Bob Lease has enjoyed playing golf for around 60 years.
Lease, of Rochester, made his 11th hole-in-one on Monday, May 5, at the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek in Rochester.
It was on hole 5, with Lease using a pitching wedge for the 118-yard distance on the par 3 hole.
He started playing golf while a student in Cass County, competing for the Pioneer High School team.
Following graduation, Lease studied first at Ball State University before getting his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University. He also achieved his certified public accountant designation.
Lease worked for more than 30 years as the Logansport Community School Corp. business manager and controller. He moved to Rochester in 1998.
Lease says being a “numbers person” helps him manage two golf leagues held on Monday and Tuesday nights at the Round Barn Golf Club.
He’s won the senior open in
the city before.
Lease encourages others to try golf as it allows people of different skill levels to play together due to the handicap system. He added it allows people to challenge themselves.
When Lease isn’t golfing, he’s probably gardening.
He has 18 raised garden beds and cans “a lot of vegetables” as well as his own salsa.
Lease will celebrate 27 years of marriage with his wife, Kelley, this summer.
He has two sons, three stepdaughters and eight grandchildren.
First Baptist Guild ladies to host sponsor night
The Rochester First Baptist Guild ladies will host a sponsor night at Dairy Queen, Roches-
ter, from 4 p.m. to closing on Wednesday, May 28. Ten percent of sales will be given to the
group for their mission projects when you present a voucher or tell the staff you support the group.
Spring showers don’t only bring May flowers
By JENNIFER LAURO Occupational Therapist Woodlawn Health
Editor’s Note: Jennifer Lauro is an occupational therapist at Woodlawn Health.
There is scientific evidence to suggest that weather changes can impact arthritis pain. In spring, there can be extreme changes in the weather, like what we have recently seen, 70 degrees one day and snow the next. A few key studies published in the Journal of Rheumatology and the Journal of Pain Research reported that patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or fibromyalgia have higher pain levels on days with more extreme weather changes.
Patients with osteoarthritis tend to have higher pain levels on days when the barometric pressure is low (rainy days). Increased arthritis pain was associated with days that had higher humidity levels. Scientists have completed many studies on joint pain and
weather over the years, but they have yet to say for sure what the connection is. There are a few theories. One is that people with joint pain, especially arthritis, may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure because the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away. The nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on the changes in the barometric pressure.
Another theory is that when the barometric pressure drops before bad weather, this lower air pressure presses less against the body, allowing your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue to expand, causing an inflammatory response. This will then put add-
ed pressure on the arthritic joints, which can cause pain.
Low temperatures can make the fluid inside joints thicker, resulting in increased stiffness. We tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, or hot and humid. Inactive arthritic joints become stiff and painful as well. When the weather turns, flare-ups are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies are more sensitive to weather changes.
It may be helpful for individuals with arthritis to be aware of these effects and to plan accordingly. You don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain:
1. Don’t strain your joints if you don’t have to.
2. Although it may be hard, ask for help, someone else would be more than willing to assist you in lifting those heavy boxes.
3. When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm.
4. You can ask your doctor about pain medication like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs.
5. Keep a healthy weight and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints.
6. Look into assistive devices/ adaptive equipment for arthritis. Reach out to an occupational therapist to determine the most appropriate equipment and/or treatment for your needs. Occupational therapists can also educate those living with arthritis in ways to protect the joints to prevent deformities, increase comfort, and increase the ability to perform daily activities such as planting your May flowers.
ANOTHER HOLE-IN-ONE Bob Lease of Rochester made his 11th-ever hole-in-one while playing at the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek on Monday, May 5. Photo provided by the Round Barn Golf Club.
JENNIFER LAURO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
O B ituaries
Neva Lee Fields
Amazing Seamstress And Baker
Neva Lee Fields, 87, Kewanna, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport.
She was born on Nov. 7, 1937, in Fulton County, and was the daughter of the late Ermal and Nellie (Hendrickson) Riemenschneider. Neva was a 1955 graduate of Fulton High School.
NEVA LEE FIELDS
On Sept. 22, 1957, at the Fulton United Methodist Church, she married Roger W. Fields, with whom she celebrated 67 years of marriage.
Neva began her banking career at the age of 18 in Logansport. She continued at Farmers and Merchants in Rochester and finished her career with First National Bank in Rochester and Fulton. She also was formerly employed at the Fulton County Treasurer’s Office. Neva enjoyed her co-workers and would have monthly lunch dates to keep in touch.
She was a long-time member of Fulton Community Church, where she was active in the Ladies Aid. Neva enjoyed being a part of a local homemakers club where she and her friends would play cards and share their favorite new recipes. Neva was an amazing seamstress and baker. She shared those skills with her daughters and granddaughters.
Neva also loved spending time with her numerous dogs over the years and caring for her flowers. She cheered on the Purdue Boilermakers and enjoyed watching basketball games with her children and grandchildren.
Family meant the world to Neva. She spent countless hours at sporting events, 4-H competitions, music performances, and dance recitals. She loved her grandchildren dearly and would be sure to cook their most requested items for birthdays and holidays; which included her famous mac and cheese, cheese ball, brownies, and peppermint desert.
She spent many joyful hours teaching her grandchildren to play a variety of board and card games. Neva’s life was enriched even more with the addition of her great-grandchildren and she always made sure to have treats on hand when they visited.
