Caston recognized in Ball State study
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Caston School Corp. Superintendent Angie Miller believes extra reading and math assistance for the corporation’s students are what has helped them do well on the state ILEARN test and subsequently got the corporation recognized in a recent Ball State University study.
Caston was mentioned in the study “A ‘Value-Added’ Measure of School Performance in Indiana,” completed by Dr. Michael J. Hicks and Dr. Dagney Faulk of the university’s Center for Business and Economic Research.
Hicks and Faulk named Caston as one of 10 school corporations in the state which improved their overall “value” based on eighth graders’ ILEARN scores from 2022 and 2025. That value was based off of Caston students doing well on the ILEARN despite having some barriers which could have hindered their progress.
Miller noted Caston has many low-income students.
She said the corporation has added extra educational interventions at the middle school as well as continued extra help for kids at the elementary level.
“If we just teach the same thing to everybody, that’s not going to make the improvements (needed), so I think there’s been a very concerted effort here to meet students where they are,” said Miller.
She added she thinks Caston’s 830 students in K-12 all being in the same building has helped educational results.
“If you look (at what corporations are recognized in the
study,) a lot of these schools are small, rural (ones), and I just truly believe that we know these kids,” said Miller. “We have far fewer kids that fall through the cracks because we know our kids, and then when you’re in a building that’s K-12 under one roof, I mean sometimes our secondary people reach back (to help elementary students), elementary people reach up to (help)
the secondary kids.”
She added with people talking over the years about consolidating smaller public schools, the Ball State study results showed that “small rural schools are a great place to educate your kids.”
Miller said Caston staff will continue to “keep working to get better, and first of all, building those relationships and then looking at data, so that we
know where our kids are.”
She emphasized Caston’s students doing well was due to “a team effort” among staff.
Miller added the study “was a great way to recognize our teachers for their hard work.”
“Sometimes you don’t get the good news,” she said. “You get the bad news, and this was something that gave them recognition, and I’m just very proud of them.”
Caston 8th grader among winners in banner art competition
Text and Photos By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Caston Junior High School
student Addisyn Tocco said “it’s really cool” for her to be one of the winners in a local banner art competition.
Tocco, of Logansport, was one of 20 winners in the Eta Mu Chapter of Psi Iota Xi’s annual contest.
All of the winners’ artwork is hanging on lampposts in downtown Rochester.
Tocco, who just finished eighth grade, previously finished as a finalist in last year’s competition.
As the art contest’s theme this year was “Legacy in Lines and Colors - Celebrating a Decade of Student Artwork,” Tocco said she included a 10 in her art piece.
“Around it, I had little doodles ... based off of art, so a hand with a paintbrush and a crayon box ... and stuff like that,” she said. “A
part of the theme was lines, so I had some thick lines and some thin lines.”
Tocco was instructed by Caston art teacher Abby Birnell-Beall.
The 20 winners were recognized at a reception in April at the Rochester High School Auditorium.
The contest is also sponsored by the Northern Indiana Community Foundation and the Honeywell Education Foundation.
Tocco said she enjoys practicing her art skills by doing designs on people’s nails.
Art is more of a hobby for her though as she currently plans to work in the medical field as an adult.
Tocco’s extracurricular activities have included National Junior Honor Society, student council, volleyball, basketball and cheerleading.
Her parents are Trent and Heather Tocco.
Kewanna-Union Township Public Library June events
The following events will take place in June at Kewanna-Union Township Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna. For more information, visit the Facebook page, the website at kewanna.lib.in.us, or call (574) 653-2011
Summer Lunches
Kewanna Union Township Public Library, in cooperation with Rochester Community Schools, is providing hot lunches for families during the summer break from noon to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, June 1 through July 23. Free for children 18 and under. Adults may purchase a meal for $5. Food must be consumed on the premises.
Smart Phone Questions
Join Ashley’s Tech Program, “Smart Phone Questions,” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3. Bring your smart phones with you for one-on-one help.
Modern-Day Dinosaurs By
Ellen
A program about modern-day dinosaurs will be held at 4:30 p.m.
Robot work
By RUSS DAVIDSON Guest Writer
I’m getting to old to mow the yard anymore. They say robots transform work into a hobby, so thought I’d try ordering one from China. After four weeks, they sent me one. It had three
buttons: button No. 1, mow yard; button No. 2, take out the trash; and button No. 3, voice control. I hit No. 1 - it mowed the wrong yard. I hit No. 2 - it threw my trash into the swimming pool. One button was left: No. 3. It said “Send me back.”
Thursday, June 4. Ellen Boardman, a Tippecanoe River State Park naturalist, will present an educational program about dinosaurs that are still alive today. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Money Management
For Senior Citizens Lake City Bank associates Kelli Cook and Lu Anne Stockberger, will be present “Money Management for Senior Citizens” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. Financial management is important for older adults to age well. Cook and Stockberger will share strategies to help your money go further. Everyone is welcome to attend this very informative program.
Play With Clay: Create
A Planter With Terra
By Jennifer
Join local artist Jennifer Weinert for “Play with Clay” from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11. Weinert will share her talent for working with clay to create unique pieces. Embrace your creative side while spending time with friends and enjoying sweet treats. All youth are welcome. Pre-registration is helpful. All supplies and refreshments are provided; just bring yourself.
Cookies & Canvas
Caston art teacher Abby Beall will present “Cookies & Canvas” from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18. Beall will share her talent and love of art with young artists. Participants will paint
step by step with instruction from an experienced and enthusiastic artist.
Embrace your creative side while spending time with friends and enjoying sweet treats. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind creation and a newfound talent. All young artists are welcome. Pre-registration is helpful. All supplies and refreshments are provided; just bring yourself.
Library Fundraiser Book & Movie Sale
A library fundraiser book and movie sale will be held from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20. The sale will take place during Kewanna townwide garage sales. Everyone is welcome to attend and select books and movies of choice from the sale collection. There is something for everyone. Stop in and pick out a bagful. Back to the Past: ‘Our Kewanna’ Come back in time. Local historian, Bob Clyde will continue his history program about Kewanna at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. This program is held at 1 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month. Be sure to attend this informative session.
Dino Party
A Dino Party hosted by the teens and tweens will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25. There will be dinosaur games, painting your own dinosaurs, dinosaur treats and fun.
“If
BANNER Addisyn Tocco’s banner art is hanging in downtown Rochester.
WINNER Addisyn Tocco, who just finished eighth grade at Caston Junior High School, was one of the winners in the Eta Mu Chapter of Psi Iota Xi’s banner art contest.
Let’s Study The Bible
Jesus asserts his deity
(Read John 10:2242)
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
“Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me” (John 10:25).
The Jews were still arguing with Jesus about what he said. Christ pointed out to them that they were not “of his sheep” and therefore could not believe. He here gives a beautiful description of true Christians, his sheep:
They hear his voice, which means they hear his Word and respond to it. The unsaved have little or no interest in the Bible; true sheep live in the Word. They know Christ and are known, (verses 14, 27). This is so that they will not follow a false shepherd. Church members who run from one religious system to another or one cult to another are proving they are not true sheep.
They follow Christ, which speaks of obedience. No one has a right to claim to be one of Christ’s sheep if he or she lives in willful, persistent, open disobedience and refuses to do something about it. Just as there are false shepherds, so there are goats who try to pass for sheep. One day Christ will say to them, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23).
They have eternal life and are secure. verses 28 and 29 declare the wonderful security true believers have in Christ. We have eternal life, not just life “for as long as we don’t sin.” We are in Christ’s care and the Father’s hand, a double assurance of eternal preservation for his sheep. We are the father’s gift to the son, and the father will not take back a gift.
Sheep are a beautiful illustration of Christians. Sheep are clean animals, and Christians have been cleansed from their sin. Sheep flock together, and so do true believers. Sheep are harmless, and Christians should be blameless and harmless. Sheep are given to wandering - and so are we.
Sheep need a shepherd for
protection, guidance, and food; and we need Christ for spiritual protection, daily guidance and spiritual food. Sheep are useful and productive; so are true Christians.
Finally, sheep were used for sacrifices; and Christians are willing to yield themselves for Christ as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1).
The Jews proved their unbelief by trying to kill Christ. He refuted them by quoting Psalm 82:6. If Jehovah called earthly judges “gods,” then surely he could call himself the Son of God. Careful never to put himself in unnecessary danger, Christ left the scene; many came to him and put their faith in him. By faith, they stepped through the door, out of the Jewish religious fold, and into the liberty and eternal life Christ alone can give.
Remember, every person must ask God to forgive their sins, and trust Christ as their Savior to go to Heaven (John 10:28-30).
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
FCCF grant helps sensory success project
The Fulton County Community Foundation granted $2,000 through the Grass Creek Memorial Fund to Columbia Elementary School for its sensory success project.
This project helps provide sensory-based learning tools and resources that support all students. Examples include visual aids and tactile items that can be catered to each child individually. Students benefit from sensory activities and learning materials designed to improve focus, communication, emotional regulation and classroom participation.
Educators utilized sensory tools and individualized strategies to help students feel more confident and engaged in their learning environments.
“This has supported students’ self-regulation, improved focus and contributed to a more positive and responsive learning environment overall,” said Chrissy Flynn, who made this project come to life.
The Grass Creek Memorial Fund was founded by Brad and Kathy Good.
