Akron to improve wastewater infrastructure via $750K GRANT
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Akron’s wastewater infrastructure hasn’t been in compliance with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management since a number of years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its leaders are happy an Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Community Development Block Grant can help fix the issue.
The town learned it received the $750,000 CDBG about a month ago. Akron Town Clerk-Treasurer Rebecca Hartzler said Akron applied for the grant in late 2025 and received the full amount it had asked for.
Akron Town Council President Jim Saner said money will cover possibly adding a third treatment lagoon, putting a line from the wetlands to the lagoons and “refurbishing the lift stations.” The town is working on purchasing property for a new lagoon, north of the current lagoons, which are by Noyer Drive.
Though the town used federal COVID-19 relief money to fix lift station controls, the $750,000 grant will help Akron address its wastewater infrastructure needs more fully and help “the operations run a lot better,” said Hartzler.
Akron also hopes to get a no-interest or low-interest Indiana State Revolving Fund loan to fund the project as well as using some of its own money.
Hartzler said estimates are for the project to occur in fall 2026 or spring 2027 if everything goes by plan. Once the project is complete, IDEM “should release us from the agreed (noncompliance) order.”
Work the town has completed thus far to become in compliance includes installing backup generators at the lift stations, renovating the wetlands, repairing pumps and
using an aerator and chemicals to treat the wastewater.
“I just feel like we’re finally on the right track to getting a longterm problem corrected for constituents,” said Hartzler. “It has been the low-hanging fruit that just never seemed to be achievable, but our holdup every single time was funding the cost of the project and trying to get the grants.”
Saner thanked Shannon McLeod for writing the grant and Baker Tilly for providing financial guidance.
Hartzler noted Akron’s situation is similar to other small, rural communities dealing with aging infrastructure and limited finances.
“I just think this is going to really help our town,” said Saner. “We’re in the process of finishing up a water project ... for both of our towers, putting a new main in on the south end of town. We’re just looking for ways to improve our town.”
Hartzler added residents may
also see a wastewater rate increase on their bills in the future to help pay for the project. Any increase would be approved at a future Akron Town Council meeting. The wastewater project drawings will also be shown at a future meeting, with the public able to ask questions then.
People are welcome to attend meetings, held at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Akron Town Hall. Per a recent Indiana law, all meetings are livestreamed now, with people available to see them on YouTube via the link listed at akronindiana. com/events.
CHECKING THE METER — Akron Town Superintendent Jake Gearhart checks the flow meter out at the town’s wastewater lagoons. Photo by Leah Sander.
OCRA GRANT — Akron recently received a $750,000 Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Community Development Block Grant for a wastewater project. From left are Akron Town Superintendent Jake Gearhart, Akron Town Assistant Superintendent Anthony Newcomer, Akron Town Clerk-Treasurer Rebecca Hartzler, Akron Town Council President Jim Saner, OCRA’s Gerry White and State Rep. Jack Jordan. Photo provided by the town of Akron.
Teel focuses on student, staff safety as Valley SRO
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Mason Teel says the safety of students and staff is his focus as a school resource officer.
“The staff and the students are my priority,” he said. “My No. 1 thing is to make sure everybody gets home safe to their families at the end of the day. I pray for them every day, for all the staff plus the drivers, the students, all the schools, just we want everybody to get home.”
Teel, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy, started as a Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. SRO in January.
He replaced Rick Shepherd who took a job with Kosciusko County court security.
Teel is one of two SROs at Valley. While fellow KCSO Deputy Shaun Mudd oversees Akron and Mentone Elementary Schools and Tippecanoe Valley Middle School, Teel’s jurisdiction is Tippecanoe Valley High School and Burket Educational Center.
As such, Teel is serving as SRO for his alma mater, being a 2013 TVHS graduate.
Teel, who lives in Kosciusko County, originally planned to enter the military after high school graduation, but a sports injury during his senior year changed that.
He worked in construction for five years after graduating, but knew it wasn’t “something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Thus he entered law enforcement.
“If I couldn’t serve my country, I guess serving my community would be the next best thing,” said Teel.
Teel first worked at the Kosciusko County Jail as a correctional officer, starting in 2018. He became a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputy in 2019.
Around September 2025, Shepherd informed Teel he was leaving as SRO and suggested Teel replace him.
“I was still enjoying my job out with the patrol division,” said Teel. “I didn’t think I wanted to transfer that early in my career, and then I just kind of thought about it and talked with my wife about it, prayed about it, and it just kind of fell right into place.”
He added he doesn’t “regret it one bit” changing to SRO.
As SRO, Teel’s tasks are “primarily the safety and security of the building, making sure nobody can access the building without the proper procedures.”
He also works to “keep the peace” in both buildings he serves and mentor the kids as an older brother figure.
Teel said his favorite part of his job is serving in a “more positive” atmosphere than he saw while being on the road.
“I don’t see all the bad stuff, all the negative stuff out on the road anymore,” he said. “I see smiling faces and talk to some of the younger generation and just enjoy talking to them when
things are actually going good for them and stuff like that.”
Teel said he’d encourage
others to be SROs for the service aspect of it.
“I look at it more as being
there for somebody, and this younger generation sometimes may not necessarily have the best role models in life,” he said. “There are some struggles that they go through, and usually when somebody this age sees an officer, it’s not in a good way ... I try to be more of a positive influence.”
When Teel is not at work, he enjoys being outdoors and hunting. He’s married with two kids.
In a story in the March 18 edition, McKinley Burton’s name was incorrectly listed as MaKinley Burton.
NEW SRO Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy Mason Teel is the new Tippecanoe Valley High School and Burket Educational Center school resource officer. He started in that role in January. Photo by Leah Sander.
Good Neighbors
Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write the Shopping Guide News, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.
Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad.
