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September 02, 2010

BABE photo contest nets more than $2800

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, photos of local babies were on display during the Whitley County BABE program's photo contest at the Whitley County 4-H Fair in July.

From reports


During the Whitley County 4-H Fair, the BABE program raised $2,800.20 with their annual baby photo contest.
Winners were as follows:
First Place: Tyler Hoskins
Second Place: Megan Walberg
Third Place: Jaxson Mishler
Fourth Place: Ava Mishler
Fifth Place: Charlotte Cormany

American Idol's Chris Sligh performing free show in Columbia City tonight

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

If you're an American Idol fan -- and watched the sixth season of the show -- you may be familiar with the name Chris Sligh.
Sligh, a Christian recording artist, will be performing a free show in Columbia City this evening at First Church of God at 7 p.m.
Sligh will perform alongside Chris August and MikesChair.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the show.

Wholistic Health Fair is October 2 at CCUMC

Columbia City United Methodist Church is hosting their third annual Wholistic Health Fair for the body, mind and spirit on October 2 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The fair will be held at the church, 605, North Forest Parkway in Columbia City. The community is invited to attend.
There will be blood profile screens (12 hour fasting required) blood pressure checks, flu shots, age-related macular degeneration screens, glaucoma screens, advance directive information and the "brain game" memory testing. Additionally, there will be information available about Alzheimer's, Eniva, pastoral counseling, skin/melanoma screens and much more. Bring an item to donate to BABE.
Refreshments will be served. It is a free fair except for the flu shot which are $25 each or free to those on Medicare persons (bring your card). There is also a charge for blood profiles.
For more information, call Columbia City United Methodist Church at 244-7671.

September 01, 2010

Native American traditional plant usage to be discussed at museum's Second Sunday program

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Dani Tippmann, below, an expert on Miami culture and the director of the Whitley County Historical Museum, will present a program on Native American plant usage during the upcoming Second Sunday program at the museum.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

On Sunday, September 12, the Whitley County Historical Society's monthly Second Sunday program will feature Dani Tippmann.
In addition to being the Whitley County Historical Museum's director, Tippmann is also a leading expert on the Native American Miami culture.
The program will begin at 2 p.m. and will feature a discussion about Native American's traditional plant usage.
The Second Sunday program are offered free of charge and the community is invited to attend. The program will be held in the Annex Building of the Whitley County Historical Museum at 108 West Jefferson Street, Columbia City.

Grand opening of Pink boutique set for September 9 in Columbia City

(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a line of unique purses awaits boutique shoppers at the newly opened Pink in Columbia City. Below, the sign above Pink. The boutique opened in August, but will have their formal grand opening on September 9 at 11:30 a.m.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano


Get ready to make a fashion statement this fall with a few new accessories.
If you're looking for something a little different, a little unique -- plan to attend the formal grand opening of Pink, a boutique on Columbia City's north side.
The grand opening is planned for September 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the boutique which features an assortment of clothing, purses, jewelry and other accessories.
Owner Adela Martinez Byers plans to continue adding to the store's ever-changing inventory, bringing in unique and often one-of-a-kind items customers won't be able to find anywhere else in Whitley County. Clothing is available in juniors, womens and plus sizes.
A 15% off sale is planned to coincide with the grand opening for anyone who makes a purchase during the event.
Pink is located at 1080 Spartan Drive, near The Dock and East of Chicago Pizza, just west of SR 9 in northern Columbia City.
A Pink Fashion Show is planned for September 19 at 3 p.m. at Portside in Tri Lakes featuring items from the boutique. Swag bags will be presented to those in attendance.
The boutique is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Senior-centric businesses and services will be featured at 4th annual Senior Expo