“Brad’s mom, Ann Good, was a special ed teacher for many years,” said Kathy Good. “After she passed away, we knew she would want to give back to those students with special needs. In 2008, we started the Grass Creek Memorial Scholarship in her memory.”
Community members interested in supporting projects like this can learn more about grant opportunities and charitable giving through the FCCF.
For additional information, visit nicf.org.
Student named to dean’s list
Brandon E. Hammer, Rochester, was recently named to the dean’s list at Wabash College.
SENSORY SUCCESS PROJECT The Fulton County Community Foundation recently gave $2,000 to Columbia Elementary School for a sensory success project at Columbia Elementary School. Photo provided by the FCCF.
Carolyn D. Donaldson
Cherished Family Matriarch
A member of America’s Greatest Generation, Carolyn D. Donaldson, 96, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family and canine companion, Abby, when she passed away Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, at her home.
In Boone County, Carolyn D. Naylor was born on May 8, 1930. She was the cherished daughter of Earl William and Irene J. Adams Naylor. Growing up, she shared her childhood with her older brother, Donald. During her formative years, her strong work ethic was grounded and developed during the Great Depression. Carolyn graduated with her class in 1948 from North Manchester High School.
On June 10, 1948, Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, Devon L. Brubaker, in New Paris. They enjoyed 46 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children: Janet, Mike and Mark. Carolyn worked for many years as office manager of the Farm Bureau Lumber Yard in North Manchester. She later oversaw the soil-testing lab at the Farm Bureau Feed Mill, also in North Manchester. Later, she and Devon opened Miami County Lumber Co. in Peru, supplying area contractors with building supplies for about decade. Gifted with her hands, she also found time to make clothing for the kids, and of course, Janet’s baby dolls. Sadly, Devon passed away from a sudden illness in 1994.
On June 23, 2000, Carolyn married Gary C. Donaldson at Rochester’s Trinity United Methodist Church. They enjoyed nearly 26 years together and blended a beautiful family. She and Gary were members of Friends of Sycamore Sam’s Camping. They met up with friends at various campgrounds but especially enjoyed camping near the Mentone Airport Campgrounds or the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Each spring Carolyn and Gary planted a large garden. The bountiful harvest was enjoyed by family and special friends. She also loved enhancing the landscape of their home by planting colorful flowers along its border.
Continuing her professional career, Carolyn worked as a bookkeeper at Life Care Center until her retirement. She was also a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church for many years. With a servant’s heart, Carolyn volunteered as a member of Woodlawn Hospital Auxiliary for over a half century.
As the matriarch of the family, Grandma was proud to oversee her legacy of five generations. She was at home in her kitchen command post, creating a variety of culinary delights for special events and holidays. Among her specialties are pies of all types, as she made the most tasty crusts using lard. Most in demand were her two types of brownies, that she sweetly delivered to her kid’s offices for their work family to savor.
Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gary; children, Janet (Doug) Holcomb, Dr. Michael (Tina) Brubaker and Mark Brubaker, all of Rochester, Katheryn (Tom) Books, Beth Ann Ramsey and companion Alan Hight, all of Peru, Paul Donaldson, Marion and John (Laura) Donaldson, Westfield; 17 grandchildren, Ashley, Bryan, Matthew and Desiree, Michelle, Michaela and Travis, Dan, Dustin, Andy and Samantha, Vickie, Joe, Mary Ann, Michael, Nicole, Christopher and Jacob; 15 great-grandchildren, Everett, Wyatt, Nolan, Courtney, Brantlyn, Madison, Camden, Colton, Treyson, Asa, Evelyn, Isa, Mason, Danny and Austin.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Earl and Irene Naylor; her husband, Devon Brubaker, on Nov. 20, 1994; her brother, Donald Naylor; and daughter-in-law, Shelly Brubaker, on June 5, 2023.
A celebration of the life of Carolyn D. Donaldson will be at 10 a.m. EST, Friday June 5, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th Street, Rochester, with, Chaplain Teri White officiating. Her family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and an hour prior to services Friday.
Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester. Memorials may be directed to the Trinity United Methodist Church or the Woodlawn Hospital Auxiliary.
Online expressions of sympathy may be shared with her family at goodfamlfh.com.
Kim Marie Minix Devoted Mother
Kim Marie Minix, 67, passed away peacefully May 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters after a courageous 15-month battle with lung cancer.
Born April 3, 1959, in South Bend, Kim was the daughter of Edward Charles Lewis and Joan A. (Conklin) Lewis. She graduated from Riley High School in 1976.
Kim was a devoted mother whose greatest joy in life was her family.
For many years, Kim dedicated herself to being a homemaker and caring for her children. After her children graduated, she began working at Indiana Carton Company where she remained until her retirement in 2023.
Kim found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, crafting and making handmade blankets for her family. She also was a passionate supporter of her daughters’ sporting events, spending countless hours coaching, cheering from the sidelines, and encouraging them in all they pursued.
Kim will be remembered for her strength, unconditional love, creativity and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Left to cherish Kim’s memory are the father of her children, David Minix; daughters, Abigail Minix, Samantha (Dustin) Black and Ashley (Colt) Meadows, all of Rochester; 15 grandchildren, Tyson (Kimberly) Minix, Jordan Minix, Blake (Lisa) Minix, Brady Minix, Ava Minix, Mason Minix, Macaya (Efrain) Hernandez, Molly Himes, Jaciana Swope, Colton Black, Camdyn Black, Sophia Black, London Black, Carter and Corbyn Meadows; two great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Dolores Minix; and, her beloved dog, Maisey, a black-and-white Maltese.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daryl H. Minix, in 2017; brother, Jeffrey Lewis, in 2024; and father-in-law, Herbert C. Minix, in 2018.
A celebration of life for Kim M. Minix was held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Dr. Mark Spencer officiating.
Online expressions of sympathy may be expressed at goodfamilyfh. com.
Gary Robert Kline
Gifted Salesman
Gary Robert Kline, 69, Rochester, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home.
He was born Oct. 5, 1956, in Marion, to Robert and Alice (Frasure) Kline. Gary was a 1974 graduate of Northfield High School and attended the University of Saint Francis, where he played baseball. He spent his entire career in the automotive industry, a journey that took him from Florida to Northern California and eventually to Hawaii, where he spent many cherished years embracing the Aloha spirit, forming lifelong friendships, and enjoying the beauty of the islands’ golf courses.
He was a gifted salesman - gregarious, warm, and a natural people person who never met a stranger. He was a passionate sports enthusiast and hosted his own sportscast on the radio while living in Hawaii. After returning to Indiana in retirement, Gary became a member of the North Manchester Moose Lodge and continued enjoying the game he loved, most often at Sycamore Golf Club. Gary had a soft spot for animals, especially cats and dogs, and was known for feeding stray cats everywhere he lived, from the fields of Indiana to the hillsides of Hawaii.
He is survived by his companion, Janet Egolf, Rochester; family members, Kari, Russell and Evan and Anna Thirsk, Chicago, Ill., Nicholas, Jennifer, Kevin, and Kelly Mayerik, Winfield, Ill., T.J., Christian, Austin, and Josephine Murray, Cleveland, Ohio, Randy and Tracy Kline and Todd (Marcia) Kline, both of Wabash, and Keith and Kelly Kline, Columbia City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alice Kline, and Edward Mayerik.
A celebration of life for Gary will be held 2-4 p.m Sunday, July 5, at Arlington Public House, 703 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eddie Mayerik Foundation or the Fulton County Animal Shelter.
Della Louise Paul
Della Louise Paul, 86, formerly of Gilead, died Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Waters of Peru, Peru. She was born Sept. 16, 1939. In November 1958, she married Charles Verdon Paul; who preceded her in death March 30, 2020.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane K. Engel and husband Brian, Peru; son, Stephen Paul and wife Evey, Mexico; grandchildren, Shane McNeeley (Dana), Jacqueline Prior (Justin), Jessica Hoffman (Damon), Grace Ireland (Andrew) and Katelynn Ali (Mortahda); great-grandchildren, Inez Louise, named after Della, Owen, Wrenley, Quilynn, Baker, Blakely and Yasmine; four brothers, John Damron (Joyce), Bob Damron (Diane), David Damron and Michael Damron; and a sister, Kathy Ritter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Lenora Plothow.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, May 27, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with her brother, Pastor Johnny Damron, officiating. Friends may visit two hours prior to services in the funeral home.
Interment will be in Gilead Cemetery, Gilead.
Memorial contributions may be made to North Miami Elementary School.
Online condolences may be expressed at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Ava C. Correll, 72, Rochester, died at 10:10 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Life Care Center of Rochester.
Arrangements are pending with Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.
Gordon Easterday
Gordon Easterday, 71, Rochester, died at 7:22 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Hickory Creek at Rochester.
Arrangements are pending with Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.
ROBERT GARY KLINE
KIM MARIE MINIX
DELLA LOUISE PAUL
Ava C. Correll
CAROLYN D. DONALDSON
Special Olympics of Fulton County seeks volunteers
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Special Olympics of Fulton County needs volunteers.
Leaders of the nonprofit, which allows people with special needs to compete in sports, hope to have a new coordinator or co-coordinators as well as coaches, board members and volunteers.
Bonita McPherson, who currently serves as coordinator, noted many of those who help currently are getting older.
Currently serving as assistant coordinator is Carol Housouer. On the board or helping out are Fred and Ann Bauman, Bryan Holcomb, Greta Landis, Norma Lucy, Michelle Wallace-Bunge, Jamie Kirkwood, Chelsey Correll and Jake Good and Michelle Maroney.
