Young’s students spent the entire or half day on Wednesday, May 14, working on the access drive at the Brent Blacketor Memorial Sports Complex in Rochester. The kids are in Young’s advanced civil construction and civil construction fundamentals classes.
With the help of E&B Paving employees, students used a UTS robotic station to complete measurements, then ground, graded and compacted the road. Young said it was E&B, which invited his students to do the roadwork.
Continued on page 5
MEASURING E&B Paving’s Nate McFadden, left, shows Rochester High School student Emah Bradley how to measure for roadwork using a UTS robotic station.
Steve Fox, left, shows Rochester High School student Justyn Nettrouer how to operate a grader as part of a roadwork project between E&B and Rochester Community Schools at the Brent Blacketor Memorial Sports Complex.
OPERATING A GRADER E&B Paving’s Steve Fox, left, instructs Rochester High School student Bruce Clark on operating a road grader.
HOW TO MEASURE E&B Paving’s Brian Rensberger, far left, watches as Rochester High School students from left Blake Eccles, Layne Horn, Matt Crossland, Brant Beck, James Wortley and Brayden Calvert learn to use a UTS robotic system for doing roadwork.
Terri Wootten adores antiques and the people who buy them
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“In 1995, after I married my husband Jon, I went into the family business, Green Oak Antiques,” stated Terri Wootten, Rochester. “We’re located three miles south of Rochester, just off 31. Jon and I took over the business in 2023. There’s a lot of love that goes into a family business. We adore antiques and the customers who buy them.”
Wootten’s house is filled with antiques. “The items have stood the test of time. I love the sustainability of furniture and glassware that have survived through the years. There’s a lot of character in heavy wooden furniture. I love the stories that are often attached to these treasures.”
However, Wootten features more than antiques in her shop.
“This is not your grandmother’s antique shop. We feature the old, new and anything in between. We also have seasonal floral arrangements.”
She continued, “Often people will come in to build upon what they already have. I started with crystal pattern glassware. Perhaps someone is given a gift from a family member. They may add to it as the years pass. Once this happens, the person is usually hooked on vintage pieces.”
A recent trend Wootten has seen is mismatched china featured in homes. “When people entertain guests, they don’t always have full sets of dinner ware. Anymore, they’ll pull out a variety of pretty pieces to serve their guests on.”
Her biggest challenge is staying on top of the latest trends. “I’ll watch the East and West Coasts. That’s where it all starts. Eventually those trends will move our way. I want to stay on top of what people are looking for.”
Right now, the trend is various patterned cups and saucers. “People are looking for the Grandmillennial Style. They want things that remind them of Grandma and Grandpa’s house.”
Customers come from miles around to visit the store. “I love to hear their stories. Sometimes we’ll have three generations of a family come together. Recently we had some customers from Ontario. They all have a story. Our repeat customers become friends.”
When not at the antique shop, Wootten is active in her church, Faith Outreach Center. “I volunteer in a program called Redeemed Ministries. We help transition women who are exiting the prison system. Our volunteers support them and seek to help them establish a healthy lifestyle.”
Wootten has been involved in Redeemed Ministries for a year. “I watch these women leave prison with little hope. After we’ve worked with them a while, they develop self-confidence. Soon they are working a job and paying their own bills.”
Each woman has her own team of support people. “The lady I mentor was quiet and shy. Now she’s bubbly and her eyes are bright. I believe she’ll have a great future. We assist them to make a five-year plan for their life. Our goal is to help them succeed.”
Terri has been married to Jon Wootten since 1995. They have
four grown sons, ranging in ages from 21 to 28. Terri is looking forward to grandchildren in the
future. She loves to read and crochet.
With a smile, Wootten concluded, “I’ve heard antique buffs describe our store as an adult version of Disneyland. We have as much fun as our customers, changing things around from time to time, and creating a memorable atmosphere. Everyone’s treated like family.”
JON AND TERRI WOOTTEN
Let’s Study The Bible —
The person God blesses
(Read: Psalm 1:1-3)
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
How rich we are in Christ! In Psalm 1:1-3 we have a description of the kind of Christian God is able to bless.
First, a person who is separated from the world (Psalm 1:1). The Christian life is compared to a walk It begins with a step of faith in trusting Christ and it grows as we take further steps of faith in obedience to his word.
Christians are to make progress in applying Bible truths to daily life. The people God blesses are careful in their walk: though they are in the world, they are not of the world. By contrast, it takes little imagination to see the person walking near sin,
then standing to consider it, and finally sitting down to enjoy “the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25).
We see this sad development in Simon Peter’s disobedience.
Jesus said he should go away (John 18:8), but instead, Peter walked after Jesus (John 18:15).
Next we see him standing with the wrong crowd (John 18:18), and before long he is sitting by the fire (Luke 22:55). You know what happened: he walked right into temptation and three times denied his Lord.
Second, a person who is saturated with the word (Psalm 1:2). Those whom God blesses are not delighted with what pertains to sin and the world; they delight in the word of God. It is love for and obedience to the Bible that brings blessing on our lives. (see Joshua 1:8).
The people God blesses not only read the word daily, but they study it, memorize it, and meditate on it during the day and night. Their mind is controlled by the word of God. Because of this, they are led by the Holy Spirit and walk in the Spirit. Meditation is to the soul what “diges-
tion” is to the body.
Third, a person who is situated by the water (Psalm 1:3). Water for drinking is a picture of the Holy Spirit of God (John 7:3739). The Christian is here compared to a tree that gets its water from the deep hidden springs under the dry sands.
This world is a desert that can never satisfy the dedicated believer. We must send our “spiritual roots” down deep into the things of Christ and draw upon the spiritual water of life. There can be no fruit without roots.
The roots are the most important part. The believer who draws upon the spiritual life in Christ will be fruitful and successful in the life of faith. What kind of fruit are we to bear? See Romans 1:13 and 6:22, Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 13:15, and Colossians 1:10.
Of course, the perfect example of this godly person in Psalm 1:13 is Jesus Christ. He is the Way (Psalm 1:1), the Truth (Psalm 1:2), and the Life (Psalm 1:3).
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
How can patients plug into digital healthcare technology?
SARAH SCHULTZ DNP, RN
Woodlawn
Health
Editor’s
Note: Sarah Shultz is the Project Manager for Epic Implementation.
SARAH SCHULTZ DNP, RN
Healthcare technology has moved beyond the hospital walls and is now accessible to patients as well as in other healthcare settings such as clinics. Healthcare technology can be used for direct patient care, exchanging patient information, scheduling, and more.
The patient portal is a key tool in healthcare technology that can provide patients with an efficient method of communication with their healthcare team. Patients can use the portal to request appointments, ask clinical ques-
tions, or pay bills. Even if you are not “tech-savvy,” you may find a patient portal easy to use.
Woodlawn Health will be implementing a new patient portal when the Epic Electronic Medical Record, or EMR, is activated in June 2025. The Woodlawn Epic patient portal is also referred to as “MyChart.” Information about signing up for the Woodlawn Epic
Patient Portal “MyChart” will be available in the Woodlawn clinics and hospital. You will need to sign up for the Patient Portal and share your email address in order to gain the benefits of the Patient Portal.