Article provided

More than 30 area businesses that provide services to seniors in Whitley County will be in attendance at the upcoming Senior Expo on Saturday, September 11.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home in Columbia City.
Now in its fourth year, the free event will feature a number of helpful booths for seniors, including Kroger Pharmacy's “Ask the Pharmacist” booth. Additionally, the Social Security Administration will have a representative on hand along with financial planners and medical care providers. Seniors may review housing options available in Whitley County or have blood pressure screenings. Parkview Whitley Hospital will be providing blood screening for a $20 fee. Many other businesses that help seniors or their caregivers in the community will be present for the morning as well.  
In addition to access to services and vendors, seniors can look forward to great entertainment as well. By Chance Bluegrass and Gospel will perform from 9 to 10 a.m., the Whitko Gospel Choir will perform from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and the Red Hat Strutters Line Dancing group will perform at 11 a.m.  
Refreshments, including hot sandwiches, will be provided. Attendees will be entered for a chance to win several raffle prizes for $25 gas cards and other terrific prizes.
The event is underwritten annually by DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home to bring together seniors in Whitley County and unite them with those that provide services to them.

Local tooling company develops their own app to aid existing and future customer base

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Matt Dahms, above, president of Oak View Tooling Inc. in Columbia City demonstrates the new app his company launched Tuesday. The app is now available in Apple's App Store and helps existing and future customers determine correct feed rates and RPMs to run tools on customers' materials.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano


Just in time for their debut at a major regional orthopedic show in Fort Wayne, Whitley County's Oak View Tooling, Inc. came out with their own wigit -- showing they are, indeed, on the cutting edge of their industry.
The company has created their own free app (application) and launched it in Apple's App Store. From an iPod or an iPad, potential or existing customers can go to the app store, search for "Oak View Tool." Once loaded, the app can be used for a variety of helpful purposes.
"We have also included a built-in feeds and speeds calculator," said Matthew Dahms, president of Oak View Tooling, Inc. on Tuesday.  "This calculator helps determine the correct feed rates and RPMs to run our tools in the customer’s materials."
"As far as I know, we are one of the first or the very first cutting tool manufacturer to offer an app," said Dahms.
Oak View Tooling, Inc. is located at 724 East Swihart Street in Columbia City.
Oak View Tooling, Inc. will exhibit at the fifth annual Orthopedic Design & Technology (ODT) conference and exhibition September 22-23 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. They invite interested companies to visit them at booth 310.

YMCA helping residents improve mind, body and spirit with Financial Peace course

Article provided

The Whitley County YMCA will be holding a Financial Peace University class.
The 13-week course that will set adults and teenagers (accompanied by a parent), on the path to becoming debt free and building wealth. It is a fun class that teaches the necessary, yet difficult steps, for those who are tired of receiving calls from creditors, living paycheck to paycheck, have nothing to show for their hard work though their lives, and/or just don't know how to handle their money & finances.
This is also a good class for those who are financially stable, but who want to make good financial decisions moving forward.
Columbia City resident Ryan Carper will be coordinating the class, taught by Dave Ramsey, teaching his principals of financial freedom. The class will meet once a week for two hours. Class are planned for Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 pm, starting September 21.
There is a 'no obligation' preview of the class on Tuesday, September 14 starting at 6 p.m. The only cost, yet to established (will be between $99 to $129), for the class is the materials needed. Those materials include the Financial Peace Revisited hardback book, the workbook to follow along with each lesson, a leather-bound set of the class on CD, access to their website for helpful tips and tools, and it also includes a life time membership to Financial Peace University.   For more information, contact the YMCA or Ryan Carper at rcarper16@hotmail.com

August 31, 2010

Well Watered!

(Talk of the Town photo by Sarah Schmitt)
Talk about 'Dog Days of Summer' -- it's hot out there! One-year-old twins Thomas and William Schmitt, from left above, are taking the advice about "keeping hydrated" seriously this afternoon. According to their mother, the boys seemed to be very entertained, remained cool and "well watered" by the sprinkler in the yard this afternoon. These two are growing like weeds too -- they'll be two in September.