The board generally meets at 5:30 p.m. once a month on Tuesdays at the Fulton County Museum.
Special Olympics started in Fulton County in 1989. It’s associated with the Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services.
Athletes currently compete in bowling, basketball and track and field. Fulton County may offer bocce for those 30 and older if enough people join.
There were 19 athletes who competed recently in Fulton County.
“We practice at (Rochester) Middle School for basketball,” said McPherson. “We use (Country Lanes in Rochester) for bowling.”
Athletes travel to other counties to compete, with games occurring during the school year. Those eight and older may participate.
The Fulton-Liberty Lions Club helps fund Special Olympics of Fulton County by hosting a bingo fundraiser each year and later giving the money to Special Olympics.
People may also donate to Special Olympics of Fulton County by giving through Kroger’s rewards program a few times a year or by shopping at the Community Project Thrift Store in Rochester.
To apply to be a coordinator, coach, board member or volunteer, people should first reach out through the Special Olympics of Fulton County Indiana Facebook page or email volunteers@soindiana.org.
They then will fill out an application at soindiana.org, with a background check as part of the process. There’s also training for coaches.
Board member, coordinator and coach applicants should be 18, but teens younger than that are welcomed as volunteers.
People may also apply to be athletes competing for Fulton County.
To sign up an athlete, people may message through the Special
Olympics of Fulton County Indiana Facebook page or apply at soindiana.org.
Lucy, who also works with those with special needs as a
career, said Special Olympics is valuable because it makes people “active (and) healthy.”
“(It’s) something to share with their friends and (builds) rela-
C ounty R epo R t
Court News Circuit
Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, with Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
U.S. Bank National Association
d/b/a Elan Financial Services, v. Whitney Thomas, Rochester, $4,645.38
Mortgage Foreclosure
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC v. Kasper Morgan, Plymouth, and Abigail Morgan, Rochester, $144,309.65
Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts:
Disregarding stop sign — Jennifer Koon, Denver, $189.50
Driving while suspended — Breydon Adkins, Rochester, $164.50; Mikel Foreman, Macy, $164.50
Driving while suspended, operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility, failure to register — Michael Thompson, North Liberty, $225
Failure to change lanes for authorized emergency vehicle, fails to move one lane — Sumer Leathers, Goshen, $165
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility, driving while suspended, no valid driver’s license — Randy Berkey, Goshen, $225
Operating with expired plates — Penny Summe, Macy, $164
Overbag/possession limitcrappie (25) — Robert Crow, Culver, $149.50
Speeding — Christy Najera, Saint Joseph, Mich., $175; Tony Medrano-hernandez, Goshen, $164.50; Kaydence Hughes, Lafayette,
$164.50; Melquinceded Hernandez, Framingham, Mass., $154.50; Jennifer Kramer, Crestwood, Ill., $164.50; Deshawn Credit, Kentwood, Mich., $154.50; Daniel Faris, Rochester,
tionships within the community,” she said, adding that members of the day service program she worked with talked about “the whole community cheering
$164.50; Gregory Kreegar, Carmel, $154.50; Rebecca Partin, Royal Center, $154.50; Nehemie Gaston, Logansport, $164.50; Bianca Baptist, Berrien Springs, Mich., $154.50;
for the basketball team for two months (after that).”
“It’s just really, really important to their daily lives,” said Lucy of Special Olympics.
David Stephens, Pendleton, $154.50; Melissa Leary, Lanesville, $154.50
Unsafe lane movement, no driver’s record of duty status — Travis Benn, Jackson, Mich., $200
Fulton County Amateur Radio Club to practice emergency communication skills
The Fulton County Amateur Radio Club will participate in the annual American Radio Relay League Field Day event at 2 p.m. Saturday June 27, at the Richland Restoration Nature Park.
Local officials and the general public are invited to see how local amateur radio operators would set up their equipment to be able to provide emergency communications in the event of a disaster. Information about amateur radio will also be available for those interested in the hobby and emergency communications.
Club members will set up portable antennas and amateur radio equipment and make contacts with other amateur radio operators throughout the United States and North America. Richland Restoration Nature Park is located on CR 450N, west of old US 31, north of Rochester. The park is located north of the Bark Park. Follow the drive north to
the two shelters. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, 1728 E. SR 14, Rochester.
The Fulton County Amateur Radio Club has partnered with the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to provide information during severe weather outbreaks through the National Weather Service Sky-
War program.
The Fulton County Amateur Radio Emergency Service group also assists the county when needed if normal communications systems fail and emergency communications are required. For more information about the event, email the Fulton County Amateur Radio Club at fcarcindiana@amail.com or visit the Fulton County Amateur Radio Club Indiana Facebook page.
BASKETBALL TEAM Members of the most recent Special Olympics of Fulton County basketball team and their coaches are shown. Pho-
to provided by Special Olympics of Fulton County.
s heri FF ’ s o FF i C e r eports
The following are accidents and incidents investigated by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office during the past week: Accidents
10:27 p.m. Sunday, May 31, SR 17, Rochester. Driver: Dewayne Steele, 37, Rochester. Steele crashed his motorcycle. He was cited for operating without a motorcycle endorsement and without insurance.
4:20 a.m. Sunday, May 31, SR 25, Rochester. Driver: David Wireman, 53, Logansport. Wireman’s vehicle struck a deer.
7:09 p.m. Friday, May 29, SR 25 and CR 600S, Rochester. Driver: Amy Rentschler, 40, Rochester. Rentschler’s vehicle struck a deer.
10:44 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 5300 block of State Road 25, Rochester. Driver: Kordelia Fulton, 22, Rochester. Fulton reported her vehicle was struck by another vehicle that left the scene.
4:03 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, CR 450N and CR 250E, Rochester. Driver: Joshua Harvey, 41, Rochester. Harvey crashed his motorcycle. He declined medical treatment.
12:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, SR 114, Rochester. Driver: Petrie Duvall, 20, Logansport. Duvall’s vehicle struck a deer.
8:31 p.m. Monday, May 25, US 31 and CR 550N, Rochester. Driver: Michael Clizbe, 30, Corydon. Clizbe’s vehicle struck a deer.
11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 24, US 31 and CR 550N, Rochester. Driver: Paidashe Hove, 44, McCordsville. Hove’s vehicle struck a deer.
12:40 a.m. Saturday, May 23, CR 600W and CR 475N, Rochester. Driver: Logann Hatfield, 27, Rochester. Hatfield reported the brakes on his vehicle locked up, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole.
Incidents
7:36 a.m. Monday, June 1, US 31 and Wabash Avenue, Rochester. Miami County officials reported a possible disabled vehicle. Police found the driver had pulled over to use a cellphone.
12:49 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2000 block of Sweetgum Road, Rochester. A resident sought information about removing a vehicle from her property and was advised of her options.
10:51 p.m. Saturday, May 30, US 31 and CR 50E, Rochester. A disabled vehicle was reported. The driver said the vehicle had run out of fuel and he was returning with gasoline.
8:17 p.m. Saturday, May 30, North Toner and East Main streets, Kewanna. Kewanna police received a report of two males operating a minibike recklessly.
7:27 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2000 block of Sweetgum Road, Rochester. Individuals came to the sheriff’s office seeking information about vouchers or locations where they could camp at no cost.
4:51 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 3400 block of CR 450N, Rochester. A homeowner reported possible trespassers on the property. The caller said there had been previous break-ins at a barn and residence and believed individuals may have been inside one of the barns.
8:23 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2900 block of Main Street, Macy. A caller had questions regarding property left behind by a former resident who had been evicted. He was advised of his options and informed officers do not transport personal belongings during evictions.
6:43 p.m. Friday, May 29, 6300 block of CR 825E, Rochester. A homeowner reported returning home to find the garage door open and a generator and firearms missing.
5:07 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2100 block of Heritage Drive, Rochester. A caller reported individuals entered a shed and left, though their vehicle remained in the driveway. The caller later advised the individuals were friends of her son and had apparently
removed their own belongings.
2:02 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2000 block of Sweetgum Road, Rochester. A woman requested to speak with an officer regarding a petition.
7:42 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 200 block of Rural Street, Akron. School officials reported vandalism to a school bus.
4:12 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2300 block of CR 200N, Rochester. Police received a report of a man walking while talking on the phone and stating he needed to “lay low.”
10:07 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2000 block of Sweetgum Road, Rochester. A caller from South Bend requested transportation to the Fulton County Jail to serve a sentence. He was advised the sheriff’s office does not provide such transportation and was instructed to follow court directives and contact his attorney.
6:21 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 900 block of Vintage Drive, Rochester. A caller reported a medical package had been stolen from a porch.
10:23 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, SR 14 and CR 300W, Rochester. A FedEx truck was reported parked in the roadway. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
2:18 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, US 31 and CR 400S, Macy. Police received a report of a semitrailer unable to maintain its lane. Officers located the vehicle and observed no violations.
9:10 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 3200 block of West Olson Road, Rochester. Officers assisted with a vehicle lockout.
11:35 p.m. Monday, May 25, 3400 block of CR 450N, Rochester. Police received a report that items had been stolen from a barn. After checking the property, officers found everything appeared to be in order.
7:40 a.m. Monday, May 25, 500 block of North Miller Street, Fulton. A resident reported the theft of a glider, TV stand, lawn mower, leaf blower, weed eater, ladders, end tables, kitchen table, recliners, dishes and cookware. The caller was advised the matter was civil in nature.
