Rochester students win FEDCO’s First Pitch competition
WINNING FIRST PITCH The Rochester High School team of from left Carson Paulik, Grant Clark and Declan Gard won the Fulton Economic Development Corp.’s First Pitch student business competition on Thursday, March 13. Their business was Lift Assist, a technology connected to a weightlifting machine, helping with the lifting in terms of safety and suggestions for workouts.
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Thursday, March 13, marked the second time one of Grant Clark, Carson Paulik, Declan Gard and Wade Bowers’ business ideas came before a panel of judges at the Fulton Economic Development Corp.’s First Pitch competition. And this time, their idea bested five other ones to win it.
The four Rochester High School students won $500 for placing first in FEDCO’s annual student business competition, held at the Geneva Center outside Rochester.
Teams from RHS, Tippecanoe Valley High School and Caston High School presented their ideas before a judging panel comprised of Fulton County REMC CEO Andrew Horstman, Machined Casting Specialties of Rochester’s Chris Hoffman and
Hoffman Body Shop of Akron’s Kim Martin.
Clark, Paulik and Gard spoke before the judges on Lift Assist, with Bowers in support.
Their Lift Assist is a technology connected to a weightlifting machine, helping with the lifting in terms of safety and suggestions for workouts.
The boys were on a team, which pitched the idea of Zebbie’s Diner, a restaurant serving burgers, pizza and more, last year. They placed fifth then.
RHS business teacher Brenda Gaerte, who teaches the logistics and supply chain class the four boys are in, said she believed competing last year helped them win this year.
“We took nine weeks to do this project (this year), and (participating) last year, I think it lit a fire in them that this year they would come out to compete a little bit better,” she said. “It was Continued on page 2
BEFORE THE JUDGES — Tippecanoe Valley High School students Rigbey Wright, left, and Santiago Ortiz-Arroyo, second from left, present before judges Chris Hoffman, second from right, and Andrew Horstman, right, during the Fulton Economic Development Corp.’s First Pitch competition on Thursday, March 13, at the Geneva Center outside Rochester.
FINISHING SECOND Caston High School students Ashley Fred, left, and Carter Moss finished second in the First Pitch competition.
now Y our n eighbor
Jennifer Weinert facilitates experiences that encourage relational well-being
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“I love hearing people’s stories,” stated Jennifer Weinert, Kewanna. “I call it sharing wisdom.” Weinert offers what she refers to as “Heart Art Earth engagements,” inviting participants into creative, interactive experiences that encourage relational well-being.
Weinert explained, “Through the heart we can build understanding about ourselves and others, art can inspire us to creatively engage with our lives and relationships, the earth nurtures wellness and community.
“My husband, Steve, and I both worked at the Center at Donaldson. He worked with the grounds department, and I worked as an activity coordinator for Maria Center Independent Living, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.”
When her husband decided to retire Weinert took the opportunity to pursue training in the practice of spiritual direction and became part of the Indiana Arts Commission’s Lifelong Arts cohort, while advancing her studies as a Tai Chi instructor.
In 2021, Weinert began to partner with organizations who served older adults to make the engagements affordable and accessible. Her husband joins in as her “assistant extraordinaire!”
Last year, at the Rochester and Kewanna libraries, the duo worked together to touch lives with “Express Your Story,” a
creative aging course designed by Weinert. “Participants learned how to develop a story around a personal experience then shared them at an event hosted by The HeARTery in Kewanna.”
This year Weinert is partnering with Community Services of Starke County to offer her wellbeing engagements as “The Heart of Aging in Starke County.” It is sponsored through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation Starke Wellness Grant and Kankakee Valley REMC Operation RoundUp. Older adults can participate at no cost in Tai Chi for Health practices, Heart of Aging programs, Life and Loss conversations, and Balance Days.
The Tai Chi classes “empower people to improve their health and wellness by making it adaptable, especially for individuals with arthritis or other chronic diseases.” The creative activities of the Heart of Aging program are geared toward wisdom sharing and making a difference. Life and Loss opens conversation around individual grief experiences. “I’m all about inviting older adults to not only share their life experiences, but to learn new skills, resourcing them and playing active roles in their communities.” Weinert stated.
The guidance she offers through the Heart Art Earth engagements are “informed by her training in spiritual companioning.” She invites participants into “a process-oriented approach, that uses introspection for a deeper understanding of one’s
relationship with self, Higher Self and others.”
She continued, “I just returned from a program, and I’m privileged to know some new people. The engagements are meant to open deeper understandings of our experiences and build strong communities. Socializing is a large part of the experience. Re-
lational energy moves through a room. Come with an attitude of: I want to know you and be known.”
Weinert’s other partners include MoonTree Studios in Donaldson, Culver Parks Department and the HeARTery, where she has a workspace.
Weinert finds peace and fulfillment in her own creative practic-
Rochester students win
Continued from page 1
a great experience for them and (strengthening) their entrepreneurship and just building their business skills.”
Clark said the team chose the Lift Assist idea as they all play sports at RHS.
“We wanted to make sure that we were being safe when we worked out,” he said.
The boys referenced their fifth place finish last year and said it
made them “hungry” to win this year.
Hoffman said judges had a hard time choosing the winners this year. The first place team was separated from Caston’s second place team of Ashley Fred and Carter Moss by five points.
“Out of all the years that we’ve done this, I would say that this was probably the fiercest competition that we’ve seen,” he said.
Horstman said judges chose
es, which inspires the programs she offers. “I use my interest in the arts to learn more about my way of being, so that I can better invite and be present to others as they discover theirs.”
Find additional information about their work and engagements on the Facebook page “Duo at Diamondhill.”
the RHS team overall due to their idea and “also the practical application of that unique idea.”
Judges said they’d advise students in coming years to come up with their own ideas for businesses, or not “be afraid to think outside the box” as Martin put it.
Fred and Moss won $400 for their idea for Belt Loop Buddies, a device used to help with belts fitting better.
Placing third was the Valley team of Rigbey Wright, Luis Nunez and Santiago Ortiz-Arroyo. They received $300 for their OptimumEXP idea, a device used to clean video game consoles.
In fourth was the team of RHS students Evan Rudd, Aiden Witten, Bella Howdeshell, Grace Fowler and Grant Bailey. They got $100 for their GlowClip idea, a device to help find lost keys using technology.