Cougar sighting reported near Tri Lakes last week

From reports

According to our Whitley News Network partners, BuscoVoice.com, an alleged cougar sighting was reported on August 22 at Tri Lakes.
Max and Linda Zimmerman, along with two relatives, reported seeing an adult cougar drink from the water's edge at Big Cedar Lake's east basin at approximately 5 p.m. on August 21.
BuscoVoice.com provided Zimmerman's initial report as follows:
“My husband, Max, and two first cousins sighted an adult cougar on the north shore of Big Cedar Lake in the East Basin approximately 5 p.m. today (Aug. 21, 2010). We have alerted the Whitley County Sheriff Department, as well as neighbors adjoining the area of the sighting. This sighting was a very clear, close range sighting of the cougar as it drank from the water’s edge and immediately bolted into brush and disappeared as we were approaching with our pontoon dead on.
“One neighbor had heard ’something wild’ last night outside, but didn’t know what it was. Cougars don’t often attack humans, but they can and sometimes do. Pets, I imagine, would be considered fair game for this adult cougar! I can honestly say, we were all surprised at the sighting but all know exactly what we saw … no imagination here."
If you sight what you believe to be a wildcat in or around your neighborhood, call the local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local law enforcement officials.
Have you seen a cougar or heard of one spotted locally? Send us a message at jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com

Four teams ready to rock the ball diamond tonight in YMCA's Corporate Challenge

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

If you're looking for a great way to spend this late summer evening, plan to attend the YMCA Corporate Challenge softball games tonight at Morsches Park in Columbia City.
The double header begins with Builders Mart versus USSI on field #4 at 5:30 p.m. Shindigz will challenge Reel Craft.
John Roy, a member of the Builders Mart team, is among those looking forward to tonight's game -- and to raising funds for the YMCA.
"Local businesses getting together to do things like this is a positive thing for our community," Roy said.

Habitat for Humanity hopes to help struggling families with foreclosure counseling services

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Mary Tobin, the new community relations coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Whitley County, wants residents in need locally to know they don't have to travel outside Whitley County to get help.
In fact, a call to Tobin is all you need to do to find real estate foreclosure prevention counseling locally. Recently, a lot of publicity has been given to Indiana Foreclosure Prevention (IFPN) counseling events offered around the state -- but none of them are being offered anywhere close to Whitley County.
Tobin said the last thing many people already struggling to keep their heads above water is to have to plan a lengthy car trip somewhere to find help.
"We are trying to let people know that they don’t have to make a special trip to surrounding counties on a particular day in order to get assistance from IFPN," Tobin said.
"The local Habitat for Humanity of Whitley County office, at 378-A North Line St. in Columbia City, offers foreclosure prevention counseling to families  in our area in an effort to avoid foreclosure," Tobin said.
Those seeking assistance can call 1-877-GET-HELP or the local number is 248-4500. When calling the local number, ask to speak with Barb.  
"Appointments are preferred so that we can better assist clients, but walk-ins are welcome," Tobin said.
Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman formed IFPN in November 2007 to help combat Indiana’s high foreclosure rates. The partnership between state government, lenders and community organizations seems to be working with more than 75,000 Hoosiers utilizing the service in an effort to avoid foreclosure.
Foreclosure rates in the United States have jump more than 125 percent recently. According to Skillman's office,  largely due to the work of IFPN, the housing crisis has not caused as sharp of an increase in Indiana. Indiana’s rate is currently 4.5% -- which is now slightly lower than the national average 4.57%.

Show your creative side with Flip Flop Workshop & Contest at The Watering Can

(Talk of the Town graphic)

