The Market - March 25, 2026 by The Papers Inc.

RE-ELECT

Don Binkley for Commissioner

•Working to keep Starke County moving forward

EUGENE PUGH

For Starke County Council District 4 & Republican Party State Delegate

An Indiana Republican State Convention delegate plays a critical role in shaping the party’s ticket and platform, specifically by voting to nominate candidates for state offices like Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and State Treasurer. The convention occurs every two years, focusing on the party’s direction and candidate slate.

Key Responsibilities of an Indiana State Convention Delegate

•Nomination of State Candidates: Delegates officially select candidates for several statewide offices that are not decided in the primary election.

•Always available to listen to concerns-my email and phone number are on the county website

•Supportive of our police, fire, EMA & EMS

Helping to make sure their needs are met to keep all citizens safe

•Willing to work with other elected officials and all county departments

I would appreciate your vote on May 5th, 2026 and will be an honest, conservative voice for the people

•Adopting the Party Platform: They review, define, debate, and vote on the party’s official platform and policies.

•Party Business: Delegates participate in party procedural tasks, including the election of state party leadership.

•Represent Constituents: Delegates are elected at the county or district level during the May primary to serve as ambassadors and the voice of Republican voters in their specific area.

Kyla Schreck, NP

$12 Eat In $13 To Go

Fri, March 27th 4:30pm-Sold Out Every Friday during Lent!

Serving: Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies & Fries

Easter Treats & Breakfast Items

*Decorated Egg Cakes

*Cake Rolls

*Parker House Rolls

Birthdays

March 26

Tim Fisher (59 Yrs)

March 27

North Judson 896-2821 Knox 772-6650 Get Your Paczkies While You Can!

*Lamb Pound Cake

Kylie

March 28 Kim Alva

*Rainbow Colored Easter Bread Coffee Cakes & Sweet Rolls for Easter Breakfast!

THIS & THAT Indoor Pop Up Market: March 27 & 28, 10-4. Spring & Easter items, rooster decor, Pyrex, cast iron, costume jewelry, new & vintage toys. 5215 S Range Rd., North Judson. ...........................................12B

TREES TRIMMED. Stumps removed. Brush shredded, bushhogging & lot clearing . Will meet or beat any written estimates. Call 574-896-2772. ..................................................12

The public deserves to hear answers to their questions, and there’s no better opportunity than coming together and sharing a stage.

I challenge my opponent, Autumn Ferch, to an in-person debate.

A neutral location with a neutral moderator. I’m up for it. Are you, Autumn?

July 25th Marketplace @BLPOA building

Local Crafters, antiques & 3rd party Welcome!!

Forms available @ basslakefest.com Contact: mjtopelian@gmail.com

STARKE COUNTY VOTER REGISTERATION DEADLINE

You must register by Monday, April 6th, 2026 to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026.

Residents can register to vote online through the Indiana Voter Portal, by mail or in person at the Starke County Clerk’s Office: 53 E. Mound St., Knox, IN 46534.

VALERIE ANN WILLIAMS

KNOX, IN - Valerie Ann Williams, 45, died Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born June 3, 1980 in Knox, Indiana to Jacob Hanselman Sr. and Charlotte (Bliss) Griffith. On June 13, 2005 in Plymouth, Indiana, she married James Williams Jr.

Valerie enjoyed being outside, gardening, yardwork, raising chickens, canning, homesteading and helping and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, James, one son, Gunnar Williams, one daughter, KyleeAnn Williams, her mother, Charlotte (Roger) Griffith, all of Knox and siblings: Jacob (Tiffany) Hanselman Jr of North Judson, Indiana, Malachi Griffith and Charlotte Messer, both of Knox, Iona (Dan) Hanselman of Fish Lake, Indiana, Amy Marie Lowry of Argos, Indiana and Danielle Griffith of Kokomo, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Jacob Hanselman Sr. and grandparents: Rodney and Charlotte Bliss and William and Clara Hanselman.

No services to be held at this time. Memorials may be made to the funeral home.

Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox.

ARLENE SALYER

PLYMOUTH, IN - FORMERLY OF KNOX, IN - Arlene Salyer, 67, died Monday, March 16, 2026 in Plymouth, Indiana. She was born December 1, 1958 in Albion, Michigan to the late Willard Rowe and Dorothy (Nicholas) Salyer. On September 29, 1979 in Lima, Ohio, she married Denzel Salyer. He died March 29, 2022.

Arlene enjoyed reading, card games, needlepoint and spending time with her family. She worked as a laborer for Modern Door.

She is survived by three daughters: Alyssa Justice of Plymouth, Heather (Mike) Parker of Wheatfield, Indiana and Amber (Kyle) White of Highland, Indiana, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and four brothers: Michael (Lori) Rowe and Douglas (Kim) Rowe, both of Lima, Kenneth Salyer of Delphos, Ohio and Todd (Joann) Salyer of Celina, Ohio. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kierstyn Parker and siblings: Keith Salyer and Darlene Dorsett.

Graveside services were held Thursday, March 19, at the Highland Cemetery in North Judson, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the funeral home.

Arrangements were made by Braman & Bailey Funeral Home in North Judson.

SAMUEL R. SPARKS

LOGANSPORT, IN - Samuel R.

“Sam” Sparks, 74, died Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport, Indiana. He was born October 15, 1951 in Winamac, Indiana to the late Robert and Olive (Johnston) Sparks.