This column now runs every other week. -o-
Our Daily Bread devotion books
Good neighbors: I have many Our Daily Bread devotion books I would like to donate to any interested party. They are beautiful booklets. I am near Wakarusa. Reply through this column. — A reader Croquet set
Good neighbors: I have a croquet set in fairly good condition. It needs a little improvement but not much. You may come pick it up near Wakarusa if interested. Reply through this column. — A neighbor
Let’s Study The Bible -
New questions
Egg cartons — Wanted: Used egg cartons you don’t need. Call (574) 354-9413.
Dennis the Menace books — Does anyone have Dennis the Menace books called “Dennis and the Bible Kids,” copyright 1980? Call (574) 5464413, ext. 4.
Metal table/chairs — Would any good neighbor have a small, round, metal table/chairs for patio that you would like to get rid of. Call (574) 773-7736.
LeapPad and book — We are looking for a cartridge along with a book called “Hit It, Maestro!” for a LeapPad. Also, do you have a LeapPad with a pen that you no longer want? Call (574) 646-2263.
Victory in Jesus
(Read: Romans 8:1-39)
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).
The Bible says, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). This chapter gives the answer: the Son of God. The blessings he brings make us “more than conquerors” (verse 37)!
Life (Romans 8:1–11). When God redeems you, he gives you a new life, not a new law; as you
yield to that life, you obey God’s law. Keep your mind centered on the things of the Lord (Colossians 3:1–4) and seek to please God in all things. Let the Holy Spirit live his life in you. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (verse 1).
Liberty (Romans 8:12–17).
We enter God’s family by the new birth (John 3); and adoption gives us an adult standing in his family. He deals with us as mature sons and daughters and not as “little children.” We can talk, walk, and use our inheritance right now. We are free, but we are still debtors to the Lord (verse 12).
Hope (Romans 8:18–25). We are not frustrated by the suffer-
ing we experience or see in our world because we have hope. When Jesus returns, we will enter into glorious liberty. The Spirit is the beginning of the harvest and assures us that the best is yet to come. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (verse 18).
Guidance (Romans 8:26–30). God’s purpose is to make his children like his Son, and he will succeed. The Spirit intercedes for us and guides us as we pray, and the circumstances of life work for our good, no matter how painful they may be. “And we know that all things work together for good to
Continued on page 4
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
O B ituaries
Roy D. Rodewald
U.S. Navy Veteran
Former Rochester resident, Roy D. Rodewald, 93, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:18 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at his residence in Russellville, Ky.
James O. Hartzler
Cherished Father And Grandfather
James O. Hartzler 82, Rochester, passed away at 8:42 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his residence.
On March 30, 1932, Roy Donald Rodewald was born in Tucumcari, N.M. to Otto and Monetta Baggett Rodewald. Growing up, he shared his childhood with two sisters and two brothers. Roy graduated from Logan High School in Logan, N.M. with the class of 1950. Answering the call of patriotism, Roy served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. Roy’s service stints included North Africa; Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay; Newfoundland; and Rhode Island. As a member of the Construction Battalion, the Navy Seabees, Roy specialized, with the elite force of the U.S. Navy that built and defended vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges and airfields, during wartime, peacekeeping operations and humanitarian efforts. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Roy and Donna Rice were married on April 14, 1951, in Roy, N.M. She preceded him in death in November 1952.
On June 20, 1959, Roy and Erma Helene Zartman were married in Plymouth. They have shared 66 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two wonderful children, a daughter, Teresa, and a son, Rob. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
As an electrician, Roy worked at Delco Electronics Corp., a division of General Motors, in Kokomo. He was a member of the UAW 292. Roy also attended the Nazarene Church in Rochester. During their Indiana years, Roy and Erma enjoyed bicycling around town and walking. At home, they annually planted a large garden and, each fall, enjoyed the bountiful harvest.
Left to cherish Roy’s memory are his wife, Erma, at home; a daughter, Teresa Oliver (Jay), Adairville, Ky.; a son, Rob Rodewald (Fredda), Bourbonnais, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Joseph Luera, Kayleigh Rodewald, Amanda Traynere (David), Hannah Groves (John), Daniel Oliver, Gideon Oliver and Noah Oliver; four great-grandchildren, Mirabelle Groves, Elias Traynere, Violet Groves and Wilhelmina Groves; a sister, Wanda Campbell, Fulton, Miss.; a brother, Jack Rodewald, Billerica, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Roy in death were his parents; a daughter, Belinda Trijillo; a sister, Betty James; and a brother, James Rodewald.
A celebration of life for Roy Donald Rodewald was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Pastor Jesse Spencer officiating.
Interment was in Citizens Cemetery.
Military graveside honors were conducted by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Continued from page 3
them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (verse 28).
Love (Romans 8:31–39). The Spirit of God makes the love of God real to us (Romans 5:5; John 14:23–27). The Father is for us (verses 31–32), the Son is for us (verse 34), and the Holy Spirit is for us (verses 26–27). Nothing can separate us from his love:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come ... nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (verses 35-39). Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
He was born on March 20, 1944, in Peru, the son of Orville Peter and June P. (Perry) Hartzler. From humble beginnings on the farm with sisters, Jim was a bit of a wild one in his younger days. From being in the third row at Woodstock to building and racing cars, both in town and Bunker Hill, he loved a good time. Countless stories would always be told about him and his friends running around town and getting into trouble. It seemed as though he had been a part of and seen it all. He would hold on to that love of music and cars his entire life, always repeating them to family and friends. These stories are some of the best memories his family will hold on to.
In 1971, Jim met Shari Foster through her sister. Shari was the love of Jim’s life, which was quickly apparent when they married six weeks after meeting. They were the “old fashioned” type of love that you don’t find anymore - not always flashy or loud, but always steadfast and loyal. Married 54 years on July 23, 1971, she proved to be the calm he needed to settle down from his wild days. Together they lovingly built their home with their own hands, providing a safe haven and calmness for their daughter and, later, grandkids. Jim always made sure Shari was OK, that she was warm enough and that the doors were locked. That was their love. As a provider, Jim retired from Proctor & Gamble in Plymouth after more than 35 years of service.
