the Paper - September 16, 2026

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

www.thepapersonline.com

North Webster

Cemetery Walk

Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties

Saturday, September 19 1:00-3:00 pm

Meet at North Webster Library to Join a Tour FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For Information Call 574-834-7122 Golf carts will be available for transportation.

Vol. 56, No. 12

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

114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580

IrishMudd’s Outfitters helps veterans reconnect through the outdoors

By PHOEBE MUTHART Editor IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters is a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through outdoor experiences.

“We take veterans fishing, hunting and into nature to rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and foster camaraderie and lasting healing,” said founder Steve Baker.

Baker said the organization was created because veterans and first responders can benefit from opportunities to step away from stress, reconnect with others and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

“We started IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters because we understand how difficult it can be for veterans and first responders to step away from stress, reconnect with others, and find a sense of purpose and belonging,” Baker said. “As a veteran-owned family farm, service is deeply rooted in who we are.”

IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It provides free outdoor and farm-based experiences for veterans, active-duty service members and other first responders.

The organization offers experiences such as guided or chartered fishing trips, hunting opportunities, farm visits, outdoor activities and restorative getaways. Depending on the program, it may also help coordinate lodging, meals, equipment and other necessary arrangements.

The experiences are designed to provide fellowship, relaxation, encouragement and a break from the demands of military service and emergency-response work.

Baker served in the United States Marine Corps for 16 months and spent 20 years serving his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Those experiences shaped Baker’s values, including discipline, perseverance, service and loyalty, as well as his belief that people have a responsibility to look after one another.

They also gave him firsthand understanding of the demands placed on military members, veterans, firefighters and other first responders, as well as challenges that can continue after the uniform comes off.

“That background is one of the

main reasons IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters is so important to me,” Baker said. “I understand the bonds created through service and want to ensure that those who have served their country and communities continue to feel supported, valued and connected.”

Supporting Veterans Veterans can sometimes feel isolated or disconnected after leaving the military. Baker said outdoor experiences create a comfortable, low-pressure environment where veterans can spend time with people who understand service, sacrifice and military culture.

Time outdoors can encourage conversation, reduce everyday stress, rebuild camaraderie and give veterans something positive to anticipate.

“Fishing, hunting, farming and simply sitting around a fire can

open doors that a formal setting may not,” Baker said.

The programs are not intended to replace professional mental health care. Instead, they provide companionship, recreation, encouragement and a supportive community.

“We want every participant to leave knowing that their service is remembered, their sacrifices matter, and people are still willing to stand beside them,” Baker said.

IrishMudd Farm Baker’s IrishMudd Farm is a veteran-owned, family-operated farm in Warsaw. The farm raises KuneKune pigs, Valais Blacknose and Lincoln Longwool sheep, yaks, poultry and bees using humane and regenerative farming practices.

The farm is more than a business. It is a place where people

can slow down, reconnect with the land, learn something new and feel welcome.

It provides a peaceful setting for visits, educational experiences, fellowship and selected nonprofit activities.

“Our family has built farms around faith, service, stewardship and community,” Baker said. “IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters grew naturally from those same values. Whether an experience happens on our farm or through one of our outdoor partners, we want participants to feel respected, appreciated and part of something meaningful.”

For more information, visit its Facebook page.

MARINE VETERAN — Founder Steve Baker served in the United States Marine Corps for 16 months. Photo provided by Steve Baker.

HELPING VETERANS — Steve Baker, founder of Irish Mudd’s Outfitters, works to help veterans and first responders through outdoor experiences designed to address PTSD and trauma. The nonprofit also partners with the Indiana Canine Assistance Network, which trains psychiatric service dogs for Indiana veterans. Photo provided by Steve Baker.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Know Your neighbor

Marty Becker retires for a second time

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer Marty Becker is retiring from the Lake Area Community Band after 24 years. This is the second time he’s retired as band director, and for him, the second time is the charm.

Becker stepped away in 2017, only to have the new director leave the position a few weeks later. Becker stepped back into the director’s role.

“We were one of the few community bands that functioned during COVID,” he said. A former student who had a substantial piece of property allowed the band to rehearse outside when social distancing was allowed.

Normally, Lake Area Community Band does eight concerts during a season. That year, “We did six, all outdoors,” he said.

His wife, Julia, plays in the group. She also just retired for the second time.

Becker said he was ready to step aside. “There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, planning the concerts, the programs, getting the venue,” he said, noting he is 81.

A search for a new band director will take place. “We’ll be looking for applicants over the next few months,” Becker said.

Applicants will be asked to lead a rehearsal with the band to see how they get along. Joe Peloza, assistant band director for the Lake Area Community Band, is also a middle school band director, so his schedule is full.

Becker served as the Warsaw band director for 17 years and also worked with the Wind Ensemble at Grace College for 15 years. His time at Warsaw is just a part of his 35-year career as a high school band director.

He came to Warsaw after being a band director in Marion. He also taught in Kentucky and Ohio.

Originally from Cincinnati, Becker comes from a musical family. His father and uncles were professional musicians in Cincinnati, which provided him with an opportunity to play in park or community bands while in high school. His grandfather, whom he never met, was also a conductor and musician. His grandfather played low bass tuba, baritone trombone, as well as the piano and violin. He also composed music.

He directed a park band in Greenville, Ohio, as a high

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school student. “That band is nearly 100 years old. It’s very well established,” Becker said.

Becker’s parents died when he was a boy. His mother passed when he was 9 and his father when he was 13. His birth name was Carey. After the death of his parents, he was sent to live with his uncle, his mother’s brother, whose last name was Becker. His uncle eventually adopted him.

At press time, Becker had played his last concerts in Warsaw, Greencroft, Goshen and Grace Village. He has one last concert at North Webster to play on Sept. 18.

“The band is pretty sad (about his retirement),” he said. Noting that he’s 81, Becker said, “It’s just time. There are physical constraints and there are some physical issues. I got into this thing because I enjoy playing trumpet.”

He still plans to continue to play with Lake Area Community Band as well as the Dockside Dixie Band, as well as work for Music Travel Consultants, where he is the company’s oldest agent.

LEADING THE BAND — Marty Becker is stepping down as director of the Lake Area Community Band after serving as director for 24 years. He still intends to play trumpet in the band. A search for a new director will be underway in the next few months. Photo provided by Marty Becker.

As a consultant for Music Travel Consultants, he has taken high school and college bands

overseas for concerts. He and his wife also want to do their own trips, including a Viking cruise

from Barcelona to Rome.

“I’m ready to not be in charge,” he said.

KICKOFF DAY — The new KLA Class of 2027 had its Kickoff Day Tuesday, Aug. 25. Students are pictured at POLYWOOD in Syracuse. Photo provided by Kyrie Maierle.

KLA welcomes class of 2027 during Kickoff Day Kosciusko Leadership Academy welcomed the class of 2027 during its recent Kickoff Day, introducing cadets to the yearlong program and providing an opportunity to connect with one another while learning more about the people, organizations and industries that shape Kosciusko County.

Dr. Allyn Decker, KLA moderator, welcomed the new class Tuesday, Aug. 25, and provided an overview of the academy and the year ahead. Cori Humes, executive director of the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau, shared information about the KCCVB’s mission and work, along with facts and insights about Kosciusko County’s communities, attractions and resources.

Following the morning session, cadets traveled throughout the county aboard transportation provided by Grace College. The group

took a ride aboard the Dixie sternwheeler on Webster Lake before visiting POLYWOOD in Syracuse.

During the POLYWOOD visit, cadets learned about entrepreneurship, sustainable manufacturing and the company’s continued growth and impact in Kosciusko County.

KLA also recently announced a new partnership with the K21 Health Foundation designed to encourage continued community involvement among academy graduates.

Beginning with the KLA Class of 2026, graduates who join a nonprofit board of directors within three years of graduation may qualify for a $1,000 donation from the K21 Health Foundation to the nonprofit organization in the graduate’s name.

Graduates interested in participating may contact Angie Sum-

mers at the K21 Health Foundation to complete the required form.

Once approved, the donation will be provided directly to the nonprofit organization.

Graduates interested in serving on a board but who have not yet identified an opportunity may also connect with Alex Hall at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Through the foundation’s Board Bank program, prospective board members can be matched with local nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers with their interests and experience.

The partnership supports KLA’s goal of preparing graduates to remain actively involved in the community and use their leadership skills to strengthen Kosciusko County’s nonprofit organizations.

Kosciusko Leadership Academy is a nonprofit organization that develops informed and engaged

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community leaders through a yearlong program focused on the businesses, organizations, government entities and community resources that make Kosciusko County unique.

The next KLA session, “Preserving Kosciusko County’s Water Resources,” will be held at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College Tuesday, Sept. 8.