Fifth was Efrain Arroyo, who received $100 for his pitch of Elite Sound, a sound production company.
Also receiving $100 was the sixth place team of Caston students Kyle Jones, Brock Hook, Ryder Craig and Tony Roberts. They presented on heated socks, known as Sunny Socks.
JENNIFER WEINERT
Good Neighbors
Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write ‘the PAPER’, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.
Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. This column will now run every other week.
New questions
White kitten — Does any good neighbor have a white kitten to give to a good home? I am looking for a pure white female kitten, prefera-
bly with long hair, but short hair would be OK. Call (574) 551-5503.
Two-seater bike — I am looking for a children’s two-seater bike. Call (574) 354-9864.
Sewing baskets/CDs — Looking for any sewing baskets, old or new, full or empty. Also, old CDs for craft project. Drop off at: The Thread Shed, 4663 Filbert Trail, Bremen, or call (574) 546-6380.
Tag-along bicycle — Does anyone have a tag-along bicycle that you no longer use? I would
Woodlawn recognized for excellence in infant and maternal health
Woodlawn Hospital’s Maternity Oasis was recognized by the Indiana Hospital Association in partnership with State Health Commissioner, Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, for their commitment to infant and maternal health at the fifth annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program. INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hospitals for excellence in addressing key drivers of infant and maternal health.
Woodlawn earned an INspire
Category of Excellence recognition based on implementing best practices in key areas, including perinatal substance use and social drivers of health. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our Maternity Oasis team’s daily hard work. This demonstrates one of the many ways we continue to earn the right to care for our mothers and babies in our community by providing excellent care, services, and education,” Cathy Lowe, Chief Nursing Officer of Woodlawn Health, stated.
“The Indiana Department of Health remains focused on working with healthcare providers to
Let’s Study The Bible —
improve outcomes for Hoosier moms and babies,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “We are grateful to have hospitals across the state support initiatives, such as the Indiana Perinatal Levels of Care and obstetrical emergencies training, that have contributed to improvements in both maternal and infant health.”
For the first time in the program’s history, 100% of Indiana’s birthing facilities earned one of two INspire recognitions, reinforcing the progress that has been made to improve upon the key drivers of maternal and infant health.
Jesus’ baptism
(Read: Matthew 3: 13-17).
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17).
In the first 10 chapters of Matthew’s Gospel, Matthew is recording the revelation of the king to the nation Israel. In chapters 1 and 2 he gave the ancestry and birth of the king, showing from the prophets that Jesus Christ is the king of Israel. In chapter 3 he introduces Jesus through his “forerunner” John the Baptist. First, Jesus and John the Baptist. Why was the sinless son of God baptized? We suggest six reasons:
1. Obligation — “To fulfill all righteousness” (John 8:29).
2. Consecration —The OT priest was washed, then anointed. Jesus submitted to water baptism, then the Holy Spirit came as a dove (Exodos 29.
3. Commendation — Jesus gave his approval of John’s ministry and thus obligated the people to listen to John and obey him. Instead, the religious leaders rejected John’s baptism (Matthew 21:23-27).
4. Proclamation — This was John’s official introduction of Jesus to the Jewish nation (John 1:31).
5. Anticipation — This water baptism looked forward to Jesus’ baptism of suffering for us on the cross (Luke 12:50). Jesus fulfilled all righteousness through his sacrificial death on Calvary.
6. Identification — Jesus identified himself with sinful men. Immediately after, the Holy Spirit drove him into the wilderness. There may be here a picture of the “scapegoat” that symbolically carried the nation’s sins into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:1-10).
Insight: John required “much water” for his baptisms (John 3:23). All the waves and billows of God’s wrath were experienced by Jesus on the cross.
Second, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16). This was
the sign God had promised to give John to identify Christ (John 1:3134). Though Jesus and John were related (Luke 1:36), it is likely they had not seen each other for years.
Even if John did know Jesus in the flesh, he would want the divine assurance from heaven. The symbol of the spirit as a dove is important: the dove is a clean bird; it is faithful to its mate in love; it is peaceful and gentle. Christ was born through the power of the spirit (Luke 1:34-35) and was also empowered by the spirit for his life and ministry.
Third, Jesus and God the Father (Matthew 3: 17). This is the first of three occasions when the father spoke to the son from heaven (Matthew 17:5 and John 12:28). We have the trinity revealed here: (1) the son is baptized, (2) the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and (3) the father speaks from heaven. As he entered his ministry, the son was approved by the father; as he approached the cross (Matthew 17:5), he received that commendation again.
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
O B ituaries
Carolyn S. Howe Clinger
Accomplished Homemaker
Carolyn S. Howe Clinger 81, Rochester, passed away near Etna Green, on the evening of Tuesday, March 11, 2025. This followed a brief and serious illness.
CAROLYN CLINGER
On June 17, 1943, Carolyn Sue Howe was born in Vincennes to the Rev. Harvey and Jewel Batman Howe. Growing up she shared her childhood with four bothers and a sister. Carolyn graduated from Mt. Olympus High School in Gibson County. She later professionalized herself in the business world by earning an associate’s degree in business at Porter Business College in Indianapolis.
In Rochester, Carolyn and George William Clinger were married on March 1, 1964. The shared 34 years of life’s adventures. From their union came five wonderful children, Tina, Melinda, Michael, Jerry and Jason. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Many will remember Carolyn as a skilled seamstress at the Thread Shed back in the day. She was also great at customer service at 3-D and Walmart. Carolyn was a devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene.
An accomplished homemaker, Carolyn was able to make the children’s clothing. She annually planted a truck patch garden and harvested the produce for family use during the winter months by canning and freezing. She also shared with other family members and special friends. There was nothing better than getting together with her family for the holidays and special family celebrations.
