the Paper - October 7, 2026

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

www.thepapersonline.com

Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties Know Your Neighbor . . . . 2➤ Fall Farming . . . . . . . 8-15

Vol. 56, No. 15

Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666

114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580

Burial space found in dormant cemetery after years of restoration work By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer The Clunette Cemetery in Prairie Township is ready for burials after being dormant since 1963. Julia Goon, township trustee, and township advisory board members Gordon Drake, Connie Himes and Lila Christner Thompson have been working for years toward the reopening of the cemetery, spending $70,000 over the years for necessary repairs. “When I took office, there were no records for Clunette Cemetery,” said Goon, who has been township trustee for 46 years. She only received cemetery records for Pleasant View Cemetery when the cemetery association responsible for it disbanded in 2005. Around 2015, Clunette had an old fence that was completely overgrown. Addressing the overgrown fence started the gradual process of cleaning up the cemetery. At the time, Clunette Cemetery also had huge trees. During bad storms, large branches came down damaging some of the gravestones. So Goon and the advisory board started working on removing the trees, a process that took a few years. “They were giant and costly,” Goon said. Every year, Goon attends a state conference for township trustees and attends the cemetery class lead by John Walters, known as the Grave Groomer, from Connersville. According to Goon, Walters believes trees should be removed from cemeteries. One reason is a tree’s root system can wreak havoc on a gravestone. Another reason is the tree’s limbs prevent sunlight from hitting the gravestones, allowing mold, mildew and lichens to grow on them, eventually eating away at the stone. Walters has been coming to Prairie Township to work on the gravestones in either Clunette or Pleasant View since 2021. Clunette Cemetery has been completely restored. “If a stone gets broken, he’ll fix it when he’s in the area,” Goon said. While working in Clunette Cemetery, Walters found several gravestones that had been buried. Goon explained the gravestones had fallen over and the grass simply grew over the stones, burying them. Indiana law requires cemeteries to be fenced in, so Goon had the

FINISHING TOUCH — John Walters, the Grave Groomer, puts the finishing touch on a gravestone he repaired. The bright ribbon lets the Prairie Township Trustee and the grave digger which stones he worked on. Photo provided by Julia Goon. cemetery surveyed so a new fence could be installed. The result was the cemetery lost the lane leading up to it from the road because there was no easement recorded. So the township hired an attorney and worked with Templin Farms to get an easement for the lane. “Now we have a smooth driveway to the cemetery,” Goon said. After the survey, Goon noticed a large open area toward the back of the cemetery. She, Walters and Scott Meadows, grave digger, are allowed to probe the areas to see

if there are graves. Finding none, she and Meadows went out, took measurements and ordered grave markers. They found about 200 open plots. Mary Jo Cox, a student of Walters, who has also worked on fixing the stones in Clunette Cemetery, spent two years making a record of of the cemetery for Goon. “She went row by row and recorded who was buried there,” Goon said. Approximately 400 people are currently buried in Clu-

CEMETERY RESTORATION — John Walters, also known as the Grave Groomer, works to stablize a gravestone in Clunette Cemetery. The Prairie Township trustee and advisory board, has spent

FOUND BURIED — Shown is a gravestone that broke and then ended up having grass grow over it to the point it was buried. John Walters, the Grave Groomer, found this stone and restored it while working in Clunette Cemetery. Photo provided by Julia Goon. nette Cemetery. Goon explained when people purchase a burial plot, they are purchasing burial rights. “They don’t own the ground,” she said. “The state of Indiana changed the wording. You’re not allowed to do what you want to do (around a grave) … We have to take care of the cemetery.” One way of caring is to not use weed killer around gravestones. According to Goon, Walters says killing the grass around the gravestone makes it more susceptible to

falling over. The grass holds the dirt so the gravestone remains upright. Goon said she’s excited the work at Clunette Cemetery is done. The first settlers in Prairie Township, John and Dorothy Powell, are buried in Clunette Cemetery. John died on March 31, 1833. The last burial was Lester Carr in 1963. Goon has already heard from one township resident who wants a burial plot in the newly found area of the cemetery.

years working to restore the dormant cemetery, only to learn it still had empty burial plots. Photo provided by Julia Goon.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Know Your neighbor

Researcher Frentzel is in awe of algae By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer Don’t let the unassuming appearance of your local lake fool you - Annalieze Frentzel, research lab coordinator at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, is an expert in just how much is going on beneath the surface. “I really didn’t know anything about algae except that it’s that gunky stuff at the bottom of the lake. My worldview on algae was completely changed,” Frentzel said. “It is such an important part of all ecosystems. It’s this very small, minute thing, but it is so extraordinary. Algae are bioindicators and they can help us understand if water bodies are polluted or if they’re healthy.” Originally from Cleveland, Frentzel attended a small Christian school and was drawn to Grace College for her post-graduate education. “I grew up on Lake Eerie, so it was a very small version of home with the lakes in the area,” she remarked. She had planned to earn a nursing degree, but it ultimately wasn’t for her. Working as a student intern at the Lilly Center, her attention was captured by microscopes and the view they offered of something so tiny but so complex. The lab is also where she met her husband, Connor. After graduating, Frentzel became research lab coordinator in 2024. “I found (environmental science) very appealing but I was really nervous. I was like, ‘What the heck am I going to do with an environmental science degree when I graduate?’” Frentzel recalled. As it turns out, quite a lot. During the summer, Lilly Cen-

ter staff are busy testing Kosciusko County’s lakes and streams for hazards from algae toxins to e. coli. They also test the streams year round - sometimes breaking through the ice with a pickax to take samples in winter. Part of Frentzel’s job in the lab is to identify the different algae species and make conclusions about what they mean for the health of Kosciusko County’s water bodies. During the school year, student interns come in to learn the ropes of microbiology. Frenztel currently has 10 student interns working under her, training to use the lab equipment and identify algae species just as she did. “My favorite thing is training my interns, and their first look through a microscope at a live slide, they’re just in awe,” she said. “… The algae under a microscope is so beautiful, so colorful. Every single one is so unique.” A type of algae called diatoms, she mentioned, are actually made of glass, taking silica from water to build their cell walls and giving them a “stained glass” appearance. She also has a competition running among her interns: the first one to find a tardigrade, a microscopic invertebrate also known as a “water bear,” gets free coffee for a week. Over the summer, the Lilly Center identified a species of algae in Lake Wawasee that had never been seen there before. This was an exciting development for Frentzel, as is the new nutrient testing program that will soon start in the lab. She believes wholeheartedly in the importance of monitoring lake health. “We want to make sure they’re usable and enjoyable for generations to come,” Frentzel explained.

MICROSCOPIC VIEW — Research Lab Coordinator Annalieze Frentzel is pictured with one of the microscopes at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. Frentzel is enthusiastic about identifying the different types of algae found in Kosciusko County’s water bodies, appreciating the unique beauty of each one. Also pictured is student intern Josue Corbalan. Photo by Lilli Dwyer. “We’ve seen that if cyanobacteria and nutrients are not monitored, they will dominate, and that body of water can become unusable to

humans and animals.” Coming from a city, Frentzel appreciates the comparative peace and quiet of Grace College

and her new home in Mentone. Outside work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and with her pets, a dog and two rabbits.

FOURTH GENERATION — Pictured from left are Nick Simpson, Chuck Simpson and Chas Simpson, of Union Tool Corp., Warsaw. As Chuck Simpson retires, his sons, Nick and Chas, are taking on leadership of the family company as fourth generation co-owners. File photo originally provided by Union Tool Corp.

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years with the company. As Chuck Simpson steps away from day-to-day leadership, his sons, Chas Simpson and Nick Simpson, will take on greater ownership responsibilities as co-owners, continuing the company’s transition to its fourth generation, according to a news release from Union Tool Corp. Throughout his career, Chuck Simpson helped guide Union Tool’s growth and evolution. His commitment to innovation, quality manufacturing and customer relationships helped establish the company as a trusted supplier of automated processing and lamination equipment for customers around the world, according to the company. “Our father has given over 40 years of dedicated service to Union Tool, and his impact on the company and our family is difficult to put

into words,” Nick and Chas Simpson said in the news release. “His leadership, guidance and vision have helped shape the company we are today. We are incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge and commitment he has shared with us over the years. We have learned a great deal from him, both professionally and personally, and we will carry those lessons forward as we lead Union Tool into its next chapter. We are honored to build on the foundation he has helped create and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.” The new co-owners said they will continue to focus on innovation, quality manufacturing and customer service. The transition comes as Union Tool develops new and enhanced equipment offerings to serve its customers’ changing needs, according to the news release.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

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Milestones

MANY THANKS — Kosciusko REMC is saying thanks to its members during the month of October. As in the past, members can visit the lobby at the co-op for free goodies. Photo provided by Kosciusko REMC.

Kosciusko REMC celebrating Member Appreciation Month Kosciusko REMC is celebrating Member Appreciation Month every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the month of October with free snacks in the lobby of its office building and giveaways on social media. Snacks are in prepackaged to-go bags, and each member is limited to one bag for the month.

Any profit made is returned to members in the form of infrastructure improvements or capital credits. The board of directors is elected by members, who have the opportunity to vote on board members every year during the annual meeting. “Our members are the heart of this cooperative. Member Appreciation Day is our chance to say thank you - whether in person or online. We hope to see you there,” said Stephanie Scott, Kosciusko REMC vice president of member services. The event also highlights several local Kosciusko REMC Co-op Connection businesses by providing giveaways from some participating businesses, according to the news release. The Coop Connections website provides exclusive discounts to co-op members at about 30 local businesses. Members can follow the co-op on Facebook or Instagram to participate in thee giveaways. You can learn more about the Co-op Connections program here online at kremc.com/co-op-connectionscard. Kosciusko REMC also will be hosting a fundraiser for Francine’s Friends in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Francine’s Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides mobile mammography in partnership with Parkview Health and the Breast Diagnostic Center. Co-op members will be able to contribute to the nonprofit at a table in the Kosciusko REMC lobby.

You must be a Kosciusko REMC member to participate. Member Appreciation Month is an annual event that focuses on showing gratitude to Kosciusko REMC members, according to a news release from the cooperative. As an electric cooperative, KREMC is not-for-profit organization owned by its members.

Public invited to commemorate Revolutionary War veteran

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children, Kristi Hull, of Warsaw, Holli (spouse Shaun) Hollering, of Warsaw, and Nicholas (spouse Jessica) Jackson, of Hoffman Lake. They are also the grandparents of six, Evyn, Blakely, Renlee, Jacksyn, Sutton and Crew. The Jacksons’ children will be hosting an open house for their parents from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Matchett Center in Bourbon. The couple request no gifts.

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The Kosciusko County Extension Homemakers will be hosting its annual Holiday Program Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Home and Family Arts Building located on the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw. This event is open to everyone. You do not need to be an extension homemaker to join the program. The morning starts out with check-in and morning snacks from 9-9:30 a.m. Carl Mosier with his Bob Ross style painting presentation will follow, which includes each attendee getting to paint a picture. Noon will bring lunch and fellowship time. Crafting time will begin at 1 p.m. with each person attending choosing to make either a puzzle wreath or a pine needle ornament. Registrations must be made by Friday, Oct. 16. The cost for the day is $17 per person. Include the craft choice with the registration. Send your registration made out to Kos. Co. Extension Homemakers to Connie Himes, 3705 N 300W, Warsaw, IN 46582.

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ica’s 250th anniversary, the local DAR chapter is commemorating Adrian Anglin and is inviting his descendants and the public to attend the event, which is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Stony Point Cemetery, 7215 W. 650N, Etna Green, according to a news release from the Agnes Pruyn Chapman Chapter. The event will be held rain or shine. Those attending are asked to bring their own chair. Parking is available at the cemetery and along the road. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an ancestor who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. More than 1 million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. To learn more about DAR membership, visit dar.org online or contact the Agnes Pruyn Chapman Chapter at dar.kosciusko@ gmail.com.

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The Agnes Pruyn Chapman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Warsaw is inviting the public to attend a commemoration of Kosciusko County’s only verified Revolutionary War veteran buried in the county. As a part of celebrating Amer-

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY — Rick and JoEllen (Boggs) Jackson, of Atwood, were united in marriage 50 years ago on Oct. 16, 1976. Their children will be hosting an open house for them on Sunday, Oct. 18. Image provided.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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NORTH WEBSTER CHAMBER HONOREE — The River North Webster has been named the September Member of the Month for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. Shown in front, from left, are Susan Stump, chamber director; Elise Guy, chamber treasurer; Sidney Cavender, The River; Rylee Jenkins, The River; Amanda Meerzo, owner, The River; Emily Shipley, chamber president; Delilah Howey, The River; Madeline Close, The River; Sheila Strickland, chamber director; and Ann Bell, chamber director. In back are Gwen Fuchs, chamber director; Emily Jackson, chamber director; Jamie Slabaugh, The River; Andrea Hagan, chamber director; and Karen White, chamber secretary. Photo provided by the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

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The River is chamber’s Member of the Month The North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce recognizes The River North Webster as its September Member of the Month. Housed in North Webster’s historic castle, The River offers a welcoming atmosphere where residents and visitors alike can enjoy handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks, breakfast, lunch and a va-

riety of fresh food options. The River has been an active part of the North Webster community for many years. In 2023, the Chamber recognized The River as its Small Business of the Year, honoring the business as an asset to the community. “The River is such a great example of what makes our community special,” said Emily

Shipley, president of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce. “It’s more than just a place to grab a great cup of coffee. It has become a place where people gather, connect and spend time together. We are grateful for the way The River continues to invest in and be a part of the North Webster community.”