Be an active participant in your healthcare today by plugging into healthcare technology and exploring your patient portal.
By ANN SHIRLEY Guest Writer
O bituaries
Diana Kay Coleman
Cherished Mother And Grandmother
Diana Kay Coleman, 81, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away in the early morning of May 12, 2025, at her home.
On March 13, 1944, Diana Kay Coleman was born in Canton, Ohio. She was the treasured daughter of Andy P. and Dorcas Marie Bradley Kovach. Growing up she shared her childhood with a brother, Steven.
On May 25, 1962, Diana married the love of her life, Mr. Oydel Coleman, at First Christian Church, Rochester. Together they enjoyed nearly 63 years of life’s adventures. From their union came five wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
To relax Diana enjoyed watching TV, keeping up with the “Soaps,” watching game shows, especially the Wheel of Fortune and the Food Network. She loved painting her beautiful nails.
Oydel and Diana shared a strong faith and love for the Bible. Every evening they devoted two hours to reading and studying the Bible, therefore reading it entirely in less than two years. Paramount to Grandma Diana was her legacy. She was so very proud overseeing four generations and was always there to help them. She was delighted to get together with family, especially during the holidays and special family celebrations. This is where a lifetime of memories were made.
Left to cherish Diana’s memory are her husband, Oydel Coleman; five children, Teresa Lynn Miller, Angela Marie Ullery, Amy Elizabeth Agnew (Jarrod) and Kenneth Ray Coleman (Jenny), all of Rochester and Ronald David Coleman (Janet), Sidney; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Steven Kovach (Glenna), Arizona; in-laws, Esther Coleman, Lerlie Peoples, Charlene Peoples, Arthur Coleman (Carolyn), Robert Coleman (Carol), Marshall Coleman (Carol), Chanddolus Coleman (Jenna), Terry Coleman (Tammy) and Dean Coleman (Linda).
Welcoming Diana at Heaven’s gates are her parents, Andy and Dorcas Kovach; granddaughter, Britney Marie Agnew; in-laws, Lois Prater, Madeline Ratcliff, Christine Newsome, Irene Williams, Minnie Prater, Jesse Coleman and Roy Coleman Elmer Coleman; many friends and extended family she met along life’s journey; also greeting Diana, was and her canine companion, Lady; who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
A celebration of the life of Diana Kay Coleman was held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, in Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Chaplain Dr. Todd Wilson PhD officiating. Interment followed in Sycamore Cemetery, Rochester. Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at goodfamilyfh.com.
Jackie Ranstead
Jackie Ranstead, 72, Plymouth, and formerly of Rochester, died at 12:45 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
Arrangements are pending with Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Merrill D. Whitlock
Merrill D. Whitlock, 82, Rochester, died 4:06 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his residence.
Arrangements are pending with Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Special thoughts
By RUSS DAVIDSON SR. Guest Writer
Every day we see something that leaves us with special thoughts.
Why am I watching cartoons instead of “Gunsmoke”? Perhaps, Matt and Kitty are getting married. End of special thoughts.
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.”
— Laurence Sterne
Carolyn Gray
Carolyn Gray, 66, Rochester, died at 4:02 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1958. On July 20, 1996, she married Gary W. Gray Sr.; who preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 2022.
She is survived by her sisters, Ardella (Charlie) Slavens, Chalmers and Katie Campbell, Akron; brothers, Don (Beth) Ramsey, Rochester, Bill (Sherri) Ramsey, Akron and Jim (Dawn) Ramsey, Bronson, Mich.; stepchildren, Heather Gomez, North Manchester, Gary (Nicole) Gray Jr., Canton, Ohio and Candace Diaz, Warsaw; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Connie; brother, Tom; infant brother, Raymond Ramsey; and sister, Connie Joann Rutherford.
No services will be held at this time.
A private interment will take place 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 National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, or the Fulton County Animal Adoption And Education Center, 1540 N. Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Virginia Richardson
Virginia Richardson, 92, Tippecanoe, died at 12:53 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, Warsaw.
She was born on Feb. 11, 1933. On May 4, 1952, she married Fred L. Richardson; who preceded her in death on Oct. 29, 2008.
She is survived by her sons, Rick (Jana) Richardson, Tippecanoe and Randy (Darlene) Richardson, Mentone; two grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard Scott, Elkhart.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Robert Richardson; and two sisters, Bonnie Scott and Betty Scott.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Larrie Kreft officiating. Interment will be in Tippecanoe Cemetery, Tippecanoe.
Friends may visit two hours prior to services in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Tippecanoe Township Fire Department.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Ronald Lee Graham
Ronald Lee Graham, 70, Rochester , died at 10:58 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Hickory Creek, Rochester.
RONALD LEE GRAHAM
He was born on Sept. 23, 1954. On Feb, 15, 1974, he married Cathy D. Singleton; who preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 2024.
He is survived by his daughters, Misty (Anthony) Soupley, Pipe Creek, Texas and Lacey (Michael) Jones, Rochester; six grandchildren; motherin-law, Betty Singleton, Kokomo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Graham; and sister, Bonnie Waltman.
Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Butch Troke officiating.
Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown, at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Beaver Dam Community Church, ATTN: Wheels on Fire, 9798 W. 1000 S. Akron, IN 46910.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
Indiana panel to consider ABA therapy cost controls
BY LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ Indiana Capital Chronicle
Twenty-one agency leaders, health industry professionals, disability advocates and others will look to contain Medicaid spending on Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — while ensuring continued care for thousands of young, autistic Hoosiers — the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced Friday, May 9.
Gov. Mike Braun directed the agency to create the working group in a February executive order. A report featuring three cost-containment recommendations is due by December.
ABA therapy is commonly used to improve social, communication and learning skills in children and young adults with autism or other developmental disorders. Some critics, however, object to the teaching tool and say it encourages compliance over independence. Additionally, some practitioners coupled it with electroshock therapy as late as 2022. Nevertheless, it’s increasingly popular. Families, however, often struggle to access the therapy because of the price, limited insurance coverage and other health care industry stumbling blocks.
State coffers are also taking a hit.
Indiana Medicaid expenditures for ABA therapy rose from about $14 million in 2017 to $120 million in 2019, according to FSSA, then dipped to $102 million in 2020 — still the second-highest in the nation, per U.S. Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.
The cost surge prompted the federal office to audit Indiana’s 2019 and 2020 ABA payments. The 2024 report found at least $56 million in improper payments — citing problems with documentation, diagnostic evaluations, staff credentials, referrals and more. It recommended that Indiana refund more than $39 million to the federal government.
Soaring totals since then have prompted greater scrutiny from Hoosier leaders worried Medicaid costs are growing too much, too fast. The financial pressure has only worsened.
A grim April revenue forecast forced lawmakers to cut $2 billion in spending out of the state’s next twoyear, now-$44 billion budget.