Shari had to take a backseat once their daughter, Jaymi, came along. Being an only child meant she needed all of her dad’s attention. From learning how to care for and raise any animal imaginable - including tons of strays - to shooting guns and learning how to garden, they were always outside together, where she never left his side. As she grew older, long road trips and a love of music were added to the list. The epitome of their time together would later be spent around high school and college track and cross-country courses. He lovingly (and loudly) watched her run millions of miles, break records, and rack up endless wins. He never missed a meet and quickly became a favorite among her teammates, especially college.
There was only one thing Jim was better than being a dad, and that was being a “Da.” His love reached an entirely new level once the grandkids - Lillith, Ashtan and Liam - came along. You could always find him taking them on tractor rides and trying to get semis to honk for them along the highway. Easter was always a challenge because he would never remember the final egg count after hiding them, often resulting in the kids finding more eggs the next season. He lovingly taught them the same things about nature that he had taught Jaymi, resulting in endless hours of exploring woods. He was the greatest teller of “tall tales”, which the grands always believed, hanging on to every word. Once the grands got older, he stayed busy cheering them on and never missed games - whether it was soccer, hockey, basketball or baseball. His most cherished possessions were his handmade beaded bracelets from Lillith and all of his hats from their college and high school sports teams.
Survivors include his wife, Shari Hartzler, Rochester; daughter, Jaymi (Shawn Spence) Hartzler, Rochester; grandchildren, Lillith, Ashtan and Liam; sister, Martha Leavell, Hastings, Neb.; and several nieces and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Marilou Priscilla Hoehne and Lillian Sue Pownall.
No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center.
Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Merl A. Tinkey
Merl A. Tinkey, 91, Akron, died at 1:15 a.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.
Merl was born July 23, 1934. On Nov. 8, 1980, he married Linda Youndt Spolski; who survives.
Additional survivors include his sons, Brett Tinkey and his wife, Lori, St. Joseph, Mich., and David Spolski and wife, Paula, Claypool; his daughter, Lichelle Moyer and her husband, Jeff, Harrisburg, Pa.; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Peggy Eaton and her husband, Garwin, and Shirley Polk and husband, Larry; and his brothers, Richard John ”Dickie” Tinkey and Norman Tinkey and his wife, Rozella.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Akron United Methodist Church, 121 N. Mishawaka St., Akron, with Pastor Eric Shafer officiating. Military honors were performed.
Interment was in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Memorial contributions may be made to Akron United Methodist Church; Beaver Dam Church (memo: Wheels on Fire), to assist community members who are fighting cancer; or Akron Lions Club. Online condolences may be expressed at hartzlerfuneralservices. com.
Shirley M. Wine
Caleb Lynn Martin
Emily and Merle Martin, Akron, are the parents of a son, Caleb Lynn, born at 5:08 a.m. Friday, March 25, at Blessed Begginings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 21 inches long.
Dorothea R. Martin
Evelyn (Ramer) and Leroy Martin, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Dorothea R., born at
2:42 a.m. Saturday, March 28, with Rhythms of Grace Midwifery Care. She weighed 7 pounds, and 12 ounces.
Janeta I. Ramer
Julianna (Imhoff) and Timothy Ramer, Argos, are the parents of a daughter, Janeta I., born at 3:06 a.m. Sunday, March 29, with Rhythms of Grace Midwifery Care. She weighed 8 pounds.
Shirley M. Wine, 89, Warsaw , died at 12:38 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Warsaw. She was born on July 6, 1936. On April 17, 1981, she married Richard Wine; who survives.
Additional survivors include her children, Melody Craig and Tammy Shepherd, both of Mentone, Angy (David) Tabb and Anita (Troy) Johnson, both of Warsaw, and Rich (Brandi) Wine, Tennessee; 15 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Richie Grim and Randy Grim; granddaughter, Tehya Grim; five brothers; and six sisters. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 26, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Jeff Pfeifer officiating.
Interment was in Mentone Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko, 1048 S. 325 E, Pierceton, IN 46562.
Donna Hisey
Donna Hisey, 82, Nyona Lake, died at 5:13 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport.
Arrangements are pending at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.
MERL A. TINKEY
ROY D. RODEWALD
SHIRLEY M. WINE
JAMES O. HARTZLER
The following are accidents and incidents investigated by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office during the past week: Accidents
7 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 6290 N. SR 25, Rochester. Driver: Jared Faulkner, 46, Bourbon. Faulkner’s vehicle hit a deer.
3:06 p.m. Friday, March 27, South US 31 and Wabash Avenue, Rochester. Drivers: Not listed. Two vehicles collided.
7:36 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 3823 N. SR 25, Rochester. Driver: Kyle Kauffman, 67, Warsaw. Kauffman’s vehicle hit a deer.
5:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 4061 E. 350S, Rochester. Drivers: William Sicks, 56, Hartford City; and Timothy Hadaway, 58, Monroeville. Sicks’ and Hadaway’s vehicles collided. Incidents
5:23 a.m. Thursday, March 26, North SR 17 and West SR 110, Culver. A vehicle had blown a tire and the driver did not have the tools to fix it.
6:54 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2000 block of Sweetgum Road, Rochester. A person reported not having contact with their son and was wanting officers to check on him.
3:24 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 300 block of East CR 450N, Rochester. Officers advised a man that the dog park was closed on Wednesdays.
3:11 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 1300 block of East CR 550N, Rochester. A person reported their neighbor cutting down their trees.
2:57 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, South US 31 and Sweetgum Road, Rochester. Officers investigated a disabled vehicle and got a wrecker for them.
1:19 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, North US 31 and West 18th Street, Rochester. A driver’s tire blew out and they were stuck in the median. The driver advised that their brother was on the way to help.
1:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 14000 block of East CR 100S, Akron. A person requested to speak with an officer regarding options.
11:26 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 1800 block of West Olson Road, Rochester. A person reported a bullet hole in their trailer.
10:47 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 4200 block of North CR 375W, Rochester. A person reported a
woman who was on their property and wanted to know if it violated a protective order.