Neva is survived by her husband, Roger Fields, Kewanna; her children, Patricia Emery (Doug), Lafayette, Darrell Fields (Lorena) and Darla Powlen (Phil), both of Kewanna. Neva’s descendants also include her grandchildren, Tara (Bob) Sarver, Tristan Kirby, Lucas Powlen, Morgan (Kyle) Munson, Kyle (Rachel) Emery, Skylar (Brock) Parmer, Matthew (Julia) Fields, Jada Powlen, Lauren Fields, Nolan Fields, Breanne (Tony) Ashenfelter, Tera (Matt) Sherman, Sara (Grant) Downs, and Rylee (Darrin) Alcorn. Additionally are her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Mason, Owen, and Keagan Sarver; Harrison and Camden Kirby; Oliver, Boyd, and Makenna Munson; Trevor, Tate, and Ellie Emery; Grady and Landry Parmer; Indie Fields; Lainey, Gracie, Quinncy, and Wilder Ashenfelter; Ava Sherman; Micah and Lucy Downs; Holland and Ellie Alcorn. Other survivors include one sister, Doneta Rentschler, Lucerne; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Neva was preceded in death by brother, Merrill Riemenschneider; and brother-in-law, Jim Rentschler.
C O unty r ep O rt
Court
News
Circuit Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Aaron Jones, Rochester, $772.39
Family Pet Health Center, INC. v. Chantal Rensberger, $1,187.29
Superior Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Complaint
Drive Now Auto Credit v. Lauriel Birchmeier, Rochester, $11,766; Jeffrey McCoy, Burkett, $12,567.63; William Barnes III, Indianapolis, $14,475.12
Credit Serivice International v. Cori Peregrine, Culver, $1,563.18
LVNV Funding v. Jason Crispen, Rochester, $1,304.54; Sara Cumberland, Rochester, $5,908.56; Regina Cumberland, Rochester, $1,278.45; Kathy Shavey, Macy, $6,320.69
Woodlawn Hospital v. George Alvarado III, Rochester, $641.21
Spring Oaks Capital, SPV, LLC v. Travis Wintczak, Culver, $1,344.15
Cavalry SPV I, LLC v. Staruan Butler, Akron, $4,613.07
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Timothy Stevens, Rochester, $7,308.31
Capital One, N.A. v. Ryan Pearson, Rochester, $9,519.47
Velocity Investments v. Joshua Ogle, Rochester, $4,338.17
Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts: Driving while suspended — Steven Troyer, Argos, $164.50; Robert Urbanski, South Bend, $164.50
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Fernando Ayala Guevara, Chicago, Ill., $25
Open alcoholic beverage during operation of a motor vehicle, speeding — Antoine Williams, Indianapolis, $154.50
Operating with expired plates — Steven Johnson, South Bend, $164
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Veronica Wilson, Panama City, Fla., $175
Speeding — Jackson Pinto Parads, Warsaw, $175; Quentin Tarr, Star City, $154.50; Matthew Woods, Berrien Springs, Mich., $154.50; Prashantkumar Pat, Frederick, Md., $154.50; Marcista Northern, Mishawaka, $164.50; Nicholas Probst, Mishawaka, $175; Claudia Morales, Elkhart, $164.50; Zachary Thibault, Westfield, $164.50; Aynslee Dellacca, Greenfield, $154.50; Brady Manning, Macy, $154; Joseph Tiffany, Granger, $164.50; Kyle Packer, Chattahoochee, Fla., $154.50; Christina Wathen, Rochester, $154.50; Konica Johnson, Michigan City, $175; Jose Gonzalez Mota, Chicago, Ill., $164.50; Amber Esteves, Chicago, Ill., $164.50; Lisa Estala, Indianapolis, $175; Philip Buckingham, Delphi, $154.50; Kaylee Davenport, Plymouth, $154.50; Matthew Sanborn, Coloma, Mich., $164.50; Liliana Brewer, Noblesville,
$154.50; Jennifer Long, Hudsonville, Mich., $154.50; Joseph Northrop, Akron, $164.50; Ruby Schnitzius, Fishers, $154.50; Lisa Estala, Indianapolis, $175; Aiden Ruiz, Plymouth, $154.50; Frantz Aimable, Plymouth, $154.50; William Yarnelle, Silver Lake, $154.50; Willion Connors, Hobart, $154.50
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Wildermuth-Hines
Clay Wildermuth, 22, Akron, and Addasyn Hines, 21, Akron.
Martin-Shirk
Michael Martin, 23, Hanover, Mich., and Kathleen Shirk, 19, Rochester.
Lindley-Walker
Adam Lindley, 29, Kewanna, and Misti Walker, 47, Kewanna.
Steele-Dingess
Michael Steele, 53, Rochester, and Danica Dingess, 33, Royal Center.
Marriage Dissolutions
The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolution in Fulton County courts: Baca-Garcia
Jonny Baca, Akron, and Maria Garcia, Akron. With minor children.
Braun signs Indiana’s next $44B budget into law
By LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana’s next two-year, $44 billion budget at last became law on Tuesday, May 6 with Gov. Mike Braun’s signature, along with 62 other measures.
Legislative leaders sent them to the governor’s desk on April 29, the last day of the legislative session. That started a seven-day clock for Braun to either sign or veto the stack; afterward, they would’ve passed into law without him.
SIGNING INTO LAW In-
diana Gov. Mike Braun signs legislation into law from his Statehouse office on Tuesday, May 6. Photo from Braun’s official X account.
John Michael Rensberger
Jera and Shawn Rensberger, Rochester, are the parents of a son, John Michael, born at 7:48 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at Woodlawn Health. He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 20 inches long.
Stella Lynn Lautt
Alyssa Bailey and Hunter Lautt, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Stella Lynn, born at 6:52
p.m. Thursday, May 1, in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 20.25 inches long. She joins siblings, Lacey and Vivie Lautt.