Warsaw High School celebrates homecoming, crowns king and queen Warsaw Community High School celebrated homecoming on Friday, Sept. 25. This year’s homecoming activities were made possible because of the work of the WCHS student council, who helped plan and organize the week. Following the homecoming parade, students representing each grade level were recognized during halftime of the varsity football game, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. The following students were selected to represent their classes on the 2026-2027 homecoming court: Seniors Charlotte Tio (homecoming queen), daughter of Laura and Alan Tio. Charlotte plans to attend college to earn a degree in elementary education before pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Isaac Moore (homecoming king), son of Stacy Sova and Ryan Moore. Isaac plans to pursue a career in law enforcement or firefighting, with an interest in K-9 work. Lilliana Rak, daughter of Becky Rak and John Rak. After graduation, Lilliana plans to attend college and study marketing and business. Matteo Perez, son of Valeria Rocca and Arman Hajjar. Matteo plans to pursue a master’s degree or higher and a career in

HOMECOMING ROYALTY — Isaac Moore and Charlotte Tio were named Warsaw Community High School’s homecoming king and queen. Photo by Breanna Lotz, provided by Warsaw Community Schools. chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering, with the goal of using innovation to help others. Juniors Ellie Thomas and Landen Habegger

Sophomores Maci Harris and Molloy McMullen Freshmen Dexter Beck and Emily Wysong

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

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JayH Construction and Renewal Homes sweep BANCI awards By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer JayH Construction and Renewal Homes swept the awards during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade gala. The event was held Wednesday night, Sept. 30, at Noa Noa Grill and Sushi Bar. Six local construction companies participated in this year’s Homes on Parade, which was held Sept. 18-20. Participating builders were High Ridge Homes and Renovations, Granite Ridge Builders, JayH Construction, Renewal Homes, T.L. Jackson and Miller Brothers Builders. High Ridge Homes and Renovations had two homes in the parade, while JayH Construction had three. A panel of judges, made up of professionals from outside the area, toured each home on Sept. 17. JayH Construction won awards for best exterior, best interior, best kitchen, Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice.

The Judges’ Choice award is given to the home that left a lasting impression on the judges through its quality, presentation and overall craftsmanship. Renewal Homes won the Members’ Champion award. This award is given to the builder who demonstrates exceptional support of fellow association members by collaborating with the most members of the association on their parade entry project. The winner is determined by calculating the number of association members listed as contributors on the official parade entry forms. “It is not a surprise that this year’s winner is Renewal Homes,” said Brett Harter, vice president of BANCI. “Year in and year out, Renewal has consistently been an advocate for the Builders Association of North Central Indiana. They strive to promote the value of our association with outstanding commitment and integrity.” Before the awards were handed out, Thomas Burnworth, parade committee chair and 2025 board

HONORED AT BANCI — JayH Construction swept the awards, winning all but the Members Choice, during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade Gala, held Wednesday, Oct. 7. Shown from left are Ida Miller, Aaron Miller, Elmer Miller and Linda Miller. Photo by Lauren Zeugner. president of BANCI, thanked the sponsors for the parade and gala event, BANCI’s marketing committee and the homeowners who opened their homes for the parade, allowing thousands of people to walk through.

Food Bank sets mobile distributions for October The Food Bank of Northern Indiana has set mobile food distributions for the month of October. Some distributions in the area include: Kosciusko County • 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw. This distribution is sponsored by Hershey and will serve 150 households. • 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Mentone United Methodist Church, 116 E. Main St., Mentone. This distribution is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will serve 150 households. Marshall County • 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Bourbon Helping Hands, 204 N. Washington St., Bourbon. This distribution is sponsored by Kro-

ger and will serve 150 households. Assorted food items are offered free of charge to those in need of food assistance, according to a news release from the food bank. All items are pre-boxed and pre-bagged and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. There is a limit of one box or bag per household. Distributions are drive-thru.

Recipients are asked to remain in their vehicles and open their trunks to receive the items. An area will be available for self-loading if your trunk does not open. Organizations sponsoring October distributions in the region include Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Costco, Hershey, Kroger, Managed Health Services and the USDA.

Menards food drive The local Menards home improvement store is serving as a drop-off site for a local food pantry during October. Menards is participating in the food drive to help support the community. Menards offers a wide variety of nonperishable food items

that can be donated to the food pantry, from boxes of cereal to cans of soup. These items can be found in the grocery department for immediate donation. A large collection box is located near the exit doors for donations.

Scaggs completes Leadership Academy The Kosciusko Board of REALTORS has announced that Mindy Scaggs has completed the Indiana Association of REALTORS Leadership Academy and earned her Graduate, REALTOR Institute designation. The yearlong Leadership Academy is designed to prepare REALTOR leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to better serve their clients and communities. Through sessions focused on team building, communication, professional development and business best practices, graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles within the real estate industry and beyond. In addition to completing the Leadership Academy, Scaggs earned her GRI designation, a nationally recognized professional designation that reflects advanced education and expertise in real estate practices, transactions and professional standards.

MINDY SCAGGS After 27 years in sales and customer retention, Scaggs received her real estate broker license in 2017. She opened Legacy Group Real Estate, a boutique brokerage, in March 2021. Scaggs currently serves as president of the Kosciusko Board of REALTORS, a board

director of the Indiana Regional MLS and a board member of The Watershed Foundation. She and her husband, Rick, have been full-time residents of the Barbee Chain of Lakes for 19 years. They enjoy lake life, traveling, spending time with friends and, most of all, spending time with their seven grandchildren. The Kosciusko Board of REALTORS represents more than 192 members throughout Kosciusko County. At the state level, the Indiana Association of REALTORS represents nearly 21,000 professionals involved in all aspects of real estate across Indiana. The term REALTOR is a registered mark identifying real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS, which has approximately 1.4 million members and is the nation’s largest trade association.

MEMBERS CHOICE WINNER — Renewal Homes received the Members Choice award during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade gala held Sept. 30. The Members Choice award is presented to the builder who collaborated with the most association members on its parade entry. From left are Wendell Miller, owner of Renewal Homes; Christine Brown, office manager; and Casey Kline, project manager. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

EntErtainmEnt

Experience the StoryWalk with ‘The Scarecrow’ By SARA MASEMAN Youth Services Warsaw Community Public Library There’s a new character waiting along the StoryWalk trail at Beyer Park this fall, and you might recognize him by his strawfilled sleeves, floppy hat and unmistakable job: standing guard. The scarecrow has long been a familiar sight during harvest season. Built from simple materials and dressed to resemble a person, scarecrows were traditionally placed in fields to discourage birds from helping themselves to crops. Today, they’re just as likely to appear on front porches, in pumpkin patches and at fall festivals as they are in a cornfield. This season’s StoryWalk brings that classic symbol of autumn to life through a story designed to spark imagination and encourage young readers to look at their surroundings in a new way. As families make their way from one display to the next, the changing landscape of Beyer Park becomes part of the experience. There’s plenty to discover along the trail. A gust of wind might send leaves skittering across the path. A squirrel may dart through the trees. Birds, including crows, can often be spotted searching for food as they prepare for the colder months ahead. Even the scarecrow has a front-row seat to all of it. The StoryWalk turns an ordinary walk through the park into an opportunity to read, talk and explore together. Families can pause at each station, share the story and take in whatever is happening around them. For children, it’s a chance to connect a book with the real world - and perhaps see a familiar park with

CHARLES R. SMITH U.S. ARMY 1966-1968

HELLO, SCARECROW — “The Scarecrow” promises to help children look at the StoryWalk trail with fresh eyes. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library. fresh eyes. The program is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Warsaw Community Public Library, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department, the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw and the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club. Each StoryWalk post features English and Span-

ish text, with translations provided by Language Matters. So bundle up, lace up your walking shoes and head to the Beyer Park trail. Follow the story, enjoy the season and keep an eye on the fields. You never know what you might find when you stop to look at the world from a scarecrow’s point of view.

DALLAS E. FOX U.S. AIR FORCE 1953-1957

Don’t forget to send us photos of your veterans ‘the PAPER’ wants to honor the veterans in our county in our Nov. 11 publication. We will be dedicating space to publish photos of these veterans and asking our readers to help by sending photos and information. Please send us a photo, past or present, of a veteran in the family. Include the veteran’s name, military branch and the years served. Email photos and information to dpatterson@the-papers.com,

mailed to ‘the PAPER,’ P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or bring a photo and information to either our Warsaw office, 114 W. Market St., Syracuse office, 102 E. Main St., or the main office at 206 S. Main St., Milford. Information published in past salutes will not be used unless we are notified to use the photo and information again. Please provide photos and information by Friday, Oct. 30.

Kosciusko’s new Coffee Trail Passport offers chance for a prize The Kosciusko County Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched the new Coffee Trail Passport, the latest addition to its series of free digital passports. The Coffee Trail features 17 locally owned locations offering coffee, tea, treats and more

throughout Kosciusko County, according to a news release from the convention and visitors bureau. Pass holders who check in at six locations by Feb. 10, 2027, will be entered into a drawing for more than $150 in gift cards and merchandise from participating businesses. The drawing will take place Feb. 11, 2027 National Latte Day. Additionally, some of the businesses are offering exclusive discounts on coffee and more to pass holders. The Coffee Trail Passport encourages both visitors and

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residents to explore locally owned coffee shops throughout Kosciusko County. It joins a lineup of existing free digital passports, including challenges and sip and savor passports focused on hiking, public art, waterways, adventure, breakfast, tacos and even seasonal holiday lights. The Coffee Trail Passport currently includes the following locations: • Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café & Coffee Bar, Warsaw • Egg Town Coffee, Mentone • Lakeside Coffee Co., Syracuse • Maggie’s Coffee and Treats, Warsaw • Main Street Coffee Co., North Webster • Moka Roasters, Syracuse • Our Hometown Station, Silver Lake • Salt + Light Coffee

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Co., Pierceton • The Grove Coffee Collective, Warsaw • The River, Warsaw (downtown and YMCA), Milford, North Webster, Syracuse, Winona Lake • Three Crowns Coffee, Warsaw • WL Café, Winona Lake “We have so many great locally owned coffee shops in our county,” said KCCVB Marketing & Communications Manager Brooke Danner, marketing and communications manager for the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “If you’re an iced coffee lover like me, this is the perfect excuse to stop by an old favorite or check out something new.” Sign up for the new Coffee Trail and other passports online at visitkosciuskocounty. org/engage-kosciusko-experience-passes. For passport assistance or questions, call (574) 269-6090, send an email to info@koscvb. org or stop by the Visitor Center in Warsaw.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

7

EntErtainmEnt

FIRST PLACE — The Warsaw Community High School Marching Tiger Pride band is shown performing Sept. 26 at the Carroll Invitational, where the band was awarded first place.

Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Warsaw band earns first place at Carroll Invitational The Warsaw Community High School Marching Tiger Pride earned first place in Open Class A at the Carroll Invita-

tional on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Tiger Pride also received awards for best music and best visual.

The competition was the first time the Marching Tiger Pride performed its complete 2026 production, “The Golden Spike.”

All elements of the production came together, including the trains and smoke in motion. The Marching Tiger Pride

will continue its 2026 season in the coming weeks with additional performances and competitions.

‘Village Canteen’ theme for annual Java, Jive & Pie Oct. 24 Community Arts Program is hosting the fifth annual Java, Jive & Pie event on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake. A dance lesson will be offered starting at 6 p.m., followed by the musical program beginning at 7 p.m. This year, the program, “The Village Canteen,” will feature songs to evoke a feeling of the 1940s when swing was king and USO shows supported the troops across the globe. Attendees are invited to dress in period apparel and grace the dance floor. This year, Matt and Cindy Smith, dance instructors of Art of Dance Warsaw, will offer dance instruction for all skill levels. Ticket holders are encouraged to come early for a dance lesson to learn some basic steps. Vocal Vibes adult vocal jazz ensemble will sing a selection of songs from the period. Wally Brath and “The Village Canteen Band” also will perform instrumental music from the era. During the evening, patrons will have the chance to enjoy charcuterie, coffee, pie and the dance floor. A silent auction will feature a variety of unique items donated by community individuals and businesses. The evening will close with a live auction. “You won’t want to miss this evening filled with dance music, familiar ballads, up-tempo vocals from the swing era and the easy-listening jazz from Wally Brath and The Village Canteen Band,” said Vocal Vibes director Ardis Faber. “What better way to relax than to enjoy an evening out with friends while listening to some great jazz.” “This is our fifth year conducting the Java, Jive & Pie fundraiser. We are growing it into a premier event,” said Lori Widman, Community Arts Program president. “We want to fill the Rodeheaver Auditorium this year. This will be an evening to enjoy good company, listening and dancing to live jazz

music within the Winona Lake town limits, all while supporting our artistic programs. You won’t want to miss this opportunity.” All proceeds benefit the Community Arts Program’s mission to provide creative, collaborative experiences that allow people in Kosciusko County to discover, develop and share their musical and artistic gifts. For more information, contact Widman by sending an email to lwidman@classicartsprograms. com. Tickets are available online at capwarsaw.com/event-details/javajive-pie-the-village-canteen. JAZZ ENSEMBLE — The Vocal Vibes adult vocal jazz ensemble will sing at Java, Jive & Pie. Vocal Vibes members include front row from left Jordan Fredericks and Mellissa Warner. Middle row Kirt Case, Dr. Ardis Faber, Steven Meulink and Lori Widman. Back row Bekah Rowe, Mike Lewis, Jo Ellen Matthews and Angel Hamilton. Photo provided by Community Arts Program.