Braun’s order charged the working group with evaluating cost-containment strategies that “minimize the negative impact felt by enrollees and their families.”
He directed the group to evalu-
ate the “best” clinical care models to provide the right therapy in the right setting at the right ages. The order sought recommendations for “a better coordinated experience” for children, “but in a financially sustainable manner.”
Under the order, group members must also consider potentially implementing quality metrics for ABA services, caps on the number of therapy hours per week, caps on the number of months children can receive the therapy, an appeals process for “extenuating circumstances” along with new provider enrollment and billing requirements.
The “comprehensive review” of ABA therapy in Indiana should “identify key drivers of Medicaid expenditures,” Friday’s news release read.
An evaluation must be completed by Sept. 30. A written report has to include three recommendations for “meaningful” cost-containment, plus the advantages and disadvantages for each recommendation. That’s due to Braun by Nov. 30.
The working group’s members include:
• FSSA staff, some of whom lead disability and Medicaid utilization efforts.
• Health care industry representatives, including a pediatrician, psychiatrist and a health insurance company lobbyist.
• Autism, other disability and special education organization advocates.
• State lawmakers.
• Other parents.
Controversy over ABA cuts ensnarled Braun’s predecessor, former Gov. Eric Holcomb. Families rallied repeatedly, urging Holcomb and his FSSA to reconsider.
DIANA KAY COLEMAN
CAROLYN GRAY
VIRGINIA RICHARDSON
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
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Aaron Jones, Rochester, $772.39
Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC v. Grayson Hafley, Rochester, $502.45
Midland Credit Management v. James Todd, Rochester, $1,180.51
Discover Bank v. Tony Scott, Delong, $10,653.55
Mortgage Foreclosure
Planet Home Lending LLC v. Chris Johnson, Rochester, $403,812.05 Superior Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Complaints
Woodlawn Hospital v. Alyssa Calvert, Rochester, $1,010.14
SAC Finance v. Breeanna White, South Bend, $11,630.70
Portfolio Recovery Associates v. Tisha Hester, Rochester, $1,166.76
LVNV Funding LLC v. Jedson Winter, Rochester, $938.03
Midland Credit Management v. Benjamin Larson, Culver, $2,316.31
Capital One N.A. v. Sean Dunnuck, Akron, $7,132.80
Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts:
Failure to change lanes for authorized emergency vehicle, failure to move over one lane — Frederick Wolf, Benton Harbor, Mich., $165
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Lillian Amador, Indianpolis, $25
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt, speeding — Tiffany Lacy, Zionsville, $189.50;
Failure to register vehicle within 60 days of becoming an Indiana resident, speeding — Dennis Turgeon, Indianapolis, $179.50
Operating with expired plates — Anna Baillieul, New Haven, $164
Operating with expired plates, speeding — William Smith, Rochester, $179.50
Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Veronica Wilson, Panama City, Fla., $175
Speeding — Oliver Beck, Montgomery, Ill., $164.50; Jud Brown, Indianapolis, $164.50; Maria Fabian-morales, South Bend, $164.50; Isaiah Deming, Louisville, Ky., $164.50; Devin Stewart, South Bend, $154.50; Brian Lewis, Benton Harbor, Mich., $164.50; Cameron Loepker, Greenwood, $175; Ryan Vasquez,
Gabriel Uriah Nelson
Amy and Richard Nelson, Winamac, are the parents of a son, Gabriel Uriah, born at 12:15 a.m. Thursday, May 15, in Woodlawn Health. He weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 inches long. He joins sibling, Adalynn Nelson, 2.
Maternal grandparents are Merv and Lois Lemeron, Winamac.
Paternal grandparents are Rick and Shantell Nelson, Winamac.
Kianna Monroe Ferree
Diane Sarna and Zach Ferree are the parents of a daughter, Kianna Monroe, born in Woodlawn Health. Loretta Mayru Miller
Marlea and Noah Miller, Akron, are the parents of a daughter, Loretta Mayru, born in Woodlawn Health.
Maternal grandparents are Brett and Lori Myers, Akron.
Paternal grandparents are Stan and Kerri Miller, Akron.
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts:
Hubbard — Sheldon Hubbard, Rochester, and Elizabeth Hubbard, Rochester. No minor children.
Dean — Jakie Dean, Rochester, and Amy Dean, no address listed. No minor children.
RHS students
Continued from page 1 Chicago, Ill., $175; Jonathan Miranda-Chavarria, Bremen, $175; Teeana Hudson, Indianapolis, $154.50; Kaitlin Johnson, Monrovia, $154.50; Jaiden Kuykendoll, Mishawaka, $154.50; Tony Gordon, Fishers, $154.50; Maribel Huerta-Flores, Plymouth, $164.50; Benjamin Baumer, Chicago, Ill., $154.50; John Klinedinst, Plymouth, $164.50; Marsial Martinez, Bremen, $164.50; Christy Quick, Elkhart, $164.50; Nathan Miller, Cedar Springs, Mich., $175; Abby Vanderploeg, Byron Center, Mich., $154.50; Natalie Ballew, Kokomo, $164.50; Bradford Redding, Niles, Mich., $164.50; L A Bireley, Indianapolis, $164.50; Alicia Moreno, South Bend, $164.50; Lorelei Wamsley, Cul-
Bradley — Donald Bradley, Rochester, and Sabrina Bradley, Knox. No minor children.
“The softball and soccer associations contacted us about doing the roadway,” said E&B Director of Government and Industry Relations David Heyde, who resides in Fulton County. “Our manager Kip Chandler came up with the idea to see if the schools would like to do this in a partnership, and so we reached out to Rochester Schools and we were able to work together.”
Also involved with the project was the trade association Indiana Constructors Inc. Heyde noted the project “is what community is about.”
Secretary of state warns Hoosiers of phishing scam
Secretary of State Diego Morales is urging Hoosiers to remain vigilant of phishing attempts currently circulating via emails reported across the state. These phishing emails may appear official but are designed to mislead recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information. These messages are not legitimate and appear to come from a sender impersonating a state-affiliated source, such as “txtag” or other entities.
Be advised and:
• Do not click on any links or attachments within these suspicious emails.
• Delete the message immediately.
”We are working diligently with the State Office of Technology to investigate and block further attacks. These scams are dangerous, deceptive and disruptive. I want to remind all Hoosiers to be cautious before opening emails and clicking on any unsolicited links, especially those that request personal information or direct you to un-
familiar websites. Your security is our top priority,” said Diego Morales, Indiana’ s secretary of state.
At this point, there’s no indication that these phishing emails are imitating emails from its office, but emails are going to individuals/entities that engage with its office. Hoosiers who receive suspicious emails should avoid clicking any links or downloading attachments. The Indiana Office of Technology is aware of the situation and is monitoring closely.
“It’s just working together and finding a way to help and work together to get something done,” he said. “E&B decided to donate all (the materials for the project) and bring the people out to work together to get the roadway done.”