Maternal grandparents are Brian and Emily Ditmire, and Scott Bailey.
Paternal grandparents are David and Becky Lautt.
“This morning, I signed a balanced, responsible biennial budget that protects Indiana’s strong fiscal foundation while investing in our future,” an afternoon post on Braun’s X account read.
“This budget will preserve our reserves, maintain our AAA credit rating, and deliver on key priorities — including education, public safety, and tax relief for Hoosiers,” the post continued. “(I’m) Grateful to our fiscal leaders for their work navigating a tight revenue forecast and ensuring government stays efficient and focused on what matters most.”
A grim revenue forecast forced the state’s budget architects to chop $2 billion in spending from the 232page House Enrolled Act 1001 in just a week. That entailed 5% cuts to public higher educational institutions and most state agencies, a 25% cut to the state’s quasi-public economic development arm, and a 60% cut to public health funding, among others.
Funding was nixed entirely for trails, public broadcasting, and musician-philanthropist Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — which mails free books to children up to 5 years old to promote literacy. First
Lady Maureen Braun has launched a fundraising initiative to sustain the last program.
Lawmakers also raised taxes on tobacco products after years of resistance.
The budget gives the Department of Correction, the Department of Child Services and the Family and Social Services Administration a combined augmentation fund of $300 million to cover unexpected expenses. Money will be distributed at Braun’s discretion.
That trio of agencies receives the most state money besides K-12 education, which eats up 48% of the budget. Public schools earned a modest 2% increase. And in the budget’s second year, Indiana will drop remaining income limits and move to a universal taxpayer-funded “school choice” voucher system.
Other Bills Nab Signatures
Major legislation establishing price transparency requirements for clinical laboratories and diagnostic imaging centers, limiting “anti-competitive” health provider-insurer contract provisions, cur-
tailing nonprofit hospital service charges, mandating health care ownership reporting and banning hospital-physician non-compete agreements also become law Tuesday.
Advocates celebrated.
“Americans across the country and in Indiana are grappling with unaffordable health care costs driven by the unchecked growth of big health care corporations. … Indiana is no exception, suffering from some of the highest health care costs in the country,” Sophia Tripoli, a senior director of health policy at Families USA, said in a statement.
Tripoli called the new laws “a major step to fight back against these main drivers of high health care costs and bring down prices for patients and their families.” She urged lawmakers at state legislatures across the country, as well as in Congress, to “follow (Braun’s) lead.”
Braun has indicated there’s more to come, telling reporters last week
Continued on page 7
P ublic A uctions
Land Auction
6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Located at Claypool Lions Club, 201 W. Calhoun St. Property located at CR 700S, east from Claypool to CR 200W, then south. 47 acres, cropland and woods. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Only Pez
Dispenser Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Pez dispenser collection, Pez clothing and puzzles, collectibles. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Moriarty Online Auction
Bidding open until Sunday, May 18. Pickup located at 310
Roy St., Plymouth. Bid online at oakcrestauctions.com.
Online Personal Property Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18. Pickup located at 259 S. 700W, Winamac. Bid online at olsonauctions.hibid.com.
Online Longaberger Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Monday, May 19. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Baskets, pottery, utensils, flower pots, wrought iron stands and holders, figurines, purses, candles. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
Elliott Real Estate Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, May 24. Located at 202 Frank St., Bourbon.
State Historical Society to keep building, land
By CASEY SMITH Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Indiana Historical Society will keep its building — and take ownership of the land it sits on — after a compromise with the governor’s office.
The agreement follows earlier consternation over the historical society’s Indianapolis headquarters during the 2025 legislative session.
Gov. Mike Braun’s original budget proposal for the upcoming biennium included provisions that would have terminated a longstanding lease agreement, under which IHS paid $1 annually to lease the state-owned land that houses the nonprofit’s 165,000-square-foot building. The lease also obligated the state to cover approximately $1 million per year in maintenance and operational costs.
House and Senate Republicans included similar, jeopardizing language in their budget drafts.
Braun’s office later clarified that the state did not intend to force the institution to give up its building.
The final version of the budget retained provisions in current law that permit IHS-state leases and only struck the maintenance requirements.
“We are very pleased to have a final agreement with the state to set in motion a process to transfer to us the land we operate on currently. They have been terrific partners throughout,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of IHS. “This agreement will put us on a path to carry out our mission for decades to come.”
Braun signed the next two-year state spending plan this week. It takes effect July 1, at the start of the next fiscal year.
“We are pleased that the state and the Indiana Historical Society finalized an agreement that begins the process to transfer land from the state to the Society. We appreciate the partnership of the Indiana Historical Society Board and its leadership,” said Griffin Reid, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, in a written statement to the Capital Chronicle. “The necessary legislative changes, as reflected in the budget bill, allow the Indiana Historical Society to continue its
mission to preserve and promote Indiana’s rich
The historical society owns the downtown Indianapolis building where its headquarters, museum and archives are housed. It does not, however, own the land on which the building sits.
Language in the earlier budget drafts would have canceled the existing lease agreement between the state and IHS.
According to contracts reviewed by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, any expiration or termination of the lease would have required IHS to “surrender to (the state)” the land in question.
Separately, a provision in state law required the historical society to “convey” its building title to the state after the structure was constructed. That law dated back to 1992, and the IHS building opened to the public in 1999.
The title was never transferred, however. Braun’s budget deleted that conveyance language from Indiana Code.
Braun’s office maintained that the state simply wanted to reduce or eliminate costs of contractual maintenance for the IHS building, and that the governor did not intend to assume the IHS building or the state land on which it sits.
Thank You
The family of Howard Kerr Jr.
wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and flowers during his illness and for their support and donations at his funeral.