9:58 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 9300 block of Prairie Street, Rochester. A person reported a neglected animal because the owner had been placed in a nursing home.
2:47 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 1000 block of West Third Street, Rochester. Officers investigated an
unoccupied vehicle.
8:03 p.m. Monday, March 23, 5000 block of Wabash Street, Rochester. A person called about damage and trash at property she had shared with her ex-husband. She was advised the matter was civil and to go through the court system.
2:36 p.m. Monday, March 23, 10000 block of SR 14, Kewanna.
A caller said a suspicious vehicle went behind a building and they believed there had been a theft during the past weekend. They also requested extra patrol due to the possible theft.
9:41 a.m. Monday, March 23, 800 block of West 13th Street, Rochester. A person said they were concerned about neglect of residents at a care facility. An officer spoke to the caller.
The following people were booked into the Fulton County Jail during the past week:
March 29 - Daniel Ned Witham, 49, 4311 E. 500N, Rochester, booked for a warrant arrest for Kosciusko County. No bond listed.
March 29 - Peter Paul Dancy III, 52, 6178 S. Birch Lane, Rochester, booked for a warrant arrest for Starke County. No bond listed.
March 28 - Eddie Lee Tyler Jr., 38, 10427 Bicknell Circle, Fishers,
C ounty R epo R t
Court
News
Circuit Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
Capital One, N.A. v. Corey Barnes, Rochester, $4,457.76; Christoper White, Rochester, $5,137.63
Everwise Credit Union v. Jerald Taylor, Rochester, $16,542.47
Midland Credit Management v. Devan Anetrella, Kewanna, $1,762.65; Cody Murphy, Akron, $2,631.41; Melissa Moore, Akron, $954.65; Jade Bailey, Rochester, $790.21
Superior Court
The following petition has been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Mortgage Foreclosure
Pennymac Loan Services, LLC v. Sara Nelson, Rochester, and Brett Nelson, Rochester, $164,534.75 Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts: Driving while suspended — Jeffery Blackstone, Frankfort, $164.50; Shelby Clark, Elkhart, $164.50
Holding a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle — Micah Jacobs, South Bend, $164.50
No valid driver’s license — German Mata, Miami, Fla., $154.50
Operating with expired plates — Mariah Smith, Rochester, $164 Speeding — Kohner Lappin, Kokomo, $154.50; Shaun Staunton, Yorkville, $154.50; Seann Tischler, Avon, $154.50; Chase Winberg, Delphi, $164.50; Zachary Beauchamp, Maryville, Tenn., $175; Kaitlyn Hoff, Indianapolis, $175; Khalil Wiley, Indianapolis, $175; Maria Woolever, Logansport, $154.50; Travis Baumbaugh, Granger, $164.50; Belinda Clark, Rochester, $154.50; Manuel Oritz, South Bend, $164.50; Karla Rodriguez, Indianapolis, $175; Dakota Mitchell, Indianapolis, $64.50; Rok Cerne, Indianapolis, $164.50; Robert Bucaro, Bloomingdale, Ill., $154.50
booked for a warrant arrest for a probation violation for possession of marijuana. Bond: $500 cash.
March 28 - Raymond Paul Stacey II, 25, 821 W. Melbourne Ave., Logansport, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction and possession of marijuana. Bond: $3,000 surety.
March 27 - Christopher J. Robbins, 35, 3741 N. 1050W, Medaryville, booked for a warrant for failure to appear for battery. Bond:
$200 cash.
March 27 - Sandra Marie Howard, 44, 461 E. Decker Drive, Winamac, booked for a warrant for a probation violation for theft. Bond:
$1,000 cash.
March 26 - Anthony Todd Sommers, 19, 2015 Westgate Ave., Plymouth, booked for minor possessing an alcoholic beverage. Released on his own recognizance.
March 25 - Anthony Chaz Carder, 33, 3045 N. 200W, Rochester, booked for driving while suspended with a prior suspension within 10 years. Released on his own recognizance.
Unsafe lane movement on road with two or more lanes Dean Throgmartin, Fort Pierce, Fla., $164.50
Marriage
Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts:
Spencer — Christopher Spencer, Rochester, and Tosha Spencer, Knox. No minor children.
Helm — Nathaniel Helm, no address listed, and Angel Helm, no address listed. No minor children.
March 24 - Kyle J. Dean, no age listed, 30638 Swede Drive, Elkhart, booked for a warrant arrest for driving while suspended. Bond: $150 cash.
March 24 - Juanita M. Robinson, no age listed, 8026 Louisville Way, Apartment B, Indianapolis, booked for a warrant arrest for possession of marijuana. Bond: $150 cash.
March 23 - April M. Lockridge,
no age listed, 1100 Park Road, Lot 61, Rochester, booked for visiting a common nuisance - controlled substances and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance. No bond.
March 23 - Heather Shell, no age listed, 1100 Park Road, Lot 61, Rochester, booked for visiting a common nuisance - controlled substances. Bond: $2,500 surety or $500 cash.
March 23 - Tristin M. Shell, no age listed, 1100 Park Road, Lot 61, Rochester, booked for manufacturing/dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, visiting a common nuisance - controlled substances/drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of marijuana/ hash oil/hashish/salvia, possession of paraphernalia and dealing a Schedule I, II or III substance. No bond.
March 23 - Lynden E. Swanson III, no age listed, 1100 Park Road, Lot 61, Rochester, booked for visiting a common nuisance - controlled substances/drug paraphernalia. No bond.
DANIEL NED WITHAM
ANTHONY CHAZ CARDER
PAUL DANCY III
KYLE J. DEAN EDDIE LEE TYLER JR.