8:43 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 7300 block of Liberty Avenue, Fulton. Fulton police received a report of fraud involving an Amazon account.
4:42 p.m. Sunday, May 24, Old US 31 and CR 375N, Rochester. A disabled vehicle was reported leaking fuel and possibly having a blown tire. The vehicle was unoccupied, and a towing service was called.
11:23 p.m. Saturday, May 23, Old US 31 and CR 400S, Rochester. Debris was reported in the roadway.
10:28 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 1700 block of West Olson Road, Rochester. A resident reported items had been removed from a delivered package.
9:33 p.m. Friday, May 22, US 31 and Sweetgum Road, Rochester. A vehicle was reported being driven without headlights. Police located the vehicle, and the driver said she may have accidentally switched them off while talking with her children.
11:04 a.m. Friday, May 22, 300 block of W. Brown St., Fulton. Fulton police investigated a report of suspicious activity. A resident found surgical gloves in his yard while mowing and reported other concerns. Officers found no evidence of criminal activity.
10:29 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 4300 block of SR 25, Rochester. A resident reported someone had dumped a recliner, shelving unit and children’s toys on his property.
7:24 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 6300 block of Maple Lane, Rochester. A resident reported receiving a text message claiming a warrant would be issued if he failed to appear in court on a specified date. He requested to speak with an officer regarding the apparent scam.
3:32 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 100 block of West Rochester Street, Akron. Akron police were notified by bank employees that two men attempted to cash fraudulent checks.
F ulton C ounty J ail
The following people were booked in the Fulton County Jail during the past week:
May 31 - August Jerome Doty, 24, 726 S. 450E, Kokomo, booked for domestic battery. No bond.
May 31 - Arsimio Jwan-Lee Fox, 37, 1105 E. Jefferson St., Kokomo, booked for possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle without ever obtaining a license. Released on his own recognizance.
May 31 - Calum Austin St. Clair, 27, 1632 Elm St., Rochester, booked for domestic battery. No bond.
May 30 - Wayne Allen Mullet, 25, 3491 E. County Line Road, Nappanee, booked as a habitual traffic violator. Bond: $2,500 surety or $500 cash.
May 29 - Kyle Booth, 24, 6120 Westhaven Drive, Apt. 206, Zionsville, booked for operating a vehicle
while intoxicated and possession of marijuana. Released on his own recognizance.
May 27 - Shyann Lynn McCarty, 30, 1715 S. Taylor St., South Bend, booked on an Elkhart County warrant.
May 27 - Andrea McKay Potter, 19, 8320 S. Bridge Road, Monterey, booked for resisting law enforcement and on a warrant for probation violation related to a possession of methamphetamine charge. No bond.
May 26 - KC Sweet, 31, 4211 N. 200W, Rochester, booked for resisting law enforcement and on a warrant for parole violation. No bond.
May 25 - Bryce A. Hardesty, 36, 824 1/2 Main St., Rochester, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction, operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol
concentration of 0.15% or more, resisting law enforcement and leaving the scene of a property-damage crash. Bond: $2,500 surety or $500 cash.
May 25 - Michael Joseph Moser, 46, 820 Jefferson St., Rochester, booked for leaving the scene of a property-damage crash and possession of marijuana. Released on his own recognizance.
May 24 - Virginia Michelle Roberts, 60, 2967 Main St., Macy, booked for domestic battery. No bond.
May 23 - Keshanna Stokes, 48, 120 W. Temp St., Apt. 40, Anderson, booked for driving while suspended and on a Wabash County warrant.
May 22 - Tial Bik Cung, 33, 5065 Pillar Creek Ave. SE, Kentwood, Mich., booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Released on his own recognizance.
AUGUST JEROME DOTY
ARSIMIO JWAN-LEE FOX CALUM AUSTIN ST. CLAIR
WAYNE ALLEN MULLET
KYLE BOOTH
SHYANN LYNN MCCARTY
ANDREA MCKAY POTTER
KC SWEET
BRYCE A. HARDESTY
MICHAEL JOSEPH MOSER
VIRGINIA MICHELLE ROBERTS
KESHANNA STOKES TIAL BIK CUNG
MEMBER OF THE MONTH Everwise Credit Union was the May Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month. Photo provided by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce.
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
9:51 p.m. Friday, May 29, SR 25 and Airport Road East, Rochester. Driver: Lynden E. Swanson III, Park Road, Rochester. Swanson’s vehicle struck a deer.
9:26 a.m. Thursday, May 28, Main Street, Rochester. Driver: Cory R. See, West CR 600N, Rochester. See was involved in a property-damage accident in a business parking lot.
1:35 a.m. Monday, May 25, West Side Road, Rochester. Driver: Bryce Hardesty, Main Street, Rochester. Hardesty’s vehicle sideswiped a tree. Incidents
6:12 p.m. Sunday, May 31, Pontiac Street and West 11th Street, Rochester. Police received a complaint about loud music that had reportedly been playing for several hours. The caller was advised it was only 6:20 p.m. and those involved could continue their gathering.
9:44 a.m. Sunday, May 31, 1300 block South Park Road, Rochester. A member of the park board requested
to speak with an officer regarding people staying in tents at the park.
8:53 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 1300 block of South Park Road, Rochester. Police were notified that someone had pitched a tent near the park entrance. The caller expressed concern that children were inside the tent. Officers spoke with those involved and advised they could remain in the park for the day but could not camp overnight.
9:35 a.m. Sunday, May 31, CR 400E, Rochester. A vehicle owner reported damage to her vehicle while it was parked.
11:23 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 1500 block of Bancroft Avenue, Rochester. A caller reported someone entered his residence while he was away and left a threatening message written on a wall.
9:13 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 1300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A scooter was found on a sidewalk and had reportedly been there since 6 p.m. Police collected the scooter.
8:12 p.m. Friday, May 29, Lakeshore Drive and Ewing Road, Rochester. A resident reported a motorcycle and several vehicles speeding in the area.
7:27 p.m. Friday, May 29, 500 block of East Ninth Street, Rochester. Vehicles were reported blocking the roadway because of long lines near a business entrance. Police found no traffic obstruction.
11:02 a.m. Friday, May 29, 300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A citizen turned in a wallet found at Kroger.
10:16 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2300 block of Main Street, Rochester. Walmart employees reported the theft of a handheld self-checkout scanner. Police spoke with the suspect, who said the scanner had accidentally been placed in a shopping bag. The scanner was recovered and returned.
11:19 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 1300 block of Washington Street, Rochester. A vehicle owner who had lost a key fob at the ballpark requested assistance accessing the park after hours. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the key fob.
5:54 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 18th and Monroe streets, Rochester. Police received a report of a woman sitting near trees in a yard. She was gone when officers arrived.
4:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 300
block of Main Street, Rochester. A man reported that he and his sister were nearly struck by a vehicle while walking through a business parking lot. A photograph of the vehicle’s license plate was provided to police.
3:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 700 block of Main Street, Rochester. A renter reported a dispute with a landlord regarding a parking space.
9:49 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 700 block of East Fourth Street, Rochester. The theft of a bicycle was reported.
4:28 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 400 block of West Eighth Street, Rochester. Dispatch received a call with no response from the caller. After a follow-up text message, the resident advised the call had been accidental.
4:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 500 block of East 14th Street, Rochester. A property owner reported former tenants returned after an eviction, kicked in a door, damaged property and removed items from the residence. The owner was advised the matter was civil in nature.
3:06 p.m. Monday, May 26, 1200 block of College Avenue, Rochester. Police received a report that a man entered a property and removed sev-
The Support Cafe to leave physical space, continue community support efforts
The Support Cafe recently announced it will vacate its current physical location before Monday, June 1, while continuing its mission of supporting individuals and families across Fulton County.
Since opening, The Support Cafe has served as a gathering place for recovery support, mental health connection, meals, community conversation and crisis response. Over time, some of the needs that originally drove the creation of the space have also begun to be addressed by a growing network of organizations, churches, volunteers and community partners.
Celebrate Recovery programs have continued to grow and strengthen. 4C Health has reduced time-to-service for many individuals seeking behavioral health support. Meal programs hosted at several churches - including the new “Fishes & Loaves” Saturday evening program - have expanded food access and community connection. The county warming shelter effort has also continued to mature, improve and stabilize.
“In some important ways, this community looks different than it did just a few years ago,” said The Support Cafe Founder Pat Brown. “That matters. People stepped up.
Organizations adapted. Partnerships formed. We should recognize that progress honestly.”
Brown emphasized, however, the community’s deepest challenges remain unresolved.
“The work still lies in front of us,” he said. “Substance use, mental health struggles, isolation, poverty, hopelessness - we cannot keep treating these only after they become crises. We have to begin understanding many of these outcomes as preventable from the very beginning of life.”
While the organization is leaving its physical location, Brown said the work itself is continuing with a more focused direction.
“Our focus moving forward will be on continuing to provide on-demand, pay-what-you-can - and free-if-you-can’t - behavioral therapy services,” said Brown. “The address is changing. The commitment to people is not.”
Brown said a growing body of research has convinced him newborn and toddler development must become a central community priority moving forward.
“The evidence is definitive,” he said. “Lives are shaped during the years when diapers are being changed, language is developing,
stress is being absorbed and connection is either present or absent. If we want different outcomes later - in schools, addiction recovery, employment, mental health, violence or poverty - we have to begin earlier. That is where much of my focus will be moving forward.”