We also wish to thank Hickory Creek at Rochester for his excellent care and Hartzler Funeral Home in Akron for their thoughtfulness during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Jolinda, Jeff & Brian Kerr
VIKING ROYALTY Jayda Hunt, left, and Ian Cooksey were the 2025 Tippecanoe Valley High School queen and king respectively. Photo provided by the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.
VIKING PRINCE AND PRINCESS The Tippecanoe Valley High School 2025 prom princess was Dalynne Bussard, left, and the prince Thad Shambaugh. Photo provided by the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.
ZEBRA KING AND QUEEN Hailie Charles, left, was named prom
queen and Braden Harrington prom king at Rochester High School’s 2025 prom. Photo provided by Rochester Community Schools.
ZEBRA PRINCE Grant Bailey was named the Rochester High School prom prince for 2025. The princess was Mylee Heinzmann, not pictured. Photo provided by Rochester Community Schools.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Indiana Historical Society is keeping its building after a government compromise. Photo by Niki Kelly with the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
history.”
Updates and happenings in and around the area
Fulton County Democrats will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Char-Bell Studio, 616 Main St., Rochester. It is located next to the Times Theater. All are welcome.
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Free veterans breakfast at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at Life Care Center, 827 W. 13th St., Rochester. Call (574) 223-4331 for reservations. All veterans are welcome.
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Fulton County Hope is hosting an ice cream night at Rochester Dairy Queen 4-10 p.m. Thursday, May 15. Proceeds to benefit local programs combating poverty, mental illness and substance abuse.
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Board of works meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Purple Tent of Hope: Prayer, praise and testimonies will begin at noon Saturday, May 17, at Rochester City Park, 1301 Park Road, Rochester. Event by Purple Tent of Hope Ministries and Serena Dove-Case.
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Spring craft and vendor show will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Fulton County Historical Museum, 37 E. 375N, Rochester. $1 donation entry fee. Children under 12 are free. Benefiting the Fulton
Akron Lions to host fish fry May 17
The Akron Lions Club will host a fish fry 4-6 p.m. or until sold out Saturday, May 17 at the Akron Community Center, 815 Rural St., Akron. Fish is $12 per pound. Drive-
through only. The fish fry is being held to benefit Fulton County Compassionate Health Network. There will be a bake sale hosted by Akron Parent Support Group.
County Animal Shelter.
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The next dine and donate will be 9-11 a.m. Sunday, May 18, at Jarrety’s Place, 703 Main St., Rochester. Dine-in or carry-out. Curbside service available. Cash only. Free will donation. Benefiting Joe’s Hope.
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Completed entry forms for the Miss Fulton County queen pageant are due no later than June 8. Forms can be emailed to missfultoncountyprogram@ gmail.com, dropped off at the extension office, or turned in at “Meet The Queen Night” on May 18.
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There will be a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. Monday, May 19 at Woodlawn Health, classrooms A & B, 1400 E. Ninth St., Rochester. Call (800) 733-7267 or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
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The next commissioner’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, May 19, in the Fulton County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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The Chain Gang will meet from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Akron Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron.
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County council meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 in
the Fulton County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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Home-schoolers at the library will meet 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 at Kewanna-Union Township Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna. Call (574) 653-2011 with any questions.
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The next mobile food truck will be from 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, in the Mentone area. Location is at the old Mary and Jerry’s Helping Hands location. Drive-through event, bring a box or cooler.
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Teen craft: “Just Bead It” will be from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in the teen oasis at Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester. Call (574) 223-2713 with any questions.
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Community Bingo for seniors will be 2:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at Hickory Creek, 340 E. 18th St., Rochester. Join every month for a few rounds of bingo. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Prizes included. Call (574) 223-5100 with any questions.
—o— Rochester First Baptist’s Guild ladies will host sponsor night at the Dairy Queen from 4 p.m. to closing Wednesday, May 28. Ten percent of sales will be
given to the group for their mission projects when you present a voucher or tell the staff you support the group.
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The second annual “Swinging Four” Joe’s Hope golf tournament will start with a club swing at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Round Barn Golf Club. All entry forms due by May 31. Make checks payable to Ruthless Bar & Patio, 604 Main St., Rochester.
Cash, check and card accepted. Bring all forms and payment to Ruthless Bar & Patio. Benefiting Joe’s Hope. For more information contact Ruthless at (574) 223-7884.
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Optimist Club pancake and sausage breakfast will be 6-10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. Adults $8 and children under 12 $4. Proceeds to benefit the Rochester girls softball and Fulton County soccer.
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VBS “Glowing for Jesus” will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 31 at Rochester Church of God, 3048 Southway 31, Rochester.
This kids program is open for ages 4-12. Lunch is provided for the entire family at noon. Door prizes. Call (574) 223-5922 with any questions. All children welcome.
Women’s euchre scores for April
A women’s euchre group has released scores for the April euchre games.
First Group Women’s Sunday Scores for the women’s Sunday group are:
Second Group Women’s Monthly Scores for the women’s monthly group are: Kim Zartman/Elaine Swisher, 1338; Claudia Hartzler/Pat Howell, 1057; Diane Weaver-Gady/ Wynne Wilson, 1042, Joyce VanDoren/Sue Brubaker, 1039; Janelle Smith/Sandy Summe, 1027; Joyce Sroufe/Beth Nicodemus, 999; Joyce Ginther/Janet Cox, 997; Karen Notz/Liz Kelsey, 988; Charlotte Miller/Stephenia Barkman, 977; Karmin Reeves/ Karen Heltzel, 923; Markie Edwards/Kathy Anderson, 918; Judy Klobucher/Carol Shafer, 737.