JUANITA M. ROBINSON
RAYMOND PAUL STACEY II
APRIL M. LOCKRIDGE
CHRISTOPHER J. ROBBINS
HEATHER SHELL
SANDRA MARIE HOWARD
TRISTIN M. SHELL
ANTHONY TODD SOMMERS
LYNDEN E. SWANSON III
R ocheste R P olice R e P o R ts
The following are accidents and incidents investigated by the Rochester Police Department during the past week: Accidents
3:51 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2395 Main Street, Rochester. Drivers: Gary M. Missad, Wild Cherry Ridge West, Mishawaka; and Cody S. Griffith, Madison Street, Rochester. Missad’s vehicle hit Griffith’s moped.
3:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, Franklin Street and East Ninth Street, Rochester. Drivers: Karen L. Deeds, Rochester; and Michael P. Remley, Logansport. Deeds’ and Remley’s vehicles collided.
Incidents
4:17 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 700 block of East Fourth Street, Rochester. A verbal fight was reported.
7:30 a.m. Sunday, March 29, East SR 14 and Bessmore Park Road, Rochester. A caller reported a tote with puppies in it. The puppies were taken to the animal shelter.
12:20 a.m. Sunday, March 29, 1600 block of Madison Street,
Rochester. A fight was reported.
9:22 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2000 block of Peace Tree Village, Rochester. A person reportedly tried to steal a cart of groceries.
12:52 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 1000 block of Jefferson Street, Rochester. A person wanted to report fraud.
9:55 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 100 block of West Sixth Street, Rochester. A caller reported an unwelcome guest.
5:18 p.m. Friday, March 27, 3000 block of Country Club Drive East, Rochester. Someone reported an item stolen off their porch.
10:24 a.m. Friday, March 27, 300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A person reported he found a wallet.
4:40 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A woman asked an officer to tell her son she’s allowed to go through his cellphone.
10:03 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 800 block of Main Street, Rochester. Police checked on an animal in a vehicle.
8:11 p.m. Wednesday, March
25, 70 block of Rochester Plaza, Rochester. A person reported a physical fight near Dollar Tree.
10:52 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2100 block of Southway 31, Rochester. A representative from Rochester Motel reported a woman yelling for help. It ended up being a verbal fight.
9:11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 800 block of Main Street, Rochester. A person reported a vehicle had been taken by someone they knew.
10:18 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 700 block of East Fourth Street, Rochester. A person requested to speak with an officer in regard to a helicopter and small plane flying over their trailer.
10:12 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 1100 block of Park Road, Rochester. A person reported people with flashlights looking at cars and an empty house.
9:56 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 300 block of Westwood Lane, Rochester. A person reported a verbal fight between two people.
8:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, Elm Street and East 14th Street,
Rochester. A person reported two men screaming, bleeding and lying on the floor after hitting glass.
7:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 1700 block of Main Street, Rochester. Officers spoke with a person about having an open container in public.
5:43 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A person spoke to officers about a civil matter involving their vehicle and a mechanic not fixing it.
3:54 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 500 block of Mitchell Drive, Rochester. Maintenance at an apartment building noticed two air conditioners that were torn into and gutted.
3:36 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 800 block of Main Street, Rochester. A person pawned their PlayStation5 to be able to pay rent and now a family member was sending them harassing texts.
1:25 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 500 block of North SR 25, Rochester. A representative from Lau Industries reported a man who had been walking back and forth
in front of the building carrying a box and acting strange.
12:04 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 600 block of Indiana Avenue, Rochester. Officers investigated a report of a suspicious person.
11:46 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 600 block of West Sixth Street, Rochester. A person reported a vehicle sitting in their driveway over a two-day period and asked for the person to be trespassed.
10:04 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, Rochester Crossing Drive and Main Street, Rochester. A disabled vehicle was sitting in the intersection with flashers on.
4:29 p.m. Monday, March 23, 500 block of West Eighth Street, Rochester. A person requested to speak with an officer in reference to a protection order violation.
1:20 p.m. Monday, March 23, 100 block of West Third Street, Rochester. A person contacted police about a homeless person in their parking lot.
12:33 p.m. Monday, March 23, 200 block of West 18th Street, Rochester. A person reported the theft of air conditioning parts.
A complete listing of primary election candidates
Unsure who will be on the Republican and Democratic tickets for the May 5 primary election?
Here is a complete list of candidates for each party’s ballot.
The candidates listed will appear on ballots. The names of U.S. representative, state representative, township offices and town offices will differ based on the residency of the voter.
Republican Party
U.S. Rep. District 2 - Rudy Yakym
State Rep. District 17 - Jack
Jordan Prosecuting Attorney - Michael Thomas Marrs
County Circuit Court Clerk
- Dawn Ziemek
County Recorder - Debra Bock
County Sheriff - Travis
Heishman
County Surveyor - Seth White
County Assessor - Kasey A. Lee
County Commissioner District 2 - Theodore (Ted) Denton and Bryan W. Lewis
County Council District 1Matthew Finke and Pete Karas
County Council District 2Ron Dittman
County Council District 3 -
Chayse A. Thompson
County Council District 4 -
Randy J. Gundrum
Township Trustee
Aubbeenaubbee Township - Bonnie Pyle
Henry Township - Lisa Paxton
Liberty Township - Barb Kieninger
New Castle TownshipMegihann K. Leininger
Richland Township - Melinda L. Clinger
Union Township - Gail Karas
Township Board
Aubbeenaubbee Township
- Nicole Wentzel
Henry Township - Aaron Boling, Greg L. Groninger and Nyle Miller
Liberty Township - Donna Oberg and Linda Spangler Wade
New Castle Township - Meredith Adams and Elisabeth E.
Thompson
Richland Township - David R. Burketet and Steven P. Hines.
Union Township - Renell
Finke and Deanna R. Thomas
Wayne Township - Dale R. Herrold and Jay Powlen
Town Elections
Akron
Clerk-Treasurer - Rebecca Hartzler
Town Council - Antonio (Tony) Rameriz, James R. Saner and Richard Solano
Fulton
Town Council - David Johnson and Timothy A. (Tim) Strasser Kewanna
Clerk-Treasurer - JoAnn Collins
Town Council - Doran Collins, Jeffrey A. Finke and Philip s. Fritz.