KLA is now in its 45th year of service to the county. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, KLA conducts biweekly morning sessions throughout Kosciusko County, exposing emerging leaders to a variety of local topics and experts. The program’s annual White Paper projects have provided meaningful benefits to citizens and communities throughout the county.

For more information, visit kosciuskoleadership.org.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

Book Boogie unites Wawasee schools This fall, kindergarten through second-grade students at Milford, North Webster and Syracuse elementary schools will read, grow and “boogie” together as all three schools participate simultaneously in Operation Read’s Book Boogie program.

Beginning in October, students at the three Wawasee elementary schools will participate in monthly reading challenges, recognition and celebrations. Each school will celebrate the accomplishments of its young readers while also being part of a district-wide literacy initiative. Teachers are encouraged to participate by reading and will be recognized alongside their students.

“There is something incredibly special about children in all three communities sharing this experience at the same time,” said DeeAnna Muraski, executive director of Operation Read. “Book Boogie is not about one school competing against another. It is about an entire school community coming together to tell children that reading matters, their effort matters and we are cheering for every page they read.”

The program is being made possible through an $18,000 combined investment from the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust, Operation Read and anonymous do-

nors. Funding will provide books, student recognition, program materials, printing, tracking and monthly celebrations from October through April, followed by a final celebration and impact report in May. At the final celebration, Operation Read will encourage students and families to continue that momentum through summer reading programs offered by the Milford, North Webster and Syracuse community public libraries.

The handoff connects the schoolyear excitement of Book Boogie with free local opportunities that help children continue reading, discovering and growing throughout the summer.

“The generosity behind this program is about so much more than funding materials or prizes,” Muraski said. “It represents a community choosing to invest in children at the very moment they are building the reading skills and confidence that will follow them throughout their lives.”

Operation Read has worked closely with the Wawasee Community School Corporation assistant superintendent and the principals of all three elementary schools to create a program that is exciting for students while remaining manageable for teachers and school staff.

READING MATTERS — Shown are children who had participated every month in the Book Boogie Bash.

Photo provided by Operation Read.

“The partnership has been extraordinary,” Muraski said. “From our district leaders to each of the three principals, every conversation has centered on what will be meaningful for children, supportive of teachers and sustainable within the school day. Their openness, encouragement and commitment to young readers have made this collaborative launch possible.”

The K-2 focus reaches children before and during Indiana’s critical IREAD window while introducing Book Boogie to new

Antique outboard motor show set for Sept. 19 The Antique Outboard Motor Club will hold its 2026 fall antique outboard motor show and

College Goal Sunday is Oct. 4 Financial aid experts will be available at 35 sites across Indiana at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 to provide Hoosier families with free, in-person assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more than 37 years, College Goal Sunday has helped students and families complete the FAFSA, the key form required to access federal and state financial aid for college.

Born in Indiana, College Goal Sunday has become a national model and has helped tens of thousands of Hoosier families successfully submit the FAFSA. Filing the FAFSA is required to qualify for Indiana state aid and federal financial aid. The April 15 priority deadline helps ensure eligible students have access to available state funding. Families who file after the deadline may still qualify for aid, but funding is not guaranteed, and they risk missing out on significant financial assistance.

For more information, visit collegegoalsunday.org.

swap meet Saturday, Sept. 19, at North Webster’s town park on the west shore of Webster Lake.

Several hundred antique outboard motor restorers, historians, collectors and enthusiasts from across the Midwest and Canada are expected to gather at the park for a day of activities related to their hobbies.

The event will include an exhibition of recent restoration projects, swapping of parts and literature, and opportunities to run vintage boat motors on the lake. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

Club members invite area owners of old outboard motors to bring them to the show for evaluation. Many antique motors are bought, sold and eval-

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uated throughout the day. The swapping area will include all types of parts, literature, related accessories and antique motors.

The Antique Outboard Motor Club, with more than 5,000 members nationwide, classifies an antique motor as one manufactured before 1950 and a classic outboard as one more than 30 years old.

The North Webster meet starts at approximately 10 a.m. and usually runs through mid afternoon. Many participants stay later in the day if the weather is nice and they are able to run their antique motors on the lake.

For more information, contact Dave Tranter at (260) 213-1945 or email jdtranter@kcaccess. com.

groups of emerging readers. At its simplest, the program gives young children another reason to open a book, practice their skills and begin seeing themselves as readers. Every additional page read is already a victory.

During the program’s previous implementation across the three schools, students read a combined 2,088,846 pages. During that same period, the average percentage of students meeting the schools’ IREAD goal increased from 83.7% to 95.4%.

Those results are encouraging, but student achievement is never the work of one program alone.

Teachers, families, classroom instruction, curriculum, attendance and other school supports all contribute to a child’s progress. Book Boogie is intended to provide an additional layer of support by encouraging reading practice, tracking effort and making children feel celebrated for what they accomplish.

Implementing the same K-2 program at all three schools during the same school year will allow Operation Read and the school corporation to gather another year of consistent information about participation, reading

volume and aggregate literacy outcomes. Just as importantly, it will allow hundreds of children to share in the joy and excitement of reading together.

The 2026-27 launch will also introduce a new Book Boogie logo designed to reflect the imagination, movement and growth inspired by reading. Its message captures the heart of the program: “Growing Readers. Growing Dreams.”

“At some point, a child stops seeing reading as only an assignment and begins to discover that a book can take them anywhere,” Muraski said. “That is the moment we want to nurture. When children begin believing they are readers, an entire world of possibility opens before them.”

Operation Read extends its gratitude to the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust, anonymous donors, Wawasee Community School Corporation, district administrators, principals, teachers, families and volunteers who are making Book Boogie possible.

For more information about Operation Read, visit operationreadusa.org or contact Muraski at deeanna@operationread. org.

Silver Lake church offering ‘Homecoming Revival’ Melanie can brighten up the

Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God is inviting the public to its “Homecoming Revival.”

The revival will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27, at the church, 303 S. Jefferson St., Silver Lake.

Brother Danny Hess will be preaching.

There will be no Sunday school or Sunday night service on Sept. 27.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Lake associations partnering with TWF The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has approved $203,000 in Lake and River Enhancement grants for the Pike, Chapman and Winona lake associations to fund projects on Deeds Creek, Crooked Creek and Peterson Ditch.

The projects target areas contributing the most sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen to the lakes.

Together, the projects are expected to keep more than 173 pounds of phosphorus out of the water each year. That could prevent more than 1.7 million pounds of weed and algae growth.

The Watershed Foundation is helping make these grant opportunities and projects possible. Over the past 29 years, TWF has helped secure 43 LARE grants totaling $1.8 million, leveraging a total of $2.25 million

for water-quality improvements throughout the watershed.

The investments by lake associations, the DNR and TWF will improve local lakes and water quality downstream, ultimately benefiting waters that flow all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

TWF also led a LARE-funded project completed in 2026 at Farm Ditch, an inlet to Crooked Lake in the headwaters of the Tippecanoe River watershed. With a total project cost of $151,250, the project is expected to prevent 11 tons of sediment and 9.2 pounds of phosphorus from entering the water each year.

The water flows through Big Lake, Smalley Lake, Backwater Lake, Webster Lake and ultimately to Lake Tippecanoe.

For more information, visit watershedfoundation.org.

Warsaw’s Anchorage Road project enters new phase The Anchorage Road reconstruction project has moved into its next phase of work as of Sept.

11, according to a news release from the city of Warsaw.

Two segments are closed during this new phase of construction, which should shorten the project length by approximately one month.

CR 200N is closed from US 30 to Biomet Drive. Anchorage Road is closed from SR 15 to the railroad crossing.

Good Neighbors Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write the ‘the PAPER’, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.

Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad.

This column will now run every other week.

-o-

New questions Chest freezer repair — I was wondering if anyone knows of someone who fixes the rubber seals on chest freezers? Reply through this column.

— A reader Merry-go-round — I am looking for a used merry-go-round. If there are any parks, schools, playgrounds, etc. looking to retire theirs, call or

text (574) 328-1407.

Washer wringer/rabbit — Wanted: A wringer from a regular washing machine. Need the part only. Also looking for a buck, lop-eared rabbit. Call (989) 742-4994.

Boxer — Would anybody like an older female Boxer for free? She needs to be inside in winter.

She is very friendly and good with kids. Reply through this column. — A reader Used washer — Looking for a good, used washer with a working spin cycle. Nappanee/Bremen area preferred. Call (574) 330-1044.

Coffee bar — Would any good neighbor have a piece of furniture that would make a good coffee bar and that they would like to get rid of? Call (574) 773-7736.

Unless visiting a business or residence within the closure areas, all motorists should use detours.

On Sept. 11, Anchorage Road from US 30 to the railroad crossing was reopened to traffic, allowing access to most businesses and residences from the east (US 30).

The Anchorage Road reconstruction project is rebuilding the utility and road infrastructure in the area and adding sidewalks to improve safety in the area.