Compassionate Health Center to host golf outing June
Compassionate Health Center, 740 N. SR 25, Rochester, is planning its 15th annual golf outing. It will be held Friday, June 27, at the Round Barn Golf Course, 1024 Lakeview Dr., Rochester.
27
Compassionate Health Center provides free healthcare to the uninsured of Fulton County. For more information visit the Facebook page, chcfulton.org, email mary@chcfulton.org, or call (574) 223-6068.
Tours slated for Tombaugh Military Research Center May 24
The Fulton County Historical Society will host tours of the Tombaugh Military Research Center at 9 a.m and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24. Persons interested are to meet at the museum, located at US 31 and
375N, Rochester, prior to the tours leaving.
Tours will be guided out to the Tombaugh Center. If you are a veteran or just someone interested in military history join for a free tour. For further information call (574) 223-4436. No admission charge. Everyone welcome to attend.
Riverview Community Church to host Anthem Edition May 18
Riverview Community Church, located at 3780 SR 110, Tippecanoe, will host Anthem Edition at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18. Anthem Edition (formerly The Old Paths) burst onto the scene in 2003. Founding members set forth a clear vision and mission: to glorify the Lord and seek His ways in everything. In 2012, the group’s album “Right Now” debuted and quickly yielded two number one hits, “Battlestand” and “God’s Great,” earning the Singing News Fan
Award for favorite new quartet. Recently, they released favorite songs “Come Sunday Morning,” “Look at All I Lost,” “How Good The Good News Feels’’ and more.
When the group formed nearly two decades ago, the name “Old Paths” was selected based on the scripture Jeremiah 6:16. Unfortunately, other religious entities have chosen to use the same reference to spread hatefilled rhetoric. Thus, The Old Paths have chosen to move into
Caston school board
meeting set for May 14
Caston School Corporation will have its regular school board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at 9815 S. SR 25, Rochester.
the new year with a brand new name that better represents them as a group, as well as the message they wish to convey.
So in late 2022, The Old Paths announced that they would be changing the name of the group. The new name, Anthem Edition was announced. While the music and message have stayed the same from the beginnings, “Anthem Edition” fully embodies the vision of the award-winning quartet and positions them to forge their path into the future.
Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join for this superior gospel concert. There is no ticket charge. An opportunity for a very generous love offering will be given. For more information contact Pastor Rod Ruberg at (574) 223-4193.
Candidates sought for Liberty Township trustee
Candidates are sought to become Liberty Township trustee. Current Trustee James Sutton has submitted his resignation, effective July 1.
People are welcome to apply to finish out Sutton’s term, with the only qualifications that they must be Republicans in good standing and live in the township.
Declarations of candidacy must be filed with Fulton County GOP Chairwoman Amy Roe 72 hours prior to her making an appointment for trustee. Her phone number is (864) 420-2305.
As fewer than two people would be eligible to vote in a caucus for the trustee role, Roe is allowed to make an appointment. She will make it at noon Friday, May 30 in the Fulton County Clerk’s Office, 815 Main St., Rochester.
Braun signs
Continued from page 4
that tackling Indiana’s high health care costs and poor outcomes is his top priority. He repeatedly asked health care industry players for solutions while threatening punishment for stasis.
Other newly minted laws include:
House Enrolled Act 1002, a House Republican priority dubbed an education “deregulation” effort. It strikes multiple sections from Indiana Code: duplicates, dozens of “may” provisions, specific COVID-19 pandemic requirements and more. Author Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, estimated that it would slash Indiana’s education regulations by nearly 10%.
House Enrolled Act 1007, a mammoth electricity generation proposal. It will expedite approval process for large-load customers, let utilities recover costs incurred for projects required to serve those big users, and require those users to make financial assurances for such projects. It also gets tough with utilities planning to close or convert large coal-fired plants and creates a tax credit for small modular nuclear reactor manufacturing expenses.
House Enrolled Act 1221, which gives Indiana’s public sector re-
tirees a benefit bonus. A 5% drop in check amounts will slice an estimated $1.7 million off the $33.5 million cost, which is paid out of dedicated accounts instead of the General Fund. Checks are due by October.
Senate Enrolled Act 287, a narrowly approved measure adding Indiana to the small group of states running partisan school board elections.
Senate Enrolled Act 289, which is intended to limit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in schools, state government and health profession licensing. Author Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, said it will outlaw “discrimination” that is “based on a personal characteristic of the person” in those settings.
Senate Enrolled Act 442, a “human sexuality instruction” measure. It requires school boards to approve any materials used to teach grades 4-12 and mandate that elementary school students watch an ultrasound video of fetal development. Students would also have to learn about “the importance of consent to sexual activity” — a provision that sparked a last-minute fight and was briefly removed. To see the full list of signed bills, visit the governor’s 2025 Bill Watch page.
ANTHEM EDITION
Fulton County Retired Teachers give minutes and elect Fortna officers
The Fulton County Retired Teachers had their first meeting of 2025 Saturday, April 24, at the Streamliner Restaurant, Rochester. President Jeri Good welcomed members and guests in attendance. Special guests were Jill Weaver and District 3 Representative Brad Seward.
Everyone present recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a short prayer by Good, before lunch was served. Ilene Howard announced the Representative’s Assembly will be held Wednesday, June 11 at Primo, Indianapolis. She and Stephenia Barkman will be attending. Barkman noted that FCRTA will need to select a project for 2025.
This year’s FORTA officers that were elected are:
• Co-Presidents Stephenia Barkman and Jeri Good.
• Vice-President llene Howard.