Democratic Ticket
U.S. Rep 2nd District - Jamee Decio and Shaun Michael Maeyens
State Rep. District 17 - Mary E. Gibson.
Judge of Fulton Circuit Court - A. Christopher Lee
County Council District 4
- David Campbell and Josh Zehner
Richland Township Trustee - Sandra J. Rose
Rochester Township Trustee - Jayne A. Tyler
Wayne Township TrusteePeggy Dague
Aubbeenaubbee Township
Board - Sandy Dunfee
Henry Township BoardBarbara Lutterbein
Rochester Township Board
- Stephen R. Coleman, Dixie L. Good and Maria Kelsay
Wayne Township BoardMelanie J. Berry Hoover. Ballots for both parties will include electing convention delegates at-large and by districts.
NEWCASTLE BOARD MEM-
BER Fulton County GOP Chairwoman Amy Roe appointed Denise Williams to the Newcastle Township Advisory Board on Friday, March 27. Williams will finish the term of her late husband Randy Williams. From left are Roe; Randy and Denise Williams’ son, Stephen Williams; Denise Williams; Newcastle Township Trustee Megihann Leininger; and Fulton County Clerk Dawn Ziemek.
Photo provided by Amy Roe.
COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CENTER RECEIVES DONATION
— Akron Lions Club made a $1,350 donation on Monday, March 23, to Compassionate Health Center in Fulton County. CHC is an organization that provides underserved and uninsured adults in Fulton County with high-quality healthcare services.
The Akron Lions have helped support this mission in their community for decades. Shown from left are Lion Craig Brouyette, Lion Kirk Robinson, Lion Chris Herrell, Mary Kay of Compassionate Health Center, Lion 2nd Vice District Gov. Jim Steen, and Lion Woodney Francois. Photo provided by Faith Kamp.
WAITING TO HUNT
Kids in the age 0-3 category of the Fulton County REMC’s Easter egg hunt at the Fulton County Fairgrounds wait along with adults for the start of the hunt. Photo by Leah Sander.
GRABBING EGGS
Kids rush to grab eggs during the Fulton County REMC’s Easter egg hunt on Sunday, March 29, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. Photo by Leah Sander.
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Decent trees and sidewalks improve communities, said Rochester Sidewalk and Tree Commission members.
The commission has several upcoming public outreach activities for ensuring the city’s trees and sidewalks stay in good shape.
One of them is a Tree Inventory Workshop. It will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Rochester City Hall after the commission’s monthly meeting.
The city had Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management of Batavia, Ill., catalog every tree on city land during the past winter, including those on tree lawns in front of people’s homes. The information includes each tree’s condition and species.
“This inventory gives us am-
munition to start saying things like we need to diversify species, we need to plant more of this, less of that, we need to start concentrating in this area or that area where we have a lack or an abundance of trees,” said Commission President Eric Biddinger.
The tree inventory information is being uploaded to the city website.
People may see a demonstration of the information on April 7, with light refreshments provided.
The commission also will have a sidewalk edging event on Saturday, April 11, with Saturday, April 18, being a rain date.
The commission and volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. and focus on removing excess vegetation from sidewalks in the Columbia Elementary School area until noon.
To volunteer, people should email Commission Secretary
Anna Roe at gwr@rtcol.com.
She and Biddinger said they might consider having another edging day in the future.
Commission members also include Phil Kline, Phil Thompson and Jim Mulligan.
The commission also recently learned Rochester has once again received the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. According to information from the ADF, Rochester received the honor due to “maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.”
WITH THE EASTER BUNNY Frankie Greer poses with the Easter Bunny at the Fulton County REMC’s Easter Egg hunt at the Fulton County Fairgrounds on Sunday, March 29. Photo by Leah Sander.
Updates and happenings in the area
The Fulton-Liberty Lions Club annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Liberty Township Park, Fulton. Participants should meet at the pavilions. The hunt will take place in the ball fields and playground. Please leave plastic eggs in provided totes after finishing. Winners of $5 prizes will have their photos taken.
Age groups:
• 0-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6-8 years
• 9-12 years
—o—
The deadline to register to vote for the May primary election is Monday, April 6. Visit indianavoter.com to find your polling place and to check your registration. You can also sign up for an absentee ballot if necessary.
—o—
Fulton County commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, April 6, in the Fulton County Annex
Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
—o—
Joe’s Dogs will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Centennial Park, Rochester. Enjoy a hot dog and support those fighting cancer. All proceeds benefit Joe’s Hope.
• Combo special includes a hot dog, chips and drink for $7.
• Joe’s Deluxe Dog Combo includes ketchup, mustard, relish, chili and cheese, baked beans, and a drink.
—o—
The water board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, April 6, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
—o—
Sidewalk/tree board will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester. —o—
The Fulton County Community Health Fair will be held from
3:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.
Health screenings, community resources, vaccines, giveaways, and more. The first 50 participants will receives a free hygiene kit and a $10 gas card. All services are free.
—o—
The next Coffee & Conversation with the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 9, at Rochester Dining, 835 IN-25, Rochester. Complimentary breakfast is included with a chamber membership. Breakfast will also be available for purchase. Visit fultoncountychamber.com to register.
—o—
The Indiana Archaelogical Society will sponsor the 25th annual exhibition of prehistoric to historic artifacts from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at
the Miami County Fairgrounds, 1079 W. 200N, Peru. There will be more than 100 tables displaying some of the finest relics in the Midwest.
Free artifact identification and appraisal will be available. The event is free to the public. For more information, contact Patrick at (765) 472-7019 or Bryan at (765) 470-8784.
—o—
Kewanna-Union Township Public Library, Kewanna, will host “Stop Senior Scams” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11. Learn important information to help protect yourself from fraud and scams.
—o—
The park board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 13, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
—o—
First aid, CPR, and AED training will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Roch-
ester Fire Department, 2006 E. SR 14, Rochester. Call (574) 2236113 to sign up. A $25 certification card fee applies.
