjoyed domestic travel to Alaska and Hawaii.
Left to cherish the memories of Nancy are four children, Danette Holloway, and husband Mark, Palm City, Fla., Ranette Lugo, and husband Louis, Cookeville, Tenn., J.D. Hunter, Geneva, Fla., Angie Hill, and husband David, Richmond, Va.; seven grandchildren, Brooke Holloway, Mark Holloway, Derrick Holloway, Kyle Schnitz, Kayla Cook, Bryan Cole Hunter and Zachary Russell Hill; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janet Myers; brother, Guy Bookout, both of Fort Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Nancy in death are her parents; husband; two sisters, Mary Catherine Fultz and Phyllis Jontz; and brother, Daniel Herbert Fultz.
A celebration of the lives of Nancy Carol and Russell Dean Hunter will be at 11 a.m Monday, April 28, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to their family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Dean Hunter Professional Truck Driver
Dean Hunter, 88, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Feb. 29, 2024, at his Florida home.
Russell Dean Hunter was born in Fulton County on April 28, 1935, to Guy Edward and Lilly Edith Johnson Hunter. He was one of twelve children. Answering the call of patriotism Russell served with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1952.
As a professional truck driver, Dean worked for Dean’s Foods for many years. He was a certified instructor and taught professional truck driving. His memberships include Teamsters #364 Local and the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36.
Dean and Nancy Carol Bookout were married on Oct. 12, 1957, in the Rochester Evangelical United Brethren Church. They shared 66 years of life’s adventures. From their union came four wonderful children, Danette, Ranette, Jerry Dean and Angela. The family tree continued to grow with the blessings of four more generations.
The Hunters have made homes in Houston, Texas, Orlando Fla., Jensen Beach, Fla. and Fulton County prior to retiring in Stuart, Fla. They have traveled to several countries including, Canada, France, Panama Canal, Spain and Italy. They also enjoyed the adventure of travel in the U.S. by exploring Alaska and Hawaii.
Left to cherish the memories of Dean are four children, Danette Holloway, and husband Mark, Palm City, Fla., Ranette Lugo, and husband, Louis, Cookeville, Tenn., J.D. Hunter, Geneva, Fla., Angie Hill, and husband David, Richmond, Va.; seven grandchildren, Brooke Holloway, Mark Holloway, Derrick Holloway, Kyle Schnitz, Kayla Cook, Bryan Cole Hunter and Zachary Russell Hill; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Lee Hunter, and wife, Ruth Ann, Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Dean in death are his parents; four sisters, Ruth, Lucille, Dorothy and Peggy; and six brothers, Kelly, Henry Emerson, Jack, Bill, Harry and Robert.
A celebration of the lives of Nancy Carol and Russell Dean Hunter will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honors Team.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to their family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Earline O’Blenis
Hart Shaffner And Marx Supervisor Retiree
Earline O’Blenis 90, Rochester, passed away at 9:09 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester.
She was born on June 7, 1934, in Benton Harbor, Mich., the daughter of Earl A. and Marcia E. (Ellsworth) Cloud. On Sept. 5, 1951, in Rochester, she married, William M. “Bill” O’Blenis; who preceded her in death on July 27, 2023.
Earline had work at Hart Schaffner and Marx for many years retiring as supervisor. She had been a member of First Baptist Church and Xi Iota Sorority. In leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Timothy (Sandra) O’Blenis, Deena K. (Richard) Smith, both of Rochester and Lisa D. Smith, Sedgwick, Kan.; grandchildren, Karen O’Blenis, Walkerton, Jennifer O’Blenis, Mishawaka, Stacey (Steven) Heinzman, Aaron (Kalyn) Ranstead, both of Rochester, Cory (Jennifer) Smith, Rochester, Mich. and Michael (Minori) Smith, Houston, Texas; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda (Jack) Townsend, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Steven Smith; sister, Mary Lu Hudkins; and brother, Earl E. “Bud” Cloud.
Private graveside services will be conducted at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Jill Alber
32-Year Woodlawn Health Employee
Jill Alber 72, Rochester, passed away at 3:12 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport.
C O unty r ep O rt
Continued from page 4
anapolis, $25
Speeding — Bridget Chest, Indianapolis, $154.50; Jorge Castro, Chicago, Ill., $164.50; Dennis Parks, Lafayette, $164.50; Dakota Dollarhite, Rochester, $175; Victoria Whitenight, Rochester, $154.50; Lachrisa Watts, Chicago, Ill., $175; Gabriel Robbins, Westfield, $154.50; Forrest Smith, Bristol, $154.50; Xuwei, Luo, West Lafayette, $154.50; Kristina Reid, Carmel, $154.50; Brandon Teague, Terre Haute, $154.50; Manuel Pinto Hernandez, Mishawaka, $154.50; Sarah George, La Porte, $175; Jason Jefferies, Indianapolis, $164.50; Jessica Parks, Indianapolis, $164.50; Andrew Kap Tuang, Indianapolis, $154.50; Fatima Felix, Chicago, Ill., $154.50; Helen Mills, Zionsville, $164.50; Audie Fooshee II, Warsaw, $164.50; Megan Ramirez Hernandez, Cincinnati, Ohio, $154.50; Mason Smith, Osceola, $164.50; Taylor Prentice, Kalamazoo, Mich., $164.50; Peter Jacob, Mishawaka, $164.50
Operating with expired plates — Mason McLean, Lafayette, $164; Kalamazoo, Mich., $154.50; Brayden Richmond, Kokomo, $164.50
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Yoder-Giadone
Michael Yoder, 49, Kewanna, and Dawn Giadone, 44, Pueblo Colo. Newcomb-Kitts Solomon Newcomb, 30, Rochester, and Mayfre Kitts, 29, Rochester.