• Treasurer Jo Ellen Wynn, assisted by Co-signer Cheri Meiser.
• Secretary Laurie Long.
• Membership, Diane Weaver-Gady and Charlotte Miller.
• Community service, Cheryl Downs.
• Historian Connie Terpstra.
• Necrology and photographer, Jeri Good.
• Public relations and media, Stephenia Barkman and Jeri Good.
• Hands-up and scholarship, Cindy Border.
• Thought for the day, Rosemary Clemons. Dues for 2025 are $10 and can
be paid at any time during the meetings.
The next meeting will be Thursday, June 26, at The Breakroom, Argos. The program will include:
members being recognized for volunteer hours and the Active Teacher Grant, Caston. Future meeting dates for this year are Thursday, Aug. 28 and Thursday,
Oct. 23.
Barkman closed the meeting with a thought for the day. Minutes were submitted by Laurie Long.
Rochester Water Department conducting flushing of water mains
The City of Rochester Water Department, will be conducting the semi-annual unidirectional flushing of all the city-owned water mains. Beginning June 1,
city contractor, M.E. Simpson & Company, will be performing the unidirectional flushing of the city water main lines (process to clean the mains). The work will contin-
ue for 30 days with weather permitting.
During these dates you may experience cloudy or discolored water at any time. The water is
Organizations discuss food insecurity at United Ministries’ event
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Hoosiers are struggling more with hunger now than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s according to the the findings of the 2024 documentary “Food, Insecure.”
Community members from various Fulton County nonprofit organizations gathered to view the film Wednesday, May 7 at The Times Theater of Rochester. Discussion was held afterward.
United Ministries of Fulton County, which provides food and other assistance to those in need, hosted the event, a follow-up to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation’s showing of the documentary “The Working Hungry” in fall 2023.
Like “The Working Hungry,” its sequel followed several families across the state who are all working, but struggling to have enough to eat.
“Food, Insecure” noted that “hunger among working Hoosiers is more prevalent now almost two years after the end of the pandemic than in the last decade.”
The film cited a survey that Hoosier “families needing food assistance (said they) were 50% more likely to go hungry than in prior surveys.” It also noted that “500,000 working families are struggling to put food on the table (and) a whopping 41% of Indiana jobs are not paying a living wage, forcing families to rely on multiple low-paying jobs.”
One of the families profiled in the documentary was that of Kayla Justice of Fort Wayne.
She said she couldn’t work during her third pregnancy due to health problems. Her husband lost his job at the same time, as his factory closed.
“We didn’t have a lot of community in our life, so it was kind of like a domino effect from there,” said Justice.
The couple lost their home and had to live in their car. They also lost their kids for a time.
“It took us about a year and a half to get back on our feet,” she said. “We’re slowly, but surely making our way up thanks to the com-
munity we have and the resources we now have available.”
She added her family was going through “the cliff effect,” though.
“You make enough just to receive benefits, but not enough to get by,” said Justice. “The loss of the (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits was massive. We were able to put food on the table all month and we were able to compensate and have food for our kids, especially in the summertime, with our kids being home full time.
“It was very difficult, and now I’m finding I’m having to go back to food banks at some portions of the month because we can’t afford to buy food for the whole month, and even with couponing and going to different stores and using saving apps, it’s not enough.”
Justice added that she sometimes doesn’t eat or eats less when her kids don’t see, so they get enough to eat.
“It almost feels like we are being punished for trying to get ahead in life,” she said of getting off the benefits.
Another family profiled was that of Liz and Nigel Rowe of Plymouth.
The couple noted they are trying to overcome “mistakes” from their pasts that affected their family’s well-being.
Liz Rowe said she’s working on her bachelor’s degree in nursing, already having a pre-nursing degree.
“I should have no issues getting a job, but my past still hinders me from being able to use that degree,” she said.
“I understand if you keep making the same mistakes, but when you’re not and you’re trying, I mean it’s just rough,” said Nigel Rowe.
Liz Rowe said the couple needs to drive a lot to get all the resources they need.
“If they happen to come and repossess our car today or Monday, we have no vehicle,” she said.
The documentary also noted that food insecurity “increases Indiana healthcare costs by $1.8 billion each year,” according to Feeding America.
“Food, Insecure” advocated for wages being raised, mentioning a living wage was $21 per hour.
To help with food insecurity, the documentary noted government, businesses, churches and individu-
CITY OF ROCHESTER Rochester Mayor Trent Odell speaks at United Ministries of Fulton County’s food insecurity event on Wednesday, May 7, at The Times Theater of Rochester.
als needed to join to fight the problem.
The full documentary may be seen at workinghungry.org.
Helping With Hunger
Ted Waggoner, who’s set to become United Ministries’ Board President this week, invited Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program Community Wellness Coordinator for Fulton and Miami Counties Mindy Duckett, Rochester Community Schools Food Services Director Wendy Bower and Rochester Mayor Trent Odell to speak about helping with food insecurity locally.
Duckett said she works with those who “might qualify for SNAP” benefits.
“I work in anything that has to do with physical activity and nutrition for that target audience in hopes of helping them to become healthier and to prevent obesity and things like that with them,” she said.
Duckett said she works on policy of helping others get “access” to food and can partner with any sort of local organization.
Bower noted RCS has an upcoming summer food service program for kids in need, as well as providing food for kids going to school during intersessions in October and March.
“For breakfast, they can have a
PURDUE EXTENSION Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program Community Wellness Coordinator for Fulton and Miami Counties Mindy
at United
of
food insecurity
on
day, May 7, at The Times Theater of Rochester.
total of four items offered,” Bower explained. “They must take three, one of which has to be a fruit or a vegetable. At lunch, there’s five different options. Again, a fruit or a vegetable has to be on that tray in order for them to get that at that price.”