—o—
For mental health or substance use crisis assistance, call 4C Health 24/7 at (800) 552-30016.
—o—
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 404 Jefferson St., Rochester, offers the Helping Hands Store. It provides furniture, household items, and clothing to anyone in need. All items are free. Hours are 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, or by appointment. Call (574) 223-6898 with any questions.
—o—
A free meal is offered at Grace Church, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester, from 5:30-7 p.m. every Wednesday.
—o—
Parents with children ages 3-17 can apply for a free bed if they need one. Visit sleepinheavenlypeace.jotform.com to apply.
Putts Bar & Grill
Putts Bar & Grill
Upcoming events at Akron Carnegie Public Library
The following events will take place in April at Akron Carnegie Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron. For more information visit akron.lib.in.us or call (574) 893-4113.
Second Seasons Fitness
At 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, join fitness awareness sessions featuring chair exercises. The goal is to give adults a safe, convenient and effective way to build stamina, improve flexibility and balance, and have fun moving their bodies.
Baby & Me Story Time
Cultivate a love of reading in your little one while building vocabulary and fine motor skills. This program is designed for children 0-2. Join at 9:30 a.m. each Tuesday for a half-hour of songs, rhymes, stories and cuddles with your child.
Preschool Story Hour
Preschool Story Hour, “Outstanding Opposites,” will begin at 10 a.m Wednesdays. Children ages 3-6 will learn about opposites through singing, dancing, reading, crafting and more.
Birdwatching
April is the prime month for birdwatching as spring sets in. Observe birds feeding and building nests at the library. Birdwatching journals, binoculars and bird identifying books will be available. Come sit for a spell and enjoy the wonders of spring from the library’s comfy viewing area.
Adventure Backpacks
ACPL is launching Adventure Backpacks. In conjunction with Indiana State Parks, patrons with a valid library card and are in good standing may check out Ad-
venture Backpack.
It provides free gate admission to any Indiana state park. Explore at your leisure by hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, attending interpretive programs, birdwatching and visiting nature centers.
Each backpack includes binoculars, a “Bird Watching for Beginners” guide, flashlight, compass, first aid kit and an Indiana Recreation Guide, and may be checked out for one week.
Adult Readers’ Book Club
The Adult Readers’ Book Club will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2. Make new friends and discover new books. You choose the book and share what you read. The program meets once a month for one hour.
Good Friday
The library will be closed Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday.
Spring Break
Spring break at ACPL will be held April 6-10. Monday through Friday kids can enjoy the Great Garden Glitch Escape Room. It is
geared toward 8–14. Sign-up is required.
On Tuesday and Thursday, kids can stop in for a Spring Make & Take while supplies last. At 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, Kids Yoga with Katie McMullen will be offered. Spring Break Backpacks will be available starting Wednesday, April 1. Whether you are staycationing or travelling, everything you need to keep kids entertained is included in each backpack.
Board Of Trustees Meeting
The Akron Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the community room.
Card Making With Amy
At 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9, participants will create two cards in this one-hour class. There is a $5 fee to cover the supplies. Sign-up is required by Monday, April 6. Call (574) 893-4113 to reserve your spot.
YA Amplified YA Amplified will meet at 4 Continued on page 9
HUNTING Jackson Stewart hunts during the Akron Chamber of Commerce’s Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 28, at Pike Memorial Park. Photo by Leah Sander.
GREETING A BUNNY Wisteria Schoff visits with a bunny at the petting zoo at the Akron Chamber of Commerce’s Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 28. Photo by Leah Sander.
Tickets on sale for County Chamber awards luncheon
Tickets are on sale for the 2026 Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.
It will be on Thursday, April 30, at the Fulton Community Center, 204 E. Dunn St. Connections and hors d’oeuvres will be at 11:30 a.m., with the
Upcoming events
p.m. Wednesday, April 15. Middle school and high school students are welcome to attend this program, held on the third Wednesday of each month. Activities rotate between cooking, crafting and games. This month will feature crafting with Alana and Aggie. Sign-up is required.
Bird Presentation
second presentation will be held at 5 p.m. for high school and adults. For more information call (574) 893-4113.
The Chain Gang
lunch and year in review at noon and the awards ceremony at 12:40 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers.
People may reserve tickets by calling (574) 224-2666 or emailing chelsie@fultoncountychamber.com.
Letter to the editor Thanks to all who made Valley fundraiser a success
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Valley Hometown Fund Committee, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported the recent Valley Hometown Fundraiser basketball games. Thanks to the incredible generosity and enthusiasm of our community, the event raised over $4,000 for the Valley Hometown Fund.
This event would not have been possible without the time, talent, and dedication of so many individuals and groups. We would like to offer our sincere appreciation to Bryan and Ryan Murphy for serving as referees, Wayne Landis for announcing, and Owen Omondi for providing music throughout the evening.
A special thank you goes to Head Coaches Eli Henson and Rebekah Parker for their leadership and commitment. We also extend our utmost gratitude to our event sponsor, Rochester Telephone Co., whose support was instrumental in making this event a success. Additionally, we thank Splendor Boats for spon-
We welcome readers’ letters.
soring the “Shoot for a Klondike Bar” contest.
We are grateful to the Akron and Mentone fifth-grade basketball players and their coaches, Stuart Baney and Jon Ekhoff, for their participation, as well as to Kylene Crabb for her beautiful performance of the National Anthem. Thank you to the Akron and Mentone kindergarteners for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
We would also like to recognize all of the players who participated, including our local firemen, Valley staff and Valley alumni, for making the games both fun and memorable. A special thank you to Aaron Engbrecht for providing team shirts and to Shelly Holloway for custodial services.
Finally, we thank our entire community for showing up, cheering loudly and supporting a great cause. Your involvement continues to make Valley a wonderful place to live and grow.
Valley Family, Valley Forever, Micah Lukens
The Valley Hometown Committee
Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signatures will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Letters may be emailed to dpatterson@the-papers.com. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.
Send letters to: Shopping Guide News, 617 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.