Left to cherish Carolyn’s memory are two daughters, Tina Cunningham (Mark), Plymouth and Melinda Clinger, Rochester; two sons, Michael Clinger (Emily), Bremen and Jerry Clinger, Rochester; nine grandchildren, Phillip Beattie (Brigid), Kristi Austin, Marcus Hancock, Austin Clinger, Kayla Mcvicar (Allen), Elizabeth Clinger (companion, Brandon Bahr), Isabelle Clinger, Hannah Clinger, Ares Clinger and Cory Cunningham (Tabitha); seven great-grandchildren, A.J. Austin, Xavier Austin, Adaline Mcvicar, Vinnie Beattie, Oliver Mcvicar, Easton Bahr, Savannah Bahr, Nikolai Cunningham, Felicity Cunningham and Archer Cunningham; siblings, David Howe, Rochester, Steven Howe (Melissa) and Janet Howe; sister-in-law, Jane Howe, all of Fort. Wayne; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Carolyn in death are her parents, Harvey and Jewel Howe; beloved husband, George, on March 12, 1998; two brothers, Donald Howe and Larry Howe; and son, Jason W. Clinger, on Feb. 17, 2025.
A celebration of life service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Thad Stewart and Pastor Don Meyer officiated. Interment was in Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Robert ‘Bob’ M. Haworth
United States Navy Veteran
Robert “Bob” M. Haworth 85, Rochester, passed away at 1:03 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Wynnfield Crossing, Rochester.
He was born on Aug. 3, 1939, in Rochester, the son of William “Max” and Martha (Dreher) Haworth.
He was the beloved husband of Linda (Maus) Haworth, with whom he shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, years filled with love, laughter and unwavering devotion.
Robert was a 1957 graduate of Rochester High School. After High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years. A proud veteran, he embraced a sense of duty and honor that remained with him throughout his life. His professional career led him to some of his favorite jobs, the Rochester Building Service and the Rochester Telephone Company, where he found fulfillment in hard work and camaraderie. Robert was also a member of Grace Church (formerly Grace United Methodist Church) for much of his life.
Outside of work, Robert found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He had a knack for home projects, always eager to fix, build, or improve something, whether for his own home or for those he loved. His hands were never idle, and his family will always remember the care and craftsmanship he put into everything he touched.
Robert was a proud and loving father. His greatest joy was his family, and he treasured his role as grandfather and great-grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Linda L. Haworth; daughters, Lisa (Michael) Malone and Lora (Lee) White; grandchildren, Meg (Brandon) Miller, Morgan (Taylor) Carter and Matthew White, six great-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Norma) Haworth; sister-in-law, Kate Haworth; brother-in-law, Robert (Val) Maus; sister-in-law, Vicki Vass; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Richard “Dickie” Haworth, John Haworth and Thomas Haworth.
Robert was a man of quiet strength, steady determination, and a deep love for his family. His kindness, wisdom and gentle humor will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 17, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Graveside services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday March 18, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, where military graveside services were conducted by the Fulton County Veterans’ Honor Guard and the United States Navy.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church or Fulton County Animal Shelter.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh. com.
John H. Klinefelter
Azuba Elizabeth Eager
Ellie Master and Weston Eager, Monterey, are the parents of a daughter, Azuba Elizabeth, born at 8:59 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Shawn and Ellen Master, Plymouth.
Paternal grandparents are Jeremy and McKenzie Sharpe, Buchanan, Mich.
Jetsen Alexander Lease Shyann Teel and Matt Lease are
the parents of a son, Jetsen Alexander, born Monday, March 10, in Woodlawn Health.
Maternal grandparents are Linda Teel, deceased, and James Teel, Knoxville, Tenn.
Paternal grandparents are Tara and Michael Lease, Rochester.
Maternal great-grandparent is Judith Teel-Green, Rochester.
Paternal great-grandparents are David and Linda Rudd, Rochester, Warren and Gloria Lease, Rochester, and Kris Lease, Rochester.
John H. Klinefelter Jr., 75, Etna Green, died Monday, March 10, 2025, in his residence.
He was born on Nov. 27, 1949. On Oct. 30, 1976, he married Suzy Klinefelter; who survives.
JOHN H. KLINEFELTER
Additional survivors are his daughter, Stefanie (Derek) Sauer, Etna Green; two grandchildren; two brothers, Jeff and Jim, Etna Green,
sister, Janet Stuntz, Bremen; and brother-in-law, Steve (Linda) Shirey, Bourbon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Allen (Deed) Shirey, Mentone; and brother-inlaw, Gary Stuntz, Bremen.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.
Interment was held in Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Etna Township Fire and Rescue or the Etna Green United Methodist Church.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
R. Lee Grigsby
R. Lee Grigsby, 89, Warsaw, died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on April 23, 1935. On Aug. 18, 1978, he married Judy J. Hartman Howard; who survives.
Additional survivors are his children, Susan (David) Clemons, Peru, Nancy Williams, Bunker Hill, Mark Howard, Lisa (John) McIntire, both of Warsaw and Kyle Howard, Michigan; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Kenny) Walls, Alexandria.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Beaman Home, 603 Parker St., Warsaw, IN 46581. Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Debra L. Spencer
Debra L. Spencer, 72, Mentone , died Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Dupont Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born on Jan. 7, 1953.
She is survived by her daughter, Deanna (Colin) Wilkins, Fort Wayne; sons, David (Carlee) Spencer, Lakeville and Dustin Spencer, Warsaw; 10 grandchildren; sister, Denise (Raymond) Driver, Plymouth; and brother, Daniel (Katherine) Arbuckle, St. Louis, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant grandsons, Nathan and Noah Wilkins.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at King Memorial Home, 101 North Tucker St., Mentone, with brother-in-law, Raymond Driver officiating.
Interment will be in the Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Mentone senior nutrition site.
ROBERT ‘BOB’ M. HAWORTH
DEBRA L. SPENCER
R. LEE GRIGSBY
Rochester Middle School announces honor roll
The following students were named to the Rochester Middle School term two, grading period one honor roll of the 2024-2025 school year.
All A Honor Roll
The following students received all A’s:
Seventh Grade — Kylie M. Aguilar, Lindy I. Armstrong, Aubrey Lynn Bauman, Hayley Michelle Bright, Kenna Lee Calvert, Cash Paul Casper, Katelyn Cheyenne Conliff, Korbyn Ian Crossland, Warner Thomas Joseph Michael DuBois, Lucas Wayne Enyart, Alaina Garrison, Jordan Edgar Gonzalez, Hailey Mae Howell, Ayden Joseph Jaeger, Ella Rayne Jenkins, Sarai Lopez, Rilee Jean Lucker, Kinlee Monroe McKee, Lillian April Merideth, Melodie Grace Musselman, Abraham James Seward, Parker Gabriel Smith, Piper Nicole Snyder, Gavin Levi Sutton, Makayla Rose Walley and Macie Grayce Widman.