Heyde said E&B was glad “to partner with the schools and (are thankful for) their willingness to work on roads and everything that ICI does to support that and that E&B can be a good partner for the schools.”
He noted it was “unique” that Rochester students worked on a project with E&B and ICI as the two entities had mainly worked with Indianapolis and Fort Wayne schools.
ICI Workforce Development
Director Eric Fisher added that ICI wants “to make sure that we are providing meaningful and authentic pathways for kids to transition from high school and graduation into the industry.”
“Our motto is graduate Saturday, jobsite Monday,” he said.
Young said he hoped students could do another similar project next year. He thanked Heyde and Steve Fox with E&B “for going above and beyond expectations for students” as well as all the E&B employees that helped out.
“I hope it sparked an interest into the construction industry as there are many job opportunities,” Young added of what he hoped the project did for students.
1. Notice is hereby given that, Fulton County Council on Aging will provide an opportunity for a public hearing for the purpose of considering a grant for which federal capital assistance under Section 5339 of the Federal Bus and Bus Facilities Program, is being sought. Any person interested in a hearing must submit a request in writing that a hearing be held by Fulton County Council on Aging within a ten (10) day period, after the publication of this notice. The project is generally described as follows:
A. Description of Project Fulton County Council on Aging wishes to purchase two new transit vans in 2026 using Federal Grant money ($127,500,00) and a grant from Northern Indiana Community Foundation ($22,500.00). The total amount of the project of $150,000.00.
2. If a hearing is requested and scheduled, Fulton County Council on Aging will afford an opportunity for interested person, agencies and private transportation providers to be heard with respect to the social, environmental, and economic aspects of the grant. Interested persons may submit orally or in writing evidence and recommendations with respect to said grant at the public hearing.
3. A copy of the application is currently available for public inspection at 625 Pontiac Street, Rochester, IN 46975
ALL SPRUCED UP — The town of Fulton received 12 new planters throughout the town. The 30 inch V-Resin planters purchased were facilitated through a thousand dollar grant. The Fulton Liberty Lions Club received the grant through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. Flowers were purchased with donations from business and community efforts and will be watered by business owners and workers. More planters may be purchased in the future. Photo provided by Linda Wade.
CONCRETE — Rochester City Pool received new concrete decking around the pool on Tuesday, May 13. Buddenbaum & Moore, Noblesville, are shown pouring the concrete. Donations are now being accepted for continuing renovations at the pool. Funds are needed for the pavilion, climbing wall and a new water slide that will be installed. For more information, contact Kimberlie Landis at (574) 835-0807. Photo provided by Kimberlie Landis.
WINNING ESSAY Optimist Club member Meagan McGlothlin, left, recently presented a certificate and monetary award to Grant Bailey, a student at Rochester High School. Bailey had a second place winning essay in the Optimist Club North District essay contest. The essay won at the local level and moved to the district level. Photo provided by the Optimist Club.
POOL MAKEOVER — Rochester City Pool recently received new concrete around the pool. Buddenbaum & Moore, Noblesville, poured the concrete decking on Tuesday, May 13. Photo provided by Kimberlie Landis.
POURING
Updates and happenings in and around the area
Akron BZA meeting will be from 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Akron Town Hall, 206 W. Rochester St., Akron.
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There will be a blood drive from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester. Call (800) 733-7267 or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
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Kewanna-Union Township Fire Department will host an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon, Sunday, May 25 at Kewanna-Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, 404 N. Toner St., Kewanna. Freewill donation.
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Area planning meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, May 26 at the Fulton County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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Optimist Club pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 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 Lighted Pathway Hope for the homeless.
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City council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Community Bingo for seniors will be from 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.
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City BZA meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Rochester First Baptist’s Guild ladies will host sponsor night at Dairy Queen on Wednesday, May 28 from 4 p.m. until closing. 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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Redevelopment commission will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Local historian, Bob Clyde, will continue his discussion of Kewanna history. “Back to the Past: Our Kewanna” will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Kewanna Public Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna. Call (574) 653-2011, or check out the Facebook page for more information and updates.
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Board of works meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Friday, May 30 at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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VBS “Glowing for Jesus” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 31 at Rochester Church of God, 3048 Southway 31, Rochester.
P ublic A uctions
Elliott Real Estate Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, May 24. Located at 202 Frank St., Bourbon.
Summer reading program in Akron
Akron Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron, will host the 2025 Children’s Summer Reading Program June 4 through July 18. The theme for the program is “Color Our World.” It is open to ages three and up. Call (574) 893- 4113, or visit the website at akron.lib.in.us with any questions.
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.
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Water board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, June 2 at the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Commissioner’s meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, June 2 at the Fulton County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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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) 2237884.
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Families Helping Families, a nonprofit organization,, is in need of formula and diapers for the community. If interested in donating or in need of formula and/or diapers, stop by from 2-5 p.m. Mondays at the Solid Rock Church, 913 Main St., Rochester. For more information, call Michelle Skiles (574) 835-8813.
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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers several opportunities to serve in Fulton County
Land Auction 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Located at 9870 W. CR 200S, Mentone, 27.34 acres of bare and wooded land. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction. com.
Online Only Coin Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North
Manchester. Silver dollars, 450plus Kennedy half dollars, Indian head cents, standing liberty quarters, mercury dimes, barber coins, foreign coins. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Public Auction
5 p.m. Monday, June 2. Located at Ted’s Auction Service, 11536 4A Road, Plymouth.
for anyone 55 or better. Volunteer and learn a new skill, or utilize your current skills. It’s free and easy to join. Have fun and make new friends. Contact (574) 2233716 with any questions.
Volunteer work is always welcome and needed in maintaining Indiana State Parks. For more information on volunteering visit on.IN.gov/dnrvolunteer or email DNRvolunteer@dnr.IN.gov.
The history of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, has a rich and storied history that begins in the Civil War and continues to the modern day.
The practice of honoring fallen soldiers is as old as time, but Memorial Day as we know it first took shape within “decoration days” held by Civil War soldiers. Communities both North and South paid their respects by decorating fallen comrade-in-arms’ graves with flowers, a custom dating to Roman antiquity.
The first Civil War soldier’s grave to be decorated was for its first casualty: John Quincy Marr, a soldier killed during the Battle
of Fairfax Courthouse in Virginia, was posthumously decorated with flowers at his funeral on Monday, June 3, 1861.
In the spring of 1868, three years after the war’s end, a group of Union veterans called the Grand Army of the Republic —also known as GAR — represented by Major General John A. Logan, established a formal holiday for fallen troops. General Orders No. 11, also known as the “Memorial Day Act,” gave U.S. citizens a day where appreciation for fallen troops could be shown with flowers placed on a grave site.
The act had been inspired by
continuing efforts to formalize a “Remembrance Day” since the Civil War’s end, with organizations in the South such as the Ladies’ Memorial Association in Georgia holding their own impromptu Memorial Day events.
After Logan’s declaration, states began marking their own Remembrance Day holidays, starting with New York in 1873. By 1890, every state in the North had its own dedicated day of remembrance, often sponsored by the GAR Women’s Relief Corps.