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The days of sunshine and flip flops may be waning, but the Watering Can Florist on the Square hopes to help those flip flop days going a little longer this year.
In observance of the ninth annual Whitley County Autumn Art Festival, business owner Linda Reiling, well-known for her artistic angle, is conducting a creative contest all her own.
Using flip flops as their canvas, local residents are urged to transform a plain pair of the sandals into a artistic statement. Simply create a uniquely decorated pair of flip flops and enter them into the contest at Watering Can Florist on the Square. They will be displayed in the window of her Van Buren Street business where the public can place their votes for their favorite flip flops on Saturday, September 11, during the Whitley County Autumn Art Festival.
Flip flops need to be turned in no later than Tuesday, September 7, at Watering Can Florist on the Square, 118 West Van Buren Street, during store hours.
The creator of the winning pair of flip flops will receive a gift basket filled with prizes from surrounding businesses. The winner will be announced at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, during the art festival.
If you're stumped on what to do with your entry, Reiling is willing to help you out!
This Saturday, September 4, from 10 to 11 a.m., she is hosting a Flip Flop Workshop at the store. At that time, participants will have the opportunity to utilize her ribbons, trims and whimsical appointments to decorate their flip flops. The workshop is $5 per person. To register for the workshop, call 244-2711.

Area man makes it his mission to show appreciation to Northeast Indiana's soldiers

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Below, the crowd stands at attention as the color guard presents the flag during the local Military Appreciation Day festivities in 2007.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano


Rick Stephens is on a one man mission to show his appreciation for those serving in the military -- something he's been hard at work doing for the past eight years.
Stephens, an employee of Northeastern REMC in Whitley County, is planning the eighth annual Military Appreciation Day event on a particularly fitting date this year -- September 11.
Between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight at the Allen County Fairgrounds, Stephens and a group of volunteers have a lot planned. A proclamation from Governor Mitch Daniels will be read, several guest speakers will give addresses and a wide variety of entertainment will take place. The popular Whitley County band Huckleberry Blue will perform along with Deuce, Urban Legend and Dan Nightingale. Other performers will include the Fort Wayne Police Department Bagpipers and the Fort Wayne Area Community Band.
The Parkview Samaritan helicopter will visit and Skydive Fort Wayne will do a demonstration.
The Color Guard from the 1st/293rd Infantry as well as the American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders will also participate.
Members of the Churubusco VFW will be selling pork burgers, grilled chicken, beer and beverages.
Stephens became interested in making a point of regularly thanking servicemen and women for their commitment to their country when his son returned from active duty in Iraq.
"When they came back that year we had a party," he said. "Now, we open it up to all soldiers and veterans. It is for everybody now."
"Every veteran and soldier here in Whitley County is invited to this," said Stephens.
Stephens said he is in awe of their sacrifices and he feels drawn to bringing people together to show appreciation for those who've put their lives on the line. "I just have such a connection with those men and women," he said.
Stephens said the all ages event is free and is meant to show respect for soldiers in Northeast Indiana and beyond.
"We will need about 100 volunteers that day who are willing to hold flags," Stephens said. Flags will be provided, but if you can bring a few more, that would be helpful too.
"This is a neat thing to be part of," he said.
For more information about the event, visit www.militaryappreciationparty.org

Whitko sets meeting to discuss proposed tax levy referendum on September 2

A special meeting of the Whitko Community School Corporation's board of trustees will be held Thursday, September 2, at 6 p.m. in the Whitko Administration Office in Pierceton.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed tax levy referendum put forth by the Whitko Community School Corporation. Additionally, they hope to answer questions and take comments from the public.

Faith Christian Academy began 17th year of faith-based education last week

Article provided

Faith Christian Academy began its 17th year of classes in Whitley County last week.  
FCA is Whitley County’s only interdenominational Christian school and begins this year with 41 total students in preschool through eight grade.  
The staff is the same as last year, with one exception -- Mrs. Jean Graham has returned to Haiti with her husband to resume work as missionaries.  Mrs. Lisa Shivley begins her 10th year as the preschool teacher; Mrs. Deanna Thompson begins her 2nd year as the kindergarten and 1st grade teacher; Mrs. Karen VanVoorst begins her 15th year with FCA as the 3rd, 4th & 5th grade teacher; Mrs. Sue Lewis begins her 3rd year as Middle School teacher, but has taught at FCA for a total of 8 years.  Larry Schmoekel begins his 3rd year as the school’s administrator.  
“We have a great group of students again this year,” said Schmoekel.  “New students have brought a sense of excitement, and the returning students also have a sense of wanting to learn about God’s world.”
“FCA believes the world is the direct result of a creator God and not matter and energy in a chance relationship,” added Schmoekel.  “That influences everything we do and teach.  Science works because God is a God of order who is to be discovered by his creation.”