Sixth Grade — Nyah Lane Archambeault, Reed Hunter Casper, Deacon Kane Cheesman, Alivia Marie Ford, Ava Lorraine Forry, Hank Matthew Hardesty, Bailey Jean Koebcke, Chloe Renee Ladouceur, Mason Kyle McLochlin, Jacob Michael Miller, Allison Ava Mulligan, Melissa Louise Rose Riseling, Heidi Grace Shuck, Easton Ray Warren, McCrea Meredith Wilson and Whit-
ley Jeanette Winans. Fifth Grade — Jolene Lyn Armstrong, Carson Tyler Banks, Wyatt Damic Beck, Brantlyn Andrew Brubaker, Corinna Rae Chevalier, Ryker Jace Fishburn, Jordan Marcus Halterman, Everett Louis Horvath, Harper Lee Howell, Otto Leroy Koebcke, Andrew Joseph Love, Graham Joseph Miller, Carter Owen Overmyer, Liam Jeffery Robertson, Madison Leah Rupley, Maddox Ares Xander Shaffer, Nora Rose Straeter and Luke Michael Thomas. A/B Honor Roll
The following students received A/B’s:
Seventh Grade — Charlotte Louise Backus, Dawson O. Beehler, Vada Mae Biernacki, Zoey Josleyn Binion, Grayson Lane Bowyer, Alyssa Michelle Clapper, Aydan Alexander Cortes-Gustafson, Isaac Wayne Field, Kinley Sue Flory, Zandra Laine Handy, Riley Kay Harding, Allaynna Marie Hart, Grayson Oliver Kauffman, Elijah Thomas Kreighbaum. Asher Allen James Merrill, Blade Cooper Miller-Reffitt, Kaylynn Baylee Miller, Griffin Paul Newton, Aiven James Pawski Sera Marie Roe, Chesney Faye Samuels, Alexander Jay Schwarte, Thomas Joseph Schwenk, Charles Shull, Morgan Jade Simpson, Kenlee Marie Smith, Elijah Eric Straeter and Mason Christopher Woodcox.
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
Discover Bank v. Travis Grubbs, Akron, $4,924,37
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Levi Faulk, Rochester, $906.35 Mortgage Foreclosure
Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB as Trustee of Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust v. Justin Hughes, Rochester, and Trista Hughes, Rochester, $85,164.34
Plenary
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance as Subrogee of Kent A. French v. Phillip McFarland Rochester, $14,431.94
Superior Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Complaints
Capital One, N.A. v. Larry Minix, Rochester, $7,545.24
Absolute Resolutions Investments, LLC v. Roger Clevenger, Rochester, $1,769.06
Velocity Investments, LLC v. Angela Oden, Rochester, $2,882.60
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. v. Roger Olinger, Rochester, $11,176.40
LVNV Funding LLC v. Tasha Coldiron, Kewanna, $2,092.64; Michael Leedy, Rochester, $1,087.98; David Leedy, Rochester, $1,172.42
Crown Assessment Management v. Christopher Hoffa, Kewanna, $1,762.30
Drive Now Auto Credit v. Kaylee Redman, Rochester, $11,880 Michael Leedy, Rochester
SAC Finance, LLC v. Russ Geer, Rochester, and Alisha Utter, Rochester, $14,815.16; Dallas Holloway, Rochester, $16,444.19
Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts:
Driving while suspended — Kevin Matute Almendares, North Charleston, S.C., $164.50
Sixth Grade — Giovanni Hector Agosto, Khloe Anahi Destiny Andrea Aguilar, Emmett Jeffery Joseph Bitterling, Willow Grace Black, Zuri Marie Blackburn, Mason Lee Bowyer, Owen Patrick Brady, Liam Michael Burton, Alivia Jane Carpenter, Minna Lynn Fulton, Kymberlee Jezette Gonzalez, Layni Mae Helt, Landon Glen Hisey, Briggs Matthew Hunter, Anastasia Sophia Jackson, Paige Bailey Jacobson.
Jace Henry Lawson, Millie Jo Maroney, Sadie Melane Pearson, Kapri Nicole Dawn Pesak, Mikel Angelo Richcreek, Isabella Eileen Ritter, Lyrik Nevaeh Rivas, Daisy Anne Salvatierra, Sophie Anne Shuck, Emma Rose Kay Smith, Mason Lee Straeter, Cailynn Mae Tyler, Caleb William Vigar, Linley Marie Wilburn, Jack Richard Williams and Hadley Joanne Zehner.
Fifth Grade — Malayah Arteaga, Alice Makenzie Atkinson, Kailyn Grace Balanow, Solomon Edward Thomas Bitterling, Daphne Dell Blakesley, Molly Ann Brouyette, Landyn David-Mack Brower, Weslee Mavrick Buckner, Ethan Castle Cloud, Braden James Coggins, Alexis Marie Davis, Lucy James Downs, Tyson Ray Eatmon, Kayden Rae Eriks. Lennox Blas Ferro, Gage Robert Fishburn, Searra Anne Gudas, Payton Lee Hall, Mason El-
mer Hamilton, Grant Nathaniel Wells Holder, Logan J Howard, Madison Kay Hunter, Wyatt Lee Jackson. Morgan R Jacobson, Kaitlin L Jaeger, Luke Bradley Dean Johnson, Wyatt Jackson Kapp, Aria Mae Kauffman. Keaghan Marie Kauffman, Crew William Kiser, Benjamin Cole Love, Griffin Max McKee, Vanessa Noel Miller, LouAnnie
Mae Million, Gil Orville Newton, Avery Lynn Perkins, Donovan Josue Poe, Harper Lee Rensberger, Kinley Grace Reynolds, Sophie RayLynn Ritter, Dakota Kaye Schwarte, Cross Michael Sliss, Brenton Jacob Adam Smith, Layla Lenay Swartzel, Mackenzie D Utter, Kaylee Ann Layne Weakman, Evan James Wilson and Lanah Harper Young.