Timbercrest celebrates opening in North Manchester Timbercrest Senior Living Community is announcing the opening of the new Timbercrest Woodland Trail paved pathway designed to provide residents, families and community members with greater opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature while promoting wellness and outdoor activity. The trail officially opened on Sept. 18. For more than five decades, Timbercrest has called North Manchester home. Throughout the years, the community has continually invested in its campus, creating a vibrant environment that encourages connection, wellness and meaningful experiences, according to a news release from Timbercrest. One of the features that makes Timbercrest unique is its rural setting. In 2024, Timbercrest acquired woods adjacent to the chap-

PUBLIC WELCOME — Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester recently cut the ribbon on the new Timbercrest Woodland Trail. The trail is open to both residents and the public and is handicapped accessible. Photo provided by Timbercrest Senior Living Community. el, expanding the campus to 120 acres. The acquisition was made with a vision of creating additional outdoor space where residents, families and neighbors could walk, explore, exercise and experience the natural beauty of the property,

the news release said. The newly opened Woodland Trail brings that vision to life. Featuring a paved, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pathway, the trail is accessible to people of all abilities and pro-

vides a welcoming space for walking, running, biking and mobility scooter use, according to the news release. The Woodland Trail is open to residents, families, friends and community members.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Fall Farming Trough or tractor? Livestock gains, crop pressures shape farmers’ outlook

Text and Photos By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer Livestock producers have generally enjoyed stronger prices than crop farmers in recent years, but local agricultural operators say the financial picture depends heavily on what they raise, how diversified they are and how well they control costs. A Purdue University analysis published in August, “Comparison of Long-Run Rates of Return for Crop and Livestock Farms,” by Michael Langemeier, found livestock commodity prices have increasingly outpaced crop prices since 2023. The livestock price index was 43% higher than the crop index in 2024, 63% higher in 2025 and 41% higher during the first six months of 2026. Purdue also found crop farms performed relatively better from 2007 through 2012, but relatively worse than livestock farms during the past three years. That split is visible locally, though not uniformly. Ed Boggs, who raises Angus beef south of Warsaw, said the last three years have been “nice for a change.” Cattle prices have climbed sharply, he said, while the national herd remains historically small. “The demand for the beef product is there,” Boggs said. “Inputs are higher than they were back then, but overall it’s been good for the industry.” Katie Lechlitner of Crestview Farms near Syracuse described a similar benefit for diversified op-

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erations. Strong cattle prices have helped the farm’s bottom line, she said, although higher interest rates, fuel, fertilizer and other production costs continue to squeeze margins. “Even though the prices for cattle are strong now, the inputs associated with producing beef have also risen substantially,” Lechlitner said. At Triple 3M Ranch in Etna Green, which raises Boer goats and Dorper sheep, a representative said the operation continues to “get a lot of business.” Dairy producers face a more mixed environment. Jeremy Byler of Gingerich Dairy near Milford said feed, land and diesel costs have risen while milk prices have not increased accordingly. “Prices are definitely increasing, and it’s making it a little bit more difficult to run things,” Byler said. “The other hard part about it (is) ... the milk prices have come down a little bit.” The dairy farm is considering hauling more manure to distant fields rather than buying as much commercial fertilizer and is adding more milking robots to reduce payroll needs. Poultry producers face another set of risks. Janelle Deatsman of Maple Leaf Farms in Milford said highly pathogenic avian influenza has brought mandatory flock depopulations, quarantines, movement restrictions and added biosecurity costs. “The financial impact of that has been significant,” Deatsman explained. Even when Maple Leaf Farms are not directly affected, nearby outbreaks can disrupt placements and production. Indemnity payments meant to cover the costs of depopulations don’t account for those additional setbacks. “Those funds really don’t cover all the costs that we incur when, again, we act out of an abundance

of caution,” Deatsman added. Smaller livestock operations can feel the same cost pressures without benefiting much from higher commodity prices. Tammy Cotton of Rise and Shine Farm in Leesburg, which raises alpacas, goats, chickens, ducks and donkeys, said feed costs have increased. The farm sells some fiber and eggs, but she said those revenues largely go back into animal care and the farm has never been operated for profit. “It’s always been more of a hobby farm than anything,” Cotton said. So basically it has always gone right back into the feed.” On the crop side, Matt Grady of Elite Agronomy in North Webster said grain farmers are dealing with tighter margins as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel and other inputs rise while commodity prices remain comparatively weak. He said more producers are using precision technology and variable-rate fertilizer applications to put inputs only where needed. “The guys that are doing really well are probably a little more diversified and have some livestock and they’re doing some grain farming as well,” Grady said. “Beyond that, I think inputs are going to remain fairly expensive compared to the last five to seven years - but I’m hopeful that commodity prices can come up to offset those higher inputs.” Silver Lake-area corn and soybean farmer Mark Calloway said farming can still provide a good living, but debt structure matters as much as crop prices. “It’s a good time to be farming, but it’s not a good time to be farming if you have heavy debt load,” Calloway said. He said land appreciation can increase a farmer’s net worth even when cash margins tighten, while high machinery and land costs make it difficult for young farmers to enter the business.

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GINGERICH DAIRY — Dairy cows stand at Gingerich Dairy near Milford. Jeremy Byler said rising feed, land and diesel costs have pressured the dairy even as milk prices have failed to rise accordingly.

BEAN HARVEST — A Bishop Farms harvester cuts soybeans at West CR 600N and North CR 300W near Leesburg during the 2026 harvest. Bishop Farms grows, soybeans, wheat, hay and corn. Purdue’s long-term findings also suggest diversification can provide insulation. The study found beef and diversified farms had less variable returns than dairy and crop farms, while diversification generally reduced risk. For local producers, the near-

term outlook remains uneven. Livestock prices may offer an advantage, but disease, fuel, fertilizer, land and financing costs can quickly narrow it. “You don’t farm on one year,” Calloway said. “It’s longer term, longer vision than that.”

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Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

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Fall Farming

Hertsel Berkshire Farm now a full-time operation By PHOEBE MUTHART Editor Since Mike Herstel was a boy, he’s always loved pigs. He has wanted to own a farm since he was 2 years old. Now, he and wife, Sarah, own Herstel Berkshire Farm located in Nappanee. They are first-generation farmers. They didn’t grow up on farms. The two met at NorthWood High School. The couple has been raising Berkshire hogs since 2001, raising them from piglets until they are ready. “I love farming,” said Mike Hertsel. “It’s been a passion of mine my whole life.” Mike Hertsel is now a full-time farmer as of the end of September. He left his previous full-time job last month to focus on continuing to raise hogs, pigs, cows and chickens. They raise Berkshire hogs. According to its website, Berkshire Pork is the oldest heritage breed in the U.S. Often considered the Wagyu of the pork industry. Berkshire pork is world renowned for its superior quality. Its unique characteristics feature a darker red pigment with marble fat. More similar to beef, said Mike Hertsel. It’s gaining in popularity domestically, Mike Hertsel said of Berkshire meat. “They can taste the difference.” His dream has been 25 years in the making. But being a full-time farmer and running a business means handling finances, costs, record keeping and more. He said he had to learn firsthand that traditional farmers have no control over input cost or what you get paid. “The markets are set by others. So you have to know how to control your target marketing, branding, and quality to find customers,” Mike said. “We are able to set our prices.” The Hertsels are different from other farmers. First, they are a diversified farm, not just specializing in one phase. They breed sows and raise piglets from start to finish. Mike Hertsel said he is passionate about this particular production model because it gives them total control over all aspects of how “our pork is produced.” The couple work with two local butcher shops and offer a wide variety of Berkshire pork products. The hogs are raised in an environment where they have around-the-clock access to clean, fresh water as well as a balanced dietary ration for each specific stage of production. The prigs are raised on solid surfaces with access to bedding

FAMILY FARM — Mike Herstel and is wife, Sarah, own Herstel Berkshire Farm in Nappanee. Their children also help with chores on the family

farm. Pictured from left are George, Elizabeth, Mike, Nicolas, Sarah, and Caroline. Photo provided by the Hertsels.

which give them a clean, dry and comfortable place to rest. “We feel this environment gives them the opportunity to exercise their natural instincts. The pigs on our farm are fed vegetarian diets; we never use feed through antibiotics in our feeding program.” The Hertsels also have chickens and jersey cows. A year ago, Mike Hertsel began milking cows. He started with 8 gallons a week and is now up to 600 gallons a week. The milk they get from their

eggs a week. Mike Hertsel said there is a growing interest in people wanting to know where their food is raised. They launched a monthly subscription partnering with Stumptown Cattle Co., led by Rod Mullett. He is selling the Hertsels’ beef, chicken, pork and eggs. The subscriptions can be found by visiting hertselberkshirefarm. com or visit its Facebook page. The couple’s four children, Elizabeth, George, Caroline and Nicolas, also help out on the fam-

jersey cows is A2A2, which is good for those who are lactose intolerant. Weekly milk deliveries are made to about 75 households in Nappanee. “Our dairy business has exploded,” Mike said. “Our cash flow is easier with milk.” So much so they are renting out a small dairy farm soon. “The milk is growing faster than the pork,” he stated. However, the hogs will still be a big part of our business. They raise 500 pigs a year. They also sell around 55 dozen

ily farm. “They have daily chores,” said Mike Hertsel. They also accompany their parents to area farmers markets where they sell their products. The couple represent less than 2% of the country’s population who are farmers. While he acknowledges the challenges, Mirke Hertsel said he feels blessed to be able to devote his energy full time now to the family business. He feels God is in control and will help grow the family farming business even more.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Fall Farming

Corn husking competitions have long tradition in the area By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer Back in the fall of 1926, 10 farmers in central Indiana got together to see who was the best corn husker. About 200,000 people came to watch. “These days, you may have 100 huskers and 200 to 300 people may come,” said Clay Geyer, a member of the Indiana Corn Husking Association. The association held its state competition Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Reed Farm in Nappanee. The Reed family has hosted the competition for the last four years. “They have a nice operation,” Geyer said. Corn husking contests were popular until World War II, when they were stopped because men were needed to fight overseas. After the war, the contests fell somewhat out of favor as many farmers turned to mechanical operations for picking and husking corn. Corn husking contests had a resurgence in the 1970s.

The corn being husked is feed corn, not sweet corn. Geyer explained in a corn husking contest, a horse-drawn wagon is used, and huskers may use handheld husking tools. There are a number of competitive classes ranging from kids to seniors. Depending on the class, a competition can take anywhere from 10 minutes for kids to 30 minutes for adults. The idea behind the contest is to husk as much corn as possible from the stalk into the wagon. Judges take a sample to see how clean the load is, although huskers are not required to pull the silk off the cob. To hold a corn husking competition, about 5 to 7 acres of a cornfield are needed. There has to be space between the rows of corn so the horse-drawn wagon can make its way down the row while the husker is husking corn. The contest continues with horse-drawn teams. Geyer said it’s quiet. The audience can hear the cobs bouncing off the side of

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the wagon as they are tossed in, as well as casual conversation between the competitor and wagon driver. “It’s a blast from the past,” he said. When a competitor gets to the event, they register and grab their equipment. Each contestant pulls a number from a hat. That number designates which section of the field they will husk. A wagon with the same number is already in place in the field. When the competition starts, the husker goes down one row, usually 400 to 500 feet long, pulling all the ears off the stalk, husking them and tossing them into the wagon. There are no timeouts. If the husker gets to the end of the row before the wagon, he can husk ears, piling them up until the wagon catches up. If a husker overthrows the wagon, he can race back for those ears. If he missed ears on the stalk, he can go back and get those as well. Ears left on the stalk or in the field from overthrows can lead to point deductions. Winners are determined by the weight of the corn and how clean the husking is. The contest takes place rain or shine. “Too much work goes into it (setting up) to cancel,” Geyer said. “It always rains on corn husking day. It’s a given.” Geyer, who got involved in the organization in 2005, explained that promoting the event starts early in the year by attending community events such as the St. Joseph County Ag Fest, FFA events and 4-H events. These are opportunities to educate people about corn and its many uses. “Just to get people back to their roots,” Geyer said. “People are two, three generations from farming.” The top three contestants in each class will then move up to the national contest. Nine states compete in the national contest, ranging from Kansas and Missouri in the west to Ohio in the east. As far as awards go, “Pretty much everyone is going to get something,” Geyer said. He explained that a lot of local businesses donate merchandise and gift cards as prizes, and there are cash awards as well. To learn more about corn husking, visit the Indiana Corn Husking Association’s Facebook page.