TM Serving Kosciusko County, Indiana The Largest Circulation Publication In Kosciusko County

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SYRACUSE OFFICE 102 East Main St. Syracuse, IN 46567 Phone (574) 457-3666

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HOMES ON PARADE — Shown is one of the homes featured in this year’s Homes on Parade. The home was built by JayH Construction and is located at 967 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw. Image provided by the Builders Association of North Central Indiana.

Homes on Parade showcases 9 local properties The Builders Association of North Central Indiana will present the 2026 Homes on Parade Friday through Sunday, Sept. 1820.

Parade hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

This year’s parade features nine homes to tour, including eight new construction homes and one home under construc-

tion. Participating builders and home locations are: Journey Homes by Miller Brothers, 515 N. Eastfield Circle, Milford.

T.L. Jackson Construction, 1065 W. Rabbit Ridge Road, Unit 3A, Syracuse.

Renewal Homes, 56 EMS T52A Lane, North Webster.

JayH Construction, 75 EMS W22 Lane, North Webster.

Volunteers take to the water for Rafting Week Earlier this month, The Watershed Foundation staff and board members hit Grassy Creek as volunteers for Rafting Week.

Each year, the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District invites sixth graders from Kosciusko County’s STEM-certified schools to explore Grassy Creek and Lake Tippecanoe. Students learn firsthand how water and land

are connected.

KSWCD and TWF coordinate hundreds of volunteers to serve as pontoon drivers, raft leaders and grounds crew.

This year marked the 18th year of Rafting Week.

Ron Chambers has volunteered every year since the event began.

Camp Crosley in North Webster partnered with TWF to help make the event possible.

JayH Construction, 11847 N. Ogden Point Road, Syracuse.

JayH Construction, 967 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw.

High Ridge Homes, 9450 Promontory Drive, Syracuse.

High Ridge Homes, 3739 S. 780W, Mentone.

Granite Ridge Builders, 150 Wagon Wheel Drive, Warsaw.

Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the home locations. One ticket provides admission to all nine homes. Children 18 and younger, veterans and active-duty military personnel are admitted free.

Tickets can be purchased online at buildnci.com.

The premier sponsor for the 2026 Homes on Parade is First Federal Savings Bank. Gold sponsors are Superior Garage Door Service, Kosciusko Connect and Bin There Dump That.

Visitors are invited to tour the homes and vote for their favorite. Participants also will be eligible to win an Alpine Green Smoker Grill valued at $2,259, courtesy of Warsaw Masonry Supply and The Racolta Group Real Estate.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

5

EntErtainmEnt

GRIPPING TALES — Two films available at Warsaw Community Public Library illustrate how humanity’s greatest survival tool has always been its mind. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

Cinema spotlight shines on two films at library

By MISSY CHAPMAN Cataloging Department Head Warsaw Community Public Library In an era of cinema often dominated by visual display and endless franchises, a compelling shift is taking place at the box office.

Audiences are increasingly drawn to high-stakes, intelligence-driven stories where victory hinges not on fists or firearms, but on science, strategy and human connection.

Leading this narrative wave are two of the year’s standout critical and commercial hits: the sci-fi epic “Project Hail Mary” and the World War II historical drama “Pressure.”

Adapted from Andy Weir’s best-selling novel, “Project Hail Mary” stands as one of the most ambitious science-fiction accomplishments of the decade. Molecular biologist turned middle-school science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) awakens from a coma aboard a lone spacecraft light-years from Earth. Suffering from amnesia, he gradually pieces together his mission: Earth’s sun is dying due to a microscopic energy-eating parasite threatening global extinction.

The story turns from a lonely survival tale into a touching story of cooperation when Grace encounters an alien vessel carrying “Rocky,” an engineer from a distant star system facing the exact same extinction event.

Rather than relying on action tropes, the film treats problem-solving and chemistry as its ultimate climax. Gosling anchors the narrative with a balance of anxiety and scientific curiosity, making complex physics and biology accessible, thrilling and profoundly human.

The film “Pressure” trades deep space for the tense, smoke-filled strategy rooms of 1944. Adapted from David Haig’s acclaimed stage play, the film dramatizes the agonizing 72 hours leading up to D-Day. As 350,000 Allied troops prepare to launch Operation Overlord, the

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entire fate of World War II relies not on battlefield firepower but on the North Atlantic weather forecast.

Capt. James Stagg, a meticulous Scottish meteorologist, predicts a disastrous storm that could destroy the invasion armada. He clashes directly with Irving Krick (Chris Messina), an optimistic American climatologist predicting clear skies.

At the center of this storm sits Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, portrayed with solemn, heavy-hearted authority by Brendan Fraser. Fraser delivers a quiet, powerhouse performance as a leader crushed under the moral weight of his choice: risk thousands of lives in a storm, or delay the invasion and jeopardize the entire war effort.

“Pressure” functions less as a traditional explosive war movie and more as a gripping psychological thriller. Through barometric charts, sleepless nights and heated debates, the film builds unbearable tension out of raw decision-making.

Both “Project Hail Mary” and “Pressure” prove that cinematic thrills don’t require mindless destruction. Whether measuring barometric pressure in a World War II bunker or translating acoustic tones from an alien companion, these films celebrate the heroic act of thinking through impossible problems. Fraser’s grounded leadership in “Pressure” and Gosling’s optimistic ingenuity in “Project Hail Mary” serve as powerful reminders that humanity’s greatest survival tool has always been its mind.

FOR THE BIRDS — The Tippecanoe Audubon Society will be offering a couple of field trips this fall, as well as a birding class. Above, a field trip participant on a past hike pauses to take a picture. Photo provided by the Tippecanoe Audubon Society.

Tippecanoe Audubon Society plans field trips, birding class The Tippecanoe Audubon Society is offering free, family-friendly events to make it easy to dive into the world of birding. Knowledgeable Audubon members will lead two upcoming field trips and also a beginning birding class.

A Saturday, Sept. 26, field trip will take place at Evelyn and Wendell Dygert Nature Preserve north of Columbia City. This Acres land trust preserve includes a walk along a revegetating old field and a 1.6-mile loop trail through a mature forest with a number of ravines and small streams. The street address is 4245 N. 50W, Columbia City. The driving directions are: from SR 109 north of Columbia City, turn west on CR 400N. At the T with CR 650, turn north and go about one-quarter of a mile to the parking lot on the west side of the road. Meet at the parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

A Saturday, Oct. 24, field trip will take place at the Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run. This Acres preserve is southwest of Lagro, on the west bank of Ross Run. The twomile trail provides views of cliffs above the stream, a waterfall, mature forest and tree plantings. There is a fair amount of up and down on the trail, with a few steep sections.

The street address is 1866 E. Baumbauer Road, Wabash. The driving directions are: travel south on SR 524 from Lagro. Turn west on Baumbauer Road about one mile south

Annual TRAIL OF COURAGE Living History Festival

Saturday, Sept. 19 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 20 - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Step Back In Time At This Pre-1840 Period Event

Foods Cooked Over Wood Fires • Muzzleloading Contests Teepees & Wigwams, Travois Dogs • Historic Crafts • Blacksmiths Hawk Throws • Pre-1840 Trading • Sonny Leford - Cherokee Ambassador Historic Programs On 2 Stages: Bagpipes, Fife & Drum Corps, Clockwork Clown, Aztec Dancers & Music

FUN FOR ALL AGES!

$10.00 Adults, $5.00 Children (6-11), Free For Kids 5 And Under Fulton County Historical Society, Rochester, IN Located 4 Miles North of Rochester on U.S. 31 & Tippecanoe River NO DOGS OR ANIMALS ALLOWED EXCEPT TO ASSIST HANDICAPPED AND PRE-APPROVED PROGRAM ANIMALS Visit our web page: www.fultoncountyhistory.org 574-223-4436 for further details. Subject to Change!

of town. Continue on Baumbauer for about two miles; the parking area is on the north side of the road near the bridge over Ross Run. Meet at the parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

The beginning birding class will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the North Webster Community Public Library in the South Meeting Room. Tippecanoe Audubon Society will present a beginning birding class for community members interested in learning how to get started birding or improve their birding skills. The class will teach the basic methods and tools used to observe and identify birds. Attendees will also find out how to participate in bird counting

citizen science projects such as the Global Big Day and the Christmas Bird Count. The class is for all levels, from novice to experienced birders. Preregistration for the class is encouraged. Online registration is open on the library website’s calendar page at nwcpl.org/calendar.

The Tippecanoe Audubon Society was founded in 1975 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation, environmental education and habitat preservation. The society manages three nature preserves in Wabash County and hosts field trips, workshops, and community programs throughout the year.

Find more information online at tippeaudubon.org.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Nappanee Apple Festival

Nappanee Apple Festival returns Sept. 17-20 The Nappanee Apple Festival, one of Indiana’s premier fall festivals, will take place Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 17-20.

The beloved tradition began in 1975 as a one-block celebration.