Driving while suspended, speeding — Sarah Helt, Rochester, $179.50
Failure to register — Donald Stair Jr., Rochester, $164.50
Improper or no tail light or plate light — Stephen Ellinger, Rochester, $174 No valid driver’s license — Courtney Bartell, Mishawaka, $164.50
Open alcoholic beverage container during operation of a motor vehicle — Nikkia Murff, Indianapolis, $175; Tosheena Shute, Indianapolis, $175
Operating with expired plates — Melinda Farlow, Goshen, $164; Ginger Richard, Rochester, $164; Gordon Easterday, Akron, $164; Robert Rush, Rochester, $164
Operating with expired plates, speeding — Luis Villasana Valderrama, Carmel, $200
Speeding — Joe Wisdom, Lagrange, Ky., $154.50; Brianna Caldwell, Middlebury, $164.50; Luis Villasana Valderrama, Carmel, $164.50; Mary Slowiak, Indianapolis, $154.50; Xiaoyang Zhao, College Point, N.Y., $154.50; Leslie Parks-sanchez, Logansport, $154.50; Lucille Cappelletti-foster, Elkhart, $164.50; Drake Wise, Indianapolis, $175; Robert Mcdougall, Knoxville, Tenn., $164.50;
Michael Warner-squiers, Goshen, $164.50; Jeffrey Johnston, Mishawaka, $154.50; Marvin Vanhaitsma, Evart, Mich., $164.50; Shaun Burch, Indianapolis, $154.50; Stephanie Seifferlein, Fishers, $154.50; Carlos Puerta Brito, Westfield, $164.50; Jake Mckinley, Huntington Beach, Calif. $164.50; Jacob Zimmer, Holland, Mich., $154.50; Haley Care, Mccordsville, $154.50; Uniqua Sparks, Grand Rapids, Mich., $164.50; Luis Garcia, Indianapolis, $175; Alfredo Mendez, East Chicago, $154.50; Payton Moore, Rochester, $154.50; Noah Tanguay, Kalamazoo, Mich., $164.50; Scott Lalonde, Stevensville, Mich., $154.50; Roberto Ruvalcaba, Chicago, Ill., $154.50; Geraldo Moreno, Middlebury, $164.50; David England, Muskegon, $154.50; Angela Miller, Westfield, $154.50; Camryn Snyder, Granger, $164.50; Jennifer Moore, Rochester, $154.50
Marriage Licenses
The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Kistler — Bozley Kistler, 29, Rochester, and Carrie Cook, 28, Rochester.
JANE AUSTEN TEA
PARTY — The first annual Jane Austen tea party was recently held at Akron Public Library, Akron. A luncheon was served, followed by a lesson on ladies fan etiquette (the language of the fan), a piano interlude and a vintage craft consisting of wax sealed bookmarks. The afternoon concluded with a traditional English country dance. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
Updates and happenings in and around the area
The Northern Indiana Mobile Food Truck will have a food bank for 150 families at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20. It will be at the former Mary & Jerry’s Food Pantry, 10072 W. 600S, Mentone.
Bring a box, line-up, open your trunk and drive through. If you qualify for any food pantry, you may attend this event.
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There will be a free breakfast for veterans at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at Life Care Center, Rochester. This event is open to all local veterans. Call (574) 223-4331 to register.
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S.T.E.M. Fun with Crystal will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Kewanna Library. Crystal Grossman, Purdue Fulton County Extension Educator,
will share an activity that uses science, technology, engineering and math. For more information call (574) 653-2011, visit the website at kewanna.lib.in.us, or visit the Facebook page.
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Board of works meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Mother and son dance will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. Akron. Ages 3 to eighth grade. Must be accompanied by mother, grandma, aunt or special someone. Tickets can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Akron Elementary, 202 Rural St.,
Akron. Pre-sale only, tickets are not available at the door.
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Pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 6-10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. Proceeds benefit Rochester girls softball and Fulton County soccer. Adults $8 and under 12 $4.
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The Moore family cancer benefit will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March, 23, at the Fulton County Museum, 37 E. 375N, Rochester. There will be a spaghetti dinner, live auction at 1 p.m., bake sale, 50/50 drawing and raffles. Dinner to benefit the family of Mark Moore.
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Area planning meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, in the Fulton County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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Fairground clean-up day will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. A light meal will be provided for anyone who helps. Bring your yard tools.
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There will be a city council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday,
March 25, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
—o—
There will be community bingo for seniors from 2:303:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Hickory Creek, 340 E. Eighteenth St., Rochester. Coffee and refreshments served. For more information call (574) 2235100 or email 451activities@ hickorycreekcare.com
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If you are a victim of domestic abuse The Beaman Home is available to help. Assistance will be available from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Recovery Cafe of Fulton County, 715 Main St., Rochester. Reach out if you need help.
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BZA meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Redevelopment Commission meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Akron Public Library will host an Easter craft in the Adult Crafty Corner, with classes at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Thursday, March 27. Be sure to sign up by Thursday, March 20. Call ACPL at (574) 893-4113, or stop in to sign up. No registrations will be taken online.
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There will be a blood drive
from 12:30-6 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in the conference room, at the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester. Call (800) 7337267 or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
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Fulton-Liberty Lions Club is offering laundry soap and a trash bag sale through Friday, March 28. Order forms are available at the library and post office in Fulton. Pick-up is from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Fulton Community Center. For more information contact Beth Burton at (574) 857-6750 or Janet Tuley at (574) 8356920.
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Kewanna Youth League will be accepting applications until Tuesday, April 1. Pick up and drop off applications at Kewanna Public Library. For more information call David Stangle at (574) 817-0653, Dawn Boehme at (574) 727-0357, or Chelsea Miller at (808) 354-7060; or email kewannayouthleague@ yahoo.com.
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Fulton County Community Health Fair will be from 3:306:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 West Third St., Rochester. Health screenings, community resources, vaccines, giveaways and more. First 50 people will receive a free hygiene kit. All services are free. Visit vaccinateindiana.org for more information and to register.
Caston Elementary announces honor roll
The following students were named to the Caston Elementary Honor Roll for the third quarter grading period for the 2024-2025 school year.
All A Honor Roll
The following students received all A’s:
Fifth Grade — Rowan Berry, Titan DeMond, Leigha Eber, Ketni Gibson, Layla Joseph, Pilot Manley, Parker Manus, Kailani Miller, Lucas Moon, Tanner Overmyer and Silas Rudicel.