August 30, 2010

Councilman believes failure to follow the law on public meetings lessens trust in government

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Allegations that an illegal meeting was held by the Whitley County Council have been taken a step further as a South Whitley resident has allegedly filed a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor's Office, one of several watch dog agencies created to ensure transparency in government.
The meeting was held July 28 regarding Whitko School Corporation's referendum and whether it would appear on the November ballot.
Per the law, a meeting was advertised and occurred as advertised at 8 a.m. that Wednesday morning. At that time, the council voted against putting the referendum regarding raising Whitko's tax rate on the November ballot.
According to councilman Jim Bayman, who attended and participated in the meeting, those present included council members Tom Western, John Barrett, Glen Larue and council president Kim Wheeler. Additionally, Whitko school superintendent Steve Clason was there along with Gene Heckman, Thorncreek Township trustee.
As we reported that week, Wheeler abstained from the vote, Western voted in favor of the referendum and Barrett, Larue and Bayman voted against the referendum. The meeting adjourned and those present departed.
A short while later, a call was made requesting the councilmen back to the chambers for another vote on the matter a second time. Bayman said he had turned his phone off, so he didn't receive that call. Wheeler, Western, Barrett and Larue returned to the chambers and cast their votes again. This time, Wheeler, Western and Barrett voted in favor of the referendum and Larue maintained his vote against the referendum.
"I don't see how that second meeting could be legal -- it wasn't advertised," Bayman said. "It's not a good way of conducting business."
Bayman was concerned that failing to follow the law when it comes to public meetings deceives the public and lessens trust in government.
"The public doesn't have a real good image of elected officials and then something like this happens," Bayman said.
Bayman said council members in Whitley County have been traditionally careful about being anywhere in groups numbering four or more because that could be construed as a meeting, even if no business is actually discussed. Knowingly creating a meeting of four members of council for the purpose of having a meeting, but not giving the required public notice, however, creates a lot of concern for Bayman and for others interested in keeping government honest and open. It also maybe a violation of the Indiana Sunshine Law.
According to the Indiana Sunshine Law, a meeting "is defined as a gathering of a majority of the governing body of a public agency for the purpose of taking official action upon public business. All meetings of the governing bodies of public agencies must be open at all times to permit members of the public to observe and record them."
Additionally, the Indiana Open Door Law says "Before a public meeting takes place, Indiana Open Door Laws, require a public notice of the date, time, and place of any meetings, executive sessions, or of any rescheduled or reconvened meeting, shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) before the meeting. This requirement does not apply to reconvened meetings (not including executive sessions) where announcement of the date, time, and place of the reconvened meeting is made at the original meeting and recorded in the memorandum and minutes thereof, and there is no change in the agenda. Public agencies are also required to notify all news agencies who have requested notification of meetings."
The second meeting would not have been considered a "reconvening" because announcement of the reconvening was not made at the original meeting and public entities, including the media, were not notified of the second meeting.
Following the meeting, Bayman and others, including the South Whitley resident who filed the complaint, contacted a number of watchdog agencies about the apparent violation. It is now up to the Indiana Public Access Counselor's Office to determine how the issue will be handled and what priority will be assigned to situation.

JuneStar raises $1350 with mud volleyball tournament Saturday at Tri Lakes

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Over the weekend, the newly formed non-profit mentoring organization JuneStar enjoyed a very messy, but highly enjoyable fundraiser at Tri Lakes.
Held at The Cove, JuneStar held a mud volleyball tournament.
A total of $1350 was raised at the event which will be reserved for use in volunteer training.
The fundraiser was organized by Vicki McIntosh, Bobbie McIntosh, Renee Peppler and Carrie Dunn.