These ceremonies were bolstered by the reinterment of Union soldiers, which by 1870 had found
new homes in dedicated graveyards such as Gettysburg and Arlington National Cemetery.
Over 600,000 soldiers had died during the Civil War, meaning that recovery, burial and memorials for each death was a topic of national interest. In response, the United States National Cemetery System had been created in 1865 for Union war dead.
At the same time, the GAR began distributing materials that instructed local posts on how to plan and assemble memorials for loved ones. Still, much of these practices stayed local, with different dates and traditions.
Over the next century, Memorial Day traditions began to standardize, with the holiday settling on May 30. In 1915, the opening lines of the poem “In Flanders Fields” led to the adoption of the poppy as the official symbol of remembrance by the National American Legion. In 1968, with the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill by Congress, Memorial Day was moved with Columbus and President’s Day to Monday. Memorial Day has been observed on May’s last Monday since the bill took effect in 1971. From sunrise to noon, flags are flown at half-mast and then at full-staff until sunset.
The history of ‘Taps’
In Memorial Day ceremonies across the United States, a lone bugle often sounds a familiar, solemn melody: 24 notes known as “Taps.” The brief but haunting call has become one of the most enduring tributes to American service members who gave their lives in war.
The origin of “Taps” dates back to the Civil War in July 1862, during the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia.
Union Gen. Daniel Butterfield, dissatisfied with the traditional bugle call used to signal lights out, worked with his brigade bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton, to create a softer, more reflective
tune for his men to end the day.
The new call quickly spread among nearby Union units and was soon adopted throughout the Army.
Its use as a funerary tribute reportedly began that same year, when a Union captain requested the tune be played at a burial in place of the customary three-volley rifle salute, fearing it might alert Confederate forces nearby.
The practice took hold, and by the end of the 19th century, “Taps” was a standard element of military funerals.
Though lyrics have never been officially adopted, a verse is of-
ten recited alongside the melody:
“Day is done, gone the sun/ From the hills, from the lake, from the skies/All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”
Today, “Taps” is played at more than 1,000 military funerals every week, including at Arlington National Cemetery. It also sounds during flag ceremonies, wreath-layings, and national observances such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The sound of the lone bugle has become one of the most recognized military honors in the United States.
In 2012, Congress recognized
“Taps” as the “National Song of Remembrance,” highlighting its importance in American cultural and military history.
This Memorial Day, to remember the fallen, “Taps” will again sound in cemeteries and town squares.
TAPS U.S. Navy Bugler William Dunn plays “Taps” for the graveside service of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Xavier A. Martin in Arlington Cemetery. Taps has a long and storied history as a memorial tune for American armed forces. Photo by by Elizabeth Fraser, U.S. Army.
SIDEWALK SALES
— William J. Clinton
Rochester commemorates Memorial Day with moving ceremony at courthouse lawn
Text
and Photos
By LIBBY HUBBARD Staff Writer
At noon Sunday, May 18, the Rochester community gathered at the courthouse lawn to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The Memorial Day ceremony,
hosted by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, Post 1343 and American Legion Post No. 36, paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the nation’s wars.
The day began with a chilly morning of solemn rituals, as members of the American Legion Honor Guard performed a traditional three-volley rifle salute. The notes of Taps played by Judi Leininger echoed through the air, following ceremonies at 24 cemeteries across Fulton County, where veterans’ graves were honored with flags placed by Scouting America Troop No. 219.
A Ceremony Of Reflection And Gratitude
American Legion Post No. 36 Commander Rob Beckman opened the ceremony by introducing the speakers of the day and welcoming singer Erika Yates. Yates’ rendition of the National Anthem set the tone for a moment of remembrance, uniting the crowd in tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.
Commander of the VFW Post 1343 and United Methodist Reverend, Kurt Nichols, followed with an invocation. Nichols led the crowd in prayer, asking for remembrance of those who gave their lives in service, both at home and abroad. He also honored the families who supported these brave soldiers in their ultimate sacrifice.
that not only honors the fallen but also serves as an educational opportunity for the Scouts, who learned about the history of the soldiers they gave service back to.
Mayor’s Reflection On Sacrifice
Rochester Mayor Trent O’Dell closed the speaker portion of the event with a prominent reflection. O’Dell shared a conversation he had with a serviceman, asking what made the U.S. military “the most feared fighting force on Earth.” The serviceman’s response was simple yet powerful: “We’re not afraid to die.”
Mayor O’Dell shared these words with the crowd, expressing deep gratitude for the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout history.
“I’m so grateful to those willing to share their stories of service,” O’Dell remarked. “Our appreciation, our respect, and our unwavering gratitude will always and forever be for those who weren’t afraid to die.”
Honoring The Fallen
Before the ceremony concluded, Beckman shared sobering statistics about the human cost of recent conflicts. Since October 2001, approximately 7,085 servicemen and servicewomen have lost their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters of war, including several from Fulton County.
“It’s important to remember these numbers, to understand the true cost of freedom,” Beckman said.
The ceremony also recognized the dedicated Scouts of Troop No. 219, led by Scout Master Sheena Bitterling. Beckman acknowledged their hard work in placing flags on every veteran’s grave across the 24 cemeteries within the county, a project
The ceremony closed with a final rifle-led three-volley salute from the American Legion Post 36 Honor Guard, followed once again by Taps, played by Leininger, as the crowd stood in silence to honor the fallen.
A SOLDIER’S STORY On the left, Rochester Mayor, Trent O’Dell, tells a story to the crowd of a soldier’s job and the ability to accept the ultimate sacrifice. Also pictured is American Legion Post No. 36 Commander Rob Beckman.
STANDING AT ATTENTION In the American Legion Post 36 Honor Guard, from left, Hugh Murfin, Brett Hizer and bugler Judi Leininger stand at attention on the courthouse lawn.
FOR THE VETERANS Amy Richard, right, and Scouting America Troop 219 Scout Colton Dotson work on putting flags on veterans’ graves at the Rochester I.O.O.F. Cemetery on Wednesday, May 14. Photo by Leah Sander.
Photo by Leah Sander.
Rochester boys golf finishes 3rd in TRC tournament
Boys Golf
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Sports Editor, RTC
The Rochester boys golf team shot a 348 and finished third out of 10 teams at the Three Rivers Conference tournament at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek Saturday, May 17.
Isaac Heishman shot an 82, and Ashton Musselman shot an 83 to make the all-conference team. Other Rochester scores included Davis Renie’s 86, Brady Morgan’s 97 and Brevin Nicholson’s 101.
Northwestern won the title with a 335, and Northfield was second with a 346. Northwestern’s Hudson Whaley was the medalist with a 75.
Temperatures were in the upper 60s with strong winds.
Musselman earned medalist honors after shooting a 1-over-par 37, but host Rochester finished second in a three-way match over the front nine at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek Wednesday, sMay 14.