SHOWING THE NEXT GENERATION — A little girl watches as her grandpa competes in last year’s corn husking contest. In the back is a judge just watching to make sure all the husks are removed from the stalk and make it into the wagon. Points are deducted for husks left on the stalk or that miss the wagon. Photo provided by the Indiana Corn Husking Association.

OLD-FASHIONED HUSKING — Horse drawn wagons are still used in corn husking competitions. Clay Geyer, who oversees the state corn husking competition, said using horse drawn wagons is quieter, spectators can hear the corn dropping into the bin as well as casual conversation. Photo provided by the Indiana Corn Husking Association.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

Fall Farming

11

FIGURE 1. TRENDS IN CURRENT RATIO

AS EXPENSIVE AS EVER — Missy Gruber of Tom Farms is pictured with one of her calves. High feeder cattle prices are a factor influencing narrower profit margins for farmers this year, according to a Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture report. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

Higher cattle prices may not mean higher profits FIGURE 2. TRENDS IN THE REPLACEMENT MARGIN COVERAGE RATIO

Liquidity and repayment capacity By MICHAEL LANGEMEIER Purdue Commercial Ag This article examines trends in current ratios and repayment capacity for crop farms using FINBIN data from 2007 to 2025. Crop farms are divided into four farmsize categories: fewer than 500 crop acres, 500 to 1,000 crop acres, 1,000 to 2,000 crop acres, and more than 2,000 crop acres. Comparisons focus on farms with fewer than 500 crop acres and farms with more than 2,000 crop acres. Trends In The Current Ratio The current ratio is commonly used to measure a farm’s liquidity position. It is computed by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Current assets include cash, accounts receivable, supply inventories, crop inventories and market livestock inventories. Current liabilities include accounts payable, operating lines of credit and the portion of noncurrent loans due within the next year. Liquidity thresholds are typically used by analysts to determine whether a farm has an adequate liquidity position. A current ratio above 2.0 is considered adequate. A farm with a current ratio below 1.0 cannot cover its current liabilities by selling all its current assets. Average current ratios for the 2007-25 period for each farm-size category were 2.18 for farms with fewer than 500 crop acres; 2.23 for farms with 500 to 1,000 crop acres; 2.14 for farms with 1,000 to 2,000 crop acres; and 2.08 for farms with more than 2,000 crop acres. With the exception of farms with 500 to 1,000 crop acres, each farm-size category had a current ratio below 2.0 in 2025. Figure 1 illustrates the trend in the current ratio for the smallest and largest farm-size categories. The average difference in the current ratio over the 2007-25 peri-

od was 0.10, with smaller farms having the higher average current ratio. The average current ratio for smaller farms was below 2.0 in 2009, from 2015 to 2019, and in 2025. In addition to those years, the average current ratio for larger farms was below 2.0 in 2014, 2020 and 2024. A simple linear trend of the difference in the current ratio between the two farm-size groups was used to determine whether the difference was converging or diverging. Results indicated that the difference in the average current ratio between the two farmsize groups was diverging, or becoming larger, over time. Trends In Repayment Capacity Repayment capacity is typically measured using the capital debt repayment margin and the replacement margin. The capital debt repayment margin is computed by subtracting owner withdrawals (e.g., family living expenses, income and self-employment taxes) and principal on term debt and capital leases from the sum of accrual net farm income, off-farm income and depreciation. A positive margin indicates that the farm has enough funds to cover owner withdrawals and principal payments on term debt. The replacement margin is computed by subtracting cash used for capital replacement (e.g., down payments on machinery and equipment) from the capital debt repayment margin. This measure helps evaluate whether a farm has enough funds to cover owner withdrawals, term debt payments and asset replacement. The replacement margin coverage ratio is computed by dividing capital debt repayment capacity by the sum of principal and interest payments on term debt, unpaid operating debt from prior periods and cash used for capital replacement.

If a farm has a replacement margin coverage ratio greater than 1.0, the farm has sufficient funds to cover owner withdrawals and term debt payments and replace assets. Average replacement margin coverage ratios for the 2007-25 period for each farm size were 1.52 for farms with fewer than 500 crop acres; 1.60 for farms with 500 to 1,000 crop acres; 1.66 for farms with 1,000 to 2,000 crop acres; and 1.87 for farms with more than 2,000 crop acres. In 2025, the largest farms had a replacement margin coverage ratio below 1.0. Trends in the replacement margin coverage ratio for the smallest and largest farm-size categories are presented in Figure 2. The average difference in the replacement margin coverage ratio over the 2007-25 period was 0.35, with larger farms having the higher average ratio. In good years, such as the 200712 and 2021-22 periods, the replacement margin coverage ratio for large farms was considerably higher than the ratio for small farms. This higher ratio enables large farms to more readily purchase assets during high-income years. The average replacement margin coverage ratio for larger farms was below 1.0 in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2024 and 2025. In addition to those years, the average ratio for smaller farms was below 1.0 in 2013, 2016 and 2018. The replacement margin coverage ratio for small farms was below 1.0 from 2013 to 2019. A simple linear trend of the difference in the replacement margin coverage ratio between the two farm-size groups was used to determine whether the difference was converging or diverging. Results indicated that the difference in the average replacement margin coverage ratio between the two farm-size groups was converging, or becoming smaller, over time.

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer A Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture report issued in July stated that while fed cattle prices are higher than ever, this does not necessarily equal a prediction of record profits for farmers. Experts at the university showed high feeder cattle and breakeven prices so far this year, narrowing profit margins, and predicted the trend will continue into 2027. Dr. Bruce Lamb, lifelong farmer and president of the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association, concurs with this prediction. “The biggest problem we have is the demand for beef is great, but the supply is not there,” Lamb said. “If demand exceeds supply, prices are going to go up. … Input costs have increased right along with the prices, and everything just moves up the scale.” This may not come as a surprise to consumers who are familiar with rising beef prices in the grocery store over the past few years, but there are various and widespread causes coming together to create this situation. A factor cited in Purdue’s report is the ratio between feeder cattle and fed cattle prices. Since 2016, the average ratio has stayed around 1.24, but 2026 has seen higher than average ratios, and this is predicted to continue into next year. “Weaned calves are as expensive as they’ve ever been,” Lamb said. “The cattle market cycles. … It’s usually on a seven year cycle, where it’ll go up and peak and then prices will come down. Various things cause that. The last, I think, 10 years - it started in 2016 or 2017

- we’ve not seen the cycle. It just keeps escalating.” A cause of rising costs in recent years has been environmental effects on agriculture. “There’s been a lot of drought out west,” said Melissa Gruber of Tom Farms, referring to western areas of the United States where cattle herds are more numerous. Dry weather conditions mean less grain for feeding cattle, driving up prices for both feed and livestock. “Feed lots are paying more because they want the (feeder) cattle but there aren’t as many, so they’re bidding against each other. … The nationwide beef cattle herd is the lowest that it’s been since the 1950s,” Lamb said. Other increasing “input costs,” as he mentioned, include farm supplies and taxes on available farmland. Kosciusko County, Gruber pointed out, is still seeing milder effects than places further west, because there is “not as much inventory of cattle.” “You go out west - like Montana and Nebraska - where they’ve got huge feed lots, you’ll drive for hours and see feed lot after feed lot. … The ground around here is too valuable for corn and beans,” she said. While the process of raising beef cattle has become more efficient over the years, Lamb said, increasing the beef supply still takes time and resources. “You can’t raise a beef calf in four to five weeks like you do with chickens. It takes three years from the time a heifer is born until she can produce a salable calf. We just can’t make more cattle overnight,” he explained.

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Fall Farming

The best-educated generation of farmers needs an education they never got By SCOTT DOWNEY Director and Professor, Purdue University Farmers are among the most educated generation of agricultural producers in U.S. history, but the increasingly complex nature of modern farming is creating a growing need for business-management education, according to Purdue University research. Scott Downey, director and professor at Purdue University, said farm operators increasingly need skills beyond production as farms become larger, more diversified and more complex businesses. Research conducted through Purdue’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business shows more than half of the large commercial producers surveyed hold a four-year college degree or higher, while the vast majority have at least some college education. Yet many producers learned how to grow crops or raise livestock without receiving comparable education in managing the businesses those operations have become.

Farms Become More Complex The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service counted 1.88 million farms in 2024, down nearly 15,000 from the previous year. Farms with $1 million or more in sales were the only sales category to grow, adding nearly 1.5 million acres while other size categories declined. As farms grow, they increasingly resemble diversified businesses, with employees, multiple products, contracted inputs, equipment financing, marketing positions and complex balance sheets. That growth creates management challenges extending well beyond production. Managing Employees Human resources is one area where larger farms increasingly need specialized knowledge. A farm with a dozen employees requires recruitment, interviewing, training, motivation, discipline and retention. Employees may include seasonal workers, family members and contracted staff. Purdue’s Large Commercial Producer research found more than one-third of surveyed producers

GROWING NEED FOR EDUCATION — The increasingly complex nature of modern farming is creating a growing need for business-management education. Photo by Dan Hamill, Unsplash. contract with an independent or consulting agronomist. About one in five employs a full-time accountant or chief financial officer, while another one in five works with an independent marketing consultant. Despite that reliance on outside expertise, personnel management ranked last among nine management categories when producers were asked where they spent their management effort. More Than Production Modern farm management also requires producers to evaluate sci-

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entific claims, manage risk and understand business strategy. Input companies, seed dealers and equipment manufacturers regularly offer products promising increased yields or efficiency. Determining whether those products provide a real advantage requires producers to understand how to design and interpret on-farm trials. Risk management has also become more complicated. Purdue research found market and price risk was the greatest threat identified by large commercial producers and the risk they felt least equipped to manage. Farmers also must manage increasingly complex logistics involving equipment, labor, storage, handling capacity and production schedules. Marketing And Procurement Marketing extends beyond producing a commodity. Farmers need to understand basis, contracting strategies and commodity markets, but branding, communicating with landlords, setting prices and explaining the value of local products to consumers are additional business skills. Procurement has also become more important as input costs rise and supply chains remain unpredictable. Managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms and strategically sourcing inputs can affect a farm’s bottom line. Long-term decisions involving acres, buildings, debt, partners and new revenue streams can affect an operation for years. Farm succession, business structure and capital allocation therefore require careful planning. Education Gap The need for business education is not limited to the largest farms.

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Purdue’s 2025 survey of large commercial producers found some smaller operations were just as likely as larger operations to employ a full-time, on-farm agronomist and, in some cases, were more likely to employ a dedicated accountant or CFO. Some smaller farms are pursuing high-value or direct-market models rather than focusing on scale. A diversified 10-acre vegetable and livestock operation selling directly to restaurants and consumers can face many of the same marketing, procurement and financial-management challenges as a 10,000-acre grain operation. Research examining agribusiness curricula also has found employers consistently rank interpersonal and communication skills among the most important capabilities they seek from agricultural graduates, followed by business and economic skills. As farms become more complex, Downey said farmers need practical education designed for operators who already understand production but want to strengthen their business-management skills. Purdue’s Farm Business Short Course, scheduled for Feb. 1-5, 2027, in West Lafayette, will address financial benchmarking, capital decisions, risk and marketing strategy, leadership, succession and the economic role of technology. Participants will develop a Farm Business Blueprint and a 90-day action plan, with follow-up virtual sessions and a summer field visit. As farms continue to grow more complex, business-management skills are becoming an increasingly important part of modern agriculture.