On Thursday, April 16, the Tippecanoe Audubon Society will give a free bird presentation at 4 p.m. for children through middle school on “The Great Migration.” A
The Chain Gang will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. This group is for those who enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing or needlepoint and want to create with their own hands. Bring your materials and work alongside others who share this hobby. Open to all skill levels, from beginners to pro. Adult Crafty Corner
Adult Crafty Corner will meet
at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Participants will make a patriotic flower wall hanging. All supplies will be provided. Sign-up is required by Thursday, April 16.
Lego Club
Elementary-age children can let their imaginations run wild as they create and explore with Legos and Snap Circuits. The program begins at 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, and lasts approximately one hour. Kids can create something uniquely their own while building confidence and creativity with friends. Continued from page 8
EASTER EGG HUNT — Kids search during the Akron Chamber of Commerce’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at Pike Memorial Park. Photo by Leah Sander.
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P ublic A uctions
Live/Simulcast
Recreational Vehicle
Consignment Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, April 4. Located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Public Auction
5 p.m. Monday, April 6. Located at Ted’s Auction Center, 11536 4A Road.
auto parts, shop tools, scrap metal, mower. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Farm Toy And Advertising Auction
SMALLSQUAREBALES,40-60#second cuttingalfalfaandgrass.$7bale,cash only.574-835-1614,textpreferred.
Jerry Egolf
Real Estate And Personal Property Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, April 10. Located at 403 and 405 S. River Road Ext., North Manchester. Two homes and a workshop in two tracts. Advertising, petroliana, toys, local history, primitives and antiques, vehicles,
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Online Consignment Auction
Bidding open until Sunday, April 12. Pickup at 8550 Lincoln Highway, Plymouth. Oak Crest Auctions, oakcrestauctions.com.
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Pickup at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Next JCAP graduation is Friday, April 10
The public is welcome to attend the graduation of the latest Fulton County Jail Chemical Addiction Program class on
Friday, April 10. It will be at 2 p.m. at the jail, 2006 Sweetgum Road, Rochester.
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Endometriosis: What you should know
Editor’s Note: Elizabeth Rodriguez is a bilingual nurse practitioner at Woodlawn Health’s Akron Medical Clinic.
By ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ FNP-BC Woodlawn Health
As you move through your daily life, you may not realize that millions of women around the world are living with endometriosis - sometimes without even knowing it. During Endometriosis Awareness Month, it is especially important to understand what this condition is, how it can affect your body and what you can do if you suspect something is wrong.
Nurse practitioner Elizabeth Rodriguez explains that endometriosis is far more common than many people realize, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, most often between ages 20 and 30. When you have
endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus. This abnormal growth can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic tissues, causing inflammation and leading to symptoms such as severe cramping, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse and, in some cases, gastrointestinal discomfort.
One of the most devastating impacts of this condition is its potential to cause infertility. You may wonder whether endometriosis can be prevented. According to Rodriguez, the answer is no - not entirely. While lifestyle adjustments and early attention to symptoms may help prevent complications, there is currently no way to fully prevent the condition from developing. That is why recognizing possible signs early is so important.
The main symptom to watch for is severe pelvic pain - pain so intense that it may cause you
to miss work or leave you unable to function normally. This pain often worsens right before or during your period because of hormonal changes. You might also experience extremely painful menstrual cramps, abdominal or back pain, heavy bleeding or spotting between periods. If you begin experiencing these
Primary election early voting hours
Early voting will begin Tuesday, April 7, and end Monday, May 4.
Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 through Friday, May 1. Voting will continue at 8 a.m. Monday, May 4, but will end at noon.
All early voting during those dates will take place at the Fulton County Courthouse, 815
Main St., Rochester.
Two additional dates for early voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25 and Saturday, May 2.
Early voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the courthouse; Kewanna Fire Station, 404 Toner St.; and Newcastle Community Building, Rochester.
Early voting will be available from 8 am. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the courthouse, Aubbeenaubbee Township Building, Rochester and Grass Creek Fire Station, Rochester.
Applications to vote by mail in the primary can be filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court through April 23.
symptoms, you may wonder how endometriosis is diagnosed. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs can identify signs, but the only way to get a definitive diagnosis is through laparoscopy. In this procedure, a surgeon examines the pelvis with a small camera, collects a biopsy and may remove or destroy abnormal tissue at the same time. Although the procedure can be painful, it remains the most accurate diagnostic method.
Hormones play a significant role in worsening symptoms, and because hormone levels naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, this is not something you can fully control. However, you can influence symptoms through your lifestyle. Certain foods, such as red meat, processed foods, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol, may trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms. Heavy bleeding, digestive discomfort and increased pain are all common results of these dietary triggers.
Endometriosis can also affect your daily life more deeply than you might expect. Pelvic pain, fatigue and bloating can cause you to miss work or social events, strain relationships and affect mental health. Many women seek workplace accommodations, flexible schedules or remote work to help manage flare-ups. When it comes to treatment, there are options. Over-thecounter anti-inflammatory med-
ications such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Hormonal therapies, including contraceptives, can regulate or suppress the menstrual cycle, reducing symptoms. However, once these medications are stopped, the pain usually returns. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended - either to remove endometrial tissue while preserving reproductive organs or, in cases where pregnancy is not desired, to remove the uterus entirely. At home, natural strategies such as using heat, reducing stress, getting adequate rest and doing gentle exercise like yoga can help manage flare-ups.
Endometriosis can also affect fertility. About 30%-50% of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant because inflammation can lead to scar tissue, blocked fallopian tubes, damaged eggs or issues with embryo implantation. While pregnancy is still possible, it may be more difficult compared with women who do not have the condition.
You should consult a doctor as soon as you notice pelvic pain, severe menstrual symptoms, heavy or prolonged bleeding lasting longer than seven days, cycles spaced more than 35 days apart or pain that interferes with daily life. If you experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting or dizziness along with pelvic pain, seek medical attention immediately.
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ FNP-BC