Brown also said the transition will allow greater focus on longterm systems coordination and community outcomes.
“I’m leaving an address, not a community - and not the people who have touched my life here,” he said. “The stories, struggles, honesty, resilience and humanity I’ve witnessed inside these walls will stay with me forever. I have been changed by the people I’ve met through this work.”
“As we move forward, I want to spend more time helping systems work better together - more coordinated, more outcome-focused, more integrated and more connected to one another,” he said. “Communities work best when support isn’t fragmented or competitive, but collaborative and accessible.”
The Support Cafe expresses gratitude to volunteers, donors, partner organizations, churches, local leaders and community members who contributed time,
eral chairs.
10:11 p.m. Monday, May 25, Wabash Avenue and Mitchell Drive, Rochester. An individual reported a vehicle clipped his arm while he was walking. No injuries were reported. 11:17 a.m. Monday, May 25, Oakwood Drive, Rochester. Eric M. Love reported damage to a fence caused by a hit-and-run vehicle.
8:35 a.m. Monday, May 25, Mitchell Drive, Rochester. A caller reported a tree had been damaged after being struck by a vehicle.
4:47 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2300 block of Main Street, Rochester. The theft of a bicycle was reported.
4:29 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A woman reported a dispute with a person who had provided money for Amazon purchases and was now demanding a refund and making threats.
2:46 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 300 block of Main Street, Rochester. An individual reported losing an iPad that had fallen from the roof of a vehicle.
2:44 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2800 block of Fort Wayne Road, Rochester. A Michigan resident reported being the victim of an alleged vehicle-purchase scam. The caller said he paid for a vehicle but never received it and could no longer contact the seller.
2:17 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 700 block of Main Street, Rochester. The theft of flowers from a planter was reported.
1:02 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 2300 block of Main Street, Rochester. A man reported $20 had been taken from his pocket while shopping. Store video reportedly showed the person behind him picking up the money.
11:03 p.m. Saturday, May 23, McDonald Drive and Southway 31, Rochester. Police conducted a traffic stop.
3:02 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 600 block of Zebra Lane, Rochester. Officers conducted foot patrol at Rochester Middle School.
10:50 p.m. Friday, May 22, 100 block of East Eighth Street, Rochester. Police received a report of a man waving a gun near the entrance of a business.
9:36 p.m. Friday, May 22, 1500 block of Wallace Avenue, Rochester. A homeowner returned from a store and found a doorknob damaged. A glass urn containing ashes was reported stolen.
encouragement, meals, expertise and compassion over the life of the physical space.
Additional information regarding ongoing services and future efforts will be shared in the coming weeks.
4:04 p.m. Friday, May 22, 200 block of Rouch Place Drive, Rochester. A theft that reportedly occurred earlier in the week was reported. Most of the stolen property was recovered from a purse left at a business.
11:46 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2300 block of SR 14, Rochester. A boat was initially reported stolen. It was later determined the boat had broken free from its dock and was recovered.
NEW ELKS LODGE MEMBERS — Rochester Elks Lodge No. 2120 recently initiated new members at the Elks lodge, Rochester. New members from left are Stephiane Rudig, George Schwenk, Dan Copley, Marcia
Payne, Phil Bowers, Karl Murray, Kelly McCall and Kayla Thrush. Photo provided by Sandy Eck.
Rochester
had a pool party on Thursday, May 28, at the Rochester City Pool due to them doing well on the state ILEARN test recently, said
ter City Pool on Thursday, May 28. The entire middle school got a yearend pool party due to them doing well on the state ILEARN test recently, said RMS Principal Cassie Murphy.
Upcoming events at Akron Carnegie Public Library
The following events will take place in June at Akron Carnegie Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron. For more information, visit akron.lib.in.us or call (574) 893-4113.
Summer Reading Program
“Unearth a Story” begins Wednesday, June 3. Children who are enrolled in summer reading program can earn points for prizes and participate in weekly activities. Registration is currently open to those who have a valid Evergreen library card and are ages 3-18. The program runs through July 23.
Chalk The Walk
“Chalk the Talk” will take place Wednesday, June 3, as part
of the summer reading program. Participants are encouraged to create chalk drawings on the sidewalk. Chalk is available at the front desk during regular business hours. Be sure to signup if you have not already done so.
Baby & Me Story Time
A special summer pop-up class will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4. Cultivate a love of reading in your little one while building vocabulary and fine motor skills. This program is designed for children 0-2 years old and includes a halfhour of songs, rhymes, stories and cuddles with your child. Adult Readers’ Book Club
The book club will meet at 5
p.m. Thursday, June 4. Participants can make new friends and discover new books. Attendees choose the book and share what they read. The program meets once a month for one hour.
Board Of Trustees Meeting
The Akron Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the library’s community room.
Preparing For Adventure
This program will run June 9-10. Children will learn about paleontology through different stations during the one-hour program. Multiple sessions are available, but class sizes are limited and sign-up is required. Participants must be registered in the summer reading program.
June 11. Sign-up is required, and participants must be registered in the summer reading program.
Dinosaur Dimensions
Straight from Fond du Lac, Wis. Dinosaur Dimensions will present their its puppet dinosaur program at 2 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Pike Memorial Park. Guests will “meet the dinosaurs” and have the opportunity to take photos with realistic dinosaur puppets. This program is for those enrolled in the summer reading program. Bring chairs or a blanket for seating.
Second Seasons Fitness
ana State Parks, patrons with a valid Akron Carnegie Public Library card who are in good standing may check out an “Adventure Backpack.” The program provides gate admission to any Indiana state park. Participants can explore hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, interpretive programs, bird watching and nature centers. Each backpack includes binoculars, a “Bird Watching for Beginners Guide,” flashlight, compass, first aid kit and Indiana Recreation Guide. Backpacks may be checked out for one week.
Indiana State Museum Library Pass
Teen Class: Geodes
Teens will have the opportunity to make their own geodes using a variety of methods. The class starts at 2 p.m. Thursday,
Join chair exercises at 10 a.m. every Thursday. The goal is to give adults a safe, convenient and effective way to build stamina, improve flexibility and balance, while having fun moving their bodies.
Adventure Backpacks
In conjunction with the Indi-
With this library pass, patrons can enjoy free general admission for four people to the Indiana State Museum and its 12 historic sites, as well as discounted parking. Some rules and restrictions apply. Contact the library for more details.
SWIMMING
Middle School students
RMS Principal Cassie Murphy. Photos by Leah Sander.
IN THE SUN Rochester Middle School students from left Ella Roe, Abby Small and Emmarose Smith sun themselves at the Rochester City Pool on Thursday, May 28. All RMS students visited the pool due to doing well on the state ILEARN test recently, said RMS Principal Cassie Murphy.
POSING Jack Williams, left, and Gio Agosto pose in the Roches-
Updates and happenings in the area
A free meal is offered from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Rochester Grace Church, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester. All are welcome. Takeout will be available.
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Fulton County Assessor Kasey Lee is hosting mobile office hours to answer questions and allow residents to appeal their assessments. Appointments are not required.
The dates, times and locations are:
• 3-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at the Aubbeenaubbee Community Building.
• Following the Nyona Lake and South Mud Lake’s monthly meeting until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the lakes building in Nyona Lake.
• 4-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Rochester.
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Register for the Swing for the Parks golf scramble fundraiser by Sunday, June 7, by emailing roch-
esterparkandrecreation@gmail. com, calling the golf club at (574) 223-5747, or calling or texting Kim Landis at (574) 835-0807.
The Swing for the Parks golf scramble fundraiser will be held Friday, June 12, at Round Barn Golf Club. People may sign up a team, sponsor a hole or volunteer.
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Registration is open for the Summer Parks Program. The program will run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 8-26 and July 6-17, Monday through Friday. Register online at summerparksprogram. com.
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The park board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Junior Master Gardeners summer camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8-11, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. The camp is for stu-
dents completing grades 4-6. Register online at JMGSummerCamp2026fulton.4honline.com.
The camp engages children in hands-on group and individual learning experiences that foster a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and teach healthy living and nutrition skills through cooking with fresh produce.
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The board of works will meet at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Joe’s Hope Foundation Inc. will host its third annual golf tournament with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Round Barn Golf Course, Rochester. Cost is $60 per person. For more information contact Chad at (574) 8354556.
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The county commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, June
Wabash celebrates Hammer award
Wabash College announced recipients of awards, scholarships and honors during its 2026 Awards Chapel, held at the end of the spring semester. Among the award winners was the following student: Distinguished Senior in Psychology Award - Brandon Hammer of Rochester.
15, at the Fulton County Office Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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The city council will meet at 5 p.m Tuesday, June 16, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Children can bowl free at Country Lanes, Rochester, through Saturday, Aug. 29. Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com/country. Family passes are also available. Bowl two free games during any open bowling session. Shoe rental not included.
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The Rochester Run & Walk Club is geared toward beginners, with opportunities for experienced runners ages 18 and older. The club supports a variety of goals, including improving fitness and building community. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early for stretching and announcements.
For more information, contact Sarah Wilson on Facebook.
The club meets at 6 p.m. at the following locations:
• Monday: Rochester City Park, Pavilion 3. One-, two- and threemile loop options are available.
• Wednesday: Nickle Plate Trail Head at Wabash Avenue and Mitchell Drive. One-, two-, and three-mile loop options are available.