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Why farm succession is so difficult Editor’s Note: This article was condensed from the Purdue Agribusiness Review. Family farms make up the vast majority of U.S. farms, but an aging farm population and the challenges of transferring both ownership and management are making succession increasingly difficult. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, 95% of U.S. farms are family-owned and family farms account for 81% of the nation’s agricultural production value. At the same time, about 63% of farmers are 55 or older. Those demographics raise questions about whether enough younger farmers will be prepared to take over as older farmers retire. Lance Woodbury, a family business consultant with Pinion, said succession involves more than transferring land, equipment and livestock. It also requires transferring the knowledge and management responsibilities needed to operate the business. More Than Ownership Ownership and management transitions are related but require different approaches. Assets can be transferred through a sale, lifetime gift or inheritance, using tools such as wills and trusts. Management capability develops differently, through teaching, mentoring, experience and practice. Family members also often have multiple roles in the business. A person may simultaneously be a parent, child, sibling, employee, manager and business owner. Those overlapping roles can create confusion and make difficult conversations even more challenging. Woodbury describes ownership transitions as largely technical problems because attorneys and accountants have established tools for transferring assets. Management transitions are more adaptive. The older generation must transfer knowledge and responsibilities while gradually allowing the next generation to develop its own skills, confidence and leadership abilities. Outside advisers can help facilitate that process, but the family members involved must make the

transition themselves. The Business Keeps Changing Succession also takes place while the farm continues to operate and evolve. As a farm grows, family members may enter or leave the business, new employees may be hired and management responsibilities may change. Larger operations require family members to spend more time managing and leading and less time performing physical labor. Those changes can make a succession plan difficult to maintain because the business itself does not remain static. A 2026 Deloitte survey of 300 family business executives found 85% considered CEO succession planning essential to long-term success, while 42% expected a leadership transition within three to five years. However, only 23% said they had implemented a plan. Make Succession An Ongoing Process After three decades of working with family businesses, Woodbury recommends treating succession planning as an ongoing management process rather than a document that can simply be completed and filed away. That starts with regular communication. Family members often assume others understand or agree with decisions because of their long history and relationships. Over time, however, limited communication can erode trust. Regular meetings can help family members discuss decisions before they become conflicts. The format can vary, but Woodbury said the important element is establishing a recurring process. Families also need a deliberate approach to decision-making. Rather than immediately choosing a solution, members should share their perspectives, ask questions and explore alternatives. For example, a major equipment purchase might involve comparing leasing with buying, new equipment with used equipment, expected ownership length and the effect on debt and working capital. Estate decisions can similarly involve discussions about the

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timing of gifts, how assets should be divided, legal structures and charitable giving. Five Areas Of Succession Woodbury recommends that families regularly discuss five areas: vision, goals, roles, skills and transitions. Vision and goals establish the direction of the business and milestones for measuring progress. Roles, skills and transitions focus on developing family members and preparing them for changing responsibilities. Together, those areas can turn succession from an occasional planning exercise into an ongoing management practice. Families should also discuss what success actually means. For some families, success means keeping the business in the family for another generation. But transferring a business while damaging family relationships or passing along a struggling business may not meet everyone’s definition of success.

FAMILY FARMS — A vast majority of farms in the U.S. are family farms. But the challenges of transferring ownership and management are making succession difficult. Photo by Olivier Amyot, Unsplash. Some families may ultimately decide to sell the business or divide its assets so family members can maintain their relationships or pursue different goals. Woodbury said choosing an alternative to an intrafamily transition does not necessarily mean the succession failed. Defining success together allows families

to consider both the health of the business and the relationships that matter to them. Succession plans will change as businesses and families change. Establishing a process for communicating, making decisions and revisiting goals can help families navigate those changes and make the transition more manageable.

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Fall Farming

U.S., Argentine farmers see different AI benefits By PABLO MAC CLAY and CARLOS STEIGER Universidad Austral, Argentina and JOANA COLUSSI and MICHAEL LANGEMEIER Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture Farmers in the United States and Argentina have different views of the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and other data-driven technologies, according to recent producer surveys conducted in the two countries. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in agriculture for robotics, automation, precision farming, predictive analytics and digital advisory tools. The technologies are often promoted as ways to increase productivity, reduce labor needs, manage risk and improve farm decision-making. A comparison of recent surveys by Purdue University and Austral University in Argentina found Argentine producers were generally more likely to see tangible benefits from the technologies, while U.S. producers were more skeptical. The comparison was conducted by researchers from Austral University and Purdue University’s Center for Com-

mercial Agriculture. Survey Results The analysis used responses from 400 U.S. producers surveyed in June 2026 and 402 Argentine producers surveyed in July 2026. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer has surveyed at least 400 U.S. agricultural producers monthly since October 2015. The Austral University Ag Barometer has surveyed about 400 Argentine producers every two months since 2018. Both surveys asked producers what they considered the main benefit of artificial intelligence or other data-driven tools for their operations. In the United States, 23% of producers identified increased production as the main benefit, 14% cited reduced labor and 11% cited reduced risk or uncertainty. More than half, 52%, said they saw no meaningful benefit for their operation. In Argentina, increased production accounted for 37% of responses, followed by reduced risk or uncertainty at 28%, reduced labor at 14% and no meaningful benefit at 21%. The researchers cautioned that the results are broadly comparable but not strictly equivalent because the surveys used different

response formats. U.S. producers selected one answer, while Argentine producers could select multiple answers. Usability Concerns The U.S. survey also asked producers about recommendations generated by data-driven tools. Sixty-three percent said such recommendations would sometimes be difficult to follow, while 22% said they would often be difficult to follow. The results suggest that the perceived value of AI may depend not only on what the technology can do, but also on whether its recommendations are understandable, relevant and practical to incorporate into farm operations. The researchers also noted that some Argentine farmers have described using AI to make sense of information already generated by the apps and platforms they use. That can include building dashboards, comparing information from different sources and integrating otherwise disconnected data and reports. Broader Outlook The differences in attitudes toward AI occur alongside a broader difference in producer sentiment between the two countries. A recent comparison of the two agricultural barometers found

AI CAPABILITY — Farmers can now utilize AI drones to tend and monitor their crops. Photo by shutterstock.com. Argentine farmers had a more favorable medium-term outlook for the crop sector than U.S. farmers. Among U.S. respondents, 57% expected bad times for crop producers over the next five years, compared with 4% of Argentine respondents. In Argentina, 53% expected good times, compared with 28% in the United States. Argentine producers also were more likely to expect farmland values to increase during the following 12 months. Fifty percent expected values to rise, compared with 35% of U.S. producers. The researchers said the surveys cannot establish whether broader producer sentiment is connected to attitudes toward AI, but the difference provides context for interpreting the results. Trust And Practicality Trust also may influence how farmers view AI and data-driv-

en tools. Farmers need confidence in recommendations generated by the technology, as well as clarity about how farm data are collected, used and protected. The surveys did not directly examine those issues, so the researchers said they cannot determine whether trust or data concerns explain differences between the two countries. Despite differences in perceptions, the surveys point to a common challenge as AI becomes more common in agriculture: ensuring that the technology provides benefits farmers consider reliable, relevant and practical. For producers, the value of AI may ultimately depend less on the technology itself than on whether it can be incorporated into everyday farm decision-making.

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Obituaries Kathleen Ann Wuthrich Registered Nurse/Homemaker Kathleen Ann Wuthrich, 83, Warsaw, departed this earthly life Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw, surrounded by her family. Born June 27, 1943, in Racine, Wis., she was the daughter of Albert and Mary Karls (Vanko). Kathleen lived a life centered around family. She worked as a registered nurse before having children and later devoted herself to her home and family as a homemaker. In every season of life, she was known as a caring, faithful and family-oriented woman whose love was felt by those around her. Kathleen enjoyed her farm life, especially when it came to her animals. She also had a green thumb and was in her happy place when tending to her garden. Kathleen’s strong Catholic faith was central to her life. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and she volunteered in the school for a number of years. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Alan Wuthrich. She also leaves her children, Ben (Cindy) Wuthrich, Bev (Chet) Pajerski, Barb (Mike) Fiedler and Beth (John) Premetz; her grandchildren, Andrew, Mark, Thomas, Ellen, Daniel, Philip, John, Ben and Kristin, as well as her great-grandchildren, Eloise, Evelyn and Wesley. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Pat, Deb and Sue. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 125 N. Harrison St., Warsaw. She was laid to rest at Milford Cemetery. Kathleen’s family kindly requests that donations in her honor be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave a condolence, visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

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Lana Louise Pratt, 77, Warsaw, died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in LaPorte. Arrangements are currently pending at McHatton Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw.

COunty repOrt Court News Small Claims

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Money Matters Professional Collections LLC v. Harold Fretz, $804.38 Beacon Credit Union v. Gregory Lassiter, $612.33; v. Morgan R. Pettigrew, $2,760.07 Snow and Sauerteig LLP v. Christine Salazar, $767.99 Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Kevin Smith, $1,406.76

Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Merrick Bank v. Sandra K. Armel, $2,717.47 LVNV Funding LLC v. Daniel Bales, $2,063.44; v. Caleb A. Bewley, $1,324.84; v. Hannah Neff, $8,708.57 Finwise Bank v. Kristina Blue, $1,802.92 Interra Credit Union v. Michael J. Davis, $16,770.09 Snow & Sauerteig LLP v. Kapen Eherenman, $12,096.28 Gateway Financial Solutions v. Dustin E. Gordon, $17,778.39 Everwise Credit Union f/k/a Teachers Credit Union v. Connor H. Grumme, $12,207.57 Mariner Finance LLC v. Teonna Hamilton, Thomas Hamilton, $5,098.44 Notre Dame Federal Credit Union v. Brent Hollar, $17, 803.46 Forest Park MHC Indiana LLC v. James E. Taylor Jr., $4,578.24 Prestige Financial Services Inc. v. Charles e. Knowles, $21,643.83 Velocity Investments LLC v. Kanaan J. Kochensparger, $3,142.83 Turkey Creek Fire Territory v. Micah Lyles, $1,284; v. Nicholas Sloan, $1,368 DBC Holdings LLC v. Mario Orduno, $1,397.33 Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Carissa Stafford, $951.73 Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Jodi Stouder, $1,822.81 HS Financial Group LLC, a/a/o assignee of Carvana LLC v. Robert White, a/k/a Robert White III, $10,799.52

Mortgage Foreclosures

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has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: U.S. Bank National Association v. Damon Perine, $101,645.07

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: David Unhoch v. Heaven McCoy, Jeff McCoy, $8,814.25 Real America LLC/The 2525 v. Dennis Staner, $3,740.67

Superior Court III

The following fines and costs for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding - Christofer M. Silvestre, Milford, $164.50; Jesus N. Colon Rivera, Warsaw, $164.50; Kylea G. Urick, Milford, $164.50; Christian I. Lucio, Warsaw, $164.50; Alfredo S. Garza, Milford, $164.50; Cassandra L. Hunt, Syracuse, $164.50; Abigayl L. Hill, Warsaw, $164.50; Lindsay J. Frazier, Warsaw, $164.50; Bradley J. Tandy, Winona Lake, $164.50; Aiden L. Elder, Warsaw, $164.50; Jared A. Helton, Pierceton, $164.50; Becksley A. Rice, Warsaw, $164.50; Akashia R. Jackson, Claypool, $164.50; Stanley A. Stutzman, Warsaw, $164.50; Garrett M. Allen, South Whitley, $164.50; Steven L. Hall, Leesburg, $164.50; Victor C. Hoover, Claypool, $164.50; Skylar E. Wood, Warsaw, $164.50; Colton M. Rapp, Milford, $164.50

Speeding, failure to provide vehicle registration certificate - Dane A Johnson, Warsaw, $189.50; Omar A. Saleh, Topeka, $189.50

Owens, Milford, $25 Failure of occupant to use a safety belt - Nathaniel E. Smith, Claypool, $25 Holding or using a telecommunication device while operating a moving motor vehicle - Shawn R. Lovell, Claypool, $164.50 Failure to register - Ryleigh G. Cole, Warsaw, $164.50; Nicole D. Graff, Milford, $164.50 Failure to dim headlights, speeding - Bailey B. Bauer, Warsaw, $164.50 Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility Wilma J. Davis, Warsaw, $189.50 Failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle, speeding - Johny L. Sagesse, Warsaw, $189.50

Marriage Licenses The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Melissa Boggs:

Bias-Gibson

Anita Bias, 55, Warsaw, and Harrison Gibson Jr. III, 56, Warsaw

Phelps-Murphy

Denver Dey Phelps, 28, Warsaw, and Kayle Rose Murphy, 26, Warsaw

Bear-Dillon

Brittany Nicole Bear, 30, Warsaw, and Paul Anthony Dillon, 58, Warsaw

Simerl-Wilson

Emma Dawn Simerl, 23, Winona Lake, and Jeremiah Daniel Wilson, 23, Claypool

Alonso-Muñoz-Lopez

No valid driver’s license - Abigail Ramirez-Romero, Warsaw, $164.50; Victor M. Gomez Rodriguez, Warsaw, $164.50; Rubelsy Perez Martinez, Warsaw, $164.50 No valid driver’s license, failure to obey signs and markings while driving a vehicle - Eliz Jesus Morales Pico, Warsaw, $189.50 Failure to yield to a passing vehicle - Maria A. Ashe, Milford, $164.50 Operating a watercraft with expired registration - Brent A. Messomre, Pierceton, $164 Disregarding stop sign - Jace B. Vining, Claypool, $164.50; Vanessa K. Bohannon, Milford, $164.50; Jose R. Torrealba, Warsaw, $164.50 Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises - Sarah E.