Hostetlers improving, adding soups to the menu at CC Deli in downtown Columbia City

Steve and Sharon Hostetler at the CC Deli have been working to improve their soups and have come to the realization that some of them are impossible to improve!
Beginning this week, they are going back to the original recipes they began using three years ago on the following soups: Tomato Tortellini, Cheesy Potato, Potato with Bacon, Clam Chowder, French Onion, Veggie Beef, White Chili, and Beef & Noodle.  
Some of the soups were in need of a change. The recently changed or developed soups include the Pepperjack Bacon, Broccoli Cheese, Cheeseburger, Cream of Crab and Chicken Corn Chowder.
Two new soups will be added this fall, including BLT and Ham & Bean.
What follows are the soups offered this week at the CC Deli:
Monday: French Onion and Cheeseburger
Tuesday: Cheesy Potato and Tomato Bisque
Wednesday: White Chili and Pepperjack Bacon
Thursday: Tomato Tortellini and Cheeseburger
Friday: Veggie Beef and Clam Chowder

Serv-All closed Monday, Columbia City trash pickup will follow adjusted Tuesday-Saturday schedule

From reports

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, National Serv-All offices and operations will be closed on Monday, September 6.
All National Serv-All operations the week of Labor Day will be performed one day later, meaning residential trash that is normally collected on Monday will now be collected on a Tuesday, with the collections for the week completing on Saturday, September 11.
Serv-All customers with questions or concerns regarding the adjusted scheduled are urged to call National Serv-All at (260) 747-4117 or contact them via their website at www.ServAll.com.

BABE in Churubusco today

The Whitley County BABE program will be in Churubusco today to meet with families with children ages 5 and under. BABE will be at Farmers & Merchants Bank from noon to 2 p.m. Visitors can redeem their BABE vouchers for infant and toddler care supplies or simply learn more about the program which rewards positive parenting with needed child resources.

August 29, 2010

Compassionate Friends held tenth annual Walk to Remember with over 60 participants

(Talk of the Town photos provided) Above, Mary Glowaski shares a message of hope and remembrance with participants in the recent Compassionate Friends' Walk to Remember. Below, flowers, a sweet reminder of loved ones lost, cover an angel statue in DeMoney-Grimes' memorial garden.

Article provided


The Compassionate Friends of Whitley County held their tenth annual Walk to Remember on Saturday, August 14, in Columbia City.  
Walkers gathered at the Whitley County Courthouse gazebo for registration at 7:30 a.m. and the walk kicked off at 8:00 a.m. with over 60 people walking to remember their loved ones who have died.
Walkers wore buttons with pictures of their loved ones as well as a remembrance sign on their back with the names of those they were walking to remember.  
The walk consisted of a two mile route and then participants gathered at the Angel of Hope Garden located at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, along with those that were not able to walk the entire route, for refreshments and a presentation. The presentation was lead by Mary Glowaski, pastoral counselor at St. John the Baptist Church in Fort Wayne.  
Afterwards Sharon Brockhaus, GSP, CFC, chapter leader and grief facilitator at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, led a balloon release ceremony and participants placed a flower in the arms of the angel statute in memory of their loved one.
The Compassionate Friends, non-profit group,  is a worldwide organization that was established to help parents who have experienced the death of a child.  The Whitley County chapter has over 250 members with an average monthly meeting attendance of 15 people.  Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month in the Community Room at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
For more information about The Compassionate Friends support group or if you would like to talk with Sharon about a general grief issue, she can be reached at 244-5122.

Portion of SR 14 closing in South Whitley this week for sewer project work

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District announced Friday that SR 14 between South Line Street and South Water St. is scheduled to be closed August 30, weather permitting, in South Whitley.
Crews will be working on the storm sewer, with the project expected to be complete by the middle of September.
The detour uses S. Line Street, West Mulberry Street, and South State Street. All work is weather permitting.

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