Today, the community of about 7,000 residents welcomes more than 100,000 visitors to the threeand-a-half-day event, which features free parking, shuttle rides and plenty of family-friendly activities.

The festival has earned top honors in Indiana, being named the state’s No. 1 fall festival in 2013 and 2016. One of its most recognizable traditions is the 7-foot apple pie, which is cut into more than 800 pieces and attracts visitors from across the country.

This year’s festival features three stages of entertainment, more than 150 exhibitors, and carnival rides. A parade is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, highlighted by a military aircraft flyover. The festival will celebrate its anniversary with a drone show at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Other activities include the 25th Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant, Power From the Past Antique Tractor and Engine Show, cornhole and pickleball tournaments, the Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk, the “Napple” baking contest, garden tractor pull, and pedal pull contests for children and adults.

The Wings and Wheels show

will be at the Nappanee Airport.

It takes place from noon to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 20.

There’s also apple peeling and pie-eating contests. People can also take part in the cornhole tournament and the apple dumpling contest.

A baby-changing and nursing station will be available downtown. Handicap scooters and wheelchairs will also be available for rent through Goshen Health.

Headlining this year’s entertainment is the Performance Dogs of Ohio, which will perform in the Nappanee Library parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, through 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

20. The performance features dogs performing a variety of tricks and stunts.

The festival’s two additional stages will feature musical acts representing a variety of genres, including rock ‘n’ roll, classic rock, folk, bluegrass, country and gospel. Family entertainment will include comedy juggler and ventriloquist Mike Hemmelgarn and the Granpa Crachet Kids Show and Puppets.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of apple-themed treats, including apple pie, fritters, dumplings, turnovers, fry pies, fresh bread, applesauce, cider and butter.

Many of the treats also are available to take home.

The Nappanee Apple Festival

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The Nappanee Apple Festival has announced Donna and Rick Persing as the 2026 grand marshals for this year’s parade.

For more than five decades, the Persings have dedicated their lives to serving the Nappanee community through their businesses, volunteer work, church and numerous organizations that have helped shape the city they proudly call home.

Donna Persing grew up in Fostoria, Ohio, while Rick Persing spent his childhood in several cities throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. The two met while attending Mount Vernon Nazarene College in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in

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as a festival map, visit nappaneeapplefestival.org or see the 2026 Nappanee Apple Festival brochure.

Festival updates and behindthe-scenes information also are available on Facebook and Instagram at @napplefest.

Persings named 2026 Apple Festival grand marshals

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ty Foundation of Elkhart County, Goshen Health, The Nappanee Pace, Digger Specialties Inc., Miller’s Orchard, Community Fiber and Monteith’s Best-One Tire and Auto Care.

For a complete schedule of entertainment and events, as well

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is made possible through financial support from local and area businesses, city of Nappanee employees, the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and a team of volunteers.

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APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE — A parade is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, highlighted by a military aircraft flyover. Shown is mascot Adam Apple. Photo provided by Morgan Jordan.

GRAND MARSHALS — Donna and Rick Persing will serve as the 2026 grand marshals for the Nappanee Apple Festival parade. Photo provided by Morgan Jordan.

1974 and married July 26, 1975.

The couple moved to Nappanee later that year. She worked at Harding’s Grocery Store, while Rick Persing worked with his father’s business, ELCO Manufacturing.

In 1980, Persing & Company Inc. was established, and Rick Persing purchased the company in 1984. Together, the couple built a family and a legacy in the community through Persing & Company Inc. and later Persing Tire & Auto Care Inc., businesses they owned and operated to serve the community.

Today, both are retired but remain actively involved in the Nappanee community.

The Persings have three children, Tami, Shawn and Brea, and Continued on page 7

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

7

Nappanee Apple Festival

GRACE SWARTZ

MORIAH KELLY

OLIVIA LENTZ

BRIANNA STARK

HALEY SIGMAN

KAYLEENA IGNEY

PAIGE LANTZ

BRIANNA LECHLITNER

NELLY MENDEZ HERNANDEZ

JALAYNE HURST

Miss Apple Blossom scholarship pageant contestants Ten young women are vying for the title of Miss Apple Blossom at this year’s Nappanee Apple Festival. The event will be at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17, at the entertainment tent at Depot Plaza.

Grace Swartz, Miss Blooms on Main Street, is a senior at Northridge High School. She is the daughter of Kyle and Jill Swartz.

Moriah Kelly, Miss Polished by Jewels, is a junior at Grace College.

She is the daughter of Brad and Abigail Kelly.

Olivia Lentz, Miss Miller’s Orchard, is beginning her first year at Elkhart Beauty School. She is the daughter of Justin and Leslie Lentz.

Brianna Stark, Miss Just Bee Farm, is a sophomore at Arizona

State University Online. She is the daughter of Israel and Tammy Stark.

Haley Sigman, Miss H.C. House Cleaning, is a junior at Concord High School. She is the daughter of Darrell and Heidi Sigman.

Kayleena Igney, Miss Noffsinger Development, is a senior at Northridge High School. She

is the daughter of Jennifer Igney-Noffsinger.

Paige Lantz, Miss Tuckhill Farm Goat Milk Soap, is a junior at Western Michigan University. She is the daughter of Ralph Lantz and Dana England.

Brianna Lechlitner, Miss Nappanee Conservation Club, is a sophomore at Purdue University.

She is the daughter of Aden and Sara Lechlitner.

Nelly Mendez Hernandez, Miss Coppes Commons, is a sophomore at Bethel University. She is the daughter of Agustina Hernandez.

Jalayne Hurst, Miss J & N Stone, is a junior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Braden and Joy Hurst.

Nappanee Apple Festival announces entertainment lineup The Nappanee Apple Festival will feature a full lineup of music, comedy, family entertainment and special events Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 17-20.

Headlining the festival is The Luneau Basketball Family, performing in the Nappanee Library parking lot from 5:30 p.m. Friday through 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The family is known for its basketball tricks and creative ball-handling routines.

Thursday’s festival kickoff begins at 5:30 p.m. with Blue River Jazz at The Nappanee Pace Entertainment Tent and Bremen Family Martial Arts at the Monteith’s Best-One Stage. Granpa Cratchet will present his popular puppet shows at 6 p.m. and 8

p.m., continuing throughout the weekend.

At 7 p.m. Thursday, the Nappanee Pace Entertainment Tent at Depot Plaza will host the Miss Apple Blossom scholarship competition and crowning of the 25th Festival Queen.

Friday’s entertainment will include comedy performances

by Mike Hemmelgarn, a juggler and ventriloquist. Musical acts throughout the day will include Sunshine Production Factory, John Gaut, Adrienne Frailey and Exit 41. Dirty Details will close out Friday with a two-hour performance.

Saturday’s lineup includes Exit 41, The Erly, The Chris Burch Trio, StraitJack, Touch of Texas,

Crystal River Band and The Bulldogs, offering a variety of musical styles throughout the day.

Sunday’s entertainment will feature Gray Horse Band, John Gaut, Memphis Underground, Heartland County Cloggers and NorthWood High School’s Dawning Generation.

In addition to the entertainment, the festival will feature fresh apples and a variety of apple treats, including pies, dumplings, fritters, turnovers, bread, cider and apple butter.

Other activities include the Farm Tractor and Antique Farm Equipment Show at the Nappanee Power From the Past Showgrounds Thursday through Saturday, the Saturday morning

parade and the Wings, Wheels and Car Show at the Nappanee Municipal Airport.

A drone show will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday at Depot Plaza.

The festival is supported by local businesses, city employees, the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers.

Principal sponsors include the Elkhart County CVB, Community Foundation of Elkhart County,

Goshen Health, The Nappanee Pace, Digger Specialties Inc., Miller’s Orchard, Community Fiber and Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care.

For a complete festival schedule, entertainment lineup and map, visit nappaneeapplefestival. org or consult the festival brochure. Festival updates are also available on Facebook and Instagram at @napplefest.

Full Color Circulars/Inserts Newsletters Postcards

Persings Continued from page 6 six grandchildren. Their grandchildren remain one of their greatest joys, and the couple enjoys traveling to cheer them on at sporting events throughout the year.

Service has always been at the heart of the Persings’ lives. Since joining Nappanee Missionary Church in 1982, she has faithfully served in the church’s 2-year-old nursery class for nearly four decades. Rick Persing continues to serve as an usher, and both are involved in the Acts 29 Sunday School class. They also have participated in mission trips around the world.

Her commitment to the community extends beyond the church. She has been a member

Booklets/ Catalogs of Nappanee Kiwanis Club since 2007 after years of volunteering alongside her husband. She served as Indiana state president of Psi Iota Xi in 1998 and continues to serve as treasurer for the Nappanee Quilt Garden Committee and Nappanee Chamber of Commerce.