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Rochester Community Schools Food Service Director Wendy Bower speaks at United Ministries of Fulton County’s food insecurity event on Wednesday, May 7, at The Times Theater of Rochester.
Odell noted the city was working on low-income housing, which will help free more money for people to get food. He also added a community garden near Rochester City Park should hopefully be established soon and he wanted to get a yearround farmers market for the city.
AT THE EVENT Fulton County Healing Through Opportunity, Positivity and Empowerment President Amy Roe, left, talks with The Support Cafe Executive Director Pat Brown at United Ministries of Fulton County’s food insecurity event on Wednesday, May 7, at The Times Theater of Rochester.
HELPING THE HUNGRY Ted Waggoner, standing in the blue shirt, addresses attendees at United Ministries of Fulton County’s food insecurity event at The Times Theater of Rochester on Wednesday, May 7.
Duckett speaks
Ministries
Fulton County’s
event
Wednes-
Wagner wins TRC in 300 hurdles, Hisey in boys discus
Track
The Rochester girls track team scored 70 points and finished sixth at the 10team
Three Rivers
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Sports Editor, RTC
Conference meet at Wabash Friday, May 9.
Meanwhile, the Rochester boys scored 76 points and placed fourth.
The lone Rochester individual champion in the girls meet was senior Audrey Wagner, who won the 300 meter hurdles in 46.84 seconds. She defeated Northwestern’s Zoie Scheiffer by 1.39 seconds, and Scheiffer was the only competitor who finished within four seconds of Wagner, who won the event for the second straight year.
Wagner also finished sixth in the 100.
Other Rochester girls who scored by placing in the top eight of their event included Kyra Doran, who was second in both the 100 hurdles and long jump and sixth in the 300 hurdles; Taylor Navara, who set a personal best of 4-8 in the high jump and finished third; Kyla Conley, who was fourth in the 100 hurdles; Allyson Calloway, who was fifth in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters; Ashlynn Weyant, who was fifth in the discus and seventh in the shot put; and Sophia Baker, who was eighth in the pole vault.
Also, the Lady Zs were fourth in the 4 x 100 relay, sixth in the 4 x 400 relay and fifth in the 4 x 800 relay.
Wagner, Conley and Maddie Bailon formed three-fourths of both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. Doran joined them on the 4
x 100 relay, and Calloway joined them on the 4 x 400 relay. The 4 x 800 relay consisted of Ella Hake, Navara, Adisyn Zimmerman and Adison Hayes. Northwestern won the girls title with 91.5 points.
In the boys meet, the lone Rochester champion was junior Mason Hisey, who hurled the discus 14510 and beat the rest of the field by more than 11 feet.
Other Rochester scorers included Harrison Dunwoody, who took second in the 110 hurdles and fifth in the 300 hurdles; Trevor Walley, who was second in the pole vault after clearing 12-6; Xavier Vance, who was second in the shot put with a personal-best throw of 46-6 ½; Owen Prater, who took fourth in the 400; Gage Zimpelman, who was fourth in the pole vault; Bryce Baugher, who placed fourth in the long jump with a leap of 20-8 ½; Grant Bailey, who was fifth in the 1,600 and eighth in the 800; Leandro Javier, who was fifth in the 3,200 and eighth in the 1,600; Maddox Jewell, who was sixth in the long jump; Clarence Garrett, who was eighth in both the 300 hurdles and high jump; and Liam Pinder, who took eighth in the discus with a throw of 120-1.
On Tuesday, May 6 the Triton girls and boys track teams won at home over Rochester and Tippecanoe Valley in the final meet for the Zebras and Vikings before their respective conference meets.
Triton scored 69 points in the girls meet, Rochester had 54, and Valley had 40.
Triton won the boys meet with 77 points while Valley had 44 and Rochester had 41.
In the girls meet, Rochester winners included Maddie Bailon in the 100 meters, Vivian Miller in the 400, Kyra Doran in the 100 hurdles, Audrey Wagner in the 300 hurdles and Ashlynn Weyant in the shot put.
Rochester also won the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. The 4 x 100
Wabash breaks
Continued from page 12
sets at No. 2 singles, and Vivian Miller and Abbi St. Martin lost in straight sets at No. 1 doubles. Northfield earned the clinching point at No. 2 doubles when Ayla Dale and Faith Krom rallied from a set down to beat Emma Murphy and Sophie McCall 3-6, 6-3, 6-0. Rochester is 4-3 in the Three Rivers Conference.
Seniors McCarter, Audrey Bolinger and Clevenger each won their singles matches for the Lady Zs in a 3-2 senior night home win over visiting Northwestern at the RHS courts Wednesday, May 7.
McCarter beat Berkley Wray 6-2, 6-0 at No. 1. Bolinger handled Madison Shearer 6-2, 6-1 at No. 2. Clevenger beat fresh-
man Ellie McBee 6-3, 6-1 at No. 3.
McCall and St. Martin lost to Elyse Collins and Emma Mula 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 at No. 1 doubles. Murphy and Straeter lost 6-2, 6-0 to Blythe Collins and Mia Shoaff at No. 2 doubles.
McCarter won in straight sets at No. 1 singles, but Lewis Cass claimed the other four matches and the 4-1 team win over visiting Rochester May 5. McCarter beat Katie Hurst 6-2, 6-1.
McCall and Clevenger lost in straight sets at Nos. 2 and 3 singles, respectively. Clevenger’s loss was her first of the season.