Maritza Alonso, 20, Warsaw, and Christian Oswaldo Muñoz Lopez, 33, Warsaw

pounds, 2.4 ounces, and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Bradlyn Kyle, born at 1:51 a.m. Sept. 28, 2026, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

Jay-Linn

Lilith Margaret Foreman Jay, 28, Warsaw, and Eric Lee Linn, 35, Warsaw

Williams-Jefferson

Danielle L. Williams 37, Goshen, and Shawn Jefferson, 49, Pierceton

Allen-Sechrist

Jessica Marie Allen, 35, Warsaw, and Eric James Sechrist, 26, Leesburg

Brainerd-Yotter

Julia Fay Brainerd, 62, Leesburg, and David Dean Yotter, 59, Leesburg

Stone-VanderReyden

Melissa Stone, 35, Milford, and John S. VanderReyden, 39, Milford

Continued on page 17

births Abram Malachi Miller

Christopher and Kaylene (Troyer) Miller, Plymouth, are the parents of a son, Abram Malachi, born at 8:12 p.m. Sept. 24, 2026. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces.

Amelia Sofia Espinoza Flores

Alejandro Espinoza and Lucia Fernanda Flores Cruz, Goshen, are the parents of a daughter, Amelia Sofia, born at 12:29 a.m. Sept. 25, 2026, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 6

Justin Luke Helmuth

Joshua and Diana (Helmuth) Helmuth, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Justin Luke, born at 3:43 a.m. Sept 25, 2026, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Bradlyn Kyle Martin

Tyler and Eileen (Martin) Martin, Goshen, are the parents of a son,

Galilee Joy Fisher

Tregg and Brandi Fisher, Cromwell, are the parents of a daughter, Galilee Joy, born at 11:13 p.m. Sept. 28, 2026, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

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‘Triton Gives Back Day’ teaches kids about community service Triton School Corp. students and staff stepped beyond the classroom recently to put others over self during the annual Triton Gives Back Day, a schoolwide day of service dedicated to making a meaningful difference throughout the communities that surround and support Triton. From local parks and schools to community organizations and nonprofits, students and staff spent the morning volunteering their time, energy and talents to help wherever they were needed, according to a news release from the Triton school system. Service projects took place at locations including Potawatomi Wildlife Park, Mills Pond Trails, Kids Kingdom, Little Lambs Preschool, Bread of Life, Potato Creek State Park and many other locations throughout the community. While those locations represent only a portion of the day’s service projects, one thing was true across the entire corporation: every Triton student had the opportunity to serve, according to the news release.

GIVING BACK — Triton students pause to pose for the camera during the school system’s recent Triton Gives Back Day. Photo provided Students worked alongside staff members to complete projects ranging from cleanup and beautification efforts to helping local organizations with tasks.

The day also reflected Triton School Corp.’s commitment to developing students who understand the importance of character, compassion, respon-

by Triton School Corp. sibility and service, according to the news release. By connecting students with organizations and community members who make a difference every day,

Triton Gives Back is intended to help students understand that they, too, have a role to play in strengthening the communities they call home.

New ‘Downtown Warsaw’ brand signage installed Main Street Warsaw has partnered with property owner Angie Racolta of The Racolta Group and Blue River Digital to install new “Downtown Warsaw” branded signage on the south and east sides of the building at 220 S. Buffalo St. The new signage adds another visible element of the Downtown Warsaw brand while helping create a welcoming and recognizable gateway into the downtown district, according to a news release from Main Street Warsaw. Main Street Warsaw launched the new Downtown Warsaw brand earlier this year as part of an effort to better promote downtown as a destination. The initiative was identified as a priority in the Downtown Warsaw Cultural Arts District Plan, which provides a guide for strengthening downtown’s identity, public spaces, arts and cultural offerings. The signage project represents a partnership between Main Street Warsaw and Racolta, who owns the 220 S. Buffalo St. property. Blue River Digital completed the installation of the branded signage. “Projects like this are a great example of what can happen

when property owners and community organizations come together with a shared vision for downtown,” said Terry Sweeney, downtown development director for Main Street Warsaw. “The Downtown Warsaw brand gives us another way to create a strong sense of place and help people recognize and connect with our downtown. We are grateful to Angie for embracing the vision and investing in this part of downtown.” Racolta said she was inspired by the Downtown Warsaw Cultural Arts District Plan and the continued momentum taking place throughout the downtown area. “I was excited to see the vision outlined in the Downtown Warsaw Cultural Arts District Plan and wanted to find a way to be part of that momentum,” said Racolta. “Our downtown has so much character and potential, and I’m happy that this building can contribute to that vision.” The 220 S. Buffalo St. property will also become home to a future gateway mural on the building’s south wall. Main Street Warsaw is working with Racolta to bring public art to the space as part of the broader

County RepoRt Continued from page 16 Leadford-Marsillett

Eric Jabez Leadford, 22, Warsaw, and Trinity Marsillett, 22, Leesburg

VanHouten-Parker

Tate Eliza VanHouten, 22, Warsaw, and Hayden Bradley Parker, 21, Warsaw

Galloway-Brown

Rhian Janae Galloway, 24, Syracuse, and Levi Cooper Smith Brown, 24, Milford

Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV: Romo-Lara - Cristobal Romo,

Milford, and Zaneli Lara, San Antonio, Texas. They were married Oct. 2, 2014; no separation date given. Two minor children. Jarvis-Bias - Raymond-Douglas Jarvis, Warsaw, and Erika Bias, Warsaw. They were married Dec. 25, 2016; separated Dec. 25, 2017. One minor child. Brown - Matthew Brown, Warsaw, and Sidney Brown, Warsaw. They were married Sept. 23, 2022; separated July 18, 2026. No minor child(ren). Ayers-Rhodes - Dolly Ayers, Pierceton, and Courtney Rhodes, Columbia City. They were married Oct. 22, 2022; separated March 12, 2026. No minor child(ren). Kosek - Ryan Kosek, Warsaw, and Hannah Kosek, Warsaw. They were married Oct. 22, 2022; separated Sept. 3, 2026. No minor child(ren).

FAMILIAR LOCATION, NEW BRAND — “Downtown Warsaw” has become a brand in an effort by Main Street Warsaw to make the city’s center a destination. Pictured outside the first building to carry Downtown Warsaw-brand signage are from left Terry Sweeney, Main Street Warsaw downtown development director; Nora Christiansen, Kosciusko Chamber events coordinator; and Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber president and chief executive officer and Main Street Warsaw executive director. Photo provided by Main Street Warsaw. goals outlined in the Downtown Warsaw Cultural Arts District Plan. The mural is intended to enhance the downtown streetscape, encourage visitation and create an interactive destina-

tion for residents and visitors. Through continued partnerships with downtown property owners, businesses, artists and community organizations, Main Street Warsaw is working to

build upon the momentum of downtown Warsaw and create a destination that is welcoming, vibrant and reflective of the community, according to the news release.

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Operation Read receives $90,000 to inspire readers

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Before a child can dream of becoming a teacher, doctor or astronaut, that child must first learn to read. Before an adult can complete a job application, earn a high school equivalency diploma or confidently read a story to a child, someone must believe learning is still possible. For Operation Read, those moments represent more than literacy milestones. They represent futures waiting to be written. Now, thanks to a historic threeyear, $90,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation, more children, families and adults throughout Kosciusko County will have opportunities to discover what becomes possible when someone places a book, encouragement and opportunity within reach. “Literacy is one of the few places where we have the opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive,” said DeeAnna Muraski, executive director of Operation Read. “We do not have to wait until a child falls behind, until a student loses confidence, or until an adult feels that opportunities have passed them by. We can step in earlier, open doors sooner and help write a different story.” Operation Read supports learners at every stage of life through programs including Baby’s First Library, which introduces newborns and their families to the importance of reading together; Read to Grow, which provides books and literacy resources for young children; Book Boogie, which inspires elementary students to build strong reading habits; Operation Read Around Kosciusko County, which provides books for every second-grade classroom and brings community volunteers to read to children; Memory Puzzle books for senior communities; and tutoring for youth and adults. Behind each program is a simple belief: Literacy changes lives, and the earlier a community invests in reading, the more possibilities it creates. For a newborn, that investment might begin with a parent reading a first bedtime story. For an elementary student, it might mean discovering the excitement of finishing a book. For an adult learner, it might

BENEFIT TO CHILDREN — Operation Read recently received a $90,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation. Operation Read Volunteers Martha Whetstone and her great-granddaughter, Addy, are shown. Photo provided by Operation Read. mean finding the courage to pursue a diploma, a better job or a long-delayed dream. September is Literacy Month, making this an especially meaningful time to celebrate the power of reading at every stage of life. From a child’s first bedtime story to an adult discovering that it is never too late to learn, literacy strengthens not only individuals but also the families and communities surrounding them. Emerging research suggests those benefits may extend well into older adulthood. A 2026 study by Rush University Medical Center found that greater lifelong participation in mentally stimulating activities, including reading and writing, was associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also examined whether participants had been read to as children, underscoring how early experiences with books can help establish habits that last a lifetime. “Reading is not something we outgrow,” Muraski said. “It’s the first story a parent shares with a child, the book that helps a stu-

dent discover new possibilities, the courage an adult finds to return to learning, and the connection we maintain with the world as we grow older. Every page matters because every person’s story matters.” During Literacy Month, Operation Read invites community members to celebrate reading in meaningful ways: Share a book with a child, visit a local library, write a letter, volunteer or help place books into the hands of someone who needs them. While the grant provides important support, Operation Read’s work continues to depend on volunteers, individual donors, businesses and community partners. Those interested in supporting local literacy programs, making a donation or learning about upcoming volunteer opportunities may contact Muraski at deeanna@operationreadusa.org. To learn more about Operation Read, its programs or opportunities to support literacy throughout Kosciusko County, visit operationreadusa.org.

20

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Joe’s Kids Tailgate, Dinner & Auction scores big for children Joe’s Kids is celebrating the success of its annual Joe’s Kids Tailgate, Dinner & Auction, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Miller Sunset Pavilion in Winona Lake. The organization’s largest fundraising event of the year brought together supporters, community leaders, sponsors and volunteers for an evening dedicated to helping children reach their highest potential, according to a news release from Joe’s Kids. The football-themed event featured a tailgate experience, dinner and a live auction filled with exclusive items and unique experiences, according to the news release. Guests helped to raise critical funds to support Joe’s Kids’ physical, occupational and speech therapy programs. “Our community continues to amaze us with its commitment to the children we serve,” said Trish Nichols, development director of Joe’s Kids. “The success of this event reflects the compassion and generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees. Because of their support, more children will have access to the therapy services they need to grow, thrive and achieve their goals.” “The success of this year’s Tailgate, Dinner & Auction demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together on behalf of children,” said Rebecca Bazzoni, chief executive officer of Joe’s Kids. “Every dollar raised helps provide life-changing therapy services that empower children to reach milestones, build

CROWD GATHERS — Joe’s Kids Tailgate, Dinner & Auction guests gathered at the Miller Sunset Pavilion for the annual fundraiser. Photo

provided by Joe’s Kids.

SPECIAL GUESTS — Pictured from left are Greg Clark, of HRW Designs, Rebecca Bazzoni, founder and chief executive officer of Joe’s Kids, and Duane Rader, of HRW Designs. Photo provided by Joe’s Kids.

LARGEST FUNDRAISER — The Joe’s Kids Tailgate, Dinner & Auction is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Photo provided by Joe’s Kids.

confidence and achieve their highest potential. We are deeply grateful to everyone who support-

ed this event and invested in the future of the children and families we serve.”

Joe’s Kids said in the news release that it is grateful to the event sponsors, auction donors,

volunteers, committee members and guests whose support made the evening possible.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2026

MARCHING BAND 2026

Previews of the following marching bands: Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride Whitko Marching Pride NorthWood Red Regiment Fairfield Marching Pride Triton Spirit of Triton Tippecanoe Valley Marching Band Warsaw Marching Tiger Pride

2

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

WAWASEE Marching Warrior Pride

Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride looking to repeat championship Text and Photos By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer The Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride has started its season with a bang, coming in first place for best visuals, music and effect at the Concord Marching Band Invitational, held Sept. 19. This was the first time the band had competed at Concord in several years. The band came in fourth place in Class C at the Goshen Invitational, which was held Sept. 12. Not a bad start for a band that lost 15 seniors this year and has 28 first-time marching band members. “That’s a huge learning curve,“ said Tony Pawlicki, band director. This year, the band features 64 members, with 43 winds, 11 percussion, nine color guard members and one drum major. The band won its first state championship last year, and while smaller and a little greener, band members have made their intentions clear. “We have those expectations. The students have definitely indicated they want to win,“ Pawlicki said. The new members of the band are starting to realize the pressure of being in a winning band. Pawlicki said band camp was extremely hot and slow. The band also wasn’t in its new space in the Performing Arts Center, which is about three times bigger, with much higher ceilings. Pawlicki said the difference could be heard right away when the band began working in its new digs. This year’s show is called “Beyond the Horizon” and is a nautical adventure. The music for this year is “I Will Go the Distance,“ from the Disney movie “Hercules”; Symphony No. 9 by Dvorak, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “How Far I’ll Go, “ from the Disney movie “Moana.” “This is an homage to Israel ‘IZ’ Kamakawiwo’ole, and it ends with ‘How Far I’ll Go,’” Pawlicki said. Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was used for the movie “Finding Forrester,” which was released in 2000. Kamakawiwo’ole died in 1997. As soon as band season is over, Pawlicki is listening to pieces from various arrangers for next year’s performance. “It has to captivate my interest … It has to be enjoyable. That’s why we gravitate to more popular pieces, “

Pawlicki said. He also looks at custom arrangements for other schools to see what may fit the Marching Warrior Pride.“It’s one thing to have great music,” he said,“but if you have a great story, the band, the audience and judges can latch on to it.” This is the fourth year Pawlicki has used Craig Fitzpatrick. “Fitzpatrick does a great job,” he said. At press time, the band has competed at the Carroll Invitational on Sept. 26 and ISSMA Scholastic Classic

MOVING IN TIME — Members of the Warrior Marching Pride practice moving from one point to another during a rehearsal. Shown are Kara Owens, Callie Brown, Braiton Spivey.