Her involvement with the Nappanee Apple Festival began in the mid-1980s as a volunteer before she joined the core committee in the 1990s. She served as co-director of the 1999 Apple Festival and has served as festival director since October 2016.

Donna Persing also continues to volunteer throughout the community. She has served as the NorthWood High School swim-

ming announcer for the past 33 years and sells tickets at various NorthWood athletic events.

Rick Persing has also dedicated many years to serving the community. He was a member of the Nappanee Morning Kiwanis Club, served as president of the Nappanee Noon Kiwanis Club and has been actively involved with the Elkhart County Beagle Club and United Beagle Gun Dog Federation, where he held several national leadership positions.

The Persings’ decades of leadership, generosity and commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact on Nappanee and earned them the honor of serving as the Nappanee Apple Festival Grand Marshals.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Homemade for the Holidays program set for Oct. 24 The Elkhart County Extension Homemakers will host “Homemade for the Holidays” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at Maple Hall (the old Home & Family Arts Building) located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

The morning will offer attendees an opportunity to get into the holiday spirit with food tasting, make-and-take activities, craft demonstrations, holiday decorating ideas and time to have fun with friends. A silent auction will also be held.

Registration is $15 for those who register by Wednesday, Oct. 14. The cost is $20 at the door or after Oct. 14, with cash or check accepted. Checks should be made payable to Elkhart County Extension Homemakers.

As part of the event, Extension Clubs will participate in a Snowman Contest. Clubs are invited to create a snowman using any medium, with entries no larger than 12 inches by 18 inches. Entries must be delivered to Weaver by Wednes-

day, Oct. 14. Attendees will vote for their favorite, and the snowman entries will become door prizes.

Donations for the silent auction must also be delivered to Sherry Weaver by Wednesday, Oct. 14.

For a registration form, visit bit. ly/2026holidayprogram, email fink24@purdue.edu, or visit the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Registration forms and payment should be sent to Weaver, 21115 CR 36, Goshen, IN 46526. For questions about the event, contact Weaver at (574) 2087971.

“Homemade for the Holidays” provides an opportunity to gather with friends, enjoy seasonal activities and find inspiration for the upcoming holiday season. We hope to see you there!

If you are in need of accommodations to attend this program, have special dietary needs or need an interpreter or translator, contact Purdue Extension Elkhart County prior to the program at (574) 5330554 or fink24@purdue.edu by Oct. 10.

Dekko Foundation awards $12,000 grant supporting Head Start Kosciusko Head Start, a division of Cardinal Services, has received a $12,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation to support continued use of the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum Cloud platform and Finch assessment tool in all six Head Start classrooms serving local children and families.

The funding will help maintain access to curriculum resources, professional development and assessment tools that enhance classroom instruction and support student growth. The Teaching Strategies platform allows educators to monitor developmental progress, strengthen instructional practices and share information with families about their children’s learning and development.

Through the initiative, Head Start aims to increase teacher use of curriculum resources and assessment tools while improving literacy and language development outcomes for 102 students.

Areas of focus include phonemic

awareness, vocabulary development, decoding and encoding skills, and auditory processing.

“This funding is allowing us to maintain access to high-quality curriculum, professional development, and assessment tools that directly support our teachers and the children we serve,” said Kathryn Fields, director of Head Start/ Early Head Start for Kosciusko County. “We are grateful for this investment in the quality of our Head Start program.”

The grant supports Head Start’s commitment to providing early childhood education that promotes school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families throughout Kosciusko County.

Head Start/Early Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, family support and school readiness services for eligible children and families in Kosciusko County.

Through a whole-child approach, the program helps children develop skills needed for success in school and life.

SYRACUSE EAGLES #3760

2026 EVENTS 16th

17th

18th

21

22

23rd

24th

25th

26th

28

30

5:30-8:00 Burgers 6:30 Trivia st 7:00 Queen of Hearts

5:30-8:00 Wings & More 6:30 Poker

5:30-8:00 Wings & More 6:30 Poker nd 6:00 Aerie Meeting

5:30-8:00 Fish & Chips 7:00-10:00 Chris Cage

th

th

7:00 Queen of Hearts

5:30-8:00 Fish & More

5:30-8:00 Burgers 6:30 Aux. Meeting 6:30 Trivia 4:30-7:00 Shrimp Boil & Wings 7:00-10:00 Worse Case Scenario

5:30-8:00 Burgers 6:30 Trivia

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READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS — Shown are members of the Fall Holiday Program Committee. From left are Kay Stewart, Lisa Honey, Pauline Hostetler, Rosanne Markham and Cheryl Hoffman. Seated is Sherry Weaver. Not pictured are Ramona Huber and Kathy Braid. Photo provided by Elkhart County Purdue Extension.

VALUABLE RESOURCES — Shown from left are KLA cadet Pastor Michael Poorman of Mission Point Community Church; Heather Harwood of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation; Dr. Nate Bosch of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams; and KLA cadet Madison Crave of Cardinal Services following the Kosciusko Leadership Academy’s “Protecting Our Water Resources” session. Photo provided by the Kosciusko Leadership Academy.

KLA cadets explore efforts to protect county’s water resources The Kosciusko Leadership Academy continued its 2026-27 program with a session focused on protecting local water resources at the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College in Winona Lake.

With more than 100 lakes throughout Kosciusko County, protecting local water resources plays an important role in the county’s quality of life, recreation and communities. During the session, cadets learned about local efforts to study, protect and preserve these valuable natural resources.

Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, shared information about the health of area lakes and waterways, as well as research and educational efforts underway through the center. Cadets learned about the importance of water quality and how research and data can help communities better under-

stand and care for their lakes.

Cadets also heard from Heather Harwood of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, who discussed the organization’s efforts to preserve water purity and lake health in the Wawasee area.

Harwood highlighted WACF’s ongoing conservation efforts and the role collaboration and community involvement play in protecting local waterways for future generations.

The session gave cadets an

opportunity to learn how local organizations approach water stewardship from different perspectives while working toward the shared goal of protecting one of Kosciusko County’s most important natural resources.

The next KLA session will focus on law enforcement and the judicial system in Kosciusko County. It will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the old courtroom in the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw.

Women’s volleyball league forming in Nappanee The Nappanee Parks Department is forming a women’s volleyball league.

Games will be played from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays from November through April, based on registration numbers.

The fee is $350 per team. The season includes 10 games and a tournament.

Two divisions will be offered: power and recreation.

Register at napppaneeparks. recdesk.com or (574) 773-8585.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

9

FA L L H M E I M P R V E M E N T

Ducted Or Ductless: Improve home comfort with an all-climate heat pump Feature Impact - Making your home a comfortable, welcoming place starts with the choices you make about heating and cooling it.

If you’re looking to upgrade your system, it may not require a complete overhaul of your existing HVAC setup to add a modern heat pump. Ducted heat pumps can often be installed using a home’s existing ducts - and in some cases, it might make sense to combine ducted and ductless equipment. It all depends on the needs of your space.

To figure out what factors you should take into account while planning your HVAC system revamp, consider this guidance from the heating and cooling experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, leading providers of all-electric, all-climate heat pumps in the U.S. How Heat Pumps Can Work With Existing Duct Work Similar to traditional HVAC systems, ducted heat pumps are designed to distribute conditioned air through duct work.

Therefore, if your home is already set up with a usable duct system, adding a heat pump and air handler could allow you to heat and cool your home more efficiently and comfortably. Depending on the condition, size and layout of your duct work, you may just need minor modifications during the installation process.

Getting a professional home assessment with a qualified HVAC contractor can help you evaluate your options. Because no two spaces are the same, they will assess the design and condition of your existing system, evaluate whether it can support a modern heat pump and identify other potential opportunities for improvement.

Why You Can’t Use The Same HVAC Approach For Every Home Every home is different, so there’s no such thing as a onesize-fits-all HVAC solution. If you

have certain rooms that consistently make you shiver or sweat when you walk into them - no matter how comfortable the rest of the house is - that’s probably a space your ducted system isn’t equipped to reach on its own.

Commonly, these are additions that weren’t included in the original HVAC design, rooms at the end of long duct runs or areas of the home with different airflow and insulation conditions. Finished basements, for instance, often stay naturally colder than the rest of the home since heat rises and basement walls are cooled by the surrounding earth.

Converted attics or bonus rooms above garages, meanwhile, can become extra hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Sun rooms and rooms with large amounts of glass are typically less insulated and experience extreme temperature shifts.

When To Combine Ducted And Ductless Systems A combined approach may make sense when you have spaces with different heating and cooling needs. By leveraging existing duct work in the main areas of your home, you can install a ducted heat pump to keep your most-used living spaces comfortable without extensively reconfiguring your HVAC setup.

Spaces outside the main zones can be more difficult to keep climate-controlled using ducted systems alone. Additions, sun rooms, finished basements and converted attics or garages are good places to add ductless indoor units to help manage temperatures.