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The Fulton County Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Eighth and Madison streets, Rochester. Visit fultoncountyfarmersmarket.com for more information.
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First Baptist Church of Rochester is hosting boat church at the Lake Manitou Spillway. Services are at 7:44 a.m. each Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. People may attend by boat or car.
DOWNTOWN DECORATING — Kimberlie Landis, left, and Susan Huffman, planted 35 flowerpots Friday, May 22, in downtown Rochester. Landis said each planter contains a Sun Parasol plant, and red and blue flowers will surround the base of the plant. The colors were chosen in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Huffman, of Danville, Ill., joins Landis each year to prepare the 35 pots downtown. Photo by Lori Carr.
Area moms treated to Fulton County Community Baby Shower on Saturday
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Area moms received gifts, enjoyed snacks, played games and more at an event on Saturday, May 30.
Woodlawn Health, Goodwill Industries’ Nurse-Family Partnership and the Fulton County Health Department partnered for the second annual Fulton County Community Baby Shower.
Expectant moms and those with babies under a year old were part of the event held at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.
Fulton County Health Department Administrator and Head Nurse Alison Foster said the shower was held last year at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Foster said the event was paid for via some Health First Indiana funds the health department received from the state. There were also numerous donations from area businesses for gifts for the moms.
All moms who registered received diaper bags and pop-up
high chairs.
Woodlawn Health Director of Obstetrics April Rantz said organizers opted to host the baby shower again just to “help meet
(community) needs.”
“It’s not just a community baby shower: we’re providing a lot of education as well and also being able to connect the patients
with the community resources, the things that the health department offers, that the nurse-family partnership offers as well as the other vendors that showed up for us today,” she said.
Those offering information on resources Saturday included Managed Health Services, Firefly Children & Family Alliance and Head Start.
Rantz said Woodlawn Health patients were invited, with other women being welcomed via social media posts and flyers.
Goodwill Industries’ Nurse-Family Partnership Community Outreach Coordinator Lindsey Caterina said her orgaContinued on page 11
COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER Area moms attended the second annual Fulton County Community Baby Shower on Saturday, May 30, at Woodlawn Hospital. Shown are
attendees playing a game.
SNACKS Moms could enjoy treats at the shower.
LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND
— Akron Lions Club donated $200 to Leader Dogs for the Blind. The organization provides guide dogs and services to people who are blind or visually impaired, helping them gain greater independence and confidence in their daily lives. Shown from left are Lions Jim Steen, Faith Kamp elected Leader Dog trustee, Dave Morehouse (in the Lions suit), Terry Smith, Brenda Smith and Renee Shultz. Photo provided by Faith Kamp.
Area moms
nization which “helps moms with a free at-home nurse” was part of the shower “to make access to care easier, especially for moms (needing help) outside of normal office hours.”
Foster said she hoped the women who came got “information on the resources that are out there for them and then also know that
they have support here in the community that they can reach out to if they need assistance with anything.”
“Being a new mom is overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you’re on this island all by yourself, and (we want them) just to know that they have people they can turn to and just to show that we as a community
care about our community and we want to see it cared for,” she said.
Rantz added that she hoped the moms knew that Woodlawn and the other organizations were able “to help in any way they may need it.”
Caterina said she desired moms to gain “community” from coming to the shower.
“Maybe they meet somebody
American Legion accepting donations for fireworks
The Rochester American Legion Post 36, will sponsor the 2026 Rochester Fourth of July fireworks display. Fireworks are set for Friday, July 3, at dusk at the Fulton County Airport.
The estimated cost for this year’s fireworks is $15,250. The American Legion is asking for donations for this years display to help offset those costs.
Checks may be mailed to: American Legion-Fireworks Fund, Attn: Rob Beckman, P.O. Box 703, Rochester, IN 46975. If you need additional information, call (574) 223-2617. Receipts are available upon request.
here today that they can be friends with,” she said. “Being a first-time mom sometimes can be lonely and having somebody walk alongside you with that would be great.”
Organizers said they hoped to have the event again next year.
To donate for the shower, people may contact the Fulton County Health Department.
GIFTS Shown are the gifts at the shower.
Scholarships available through the Fulton County Community Foundation
The Fulton County Community Foundation’s summer scholarship application is now open.
The application is available at nicf.org/fulton-county/scholarships and must be submitted by
Thursday, July 2.
Several scholarships with varying criteria are available to Fulton County residents pursuing higher education:
The Baxter Family Pharmaceutical Scholarship provides educational scholarships for students who are attending an institution of higher learning with particular attention being given to graduates of Caston High School, Rochester High School or Tippecanoe High School or residents of Fulton County and who are accepted into a pharmaceutical program in the state of Indiana.
a graduate school program and enrolled in any school of law in the United States.
The Ginger Miller Higher Education Scholarship provides scholarships for qualified college graduates pursuing graduate or professional school degrees.
The Phillips-Braman Scholarship provides scholarships for Rochester High School graduates who have completed one year of coursework at Purdue University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.
The Union Township Scholarship provides educational scholarships to Union Township resi-
dents who have resided there for a minimum of two years.
The Back Home Again in Indiana Scholarship supports nontraditional students who wish to pursue higher education and/or training to enhance their skills for employment. Nontraditional students include those who have graduated from high school or obtained a GED and have delayed entrance into college, rather than earning a degree immediately after high school.
For more information, contact Northern Indiana Community Foundation Program Director Hannah Bahney at (574) 8350321 or hannah@nicf.org.
Olivia Bailey and Allyson Calloway are the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively for the Rochester High School Class of 2026.
Bailey is the daughter of Dan and Emily Bailey. She plans to study mechanical engineering and play golf at Valparaiso University.
While at RHS, her extracurricular activities included Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Fulton County Youth Leadership Academy, Key Club, National Honor Society, HOBY and the varsity golf and tennis teams.
She has worked at the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek.
Calloway is the daughter of Scott and Amy Calloway. She plans to study nursing and run cross-country and track at Olivet Nazarene University.
She also has worked at the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek. While in school, she was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Key Club, Athletic Student Council, track and cross-country teams and the Fulton County Youth Leadership Academy.
The Charles Denton Rochester High School Scholarship provides educational scholarships for graduating seniors of Rochester High School, seeking a degree in education or educational administration or a degree in counseling or psychology in order to serve as a school counselor in pre-K through grade 12.
The Colleen May Memorial Scholarship provides scholarships for Caston High School graduates pursuing a degree in the field of elementary education.
The Cowen Kumler Scholarship provides support for educational scholarships for graduating seniors of Rochester High School pursuing a degree or certification in welding or a similar trade occupation at an accredited vocational/trade school or a two- or four-year college or university.
The Dale Eizinger and Robert Tobey Agricultural Scholarship provides scholarships for Rochester High School graduates pursuing a degree in the field of agriculture.
The Elmer Harris and Beulah P. Harris Scholarship provides scholarships to students residing in Union Township, Fulton County, at the time of their graduation.
The Frederick Rakestraw Law Scholarship provides scholarships for qualified college graduates pursuing a degree in law. Applicants must have been residents of Fulton County for at least three years during high school and must be accepted into
Kathryn Hartzler to be honored at breakfast
A tribute to County Chairwoman Kathryn Hartzler will be held with breakfast beginning at
8 a.m. Satuday, June 6, at Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. All are welcome to attend.
Hernandez-Rios, Baldwin named valedictorian, salutatorian respectively at Caston High School
The top two students in the Caston High School Class of 2026 were Camila Hernandez-Rios and Tessa Baldwin.
Hernandez-Rios was the valedictorian, with Baldwin the salutatorian.
Hernandez-Rios is the daugh-
ter of Alfredo Hernandez and Maricela Rios. She plans to study biomedical health science at Purdue University.
She achieved a 4.32 GPA and earned more than $17,000 in scholarship funds.
Baldwin is the daughter of Scott and Rebecca Baldwin. She will study pre-veterinary studies at Indiana University South Bend.
Her GPA was 4.223, with her receiving $15,000 in scholarship money.
OLIVIA BAILEY ALLYSON CALLOWAY
CAMILA HERNANDEZ-RIOS TESSA BALDWIN
Rochester Spring Sports Update: Softball wins third straight sectional
Dunwoody returns to state in 110 hurdles
Softball
Winning sectionals in softball does not get easier over time.
Throw in on her hands.
Andrews, Eastern’s shortstop and leadoff hitter and an Illinois State recruit, came in hitting .648 with seven homers, but Rensberger held her to only one hit in three at-bats, and the Lady Zs took advantage of four Eastern errors to win 11-0 in five innings.
state or score any team points at the Goshen regional Tuesday, May 26.
However, the 4x100 relay team set a school record of 51.56 seconds in finishing 15th. The team consists of Kyra Doran, Maddie Bailon, Kyla Conley and Maddie MacLain.
Not when the sun is in your eyes when you are batting. Not when the opponent refuses to strike out against your best stuff and not when they hit a game-tying home run in the sixth inning.
Wilson had two hits and two RBIs for Rochester, and freshman Gonzalez had two hits and an RBI.
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS SPORTS EDITOR, RTC
Not when the baserunner carrying the most important run of the season was in a walking boot for much of the winter with a ligament injury in her foot.
The Rochester softball team came into its Class 2A, Sectional 38 final against Oak Hill undefeated at Fansler Field and undefeated against Class 2A competition, and they stayed that way, battling through the adversity that Oak Hill threw at them and triumphing 5-3 Thursday, May 28.
Adalyn Gonzalez’s two-strike, two-out single in the top of the seventh broke a 3-3 tie and drove home Audrey Widman and Aubrey Miller.
Bria Rensberger then retired Kierstin Peterson on a grounder to second to start the bottom of the seventh. She gave up an infield single to Ryleigh Myers, but she got Becca Cardona on a grounder to first base and Kalinn Larimore on a pop-up to Aubrey Wilson at shortstop.
Wilson’s catch triggered a celebration in the middle of the diamond as the Lady Zs improved to 22-3. The sectional title is their third straight and their seventh in school history.
Rensberger had a plan on how to deal with Emilia Andrews going into their Class 2A, Sectional 38 semifinal against Eastern (Greentown) Tuesday, May 26.
Local student named to Trine University’s vice president’s list
Trine University students were named to the vice president’s list for the spring 2026 semester. To earn vice president’s list honors, an undergraduate student must be registered for 12 or more total semester credit hours, including graduate courses, with fewer than 12 credit hours at the undergraduate level.
The student must have a combined undergraduate/graduate grade point average between 3.750 and 4.000, with the undergraduate semester grade point average no lower than 3.500.
Cheney Canada, of Akron, majoring in golf management, is a local student named to the list.
Eastern came in having committed 83 errors while Rochester had 35. In this game, Eastern had four, and Rochester had none. Ten of Rochester’s runs were unearned.
Boys Track
Rochester senior Harrison Dunwoody finished second in the 110 hurdles at the Warsaw regional Thursday, May 28, to advance to the IHSAA state finals for the second straight year.
The top three in each event advanced to state. Dunwoody’s time of 14.52 seconds broke the Rochester school record. It also beat the boys state qualifying standard of 14.62 seconds.
Manchester’s Carson Heath won the race in 14.32 seconds.
Dunwoody’s previous personal best was 14.72 seconds. His time was 15.31 seconds at the 2025 regional at Goshen and 15.36 at the 2025 state finals at North Central High School in Indianapolis. He finished 27th at state last year.
Dunwoody was the only RTC area athlete to make state. He was 11th in the long jump with a jump of 20-7.5.
Besides Dunwoody, the other Rochester athlete competing in an individual event was Leandro Javier, who was 16th in the 3,200 meters in 10:54.90. Javier also ran a leg of the 4x800 relay that finished 15th in 8:44.23. Other runners on the relay included Tyson Wachtmann, Camdyn Furnivall and Grant Bailey.
Rochester scored eight team points, all from Dunwoody, to finished tied for 21st out of the 34 teams.
Dunwoody will run at the IHSAA state finals at North Central High School in Indianapolis on Saturday, June 6. The meet begins at 3 p.m. Dunwoody will hit the track for the 110 hurdles trials at approximately 5:15 p.m.
Girls Track
The Rochester girls track team did not advance an athlete to
The previous record was set at last week’s Bremen sectional, where they finished third in 52.20 seconds.
Doran also participated in two individual events at Goshen. She took 10th in the long jump with a jump of 16-4.5. She missed the finals by a half-inch and missed scoring by an inch.
Doran also placed 16th in the 100 hurdles in 19.54 seconds.
Allyson Calloway, participating in her third straight regional in the 3,200 meters, was 14th in 12:35.55.
Bailon, who received a callback in the 200, finished 16th in 27.54 seconds.
Baseball
Zakk Parks had three hits, and Carson Paulik stole home and later added an RBI single, but the Rochester baseball team fell 6-5 to Eastern (Greentown) in a Class 2A, Sectional 38 semifinal at Eastern Saturday, May 30.
Linden Wilburn, Conner Dunfee, Brant Beck, Callen Ferverda and Liam Spence added one hit each.
Eastern scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 4-1 lead, and it stayed ahead the rest of the way.
Eastern, ranked No. 16, put 10 bunts in play.
Rochester, which came into the sectional on a three-game winning streak, finished 13-16.
The Zebras would get within 6-5 in the sixth, but Eastern pitcher Colt Snyder got Linden Wilburn to line out to shortstop with the bases loaded to end the inning. Reliever Owen Tolle pitched a perfect seventh to close it out.
Graduating Rochester seniors included Paulik, Ferverda, Dunfee, Parks and Brant Beck.
Girls Tennis
Lowell’s Aubrey Fleming defeated Rochester’s Olivia Bailey 6-3, 6-1 in a state singles sectional match at Crown Point High School Wednesday, May 27.
Bailey finished with a 12-6 record. Her 2-0 record at the Culver Academy sectional allowed her to continue on in the singles state tournament even though
the team had been eliminated.
Rochester coach Jesse Atkinson called the match “extremely well-played” in a statement.
“We are incredibly proud of her work, competitive drive and leadership as she concludes her illustrious high school athletics career,” Atkinson added.
Bailey is a Valparaiso University golf signee.
Boys Golf
Logansport
Isaac Heishman and Ashton Musselman each shot a 39, and Jack Reffett and Parker Brown each shot a 48. Brevin Nicholson added a 54.
AUBREY MILLER HARRISON DUNWOODY
The Rochester boys golf team
shot a 174 and finished third in a four-way dual at Dykeman Park Golf Course in Logansport Tuesday, May 26.
won with a 153, and Twin Lakes was second with a 159. Winamac was fourth with a 201.
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Garage Sales A040
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GARAGESALE,1602Madison.Friday, June5,9-4;Saturday,June6,9-2.Puzzles,women’sclothing,householditems. Alittlebitofanythingyoujustmightneed andbetterthanGoodwillprices!
GARAGESALE,Fri.6/05,8-4;Sat.6/06, 8-noon.2017WolfsPointDr.Multi-family/ movingsale,facepainting,lemonade, clothes/shoesforallsizes,furniture,bicycles,household,tools,child4-wheeler.
4-FAMILYSALE.Everythingmustgo! Friday-Saturday8-2,947S.Prairiewood Dr.(ZellersWoods).Tonsofbrandname clothes,lotsoffurniture,electronics,tons oftoys.Lotsofinventory!Willhaveto re-stockSaturdaynight!
ANNUAL5-FAMILYSALE!3285Manitou ParkRoad,Rochester.Thurs.-Fri.8-5. Namebrandkids,women’s&men’s clothing,home&holidaydecor,linens, kitchenware,books,furnitureandmuch more!Watchforpinksigns!
GARAGESALE-Thurs./Fri.9:00-5:00; Sat.9:00-12:00.Lawnmower,yardcart, misc.furniture,household,Christmasdecor,lotsofladiesXL&XXLclothes,toys. 1218N.St.Rd.25inbackofbuilding. Followsigns.
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Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 Over 50 Sales! Maps at Swayzee Marathon or at Swayzee.org on Friday
Have you heard the
Mechanical Services C100
WALNUTREPAIR, starters,alternators, generators, costumehydraulichoses& batterycables,tractorrepair,magneto repair,Mon.-Sat.dawntodusk. 574-892-5968
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Recreational Vehicles M030
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Riverview Community Church to host gospel concert June 7
Riverview Community Church, 3780 SR 110, Tippecanoe, is hosting Michael Booth in concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 7.
Thanks to his father’s legacy, gospel music was a large part of Michael Booth’s upbringing. It was the drums that first drew Booth into music and became his passion throughout his teenage years.
As a young adult, Booth branched out into singing with his father Ron Sr. and brother Ronnie. Initially, Booth found singing on stage very uncomfortable. But with time and experience, he discovered that the rewards of ministering through song far outweighed any discomfort he faced, and eventually those experienc-
P ublic A uctions
Equipment And Vehicle Auction
9 a.m. Saturday, June 6. Located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Boggs Real Estate And Personal Property Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, June 6. Located at 411 E. Main St., Mentone. Ball Auction & Realty, ballrealtygroup.com.
Gladys Viola Hite Estate Auction
10 a.m Saturday, June 6. Located at 15988 West 11th Road, Plymouth. Consignment Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, June 13. Located at the Marshall County Fairgrounds, 211 W. Walnut St., Argos. Oak Crest Auctions, oakcrestauctions.com.
es shaped him into the seasoned musician he is today.
Booth has the God-given ability to weave music and testimony, complex truths and humor together into a presentation that can touch audiences from every walk of life. As part of the Booth Brothers, Booth has been honored to grace the stages of venues around the world and privileged to receive an abundance of honors such as Grammy nominations, GMA Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, chart-topping songs and much more. Though Booth is grateful for all the accolades, communicating with an audience about a mighty God is what motivates him to keep standing before audiences.
Please invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us for this gospel concert. There is no ticket charge. An opportunity for a generous love offering will be given.
BOGGS PUBLIC AUCTION
Bedroom - 1 ½ Baths - 4032 sq. ft. Beautiful Historic Home Built 1925 - .21 Acre Lot - Full Basement - Heated 22’x30’ Detached Garage - Covered Front Porch - 12’x18’ Utility Shed
Don’t miss your chance to own this beautiful historic home, built in 1925 by the Nelson family, with ties to the Don’t miss your chance to own this beautiful historic home, built in 1925 by the Nelson family, with ties to the presidency of the Mentone Bank. This home has timeless charm and craftsman of the era, featuring stunning colonnades, leaded glass windows, beautiful hardwood floors, original built-ins, a one-of-a kind fireplace, impressive fixtures and chandeliers, as well as beautiful original woodwork throughout. The kitchen has beautiful cabinetry, while dining room showcases an incredible leaded glass built -in China buffet that adds even more character and elegance to the home. From the distinctive bathroom fixtures to the character found in every room, this well-loved home is truly a piece of history. Even better, it is move-in ready and waiting for its next owner to appreciate all of its unique beauty.
TERMS AND CONDITION OF AUCTION
The successful bidder will be required to enter into a purchase and sale agreement which will not be contingent upon financing and will require a $5,000.00 non-refundable earnest money deposit upon conclusion of the auction. Property Sold in As is Where is Condition. For More Pictures, Go to Our Website, Facebook, or Auctionzip for Real Estate and Personal Property photos.
HOUSEHOLD - COLLECTIBLES
2010 Maytag 21 cu ft. Refrigerator; Gibson 16 cu. ft. chest freezer; Kitchen chairs; Bar stools; Kenmore microwave; GE coffee maker; Mr. Coffee iced tea maker; B&D toaster oven; Cuisinart blender & toaster; Sunbeam stand mixer; Kitchen Aid hand mixer; Pyrex refrigerator dishes; Corelle dishes; Corning ware; Misc. pie plates & baking dishes; Pots & pans; Glassware; Misc. bowl & pitchers; 2-sets of Melmac dinnerware; Rival & Hamilton Beach ice cream freezers; Misc. kitchen tool & utensils; Oak round table w/2 captain & 2 reg. chairs; Oak round table w/4 chairs; Black dining table; Parlor table; Oak China cabinet; Misc. Cabinets including Display, Curio, VHS/DVD, & Corner; (3) Curved glass bow front cabinets (2-large & 1-small); Bow back chair; Swivel rocker (Rust); Platform rocker; Light fabric sofa; Recliner (Brown); (3) Ottomans; TV stand w/doors; End tables; White Clad lamp table; Misc. lamps; Wood & wire magazine stands; Knik knack shelf; Misc. shelves & display cases; Oak plant stand; 3-Tier plant stand; Wood pedestal ash tray; (2) Grandfather clocks (1 Ridgeway 83”Tx19”Wx10”D); Cuckoo clock; 3 pc. Bedroom set; Full sz. brass & metal bed; Chest w/mirror & matching bed frame; Dresser; Cedar chest; (2) Bedside tables; Nightstands; Baby bed, Quilt; Simplicity Frontier serger; 1910 Minnesota Sewing machine in cabinet; 1948 Kenmore Sewing machine in cabinet; Simplicity American quilter machine; Electrolux sweeper; Hoover Fusion vacuum; Bissel Power steamer; Edenpure personal fan; Edenpure Gen 40 heater/cooler; Misc. fans; Mini heater; Airgometer exercise bike; Treadmill; Comfee dehumidifier; (4) cement urn planters; Step stool; Shower stool; Luggage; Holiday décor including 6’ Spiral tree & 36” Fiber optic tree; Vintage outdoor Christmas bulbs in pkg.; Hallmark Christmas ornaments; Wooden doll house; Electric Wheel chair; Mannequins; Trunk; Egg Incubator; Pictures; Windows; Metal file cabinet; Adler typewriter; Brother typewriter; H.P. Envy 4520 printer; Collectibles: Federal Glass & Dinnerware; Cape Cod by Avon; Milk glass; Depression glass; Bird & Dog figurines; Large Piano Baby collection; Vintage Homco & Porcelain Flambro ceramics; Ohrann Wild Life decanters; Vast assort. of People porcelain figurines; Several Shirley Temple dolls; (3) Metal Pan Am airplanes; Cast iron Trucks; Fire truck & other misc. toys; Vintage Gone with the Wind lamps; Longaberger baskets.
AUTOMOBILE TO BE SOLD AT 12:00 NOON
2012 Ford Focus SE, 4cyl. engine, automatic trans, 4-door sedan w/console cloth interior. 136,588 miles w/fresh service and checked out by her service mechanic to be ok, nice car in good condition w/rubber & body.
LAWN – GARDEN SHOP
Safe 60”Tx44”Wx35”D w/casters (from Etna Green Lumber Co.); Work bench 24”Dx30”Tx40”W w/6” vise and Napco bench grinder; 54 drawer metal cabinet 61”Tx36”Wx18”D (drawers are stocked); Wood 2-drawer storage cabinet; Table saw; Aluminum 20’ ext. ladder; 9’ wooden step ladder w/platform; Wood 6’ step ladder; 2 -Wheel appliance mover; Wheel barrow; (4) Saw horses; Weed Eater electric blower; Creeper; (2) Garden hose w/reels; (4) Gutter splash guards; 6 gal. Shop vac. Auction Order: This is a 4-hr. auction including Real Estate to sell at 10:00 with 2 rings at 10:30. 1st ring with approx. 40 box lots, followed by the household items. The 2nd ring with Garage related items to also sell at 10:30 (45Min.) with the balance of the Auction in one ring. Automobile to sell at 12:00 Noon. Cash
A Real ‘Bite’ Of Reality: Tick and Lyme disease awareness
By LYNDSEY SCHRIMSHER MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE Woodlawn Health
The local trails are calling, but the mention of Lyme disease can put a damper on any outdoor adventure. Northern Indiana is a hot spot for tick activity and has seen an alarming increase in Lyme disease cases. Woodlawn Health has simplified the latest guidelines to help you enjoy the community’s beauty with total confidence.
Nymphs: The Poppy Seed Threat
The primary spreaders of Lyme disease are nymphs, or immature ticks. These tiny travelers are only the size of a poppy seed (less than 2 millimeters) and are nearly translucent. This makes tick checks more difficult than a simple glance.
Because what you can’t easily see can still hurt you, it is vital to use mirrors to check hidden areas like the scalp, the belly button and the back of the knees. Ticks typically emerge in the spring and will be very active April-June as they seek their first meals.
Removal
Old wives’ tales suggest using a hot match, nail polish or petroleum jelly to “smother” a tick. These methods are dangerous. These irritants can cause a tick to regurgitate infected material directly into your skin, increasing the risk of disease.
Instead, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin.
NEWSPAPERS
The 36-Hour Safety Window
Finding an attached tick is stressful, but there is often a grace period. In most cases, an infected tick must be attached to the body for at least 36-48 hours before Lyme disease can be transmitted.
Prevention
Protect your skin by using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET. Clothing and gear can be treated with 0.5% permethrin, which remains effective through several washings. At home, reduce tick habitats by clearing tall grass and leaf litter. The Indiana Department of Health and CDC provide detailed information on landscaping practices that can help reduce reduce tick populations.
Ticks are remarkably resilient,
but they thrive in moist environments close to the ground. After spending time outdoors, a clothes dryer is one of the best tools for killing ticks. Tumble-dry clothing on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Call your doctor immediately if you remove an engorged tick - one that appears swollen or blood-filled - and live in a highrisk area such as northern Indiana.
A single dose of doxycycline can be highly effective if administered within 72 hours of tick removal. Do not test the tick itself. Laboratories warn that doing so can provide a false sense of security and does not reliably predict human infection.
Symptoms of Lyme disease vary depending on the stage of infection. In 70-80% of patients, a classic bulls-eye develops. During summer months, do not ignore flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and body aches. Relying solely on a skin lesion for diagnosis can be a dangerous mistake.
Want To Learn More?
Indiana recently launched a dashboard showing prevalence of tick-borne diseases by county. Use it to assess risk levels where you live and spend time outdoors. According to the dashboard, more than 47% of adult ticks tested in Fulton County are positive for Lyme disease. Awareness is your best repellent. Where will your next outdoor adventure take you?
Center for conversations focused on learning, connec-
Coffee & Community highlights mental health support at event with 4C Health
At Manitou Center, Coffee & Community continues to create meaningful conversations that matter and a recent visit left a lasting impact.
The center had the opportunity to welcome Lisa Willis-Gidley and Heather Newcomb from 4C Health for an informative
session focused on mental health, community support, and available resources. The event provided a valuable opportunity for learning, connection, and open discussion.
Willis-Gidley and Newcomb shared information about the wide range of services 4C
Health offers across seven counties, including Fulton County. Their work centers on connecting individuals and families with resources, guidance, and support to help meet their mental health and wellness needs.
One of the most impactful parts of the discussion focused on
mental health, from practicing healthy habits to recognizing when something may not feel right.
Willis-Gidley and Newcomb created a safe and welcoming environment where attendees felt comfortable discussing challenges and asking questions. They emphasized the importance of seeking help and reminded participants that no one has to face difficult situations alone.
The presenters also discussed what it means to experience a crisis situation and, more importantly, what steps to take if they or someone they know is struggling. Knowing how to respond, who to contact, and how to support others can make a significant difference during difficult times.
Moments like this are what make Coffee & Community such an important part of Manitou Center. These conversations provide participants with practical tools, build confidence, and increase awareness around issues that affect everyone. More than just about educational opportunities, they help people feel supported understood, and connected.
Anyone interested in sharing their business, passion or career with participants is encouraged to contact Michelle Wallace-Bunge at (574) 223-6963 or MWallace@marshall-starke. org.
LYNDSEY SCHRIMSHER MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE
COFFEE & COMMUNITY — Representatives from 4C Health recently visited Manitou
tion and meaningful discussion. Participants learned simple and effective ways to take care of mental health. Photo provided by Manitou Center.