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Prelims on Oct. 3 and is preparing for the Bands of America Super Regionals at Lucas Oil Stadium, which will be held Oct. 16, with the ISSMA Scholastic Finals held Oct. 17. Pawlicki noted this is the last year the band will be competing in Scholastic Class B. Once a band places in the top five for four consecutive years or, under the new rules - wins its classification, it has to move up a class. Next year, the Marching Warrior Pride will be competing in Open C.

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WAWASEE Marching Warrior Pride

WAWASEE MARCHING WARRIOR PRIDE — Shown is this year’s Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride. Members are Ashley Large, Zachary Maxwell, Bailey Adair, Wesley Morris, Amanda Powell, Hadley Crow, Anna Miller, Addison Romo, Marshall Wolf, Jesse Miretti, Lucas Muir, Jaxson Thornberry, Tucker Beer, Carter Edgar and James Guerro. Also pictured are Wyatt Jones, Korben Mast, Kara Owens, Morgan (Theodore) Rater, Anakin Schmucker, Braiton Spivey, Emily Stookey, Eilif Tuura, Vanessa Villa, Lilyana Weisser, Jackson Yoder, Bentley Anacreto, Isabella Breezley, Isabelle Brown and Callie Brown.

CHECKING-IN— Tony Pawlicki, left, Wawasee band director, talks with Jesse Miretti about the Wawasee Warriors’ show during a break in rehearsal.

Other members are Satiah Doty, Elli Eltzroth, Adriean Ensz, Katy Eppert, Conor Feeney, John Gall, Annabelle Gomez-Gonzalez, Isabelle Goss, Tyler Kelley, Raily Klinefelter, Kaitlyn Large, Sophia Maule, Kaitlyn McCreary, Delanie Morris and Mackenzie Olafson. Also included are Kera Owens, Katelyn Plikerd, Alixzandra Salvo-McDaniel, Parker Schmidt, Sam Schwartz, Byrson Spoor, Reese Steg, Drake Stookey, Raelyn Yoder, Elizabeth Sullivan, Alyssa Evans, Alice Griffith, Jessica Kline, Emilia Berry and Madison Carter. Rounding out the group are Kennedi Lantz and Holli Smith. Photo provided by Tim Hare.

KEEPING THE BEAT — Anna Miller, Ashley Large and Mackenzie Olafson keep the beat during a rehearsal.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

WAWASEE Marching Warrior Pride

WORKING TOGETHER — Members of the Warrior Marching Pride work on tightening up a section of their show during a rehearsal. Shown are Carter Edgar, Satiah Doty, Isabelle Goss, Ellie Eltzroth, Rees Steg and Sophie Maule.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT — Members of the winds section focus on the music during a recent rehearsal. Shown are Kaitlyn Large, Zac Maxwell, Anakin Schmucker, Raelyn Yoder, Satiah Doty and Emily Stookey.

WORKING ON SEQUENCE — Lizzy Sullivan and Alice Griffith work on spinning their rifles the correct number of times during a recent rehearsal.

FLAGS WAVING — Jessica Kline and Raily Klinefelter, members of the color guard, keep their flags flying during rehearsal.

IN THE PITT — Shown are members of the pitt, Marshall Wolf, Addi Romo, Tyler Kelley, Annie Gomez-Gonzalez, Ashley Large and Kera Owens.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

5

WHITKO Marching Pride

ALL TOGETHER — Members of the Whitko Junior-Senior High School Marching Pride pose during this year’s marching band season. From left in front is Sabastian Swick, Phoenix Semler, Christian Rice-Ruckman, Jaiyden Penrod, Hayden Clark, Carlie Woodard, Connor Abbott, Alanna Greenwood, Amelia Sprunger, Hannah Bingham, Abigail Morse, Gavin Ford,

Dalton Baldwin, Ava McKenzie, Trenden Bradley, Paige Watts and Konnor Clester. In back is Uriah Hathaway, Will Egolf, Zamien Mayes, Abby Griffith, Tessa Hamm, Cali Gibson and Estara Love. Photo provided by John Van Patten.

Whitko band brings stories to life By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer Whitko Junior-Senior High School’s Marching Pride is taking audiences into a world of Victorian ghost stories this season with its competition show, “Vignette de Macabre.” Band Director John Van Patten, who is in his eighth year directing the band, said the idea grew from watching his daughter’s fifth-grade drama club perform a show built around spooky stories told around a campfire. “I started to think about that concept of gathering around a fire to share,” Van Patten said. As he selected music for Whitko’s production, the idea developed into a Victorian setting in which travelers gather around a tavern or inn fire and exchange frightening stories before continuing on their journeys and passing those tales along. Musical selections include “Danse Macabre,” by Camille Saint-Saens; the “Psycho Theme,” by Bernard Herrmann; and the closer, “Theme from Stranger Things,” by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. Among the stories referenced in the show are the Headless Horseman, Jack the Ripper and a version of “Corpse Bride,” though Van Patten said the latter was adapted to keep the production closer to a PG-13 tone. The concept centers not only on the stories themselves, but on the way tales can change and spread as they are told from person to person. Preparing to tell that story on the field requires hundreds of hours of work from Whitko’s 25-member band, consisting of seven woodwinds, 11 brass players, six percussionists and one drum major. This year’s drum major is Abby Griffith. Assisting John Van Patten is his wife and assistant director, Kelly Van Patten.

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STR U N G ALONG — Whitko Marching Pride brass members Ava McKenzie, front, and Dalton Baldwin, practice a “puppeteering” routine incorporated into this year’s production, “Vignette de Macabre.” The show combines music, movement and storytelling to bring its tales to life. Photo by Maksym Hart. John Van Patten estimated the group had already logged at least 200 hours of rehearsal and could approach 500 hours by the end of the season. Whitko rehearses 6-8 p.m. Monday evenings and 7-8:30 a.m. Tuesday mornings. John Van Patten said the morning schedule is somewhat unusual for marching bands, but gives students opportunities to work jobs, participate in sports and join other clubs after school. “Our kids tend to be the ones that want to do that, be active and involved in other activities as well,” he said. “They’re pretty well-rounded.”

Practices generally begin with stretching, a physical warmup and musical fundamentals before the band focuses on specific portions of its show. Rather than covering the entire production during each rehearsal, John Van Patten said shorter practice blocks allow the group to concentrate on areas needing improvement. Beyond learning music and drill, John Van Patten said marching band teaches students resilience. “They learn to do hard things,” he said. “Running around in a parking lot and a football field, wearing a uniform, carrying a giant instrument, playing, is not a natural thing.” Learning how to meet those challenges, he said, gives students skills they can transfer to other areas of their lives. That emphasis on improvement also guides Whitko’s approach to competition. As an Open Class D band - a designation based on size - the Marching Pride has placed first at both the Huntington North Invitational Saturday, Sept. 12 and Baron Brigade Marching Invitational Saturday, Sept. 19. John Van Patten said placements are secondary to becoming better each time students perform. “It’s just about getting better from day to day, from week to week, even from year to year,” he said. Whitko will continue through the Open Class competition circuit with the ISSMA Regionals Saturday, Oct. 10 at Carroll High School. The band will also participate in the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional-Prelims Friday, Oct. 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium. With Whitko scheduled for a late Friday performance, John Van Patten said the band plans to stay overnight, giving students an opportunity to watch other bands the following day. “It’ll be a fun and memorable experience for them,” he said.

6

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

NORTHWOOD Red Regiment

RED REGIMENT — Shown is this year’s Northwood High School Marching Band called Red Regiment. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

NorthWood’s Red Regiment ‘guides the light’ Text and Photos By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer The Northwood High School Red Regiment is taking audiences on a journey from darkness to light with this year’s show, “The Light That Guides.” Under the direction of Band Director Zach Peycha, the band is also directed by Chris Pinto and Stephanie Miller. The drum majors are Genesis Gonzalez and Allison Norris. The marching band program is important to students in many ways, Peycha said. “This is often the place where students can truly feel and be themselves, where they make their best friends, share amazing experiences, among other things,” he said. “This not only gives them an incredible social outlet, but also allows them to pursue something that is more than just themselves.” Peycha said the marching band is unique at NorthWood because every student is considered a varsity member. “This is the only sport or activity that we have here at NorthWood where every student is varsity, and if they aren’t there, many other people are left hung out to dry,” he said. The show’s theme, “The Light That Guides,” includes several selections by composer Christopher Tin. “It is essentially our take on a journey from a dark point to a lighter point in someone’s life,” Peycha said. “This can be felt through feelings of addiction or loss or any other trying time in someone’s life.” A majority of the repertoire is classical. “Our opener is orchestral, as well as our second move-

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LEADING THE WAY — Drum Major Genesis Gonzalez leads the Red Regiment in a recent rehearsal. ment,” Peycha said. The third movement is an arrangement of “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers” by Christopher Tin, which is commonly performed by a choir. The closing song is “Darkness Keeps Chasing Me” by Grace VanderWaal. Peycha described it as an energetic conclusion to the journey from dark to light. “The thing I hope for the students to experience this

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year is a sense of ownership, as well as a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “Accomplishment doesn’t just mean good numbers and great placements, but a sense of accomplishment in a good product, hard work, as well as working together even when the situation is not optimal.” This year’s band includes eight flutes, seven clarinets, two bass clarinets, four alto saxophones, one tenor saxophone, two baritone saxophones, nine trumpets, four mellophones, 13 baritones, four tubas, 13 percussion members and 23 color guard members. Band Members Cadee Carr, Audra Dial, Pedro Guillen Sandoval, Elizabeth Harris, Hayden Hershberger, Kaydance Judy, Alexis Rollins, Autumn Yoder, Jonathan Bate, Emily Heckenast, Keelynn Hornish, Abby Judy, Edison Ross, Jordan Sheaffer, Peyton Smith, Kathryn Overholser, Ella Shetler, Jacqlyn Golden, Jillian Golden, Easton Jacobson, Nicalys O’Brien, Robert Stephens, Dexter Strong, Giada White, Kaylee Bate, Ethan Culp, Aiden Easterday, Gabriella Frederick, Carson Golden, Brett Guard, Kayden Hoien, Carson Maples, Ryne Wells, Carson Messier, Cooper Messier, Madyx Wilkman, Laney Wine, Isabella Allen, Rowan Blanchard, Maddox Dolph, Benjamin Fretz, Bryceson Vannoster, William Herr, Broderick Kaufman, Koltan Loomis, Theo Minnis, Shawn Mullet, Elizabeth Quiroz-Talavera, Tennyson Scott, Trenton Stanley, Kyra White, Nicholas Carr-Miller, Nora Clemans, Ryan Miller, Addelyn Thoden, Charles Blakely, Jenna Brown, Scott Bushnell, Connor Cochrane, Ethan Cripe, Brennin Deisch, Zoey Estes, Evan Giddings, Sid Leroux, Shery Reyes, Willow Short, Brayden Whitehead and Logan Yoder. Color Guard Adalynn Bravo, Heidi Brown, Alaina Crowder, Chloe Eash, Selah Gingerich, Jayse Helmuth, Anthony Hernandez, Christina Jackson, Emily Lambert, Kara Lehane, Izabella Macias, Arrianna Macias, Brooklynn Manning, Mayah Marsh, Addison Martin, Mea Martin, Lilliana Mayfield, Petra Miller, Zoe Miller, Emily Reyes, Hannalee Schmucker, Kalina Sprague and Gabbie Stahl. Remaining Contest Schedule Oct. 10 - Indiana State School Music Association Regional, Lafayette Jefferson High School, Lafayette Oct. 17 - Bands of America Super Regional, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Oct. 24 - ISSMA Semi-State, Decatur Central High School, Indianapolis Nov. 7 - ISSMA State Finals, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

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Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

7

FAIRFIELD Marching Pride

RUN THROUGH — The marching band runs through the changes made to its routine at the end of practice.

KEEPING THE RHYTHM — Marching band members in the pit keep in tune with the other players.