Combine ducted and ductless solutions in a sustainable way by choosing energy-efficient models like Mitsubishi Electric’s all-electric, all-climate heat pumps. Integrate a ducted air handler into your existing whole-home system to control the bulk of heating and cooling, then install wall-mounted ductless units as needed to provide targeted, on-demand comfort in areas that are more difficult to heat or cool. The heat pumps are designed for high performance in

COMBINING SYSTEMS — A combined ducted and ductless system can help you maintain more consistent temperatures throughout your home. Photo provided by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US. a wide range of temperatures and conditions while remaining quiet, adaptable and energy efficient.

Benefits Of Combining HVAC System Types If you have a house where it feels like some rooms are always too hot or too cold, a combined ducted and ductless system can

help you maintain more consistent temperatures throughout your home. They also give you more control over temperatures in different spaces, since you can adjust individual units rather than changing a single thermostat. Plus, if you know your home needs HVAC upgrades, choosing

a combined system means you can make those changes with minimal disruptions to your existing setup, saving you time and money.

Learn more about all-electric ducted and ductless heat pump systems at MitsubishiComfort. com.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

FA L L H M E I M P R V E M E N T Going Beyond Aesthetics: 7 home design trends for 2026

HANDLING ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS — Battery Tech in Millersburg definitely has what you need when it comes to batteries. If you need a special battery, Battery Tech will get it, if it isn’t already in stock.

Battery Tech is located at 503 Carriage Lane, Millersburg. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Photo by Susan Stump.

Feature Impact - Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year.

More than just aesthetics, these trends are warm, intentional and rooted in real life.

Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.

Warm, Earthy Palettes This year, say goodbye to whites and cool grays. Instead, cozy earth tones like clay, sage, caramel and rich neutrals create a grounded, inviting atmosphere.

Refresh walls or cabinetry with these earthy hues or try color-drenching – using a single hue in varying tones across walls,

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WARM, INTENTIONAL AND REAL LIFE — When refreshing a room consider ideas that feel timeless and fresh with color, shapes, nostalgia, flexible spaces and more. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock. trim and ceilings – for a bold new vibe that feels both timeless and modern.

Flowing, Curved Shapes As homes trend more toward feeling lived-in rather than staged, hard edges and rigid forms are taking a backseat. In 2026, curves are everywhere: soft archways, rounded furniture and curved statement pieces think circular mirrors or oversized armchairs - create fluid, comforting spaces.

Natural Materials And Textures Designs this year celebrate materials that age beautifully, like natural stone, reclaimed wood and textiles that tell a story. Consider woven pillows and throws, handmade pottery, textured walls and wood with visible grain to enrich rooms with sensory detail and an artisanal feel.

Personalized Nostalgia Blend vintage finds with contemporary art to create a space that’s truly your own. That means vintage finds, heirloom pieces and decor that evokes memory – even quilted textiles or classic checkered tiles – styled in fresh, modern ways to add warmth and individuality.

Attention To Statement Details Small details are getting big attention this year. Swapping out basic cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures for artisanal, tactile metals can help elevate kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, turning them into design statements.

Flexible, Multifunctional Spaces With hybrid work and lifestyle blending continuing into 2026, rooms should be designed to serve multiple purposes. Reading nooks can double as workstations. Living rooms effortlessly transition from day to night.

Adaptable furniture, hidden storage and smart layouts help make multifunctional spaces feel intentional and uncluttered.

Outdoor-Inspired Interiors The connection to nature grows stronger inside homes with greenery, natural light and materials that echo the outdoors.

From indoor-outdoor flow to plant-rich spaces that feel alive and tranquil, biophilic design promotes calm, comfort and connection.

Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more design inspiration to make your home more personal and grounded in comfort.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

11

FA L L H M E I M P R V E M E N T

Debunking common myths about metal roofs StatePoint - Shopping for a new roof but unsure if metal is the right material for your home?

Metal roofing is tougher, safer and longer-lasting than asphalt, with an expected lifespan of more than 50 years. Additionally, metal roof systems offer energy cost savings, withstand extreme weather, and boost resale value.

Despite these benefits, lingering myths sometimes prevent homeowners from opting for metal roofs.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about metal roofs to help you sort fact from fiction: Can you walk on a metal roof?

Tin roofs that bend, buckle or crumple are a thing of the past. Whether cleaning gutters, picking up storm debris or fetching a lost kite, you can do so on a high-quality metal roof. For example, ProVia shake, slate and barrel tile metal roofing is made with strong 26-gauge galvanized steel. Just be sure to ask your contractor or manufacturer where and how to walk on the roof and never do so when it is wet or extremely dusty.

Is metal roofing heavy? Metal panel roofing systems are heavy duty, not heavyweight, giving you the added strength of steel without

added weight. The average persquare weight for an asphalt shingle roof is 240-270 pounds, and for slate is 800-1500 pounds. By contrast, a metal roof system is much lighter, coming in at a per-squareweight of only 108 pounds.

Do metal roofs attract lightning?

Metal is actually one of the best materials to have if your home were struck by lightning, working to disperse energy safely through the home’s structure rather than allowing it to penetrate or spontaneously ignite or shock. And metal is noncombustible, so if lightning does hit, a metal roof will not catch fire.

Are metal roofs noisy when it rains? In residential structures, roofing is part of a complete system that includes attic space, the roof deck, underlayment materials that prevent moisture, and interior insulation, all of which absorb sound.

When installed properly, a metal roofing system should be as quiet as any other roofing material.

Are metal roofs easily dented by hail? Metal roofs are well-known for being much more durable than other roofing materials, especially asphalt. In fact, in many areas where extreme weather can occur, metal roofs are the better choice for

homes, so much so that many insurance companies offer price breaks for metal roof systems.

Do metal roofs attract heat? Metal roofs release solar heat much more quickly than asphalt roofs, which absorb heat with their petroleum and granular composition.

ProVia metal roofing reduces the heat load of your house, providing up to 30% energy savings.

Do metal roofs impact cell reception? Metal roofing allows radio signals to pass through with little disruption and is no different in this regard to other common building materials like brick or concrete.

Do metal roofs rust? Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and water, causing oxidation that deteriorates the metal. That’s why ProVia metal roofing panels are treated with 11 total layers of anti-corrosive coating that prevent moisture from reaching the metal, ensuring each panel is protected.

To learn more about the benefits of metal roofing, visit provia.com.

“Don’t let misinformation deter you from selecting your next roof wisely. Metal roofing is durable, beautiful and safe,” says Chance Shalosky, ProVia Metal Roofing product manager.

CASEY’S EROSION RECEIVES AWARD — Casey’s Erosion and Seed has everything you need to get your yard in great shape this spring.

Casey’s rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction will have you coming back time and time again.

Hustler Turf Equipment awarded Casey’s Erosino and Seed second place for growth out of more than 1,400 locations nationwide for 2025 (including multi-location dealers). Stop by and see why Casey’s is so special.

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12

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

OBituary Jerry D. Parker

Jerry D. “JP” Parker, 82, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Bradenton, Fla. He was born Sept. 22, 1943. On Jan. 29, 1965, he married Rosemary Ring.

Jerry leaves behind his wife, Rosemary; son, Scott Parker; and granddaughter, Hannah Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Clara Parker; and his daughter, Sherry Parker.

A public celebration of life will be held for family and friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the community room at Miller’s Merry Manor, 1630 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw.

Do-it-Yourself Repairs: As American as apple pie StatePoint - For 250 years, generations of fixers have passed down a very American tradition: don’t replace it, repair it. With crisp fall weather here, families across the country will be putting their weekends to work - together.

New research from Duck brand, maker of Duck Tape brand duct tape, finds that 87% of Americans say their family philosophy is rooted in resourcefulness - the belief that most things can be fixed with the right tools and know-how. In fact, when asked which phrase sounds most like their family, the top answer (29%) was simple: “We can totally fix this.”

The do-it-yourself habit is inherited. Seven in 10 say that

watching or assisting a family member with home repairs during childhood shaped how they approach fixing things today, and 63% say a parent was the go-to problem solver around the house. Nearly half (47%) credit Dad for teaching them how to make repairs, but the survey says that he’s also most likely to turn a simple fix into an all-day affair (30%).

From yard work to seasonal decorating, 58% work on DIY and repair projects with family members at least once a month.

It’s not just about getting the job done, either - 76% say it was a repair project that brought them closer to a family member in the first place.

DIY and duct tape are as

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American as apple pie. Ninety-three percent of Americans have purchased duct tape in the past two years and with generations of know-how on their side, 98% report using duct tape as a trusted repair tool. Once duct tape is on the job, it tends to stay there. One in five Americans admit a “temporary” duct tape fix became a permanent one.

“Whether it’s a parent passing down their toolbox or a quick solution that turns into a forever fix, repair has always been part of how American families take care of each other,” said Kerry Haugh, director of Product Marketing, Duct Tapes at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand.