Fourth Grade — Cece Boldry, Lucas Douglass, Molly Moon, Jacoby Rentschler, Kam Rigney, Isabella Rude, Cara Ulerick and Levi Zartman.
Third Grade — Asher Ault, Ryker Ball, Lynnly Berry, Emery
Indiana Archaeological Society hosting exhibit April 5
The Indiana Archaeological Society will be holding its 24th annual Peru Relic Show/Prehistoric Indian Artifact Show on Saturday, April 5.
The exhibit is free to the public and open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1079 W. 200N, near Peru.
Expect to see more than 100 tables displaying some of the finest relics in the Midwest.
Free artifact identification and appraisal will be available.
The Indiana Archaeological Society is a nonprofit organization with more than 500 members statewide who are dedicated to the preservation of the prehistoric past. The group sponsors shows and exhibits throughout the state for the general public. This year, the society
Bowyer, Henry Bowyer, Mykah Brown, Riley Clupper, Natalie Crane, Ethan Damrow, Tate Emery, Elliana Harrison, Ezekiel Helt, Blakelee Herrold, Kolton Holladay.
Sawyer Jones, Caroline Maynard, Jack Monical, Reed Nethercutt, Annemarie Paschen, Carter Rentschler, Olivia Sanchez, Carter Schroder, Chloe Scott, Zariah Shepherd, Berkley Tocco, Karli Williams, Claire Woodhouse and Paisley Zimmer.
A/B Honor Roll
The following students received A/B’s:
Fifth Grade — Kylee Apperson, Mollie Border, Ellie Coffing, Jordyn Collins, Damion Denson, Carver Dodt, Leighton Eber, Trevor Emery, Eric Fort, Zane Grubb, Hunter Hall, MK Hardel. Maleena Hendry, Alexandria Hulette, Jackson Lovelady, Brielle McVay, Annabelle Moulder, Kolin Oberkrom, Kayden Rentschler, Landon Sorak, Tessa Tate, Hunter Taylor and Silas Yarber.
Fourth Grade — Kooper Baird, Akinnah Brown, Lucas Clark, Ellie Greer, Brooklyn Harrison, Eloy Hulette, Zayne Lerche, Max Marrs, Alaina Russell, Eliana Shamblin, C.J. Trent and Carson Tyra and Julianna Wright.
Third Grade — Paisley Apperson, Scarlett Brown, Alyssa Casalman, Elliana Clayton, Henry Coffing, Kiara Cook, Harper Davis, Cyric Evans, Brayten Ferguson, Deacon Finke, Aevah Fort, Bryden Franklin, Zoe Grubb, Gracelyn Holladay, Neo Hulette, Chloe Johnson.
Jimmy Johnson, Oliver Jones, Izzy Kieninger, Liam Mashiana, Dean McKee, Brooklyn Miller, Riley Miller, Daliela Ray, Kory Ri-
NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATOR — Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator, Geoff Schortgen, hosted a workshop on Wednesday, March 12, in Akron Public Library. He is from the Wabash County Purdue Extension Office, and educated those in attendance on small space gardening, seed selection, and raised beds. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
GARDENING PROGRAM — A workshop for raised bed gardening was held on Wednesday, March 12, in the Akron Public Library. Those in attendance learned about small space gardening, seed selection, and raised beds. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
The future of electronic medical records at Woodlawn Health
By DR. ANTHONY WITT and SARAH SHULTZ, DNP, RN
Editor’s Note: Dr. Anthony Witt is a Primary Care Provider and Sarah Shultz is the Project Manager for Epic Implementation
The introduction of Electronic Medical Records is revolutionizing healthcare, offering new ways to improve patient care, communication, and safety. At Woodlawn Health, the upcoming transition to a new EMR system promises to enhance the patient experience while streamlining healthcare provider workflows. On that note, Woodlawn Health is asking for patience in the next few months as they train and implement a new system.
One of the key benefits of EMRs is the ability to document patient encounters accurately and in real time. Whether through office visits, phone calls, or other interactions, EMRs ensure that all details are captured efficiently. This leads to safer care, as providers have timely access to all patient information, reducing the risk of errors and enabling more responsive care.
EMRs also significantly improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. With the introduction of patient portals, patients can access their health information, request refills, ask questions, or share updates outside of appointments. This direct line of communication fosters a collaborative approach to care and provides patients with more control over their healthcare experience.
An exciting feature of the new EMR system at Woodlawn Health is online appointment scheduling.
This feature will allow patients to book appointments at their convenience without the need for phone calls, reducing wait times and improving access to care. It will be particularly useful for patients with urgent needs, enabling them to schedule appointments quickly and easily.
The new system will also streamline the workflow for healthcare providers by consolidating patient data from multiple sources into one platform. Lab results, imaging, and specialist notes will all be accessible in a single system, improving decision making and reducing the time spent
gathering information. While the transition may require some time and training, this change will ultimately lead to more efficient care delivery.
Finally, EMRs support interoperability between healthcare systems, making it easier to share patient information across different providers and facilities. This will allow Woodlawn Health to access test results and specialist reports from other facilities that use the same system, ensuring a more coordinated and seamless experience for patients.
The future of EMRs at Woodlawn Health is an exciting one, with the potential to improve patient care, enhance communication, and increase efficiency across
the board. As the new system rolls out, patients can look forward to a more streamlined, patient-centered healthcare experience.
Free Estimates
Caston to hold school board meeting March 19
Caston School Corporation will hold its regular March board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. The executive session will immediately follow the board meeting.
Fulton County Democrats to meet March 20
Fulton County Democrats will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Char-Bell Studio, next to the Times Theater, Rochester. All are welcome.
DR. ANTHONY WITT SARAH SHULTZ DNP, RN
PRIZE WINNER — Patty Woodward was recently a winner in the Akron Winter Reading Program, held at Akron Public Library. Each winner received a prize valued at $75. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
READING PROGRAM WINNER — Amy Voth-Reed was recently a winner in the Akron Winter Reading Program, held at Akron Public Library. Each winner received a prize valued at $75. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
WINTER WINNER — Frank Miller was recently a winner in the Akron Winter Reading Program, held at Akron Public Library. Each winner received a prize valued at $75. Photo provided by Akron Public Library.
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Rochester Community Schools
Superintendent Jana Vance said the Rochester Middle School natatorium renovations are estimated to be substantially complete by the start of the 2025-26 school year.