St. Martin and Savannah Wolters lost 6-0, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles, and Miller and Straeter lost 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2 doubles.
relay consisted of Doran, Wagner, Kyla Conley and Bailon. The 4 x 400 relay consisted of Bailon, Conley, Miller and Wagner.
In the boys meet, senior Owen Prater won the open 400 and teamed with Bryce Baugher, Grant Bailey and Jabez Yarber to win the 4 x 400 relay.
Harrison Dunwoody won the 110 hurdles in 14.93 seconds, and Mason Hisey won the discus with a toss of 138-7.
The Rochester girls will next compete at the Bremen sectional at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. The Rochester boys will travel to Plymouth for the sectional at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22.
Softball
Rochester went 4-0 last week and won those games by a combined score of 53-7 to improve to 15-4 on the season. They are 5-0 in the TRC and are the only remaining unbeaten team in the conference.
They finished the week by winning two games at Fansler Field Friday, May 9 21-3 in five innings over Tippecanoe Valley and 15-0 in five innings over LaVille.
In the LaVille game, Brailyn Hunter and Emma Mathias combined on a no-hitter, and Hunter also hit a two-run homer while Mathias went 2 for 2 with two walks.
Rochester also scored 10 runs in the first inning. Ten of the first 11 Rochester batters reached base, and the inning featured eight walks.
Aubrey Miller, Lillee Conley, Emma Mathias, Bria Rensberger and Gabby Medina each had an RBI.
In their first game Friday, the Lady Zs scored seven runs in the first inning to take a 7-0 lead, and they led wire to wire in a rout of Valley. Rochester had 16 hits, drew seven walks and two hitby-pitches and took advantage of four Valley errors. They also stole seven bases. Ten different players had at least one hit, and eight different players had an RBI.
Rochester added two runs in the second inning and 12 more in the third.
Rensberger went 3 for 3 with two RBIs and three runs scored, Aubrey Wilson went 2 for 2 with three RBIs and four runs scored, and Miller, Makhia Harding and Darah Strasser had two hits each.
Miller, Harding, Mylee Heinzmann and Strasser each had two RBIs.
Mia Howdeshell pitched the first three innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs while walking five and striking out one. Hunter pitched the final two innings and allowed one run while walking no one and strik-
ing out five.
On Thursday, Rensberger pitched a two-hitter with 15 strikeouts, and she also had two hits and three RBIs at the plate as the Rochester softball team stayed unbeaten in Three Rivers Conference play with an 8-2 win over Wabash.
Wilson added three hits and three runs scored, and Mathias, Hunter and Medina had two hits each.
Hunter had RBI singles in the first and sixth innings, and Medina had a two-out RBI single to complete the scoring in the sixth.
Nine different Rochester players had at least one hit as part of a 15-hit attack.
“I would definitely agree with that,” Rochester coach Jim Coleman said when asked if this was as connected as the lineup has been this season. “You know, last night, for everyone to get a hit (in a 9-2 win over Maconaquah)... coming into tonight, our goal once again was just contact. Make Wabash get us out. And going down the lineup, we did a lot of good things small ball-wise – bunting the ball, taking advantage of the right fielder a few plays. And we continued to be aggressive after the catcher gunned down Lynnie (Aubrey Miller) in that first inning. We stayed to our game plan, but it all goes back to us being more selective in the box.”
Wabash had the bases loaded with nobody out in the top of the first inning on two hit batters and a walk when rain forced the game to be suspended Monday.
It resumed 72 hours later, and Rensberger retired the first 16 batters she faced after the restart. Kalli Davis had a sacrifice fly to Strasser in deep center in the top of the first, but Rochester took the lead for good in the bottom half.
On May 7, Rensberger’s standards have become so high that pitching a three-hitter with 15 strikeouts left her wanting more.
Still, it was more than enough as the Lady Z softball team beat visiting Maconaquah 9-2 in a Three Rivers Conference home game at Fansler Field.
All nine batters in the Rochester starting lineup had at least one hit off Maconaquah senior pitcher Blayklee Buman, and the Lady Zs did not strike out.
Hunter and Heinzmann, the Nos. 6 and 7 batters in the lineup, respectively, had two hits and two runs scored each. Medina and Strasser, the Nos. 8 and 9 batters, respectively, each had two RBIs in Rochester’s six-run fifth.
“Anytime we can get the bottom portion to feed our top portion, but our bottom portion carried us tonight,” Coleman said. “You know, Darah’s been hard on herself, so to see her make some good contact tonight was good to see. She’s been putting in some extra work, and tonight, it definitely showed. And Mylee, just fighting back from injury, so getting her bat back in the lineup and being more consistent, and Medina, she just seems to hit well in big situations. She had a big hit for us tonight that really opened up the game.”
AUBREY WILSON
HARRISON DUNWOODY
RIGHT PHOTO: PRINCE AND PRINCESS — Gavin Mollenkopf and Kylie Reidenbach were named prince and princess at the Caston High School prom held on Friday, May 9, at the Gathering Place at the Old Mill, Twelve Mile. Photo provided by Caston High School.
PROM COURT — Caston High School prom was held Friday, May 9, at the Gathering Place at the Old Mill, Twelve Mile. Shown are students of the prom court. From left are seniors, Bree Laurence and Mason Prenatt; king and queen, Noah Herd and Olivia Thomas; prince and princess, Gavin Mollenkopf and Kylie Reidenbach; and juniors, Joe Fagan and Savanna Moss. Photo provided by Caston High School.
LEFT PHOTO: KING AND QUEEN —Noah Herd and Olivia Thomas were named king and queen at the Caston High School prom, held Friday, May 9 at the Gathering Place at the Old Mill, Twelve Mile. Photo provided by Caston High School.