Sam was a 1969 graduate of Winamac High School. He was retired from Trelleborg in Logansport. He enjoyed woodworking, playing the harmonica, fishing, gardening and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by two sons: James (Nicole) Sparks of Battle Creek, Michigan and Jeffrey (Dawn) Sparks of West Lafayette, Indiana, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two sisters: Karena (David) Macy of Lakeland, Florida and Benita (Rod) Henry of Temple, Texas. He was preceded in death by siblings: Curtis J. Sparks and Sharon D. King.

Services were held Thursday, March 19 at Frain Mortuary. Burial was in the Star City West Cemetery in Star City, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the family.

Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac, Indiana.

JERRY D. CONLEY SR.

WHEATFIELD, IN - Jerry D. Conley Sr. 75, died Thursday, March 19, 2026. He was born January 25, 1951 in Metropolis, Illinois to the late Ronald and Hazel (Cole) Conley. On August 12, 1985 in Valparaiso, Indiana, he married Carol Fincham.

Jerry was a graduate of Valparaiso High School and had worked as a Control Operator at Owen’s Corning Fiberglass, a horseshoer, and Maintenance Supervisor at the Indiana State Correctional Facility. He enjoyed playing cards, riding horses and motorcycles.

He is survived by his children:

Heather (Willy) Wireman, Jerry Jr. (Misty) Conley and Joseph “Joe” (Dee) Conley, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and siblings: James (Jamie) Conley, Janice Conley and Cathy (Corky) Trutko. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol and one sister, Rhonda Young.

Graveside services were held Monday, March 23 at the Kankakee Township Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were made by Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield.

SUSAN MARIE OTERO

La PORTE, IN - FORMERLY OF PULASKI, IN - Susan Marie Otero, 78, died Monday, March 16, 2026 at Brickyard Health Care in La Porte, Indiana. She was born January 21,1948 in Kansas to the late Norlyn LeRoy and Mary Anne (Feight) Ashcraft.

She is survived by her former husband, Ronald Haas. She was preceded in death by two sisters: Janet and Sandra.

Private burial was held at the Winamac Cemetery (McFarland Addition) in Winamac, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the funeral home.

Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

JANET G. BUTTON

WINAMAC, IN - Janet G. Button, 82, died Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, Indiana. She was born September 5, 1943 in Royalton, Kentucky to the late Woodrow and Virgie (Hopkins) Salyer, Sr. On October 26, 1963 in Knox, Indiana, she married Jerry Lee Button. Janet worked at Allis Chalmers in La Porte, Indiana and later in life, she attended Ancilla College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University in Kokomo, Indiana. She retired from the State of Indiana Department of Child Services as a public assistance case worker. She enjoyed camping, taking trips to Alabama with the grandchildren, cooking, baking, caring for her rose garden and watching soap operas. She loved her family very much. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, three sons: Jerry Ray Button of Winamac and David Wayne and James Edward Button, both of Star City, Indiana, nine grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and one brother, Eugene Salyer of Knox. She was preceded in death by three grandsons: Jeremy Scott Button, Robert Lee Howard-Button and Kyle Benjamin Button, one great grandson, Bentley Wayne Button and siblings: Woodrow Salyer, Jr., Benjamin Salyer, Edgar “Danger” Salyer, James “Butch” Salyer, Wanda Faye Salyer and Bertha “Birdie” Clabough.

Visitation from 4-8pm EDT on Friday, March 27 at Frain Mortuary. Funeral services will be at 11am EDT on Saturday, March 28 at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Private burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Lake Bruce, Indiana. Memorials may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.

Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

BONNIE L. GIBSON

PORTAGE, IN - Bonnie L. Gibson, 92, died Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was born October 14, 1933 in Gary, Indiana to the late Henry and Maxine (Peyton) Buhr. On May 2, 1950 in Miller, Indiana, she married Shelby Gibson. He died November 30, 2017.

Bonnie was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Portage, Indiana, a member of the American Legion Post #279 in Miller and Topps of Portage. She enjoyed crafting, traveling, catering and spending time with her family. She is survived by two daughters: Shannon (Rick) Evans of Hanna, Indiana and Barbara (Kirk) Lewis of Tarpon Springs, Florida, two sons: Edward (Charlotte) Bundy of Menifee, California and Russell Gibson of San Antonio, Texas, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Randy Lee “Hooter” Gibson and siblings: William Buhr, Byron and Bernard Williams and Barbara Buhr.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox, Indiana.

Any decorations you wish to keep must be removed by April 1, 2026 They may be returned after May 1, 2026 NOTICE

Rich Grove Township is accepting mowing bids for the Denham Cemetery. Mowing is required for: Mother’s Day Memorial Day Father’s Day 4th of July Labor Day and/or twice a month from May thru September.

Send bids to: Deloris Locke, Trustee, 8102W 400N, Winamac, IN 46996 Bids are due by Friday, April 10. Call 574-242-9049 with any questions.

WHY VOTING MATTERS

Voting is one of the most important ways citizens can participate in their government. Local elections directly impact schools, infranstructure, public safety and community services. By voting, residents have a voice in decisions that affect the future of Starke County and the State of Indiana. REGISTER, STAY INFORMED AND PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

(The Deadline to Register to Vote is Monday, April 6th).

Residents interested in registering to vote or serving as a poll worker are encouraged to contact the Starke County Clerk’s Office for more information.

Contact: Starke County Clerk’s Office 53 E. Mound Street • Knox, Indiana 46534 Phone: (574) 772-9160

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.