Caucus to fill Henry Township Board vacancy
Wednesday, April 23
A GOP caucus to fill a vacancy on the Henry Township Advisory Board is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.
It will be at Akron Town Hall to fill the seat of Jerry Hartzler, who passed away March 26.
Any Henry Township resident who is a Republican in good standing may apply to fill the seat by filing a declaration of candidacy with Fulton County GOP Chairwoman Amy Roe 72 hours prior to the start of the caucus.
She may be reached at (864) 420-2305 or chair@fultoningop. org.
Those seeking to be on the board will have three minutes to speak each before a vote is taken. Eligible GOP precinct committee members will vote in the caucus.
She was born on Oct. 8, 1952, in Rochester, the daughter of Wayne and Jean (Wilson) Daulton. She married Ronald Mark Alber in Warsaw; who preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 2008.
Jill had worked for Woodlawn Health for over 32 years as an admissions clerk and at Akron Medical Clinic. She enjoyed crafts, stained glass, was an avid
bingo player, a Tiffany Lamps collector and enjoyed attending softball games.
Survivors include her sons, Dustin Overmyer and Eric (Valerie) Hammel, both of Rochester; grandsons, Zachary Hammel, and Jakeb Hammel, both of Rochester; brother, Jack Daulton, Atlanta, Ga.; and sister, Candy Ragland, Venice, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
KENNETH STEINENGER
NANCY C. HUNTER
DEAN HUNTER
EARLINE O’BLENNIS
JILL ALBER
RHS girls get necessities through annual Bra Day
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Rochester High School female students once again got free bras, underwear and feminine hygiene products through an annual event at the school.
Bra Day occurred on Thursday, April 10. Girls from each grade took turns coming to the gym and picking up what they wanted through a line.
The Outlet Youth Center Executive Director Taylor Showley, who headed up the event, said it was the fifth Bra Day.
“We found (an) organization through our church (Grace Church of Rochester) who gave away free bras and feminine products down in Indianapolis called I Support The Girls. It’s a national organization,” said Showley. “We were doing it at our church at our free meal on Wednesday nights, and we were like, ‘This is really cool.’”
She said she and others thought it would be good to bring the concept to RHS.
Showley said girls were timid the first time Bra Day happened, “to now, it’s the best day of the year.”
She said leaders have considered having “a My First Bra event” for younger girls at Rochester Community Schools and their parents.
Showley added leaders hoped to bring Bra Day to Caston School Corp. in the future, but need to get sponsors for it to buy any sizes that I Support The Girls can’t supply. Sponsors helping with the event at RHS included Brooch Boutique, Sult Family Medicine, Rochester Realty and Destinations by Donna. Helping with the event were volunteers from area businesses and organizations, as well as a few RHS students.
Lindsay Brubaker also assisted by doing bra fittings.
“I just like that we can do this,” said Showley. “It just takes a little extra to be a girl, and ... we can make that experience easier by just giving (them) something free, making (them) feel good for a day.”
BRA DAY Rochester High School’s Bra Day was on Thursday, April 10. Girls from the school took turns getting free bras, underwear and other items. Helping at the event were in the front from left Rachel Ways, Nachelle Gentry and Aracely Aguilar. In the back are The Outlet Youth Center Associate Director Kaya Mason and Executive Director Taylor Showley. Photo by Leah Sander.
Updates and happenings in and around the area
A free veterans breakfast will be at 8 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at Life Care, 827 W. 13th St., Rochester. RSVP is required, call (574) 223-4331. All veterans are welcome.
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An Easter Egg-Stravanganza will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Hickory Creek, 340 E. 18th St., Rochester. Free candy-filled eggs will be given while supplies last.
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Fulton-Liberty Lions will hold an Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in Liberty Township Park, 301 E. Aitken St., Fulton. Meet at the pavilions, hunt will be in the ball field and playground. Winners of $5 prizes will have pictures taken.
Ages through 12 years. Four age groups: Ages up to 3 years, 4-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-12. Leave plastic eggs in provided totes after finishing.