Fairfield Marching Pride stays ‘on a string’ Text and Photos By ADALIN ECK Staff Intern The Fairfield Marching Pride is led by Mykayla Roskos-Neilson, the director of bands at Fairfield Junior-Senior High School. This year, the Fairfield Marching Pride’s show and music theme is “On a String.” “Every single person matters from the youngest kid, the least experienced kid, to the most experienced,” said Roskos-Neilson. “... I think that collective challenge and push that everyone does with each other creates a bond that is really really hard to break,” she said. The songs the band has been playing are “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra, “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saens, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and “Headlock” by Imogen Heap. With competition season already underway, setting goals and expectations for the band is a big priority. “We always want them to feel proud of themselves of the growth that they’ve had this season,” Roskos-Neilson said. “We hope that they have found a family, that they found a group of people that they feel safe around, a group of adults they feel safe around,” she said. Competition season also serves as a time to self-reflect and realize what the band may need to fix or work on, a key component to improvement and growth. “It’s easy to build really good habits and really bad habits. I think some of the things that we hope the kids learn are like good habits and how to break bad habits,” said Roskos-Neilson. “We’re hoping they learn skills of just like dedication and craftsmanship to where they learn the break

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that habit,” she said. The Fairfield marching band started in the 1980s and has been going to state finals since the 1990s, creating a strong presence in the Fairfield community. “We’re always so grateful for the support that the community gives. There’s not a lot of communities that give this much support to their marching band,” Roskos-Neilson said, “... I know the kids appreciate ... recognition from even their peers. Sometimes that actually matters more,” she said, ”there’s definitely a smile on the inside of getting that recognition from their peers.” The Fairfield Marching Pride performs every Friday night during halftime at football games, giving the fans a show to watch before the second half begins. “I get stuck in the feedback of critique, critique, critique, and always asking how can we get better,” Roskos-Neilson said. “I think it’s a good reminder for me and our staff to be like, make sure you tell them when they’re doing good,” she said, regarding the praise and feedback her band gets. Roskos-Neilson is part of the 21 band instructors Fairfield has, a larger staff for the larger band. “It literally takes hundreds of people to make what we do happen. So just a big thank you to all of them,” she said. It’s not only the staff that makes the marching band what it is, sometimes it’s relatives and family members. “I feel so blessed here as a director to have our parents. Our parents are amazing in how they support us, they’re incredible,” said Roskos-Neilson, “... a lot of these parents, that we have, marched in the group and their kids now (march) in the group. So, I think the roots go pretty deep,”

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The Fairfield Marching Pride drum majors are Janessa Hochstetler, Kamryn Castro and Layna Stoltzfus. There are 114 members of the marching band, including 34 color guard members, five flute players, nine clarinet players, eight alto saxophone players, six low reed players, five mellophone players, 11 trumpet players, nine baritone saxophone players, three tuba players, nine drumline players and 12 in the pit. So far the band has performed at the Goshen Crimson Invitational, Goshen High School, Sept. 12; the Concord Invitational, Concord High School, Sept. 19; Carroll Challenge of the Bands, Carroll High School, Sept. 26; and ISSMA Scholastic Prelims, Plymouth High School, Oct. 3. The next competitions include the ISSMA Regionals, Carroll High School, Oct. 10; BOA: Indianapolis Super Regional Prelims, Lucas Oil Stadium, Oct. 16; ISSMA Marching Band Open Class Semi-State, Decatur Central, Oct. 24; and ISSMA State Finals, Lucas Oil Stadium, Nov. 7.

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8

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

TRITON Spirit of Triton SPIRIT OF TRITON — Members of the Triton Junior-Senior High School Marching Trojans during last year’s marching band season. The band returns this year with “The Artist,” a show built around music, color and creativity. Front from left is Jennie Schwartz, Kalista Custer-Marsillett, Saran Jones and Leyton Strevy. In middle is Timothy Zimmerman, Gabrielle Ford, Layla Eby, Francis Reyes, Jaxon Freck, Liam Gonzalez and Jonah Larrison. In back is Saira Freck, Julian Leon, Noah Lucas, Darrin King, David Zimmerman. Not pictured is Ellie Brissette, Alyssa Brunner, Claire Coon, Dakotah Coon, Maci Damron, Warren Harms, Isabella McIntosh and Daniel Warner. Photo provided by Rebecca Pollock.

BRASSY — Members of the Triton Marching Trojans brass section rehearse during practice for this year’s show, “The Artist.” The band combines music, movement and visual elements to bring the production together. Photo by Maksym Hart.

FLYING COLORS — Members of the Triton Marching Trojans color guard practice during preparations for this year’s show, “The Artist.” The production uses music and visual elements inspired by different colors. Photo by Maksym Hart.

Triton marching band paints a picture with music By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer Triton Junior-Senior High School’s Marching Trojans are using color, creativity and teamwork to shape this year’s competition show, “The Artist.” Rebecca Pollock, who is in her second year as Triton band director, said the show centers on the idea of creating a painting together, using music and visual themes tied to different colors. The program opens with references to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Pure Imagination” before moving into music associated with pink and looking at life through rose-colored glasses. The band’s ballad is Coldplay’s “Yellow,” which features an alto saxophone solo. Pollock said the piece gives students a chance to perform with a smoother, more lyrical sound. The closer, “Wild Blue” by Tyler S. Grant, explores blue and completes the show’s palette. Pollock said the production uses cyan, magenta and yellow rather than the more familiar red, yellow and blue primary-color scheme to give the show a more artistic and vibrant feel. Beyond the performance itself, Pollock said marching

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band gives students a chance to build confidence while learning to manage multiple responsibilities at once. “It’s definitely a difficult activity for kids to start, and they have a lot of responsibilities that they have to take care of simultaneously,” Pollock said. Students are responsible not only for music and movement but also for equipment, punctuality and balancing rehearsals with schoolwork. Pollock said it is rewarding to see students rise to those challenges and realize what they are capable of accomplishing. Marching band creates a close-knit community among students and families, she said. Pollock added that band also teaches a kind of teamwork students may not encounter in many other classes. “When you’re here, that’s not just committing to doing this for yourself, but also for a lot of other people who are relying on you,” she said. “It’s really impactful for those kids to realize how their choices and their presence affect others.” Pollock said her biggest goal for students is that they become “great human beings,” but she also hopes they leave the season knowing they can take on difficult tasks, solve problems, think critically and be creative. The Marching Trojans prepare through extensive re-

hearsal. Students practice some on their own, while the full band meets three times a week for 2 1/2-hour rehearsals. Before the school year begins, the band also holds a two-week camp in July with full days of rehearsal, learning and community-building. The band has 15 members, with David Zimmerman as drum major this year. Assisting the band are instructors Alex Berzin, Percussion; Ethan Hacker, music; Raquel Teutle, guard; and Matt Wyse, drill. The Marching Trojans are an Open Class D band, a designation based on band size. This season, the band has already placed third at On the Banks of the Wabash Saturday, Sept. 12 and fourth at Baron Brigade Marching Invitational Saturday, Sept. 19. Triton will attend the ISSMA regional contest Saturday, Oct. 10 at Carroll High School. The season will continue with ISSMA Semi-State Saturday, Oct. 24 at Franklin Community High School. After marching season, the program will turn toward concert band, with a winter concert scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10. Pollock said she hopes people recognize the commitment required of band students. “All of our students are really dedicated to the things that they’re doing,” she said.

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TIPPECANOE VALLEY Viking Guard

VIKING GUARD — Members of the Viking Guard marching band are pictured in the front row from left, Gabriella Harter, Makenzie Brown, Ein Keckler, Amanda Rivera-Roche, Hailey Baumgart, Savannah Beigh, Emily Molina, Graycen Guthrie, Audrey Long and Kaytlin Thompson. Second row: Abigail Stambaugh, Mia Martinez, Alessandra Rosas, Tessa Rich, Khloe Clemens, Kodiak Hillen, Carter Pearson, Francisco Ramirez-Brito, Makynna Wright, Lyle

Haney, Simeon Skipper, Kaycie Lyon, Carly Sriver and Cameren Johnson. Third row: Carson Meredith, Asa Barrientes, Wyatt Whetstone, Caleb Michaelsen, David Jimenez, Andrew Wise, Drew Evans, Brie Scott, Xavier Heishman and Payton Hull. Fourth row: Alex Engle, Mary Nance, Melissa De La Luz, Oden Hucks, David Walker, Bryson Severns, Shaztyn Coe, Carter Dove, Sage Jeffrey, Joshua Michaelsen, Richard Long and Lillian Hazard. Photos provided by Janell Riner.

TVHS has a small but mighty band By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer Tippecanoe Valley High School may not have the largest band in the area, but band members make up for it with devotion to performing their best - and their ranks have been growing over the past few years. While the Viking Guard does not do a field show, the band is a regular fixture in community events such as the Mentone Egg Festival and Akron Fourth of July parades. It also fires up the crowd as the pep band at football and basketball games.

Valley’s marching band boasts 46 musicians this school year, almost double the number from last year. Riner credits both changing times and concerted efforts to promote interest in the performing arts for this growth. “My seniors were in fifth grade when the COVID shutdown happened, and that seriously affected my recruitment,” Riner noted. “So, the last few years my numbers have been a bit lower at the high school due to the small senior group. After a year or two, recruitment got back to normal. ... We also have some great elementary music teachers who have been very helpful in training and encouraging students to join band.” The band is also performing for its third year in Tippecanoe Valley High School’s newest addition, an auditorium completed in 2024, which Riner said has contributed to the strength of the band program. “Performing in a purpose-built space helps band students understand their jobs as musicians,” she explained. “What we’re learning in class makes a lot more sense

when the kids step out on that stage. When the performing arts have a ‘home,’ the students know that their talent and contribution to the school is being taken seriously.” After 28 years of teaching, all of them at Valley, Riner has noticed a change in marching band performances over time. “Competitive marching band shows have certainly become more sophisticated over the years,” she said. The benefits students receive from participating in marching band, however, remain the same. While the students are perfecting their craft of musical performance, they are also growing as people, together and individually. “There is the mental and physical discipline, earning the rewards of long term effort and commitment, and serving the community through performances,” Riner said. “In addition to the skills that make them successful in music as well as life, I hope that my students will get the camaraderie, memories and personal growth that band is famous for.”

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

WARSAW Marching Tiger Pride Warsaw band on ‘track’ for excellence Text and Photos By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer Warsaw’s Marching Tiger Pride is on track to impress this year with its historically-themed field show. This year’s theme is “The Golden Spike,” a story-driven performance relating the history of the Transcontinental Railroad through music and other theatrical elements. “During the show, we start to lay track across the field, and we’re building the transcontinental railroad throughout the first two thirds of the show,” said Director Mark Ziegler. “... Then there’s a moment where there’s a sound effect of a golden spike and the music climaxes.” Once the golden spike is driven in, the “workers” - costumed color guard and extra prop helpers - break out into a celebration. Two 24-foot-long train props, made of Styrofoam and steel wire, travel down the tracks and meet in the middle of the 50-yard line. “(The students) really like it, this is probably one of their favorite shows,” Ziegler noted. “It’s really about East meets West, and the reunification of the country after the Civil War.” Ziegler has been a teacher for 27 years, and this is his eighth year at Warsaw Community High School. In that time, marching band performances have changed significantly, evolving in a much more theatrical direction. “Traditional marching band, band members were in traditional uniforms and their marching was very traditional in that they would move from one picture to the next picture,” he explained. “Now, the uniform fits the theme of the show. There’s a theme, there’s a storyline, there’s elaborate props and costumes that are part of the show for most bands. The movements of the band is less traditional. Sometimes they will do choreography or dance movements.” Warsaw’s marching band consists of 24 woodwinds, 29 brass, 20 percussion and 12 color guard, making for a total of 86. Anna Nightingale is taking up the role of drum major this year. Along with Ziegler, there are several other staff members supporting the band: Assistant Directors David Knouse and Joe Peloza; Program Coordinator Becky Ziegler; Alex Yoder, music design; Jon Bay, drill design; Wendy Bussard and Lisa Scheiber, color guard; and Alan Frye, Brandon Bussard and Blake Woods, percussion. It takes a concentrated and coordinated effort to get to Warsaw’s level. The band has been judged an 11-time fi-

FLAGS UP — Color guard members Cece Mesman, left, Nikki Niblette and Callie Carter raise their flags high during practice. nalist by the Indiana State School Music Association and a five-time Indiana Percussion Association state champion. Ziegler encourages students to focus on their own performance rather than the performance of other bands during competition because, he explained, his students cannot control what other bands do. “Our goal is always daily improvement, we want to be better than we were yesterday, better than we were last week,” he said. “We don’t focus on the competition aspect against other bands, because it’s about competing against ourselves.” Competition is also not all that there is to marching band. Through the practice of training hard at music and performance, working together as a band, and getting up early on weekends for rehearsals and performances, students are learning valuable skills that can apply to many different areas of life. “The life lessons of marching band are not just related to music. Music is a tool to teach commitment, teamwork, problem solving, so many things they’re going to use later in life,” Ziegler said.

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MAESTRO — Drum major Anna Nightingale conducts her bandmates during practice.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

WARSAW Marching Tiger Pride

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