“We see that spirit every day—

the confidence that ‘we can totally fix this.’ That’s why, as DIY projects evolve, we’re committed to creating tough, reliable and cost-effective tools for every repair.”

Whatever your fall DIY weekends bring, you can use Duck Max Strength Brand Duct Tape, an easy-to-tear tape that’s tough enough for every repair, and Color Duck Tape, a heavy-duty tape for discreet and aesthetic fixes.

For more DIY inspiration, visit duckbrand.com/home-and-diy/ home-diy.

Family fixes are a cherished American tradition. This fall, embrace the DIY spirit and get equipped with tough, cost-effective tools that get the job done right.

Births Ranae Diane Hochstetler

Eric and Kaylene (Stutzman) Hochstetler, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Ranae Diane, born at 6:50 p.m. Sept. 4, 2026, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee.

She weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 17 1/2 inches long.

Abram Wayne Fry

Keith and Loretta Fry are the parents of a son, Abram Wayne, born at 4:56 a.m. Sept. 9, 2026, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee.

He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

13

County RepoRt Court News Small Claims

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Snow & Sauerteig LLP v. Amanda Boone, $6,757.02; v. Alexis Brazo, $521.35 Virginia Durik, $7,180.39; v. Desiree England, $9,363.47; v. Belinda Pruitt, $941.38; v. Ajah Randall, $3,896.35; v. Levi Skeens, $6,276.14; v. Christina Sliter, $1,036.05; v. Kaitlin Steele, $850.74; v. Bunny Summerland, $5,671.31 IOM Health System LP v. Elizabeth May, $2,166.03 Lutheran Musculoskeletal Center LLC v. Michelle Shenefield, $3,971.44

Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding: Midland Credit Management Inc. v. Jami Arend, $1,555.23; v. Nathan J. Bute, $1,704.89; v. Tina Huber, $2,289.96; v. Jeremy S. Olmstead, $2,602.74 Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Kurt Carter, $12,257.29; v. Michael Curtis, $5,495.36; v. Ian Mounts, $13,528.10 Capital One NA, successor by merger to Discover Bank v. Tony C. Caudill, $10,967.66; v. Aliyah Lindsey, $2,182.35 Ceteris Portfolio Services LLC, a/a/o Gfs II LLC, d/b/a Gateway Financial Solution v. William Clevenger, $11,400.76 NS Financial LLC v. Brande M. Edington, Tyrese Walker, $22,141.70 Interra Credit Union v. Lori A. Edwards, $4,977.68 Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Michael T. Fulford, $3,600.11; v.

Kortney Groves, $3,480.19; v. Jared M. Trowbridge, $2,474.76 Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Desmond J. Hudson, $25,270.23 Western Funding Inc. v. Kristi Loftis, Aaron McDaniel, $11,203.37 LVNV Funding LLC v. Santana McCrum, $1,294.15 Stone Creek Financial Inc. v. Paige Miller, $29,298.86 Capital One NA v. Marta A. Murillo, $1,575.95 First Financial Bank NA v. Kelly J. Nissley, $11,441.06 Velocity Investments LLC v. Lidia N. Perez Soriano, $5,573.33 Denali Capital LLC v. Brandon Quinn, $2,142.07 Cavalry SPV I LLC v. Randall L. Seabolt, $4,419.84 Bank of America NA v. Sara M. Strahan-Lenfestey, $1,997.87

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Dustin Keesbury v. Jordan Swain, $4,243.63 Lakeview Mobile Home Park Inc. v.

Hanna Oliver, $1,961

Superior Court III

The following fines and costs for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding - Alyssa J. Blocher, North Manchester, $164.50; Jordan S. Frederick, Nappanee, $164.50; Carson R. Sudlow, Warsaw, $164.50; Mercedes L. Miller, Warsaw, $164.50 Address or name change viola-

tion - Chelsea A. Watkins, Bremen, $164.50 Operating an off-road vehicle on a public highway - James S. Emslander, Warsaw, $164.50 Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises - Rae E. Stutzman, Claypool, $75 (three violations) Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility Austin J. Newsome, Mentone, $189.50 Failure of occupant to use a safety belt - Amber N. Hale, Warsaw, $25; Kylie R. Baugher, Claypool, $25; Jose E. Perez Urdaneta, Warsaw, $25; Jesus E. Perez Lopez, Warsaw, $25; Tina D. Stapleton, Warsaw, $25; Andrew A. Cerda, Warsaw, $25 Failure to register - Aaron J. Lewis, Warsaw, $164.50 Operating with expired plates Ryan D. Roth, Warsaw, $164 Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility, speeding, failure to register - Flora I. Cristen-Valeria, North Manchester, $239.50 No valid driver’s license - Isaiah Robert Papenbrock, Cromwell, $164.50 Learner’s permit violation, speeding - Kylie R. Baugher, Claypool, $189.50 Registration and display of registration violation, no valid driver’s license - Ryan K. Kirksey, Silver Lake, $189.50 Unlawful possession of tobacco product - Gavin T. Rice, Warsaw, $164 No operator’s license in possession - Bradley E. Barnes, Claypool, $164.50 Speeding, no operator’s license in possession - Yara M. Vazquez Juarez, Warsaw, $189.50; Adrian S. Vaughn, Bremen, $189.50 Driving while suspended, operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility - Uvaldo Gutierrez-Aca, Claypool, $239.50 Child restraint system violation, failure of occupant to use a safety belt - Sabastion G. Salinas, Warsaw, $50 Driving left of center - Jason Rangel, Syracuse, $164.50 Driving while suspended Crystal D. Waters, Leesburg, $164.50 Improper display of license plate - Joshua C. Pelfrey, Warsaw, $164 Unlawful stopping/standing/ parking of vehicle between safety zone and adjacent curb - Larry J. Patrick, Warsaw, $164 Hunting wild animals, fishing or trapping without a license Damien J. Gibson, Warsaw, $164 Failure to register an off-road vehicle - Jayden D. Elliott, Syracuse, $164 Speeding, unlawful possession of tobacco product, no valid driver’s license - Zaxary S. Wallace, Cromwell, $214.50

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

Horn-Galloway

Kylie Horn, 24, Syracuse, and Nathan Galloway, 26, Syracuse

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Landon Joseph Schmitt, 23, Toledo, Ohio, and Taren Ann Yates, 23, Etna Green

Lindsey Mikayla Stout, 29, Goshen, and Zachary Glen Kropf, 30, Syracuse Amy L. Mullins, 44, Warsaw, and Robert M. Bowling, 35, Warsaw

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Edwards-Dorothy

Victoria Josefina Vazquez-Hernandez, 28, Cromwell, and Elijah Michael Solina, 29, Milford

Slone-Howard

Kara Maree Weeks, 26, Warsaw, and Zane Corwin Reed, 26, Warsaw

Dene Absher, 33, Warsaw, and Trey Bowman, 33, Warsaw Mia Edwards, 22, Marion, and Emmett Dorothy, 20, Leesburg Bailee Jo Slone, 20, Winona Lake, and Gage Alexander Howard, 23, Winona Lake

Lancaster-Beard

James Gordon Lancaster, 57, Winona Lake, and Emily Elizabeth Beard, 40, Columbia City

Weeks-Reed

Miller-Carlin

Henry Miller Jr., 63, Warsaw, and Sherri Suzanne Carlin, 57, Pierceton

Holloway-Bradley

Monica L. Holloway, 35, Warsaw, and Dennis E. Bradley, 37, Warsaw

Smith-Claveria

Mejia Juarez-Velazquez Cuazitl

Jesse Smith, 50, Pierceton, and Cathyrine Claveria, 38, Pierceton

Kauffman-Yoder

Nicole Dawn Bolesky, 30, Pierceton, and Matthew Evan Barfell, 36, Pierceton

Juan Carlos Mejia Juarez, 20, Warsaw, and Keliah Velazquez Cuazitl, 25, Warsaw David L. Kauffman, 28, Nappanee, and Treva Mae Yoder, 29, Etna Green

Prater-Bradberry

Tarah R. Prater, 40, Warsaw, and Brian R. Bradberry, 27, Warsaw

Riley-Bresnahan

Mackenzie Riley, 30, Warsaw, and Connor Bresnahan, 31, Warsaw

Bradley-Trittipo

Leilyn Denise Bradley, 21, Syracuse, and Alexander Chase Trittipo, 21, Syracuse

Saunders-Henderson

Ashley N. Saunders, 42, Claypool, and Timothy E. Henderson, 45, Auburn

Ingold-Knepper

Madeline Christine Ingold, 23,

Bolesky-Barfell

Marriage Dissolutions The following couples have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I or IV: Friedberg - Benjamin Friedberg, Warsaw, and Brooke Friedberg, Warsaw. They were married June 5, 2004; separated Sept. 3, 2026. Three minor children.