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Richland Center Alumni banquet will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in the Richland Center room, at the Fulton County Museum. Cost is $17. Call in your reservation to Judy Evans at the Evans Agency at (574) 224-6988 by Monday, April 14.
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The Akron Chamber of Commerce annual Easter egg hunt will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19, at Pike Memorial Park, Akron. Over 6,000 eggs and prizes. There will be a spring animal petting zoo and pictures with the Easter bunny.
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Fulton County REMC will hold an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.
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Easter egg hunt will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 20, at the VFW, 1703 Federal Dr., Rochester. The egg hunt is open to members only.
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The next mobile food bank will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 21, at the old Mary and Jerry’s Helping Hands location, 10072 W. 600S,
Mentone. This is a drive-thru event. If you qualify for a food pantry, you may attend this free food giveaway.
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Commissioner’s meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21, in the County Office Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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The next Akron town council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Akron Town Hall, 206 W. Rochester St., Akron.
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City council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Kewanna Library, 210 Main St., Kewanna, will host Purdue Extension-Fulton County educator, Jessica Riffle, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23. She will be sharing “What Are Pulses and Legumes” and why they offer
many health benefits.
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BZA meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Adult Craft Corner will be making a book vase craft at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Akron Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron. Sign up by Thursday, April 17.
This is an adult class and will last approximately one hour. No registrations will be taken online. Call ACPL at (574) 893-4113, stop in at the library and sign-up in person.
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An Area Planning meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 28, in the Fulton County Office Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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Redevelopment Commission meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the Roch-
RHS class of 1975 to plan reunion
RHS class of 1975 will hold a planning meeting for its 50th class reunion at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the Streamliner Restaurant, 201 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
The reunion will be Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Elks Lodge, 2506 Country Club Drive South, Rochester. If you would like to help plan the reunion, text Sue at (586) 915-0606.
ester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Flower planters will be placed in downtown Fulton this spring. The containers were purchased with grant monies from Northern Indiana Community Foundation to the Fulton Liberty Lions Club.
Donation cans have been placed at businesses for the month of April. Citizens may choose to contribute funds needed to purchase flowers. For more information contact Linda Wade at (574) 857-6101. —o—
The Kewanna Food Pantry is
open from 8:30-10:30 a.m. each Thursday. It is located on the 100 block of Toner Street, Kewanna. If you are a resident of Union, Wayne or Aubbeenaubbee township, you may use this service.
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A free meal is held from 5:30-7 p.m. every Wednesday, at Rochester Grace Church, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester. All are welcome. Takeout is available.
Meals are served by Rochester Grace Church, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church and Mill Creek Missionary Church.
Democrats to meet April 17
Fulton County Democrats will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in the Char-Bell
Studio, 616 Main St., Rochester, next to the Times Theater. All are welcome.
RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) of Fulton Co is planning 2 fundraiser bus trips!!
RSVP (RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM) OF FULTON CO. IS PLANNING SEVERAL UPCOMING TRIPS!!
DAY TRIP TO BEEF HOUSE RESTAURANT & DINNER THEATER TO SEE FOUR OLD BROADS Saturday, April 12, 2025
Cost = $140 includes motorcoach transportation, buffet lunch, and ticket to see Four Old Broads. This hilarious show follows 4 ladies trying to solve a mystery at their retirement home, all while outsmarting Evil Nurse Pat and evade an Elvis impersonator so they can make it to their much-needed cruise.
BUS TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS May 17-23, 2025
Cost is $1299/person (based on double occupancy) and includes all lodging and transportation, tour of New Orleans, Jazz Dinner Cruise, cooking demonstration, Oak Alley and Houmas House Plantation tours, Mardi Gras World, swamp tour, tour of Laurel, MS to see homes from HGTV’s “Home Town”, and more! Non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your seat. Full payment due April 28.
DAY TRIP TO BLUE GATE THEATER IN SHIPSHEWANA TO SEE THE RISE & FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS
Monday September 8, 2025
Cost = $140 includes motorcoach transportation, dinner, and show ticket. Fannie makes the finals of the county baking contest, but other contestants start disappearing. Fannie and her retired cop friend Foster are on the case to investigate and solve the mystery, all while learning about baking contest and life itself.
ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA NEW MEXICO - October 3-8, 2025
Trip includes roundtrip airfare, 8 meals, attend Mass Ascension of Balloons, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center with Native American Dance, guided tour of Old Town Albuquerque, Evening Balloon Glow, Pecos National Historic Park, and tour of Santa Fe with San Miguel Mission and Loretto Chapel. Cost = $3399/person (based on double occupancy). Flyers are available. Limited seating.
DAY TRIP TO BEEF HOUSE RESTAURANT & DINNER THEATER TO SEE THE FATAL 50S AFFAIR
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Cost = $140 includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, and show ticket. The cast of 50s TV sitcom “Make Way for Winky” is on a reunion tour when an audience member is murdered. TV host Barry West leads the audience through the murder-mystery to discover the killer, finding out that the Winky cast is not as wholesome as they appear.