Manchester had a 169 and won on a tiebreaker. Rochester also had a 169, and Southwood had a 175.
Heishman added a 39, Renie had a 43, and Morgan and Nicholson each shot a 50.
Musselman birdied the par-5 fourth hole. His round also included
six pars and two bogeys.
Connor Trump and Caleb Sautter each shot a 41 to lead Manchester. Manchester’s fifth player shot a 46, which gave them the team on the tiebreaker.
Keaton Metzger and Ross Andrews each had a 43 for Southwood.
Jack Reffett led the Rochester JV with a 52, Parker Brown had a 54, and Tanner Krom had a 65.
Heishman, Renie and Musselman each shot a 40 over the back nine at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek May 12 to share medalist honors and lead Rochester to a win in a three-way match over Triton and Caston.
Rochester had a 168, Triton had a 186, and Caston had a 196.
Morgan and Nicholson each shot a 48 to round out the Rochester scorecard.
Reffett led the Rochester JV with a 46.
Girls Tennis
Ella McCarter completed an undefeated Three Rivers Conference season with a win at No. 1 singles, and Audrey Bolinger and Rylee Clevenger also won at singles for the visiting Lady Zs in a 3-2 win over Maconaquah May 14 in their regular season finale.
McCarter defeated fellow senior Kiera Rosenow 6-1, 6-2. She went 9-0 in conference play and did not lose a set.
In the doubles matches, Emma Murphy and Ellie Straeter lost to
Josie Callane and Carola Sabastianelli 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1, and Sophie McCall and Abbi St. Martin lost to Sophia Kenworthy and Lacie Williams 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2.
Maconaquah won the JV match 2-1.
McCarter, Bolinger and Clevenger all won their singles matches in straight sets to lift the Lady Zs past host Southwood 3-2 Monday, May 12.
McCarter, Bolinger and Clevenger lost three games combined in six sets.
Emma Murphy and Ellie Straeter lost in straight sets at No. 1 singles. Sophie McCall and Abbi St. Martin fell in straight sets at No. 2 doubles.
Rochester won the JV match 2-1. Track
The Rochester girls and boys track teams took the week off in preparation for this week’s sectionals. The girls sectional was at Bremen Tuesday. The boys sectional is at Plymouth at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
McCarter beat Courtney Finney 6-0, 6-0. Bolinger knocked off Lucy Vandermark 6-3, 6-0. Clevenger beat Ava Goodpasture 6-0, 6-0
ISAAC HEISHMAN
FELLOWSHIP AWARD — The Akron Lions Club recently presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship award to Lion Harold Shewman and his wife, Janice Shewman, in recognition of their 34 years of dedication and service to the Akron community with the Lions Club. The Shewmans are actively involved in assisting at the Lions Club fish fries. Shown from left are Lion President Steve Nelson, Janice Shewman and Lion Harold Shewman. Photo provided by Akron Lions Club.
Rochester spring sports update: Softball clinches TRC title share
Softball
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Sports Editor, RTC
The Rochester softball team defeated Peru and Northwestern last week to improve to 17-4 on the season and 7-0 in the Three Rivers Conference. The Lady Zs have clinched a share of the TRC title going into this week’s games against Whitko and Lewis Cass.
Whitko, Southwood and Peru are all 5-2 in the TRC and all aspire to potentially tie Rochester for the title.
Bria Rensberger returned to the circle to pitch a seven-hitter with five strikeouts, and Aubrey Wilson had two doubles and three RBIs for the visiting Lady Zs in a 13-1 win over Northwestern Wednesday, May 14.
Jadyn Field added two hits and two RBIs, and Darah Strasser also had two hits for Rochester, who won their sixth straight game. Rochester has also won 13 of their last 14 games.
Rensberger took a liner off her pitching hand in an 11-6 win over Peru May 12 and pitched only four innings. Brailyn Hunter pitched the final three innings.
Rensberger returned and while she did not pitch a 1-2-3 inning until the seventh inning, she turned back multiple Northwestern scoring opportunities.
In the third, Tessa Ortman walked and Stevie-Rae Hedges doubled, but Bailey Marcus lined into an inning-ending double play.
Addy Clark led off the fourth with a single and advanced to third on a pair of groundouts, but Rensberger struck out Grace Fischer to end the inning.
Offensively, Rochester scored three runs on passed balls and two runs on wild pitches. Also, they scored on a steal of home and an error.
Rensberger, Hunter and Aubrey Miller each added a hit and an RBI. Mylee Heinzmann also had a hit. Rochester also received nine walks.
Miller and Emma Mathias combined to draw five walks and score seven runs out of the top two spots in the lineup.
Chaos is often a component of high school softball, and the play that ended the bottom of the third inning in Rochester’s game against Peru at the Tiger North Athletic Complex May 12 was an example.
Rochester was leading 9-4 with runners on first and second and two outs when Peru’s Marlee Honn lined a ball off the chest, abdomen and hand of Rochester
pitcher Bria Rensberger.
Rensberger dropped in a heap in the circle in intense pain. Honn had an infield single. While Rensberger’s teammates rushed in to check on her, the ball laid only about a foot away from Rensberger.
And that led to Peru coach Mike Gapski’s dilemma: Peru had only eight players. That meant they would have to take an automatic out whenever the No. 9 spot in the batting order would come up. Honn was the No. 8 batter in the Peru batting order.
So if he decided to hold Ky Correll, who had advanced to third, the inning would essentially end with the bases loaded. So instead, Gapski decided to wave in Correll, and shortstop Wilson picked up the loose ball and threw to Field at the plate to easily retire Correll and end the inning.
It was the chaotic, crucial play as Rochester won 11-6 in a game that had a my-team-is-on-thefield energy but an unhappy ending for the home team.
Rochester committed two errors while Peru had six. Rochester also won a game in which their pitchers walked nine.
After lying on the ground in agony and being tended to by trainers and coaches, Rensberger walked off the field under her own power, and she grounded out to start the fourth.
She then pitched the bottom of the fourth, but her pitches appeared to lack their typical velocity and movement.
Hunter then came in and pitched the final three innings for the save. She also went 2 for 4 at the plate with a sixth-inning RBI that made the score 10-4.
Coleman said the concern with Rensberger is in her hand and wrist area that she instinctively raised to protect herself as Honn’s liner sizzled towards her.
Hunter allowed Correll’s tworun double in the sixth that cut the deficit to 10-6, but Wilson added an RBI single into the vacated hole on the left side in the seventh to complete the scoring.
Hunter got Honn to ground to Wilson to start the seventh. In essence, it was a double play. Molly Mann reached on an error, but Lilly Steele flew out to Darah Strasser in center to end it.
Baseball
Rochester went 1-1 at the Twin Lakes Invitational Saturday, losing to Twin Lakes 9-8 in eight innings and beating Elwood 15-2 in five innings. The Class 2A, No. 4 Zebras snapped their first threegame losing streak since 2022 with the win over Elwood and will take a 17-5 record into the final week of the regular season.