Fribley - Brandi Fribley, Milford, and Kerry Fribley, Syracuse. Minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Caverley-Barnett - Andrew

L. Caverley, Warsaw, and Whitney Robin Barnett, Fort Wayne. Minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Carter - Matthew Carter, Syracuse, and Melissa Carter, Cincinnati. No minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Gest - Cassi Gest, Warsaw, and Mathew Gest, Warsaw. Minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Heishman - Angelica Heishman, Mentone, and Christian Heishman, Mentone. Minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Wulitich - Logan Wulitich, Winona Lake, and Leanne Wulitich, Brighton, East Sussex, U.K. They were married Oct. 9, 2019; separated June 13, 2023. No minor child(ren).

Harney - Jonathan Harney, Warsaw, and Sabrina Harney, Warsaw.

They were married May 16, 2013, and separated Dec. 25, 2019. No minor child(ren).

Pena - Natasha Pena, Warsaw, and Shane Pena, Akron. No minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Breidert-Paez - Shasta Nichole Breidert, Warsaw, and Ernest Paez, Warsaw. No minor child(ren). No additional information was available.

Fruit-Jacquay - Katie Fruit, Pierceton, and Earl Jacquay Jr., Warsaw. They were married Aug. 4, 2013; separated March 5, 2024. One minor child.

Munoz-Carroll - Cesar Munoz, Warsaw, and Shelby Carroll, Warsaw. They were married Sept. 18, 2021; separated Dec. 18, 2024. One minor child.

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www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BUYER BEWARE The Papers Incorporated cannot screen all advertisements to eliminate possibilities of fraud or misleading information. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Persons responding to ads are advised to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area or the Indiana Secretary of State’s Fraud Hotline before sending any money.

1-800-223-8791

Garage Sales

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINES

Please take the time to make sure your classified ad is correct.

The Papers Incorporated will not be responsible for errors in ads after the first publication.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’

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Public Auctions Public Auction 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Located at 2228 Dierdorff Road, Goshen.

Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandacution.com.

Online Only Commercial Real Estate Auction 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

Property located at 502 N. Huntington St., Syracuse. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandacution. com.

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Thwaits Online Personal Property Auction 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Pickup at 502 N. Huntington St., Syracuse. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandacution.com.

Online Real Estate Auction 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Open house 5:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

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Roberts Personal Property Auction Noon Friday, Sept. 25. Located at 58179 CR 19, Goshen. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandacution. com.

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Kline Public Auction 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Located at 904 Miami Trail, Bremen.

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16

www.the-papers.com — ‘the PAPER’ — Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Grace College receives ultrasound machines Grace College recently received two diagnostic ultrasound machines from Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital for its medical imaging program.

The donation will allow Grace to add exam tables and related equipment to accommodate the program’s growing number of students.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation that allows us to expand our Scan Lab availability,” said Thomas Wallin, medical imaging clinical coordinator at Grace College, who has more than 40 years of medical imaging experience. “In conjunction with our partners at John Patrick University, we have secured the services of a registered ultrasound technologist to offer expanded lab hours.

One technologist can oversee and coach as many as three students simultaneously as they practice scanning live volunteer ‘patients.’”

Grace’s program emphasizes hands-on experience and requires medical imaging majors to complete numerous clinical experiences while in school. Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital is one of several hospital systems with which Grace College and John Patrick University have relationships, including locations in California, New York and Florida.

“Investing in the hands-on education of future health care professionals is a win for our entire region,” said Perry Gay, CEO of Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital.

“We are thrilled to provide Grace College with equipment that directly enhances student training, strengthening our local health

care workforce and the care delivered to our community.”

The program’s emphasis on hands-on training is reflected in its outcomes, with more than 85% of graduates placed in hospitals.

Brooklyn Adkins, Grace’s sonography lab instructor, said the additional equipment will give students more opportunities to practice.

“Having additional machines will provide more lab time and hands-on training as students practice scanning with one another,” Adkins said. “This additional experience will help them strengthen their skills, build confidence and feel better prepared to care for patients at their clinical sites.”

Current senior medical imag-

ing student Olivia Thacker said the equipment will be particularly valuable for students just beginning the program.

“These machines will have such a huge impact on students, especially the students who are just beginning,” Thacker said. “The ability for new students to be hands-on with actual machines will help them excel more quickly and give them the knowledge they need as they enter their clinical sites.”

Grace College’s medical imaging major offers three concentrations: nuclear medicine, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

More information about Grace’s medical imaging programs is available at grace.edu/academics/ majors.

ULTRASOUND MACHINE — Thomas Wallin, left, medical imaging clinical coordinator at Grace College, demonstrates a diagnostic ultrasound machine to student Lizzy West. Grace received two machines from Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital for its medical imaging program. Photo provided by Grace College.

Horse owners urged to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases

By KATHRYN JENNINGS Extension Professional Agriculture & Natural Resources, Animal Production Purdue Extension Elkhart County Horse owners are encouraged to take extra precautions as mosquito activity remains high and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases increases. The recent confirmation of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, commonly known as Triple E, in a horse in Michigan serves as an important reminder for horse owners throughout the region to remain vigilant.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a serious viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While horses are par-

ticularly susceptible to the disease, EEE is also zoonotic, meaning humans and other animals can become infected through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses and humans do not directly transmit the disease to one another; rather, mosquitoes serve as the primary vector for transmission.

The disease can have severe consequences. In humans, EEE has been associated with a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent, while the fatality rate in horses is also high. Animals and people that survive the disease may experience lasting neurological complications.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses is to limit exposure to mosquito bites. Horse owners and livestock producers can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water around barns, pastures, and other animal housing areas.

Water buckets, troughs and other containers should be emptied, cleaned and refreshed regularly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Additional prevention strategies include using animal-safe insect repellents according to label directions, utilizing fans in barns or other high-traffic livestock areas to discourage mosquito activity, and keeping animals indoors during peak mosquito activity periods, particularly during the evening and overnight hours.

Horse owners should also remain alert for signs of illness associated with EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases. Symptoms may include fever, loss of coordination, circling, difficulty walking, muscle twitching, unusual behavior, seizures and other neurological abnormalities.

Vaccination is another important component of protecting horses against mosquito-borne diseas-

es. Horse owners are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian regarding appropriate vaccination protocols. Horses that did not receive their routine vaccinations in the spring should be vaccinated as soon as possible. However, owners should be aware that vaccines are not immediately effective, and it may take approximately one to two weeks for a horse to develop adequate protection following vaccination.

If a horse begins displaying concerning symptoms, owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. Early recognition of illness and prompt veterinary attention are important when dealing with potentially serious mosquito-borne diseases.

As mosquito season continues, proactive management, vaccination and mosquito prevention remain essential tools for protecting the health of horses, livestock and people.

Cover crop seed available for gardeners

By MARK EVANS Extension Professional ANR Regional Extension Educator-Field Crops Purdue Extension, Elkhart County

Call 574-544-6216 to schedule your free quote today!

Purdue Extension Elkhart County invites gardeners to contact the Extension Office to obtain cover crop seed to try out in their flower or vegetable garden.

Seed has been measured out into sandwich bags and is free of charge while supplies last.

The area to be covered with each seed sample is set to roughly 100 square feet, which would be a 10 by 10-foot or 5 by 20-foot area.

You might ask why cover crops? Great question. Cover crops can suppress weeds, and they help hold nutrients in place, fight soil compaction, and improve soil health through multiple means. Four primary principles of soil health are to 1) minimize soil disturbance while maximizing 2) soil cove, 3) biodiversity and 4) maintaining continuous living roots. Cover crops help with soil cover, and, depending on species selection, provide biodiversity or invite biodiversity with symbiotic relationships and, maybe most importantly, maintain continuous living roots.

Will cover crops be in my way or a problem next year? Do I have to use herbicides to kill them? This all depends on the

COVER CROP SEED AVAILABLE —Shown is Cereal rye and crimson clover cover crop in May 2026 growing in St. Joe County.

Free cover crop seed is now available to gardeners at the Elkhart County Extension Office. Photo provided by Mark Evans. cover crop species that are selected. Oats, Daikon radish, and buckwheat will all winter kill from seasonal cold, while cereal rye and triticale will not winter kill and would need to either be roller crimped or sprayed with a herbicide to terminate them the following spring to plant into the cover crop without disturbing soil, or else tilled. Crimson clover may or may not winter kill.

Many cover crop species may be broadcast onto the surface now to become established in existing garden stands. One exception is

crimson clover, which should be scratched in for good seed-to-soil contact for a good stand. For more information about using cover crops in the garden, visit this link to Purdue’s HO-324-W-A, entitled “Cover Crops in the Home Garden,” to learn what is best for your situation. Seed available currently is cereal rye and triticale, which do not winter kill, and Daikon radish, buckwheat and oats. Crimson clover is also available, which may or may not winter kill in our area, depending on the winter.