BUS TRIP TO BRANSON,
December 1-4, 2025
MO
Cost $859/person (based on double occupancy), and includes all lodging and transportation, visits to Silver Dollar City, Butterfly Palace Experience, College of the Ozarks tour with Ralph Foster Museum plus dinner, performance of David at The Sights & Sounds Theater, Christmas Wonderland Show, meal at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, Branson Belle Dinner Cruise, performance by Clay Cooper, and shopping at Grand Village Shops. $100 non-refundable deposit holds your seat. Waitlist only.
WINTER GETAWAY IN PANAMA
February 26-March 4, 2026
7 days, 8 meals, airport transfers. Tour UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Antiquo in Panama City, discover the operational marvel of the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Lock Visitor Center, sail to the Pacific Ocean on a partial transit of the Panama Canal, relax during a three-night stay at a beach resort. Air fare not included. Double occupancy $2149/person. Deposit of $250/person, final payment due November 24, 2025.
For information on any of these trips, contact RSVP Director Anne King at 574-223-3716 or Destinations by Donna at 574-835-0400
Rochester High School releases honor roll
Rochester High School has announced
12th Grade — Audrey Grace
Bolinger, Hailie Marie Charles, MadiLynn Lee Coble, Aiden James Harrington, Braden Christian Harrington, Maddox Ray Jewell, Maddox Lane Lahrman, Wesley Dean Lawson, Lillee Boyd Lett, Ashly Lynne McCall, Ella Lee McCarter, Leah Fay Miller, Skyla Ann Mitchell, Silvia May Montelongo, Owen Layton Walker Prater, Tyler Gene Reese, Davis Maxwell Renie, MaKenzie Dawn Roe, Selena Christine Stahl, Darah Lea Strasser, Ava Dale Thomas, Kylah Leigh Towell and Briana Nicole Whiteman.
11th Grade — Grant Stephen Bailey, Olivia Marie Bailey, Allyson Renee Calloway, Brayden Alan Gamble, Nevaeh Elizabeth Goodman, Lincoln Elijah Holder, Myrandace Rae Metz, Gavin Michael Mollencupp, Avarie Dawn Montel, Ashton Michael Musselman, Charlotte Perry, Carlos Adriano Plascencia, Raiden Cody Andrew Putman, Jesse Edward Smith and Violet Rose Whitmer.
10th Grade — Sydney Rae Bauman, Joel Alexander Criollo, Jadyn Michelle Field, Anne Horban, Brailyn Nicole Hunter, Julissa Lopez, Laynie Marie Migonis, Vivian Grace Miller, Kelsey Mae Pearson, Alexander Cage Porterfield, Adam Joseph Edward Reinhold, Jackson Thomas Robbins, Kale Andrew Shotts, Abriella Marie St Martin, Landon Thomas Weaver, Audrey Lee Widman and Aubrey Kay Wilson.
Baugh, Alexis Lorraine Black, Grant Eli Bolinger, Alexandria Aria Cortes-Gustafson, Emma Ann Dunfee, Ali Breanne Field, Adalyn Marie Gonzalez, Shelby Linnea Haselby, Ainsley Piper Horvath, Serenity Deen Howard, Taylor Renee Jones, Mackenzie Danielle Kuhnz, Drew Patrick Lawson, Kyleigh Madison Little, Madelyn G. Maclain.
And, Evan Lee Maroney, Aubree Elizabeth-Donovan Martin, Memphis James Miller, Daniela Cristina Ochoa, Evan Lee Pearson, Shelby May Pearson, Lucas Mossimo Scorsone, Haylee Marie Shuck, Bailey Jade Smith, Taya Akello Tindi, Jaide Marie Trottier and Mackenzie Marie Widman.
All ‘A/B’ Honor Roll
The following were named to the “A/B” honor roll.
Richard Migonis, Lenora Moon Miller, Kyeliem Rae Eric Murphy, Alexsis LeighAnne Nelson, Liam Gabriel Pinder, Keegan Jaiden Pine, Lucy Elliot Rangel, Tanner Joseph Reinartz, Adalynn Kay Samuels, Francis Michael Siciliano, Rabuor Onyango Tindi, Xavier Meiser Vance, Audrey Kennedy Wagner, Trevor Stewart Walley, Rachel Elizabeth Ways and Daniel Ryan Yocum.
11th Grade — Spencer James Backus, Brant William Beck, Emma Susan Joy Beck, Madison Lynn Black, Wade Maddux Bowers, Brooklyn Jae Chandler, David Grant Clark, Addison Marie Coria, Kaitlan Audrey Corning, Matthew Dylan Crossland, Danika Jonee’ Dickson, Harrison Lane Dunwoody, Blake Matthew Eccles, Callen Lee Ferverda, Declan Ryan Gard, Clarence Malachi McCloud Garrett, Damian Lee Gohn, Dakotta Marie Guyse, Ellen Mae Hake, Brooklyn Marie Halterman, Mylee Kathline Heinzmann, Jaden Marie Horn, Layne Jordan Horn, Isabella Grace Howdeshell, Gavin Micheal Jones, Simranpreet Kaur.
Ninth Grade — Madeline Ella Bailon, Mitchell William Clark, Elise Renee Enyart, Raylee Lyen Fry, Quinn Harper Gruss, Adison Nicole Hayes, Sylvia Ann McCall, Grant James McGlothin, Grayson David Miller, Jayla Marie Miller, Molly Marianne Moore, Reagan Jo Perry, Riplee McKenna Snyder and Ellie Michelle Straeter.
Eighth Grade — Addisyn Marie Banks, Hope Elizabeth
12th Grade — Bryce Douglas Baugher, Emma Elizabeth Bays, Drew Davis Bowers, Dakota Joe Burden, Rylee Jean Clevenger, Chloe May Conley, Lillee Dion Conley, Uzziel Criollo, Logan Gage Cunningham, Evan Nathaniel Damer, Madison Sue Davis, Xander Michael Franklin, Baylee Lyn Freant, Braydn Jeffrey Furnivall, James Alexander Smith Gardner, Nachelle Marie Gentry, Guidry Chad Hisey, Hunter Robert Honkomp, Mia Alee Howdeshell, Angel Lee Jewell, Reece Edward Johnson, Jasmeen Kaur, Kaydence Lee Kuhn, Legacy Layne Lockhart, Aden James Lowe, Colton Jae Lowry, Alexandria Danielle Lucker.
Also, Sophia Jane McCall, Johnathan Michael Mercer, Kaelyn Renee Midkiff, Carter
And, Brylie Anne Kiggins, Jonas Gray Kiser, Ada Marie Kohls, Benjamin Neel Martin, Carter Ryan Merideth, Aubrey Linn Miller, Andres Yurel Molina, Braxton Chace Norman, Carson Jeffrey Paulik, Laine Marie Peppler, Jack Carvey Reffett, Jesse Fletcher Roe, Evan Shane Rudd, Olivia Joesphine Rude, Hayden Christopher Shuck, Broderyck J Simons, Kurtis Eugene Smith, John Paul Trotier, Ashlynn Nikole Luray Weyant, Chloe Layla-Isabella Wheadon, Aiden Micheal Witten and Jabez Michael Yarber.
10th Grade — Nicolas Emiliano Aguileta Amaro, Abbigail Marie Artist, Ethan Douglas Bailey, Emah Elizabeth Bradley, Parker Michael Casper, Alejandra Ceverino Liebana, Lily Marie Chipps, Evan Gregory Coffing, Brady Lane Coleman, Hailey Ann Crissinger, Kyra Mae Doran, Kami Eaton, Jackson Dale Frounfelter, Logan Matthew Fuller, Camdyn Daryl Furnivall, Zane Lee Galbraith, Tanner Scott Hamilton.
Also, Kylie Rae Haselby, Alexis Lee Haughs, Isaac DanContinued on page 9
Rochester High
Continued from page 8
iel Heishman, Grant Steven Holloway, Logyn Kay Honkomp, Leandro Javier, Willow Deann Kamplain, Sophia Grace Kouskousakis, Tanner William Krom, Ruth Mae Love, KayLea Jade McCarty, Emma Lynnae Murphy, Addison Taylor Nelson, Brevin Thomas Nicholson, Natalia Kae Pittman, Bria Noelle Rensberger, Ashelynn Emma Kay Rhodes, Jenna Michele Seuferer, Ruj Alfie Sirichantra, Rilyn Paige Strasser, Addison Averie Sutton, Cailab Martin Tyler and Chloe Carter Winn. Ninth Grade — Trinity Melannie Baine, Sophia Lynn Baker, Alison Nicole Bauman, Sophie Noelle Beehler, Morgan Isabell Bitterling, Bentley Edward Blackburn, Elizabeth Lynn Brower, Cayden Andrew Caudill, Alejandro Chapman, Kyla Breann Conley, McKynlee Rae Dickson, Kayla Danica Doss, Brayson Carter Flory, Aaron Christopher Furrow, Trinity Kay Gard, Jaser Liam Garrett, Savannah Jane Guda, Jeffrey Taylor Howard, Meagan Rene Kreft, Owen Lee Lett, Avrianna Nichella Pawski, Evan Michael Perdue.
And, Gavin Kayle Pinder, Ella Alli-Kay Ramsey Grant Mar-
shall Reese, Jay Thomas Ritter, Joshua Scott Seuferer, Jocelynn Coleen Sue Shafer, Peyton LeeAnn Spencer, Carolynn Marie Turner, Summer Jewel Tyler, Ariah Rayne Upp, Haylah Jo Wallace, Amara Nicole Wieringa, Linden Dean Wilburn, Aiden Dean Wilson, Derek Robert Wortley and Addisyn Mary Zimmerman.
Eighth Grade — Natasha Grace Back, Brooklynn Jane Baine, Kala Marie Baugh Owens, Caden Lee Biernacki, Lyla Lynn Bowers, Carlisle Alexander Clark, Lucas Benjamin
Dyson, Gavin Scott Fincher, Brooklyn Leann Gard, Brenah Mary Beth Garrison, Audrey Renee Guard, Andres Antonio Hernandez, Tanner Lee Horn, Elena Veronica Hyde, Carole Sophia Mae Kapp, Van Grafton Kiser.
Also, Peyton N Leasure, Angel Alexander Marquez-Cisneros, Aisley Elaine Montel, Eli Robert Murphy, Blayke Logan Nelson, Mason Andrew Oliver, Manuel Ortega, Conner James Overmyer, Brody James Owens, Kennedy Monroe Parry, Kavy Maheshkumar Patel, Leonel Alonso
NICF announces retirement celebration for Jay Albright April 25
The Northern Indiana Community Foundation invites the public to join it in celebrating the retirement of Jay Albright, who has served as the executive director for the last 12 years.
The foundation is hosting an open house at its 227 E. Ninth St., Rochester office from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, April 25.
Caston to hold school board meeting April 16
Caston School Corporation will hold its regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednes-
day, April 16, at Caston School Corporation, 9815 S. SR 25, Rochester.
Plascencia, Ayven Raine Porter, Korrina Lynn Slocum, Ayden Joseph Smith, Chloie Michelle Tyler, Layla Joy Tyler, Emmett
Ryan Vandergriff, Tyson Michael Wachtmann, James Oscar Wells, Wade Garrett Wheadon and Camden Blair Zink.
JAY ALBRIGHT
RHS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM Shown is the Rochester High School varsity baseball team. In the front row from left are Brayson Flory, Brant Beck, Drew Bowers, Brady Coleman and James Gardner. In the middle row are Parker Casper, Braylon Smith, Carson Paulik and Linden Wilburn. In the back row are Conner Dunfee, Tanner Reinartz, Callen Ferverda, Zakk Parks and Trenton Meadows. Photo by Leah Sander.
RHS JV BASEBALL TEAM Members of the Rochester High School junior varsity baseball team are in the front row from left Mitchell Clark, Jay Ritter, Ashton Orem and Alex Chapman. In the back row are Kevin Shull, Aiden Wilson, Taylor Howard, Grant Reese and Jesse Smith. Photo by Leah Sander.
RHS SOFTBALL TEAM Shown is the Rochester High School softball team. In the front row from left are Jayla Miller, Emma Mathias, Gabby Medina, Mia Howdeshell, Audrey Widman and Darah Strasser. In the middle row are Assistant Coach Rachael Enyart, Nachelle Gentry, Lillee Conley, Makhia Harding, Aubrey Wilson, Mylee Heinzmann and Assistant Coach Billy Medina. In the back row are Head Coach Jim Coleman, Jadyn Field, Bria Rensberger, Aubrey Miller, Brailyn Hunter and Assistant Coach David Musselman. Photo by Leah Sander.
RHS BOYS’ TRACK TEAM On the Rochester High School boys’ track team are in the front row from left Leandro Javier, Navan Goodman, Brady Gamble, Carter Meredith, Kale Shotts, Harrison Dunwoody, Wade Bowers and Landon Weaver. In the second row are Grayson Miller, Jaser Garrett, Jesus Velez, Reece Johnson, Evan Rudd, Trevor Walley, Gage Zimpelman, Kevin Doss and Tanner Hamilton. In the third row are Trevor Coplen, Bralen Jones, Derek Wortley, Jabez Yarber, Jackson Frounfelter, Lincoln Holder, Cailab Tyler and Nico Auileta-Amaro. In the fourth row are Camden Susaraba, Clarence Garrett, Maddox Jewell, Spencer Backus, Grant Bailey, Gavin Mollencup, Camdyn Furnivall, Hunter Kamp, Preston Luhnow and Ethan Bailey. In the back row are Hagan Heilstedt, Owen Prater, Grant Clark, Mason Hisey, Xavier Vance, Tyler Reese, Jonas Kiser, Bryce Baugher and Barrett Brown. Photo by Leah Sander.
RHS GIRLS’ TENNIS TEAM Shown is the Rochester High School girls’ tennis team. In the front row from left are Rylee Clevenger, Ella Ramsey and Savannah Wolters. In the middle row are Vivian Miller, Emma Murphy, Abriella St. Martin and Elizabeth Brower. In the back row are Ella McCarter, Audrey Bolinger, Coach Adrian Paulik, Sophie McCall and Ellie Straeter. Photo by Leah Sander.
GOLF TEAM Shown is the Rochester High School boys’ golf team. In the front row from left are Isaac Heishman, Brady Morgan and Tanner Krom. In the middle row are Brevin Nicholson, Ashton Musselman, Davis Renie and Parker Brown. In the back row are Coach Chad Scobie, Jack Reffett and Coach Mason Heyde. Photo provided by Val Tsoutsouris with RTC.
RHS GIRLS’ TRACK TEAM Members of the Rochester High School girls’ track team are in the front row from left
Allyson Calloway, Jocelyn Shafer, Addi Zimmerman, Emah Bradley, Adison Hayes, Nevaeh Goodman and Emma Bays. In the middle row are Maddie Bailon, Brooklyn Chandler, Taylor Navara, Kyla Conley, Addie Coria, Ashlynn Weyant, Vivian Miller and Trinity Baine. In the back row are Hailey Crissinger, Audrey Wagner, Ella Hake, Avarie Montel, Sophia Kouskousakis, Kyra Doran and Olivia Rude. Photo by Leah Sander.
The Rochester baseball team won the eightteam Howard County Invitational Saturday to improve to 6-0 on the season.
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Sports Editor, RTC
Rochester beat Bluffton 4-0 in the quarterfinals at Northwestern Friday, beat Rossville 2-0 in the semifinals at Eastern (Greentown)
Saturday morning, April 12 and then beat Eastern 6-5 in the cham-
pionship game Saturday afternoon. Rochester trailed Eastern 5-1 in the championship game going into the bottom of the sixth before Brant Beck and Linden Wilburn lined back-to-back RBI singles and Conner Dunfee drove in a run on a fielder’s choice grounder.
After Tanner Reinartz pitched a 1-2-3 inning in relief in the top of the seventh, Drew Bowers led off the bottom half with a walk, and he advanced to third on Brady Coleman’s double. Bowers scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, and Parker Casper got the walk-off RBI on a fielder’s choice grounder to third with Coleman just beating the tag of catcher Jon Warren.
Coleman, Carson Paulik and Beck had two hits each, and Wilburn had two RBIs.
That game started less than 12
Welcomes
hours after the quarterfinal win over Bluffton ended Friday night, April 11.
Coleman and Casper combined on a three-hit shutout, and Paulik drove in the go-ahead run with a two-strike, two-out RBI triple in the first inning as the Zebras beat Bluffton 4-0 in the first round of the Howard County Invitational at Northwestern High School Friday.
Paulik was named tournament MVP, and Coleman, Casper, Beck, Reinartz and junior catcher Zakk Parks joined him on the all-tournament team.
Girls Tennis
Rochester girls tennis coach Adrian Paulik said she mulled who was going to make up the doubles teams Wednesday, April 9, about 20 hours before the season was to begin against North Judson the following day.
There was no such dilemma in who she picked for singles.
The new doubles players combined with the more obvious picks for singles as the Lady Zs beat the Lady Jays 5-0.
Paulik picked Abbi St. Martin and freshman Ellie Straeter for No. 1 doubles, and they won 6-0, 6-4 over Danica Butler and Lily Mann.
Returnees Sophie McCall and Vivian Miller teamed up at No. 2 doubles and prevailed 6-0, 6-0 over Isabella Menn and Jordyn White.
The singles players are all seniors and all back in their roles from the end of last season — Ella McCarter at No. 1, Audrey Bolinger at No. 2 and Rylee Clevenger at No. 3. They lost five games combined in six sets.
Two days later, Rochester followed that performance by winning the John Glenn Invitational for the third consecutive year.
Softball
Bria Rensberger had three hits and an RBI at the plate, and she also pitched an eight-hitter with 12 strikeouts to lead the Rochester softball team to an 11-3 win over John Glenn in the final game of a three-way doubleheader at Fansler Field Saturday, April 12.
Rochester improved to 4-1 on the season.
The Lady Zs began their day by suffering their first loss in a 13-1 rout to Pioneer in five innings.
Pioneer was playing the Lady Zs for the first time after losing 7-6 in nine innings in last year’s Class 2A sectional final at Fansler Field last May. Pioneer has since dropped down to Class 1A.
Heinzmann had three hits and three RBIs, and Miller and Hunter had two RBIs each as the Rochester softball team held off host Plymouth Thursday, April 10.
Rensberger, Mia Howdeshell and Emma Mathias pitched a com-
bined no-hitter, and Rensberger also hit a three-run homer to lift the Rochester softball team to a 21-0 romp over Triton in the home opener at Fansler Field Tuesday, April 8.
Boys Golf
The Rochester boys golf team began the season by shooting a 354 and finishing seventh out of 16 teams at the Rochester Invitational at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek Saturday, April 12.
Davis Renie led Rochester with an 80, Isaac Heishman had an 86, Ashton Musselman had an 87, Brady Morgan had a 101, and Brevin Nicholson had a 107.
Track
Rochester’s Owen Prater is running track and competing in the 400 meters for the first time since he was a freshman.
Teammate and fellow senior Xavier Vance is back competing in the shot put after missing most of last season recovering from knee surgery as a result of a football injury in October 2023.