In the Elwood game, Drew Bowers had an inside-the-park homer and a single and drove in three runs, and Parker Casper had three hits and three RBIs. Zakk Parks added a double and a triple and three RBIs.
BRAILYN
HUNTER
Brant Beck had two hits and three runs scored, and Conner Dunfee had a single and two RBIs. Brady Coleman had a double, and Linden Wilburn had a single.
Casper pitched three scoreless innings for the win. He allowed one hit and one walk and struck out three. Bowers pitched a hitless fourth but allowed two runs. Parks pitched a hitless fifth with one walk and one strikeout.
Rochester scored three runs in the first and nine more in the second to build a 12-0 lead.
Elwood committed six errors while Rochester had none.
In the Twin Lakes game, Rochester trailed 8-5 after five innings but scored one in the sixth and two in the seventh on Callen Ferverda’s game-tying, two-out, tworun single.
However, the game ended when Casper hit Tate Goyer with a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth.
Beck singled twice and doubled and had two RBIs to spearhead a 13-hit Zebra attack. Trenton Meadows had two hits and two RBIs, and Coleman also had two hits and three runs scored.
Casper and Ferverda each had a hit and two RBIs, and Parks, Dunfee and Wilburn each had a hit and a walk. Bowers had a hit and a run scored.
Coleman started and allowed four runs in the first inning. He allowed three hits and a walk and did not strike out a hitter. Dunfee relieved and allowed seven hits and four runs (all earned) over five innings. He walked two and struck out five. Casper pitched one inning and allowed two hits and one unearned run.
Rochester pitchers combined to walk four and hit three batters.
Tanner Reinartz and Carson Paulik missed both Twin Lakes Invitational games. Reinartz was ill, and Paulik had a knee injury.
Reinartz hit a solo homer, but the Rochester baseball team fell 5-1 to visiting Logansport at Bob Copeland Field Thursday.
The losing streak is Rochester’s first since they lost to both Twin
Lakes and Northwestern at the Twin Lakes Invitational on May 18, 2024.
Joshua Middleton pitched a five-hitter for Logansport for the win. Middleton did not register a strikeout with his offspeed arsenal, and he only had one 1-2-3 inning. But he walked only one, Beck took the loss on the mound. Pitching for the first time in nine days, he retired the first 10 batters he faced before Bryson Herr’s one-out double in the fourth. Herr scored on Camden Chapman’s RBI single, and Chapman advanced to second on a wild pitch and later scored on Carson Dubes’ RBI single.
Reinartz jacked his sixth homer of the season in the bottom half.
Beck then got three ground ball outs from the 7-8-9 batters in the fifth. In the sixth, Bryson Herr walked, and Braylon Ritchie singled, but Camden Chapman grounded into a forceout to Linden Wilburn at third, and Dubes grounded to short.
Known for his impeccable control, Middleton’s walk to Reinartz to lead off the sixth was just the sixth batter he had walked this season. But he got the next three batters out, negating both a stolen base from Reinartz and a nifty baserunning play in which he advanced from second to third after a throw in from right field after Zakk Parks’ fly ball was mishandled.
Logansport then got three insurance runs in the seventh on Deagan Kitchel’s two-run double and Herr’s RBI single.
The Rochester baseball team had runners on first and second and nobody out in the third inning of their game with host Northwestern Wednesday, May 14.
They had the bases loaded with nobody out in the fifth.
They had the bases loaded with one out in the sixth.
They got the leadoff man on base in the seventh.
They scored in none of those innings and had to settle for a long bus ride home after a 6-2 loss.
Rochester, ranked No. 4 in Class 2A, had 14 baserunners, but they went just 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and finished with 10 men left on base.
Meanwhile, Paulik hobbled through his start on the mound.
Paulik, who allowed one hit in 13 innings in his two previous TRC starts against Manchester and Maconaquah, gave up five hits and four runs in four innings this time. He also walked four and hit two batters while striking out five.
Paulik, who came in with a .289 batting average and an .896 OPS, was the flex player in this game. He wore a sleeve on his right knee over his baseball pants.
Rochester coach Cory Good said Paulik “messed his knee up pretty good” while diving into third base during an 8-1 win over Peru Monday, May 12. Good said Paulik saw a physical therapist in Indianapolis Tuesday. Good also said that Paulik’s injury is more likely a nerve issue and “nothing major” and that he has no structural damage.
Reinartz hit two solo homers, and he combined with Coleman on a two-hitter on the mound as the Zebras stayed in a tie for first place in the Three Rivers Conference with a road win over Peru May 12.
Beck and Reinartz both went 3 for 3 as part of Rochester’s 11-hit attack. Parks and Dunfee each had a hit and two RBIs. Bowers had a triple, Wilburn singled and walked, and Ferverda had a single.
The Zebras prevailed despite Reinartz and Coleman combining for nine walks and despite three errors in the field.
Reinartz pitched the first three innings and did not allow a hit. He allowed one unearned run and walked six and struck out six. Coleman pitched the final four innings for the win and allowed two hits and no runs. He walked three and struck out one. Jackson Boswell took the loss for Peru. He pitched 4 ⅓ innings and allowed seven hits and five runs (two earned). He walked one and struck out one.
Rochester scored three unearned runs in the first, all after the first two batters were retired. Reinartz singled and went to second when Paulik reached on a third strike passed ball. Beck singled home Reinartz, and Parks tripled home Paulik and Beck.
After Peru scored on an error in the second, Reinartz homered to lead off the third. Beck’s RBI single and Dunfee’s two-run single in the fifth made it 7-1.
Reinartz homered again to center field in the seventh off reliever Devin Evans.
Reis Bellar got Peru’s first hit with a single with two outs in the fifth, but Parks threw him out trying to steal.
Peru had runners on second and third with one out in the sixth, but Coleman got William Rodriguez to pop to second base and Gavin Eldridge on a grounder to first to end the inning.
Lucas Musser singled with two outs in the seventh, but Bellar grounded to first to end the game.
Eighteen students graduated from the Burket Educational Center Class of 2025. In the front from left are Roberto Jimenez; Tippecanoe Valley High School Assistant Principal and Burket Program Director Dayna Kolanowski; Riley Hale; Sarah Gross; Marisol Gonzalez-Ramirez; Jarron Evans; Brianna Evans; and Tressalynn Witham. In the back row are former Burket paraprofessional Byron Tinkey; Burket teacher Micah Lukens; Zarah Smith; Natalie Novitzke; Burket paraprofessional Nicki Lewis; Gage Slone; Maverik Lowe; and Ayden Engle. Not pictured are Steven Flores, Konnar Fountain, Edwin Olivas-Cuahizo, Bryce Patrick, Oliver Trigg and Adin Wagoner.
Burket celebrates 18 more graduates
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
The Burket Educational Center Class of 2025 may have faced health, academic and social is-
sues, but in the end, they made it to graduation.
Eighteen students were honored in a ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at the Burket historical gym. They include: Steven Flores, Ayden Engle, Brianna
Tippecanoe Valley High School Assistant Principal and Burket Program Director Dayna Kolanowski welcomed people to the event.