RCS is using bonds to finance the $2,878,900 construction project, which should be almost done at the end of July. The renovations mark the first major redo of the natatorium since it was installed in 1974.
The project was approved by the RCS Board in June 2024.
So far work has included re-
doing the ceiling and putting in new flooring and lighting.
Remaining work includes finishing the floor, replacing some pool tile and cleaning and resealing grout in the pool, as well as setting the bleacher overlays.
Vance said the seating capacity at the pool will be expanded through the project, going up to 208.
Viridian Architectural Design, which has completed other projects for RCS, did the design.
Vance said the school probably will have a community open house when the natatorium reopens.
“We appreciate the community support,” she said regarding
the project. “Just as (we see) the auditorium ... being a community asset, our goal is to make this
a community asset as well, but it’s both an educational classroom as well as (a) venue for
NATATORIUM WORK Work is ongoing in Rochester Middle School’s
some
we want to make sure it’s
lized as such.”
Alderfer Bergen named March member of month for county chamber
Financial planning company
Alderfer Bergen & Co. is the March Fulton County Chamber Member of the Month.
Alan Alderfer started Alderfer Investments in 1999. He had previously worked for other institutions providing financial advice and sought to go independent in his hometown of Warsaw.
A few years later, Mike Bergen joined, creating Alderfer Bergen. Since then, the firm has grown to 10 employees.
The business has a team of four advisors, with one in training.
Alderfer Bergen states it “(strives) to learn about you and create a financial plan
MARCH MEMBER OF MONTH
Financial planning company Alderfer Bergen & Co. is the March Member of the Month for the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce.
Shown from left are Chamber Board Member Cory Good; Chamber Board Member Terry Ward; Chamber Ambassador Todd Zartman; Will Day with Alderfer Bergen; Chamber Board Member Jim McFadden; Chamber Ambassador Randy Wynn; and Chamber Executive Director Jillian Smith. Photo provided by the chamber.
that helps you accomplish your goals.”
“We are fiduciaries, which
means we put your needs ahead of our own,” the company said. “We want to create a transpar-
ent plan that is both affordable and puts you in the driver’s seat for your financial future.”
People may contact them at (574) 267-6766 or stop by 122 W. Market St., Warsaw.
of the Zebra athletes, so
uti-
natatorium. Photo by Leah Sander.
Poacher-reporting program racks up tips, pays rewards
By LESLIE BONILLA MUNIZ
Indiana Capital Chronicle
Brian Stone calls himself a “late-onset” hunter.
The Terre Haute resident was then a university student in southern Illinois, surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest. Hunting — for waterfowl, deer and more — was a way to sustain himself outside the industrial food system. But it was also a way to tap into the world around him.
“There’s something about hunting, that you’re connecting with nature,” Stone said. “… You’re out, you’re listening and you’re watching … You become really attuned to the changes of the seasons, the way that different weather fronts will bring in pushes of waterfowl.”
Alongside that awareness grew respect for those communities of wildlife.
Wildlife, he said, “belongs to all Hoosiers. When someone … violates the laws that have been put in place as part of a conservation model, they’re stealing from all of us. They’re stealing from all Hoosiers when they poach a deer, when they poach a turkey, or even non-game animals.”
But the 200 conservation of-
ficers patrolling an expansive state “can’t be everywhere at once.”
Now, Stone sits on the 17-member board that pays fellow Hoosiers for information leading to arrests of law-breakers. The Turn in a Poacher program also rewards reports of illegal pollution.
Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources houses the 40-yearold initiative, which has recorded skyrocketing interest after years of oscillation.
Poaching is the illegal harvesting of animals, plants, fungi and more.
Callers On The Rise
The number of tips received swung between lows in the 300s and highs in the 500s for at least eight years, according to DNR data.
But the total approached 600 in 2022, then shot up to nearly 900 in 2023 and crossed 1,000 last year for the first time in at least a decade.
“Over the last couple years, we’ve been pushing really hard to promote the program or advertise it more, and we’re seeing that pay off,” Capt. Jet Quillen, a spokesman for DNR’s Law Enforcement Division, told the Capital Chronicle. He’s also a mem-
ber of the TIP board.
The program’s 17-member board reviews cases. If a tip leads to prosecution, members decide if
it qualifies for a reward of up to $500.
TIP paid out eight rewards totaling $4,000 in 2022, and 10 rewards totaling $5,000 in both 2023 and 2024, according to Quillen — although some tipsters don’t want the money.
Payout totals for previous years weren’t available. Neither were the number of warnings and arrests made thanks to the tips.
“We keep the number of TIPs we receive, but once they are assigned to officers for investigation, we are not tracking them until a reward is requested or we are notified for some reason by the investigating officers,” Quillen wrote in an email. “We are going to try to obtain these numbers in the future, but it will be an extensive effort obtaining these from our records keeping program.”
POACHED A 20-point buck poached in 2017 by an Indiana man, who had it mounted. He was convicted for the illegal catch in 2019. Photo provided by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
IU completes it’s first repatriation of human remains to Easter Island
By NIKI KELLY Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana University has completed its first international repatriation of human remains to the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island.
A news release said IU’s JayneLeigh Thomas visited the island in December as an invited guest of Rapa Nui representatives and is working with them on several research projects focused on the ethics of repatriation.
“To know that I played a small part in returning these Rapa Nui ancestors to Easter Island is overwhelming and so personally rewarding,” said Thomas, executive director of IU’s Office of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. “To be so warmly welcomed onto the island, to build relationships with Rapa Nui representatives, and to have the opportunity to see the rich cultural heritage and visit archaeological sites was simply incredible.”
Thomas said the remains were donated to IU in the 1990s by David M. Lodge, a descendent of U.S. Navy Rear Adm. George Henry Cooke. As a surgeon and medical officer, Cooke was assigned to Ulysses S. Grant’s detail during the ex-president’s circumnavigation of the world from 1877 to 1879. He later served aboard the USS
Mohican, which visited Easter Island in 1886 to collect large stone sculptures, known as moai, for the Smithsonian Institute.
Cooke’s Smithsonian report repeatedly mentions Pakomio Mā‘ori, a Rapa Nui survivor of the Peruvian slave raids of 1862.