Prater and Vance reminded those watching of what they missed by winning individual events at the Zebras’ 99-32 win over visiting John Glenn in their first dual meet at Barnhart Field this season.
Meanwhile, junior distance runner Allyson Calloway won four blue ribbons for the Lady Zs in a 67-56 loss.
Bryce Baugher led a 1-2-3 sweep in the 200 meters, which also included Jabez Yarber and Maddox Jewell.
Rochester also swept the relays. Spencer Backus, Jewell, Yarber and Dunwoody won the 4 x 100 relay in 46.31 seconds.
The Zebras entered four teams in the 4 x 400 relay with the group of Prater, Dunwoody, Yarber and Bailey winning 3:53.65.
Johnson, Bailey, Javier and Camdyn Furnivall teamed up to win the 4 x 800 relay in 9:18.01.
In the girls meet, Calloway won the 800 and the 1,600, and she was a member of the victorious 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays.
Akron Lions to hold fish fry on May 17
The Akron Lions club will host a fish fry at 4 p.m. or until sold out, Saturday, May 17, at the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. Fish is $12 per
pound. Drive-thru only. Akron Parent Support Group will host a bake sale.
A fundraiser for future Akron community projects.
Key Club and Soccer Association gathering donations for Riley
The Rochester High School Key Club is partnering with the Fulton County Soccer Association to gather donations in honor of Holden Russell Lukens. Roches-
ter High School is a Red Wagon School. One dollar per student at RHS helps to fulfill the annual commitment to Riley Hospital. Donations are accepted at RHS.
Retired teachers to meet Thursday, April 24
Fulton County Retired Teachers Association will meet 11-11:30 a.m. with a meet and greet, Thursday, April 24, at Streamliner Family Restau-
rant, 201 E. Ninth St., Rochester. Meeting will follow.
RSVP to Joellen Wynn at (574) 223-2502 or jjjwynn@rtcol.com.
ALLYSON CALLOWAY
CARSON PAULIK
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National Healthcare Decisions Day
By BROOKE NICE, RHIA Woodlawn Health
Editor’s Note: Brooke Nice is the Health Information Management Director for Woodlawn Health.
Did you know there is a day dedicated each year to remind healthcare providers and you about planning in advance for your care and making your healthcare wishes known? National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16 each year and this is a friendly reminder to have your advance directives completed, but also to have those hard conversations with your loved ones.
Many of us are guilty of putting off those tough conversations. One tends to think they are able to make their own medical decisions, but what if you couldn’t? Would your family, friends, and medical teams know your wishes? These conversations, and having them in writing, are vital to ensure your healthcare wishes are known and carried out.
Advance directives are legal documents that provide instructions to help your loved ones know what your wishes are, and many times will relieve them of the stress in making these decisions for you. It may also allow your loved ones to grieve more easily. The two most common advance directives are the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare but there
are others such as, Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), the Life Prolonged Procedure Declaration, and Psychiatric Advance Directive.
A Living Will allows your loved ones to know what type of life support you would like and when you would like the life support to be discontinued. You get to decide what type of life-prolonging treatment, which ones to avoid, and under which conditions your choices are carried out.
The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows you the ability to name someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself.
This individual is known as a representative or agent and should be familiar with your
wishes. If you name a healthcare representative, have you had these conversations with them? If there was an emergency, would your healthcare representative know what healthcare treatment you would choose?
An Out of Hospital Do Not Resuscitate, or DNR form, is for those individuals with terminal conditions that do not wish to receive CPR or other resuscitative measures if their heart stops or they stop breathing. This form must be signed by a physician, the patient or patient representative, and a witness to be valid.
The Life Prolonged Procedure Declaration is the opposite of the Living Will. If you want every
life-prolonging medical treatment, you will complete this form. And finally, the Psychiatric Advance Directive is for specific diagnoses and the medical care you receive and/or reject for mental health conditions.
While April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, today is as good a day as any to make sure you are having these difficult conversations with your loved ones and providers but also having your wishes in writing. Relieve your loved ones from having to guess what your healthcare choices are and give them the tools to carry out your wishes.
BROOKE NICE, RHIA
GUARDIAN ADVOCATES RECEIVE GRANT — The Fulton County Community Foundation Ambassadors recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Guardian Advocates Inc., a local nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding the well-being of senior adults and adults with disabilities. Shown from left are NICF Director of Philanthropy, Brian Johnson; Guardian Advocates Case Manager, Rene Robbins; and Guardian Advocates Executive Co-Director, Alachia Sturgess. Photo provided by Fulton County Community Foundation.
SAPPHIRE AWARD The Indiana Federation of Republican Women presented Fulton County Republican Women’s Club President Kasey Hensley with the Sapphire Award on Saturday, April 5. The club achievement award was based off of leadership, membership, campaign activities, programs and community relations. From left are IFRW President Sovilla Mennen, Hensley and IFRW Second Vice President Cathy Mowry. Photo provided by Kasey Hensley.