“The students that you see here today to be honored have worked hard to get where they are and have had to overcome many personal obstacles and challenges to make the passage to adulthood,” she said. “Wheth-
er the students were in tough situations because they were victims of circumstances outside of their control or the product of poor decision-making is irrelevant. When it came to earning a diploma, these students buckled down and focused on that moment of significance, a moment that will have a great effect on the rest of their lives.”
Burket Bible Church Pastor Mark Eastway also congratulated the class. He leads the local LifeWise Academy program, through which Burket students may voluntarily attend Bible classes during the school day at the church.
Eastway noted LifeWise should also be open to Akron Elementary
School students in the fall.
Burket teacher Micah Lukens also spoke, before recognizing each graduate individually.
He noted 89% of the 18 graduates earned Indiana Core 40 or higher diplomas.
The Class of 2025 also finished 288 courses and “mastered 1,709 units of study and 14,000 assessments,” said Lukens.
He noted after the ceremony that “the graduating Class of 2025 had to overcome many obstacles.”
“It was really impressive what they were able to do, and just the positivity that comes out of these kids inspires me, and I just want to be there to help them along the way,” said Lukens.
NACHELLE MARIE GENTRY
AIDEN JAMES HARRINGTON BRADEN CHRISTIAN HARRINGTON
JOHNATHON JACKSON HELT
CAITLYN NICOLE HINSON
GUIDRY CHAD HISEY
HUNTER ROBERT HONKOMP
MADDOX RAY JEWELL
REECE EDWARD JOHNSON
SOPHIA JANE MCCALL
MCCARTER
MCKENZIE
GARRICK GENE METZ KAELYN RENEE MIDKIFF
CARTER RICHARD MIGONIS
LEAH FAY MILLER
LENORA MOON MILLER
TRISTAN ALEXANDER MILLER
SKYLA ANN MITCHELL SILVIA MAY MONTELONGO
BRADY WILLIAM MORGAN
KYELIEM RAE ERIC MURPHY
ALEXSIS LEIGHANNE NELSON
JUSTYN SAMUEL NETTROUER
ADRIAN ISAC OCHOA
CANDACE JAYNE POMP
EMILY
MACIE
HUNTER
BROCK
MAKENZIE DAWN ROE
LOUIS SALYER
WILLIAM SAMPSEL
ADALYNN KAY SAMUELS
HAYDEN CHRISTOPHER SHUCK
DALTON WAYNE SHULTZ
TYLER WILLIAM SHULTZ
FRANCIS MICHAEL SICILIANO
DAVID EDWARD SMITH
REID JAMYSON SPENCER
SELENA CHRISTINE STAHL
DARAH LEA STRASSER
PHENIX JAHAD SUTTON
AVA DALE THOMAS
RABUOR ONYANGO TINDI
KYLAH LEIGH TOWELL
XAVIER MEISER VANCE
BREIDON JAMES VANDERWALL
EMILY MARIE VIGAR AUDREY KENNEDY WAGNER
TREVOR STEWART WALLEY
RACHEL ELIZABETH WAYS
BRIANA NICOLE WHITEMAN
ETHAN RYAN WIERINGA
DANIEL RYAN YOCUM GAGE DANIEL ZIMPELMAN
ARROYO
AARON JOHN BACKUS
BLAINE ALAN BANEY SOKHENG BARBROSSA
JAMES DAVID BARTLEY
EVAN KYLE BOLINGER
LILY GATES BRADLEY
BAILEY ANN BUSSARD
KAREGAN GAIL CALLAHAN CALEB FREDERICK CAVENDER
IAN RICHARD COOKSEY
MACKAYLIE BETH COSTELLO
TARQUIN JAMES COX-FIGANIAK
COLTON JULIIUS CRABB EMMA
HALEY DURKES
ISAIAH MICHAEL FELIX
GONZALEZ-RAMIREZ
BRITTANY NICOLE GREGORY
ETHAN RAY GROSCH
SARAH DAWN GROSS
DOMINICK JOSE GUTIERREZ
WESLEY DOUGLAS HAINES
RILEY DAWN HALE
ABAGALE MARIE HAMMAN
MAURICE HANEY
WYATT DANIEL HART
CHLOE ANN HAUSSMANN
GENEVIEVE CHARLOTTE HELLER
MERCEDES SARAI HERRERA
IZABELLA
HICKS
CHASE MICHAEL BRYAN HOWARD
BRAYLEE ANN HUGHES
Tippecanoe Valley 2025 Graduates
HUGO
TAYLOR
Tippecanoe Valley 2025 Graduates
NOT PICTURED:
NATALIE NOVITZKE
EDWIN OLIVASCHUCHIZO
OLIVIA POWELL
ZARAH SMITH
ADIN WAGONER
TRESSALYN WITHAM
REES NICHOAL RENSBERGR REMINGTON DWIGHT RICKEL
BRAXTIN MICHAEL ROGERS
JULIAN ISAAC ROSAS NOAH RUTHERFORD
ELLA MARIE SANDBAKKEN
JAIR SANTIAGO KOLTON DANIEL SEANEY
KHRISTIAN JOSEPH SEBASTIAN
BLAIN MICHAEL SHEETZ
OLIVIA LYNN SHEPHERD
RUSSELL JOSEPH SHEPHERD
GAGE RYAN SLONE
ELISE RIAN SMITH
JAZMIN TAYLOR SMITH
MARCUS HUNTER SMITH
CARLEE ISABELLA SNYDER
NOAH RILEY SPANGLE
ELI JACOB STERK BRANDON DANIEL DUANE STILES
JORDAN CHRISTINE STRAYER
SKYE MARIE SWANSON
GABRIEL NEIL SWICK
MADISON LEE THOMPSON
OLIVER TRIGG
LUKE EDISON TUCKER
AVERY NICOLE WAGONER
JAMIE AUSTIN WALLACE
GAIGE EVERETT WHETSTONE
ISAAC SCOTT WHETSTONE
DENVER MACK WILSON
KYNDRA NICOLE WRIGHT
AYDEN TY YAPRAK
ETHAN SCOTT YOUNG
ZAVIER GODSEY
JOHN JAMES HILL IV
Rochester Zebras
Graduation: Friday, June 6
Baccalaureate: 6 p.m. Rochester High School Auditorium
Commencement: 7 p.m. Rochester High School Gymnasium
Class Flower: White and Yellow Carnations
Class Motto: “It’s happening, people!” — Hope Showley
Caston Comets
Commencement: Friday, May 23 • 7:30 p.m. Caston High School Gymnasium
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Colors: Red, White and Blue
Class Motto: “Start where you are, Use what you have, Do what you can” — Arthur Ashe
Tippecanoe Valley Vikings
Sunday, June 1 • Baccalaurate: 2 p.m.
Commencement 2:45 p.m. • High School Main Gym
Class Flower: Tulips
Class Colors: Green and Gold
Class Motto: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