That man’s great-great-grandson, Francisco Nahoe, a Catholic priest and Franciscan friar, worked with Thomas on this repatriation.
The release said the Rapa Nui people have been very active in repatriation in recent years, working with individuals and institutions in New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Canada, the United States and Chile to locate their ancestors’ remains and bring them home to Easter Island. Nahoe is the North American delegate of Te Mau Hatu, the Easter Island council of elders, for recovery and repatriation.
Nahoe attended IU’s Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training and Education Program in 2024 with his cousin, Rapa Nui archaeologist Susana Nahoe. The INSTEP program, which Thomas directs, offers best practices regarding the repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural objects under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Because few programs exist to support repatriation efforts inter-
nationally, and NAGPRA offers a roadmap for repatriation that can be replicated worldwide, there has been increased interest from people around the world to attend this training program.
“IU is fully committed to our NAGPRA work and has several
large repatriation projects underway with numerous federally recognized tribal nations, but we also support the return of all Indigenous human remains, not just those from the United States,” IU Vice President for Research Russell J. Mumper said. “We are focused on creating strong partnerships and developing mutually beneficial research projects that highlight repatriation, ethical museum practices and archaeological scholarship with Indigenous communities in the U.S. and abroad.”
EASTER ISLAND In the quarry at Rano Raraku, ancient matamu‘a carved the stone monuments known as moai, which represent ancestors who have passed away. The Rapa Nui people have increased efforts in recent years to bring their ancestors home through international repatriation. Photo by Josefina Nahoe.
Lawmakers advance bill to increase oversight over jail funds
By CASEY SMITH
Indiana Capital Chronicle
Bipartisan momentum continued last week for a bill that seeks to hold Indiana sheriffs more accountable for managing jail funds.
House Bill 1208, authored by Rep. Rep. Gregory Steuerwald, R-Avon, would increase the oversight over a county jail’s commissary fund, requiring the State Board of Accounts, or SBOA, to create training requirements for the sheriffs responsible for their county’s fund.
The bill also requires sheriff’s offices to report receipts and disbursements from the fund to the county fiscal body at least four times per year. Current law only requires the sheriff to provide those records semiannually.
It passed out of the Senate Local Government Committee 8-0 recently and now heads to the chamber floor. The legislation previously advanced unanimously from both the House Local Government Committee and the House chamber.
Steuerwald’s proposal comes less than a year after a massive state audit of Clark County Jail’s commissary fund revealed former Sheriff Jamey Noel’s “questionable” and “unsupported” payments totaling over $458,000. The report pointed to multiple personal vehicles, a $1,400 75-inch television and other purchases with those funds.
He pleaded guilty to 27 felonies last August, including charges of theft, money laundering, corrupt business influence, official misconduct, obstruction of justice and tax evasion. He’s
currently serving out a 15-year prison sentence. The charges were part of a massive Indiana State Police investigation that has included more than 70 search warrants and led to five arrests.
Auditors alleged he wrongly dipped or shorted more than $900,000 from the commissary fund, overall. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is now seeking to recover those funds through court-sanctioned sales of Noel’s seized property.
Noel was the Clark County sheriff from 2015 until the end of 2022. During ahis tenure, he also served as the Republican Party chair for Clark County and Indiana’s 9th Congressional District, making him a sort of gatekeeper for southern Indiana political hopefuls over the last decade.
“We’re trying to be very transparent, getting the sheriffs to be proactive,” said Steve Luce, executive director for the Indiana Sheriffs Association.
He said that the association already had several “very productive” meetings with SBOA to establish better commissary fund procedures in response to “some of the activity that was getting a lot of media attention down south.”
Jennifer Gauger, SBOA’s chief of staff, said the state examiner “is a big proponent of education and training, and is very happy to continue to strengthen our relationship with the sheriffs … and really help in any way.”
Bill sponsor Sen. Brett Clark, R-Avon, additionally called the bill “a collaborative effort” between the Association of Indiana Counties, the sheriffs association and SBOA.
“I think it builds on some work that was done in the past in this area to really provide some addi-
tional transparency,” he said. “And this way, everyone in the state, all 92 counties, are on the same page
… to make sure the sheriffs and their staff understand what is required of us.”
Legislature could explore limiting use of public health fund
By WHITNEY DOWNARD Indiana Capital Chronicle
A universally adopted funding program to boost local public health departments is facing a tough budget road, with some lawmakers questioning whether agencies have delivered on their promises or should be further constrained.
The two-year-old Health First Indiana program allocated $225 million to local public health departments in the last budget cycle, or $75 million in 2023 followed by $150 million in 2024. The latest version of the budget earmarks $100 million each year.
But following a budget presentation before the Senate Appropriations Committee recently, Sen. Liz Brown suggested local public health departments would simply continue to move the goalposts when it came to meeting their goals.
“When this was proposed to us, we were going to see more immediate results and … these are all
promises. We’re not seeing significant results yet and yet we’re doubling down,” said Brown, R-Fort Wayne.
Committee Chair Sen. Ryan Mishler said he and other members had received pressure from their communities to cut or eliminate the program due to questions about the money’s uses.
One particular concern forwarded to the Mishawaka Re-
publican was about an unnamed county using money to provide health care services for undocumented immigrants, which he acknowledged was “a very sensitive issue.”
“We (said) the locals can make their decisions, but it’s still state money. And how can you allow state money to be used?” Mishler told the Indiana Capital ChronContinued on page 15
CLARK COUNTY JUDICIAL CENTER The Clark County Judicial Center in Jeffersonville, which houses the jail and the sheriff’s office where Jamey Noel formerly worked. Photo by Casey Smith with the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
IN SESSION Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, right, asks a fellow committee member a question on Tuesday, March 11. Photo by Whitney Downard with the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
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This is a full time position covering city, town and county meetings and events as we bring the broadest and most complete news coverage to our 400,000-500,000 weekly website visitors.
Candidate should be naturally curious, adept at asking probing questions to get to the heart of the story, able to meet firm deadlines, and a skilled storyteller.
Internet, social media, computer and camera knowledge and skills important.
Must live in or near Kosciusko County and must have a degree or on-the-job experience in writing, journalism, mass communications or a similar field.
This is a full time position with competitive wage and benefit package.
Position is based out of Warsaw.
If you have the skills, we have a home for you.
Please Send Resume To:
