Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Photo contributed by Kelley Sheiss) Travis Holdman worked with the Leadership Whitley County class in January discussing the topic “Leadership and Credibility – Earning the Right to Lead.”  Holdman worked with the group on a variety of principles and applications that can be applied in one’s personal and professional life.

  

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

 

Newly minted Senator Travis Holdman has an interesting connection to Whitley County -- even though the county is not within his constituency.

Holdman, an attorney and Markle resident, was elected by a caucus on Saturday to serve District 19’s Senator, serving areas of Allen, Wells, Adams, Grant and Blackford counties. At Bluffton High School, a caucus filled the open position formerly held by the late Senator David Ford who died of pancreatic cancer on March 5.

To many members of the current Leadership Whitley County class, however, Holdman is the January class presenter who captured their attention and inspired many to utilize concepts they’d learned from him early this winter.

“Travis had contacted Leadership Whitley County with an interest in being a trainer for our program,” said Leadership Whitley County executive director Kelley Sheiss.

Holdman was selected to lead a course entitled “Leadership and Credibility – Earning the Right to Lead,” which he presented in January.

“He talked about the Sigmoid Curve,” Sheiss said of a term that is frequently used in the medical and mathematics fields, but that Holdman had made relevant in the business world.

“They found it very fascinating,” Sheiss said. “I heard that several of the classmates actually implemented some of what they learned in their own workplace.”

“I think it is a real compliment to the Leadership Whitley County program to have a presenter of this caliber,” she said.

Sheiss said it is exciting for the class to be able to watch as the presenter they had in class achieves such a remarkable success.

“What he’s done exemplifies a servant leader – a concept we try to hit home during Leadership Whitley County training,” she said. “Through politics, his activities in the community where he lives and his role at Huntington University, he’s been an example of a servant leader.”

Holdman has been an engaged volunteer of the Huntington University Foundation.

“It’s been exciting to know him and to learn from him and it has been a great opportunity for our class to be able to witness this event in his life and career,” Sheiss said.

Sheiss said Holdman indicated after this year’s presentation that he would like to be a presenter for next year’s class, however, in consideration of the most recent developments in his career, the time to do so might not be available.

Regardless, Leadership Whitley County residents are celebrating Holdman’s success and wishing him well in this latest endeavor.

Holdman’s term as senator will continue until 2010. Holdman is a Wells County councilman, a former Wells County prosecutor and vice president of the Wells County Republican Party.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Collection drive for e-waste, unused medication slated for April 25, no charge to participate

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Solid Waste Management District is celebrating Earth Day 2008 in a unique way – by challenging local residents to participate in Earth Day Challenge 2008.

The initiative is a challenge from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to collect one million pounds of electronic waste and one million unwanted pills from the Great Lakes Region.

According to director Jorell Tucker, the Whitley County Solid Waste Management District is asking residents to bring electronic waste items and used, expired or unwanted medications to their facility on South Line Street in Columbia City on Friday, April 25 from noon-4 p.m. to dispose of them. The WCSWD office is located at 701 South Line Street.

Tucker said there is a three item limit on the number of CRT devices that can be recycled per household. CRT devices include televisions, computer monitors and other similar items. Unlimited small electronic devices will be collected. There will be no fee to dispose of these particular items.

There is no limit to the number of medications that can be brought in. The medications will be collected by the Whitley County Drug Task Force.

Tucker clarified that no trash, paints, chemicals or tires would be collected at this time and that fees would apply to bringing in any large appliances.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A recent visit to First Church of God's kitchen provided an opportunity for the celebrity cooking teams to ask questions and get prepared for the big event on April 10. Above, from left, Doug Wright talks with Pastor Ross O'Dell and his wife, Lisa. The O'Dells are preparing dishes with a New Mexican theme. Below, from left, is Ross O'Dell, Kelley Sheiss, Mayor Jim Fleck, Doug Wright, Lisa O'Dell and David Smith.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The competition is really heating up -- and boiling over around the county with trash talk on the street and in the local media between teams and an…interesting…message left for one team via voice mail. The message suggested that the unnamed team cash in their chips and hopes of winning over…rice?

What’s all this hullabaloo?

It's not completely serious. It's all in good fun.

It’s the mania that has become the highly anticipated The Center Cook-off, a fundraising event slated for April 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at First Church of God. The event will raise funds for The Center, a facility in downtown Columbia City providing wholesome programming and after-school activities for county teens.

The cook-off event will feature appetizers, a salad, main course and desserts provided by each of four teams. Guests will vote for their favorites and winners will be selected, given bragging rights as their prize. Winners will be selected with ballot votes for overall best meal, most creative and best single item.

The teams include:

* Senator Gary “Doc” Dillon’s Wild Game Team which in addition to Dillon, includes Bob Addison and others.

* Mayor Jim Fleck’s Team including Fleck, Tom LaRue, Karen Reusch and another unnamed member.

* Pastor O’Dell’s Team including Pastor Ross O’Dell, Lisa O’Dell, Doug O’Dell and Beverlie O’Dell.

* The Press Club & One Star Guy which includes Kelley Sheiss, Teresa Smith, Jennifer Zartman Romano and John Lefever.

Coordinated by Doug Wright, R.D. Schrader and David Smith, the event has turned into quite the phenomena with nearly all available seats at the dinner spoken for as of last week. Wright and Smith have been coordinating the food preparation and night-of planning while Schrader has been selecting table captains and taking care of other details.

“We just wanted to do something different to get people involved and, secondarily, as a fundraiser,” Smith said of planning the cook-off.

“What do you do that’s different,” he asked, pensively. “We talked about various things with a dinner and we decided on a cook-off.”

There is no charge to attend the event, but attendees will be asked to make a contribution to The Center following dinner. The Center director Jeff Wike will speak at the event, explaining in greater detail, the contributions made by The Center for Whitley County youth.

“It is such a gem in our community,” said Smith of The Center. “People just don’t know about it.”

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The dates have already been set for the Fall Antique Tractor Auction. The event will be held September 5-6 at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds in Columbia City. The two annual events draw potentially thousands to the community for several days of lodging, dining and shopping. The events are some of the most significant, in terms of size, non-4-H events held at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds each year.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo Contributed) Kindergartner Olivia Porter reads her story aloud to the assembled audience at the Reading Rainbow recognition ceremony. Her mother, Rachel Porter, stands nearby. 

Submitted by Peabody Public Library’s Children’s Department

Contestants in the 14th Annual Reading Rainbow contest for writing and illustration, along with their families and other fans, met in the Community Room of the Peabody Public Library on March 17.  This year’s entries display a wealth of artistic talent and writing skill. 

Books awarded First Place honors were read aloud by Olivia Porter (Kindergarten), Ari Fest (first grade), Alayna (second grade) and Brooks Walker (third grade).  Each winner will now proceed to the regional competition. 

Children’s Librarian Peggy McCarthy recognized all participants for their effort and talent, and congratulated them for having stepped into the creative community of budding authors and illustrators. 

Peabody Public Library is pleased to sponsor the Reading Rainbow contest each year.  The following students were honored for the level of effort it took to complete an entry in the contest:  Kindergarteners -- Elizabeth Wagner and Delaney Taylor; First  Graders -- Jon Buchanan, Madison Schroeder and Seth Westmoreland; Second Grader -- Lenah Beck; and Third Graders -- Alex Buchanan, Ryan Jordan, Madison More, Lillian Rice, and Elijah Westmoreland. 

“We appreciate their families, who encourage creativity and support their children in the work it takes to create a book,” McCarthy said. “We also acknowledge the dedication and serious thought of the panel of judges who faced difficult choices in ranking this year’s excellent group of entries.”

Judges for this year’s competition include Frances Brown, Laurel Steill and Jennifer Zartman Romano.

The annual Reading Rainbow contest is also sponsored by WFWA PBS39, Fort Wayne Public Television.  The contest is open to kindergarteners through third graders who write and illustrate their own stories.  Regional winners will be notified by phone on April 14, recognized on air on May 1 and sent on to the National Judging, which will take place in June. 

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Submitted by Jan Labas

Did you know the American Red Cross is right here in Columbia City? 

Have you always wanted to learn CPR or First Aid so that you’re prepared in an emergency? AEDs save lives everyday --  does your place of employment have one? Do you have a child who is anxious to start babysitting and could benefit from our babysitters training course? Do you know what should be in your family disaster kit or how to make an effective disaster plan? Have you ever wanted to be part of the work and assistance provided by the American Red Cross? 

This April, two morning “coffee breaks” are planned to answer your questions and share with you about the many services provide by the American Red Cross in our community. Please bring your questions and ideas and have a cup of coffee on with the American Red Cross!

Sessions are planned Thursday, April 10 from 8:30-10 a.m. and on Tuesday, April 29 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana office, 333 North Oak Street, Suite L, Columbia City. The office is located on the lower level of the Lehmberg Building, next door to Parkview Whitley Hospital.

For more information, contact Jan Labas at (260) 450-6927 or labasj@usa.redcross.org.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

In the 21st century life of an American teen, the internet has so many practical applications. It can be the source of news, a place to interact with friends, an avenue for research and a place to keep connected to the world around them.

Unfortunately, just as the internet superhighway has upscale and wholesome neighborhoods, it also has as a few seamy side streets and avenues as well – with internet predators, online bullying and an assortment of other facets that frighten many parents and those who work with youth.

With 14-year-old twins and two more children who will be teens soon, Pastor Tim Scroggs has become increasingly more aware of and concerned about his children’s use of the internet.

“It’s really been within the last year or so,” he said, that his sensibilities about it have become on heightened alert. “I have teenagers in my own home now and I am now understanding the reality of the trouble they can get into.”

Scroggs, like many parents and youth leaders, have heard the frightening and tragic stories of what happens when things go wrong involving the internet.

“There’s a lot of stuff that concerns me, but I’m most concerned about the online porn,” Scroggs said, adding that he feels it is too easily accessed by young people – often accidentally found online and via e-mail.

“I think a lot of parents don’t want to deal with it,” he said of internet-based concerns. “I think they just hope for the best.”

Scroggs is not content to wait and hope his children don’t encounter problems online and with the support of his congregation at Eagle Quest Church and others in the community, they’re planning a workshop for parents regarding various online threats.

The Get Connected Internet Safety Seminar is planned for April 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Eagle Quest Church, 1120 North State Road 109.

Speakers for the event include Whitley County Sheriff Mark Hodges, Pat Mossburg of the Whitley County Salvation Army, Eric Kelly a national director of Youth for Christ and Steve Beck of BE Computer in Columbia City.

Topics of seminar will include cyber bullying, internet predators, social networking and security software.

Prior to implementing a plan to teach parents how to become active partners in their children’s use of the internet, Scroggs said he knew of similar programs that are more youth-directed.

“I haven’t seen anything geared toward parents and giving them training,” he said.

Scroggs had been talking about the issue with his congregation for several months when they collectively decided it was time to do something constructive about the issues. “We decided to go for it and made some calls.”

Almost immediately, the pieces fell into place – with Hodges, Beck, Kelly and Mossburg agreeing to lend their support, experience and knowledge to the workshop.

Within the past week, Scroggs and others have been active in getting fliers up around the community and handing out brochures about the workshop. They’ve also been working with nearly a dozen local churches to spread the word about the workshop among their congregations.

“We want to give parents, youth leaders and really anybody concerned with kids the information they need to keep kids safe,” Scroggs said. “We want to give them some strategies, some tools. They need to have an awareness of the danger.”

The cost to attend the seminar is $5 if registered before April 7 or $7 if registered after that day up to the day of the event.

For more information on the seminar or to register, contact Eagle Quest Church at 244-6680 or e-mail Tim Scroggs at ctscroggs@msn.com

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

In all, Beth Sickafoose, Dave Schilling, Sheila Schilling, Bill Klenke, Kathy Klenke, Ned Yingst, Bev Yingst, Pauline Scott, Lynn Klingerman, Bill Lincoln, Beth Darley, Sheri Lincoln, Michelle McNeil, Clark Waterfall, Ron Myer and others volunteered their time to provide tours of the Whitley County Agricultural History Museum to students on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. In addition to having the museum open for student tours, and a tour for educators on Wednesday, the museum was also a popular place for those attending the spring tractor auction to stop in and visit the displays. The Whitley County Agricultural History Museum and 4-H Learning Center is located on the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds property in Columbia City.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo Contributed) Star Insurance, located in downtown Columbia City, provided their support to the Whitley County Family YMCA's Partner with Youth Campaign in the form of a check for $1,000. The contribution was made Wednesday afternoon. Above, from left, is YMCA executive director Erica Miller, John Lefever of Star Insurance and JoEllen Rush, chair of the Partner with Youth Campaign.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

You’re not going to Florida. There’s no plans lounge in your swimsuit on the beach in California. In fact, you’re looking forward to a long week of unpredictable Indiana weather and hours upon hours of time to make interesting during Spring Break.

Talk of the Town has done a little legwork for you in hopes of making your Spring Break spectacular in and around Whitley County…

Merry Lea

Merry Lea Learning Center, located near the Whitley-Noble County line, just off SR 109, is gearing up for “Full-Time Recess” during Spring Break, March 31-April 4.

Full-Time Recess is a day camp opportunity for students in grades 1-5 and will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. During the week, campers will participate in games, hikes, crafts, learn survival skills and all about nature.

“Each year we have different themes and activities also,” said Jane Lutwiller of Merry Lea.

Lutwiller said this year’s highlights include visits from two guest naturalists, Erik Vosteen and John Rowe. Vosteen will teach children about primitive skills and tool-making and Rowe will talk about amphibians.

“We have a lot of fun playing in nature and taking hikes,” Lutwiller said, adding that she’s very excited about this year’s activities.

Lutwiller said Merry Lea has been offering Full-Time Recess for seven years.

The cost to attend the full week of camp is $15, but space is limited and reservations should be made immediately. To reserve a spot, call Jane or Dana at 799-5869.

Whitley County Family YMCA

Another day camp opportunity awaits at the Whitley County Family YMCA this week for students in kindergarten through grade 8, from March 31-April 4.

“Keep us in mind when you start planning your summer schedule,” Miller added. “We offer a full-day summer camp program too.” 

For more information, contact the Whitley County Family YMCA at 244-9622.

Bones Theatre

Bones Theatre will open their doors throughout the week of spring break for matinee movies kids will enjoy. Their kids deal is a big hit – with the movie ticket, a drink, popcorn and candy for $10. Bones Theatre owner Chris Jones said he has several fun movies scheduled for the week. To check the latest movie lineup, access their website at www.bonestheatre.com

Whitley County Historical Museum

The Whitley County Historical Museum makes a great family activity. The museum is located at 108 West Jefferson Street.

According to new museum director Dani Tippmann, the museum is now offering some more family-friendly visiting hours. The museum is now open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and on Fridays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Admission is free.

Paige’s Crossing

A real hot spot for family fun in Whitley County, Paige’s Crossing, just off US 30 east of Columbia City, will be opening up in time for spring break.

“We’re getting everything opened up,” said owner Tim Summers. The newly-expanded complex has expanded in the past year to include some new rides and a roller coaster.

“Everything should be open by spring break,” Summers added.

The facility will be open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., with modified hours for the roller coaster and go karts during the spring months on weeknights.

Paige’s Crossing is offering a special that will help the pocketbook – visitors can purchase 10 ride tickets for $21 which is a savings of about $4. To get the special, ask for the “10 for 21” special at the ticket counter.

You can also visit Paige’s Crossing online at www.paigescrossing.

Do you have any additional spring break ideas families might enjoy in and around Whitley County? If so…e-mail them to jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com and we’ll post them here.                                                                                                                                              

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The annual King Spring Antique Tractor Auction kicked off yesterday with a massive crowd of buyers and sellers as seen above in just one area of the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds. Meanwhile, there was something going on almost everywhere on the fairgrounds property. Today, sales of non-working tractors begin and working tractors will sell tomorrow. King Auction of South Whitley puts on this annual auction in the spring and annual fall auction at the fairgrounds, drawing people from far and wide -- as is evident by the variety of license plates seen on vehicles parked up and down West Lincolnway and West Park Streets.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Teresa Smith, publisher of the Tribune-News in South Whitley, gears up for the annual town-wide garage sale in South Whitley. A cooperative effort of the Tribune-News and the South Whitley Chamber of Commerce, the Tribune-News spearheaded the project several years ago and the event continues to grow.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Somewhere in South Whitley, they’re already filling totes with neatly folded children’s clothing, placing colorful adhesive dots on a pair of jeans and assigning the prices. Next door, a woman gives a second glance at a dusty lamp she received as a gift, but will never use – yep, that’s another item for the South Whitley Giant Garage Sale.

With just a few weeks left before the giant town-wide garage sale extravaganza in South Whitley, people are getting organized and ready to go for the big event. The South Whitley Giant Garage Sale is planned for Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Spearheaded many years ago by the Tribune-News, the town’s newspaper, the event is now a cooperative effort each year by the Tribune-News and the South Whitley Chamber of Commerce.

According to Tribune-News publisher Teresa Smith, the event has boasted as many as 150 individual garage sales in the past – providing ample browsing for the casual garage sale shopper to the hardcore bargain hunter.

Each year, the Tribune-News coordinates advertising efforts for the event, ensuring ample visibility throughout the area. A $10 ad, purchased by noon on April 5, ensures that your South Whitley-area garage sale is noted on a printed locator map advertised on placemats in local restaurants and in businesses around town. Additionally, each advertised garage sale receives two sale signs and a handy pamphlet on how to prepare for your sale if you’re a first-timer. Each $10 ad may be up to 30 words in length.

“We’re also going to advertise each garage sale in the April 16^th and April 23^rd edition of the Tribune-News,” Smith added.

For further questions about the garage sale or to place an ad, contact the Tribune-News at 723-4771.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Feeding the scores of buyers and sellers that attend the annual King Spring Tractor Auction at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds can be a daunting task.

Getting ready for three days of breakfast lunch and dinner duty takes a significant amount of food and volunteer effort – but several local volunteers got a head start on the work Wednesday morning in the fairground’s main concession stand.

Lucy Draper, Dave Addison, Ronda Sroufe, Eric Blank and others spent several hours not only getting the space ready for serving – opening windows, washing down counters, etc. – but also began preparing the food. And, believe it or not, the auction had not even started and there were already customers knocking on the doors!

According to Addison, they were planning to prepare 200 pounds of sloppy joes. Eric Blank added they would be cooking up 1500 hot dogs over the next three days. By mid-day Wednesday, they had already finished preparing approximately 100 pounds of the sloppy joes – one batch at a time.

The concession stand will be run by 4-H Junior Leaders and other volunteers from now through Saturday, raising funds to support their club.

In South Whitley, members of the Rebecca Hollenbaugh Relay for Life team are busy baking an assortment of goodies for a bake sale they’ll be holding at the fairgrounds on Saturday from 9 a.m-2 p.m. Proceeds will support the American Cancer Society.

The tractor auction begins today and continues until Saturday afternoon. The auction begins with parts today, non-working tractors on Friday and running tractors on Saturday. The event is expected to draw a large crowd as usual and with headlights detected on the fairgrounds this morning before daybreak, it is likely to be another big event.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Agricultural History museum volunteer Bill Klenke, above, was putting the finishing touches on a display at the museum on Saturday, demonstrating how to use what was once an important item in his family when he was growing up. Now part of the museum's display on early laundry machines, Klenke's family's washing machine, circa 1910, was clearly not new when he remembers using it as a child. He said it was his duty as a young boy to pull the crank for ten minutes to agitate the laundry inside the drum. He added that when he turned 10, his laundry days were over and he moved on to help his father drive the tractors on the farm.

Klenke and others will be sharing their memories of life on the farm in the early days today and Friday when fifth grade students from local schools visit the museum for tours. The museum hosted a special open house Wednesday afternoon for local educators, hoping to show them the many interesting displays constructed inside the growing museum.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A Columbia City resident had a unique opportunity present itself twice in the past week – she was in the presence of a former president.

When former President Bill Clinton made a campaign stop for his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, in Fort Wayne last week, Warnick made sure she was there for the momentous occasion. A four hour wait in line and the advantage of being the vice president of the Third District Democratic Party ensured that Warnick not only saw him speak, but met him in person and had her photo taken.

This week, Warnick traveled to South Bend to see Clinton and daughter, Chelsea, at Dyngus Day celebrations held there. While she didn’t actually talk with Clinton in South Bend, the overall experience of having seen two stops on the campaign trail some wondered would even make it to Indiana was exhilarating for Warnick.

“It was pretty cool,” Warnick said Tuesday. “It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Or twice, perhaps…in a week’s time.

After meeting the former president briefly, Warnick said, “He’s a dynamic person personality-wise. He did a great job speaking.”

After the speeches, Warnick was impressed that Clinton took time to sign autographs. “He stood back there and signed anything.”

Following the visit to South Bend, Warnick escorted former Governor and First Lady, Joe and Maggie Kernan, back to Warsaw.

“It has been an exciting couple of days,” Warnick said.

Editor's Note: Below are some photographs provided to Talk of the Town by local resident Marge Warnick.

Posted by jennifer321 at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) State Representative Dan Leonard visited Columbia City Tueday and sat down at the CC Deli for a casual talk with Whitley County Republican Party Chair Jim Banks and Talk of the Town, sharing news about the proposed changes to property taxes.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

District 50 State Representative Dan Leonard was in Columbia City Tuesday to speak with the City Council regarding property taxes and changes Hoosiers may see in the near future. Before that meeting, however, Talk of the Town had the exclusive opportunity to sit down and discuss those issues with Leonard.

Click here for the audio interview with Dan Leonard

Leonard, a Huntington resident and Republican, is seeking re-election for the District 50 post, a position he has held since he was first elected in 2002. Leonard serves on many important state-level committees and has been a resident of District 50, which is comprised of Huntington and a large segment of Whitley County, for the past 58 years.

This interview with Leonard is the first of what we hope will be a regular audio experience with various governmental officials. We're excited about this opportunity because it allows our readers (and listeners!) to hear what officials are saying, in their own words.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Extension board members present for the annual meeting Tuesday night included, from left, in row one, David Schilling, John Saggars, Marge Frazier, Meredith Hoffman and Virginia Faulkner. Row two, from left, included Marlin Gaff, John Johnson, Tony Reust and Steve Cormany. Faulkner, Johnson, Reust and Cormany were re-elected to fill four board vacancies during the meeting, all of which having many years volunteer experience on the board. Below, at top, a vote is cast. Beneath, Marlin Gaff and Pauline Scott tally the votes following the election.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It was the sincere hope of the staff and board of the Whitley County Extension that guests would leave Tuesday evening’s annual meeting with a greater understanding of the many programs of the organization and a bit of information that might enrich their lives.

“You’re going to go home with one new idea or one new tip,” said Cindy Barnett, Whitley County extension educator, as she addressed the large gathering in attendance for the dinner and meeting. And leaving without something new to ponder would have been difficult.

Held at the Whitley County 4-H Center Building, the event was sponsored by Ag Plus, Whitley County Farm Bureau, Northeastern REMC and STAR Financial Bank and the meal was prepared by Doug and Darlene Wright of Columbia City.

After filling their bellies, those in attendance had the opportunity to fill their minds with some helpful information during three rotational, 15-minute courses on family resource management. A course on identity theft was lead by St. Joseph County extension educator Edie Sutton and provided a detailed checklist of areas that might make you more prone to being an unfortunate victim of this fraud. Nearby, Cindy Barnett, Whitley County extension educator, provided a detailed overview of personal affairs that might need a legal check-up occasionally – from knowing the whereabouts of key financial information, wills, deeds, etc., to making sure your name is updated correctly on documents. She also advised doing regular inventories of your property to be sure you would be adequately prepared and reimbursed in the event of a disaster.

Finally, in hopes of avoiding awkwardness or the degradation of family relationships upon the death of a loved one, Elkhart County extension educator spoke about the need for finding an organized, conflict-proof way of making sure personal artifacts and estate items are passed on to the next generation. She said far too many family ties are ruined by seemingly simple, tangible items after someone dies.

In addition to the educational component of the evening, there were some important business items to be discussed as well including program overviews, the status of PCARET and an official vote for four board members for the Whitley County Extension board of directors.

Whitley County Extension board president Meredith Hoffman and Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (PCARET) representative spoke of the organization’s lobbying efforts at the local, state and federal level to promote the interests of agricultural issues.

“Every year, we have to go to the county council to ask for money,” Hoffman said. “Over the years, they have given a tremendous amount of support to us,” she added, thanking both the Whitley County Council and Purdue University for their support.

“We need funding for research,” Hoffman said as she explained the role of PCARET. She said that a current issue is that Congress, of late, has been less supportive of continuing their funding for land grant colleges, such as Purdue University, impacting the amount of research conducted. “PCARET has lobbied to keep this vital funding,” she said. “It is critical funding that Purdue needs.”

“We appreciate the great volunteer base of Whitley County and we hope you support PCARET,” Hoffman said in conclusion.

A basket was passed around the room, collecting token funds from those in attendance to continue supporting PCARETs local efforts. Local PCARET volunteer lobbyists include Hoffman, Kenny Bills, Marlin Gaff and Sheila Schilling.

Val Slack of the Whitley County Extension gave an informative review of the various programs and activities of the local extension office over the past year. Slack has been on the staff of the extension office for the past 31 years and celebrated the staff’s combined estimated 70 years experience.

“Often times we’re asked, ‘what do you do,” Slack said as she held up a booklet created for the evening, highlighting success stories in the many areas the county extension office addresses. Those programs include the Northeast Indiana/Polish 4-H exchange, 4-H leadership, Extension Homemakers, Pork Producers, Master Gardeners, Junior Achievement, NEPAC Field Day and Diagnostic Training, Private Applicator Recertification Program, 4-H Career Development, Whitley County Learning Services in addition to numerous education, training and development-oriented initiatives aimed at making Whitley County a better community at a variety of levels.

Slack also spoke of the newly constructed Webber Suite at the local extension office on Line Street and how that has become a vital link to providing local technology education, housing the many opportunities offered by Whitley County Learning Services. The new classroom area was completed in the summer of 2007.

Coordinated by long-time educator Bill Webber, Learning Services offers a plethora of training and technology courses, as well as video conferencing, in a quiet learning atmosphere.

Since the program began, over 90 companies and organizations have utilized training from Learning Services. More than 2,400 students have participated in classes and 21 local graduate-level students have earned 1,304 graduate student course hours via live classes or through video conferencing to university classes right here in Whitley County.

“We feel really good about that program,” Slack said. “Bill Webber is the heartbeat of that program. We really appreciate what he has done to make that program grow.”

Slack also recognized other extension staff, including Cindy Barnett, Dave Addison, Janet Hindbaugh, Kay Walter, Cami Leininger and Cari Sherbahn.

“We really have a wonderful working relationship in our county,” she said of the staff. “We have a lot of laughter and we do a lot of work.”

Additionally, Slack recognized the Whitley County Extension board of directors for their work. At the beginning of the evening, guests were provided with the brief biographies of local volunteers slated for four open positions on the board of directors.

Votes were collected and tallied by Marlin Gaff and Pauline Scott. At the end of the night, Steve Cormany, Virginia Faulkner, John Johnson and Tony Reust were named as winners of the election. The four, having each served many years on that same board, were honored with certificates for their years of volunteer service.

Whitley County Extension board members include Meredith Hoffman, Steve Cormany, Marge Frazier, Virginia Faulkner, Jann Johnson, Kent Reese, John Saggars, David Schilling, Marlin Gaff, John Johnson, Tony Reust and LeRoy Waugh.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos contributed by Kelley Sheiss) Above, Linda Melvin of J & J Insurance and Peter Farrar of Star Financial Bank discuss aspects involving values and personal mission at the March session of Leadership Whitley County. Below, at top, Alan Tio of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation joined LWC class members for lunch and provided an update on the local efforts of the EDC. At bottom, Michelle Ball, Lorie Asfour and Carrie Ebersole display the star attraction of the upcoming "Flocked" fundraiser designed to raise additional monies for the splash pad in Morsches Park.   LWC Community action team members provided updates on their projects at the March session.  Results from the highly successful Taste of Whitley County were also presented by a separate team of class members.

Submitted by Kelley Sheiss

The 2007-08 Class of Leadership Whitley County convened at Northeastern REMC this month to conclude their seven month leadership journey with a meaningful session that would start them on a journey to discover their passions and personal missions.  The final session of LWC for this year was sponsored by Embarq, Northeastern REMC and ProFed.

The morning began with an informative presentation by Whitley County prosecuting attorney Matt Rentschler.  

Rentschler provided an overview of the responsibilities of his office and answered a variety of questions from interested class members.  

Next, presentations were made by class members who served on two Community Action Teams.  During the program’s retreat in September, individuals “voted with their feet” to determine what was needed and important to our community.  Based on this process, two project teams were developed.  

The first team was composed of Carrie Ebersole, Terry Eberly, Michelle Ball , Lorie Asfour, Holly Fry and Judy Bell.  This team provided an update on their planned “flocked” fundraiser for the splash pad.  The fundraiser will start mid-April and go through early June.  The project will involve local residents and decorated yard flamingos in an effort to raise additional funds for the splash pad. 

The second team focused on Community Involvement and developed the very successful event “The Taste of Whitley County.”  Team members were Sonya Rubrake , Matt Shipman, Amy Shaw , Peter Farrar , Linda Melvin, Christina Rice , April Gerard and Mary Anne Dickinson.  The event, which was held in conjunction with the Home and Garden Expo, helped raise funds for the start of a county-wide youth leadership program.

The primary topic for the day was “Mapquest for Life: A Personal Mission Statement as Your Roadmap” presented by David Neidert .  Neidert is a very well known and highly respected writer, presenter, faith leader, and mentor for leadership programs throughout the country.  Neidert recently re-released a book he authored entitled “The Four Seasons of Leadership.”  This is the seventh year David Neidert has served as a facilitator for LWC, and he continues to be a class favorite, making a meaningful impact on individuals and the program as a whole.

Participants spent the morning focusing on the elements for creating a personal mission statement, values, goal-setting and accountability.  Group activities and individual work sessions provided lively and thought-provoking discussion.

Prior to lunch, LWC class members had the opportunity to meet new Whitley County Economic Development director Alan Tio and hear an update on economic development efforts within the county, as well as Tio’s goals for the coming months.

The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County.  Underwriters for the 2007-08 year include:  MAHLE Clevite, Whitley County Community Foundation, Embarq, Micropulse, NIPSCO, Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors, South Whitley Public Library, Star Financial Bank, The Post & Mail, Scott Darley, Parkview Whitley Hospital, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Ag Plus, Pro Fed Credit Union, Northeastern REMC, First Federal Savings Bank, S.W.A.T. Team Pest Control and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Mick Long, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Melinda Woll and Jacie Worrick.  This support, financial and/or in-kind, serves as a key to success for offering quality programs that compose the core of Leadership Whitley County.

Planning and recruiting for the next class of Leadership Whitley County is currently underway.  For more information on participating in the 2008/09 class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization regarding Leadership Whitley County, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@whitleynet.org.  Information can also be found at the organization’s website:  www.leadershipwc.org

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The semi-annual King Spring Tractor Auction will kick off Thursday at 9 a.m., drawing droves of antique tractor enthusiasts to converge on the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds for bids and bargaining. Many local groups, including the 4-H Bike Clubs and the South Whitley Relay for Life team, will be doing fundraising events at the event which continues until Saturday afternoon.

Above, an unidentified man drives his tractor to a waiting line along west Park Street near the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds Monday afternoon, perhaps his final trip on the tractor which will be auctioned off later this week.

Posted by jennifer321 at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Submitted by Tricia Hennessy

If a cardiac arrest happened to a loved one or close friend, would you know how to perform life-saving CPR?

Surprisingly, the vast majority of Americans don't. Did you know that performing CPR may double a victim’s chance of survival? 

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a medical technique performed to support breathing and provide artificial circulation to an individual who has stopped breathing and/or has experienced cardiac arrest. CPR helps oxygenated blood to circulate within the body, keeping oxygen flowing to the heart and brain, which can die after four to six minutes without oxygen.

In the hopes of increasing the survival rate here in Whitley County, the Parkview Whitley Hospital EMS department provides monthly CPR training at no charge. The next two scheduled classes are Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the South Whitley Public Library and Tuesday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m., at Parkview Whitley Hospital.

This free CPR course, called Family and Friends CPR, is from the American Heart Association, but does not fulfill job certification requirements. Participants receive a free student workbook and participation card.

If a certification course is needed, arrangements can made for a small fee. Contact Debra Brice at (260) 248- 9351 or e-mail learn.cpr@parkview.com for more information or to schedule an onsite group class.

Posted by jennifer321 at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano 

The Whitley County Historical Society's well-attended annual meeting will be held April 22 at 6 p.m. and The Eagle's Nest Event Center.

This year's keynote speaker is the Fort Wayne Historical Society's executive director, Todd Pelfrey. Pelfrey will discuss the contributions to local history made by Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville. Richardville had an attractive home in southern Allen County that is now a museum dedicated to the region's Native American history.

Additionally, several awards will be presented including the President's Award and the Waugh Award, a pair of awards honoring volunteers who've made a significant effort in promoting, preserving and maintaining local history.

The dinner is $16.50 per person and reservations may be made by calling 244-6372 or by visiting the Whitley County Historical Museum at 108 West Jefferson Street.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo contributed) The Columbia City branch of Three Rivers Federal Credit Union helped the Whitley County Family YMCA’s efforts to meet their fundraising goals for the Partner with Youth Campaign thanks to a donation given recently.

Above, at right, Katherine Ford of Three Rivers Federal Credit Union presents a check for $1,500 to YMCA executive director Erica Miller.

The Partner with Youth Campaign continues until March 31 with an ultimate goal of raising $25,000.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo submitted by John Slavich) As part of Littlest Philanthropist Day, Stuart Hilsmeir, Olivia Wilson, Ross St. Clair and Stephanie Shively discussing 'treasure' with third graders at Churubusco Elementary School.

Submitted by John Slavich

Wednesday, March 19, 2008, the Whitley County H.A.N.D.S. Foundation held their annual “Littlest Philanthropist Day,” when the members educate third grade students about philanthropy and give them the opportunity to become involved. 

The members traveled to elementary schools throughout the county and taught the students about the three ‘T’s:  time, talent, and treasure.  Five of the fifteen members taught each ‘T.’ during the ‘time’ session, children wrote letters for patients at Riley Children’s Hospital and enclosed a picture of them in the envelope.  The ‘talent’ group helped each student discover his/her unique talents.  Last, but not least, the ‘treasure’ group issued each student two pieces of coin-shaped, gold foil-wrapped bubble gum.  The students were allowed to keep one, but were required to give the other to someone else.  All three groups explained and gave ideas to the third grade students of how they can use their time, talent, and treasure to help others.

The fifteen-minute sessions incorporated games, puzzles, and other fun activities which help the students enjoy and remember learning about philanthropy.  The last group in each class announced to the children that if their class can create a philanthropic project, the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation will fund $100 for that project’s execution, thus allowing the students and teachers to become actively involved and experience philanthropy first-hand while improving our community in the method of their choice.

While the third grade students definitely enjoy this activity, Littlest Philanthropist Day always tops the H.A.N.D.S. members’ list of most looked-forward-to meeting dates and activities. 

Schools visited this year included Mary Raber Elementary, Pierceton Elementary and Churubusco Elementary, with a quick stop at the Whitley County Community Foundation for a brief meeting over lunch, during which time members finalized the Dekko Grant Request Form, discussed activities for upcoming meetings and reviewed a few grant requests. 

H.A.N.D.S. exists to improve not only education, but also the quality of life in Whitley County and the Foundation’s grant distribution is not solely limited to school corporations.  Therefore, if you lead or participate in a nonprofit organization and would like help funding a project or other activity, visit the Whitley County Community Foundation or your local high school guidance department to obtain a grant request application.  Look for more H.A.N.D.S. news in April when the Foundation will be teaming with the Columbia City Rotary and New York’s Fresh Youth Initiatives for a service day at Children’s Hope Hospitality House.  We always strive to lend helping H.A.N.D.S.! 

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It’s the spirit of giving – and it’s now 20 years in the making.

The 20^th annual Food Collection Challenge will be held in South Whitley on Tuesday, April 1, and as the name suggests, local residents are challenged to collect and donate canned and non-perishable food items for the South Whitley Food Bank.

From 3-7 p.m. on April 1, items may be dropped off at the South Whitley Fire Station and residents, with their donations, may select a “team” to support in the collection drive.

The three teams involved in this year’s challenge include Fox Products, Stumps/Shindigz and Whitley Manufacturing, three of South Whitley’s largest employers.

All food items will be greatly appreciated by the South Whitley Food Bank which provides food to local needy families throughout the year.

For more information about how you can participate in the event, contact Tonya Porter at 723-4771.

(Talk of the Town graphic by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos contributed by Kelley Sheiss) The "Ides of March" brought some luck to Three "D" Stock Farms.  On Saturday morning, March 15, a set of identical twins was born on the farm.  Twins are not unusual in beef breeds, however typically they tend to be one male and one female, said Kelley Sheiss.  

Posted by jennifer321 at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The fundraising thermometer at the YMCA details the success the Partner with Youth Campaign is continuing to achieve in the final days of the project.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Giving for the local YMCA's Partner with Youth Campaign, an initiative that raises funds to underwrite fees so that less fortunate families and individuals may enjoy the facility and programming, is closing in on the final days of the fund drive.

According to Whitley County Family YMCA executive director Erica Miller, the staff and YMCA board of directors have currently achieved 65% of their fundraising goal, having raised about $17,000 of the $25,000 they are hoping to collect.

"We are going to finish the campaign strong with only 11 days left," Miller said Friday.

Talk of the Town will continue to keep you informed of the efforts of the Partner with Youth Campaign. For information on how the funds have been utilized locally in the past, search “Partner with Youth” in our search feature at right.

Posted by jennifer321 at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The house above in the Westgate subdivision was one of several local homes impacted by January and then later February flooding. In late February, state and federal funds were approved to assist Whitley County residents impacted by flooding and already, seven local individuals have been assisted by FEMA.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

After what local officials described at two 100-year floods that hit Whitley County in the first two months of 2008, and the subsequent approval of FEMA funds to aid those most impacted by those floods locally, several thousand dollars in disaster assistance monies have already been approved for local families’ use.

According to Whitley County commissioner Mike Schrader, during the recent State of the County forum a little over a week ago, 11 people applied for FEMA funds the previous week when an aid trailer was parked in the county for several days.

Schrader said seven were approved to receive funding to recover from damages caused by the severe flooding.

“So far, $29,000 will be reverted back to Whitley County to help these people,” Schrader said.

For those suffering damages as a result of storms and flooding after January 7, 2008, state and federal disaster assistance is still available and may include funds to cover temporary housing, low interest loans to repair homes or replace damaged property or funds to assist with other disaster related costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

For additional information on FEMA coverage visit www.fema.gov or between the hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week, call 1-800-621-3362.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Easter Greetings to you and your family! We're taking a little break from the site today and won't likely ad many updates until Monday morning so that we may spend time with family and reflect on the true meaning of Easter.

If you have fun photographs from your Easter celebration that you'd like to share this week, send them to jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com or via the mail to: Talk of the Town, P.O. Box 682, Columbia City, IN 46725. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for safe return.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The doors of several livestock barns at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds were opened last Saturday as customers arrived to pick up their summertime items...boats, RVs, sports cars. The storage project utilizes space the 4-H fairgrounds that would otherwise go unused during the winter months -- renting that space, by the square foot, to those in the community needing covered, locked storage space during the winter months. Proceeds from the project, which was expanded this year to include additional space, supports 4-H programs. The longer term storage will release items in May.

This weekend, preparations continued at the fairgrounds for the annual King Spring Tractor Auction. Some of the space previously occupied by the winter storage will be used during the auction next week.

Prices for short term storage during the 2007-2008 season was 75 cents per square foot (releasing in mid-March) while longer term storage was $1 per square foot and releases in mid-May. An additional option for some people was covered, open air storage for 45 cents a square foot. The fairgrounds typically begins receiving items and signing storage contracts in late October each year.

For more information about winter storage at the 4-H Fairgrounds, contact the storage program's coordinator Tom Zeisig at 229-1516.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Local resident Richard Marchbanks, above at The Brew Ha coffee house in Columbia City,  is preparing for a lead role in the Civic Theatre's upcoming production of "Tuesdays with Morrie" cast alongside famed Fort Wayne actor Harvey Cocks.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It’s not uncommon for actors to build bonds that go beyond the stage, transcending their lives. It’s only natural considering the amount of time they spend together and the level of emotional vulnerability revealed by those who are truly dedicated to their craft.

For Columbia City actor Richard Marchbanks and his co-star, renowned lifelong actor Harvey Cocks, the pair developed a relationship similar to that of the characters they’ll play in an upcoming production of Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

Marchbanks recently landed a lead role in the production alongside Fort Wayne resident and revered local actor, Cocks, in what sources say may be Cocks’ final foray on stage as an actor. The pair will co-star in the Civic Theatre’s production of the show, beginning next Friday, at Civic Off-Main in the Allen County Public Library’s auditorium.

With subject matter relating to the complicated and heart-warming relationship between an aged professor and his former student, a journalist absorbed in his career, Marchbanks hopes to tap into the unique relationship the pair has built off stage to expand what he hopes the audience feels when they are in character.

“We’re kind of getting the relationship they have in the show,” Marchbanks said of Cocks, his octogenarian co-star. “We have a similar age difference to that of the characters…and we have that mentor mentality,” Marchbanks said, considering the long career Cocks has had as an actor throughout his lifetime.

“The end of the show is a very emotional scene,” said Marchbanks, adding that he feels reaching the degree of emotion necessary to accurately portray the role will be easy considering the real life relationship he’s built with Cocks over the course of preparation for the production.

While Marchbanks revealed he has learned a lot from Cocks, he’s a well-seasoned actor in his own right.

Marchbanks did previous cabaret work in New York and was a dance captain for Spirit of Puget Sound. He has also had a 12-year stint in cabaret work in Chicago. He’s acted in several commercials as well. In his youth, he toured with several shows in the Midwest.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Marchbanks has been a Columbia City resident for the past three years. During the day, he’s an advertising consultant for the online edition of Auto Trader with a home office in Columbia City.

New in his position with Auto Trader, he hopes to have more time to devote to his passion -- acting.

“I’m hoping my job with Auto Trader will give me a little more flex time to do theatre,” he said, leaning back his chair at the Brew Ha in downtown Columbia City, the diffused morning light shining in the large windows overlooking Main Street.

“It’s a side thing,” Marchbanks says of his acting. “It’s not a full time career.”

Still, he takes it all quite seriously.

“I enjoy the creative aspect,” he said of why he enjoys acting. “It is an outlet for me creatively, emotionally…and where else in your adult life do you get to play dress up and act the fool!”

When asked about his most challenging role, Marchbanks says it is probably his current role in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Another difficult role was “Frankenfurter” in “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

He said his most rewarding acting experience came early in life as he toured with “Godspell” in the mid-1980s. “That was a very up show, very fun.” So much fun, in fact, he hopes to one day do it again.

Locally, his most recent acting roles included the Civic Theatre’s “Big River” two years ago and the Presbyterian Theatre’s “Twilight of the Gold’s” last year.

With many exciting roles and acting experiences under his belt, Marchbanks is looking forward to yet another acting goal.

“There’s one more venue to conquer,” he said. “Arena Dinner Theatre.”

Marchbanks plans to audition for a role in Arena Dinner Theatre’s upcoming two-person musical “I Do, I Do” on the closing day of his current show.

For now, Marchbanks is engaged with a busy rehearsal schedule which will increase next week to five hours each night. “It will be a very long week,” he said.

Marchbanks is energized, however, by the amount of interest the show has been receiving. The show has been covered in many local publications, including WhatzUp, Frost Illustrated and Fort Wayne Newspapers.

As part of the 2007-2008 Capture the Magic Season, the Civic Theatre’s “Tuesdays with Morrie” begins Friday, March 28, and continues through Sunday, April 20 at the Civic Off-Main at the Allen County Public Library. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for age 23 and under and $12 for Sunday senior matinee performances. Tickets are available in advance at the Civic Theatre box office at the Arts United Center in Fort Wayne or one hour prior to the show at Allen County Public Library Auditorium.

For more information, visit www.fwcivic.org

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Members of Cornerstone Fellowship Church, located at 6331 North State Road 109, began an arduous and meaningful journey Good Friday morning as they commenced a walk from downtown Columbia City to their church approximately six miles north on State Road 109, bearing a large wooden cross. Taking turns carrying the cross, the members vowed to reach their final destination. Their peregrination began at the corner of Van Buren and Main streets, westward down Van Buren and then northward on Line Street/State Road 109.

Update…

This afternoon we received the following update message from one of the walk's participants:

"There were 8 kids between the ages of 10 and 15, and 10 adults from
Cornerstone Fellowship who participated in carrying the cross. Just for
everyone's information, we did walk the entire 7-8 miles. What an
experience! It was cold, but knowing the purpose of our journey kept us
focused. We love Jesus and all he did for us and is still doing for us today.
Easter isn't about the bunnies and the candy, it's all about the
sacrifice made for you and me.”

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It’s Good Friday – the last day to observe the Lenten practice of avoiding meat on Fridays for many in our community.

By now, most people have probably exhausted all of their best non-meat ideas for lunch and dinner, but I have a few ideas I’ve come across this year and though I’d pass them along this morning:

• The Grilled Cheese at CC Deli. This really isn’t the standard grilled cheese you may be thinking of and it isn’t even on the menu – you have to ask for it. Owner Steve Hostetler developed this great idea of his: he takes a bakery roll (pesto is an excellent choice) and stacks it high with every kind of cheese he has in the deli case and then he grills it, but only on the bottom. The end result is a delicious, melty combination of provolone, American, pepperjack and other cheeses. The deli also offers a great bowl of clam chowder that is worth trying as well.
• The fish sandwich at Wendy’s. By now, you may have tried fish sandwiches everywhere and though most fast food restaurants have fish sandwiches this time of year, it is definitely not apples to apples. The Wendy’s fish sandwich, however, is excellent and tastes more like the kind of fish sandwich you’d expect to be served in a slow food restaurant.
• A fish basket from Main Bowl. The fish, the fries and the unique tartar sauce they prepare are tops for a Friday night dinner panic.
• The “all you can eat” fish at Timmy’s Nook at Tri Lakes. A salad and a side complete the meal – with a nice atmosphere and helpful staff as well.
• The Fresca Fiesta burrito at Taco Bell. No meat, just rice and salsa for flavor. There might be beans too…The “fresca” also means it is a more healthy choice
• A salmon panini at The Pickle Cafe in Dunfee. Smoked salmon and cream cheese blend for a perfect combination. Their pasta salad, green salad, fruit and excellent visual presentation make it even better. Oh, and ask for a glass of raspberry lemonade and a piece of their decadent peanut butter pie or lemon sunshine. Mmmmm.

Readers, do you have any great suggestions of your own? If so, e-mail me here and I’ll add them to the list.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Although it’s quiet at Camp Whitley just now, it won’t be long until the sounds children’s voices and summertime fun radiate from each cabin along the shore of Troy Cedar Lake. Ready to celebrate their 80^th season, Camp Whitley’s board of directors and staff are busy compiling 80 years worth of camp memories to publish in a booklet.

Submitted by Tara Brandon

The year was 1928. Lindberg received a medal of honor for his transatlantic flight. Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in a sound cartoon. Shirley Temple was born, and Whitley County saw the founding of a local family tradition, Camp Whitley.

Walter Stephenson, an educator with the Columbia City schools, created Camp Whitley 80 years ago, with the goal of providing an outdoor learning experience for the youth of our community. 

Over the last 80 years, Camp Whitley has upheld the vision and traditions began so long ago.

In celebration of our 80th year of operation, the board of directors and staff are requesting stories and memories of former campers to compile into a booklet. 

The staff would like to conduct as many personal visits as possible, but they are willing to also interview over the phone or compile stories. 

If you are a former camper, or know someone who has been a camper anytime in the past 80 years, and would like to share your memories of Camp Whitley, send an email to campwhitley@hotmail.com or send them via the mail to Camp Whitley, Attn: Tara Brandon, P.O. Box 845, Columbia City, IN 46725.

For more information about the project, contact Tara Brandon at 609-2154.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo contributed) Whitley County native Roy Sexton has been cast in the lead role of The Spotlight Players production of “Company.” Below, from left, is Elizabeth Fisher as “April,” Roy Sexton as “Robert,” Cathy Skutch as “Marta,” and Casey Zamler as “Kathy.”

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A Whitley County native has landed the lead role in a major production in Canton, Michigan.

Roy Sexton, the son of Don and Susie Duncan Sexton of Columbia City, and a Columbia City High School graduate, has been cast as “Robert” in The Spotlight Players’ production of “Company.”

Show dates include April 25-26, May 2-3 and May 9-10 with each show beginning at 8 p.m. There are also two matinee shows set for April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m. daily.

Directed by Len Fisher, “Company” is a collaborative effort of Stephen Sondheim, George Furth and Harold Prince.

“Company” follows the storyline of five couples, each of which in various stages of their relationships from newly married or recently divorced, and their mid-30s bachelor friend, Robert. Unable to commit to a stable, lasting relationship, the audience watches as he floats through relationships, learning in the end that no relationship is without fault, but they’re still desirable.

Popular songs from the musical include “Being Alive,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” and “Getting Married Today.”

Sexton has been working steadily on rehearsals for the past several weeks, gearing up for the show.

“It's been four years since I've done a show,” Sexton writes, “so I'm looking forward to this!”

For more information about The Spotlight Players go to www.spotlightplayers.net or to purchase tickets to the performances, click here.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Submitted by Tricia Hennessy

Rebecca Case, M.D. has joined forces with Brian Haley, M.D. to bring obstetrical and gynecological services to the community of Pierceton. Beginning March 19, Dr. Haley, OB/GYN, will begin seeing patients on Wednesday afternoons at the Parkview Medical Group office, located at 5 Matchett Drive and U.S. Hwy 30 West in Pierceton.

Dr. Case has been providing healthcare services to families in the Pierceton area since December 2004. She received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Purdue University, and graduated from West Virginia University Medical School in 1988, with residency training in Charleston, WV. Dr. Case was in private practice in St. Albans, WV, for 13 years prior to joining the Parkview Medical Group. She is board certified in Family Practice.

Likewise, Dr. Haley is an OB/GYN physician who is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He offers comprehensive care for normal and high-risk pregnancies, as well as helping women with gynecological concerns including incontinence, birth control options and cervical cancer prevention.

An undergraduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Haley earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, completing his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Haley practiced in Indianapolis for four years before coming to the Parkview Whitley OB/GYN team in 2006.

To schedule an appointment at Dr. Case’s office for OB/GYN services, call (574) 594-2136

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Passages' 15th annual fundraiser now in progress

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The 15th annual Passages Travel Raffle is currently underway.

The only fundraiser of the year for the local organization, all proceeds raised from the event support the client assistance fund. This year, the fundraiser is being coordinated by Passages receptionist Diane Igney.

According to Tammy Nickolson, housing manager and public relations coordinator for Passages, the client assistance fund enables Passages’ clients who may be in need of rent, clothing, food, medical needs or to help fund various needs that are unmet.

“A lot of times the money helps fund field trips or learning trips for our clients,” said Nickolson. “They might have fallen short since many live on limited incomes or they need clothes for a job interview,” she added. Regardless of the special need, the fund comes in handy quite often.

Winners of the travel raffle will receive a $999 travel voucher from Odyssey Travel that can be used anywhere toward a cruise, airline tickets, hotel accommodations and other travel expenses.

Considering past winners, Nickolson has seen an interesting trend – most winners utilize the voucher to spend time with family. One winner, she said, used the voucher for a mother-daughter trip to New York.

Tickets for the Passages Travel Raffle are available at the Passages office, located in the Marshall Building off Walnut Street, Odyssey Travel in downtown Columbia City or by calling Tammy Nickolson at 244-7688, ext. 114, or Diane Igney at 244-7688, ext. 110.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

From the National Weather Service:

At 3:59 p.m. today, March 19, The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana issued a winter storm watch which is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Whitley County is included in watch area.

A winter storm system will develop across the plains Thursday night and move east into the region Friday morning. This potent system will pull ample amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico as it moves through the region Friday into Saturday. The heaviest snowfall look to occur Friday evening into Saturday allowing for significant accumulations of 4-8 inches through Saturday afternoon.

A small amount of uncertainty still exists with the exact tract of the system.

A winter storm means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that might impact travel.

The winter storm watch has been for Whitley County in addition to the immediate surrounding counties of Kosciusko, Noble and Allen.

For more information or to keep track of the storm as it develops, visit www.weather.gov/IWX

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

CCHS FFA Week tractor drive-in participants included Jake Michel, Chris Auer, Thad Werstler, Cody Lamle, John Rubrake, Derrick Sheets and was coordinated by FFA advisor Jesse Kimmel.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano 

Have you found the perfect red dress to wear? What about those red patent pumps? Your ruby earrings? 

Tickets are on sale now for Leadership Whitley County's Rhapsody in Red, a dinner dance to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and to raise funds to offset the costs of a local cardiovascular health testing program through Parkview Whitley Hospital.

Rhapsody in Red is slated for April 25 at The Eagle's Nest Event Center, beginning at 6 p.m. Several local celebrity servers have been selected for the event, including John Slavich, Janet Scank, Sheriff Mark Hodges, Peter Farrar, Jacie Worrick and many others. The Blue River Express will entertain with their big band style.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple. A table for eight can be purchased for $210 and may be purchased at J&J Insurance, the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce or by calling Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.

Sponsors for the event thus far include Professional Federal and Schrader Auction.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Athena Metzger) The Whitley County Literacy Council’s board of directors  and staff includes, from left in row one, Sandy Slone, board president, Julie McEvoy, Literacy Council assistant, Tracey Peterson, executive director, Frances Brown, JoAnn Arnold and Leslie Rentschler. Row two, from left, is Phil Beard, Cindy Zollinger, Doug Stoffel, Bob Brittain and Dick Schuman.

By Athena Metzger

“Literacy is the key to opening up the future.” 

This was the theme for the evening as the Whitley County Literacy Council met Monday night at the Eagle’s Nest Event Center for its 21st Annual Dinner. 

The WCLC’s executive director, Tracey Peterson, presented the Council’s 2007 year in review and projected growth for 2008. The Literacy Council offers various programs to promote literacy in an effort to educate and prepare Whitley County residents for future opportunities. Programs available include Adult Basic Education and ESL (English as a Second Language), which is particularly valuable as Whitley County’s Hispanic population has increased in the recent past. 

The Literacy Council also helps people earn their GED’s and is able to offer a site for GED testing beginning yesterday, with all slots filled up. With gas prices rising, Peterson said that the testing site is a welcome addition. 

Additionally, Peterson projected continued growth in its services for 2008 and was happy to announce that the Council now offers opportunities obtain a GED to people in Whitley County Community Corrections under Judges Mike Rush and Jim Heuer, and also to those who are incarcerated under Sheriff Mark Hodges.

“Wow,” said Peterson summing up year 2007. “It has been a phenomenal year for us.” 

The Council experienced a record year in several areas: total students growing from 57 in 2005 to 174 in 2007 and a projected 230 in 2008; GED’s obtained growing from 10 in 2005 to 24 in 2007 and a projected 27 in 2008; and an all-time high for donations received. 

According to Peterson’s report to the Council’s Board of Directors, the center experienced a 46% growth in individual donations and has received significant grants from Drug Free Indiana Whitley County, H.A.N.D.S. Foundation, Northeast REMC, Whitley County Community Foundation, Whitley County Consolidated Schools and Whitley County United Way. 

“We are growing at an extraordinary pace,” she said. “We seek new ways to serve our clients. Of course, we need community support, volunteers and money,” said Peterson.

Peterson proudly related success stories from last year, demonstrating how the council is raising public awareness about literacy. 

Ten students from Haiti worked with the Council last year, each of them improving his/her education levels, one passing the GED, which will enable him to get a student VISA to study in the U.S. and potentially be life changing as Haiti’s impoverished state offers few prospects. 

Another event that shows the Council’s positive impact on lives stemmed from packets that were distributed to 1600 Whitley County Consolidated students on International Literacy Day. The phone rang non-stop with inquiries, Peterson said, one mother calling the very next day to seek help for her husband who couldn’t read. 

During the meeting volunteers were recognized by Sandra Slone, President of the Board, and two new Board members were nominated and added, including Doug Stoffel, a math teacher at CCHS who has published several math books, and John Gotz.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Athena Metzger) Joni Walker, local artist, author and community volunteer, below, shared some of her work and news of her children's book, due out in June. 

Athena Metzger

A message of hope for the future through literacy was further advanced local children’s author and illustrator Joni Walker. Walker was the guest speaker for the Literacy Council’s annual dinner Monday night at The Eagle’s Nest Event Center in Columbia City.

The humble Whitley County author said that she had dreamt of being an artist, not an author and joked at the irony of her speaking at a Literacy Council. "Never assume what you’re going to be,” Walker cautioned her audience, as this might limit one’s opportunities. 

Walker has book number thirteen, Jesus Hear Me coming out in June. Reflecting on being an author of so many books and of the ongoing success in an area she never expected to pursue, she says that she is “weirded out by it.”

“I can actually make money at drawing," she said, humbly surprised. "I am put off by being called an author,” Walker said.

Her latest book’s message is that kids can pray from anywhere, not just bed time, she said.

Walker said that she stumbled into writing when she put her career on hold to stay home and raise her children.

“I wrote stories for myself so I would have something to illustrate,” she said.

Remarkably, after years of rejection from the publishing world, her mostly rhyming books aimed at children six months to five years old have caught on. 

“I’m hearing kids are wanting my books read to them over and over and over. That’s where it all starts,” said Walker, who always carries in her purse one of more than a dozen of her sketch books. Wherever she goes, she’s ready to capture ideas for future books — she even takes h er sketchbook to church, which is no longer surprising to fellow parishioners. In fact, Walker’s works frequently contain Christian material. 

When her own daughter was having trouble understanding her catechism, Walker illustrated the entire lesson to make it clearer. She has also illustrated the Ten Commandments.

As if she’s not busy enough writing and illustrating her books, Walker also paints murals focused for children. She does not paint for individuals, but prefers to work for schools or businesses that serve children. The unassuming artist laughed at the hazards of her work — wobbly ladders — saying that she enlists her husband to help her do some of the monochromatic flat areas. 

Walker’s books can be found locally at H & B Book Store in Columbia City, which will also order them for customers, several Christian bookstores in Fort Wayne, and can be ordered through Barnes & Noble. 

Other titles by Walker published by Concordia Publishing House include the Follow and Do series, Jesus is With Me, Jesus Knows Me, and Tell Me the Easter Story.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Kevin Nicodemus) Three local residents active in government, business and community activities have been selected as recipients of Upstate Indiana business journal's 2008 Future 40 Awards. From left are recipients Jim Banks, Eddie Beagles and Jennifer Zartman Romano. 

Article Provided 

The Upstate Indiana business journal is proud to announce the selection of the 2008 Future 40 honorees -- including four people with Whitley County ties. Presented annually, the Future 40 Awards are awarded each year to the region's most dynamic leaders in the areas of business, medicine, government & community organizations.

After reviewing over 170 nominations this year, 40 individuals from Northeast Indiana were selected as Future 40 award recipients by their peers. These 40 individuals have demonstrated their ability to impact the region in various ways from community service projects to work-related ventures, seeking to make Northeast Indiana a great place to live, work and play.

Whitley County is fortunate to have three local business people under the age of 40 recognized this year, including Eddie P. Beagles, Jr., of DeMoney Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Jim Banks of The Wabash Group and Jennifer Zartman Romano of Talk of the Town. All three are members of Young Adults in Action (YAIA) and the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce.

O. Karl Behrens of BND Commercial is a Whitley County native and was also named as an award recipient.

While local residents have been nominated for the award in the past, this is the first year that any Whitley County residents have been named recipients of the prestigious awards.

In its fifth year, the Future 40 is an established program and event of Upstate Indiana, a partner publication of Fort Wayne Woman magazine, and is a regionally proclaimed event that seeks to recognize the best and brightest of those individuals under the age of 40 that embody the will and demonstrate commitment to family, community and work. This nomination-driven program has seen a variety of individuals, a mix of entrepreneurs, business professionals and non-profit leaders determined to make a difference in our Northeast Indiana communities.

An awards ceremony recognizing each of the Future 40 nominees will be held the evening of April 18, 2008 at the new multi-million dollar Sweetwater Sound facility on US 30 in Fort Wayne. Tickets to the awards ceremony are $45 and seating is limited. To purchase tickets, contact Linda Cottrell at (260) 969-0019 x 103 or linda@printpubhub.com.

Other 2008 Future 40 Honorees include Alisa J. Pearson of Barrett & McNagny, LLP, Alison Delicati of Indiana Tech, Andrew Welch of IPFW, Brian Loney of Sweetwater Sound, Buff Dormeier of Wachovia Securities Inc., Carrie Stuckey of Priority Mortgage, Chris Stewart of International Sales & Marketing, Craig D. Crook of TQM Network, Debra Moser of Fifth Third Bank, Derek J. Dyer of Dyer Health and Wellness, Emily Bermes of Solstice Coaching & Consulting, Gran Roberts of ACD Museum, Heather Schoegler of CB Richard Ellis Sturges, James Kelley II of Kelley Automotive, Jamie L. Garwood of the United Way of Allen County, John Meyer of Monarch Capital, Kelly Hagerman of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Kelly Metzger, Mark A. Rosemond of Rosemark Flooring, Mark Bloom of Beckman Lawson LLP, Mark D. Scudder of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Matt Hibske of INdigital Telecom, Matt Kelly of One Lucky Guitar, Matthew D. Fortney of ICON International, Michael GeRue of Parkview Hospital, Nancy Steigmeyer of Time Services, Robert Patrick of 1st Source Bank, Ronald W. Hostetler of Wells Fargo, Scott Federoff of Federoff Law Firm LLP, Shannon McNett Silcox of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Shellie Goetz of Baker & Daniels LLP, Susan Trent of Rothberg Logan & Warsco, Tina DeMeritt of Tower Bank, Tina M. Bell of Miller Murphy LLP, Todd J. Stewart of One Resource Group Inc., and Wendy Martin-Glick of Aetna. 

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

According to sources close to the event, the fifth annual silent auction at the Whitley County 4-H Fun Night exceeded all expectations this year.

The auction committee, comprised of Lynette Bridegam, Annette Lamle, Brenda McBride, Matt Gibson, Doug Sheetz, Tracey Petersen, Dan Miller and Aimee Ray, collected 145 items from local businesses and individuals for the silent auction.

In the end, they set a new fundraising record for the event – bringing in $4,930. 

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos Contributed) Local seniors enjoyed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and costume party Monday at the Senior Center in Columbia City. The party included a very green lunch and costume contest. Dressed in their festive duds, above, from left, is Sharon LaRue, Lavon Gaff, Glen LaRue, Lois Sheets, Betty Terman and Beverly Berry. Best costume went to first place winner Glen LaRue, second place winner Lavon Gaff and the third place winner was Sharon LaRue.

Below, seated from left, is Marie Kern, Fae Carter, Carolyn Parket and Margaret Geiger.  Standing, from left, is Senior Center nutrition director Carrie Perry, MaryAnn Clark, Keith Nicodemus, Frances Nicodemus, Juanita Yoder, Betty Mink and Barbara Daniels.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

If threatening weather was heading our way, would you be prepared? What would you do to keep your family safe?

The Whitley County Emergency Management and the Kosciusko County Emergency Management agencies, in cooperation with the National Weather Service, are promoting three upcoming events to help local residents not only be able to spot severe weather conditions, but to know how to react when weather turns bad.

On Wednesday, March 19, they will present Storm Spotter training in North Webster at the North Webster Fire Station,

202 North Main Street

, at 7 p.m.

Then, on Thursday, March 20, two Storm Spotter sessions will be offered at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City. One class begins at 9 a.m. and another begins at 7 p.m.

The 90-minute classes are free, and according to Cathy Broxon-Ball, director of the Whitley County Emergency Management Agency, everyone can learn a thing or two from these sessions.

“We kind of encourage Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to become involved in these (events),” Broxon-Ball said. You do not need to have any meteorological training to participate – just an interest in better understanding the weather.

The course will be taught by a trained National Weather Service meteorologist, explaining how local residents can evaluate different weather conditions and how to quickly report that information to the National Weather Service – informing their community and, hopefully, helping to save lives in the event of serious weather situations.

There is no need to RSVP for these training sessions, however, class participants are asked to arrive a little early.

For a helpful link to local weather conditions, visit www.weather.gov/iwx

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Below, Leadership Whitley County classmates and Community Action Team members Amy Shaw, left, and Mary Anne Dickinson, right, sold tickets and welcomed visitors to the Taste of Whitley County event Saturday. Held in tandem with the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce's Home & Garden Expo, the event featured a sampling of Whitley County's culinary excellence.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Judging by the numbers of people pouring into Indian Springs Middle School Saturday morning, drawn to the back of the building by wafting smells of something cooking, Leadership Whitley County’s ‘Taste of Whitley County’ boasted edible excellence – both in foods offered and the community’s response to the event.

In all, six local businesses participated in the first-time event, including Brownstone on State, Timmy’s Nook, Daniel Menu & Party Consulting, CC Deli, All Occasions Cakery and DQ Grill & Chill. Each provided different items, from freshly made strawberry smoothies, barbecue ribs, parmesan potato soup and loaded sub sandwiches to cheesecake, roasted paninis and giant chocolate chip cookies. Hearty meal or sweet snack, there was something for everyone. And, there were people everywhere.

“Taste of Whitley County was a tremendous success,” said Leadership Whitley County director Kelley Sheiss.

Sheiss said over $1500 in tickets were sold during the event, resulting in an estimated $800 for the start-up of a youth leadership program – a program for young people similar to the existing Leadership Whitley County program for adults.

In addition to enjoying the food, visitors also had the opportunity to pick a favorite. The first place award went to Daniel Menu & Party Consulting, second place to Brownstone on State and third place to Timmy's Nook. For her first place award, Jill Daniel of Daniel Menu & Party Consulting received a set of rooster dishes from Peeble's in Columbia City.

The event was coordinated by the current Leadership Whitley County class’s Community Action Team comprised of Sonya Rubrake, Amy Shaw, Matt Shipman, Mary Anne Dickinson, Peter Farrar, April Gerard, Linda Melvin and Christina Rice.

Participating businesses enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the public and introduce their products to the community as well.

Tim Holmes and his father, Tim Holmes, of Timmy’s Nook at Tri Lakes were very happy with the turnout for the event, saying, “We’ll be back next year for sure!”

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Despite the obvious good demeanor and wide smiling eyes of the Easter Bunny, two-year-old Isaiah Boles, son of Tim and Bianca Boles of Columbia City, is not sure quite what to think of the plushy holiday hare – preferring to keep is distance. Eventually, at right, he decides a big bunny with candy can’t be all that bad!

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A whirlwind tour of Whitley County went quite well for the Easter Bunny Saturday.

A morning visit to Churubusco’s Thresher’s Ridge and afternoon visit Lincoln Pointe in Columbia City brought numerous young ones out for photographs, candy and a chance to say hello to the Easter Bunny, according to the event’s coordinator Brad Minear.

Minear of Orizon Real Estate, along with Roger and Nora Ferrell and the Easter Bunny (Luke Genth), welcomed an estimated 20 families to the Churubusco visit and in the first 45 minutes of the event in Columbia City, they’d already welcomed 15 families.

“We’ve had an excellent turnout,” Minear said. He said the turnout was so outstanding, they hope to do it again in the future…and they’re already thinking they might plan a similar event with Santa Claus.

“We’d like to give a big thanks to those families that came out,” Minear said.

The free event for the community was sponsored by Orizon Real Estate.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Whitley County Young Adults in Action (YAIA) will gather tonight, March 17, for their monthly social event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This evening's St. Patty's Day festivities will be hosted at Senor Fajitas on South Main Street in Columbia City.

The group is open to any young adult age 21-40 who has an interest in improving the community through volunteerism, awareness and community action.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Article Submitted

The Indiana Third District Democrats will hold their monthly Breakfast Club on Saturday March 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Brevin’s Restaurant in Churubusco.

Gubernatorial candidate Jim Schellinger is the keynote speaker.

Breakfast is $5 per person and attendees are invited to order off the Brevin’s menu that morning. The event, according to attendees, is always a good source of Democratic conversation and fellowship.

To make reservations, contact Third District Democrats treasurer Randy Schmidt (260) 432-8215 or chairman Steve Haines at (574) 269-4581.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) At right, top, Sheriff Mark Hodges jokes with the crowd a little before tackling the more serious subjects of his department. Below, at right, the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District staff listens as various county officials spoke on the county's status Friday. The SWCD sponsored the luncheon. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

County commissioners and Sheriff Mark Hodges brought the State of County to attendees of the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly business briefing luncheon on Friday, shedding light on the current status of various activities within the county.

Addressing the audience, commissioner Tom Rethlake described one of the biggest challenges he sees in the community currently and in the future – providing quality emergency management.

“It’s challenging for us to keep up with the current services we have with the budget we have,” Rethlake said, considering the demands and the impact of federal and state mandates. He commended county council for “doing an excellent job” with funding these services under “very challenging” circumstances.

Commissioner Jim Pettigrew gave an overview of the county highway department, the county’s second largest department (the largest county government department is the sheriff’s department). According to Pettigrew, the department has 21 full-time employees that manage several million dollars worth of equipment – including four tandem axle trucks, 11 single axle trucks, two dump trucks, three pickup trucks, a paver, a chip and sealer and numerous other pieces of equipment used to keep county roads in excellent shape.

“There’s a lot of pride in what they do down there,” Pettigrew said. He added that the department does an impressive job of keeping within their budget.

“The wheel tax helps with that,” Pettigrew said of the tax passed by county council two years ago. Additionally, the county highway budget is assisted by gas tax within the county. Unfortunately, he said, “We do not realize any gas tax refunds for pickups.”

Pettigrew said the county currently has 91 miles of gravel roads and a total of 628 roads in the county at this time. Some of the largest projects in the past year included the expenditure of $187,000 to convert 3.5 miles of gravel road to chip and seal and to repave seven miles of county roadway – at a price of $325,000. He said they would have done more, but they ran out of money.

Projects for 2008 include spending $400,000 to finish 3.5 miles of Lincolnway West and to convert 2.5 miles of gravel road to paved roadways. He said they’d like to do more, but petroleum prices are holding them back this year.

“Right now, we’re enjoying two bridges a year,” Pettigrew said of the county’s ability to fund the replacement of two bridges annually, and the additional option of a third bridge repair in case of emergency. Bridge projects for this year include finishing the bridge on Keiser Road and repairing the bridge near the fish hatchery at Tri Lakes.

“That’s a little more technical because there’s only one way in and one way out,” Pettigrew said. “It has to be done so we’ll get ‘er done.”

Pettigrew said he is pleased with the county’s fueling facility which provides better prices and round the clock accessibility for county departments to get gas and diesel. He estimates the county saves 40 cents per gallon on diesel and 25 cents per gallon on gas by operating their own fueling station.

Pettigrew is also pleased with the GIS system, a detailed mapping and records system, saying, “Whitley County is in the 21^st century. Our people are talented enough to put this thing together.”

Describing the GIS software as “very helpful,” Pettigrew said it “marks our spot in the world with GPS.”

In his portion of the discussion, Commissioner Mike Schrader gave a quick overview of what offices and entities were still located in the courthouse now that many offices have moved into the county government building over the past year. Schrader is pleased with the various updates within the courthouse that make the building safer, more attractive and more cost-effective in terms of energy conservation.

One issue Schrader said he and the other commissioners are not pleased with is the recent mandate that the county pick up the tab for a remodel of the Division of Family & Children’s Services office in the courthouse annex building. The state had mandated a series of changes, mostly cosmetic, to the facility that would include everything from using specified paint colors, Corian countertops and other features that were delineated for each facility in the state.

“We looked into this and found it would cost us between $85,000-$90,000 to do this,” Schrader said. Concerned about the cost, the commissioners wrote a letter to the state asking to opt out of the project.

“We try to be good stewards of the county’s money,” Schrader said.

Sheriff Mark Hodges talked about the Whitley County Jail which is soon to celebrate it’s 21^st birthday. The jail has 100 beds, four temporary holding cells and on average, holds 112 prisoners each day. He said they have 15 beds designated for the Department of Corrections, but on average, they have 8-12 DOC subjects per day.

“We hold them until the DOC has room or we can’t stand ‘em anymore,” Hodges said. Housing DOC inmates is a money-making opportunity for the county. In 2007, the county housed 47 DOC inmates and received $89,355 in reimbursement.

According to Hodges, a record number of prisoners were in the jail on May 29 – 136 people. In 2007, the jail booked 1,808 prisoners in all.

During the year, the sheriff’s department handled 19,000 service calls that were dispatched to various emergency management entities in the county. The department served 6,000 civil papers and, as a result, generated $20,000.

Hodges commended the work of Bill Brice and Chip Stevenson in leading 166 felony and 122 misdemeanor drug investigations, spending many hours pouring through pharmacy records looking for evidence of misuse. He said Brice and Stevenson are also both DEA certified to investigate meth labs and while they haven’t had to investigate any of those lately in the county, four marijuana operations were investigated in the past year.

In the past year, 169,498 meals were served in the jail, Hodges said. Inmates are charged $1.82 per day for meals, but Hodges commended the jail’s matron for careful planning and purchasing – and her ability to get the actual meal cost down well below budget, saving the county additional funds that can be used in other areas such as CPR and defensive tactics training.

Other upgrades seen at the jail in the past year include more digital cameras, an enhanced clergy program and audio recording of phone calls which he said has, “really cut down on the attitude.” The department also purchased tasers and began utilizing a more rugged, practical uniform for third shift officers to wear that will better withstand running through wooded areas and tackling some of the more difficult situations the law enforcement officers find themselves in.

“We signed a contract with Health Professionals LTD to provide mental health services and medical care,” Hodges said of the company that now provides health-related services to the jail’s inmate population, also saving the county money.

Another big change at the jail: instead of buying pre-packaged commissary items, they are now buying in bulk and inmates help to repackage them.

“We’ve increased profits by 600-800 percent,” Hodges said proudly. This savings is then used to fund additional training and extras that wouldn’t be covered in the department’s budget.

The State of the County program was sponsored by the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Susan Frantz of the Huntington University EXCEL program in Whitley County, center, talks to a group of visitors to the Whitley County Home & Garden Expo on Saturday afternoon. The Whitley County Home & Garden Expo continues today until 4 p.m. at Indian Springs Middle School, south of Columbia City on State Road 9. Admission is free and coordinated by the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce.

Later, Talk of the Town will bring you additional coverage of the event along with coverage of the successful Taste of Whitley County event held at the expo on Saturday.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

In their own words, we'll share what the Republican candidates for Whitley County Commissioner said on Saturnday morning. When we get them processed, you'll find the audio recordings here.

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A long line of hungry 4-H members, former members, community supporters and families winds its way from the parking lot indoors to the 20th annual Whitley County 4-H Fun Night Friday evening at the Whitley County 4-H Center building. The well-attended event featured dinner, a silent auction and children's games. Second only, perhaps, to the Whitley County 4-H Fair each year in July, the Fun Night event is highly anticipated each year in the community.

At right, Etna Troy township residents Jody and Lisa Claypool and their sons, five-year-old Max and six-year-old Jack, wait for their turn to enjoy the activities at the 4-H Fun Night.

Below, an extensive array of silent auction items catches the attention of a youngster -- perhaps she's interested in the pedal tractor?

All proceeds raised from the annual event support the Whitley County 4-H program and participating clubs.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Eager to share the perspectives of current issues in county government, candidates for Whitley County commissioner drew a crowd of more than 50 this morning at The Eagle's Lodge in downtown Columbia City.

The breakfast, an event planned by the Whitley County Republican party, provided an opportunity for each candidate to address the audience and, later, answer questions posed by attendees and the morning's moderator, Nelson Peters, commissioner of Allen County's 1st District.

Candidates in attendance included Don Amber and Mark Roach as well as incumbents Jim Pettigrew and Tom Rethlake. Amber, Pettigrew and Roach are all vying for the District 3 seat while Rethlake is running unopposed for District 1. Topics of discussion included economic development, enhancing technological infrastructure, governmental organization and perspectives on the relationship of county commissioners and county council, a role all agreed was a working, positive collaboration in Whitley County -- and something of a rarity in communities around the state.

Photographs and complete recordings of the candidate's speeches, as well as their responses to the questions posed by the audience, will be published here on Talk of the Town as soon as possible.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Whitley County Home & Garden Expo this weekend at Indian Springs Middle School.

In addition to providing an opportunity to learn about the products and services available in our community to enhance your home or garden, entertainment and educational opportunities abound as well.

Here’s some of what you can expect on Saturday:

11 a.m. – Canine Companions presents a learning session on “pet manners.

12 p.m. – First Church of God’s Axia entertains

1 p.m. – Scott Frasier presents “Dance Til U Drop”

2 p.m. – The Columbia City United Methodist Church’s Praise Team entertains

3 p.m. – Indiana Blue Bird Society

3:30 p.m. – Kathy Ford of Three Rivers Federal Credit Union presents an informational program on identity theft.

On Sunday, you can expect:

12:30 p.m. – Doug Farrell of REMC presents a program on energy saving

1 p.m. – TNT Floral presents a program on flowers

1:30 p.m. – The Watering Can Florist presents a program on floral design

2 p.m. – The CCUMC Youth Praise Team, lead by Pat Murphy, entertains

3 p.m. – The Indian Springs Middle School City Stars Show Choir entertains

Admission to the Home & Garden Expo is free.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Chad Nix, above, a member of the Whitley County 4-H Inc. board of directors, mops the floor Friday afternoon after volunteers spent the day breading fish and tenderloins for the all you can eat dinner tonight at the Whitley County 4-H Center.

The annual 4-H Fun Night, open to the community, is a major fundraiser for the local 4-H program and is one of the most anticipated events of the year -- second only to the annual Whitley County 4-H Fair. At right, an embroidered chair donated by Mullett Canvas & Embroidery is one of many exciting items available tonight during the silent auction. (That would sure come in handy during the fair this year...) Below, Jenny and Doug Farrell take a look at the displayed silent auction as the committee puts finishing touches on the set up for the event Friday afternoon.

The 20th annual Whitley County 4-H Fun Night continues tonight until 7:30 p.m. with dinner, carryout meals, a silent auction and children's games. The dinner, featuring fish, fried and grill tenderloins, and more, is $8 for adults and $4 for children age 6-10. Children under 5 eat free.

Proceeds support the Whitley County 4-H program and will be divided among the many clubs present to help with the event.

The silent auction this year was coordinated by Lynette Bridegam, chair, and Annette Lamle, Brenda McBride, Matt Gibson, Doug Sheetz, Dan Miller, Tracey Peterson and Aimee Ray.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A sizeable crowd gathered, above, Friday at Parkview Whitley Hospital for the Chamber of Commerce's monthly business briefing luncheon -- highlighting the State of the County. Talk of the Town will bring you details on the interesting information shared at the luncheon later this weekend.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo Contributed) Below, Columbia City's Haley Richter stands proudly with the medals she earned at the Senior State Swim Meet last weekend.

By Athena Metzger

Last weekend’s Senior State Swim Meet at Brownsburg High School proved to be a success for local athlete Haley Richter, sophomore who attends CCHS. 

She and team mates from Pro team washed out the competition, earning a first place in 400 freestyle relay; second place in 400 medley relay (Haley swam the 100 backstroke leg of the relay); and a fifth place in 800 freestyle relay. In individual events Haley won sixth place in 100 backstroke; fifth in 200 freestyle and in 200 backstroke; eleventh in 100 freestyle; and thirteenth place in 200 butterfly.

Haley’s mother Janet Richter said, “The most exciting part of the meet for Haley was her participation on the relays. Haley and three other team mates competed against the best club swimmers in the state as well as swimmers from Indiana University. Winning the 400 freestyle relay was a thrill for all the girls. The girls were just one second from qualifying for the Junior National swimming meet in two weeks in Florida.”

Mrs. Richter attributes much of her daughter’s success to Haley’s coach Julie Robinson, who also coaches Haley’s younger sister Andrea, her own daughters Brittany and Breanna, and Jenna Bosselman. Robinson has been coaching the girls for two years and “has been a big reason for all of the swimmers’ success,” says Janet.

Posted by jennifer321 at 04:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Athena Metzger) Above, from left, are Brittany Robinson, Cassie Bosselman and Jena Bosselman, three members of a five member team of local girls preparing for state level competition this weekend in Indianapolis. Below, the team is lead by coach Julie Robinson. At bottom, from left, are teammates Breanna Robinson and Andrea Richter.

By Athena Metzger

Tonight begins the second consecutive weekend of swimming competition for an independent local swim team coached by Julie Robinson. 

Last weekend her oldest swimmer-in-training, 15-year-old Haley Richter, won first place in relay competition and had several top placements in individual events. 

This time, Richter’s younger sister, Andrea, age 12, Robinson’s two daughters, 14-year-old  Brittany and Breanna, 11, and two more sisters Jena and Cassie Bosselman, ages 14 and 10 respectively, will see if they have the “right stuff” too at the Short Course Age Group State competition held at IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis through Sunday night.

Robinson’s role as volunteer coach began about three years ago at her daughters’ requests. Brittany and Breanna had begun club swimming at an early age as a safety precaution initiated by their mom, as the family lives on a lake. Because the girls excelled in the sport, they stuck with it. 

After several venues and coaches, it was decided that Julie would take over training her girls, and they landed at the Whitley County Family YMCA. 

Robinson said it’s been a tricky balancing act -- being “mom” and “coach” to her two girls, and emotions sometimes run high. 

To train her daughters and the other girls Robinson has done extensive research on the sport as she was a college track athlete, not a swimmer. 

In addition to the challenges of preparing for competition, the team also faces the challenge of finding enough pool time to practice – something made more difficult by the extremely busy schedule of the local YMCA’s pool.

We’ll bring you the results of their competition as soon as we receive them on Talk of the Town.

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

How often can you sit down with an Orange Julius, a sandwich from Timmy’s Nook, a salad from The Brownstone Café without having to drive to Tri Lakes, South Whitley and then Columbia City? If you actually did that, you’d probably have a melted drink, a cold sandwich and a warm salad – and with the current gas prices, it would have been an expensive little adventure.

This weekend, however, you’ll have that opportunity – and more.

On Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Indian Springs Middle School, during the Whitley County Home & Garden Expo, visitors will enjoy some of the community’s culinary finest offerings at the first-ever Taste of Whitley County.

Taste of Whitley County, the work of Leadership Whitley County’s community action team for 2007-08, will feature a variety of delicious items from The Brownstone Café, Daniel Menu & Party Consulting, All Occasion Cakery, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, Timmy’s Nook and the CC Deli.

Tickets are $1 each at the entrance to the event and can be redeemed for samples at each vendor’s location. To cleanse your palate, water provided by Culligan will be available as well.

Half of the proceeds raised from the event will support the development of a county-wide youth leadership program.

Those involved in the planning of Taste of Whitley County include current Leadership Whitley County classmates Sonya Rubrake, Amy Shaw, Matt Shipman, Mary Anne Dickinson, Peter Farrar, April Gerard, Linda Melvin and Christina Rice.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Positive adult role models are key in the lives of children, demonstrating in word and deed the paths their young lives should follow. Sometimes a simple thank you does not seem enough to thank those who’ve gone above and beyond in the hope of leading our community’s children down the right path. For that reason, there are the Count On Me awards in Whitley County.

Sponsored by Count Me In, an initiative in Whitley County based on the 40 developmental assets, the Count On Me awards are a means by which the community can recognize those who are dedicating their time to helping young people. The awards are based on nominations submitted locally and the nomination process is as simple as writing how the person has impacted the life of a child in a positive way - from volunteering as a soccer coach to being the teacher who spends quiet hours listening to the hearts of her students, helping them to learn in their own way or the neighbor who acts a surrogate grandmother, teaching a little one to sew or cook.

All Count On Me nominees will be recognized at the Heart of Gold Awards Ceremony at Indian Springs Middle School in late April. A winner or winners, depending on the number of nominees, will be honored with a $500 grant to direct to a youth-serving agency in Whitley County. Previous winners include Janet Fager, Michelle Boggs, Becky Thornburg, Michelle Tartaglia, John Davis, Olivia Franz, Joni Walker, Walter Malicki, Steve Mundy, Paula Sheller and Shannon Lemmon.   

All nominations are due by April 1. Nomination forms are available at local libraries, the Whitley County Community Foundation on Whitley Street or you may request one by sending an e-mail to jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com

For additional information, contact John Slavich or Kendra Zickafoose at the Whitley County Community Foundation at 244-5224.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A local publication about to celebrate its 125^th year in Whitley County recently made itself a little easier to find further northeast in the community.

The Tribune-News is now available at the CC Deli in Columbia City, the first location outside of the weekly newspaper’s main coverage area which includes South Whitley, Larwill and Pierceton.

“We’re doing this at the request of readers living in Columbia City,” said Teresa Smith, owner and publisher of the Tribune-News, who now makes sure a stack of the newspapers lands on the counter of the CC Deli each week. The Tribune-News is published each Wednesday.

Smith, a local resident, and her husband Phil Smith, purchased the publication from Dave Tranter on June 1, 2007. Smith is a graduate of Columbia City High School and many readers may remember her as Teresa Carrano, former community editor for The Post & Mail several years ago. Smith and her husband, a gifted photographer and sports writer, have been working for the past several months to enhance the publication.

“It is 100% local from the front page to the back page,” said Smith. “Local news, local faces, there’s no canned crap,” she added.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The old Scott school house in Etna Troy Township looks scenic Tuesday morning, surrounded by a light covering of snow. Do you have any interesting stories about local school houses? If so, share them on our forum board under the memories section or e-mail them to jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Article Submitted

Steve Haines, 3rd District Democratic chairman is announcing that the 3rd District Democratic Party will gather for their annual dinner on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at The Eagle's Nest Event Center in Columbia City.

The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Jim Schellinger and Jill Long Thompson along with Congressional Candidate Michael Montagano, and representatives from both Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Presidential campaigns will be speaking.

The J. Edward Roush Award will also be given out, this award goes to someone each year you goes beyond the call of duty in giving from their time, talent or treasure to the Third District Democratic Party.

We are looking forward for a sellout crowd at this exciting event so please contact your Whitley County Democratic chair Patty Weybright at 723-5911 or call district chairman Steve Haines at (574) 269-4581 for reservations which are $30 per person.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, representing many demographics, local residents listen intently as fellow community members share their perspectives on the high school building project. Below, at left, Barry Dupen , a local resident, parent and engineering professor at IPFW, says he's in favor of the building project for the sake of his child who will attend the high school in a few years. Below, at right, CCHS student Jamie Hiss outlines the reasons she feels a new high school is necessary. At bottom, the WCCS school board studies the tax implications of building a new school.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

With a unanimous vote of the Whitley County Consolidated School’s board of directors Tuesday evening, the process toward building a new Columbia City High School building on the grounds of the existing Indian Springs Middle School and Little Turtle Elementary School complex moved a step forward.

The board members in attendance, in addition to the absent members Bob Thomas, Don Armstrong and William Tucker, who voted verbally or in writing, approved the motion to adopt the 1028 resolution and the preliminary determination resolution put forth during the meeting.

Prior to the vote of the board, representatives from the architectural firm Gibraltar and the financial firm Cities Security Corporation spoke on the scope and financial implications of the project, respectively. Board vice president Tim Bloom began the meeting and school superintendent Laura Huffman spoke of the journey the board and school system has taken to get to the point of choosing to build a new high school.

Bloom shared that the discovery process began three years ago. Since that time, there have been studies and the development of a task force to determine the school’s needs and the need for a new building. In the end, the board felt it was important to move forward.

“Education is about working for the potential of our youth,” said Huffman. “I find education fascinating…This is quite a journey.”

“Tonight is one step in that process,” Huffman said, sharing ways staff and students offered input into building needs and wants.

“We’ve had the opportunity to talk to a lot of community groups and they’ve had some excellent suggestions as well,” Huffman continued.

Space topped the list as Huffman’s most noted concern with the exiting space, a problem she feels would be alleviated by a bigger, more functional building elsewhere. That building, they say, would be able to accommodate technological and learning needs that could not be addressed in the current building or at the current site.

“I see great learning, but it is hindered by a lack of space,” Huffman said.

Jim Thompson of Gibralter Design discussed the analysis and summary conclusions as well as project parameters, additionally echoing Huffman’s statements about a lack of space in the existing school. “Many of the teachers are challenged because they don’t have enough space…there’s 60,000 square foot missing,” Thompson said, comparing the school’s relative size to other similarly-populated high schools in the state.

Thompson estimated that it would cost $54,787,690 to renovate the existing Columbia City High School building and that the project would take several years to complete, during which time students would be going to school amid constant construction.

He also spoke of the ease in building a new school on the available 80 acres owned by the school at the Indian Springs Middle School site with the future availability of another 30 acres, parking for 800 cars and 20 buses. In all, Gibralter’s preliminary cost estimate to build a new school in the new location would be $48,774,000 and could be completed by December 2011.

Rod Wilson, a representative of Cities Security Corporation., broke the costs down before sharing the final price tag of the school: $59,600,000.

The total construction would be $48,774,000 plus equipment and technology at $4,878,000 plus $1,450,000 for changes during the building process plus other costs of $4,498,000. The “other” costs would include demolition of the existing high school building on Whitley Street, overhead, supervision, professional fees, underwriting, legal costs, interest, etc.

Wilson said, “What we’re talking about is a maximum 25 year payment.”

He estimated the financial impact on taxpayers at 27 cents and a total 60 cents debt tax rate. In addition to discussing the potential operational costs not included in the price estimates, and the possible need for more staffing, also not included, Wilson used charts to demonstrate the dollar value of building now versus building later.

“If you wait a year to do this, there will be a cost of inflation,” he said. He said there would be costs associate with upkeep on the existing building until a new one could be constructed.

Initially, before the final vote of the school board was taken, members of the community had the opportunity to speak. “We want everyone to have their peace,” said board vice president Bloom.

The majority of those who addressed the board, spoke favorably for the project.

“We owe it to the youth…our kids…to give them the best environment we can,” one long-time educator said. “This community has treasured the youth and I hope that continues,” she said.

“I came in a skeptic, but I can tell you in all truthfulness this is a well thought-out project,” said September McConnell, a local resident and parent of a high school student. McConnell expounded on the dangers of the community settling for “good enough.”

In opposition, Steve Heaston asked the board to consider the current economic state, price of fuel and tax burden on the people of Whitley County.

“Where’s it gonna end? How are people going to afford it,” he asked. “I question the common sense, wisdom and good judgment on the timing of building a new school.”

Brian Lewis, CCHS football coach and teacher, said, “By the time they get here (the students) have been in great facilities,” but described the exiting school as “a let down.”

“Nobody’s asking for a Taj Mahal,” Lewis said. “I think we’ve handicapped our kids to a degree.”

Former CCHS teacher Micah Thomas said that he felt the existing school building had exceeded its usefulness and it was time to move on. “We’ve gotten our money’s worth. We’ve made do. We’ve cobbled…we’ve cobbled enough. It’s time.”

Addressing the board, Columbia City Police Chief Michael Petersen asked, “What else can we invest in besides our children?”

In all, more than 25 members of the community shared their opinion, point of view, their approval or their concern for the project – representing local leaders, taxpayers, every age range and many occupations.

The final vote was cast by the school board at nearly 10 p.m.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Code Blue Whitley County, an organization concerned with the looming questions and financial concern of building a new Columbia City High School, have already begun the process of ordering a remonstrance to halt the project, a move coming on the heels of the school board’s approval to move forward with the project Tuesday night.

According to Code Blue Whitley County representative Gene Heckman, now that the Whitley County Consolidated School board has held their 1028 hearing on the matter, those opposed to the project are now able to move forward with their efforts – efforts that, according to Heckman, were set in motion recently with the filing of paperwork from the group.

“The official announcement was in the paper a week ago Saturday,” Heckman said.

With the paperwork files and the 1028 hearing passed, Code Blue members, a committee including many of the county’s township trustees, are moving forward in their efforts to collect signatures and ultimately, they hope, to bring the matter of building a new school to the taxpayers’ decision.

“We have to collect 100 signatures in 30 days,” Heckman said of the next step in the process. “Right now, we already have more than enough signatures.”

The signatures are then provided to the Clerk/Treasurer’s office for validity and to ensure that each signer is a property owner in the school district.

During the meeting, Heckman was among the dozens of local citizens who voiced their approval or concerns for the new high school project. Addressing the board, Heckman said, “I think its time we take it to the taxpayers and the let the taxpayers say yes or no.”

If that happens, taxpayers would then vote with yellow petitions in favor of a new high school building or with blue petitions against the project.

Later, Heckman said privately, “We’re not against it in due time, but there’s a lot of questions we’ve asked that they don’t have answers to.”

Pointing to the now vacant Thorncreek Center School, a former K-8 school building in Thorncreek Township that was sold by Whitley County Consolidated Schools several years ago after it no longer had a use for the space, Heckman believes the most concerning questions involve what would happen to the existing Columbia City High School building if a new one is built.

“Are you going to walk off and leave another Thorncreek in the middle of town,” Heckman asked. The building, he said, is now an eyesore.

Heckman also wonders what message that sends to the children of this community. “Is this the way you do things? It’s just not a good example for the kids.”

Due to the upcoming primary election in Whitley County, however, the matter is effectively on hold during the month of April until local government officials can delve into the matter, Heckman concluded.

For more information on Code Blue Whitley County and the remonstrance process, visit their website at www.codebluewhitleycounty.org

Posted by jennifer321 at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Athena Metzger) Below, top, the Sade Brothers stand proudly with their trophy. At bottom, Gene Conn was named season MVP.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

with reports from Athena Metzger

On Tueday evening, the winners of previous weeks and previous years’ Kiwanis-Peabody Jeopardy converged to show their might and collective brain power for the season’s Final Jeopardy Tournament of Champions. All teams were impressive, but in the end, only one team could win.

The Sade Brothers, comprised of siblings Paul Sade, Bob Sade and John Sade, finished with an impressive 8500 points, garnering the top prize and the traveling trophy. The Health Hazards finished with 5100 points and the Sisters of Wisdom came in third with 600 points. The Great Sortirios finished in fourth place.

Gene Conn, a member of The Health Hazards, was named the MVP for accumulating the greatest number of individual points.

After completing their impressive win, when asked if the Sade Brothers planned to return in ’09 to keep their newly won title, Paul Sade said that his brother, Bob, had told him, “We can now retire.” Whether they will retire or not may remain an enigma until next year’s competition based on the somewhat jovial tone in Sade’s voice.

While the evening generally went smoothly, reports indicate that the large traveling trophy met an untimely end after being dropped by the winning team.

More reports on season-ending Jeopardy Tournament Tuesday

By Steve Beck

And the Final Jeopardy question is – “Who are “The Sade Brothers”?

The Kiwanis - Peabody Community Jeopardy Tournament concluded Tuesday night with this year’s record crowd of 58 in attendance. Having won their respective preliminary rounds the 2004 Champions the “Sade Brothers”, the 2005 Champions the “Health Hazards”, and the 2006 Champions the “Sisters of Wisdom” (this year with a plus) settled in determined to be second time champs.

After some brief, (the time keeper threatened to buzz him if he got to windy) introductions and thank yous by Kiwanis President Steve Beck, and some moderator training by “Sisters of Wisdom Plus’ contestant Jayne Oliver, the 2008 tournament got under way. All three teams hit the ground running in the first round. The categories, all named after song titles from the “Doors”, seemed to be common knowledge with very few incorrect questions. By the end of round one only 800 points separated the three teams.

Starting round two with a slight lead, the “Health Hazards” applied a tourniquet to slow the point flow to the “Sisters of Wisdom Plus” while adding a healthy supply of points to their own total. The “Sade Brothers” kept a steady flow of points going the entire round ending the round with 4600 points.

The first half Final Jeopardy category, “American Authors”, gave the teams little to go on in making their wagers. However all three teams knew that Jack London was the man who grew up in poverty, and was a hobo before joining the Klondike gold rush. Thus the first half concluded with the “Sade Brothers” taking the lead with 5800 points to the “Health Hazards” 5500.

In the first round of the second half, the wrong question flu infected the contestants. Displaying some immunity, only the “Sade Brothers” were able to acquire any points at all during this round. It may have been all that testosterone or maybe it was the baby Sade cheering them on that made the difference.

In the second round the “Sisters of Wisdom Plus” began closing the point gap ending with 2000 points just 700 short of the “Sade Brothers”. Thus the “Sisters of Wisdom Plus” and the “Sade Brothers” were able to qualify for the second half Final Jeopardy. Unfortunately the “Health Hazards” being unable to shake the aforementioned flu were unable to continue.

The Final Jeopardy category was “Homophones.” I know ... I had to look it up too. It means two words that are pronounced alike, but have different meanings and spellings, like a homonym. Knowing that, makes the answer a little easier to come up with the correct question. The answer is “Drinking to much of this kind of beer can cause you to do this.” Remember it is a two word question. The “Sisters of Wisdom Plus” put up their entire 2000 points, while the “Sade Brothers” played it safe and bet zero. As it turned out the safe bet was the best bet as neither team knew that the correct question was “What is Ale and Ail?” This left the “Sade Brothers” with the high score for the night of 8500 points and 24200 total for the entire tournament. The “Sade Brothers” are a team of firsts, they were the first tournament champions, and now become the first team to win two championships.

The MVP for 2008 with 13,400 points to his credit is Gene Conn.

Editor's Note: More photos of the Jeopardy tournament will be posted later today.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The morning sun peeks over the horizon Tuesday morning, illuminating the alley south of the Brew Ha coffee shop on Main Street. The weather is finally warming up and the giant piles of snow are melting. Is spring arriving at last? Temperatures today will be in the 40s, rising into the 50s tomorrow. Local forecasters are calling for a cooler weekend, but this cold weather can't really stick around forever...can it?

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Eagle's Nest Event Center was named the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Month this afternoon during a recognition ceremony today in Eagle Glen. Stan and Doris Horne, owners of The Eagles Nest Event Center, were recognized for their excellent service and commitment to the community. Those present for the photograph included, in front, from left, Stan Horn, Doris Horn, Pat Hatcher and Sue Roman. Row two, from left, includes Lee Aumsbaugh, Greg Fahl and Randy Holler.

Posted by jennifer321 at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Columbia City Pizza Hut location, above, is about to undergo an interior remodeling project to convert to a Pizza Hut WingStreet location. The store is currently collecting memorabilia representing the county’s three high schools to showcase.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A popular Columbia City restaurant is gearing up for a makeover in the next few weeks, hoping to give the space a more hometown feel with relics of the community’s past.

Pizza Hut, located at the corner of US 30 and State Road 9 off Frontage Road, will be transitioning to become a Pizza Hut WingStreet and, in the process, plans to add photos and memorabilia representing Churubusco, Whitko and Columbia City High School as part of a large scale interior redesign.

From team photos to old trophies, plaques, jerseys and letter jackets, Pizza Hut store manager Rob Brumbaugh says they’d like to showcase it all. And, if it is collecting dust in your closet or garage, why not put it where everyone can enjoy it?

Brumbaugh is hoping to older items in addition to more recent items.

“So far, we’ve received four or five items,” Brumbaugh said Saturday, adding that he had just talked with someone who was interested in donating some items.

Brumbaugh said the redesign project will begin within the next month, adding that his designers are eager to receive items to use in decorating the restaurant.

In addition to the local touches, Brumbaugh said the redesign will include new lighting fixtures and the addition of big screen televisions.

He expects the project to be completed by late April or early May.

If you would like to contribute items for permanent display at Pizza Hut, contact Brumbaugh at 248-2566 or bring items to the restaurant and give them to a manager.

Since Brumbaugh’s designers will have the final determination on which items will be used, he asks that you include your name and a phone number so that your items can be returned if they are not used.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days are nearly upon us, with the local campaign set for March 17-21 in Whitley County.

If you missed the pre-order deadline, you can still pick up your flowers and spread hope for a cancer-free future by stopping at T-N-T Floral & Gift Shoppe, located at 550 W. Old Trail Road in Columbia City, or calling them at 244-5531. You may also call Nancy Fenker at 244-7435. A bunch of 10 fresh-cut daffodils will be available for a donation of $10, and a bunch and a glass vase will be available for $15.

Your donation will help support the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission to eliminate the disease through cancer prevention, detection and patient service efforts.

For more information, call your American Cancer Society at 800.509.7543 or visit www.cancer.org/daffodils

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos provided) Above, Hands members Kylie Hagans, Olivia Wilson and Allyson Shambaugh help Headstart students make 'I love you' cards. Below, Stephanie Weigold, HANDS member from Whitko High School, is shopping at Wal-Mart for gifts for Headstart children.

Submitted by John Slavich

The Whitley County HANDS Foundation held its February meeting at the Marshall Building in Columbia City, where they hosted an enjoyable “Have a Heart for HeadStart” Valentine celebration.  After shopping for gifts for the HeadStart students, HANDS members convened at the Marshall Building to wrap the packages. 

The group of fifteen Whitley County teens then interacted with the morning class of younger students during activities such as cookie decorating, card making, and a pin-the-heart-on-the-snowman game.  After the rotations, the children received their gifts and were allowed some time to play with their new toys.  After a brief lunch and granting session, the HANDS members repeated the above activities for the afternoon class, then bid farewell to their new friends. 

As a reminder to all school corporation employees, nonprofit organization workers and other community leaders, although only a few HANDS granting sessions remain, funds are still available. 

If you are in need of financial assistance, you may obtain a grant request application from the guidance office of your local community high school or from John Slavich at the Whitley County Community Foundation.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos Provided) Dena Starkey, above, introduced the first graders to Nubian goats. Starkey explained that Nubian goats are usually raised for milking. Goat milk is often used in cheese and some people drink it because it is easier for them to digest that cows milk. Below, at top, Chelsey Hartman spoke about the three different examples of rabbits that she shared with the first graders. Chelsey explained how the rabbits needed to be cared for what made the rabbits differnt from each other besides their appearance. Below, Cody Lamle introduces the first graders to his pigs. At bottom, the Columbia City High School FFA members volunteered their time and energy to make the annual Ag Day a success.
  

Submitted by Nadean Eldien

First graders from Whitley County Consolidated, Whitko Community and Smith-Green Community Schools had the opportunity to get first hand look at several farm animals as part of the annual AG Day program that was hosted by the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and Farm Bureau, Inc.

About 445 students took part in the March 6 event at the Whitley County 4-H Center. The program allowed the children to see and touch farm animals including calves, horse, pigs, sheep, ducks, chicken, miniature horse and rabbits. The students were able to sit on a tractor. The Columbia City FFA Chapter explained how to farm and had miniature examples of farm equipment. 

“Generally, as a community, we are getting farther and farther away from agriculture,” said Nadean Eldien, office manager of the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District. “People who move from the city to the country might not know what Ag is all about, so this is a good chance to teach the children.”

The event was organized in the early 1990s to give the young students a look at where they get their food.

The last couple of years the Columbia City FFA Chapter have been a huge help with the event. Chelsey Hartman handled the stop on rabbits, where she explained how they needed to be cared for and handled. Cody Lamle brought his pigs and talked about how they were bread, that he is planning to show them at the 4-H fair later this summer and what products we get from pigs. Beth McCoy and Dena Starkey talked about different types of goats and their uses. Amanada Clingerman brought her miniature horse, which the first graders loved to pet. And next to the miniature horse was Brytnee Wells her with full size horse, which she rides and shows. Brytnee also had brought her western saddle and English saddle to show the children the difference in riding styles. Brandy Kyler and Holly Kyler explained about calves and how they are raised and what products we depend on cows for such as milk as well as meat. Kayla Rothgeb covered the information with the sheep. Kayla had examples of the type of feed that sheep would eat and what products we use everyday that come from the sheep’s wool. Kristen Jeffery handled the duck stop. Kristen explained that the ducks at AG Day had been bread for food use. The ducks couldn’t fly because they had little wings but were still very good swimmers because of their webbed feet. Ellen Bernhard talked about her chickens. She had even brought some of the eggs to show the first graders how the different breed chickens lay different colored eggs. Thad Werstler and Jake Michel covered the topic of Conservation Farming. They had brought with them demo of a farm and with miniature farming equipment explained how and why we need to Conservation Farm to save the soil and stop erosion. And last but not least Adam Rumsyre and Justin Yagel explained the tractors to the first graders. Everything from the engine to the power take offs and every child got to sit on one of the two tractors.

Tour guides for the event included Mindi Hoffman, Gabby Mishler, Kala Wiegman, Amanda Yagel, Kelzie Sheetz, Ann Jones, Chris Auer, John Cochlin, James Schinbeckler, Andy Bernhard and Anna Waldeck. These FFA students assisted the first grade teachers with their classes through the maze of the eleven stops. And without the help of the two AG teachers, Sarah Furthermiller and Jesse Kimmel at Columbia City High School, and their efforst in getting FFA students and animals together, we would not be able to have AG Day for the first graders to attend each year.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Article Contributed

The Whitley County Republican Party will host a candidate forum for Republican candidates for Whitley County Commissioner on Saturday, March 15 at its monthly Republican Breakfast.  The breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Eagle’s Lodge in downtown Columbia City. Candidates will each give opening statements and take questions from the audience.  Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters will serve as the guest moderator for the event. 

Voters in Whitley County will elect two County Commissioners this year for Districts 1 and 3.  Commissioner Tom Rethlake who represents District 1 is unopposed in his re-election.  Incumbent Commissioner Jim Pettigrew, District 3, is being challenged by both Mark Roach and Don Amber. 

Whitley County Republicans will host a candidate forum on April 19 for County Council At-Large candidates where five candidates are running for three spots on the Whitley County Council.

“We hope to give Republican voters an opportunity to hear directly from our candidates at our monthly breakfasts,” said Jim Banks, Chairman of the Whitley County Republican Party.  “This is an opportunity to direct questions to local officeholders and candidates and to educate voters about their choices in the upcoming May 6 Primary Election.  Anyone is welcome at our breakfasts.” 

For more information, please contact Jim Banks at 248.8406.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Submitted by Barry Yeakle 

Ken Wyant has been installed as the fourth Skipper of the Leatherneck Coffee Club following Barry Yeakle, Grant Loy and David Reed.  Wyant, a supervisor at Dekko, is married to Dana and has three sons, Nicholas, Nathan and Zachary.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1990.

The Coffee Club was founded just prior to the Iraq war to look after the families of Marines and the sailors who serve with them in the event of casualty.  Since then it has grown to include general community service and stands by as a member of the Total Marine Force to serve the USMC.

All men and women who are authorized to wear the eagle, globe and anchor are welcome to the club's monthly breakfast in Burnworth Hall at the Columbia City VFW.  Breakfasts are on the first Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photos contributed) A crowd of children eagerly run across Morsches Park in pursuit of Easter eggs last year. Below, a toddler has found a golden egg. This year's Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. in Morsches Park.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Brightly colored eggs dot the field while rosy cheeked toddlers, bleary-eyed in the chaos around them, hold their baskets tightly in their hands waiting for their chance to run. Older children are plotting their big moves, determining how to load dozens of eggs into their baskets at warp speed. In a matter of seconds, it will all be over again for another year.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt in Columbia City’s Morsches Park will welcome hundreds of local children once again on Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m.

The much-anticipated event is free to the public and planned each year by the Columbia City Parks and Recreation Department.

According to Elizabeth Moore of the Columbia City Parks and Recreation Department, young participants will be divided into three age categories – 0-3, 4-7 and 8-10. Youngsters are encouraged to bring their own baskets or sacks to collect eggs in and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras for an evening of fun!

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

With a two-year-old and another baby on the way in July, local real estate agent Brad Minear has given a little more thought to the childhood joy of Easter than he might have in years past.

This year, realizing there was no local opportunity for children to have a personal visit with the Easter Bunny, Minear decided to create that opportunity in Whitley County.

On Saturday, March 15, from 9-11 a.m., the Easter Bunny will await visitors at a model home in the Thresher Ridge subdivision off US 33 near Churubusco. Later that afternoon, from 1-4 p.m., children can visit the Easter Bunny at a Lincoln Pointe model home just east of Columbia City.

“I think its going to be a pretty neat thing for the community,” Minear said. “We haven’t done this before and I think it is something that will be nice for families.”

Minear said there is no charge to attend the events and he encourages parents to bring along their cameras to take a few photographs.

Sponsored by Orizon Real Estate, each visitor will receive some Easter candy as well.

“I’m hoping we have a good turnout,” Minear added.

To reach the Thresher’s Ridge model home, take State Road 205 north to US 33 and turn left. The subdivision is located approximately two miles ahead on the left. Take the first right in the subdivision (Wheatfield Lane), then turn left on Turtle Run. Follow the signs to the model home in the cul de sac called Caroline Court.

To reach the Lincoln Pointe location, take US 30 east to Lincolnway East and turn left into the subdivision (near Bart’s Car Store and Kelley Automotive). The model home is located on Sherman Street.

For more information, contact Brad Minear at 609-6001.

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Posted by jennifer321 at 06:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) As another peaceful winter weekend in Whitley County draws to a close, and we've remembered to turn our clocks forward for spring, we can enjoy a sunset over the snow...knowing it won't really be that long until spring is really here. Above, looking across the Mizpah Shrine Horse Show Grounds on State Road 9, just north of Columbia City, site of the annual Mizpah Shrine chili supper Saturday night. Tomorrow, we'll bring you some photos from that event.

Posted by jennifer321 at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Submitted by Steve Beck

The third and final preliminary round for the fifth annual Kiwanis-Peabody Jeopardy

Tournament was held last Tuesday night. The two teams competing in the last preliminary round included “The Ferro-Craniums” - Rich Brady, Dominic Capito and Kevin Rupp and returning champions “The Health Hazards” - Rhonda Kerster, Kay and Gene Conn.

In the first round, points were going up and down more than the elevators at Parkview Hospital during this flu season. However “The Health Hazards” were able to stabilize their points ending the first round with a healthy 1600 points. In the second round the hard headed “The Ferro-Craniums” returned from a negative point position to overtake “The Health Hazards” by 700 points.

In final Jeopardy for the first half “The Health Hazards” must have felt a lot better, or maybe they liked the medical category, betting big that they knew the correct question. As it turned out both teams were able to answer correctly and due to the 4000 point injection “The Health Hazards” retook the lead.

In the second half, the steely determination of “The Ferro-Craniums” kept them ahead at the end of both rounds. But, into every life a little rust must form…and even doctors can’t

always heal themselves. The final Jeopardy category “Ancient History” proved this to our

valiant teams. The answer was “The city of Carthage was founded by these seagoing people”.

“The Ferro-Craniums” put up their entire 5300 points while “The Health Hazards” put up 3000. Neither team remembered the Phoenicians, but then again it is ancient history and a bit before their time. Having lost the least “The Health Hazards” ended the night with 11,300 points and will move on to final Jeopardy.

The night’s high and low point revolved around the category “And They Gave Who a

Recording Contract?” The answers came complete with audio clips of TV stars attempts at singing. The high point of this category was when the audio clip of Tiny Tim failed to play and Ray Ranier did his impression of Tiny Tim’s “Tip Toe Through the Tulips”. Good save there Ray but don’t give up the day job.

With all tree teams now chosen it is on to final Jeopardy. “The Sisters of Wisdom Plus”, “The Sade Brothers” and “The Health Hazards” will meet Tuesday night to see who will become the 2008 Kiwanis-Peabody Jeopardy Tournament champions. All teams are encouraged to be present to enjoy the fun and to receive their prizes and plaques. With three championship teams in play, this is expected to be an exciting night, so be sure to arrive a little early to get a good seat. Play starts at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Peabody Library. If you would like to see what all the excitement is all about, plan to attend and be part of the fun.

For more information about the Kiwanis-Peabody Jeopardy Tournament, contact Steve Beck at 248-8020 or Ray Ranier at 244-5541.

Posted by jennifer321 at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) In memory of Mildred Smith, the Smith family gathered Saturday afternoon at the Etna Troy Community Center for an afternoon volleyball tournament, food, music and fun -- and to raise funds for their Relay for Life team. After several hours of competitive volleyball action, Team Ballers won the championship and a $30 donation in their names to the American Cancer Society. Above, in row one, from left are Team Ballers members Lyle Labenz, Brandy Smith and Cari Wells. Row two, from left, is Tony Smith holding team mascot Astoria Smith, Justin Simmers, Jason Wells and Aaron Mosley. Second place was captured by Team BC Tile & Flooring and third place winners were Team Chuck Norris.

Following the volleyball tournament, at right, attendees planned to stay well into the evening, shooting baskets, listening to music and enjoying dinner together.

Relay for Life event co-chair Cari Wells was pleased with the excellent turnout for the event Saturday, praising those who planned the event. The event Saturday was one of many different fundraising events planned by local Relay for Life teams in advance of the Relay for Life event in June.

Posted by jennifer321 at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo Contributed) Christian recording artist Michele Payton, below, will perform Sunday evening at South Whitley United Methodist Church at 7 p.m., a benefit concert to support the church’s mission activities.

Article Contributed

Professional Christian recording artist Michele Payton and her band Lazarus Rising will be performing a benefit concert on Sunday evening March 9 at 7 p.m.  The event is open to the public at no charge and will be held at South Whitley United Methodist Church on State Road 14 and the intersection of State Rd 5.

Michele is an award-winning singer/songwriter and her music appeals to a wide range of audiences.  She has performed from Hawaii to Washington DC to Florida and all parts between.  Michele has a lush and beautiful voice, plays the keyboard, guitar and flute and has wonderful stories to share with her audiences. Those who see Michele in concert, say they are blessed and encouraged by the genuine and humble Christ-like spirit of Michele.  “I like to connect people with God,” she smiles.

Michele praises her touring band and says, “This is one of the closest bands I've ever worked with.  These guys are the real deal, servants for God and a lot of fun to work with."  The band includes Michele’s sister who sings back-up, drummer Vic Bishop, Bass Chris Elvidge, guitarist Dan Dombeck,  woodwind/brass player Rod Roman, and of course, Michele.  Samples of Michele’s musical style are available on her website at www.michelepayton.com. You can also see a current video of one of her songs on the nationally known  www.GodTube.com.

Also appearing at this concert with Michele will be the award-winning “Hidden Message” artist, Darla McCammon.  At one point during the concert, Darla will create a painting which will, like many of her works, contain a “hidden message.”  Michele will do several songs while Darla paints and then discuss some things about the painting with the audience.

The concert is being provided as a benefit concert for Dawn Britten and Jill Mulligan who are preparing for a missions trip to Africa.  An offering basket will be available for those who wish to donate toward this missionary work.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

The Mizpah Shrine and Hillbilly Club will be hosting their annual chili dinner tonight from 4-7 p.m. at the Shrine Horse Show Grounds on State Road 9 north of Columbia City.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 5-11 and children under 5 eat free. The event is open to the public.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

A Relay for Life volleyball tournament will be held this afternoon beginning at 12 p.m. at the Etna Troy Community Center building in Whitley County. The double elimination contest will feature a maximum 15 teams of six members in continual play throughout the afternoon. The community is invited to attend and watch the event, cheering on their favorite teams. Winners will receive a donation in their name to the American Cancer Society. The event is being coordinated by Kelli Kilgore, Cari Wells and Amanda Kerlin.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Several local residents are planning a Relay for Life 7 mile and 3 mile Walk/Run on Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at the South Whitley Library at 201 East Front Street in South Whitley.

The event is being planned in honor of Rebecca Hollenbaugh and other local cancer survivors. Registration will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and the race will begin at 2 p.m. There is no cost to participate in the event, but free will donations to the American Cancer Society will be accepted. 

Each participant will receive a free one week pass to the YMCA and also a free luminary that will be displayed at the Whitley County Relay for Life on June 7-8, 2008, at Indian Springs Middle School. 

According to Hollenbaugh, there will be door prizes, refreshments and lots of fun. There will be no age group awards, just the satisfaction of supporting such a great cause.

For more information about the Walk/Run contact Rebecca Hollenbaugh at 723-6729 or

jadebecca@embarqmail.com.

Click here for a registration form for the event.

Posted by jennifer321 at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Photo Contributed) Below, Haley Richter, a CCHS sophomore will compete at the Senior State swimming events this evening in Indianapolis.

By Athena Metzger

Haley Richter, a fifteen year-old Columbia City High School sophomore, begins the first of three days of Senior State Level swimming events at Brownsburg High School in Indianapolis beginning this evening. 

Richter has qualified to compete in various relays with fellow Pro team members and in five individual events. Pro team is comprised of three separate teams who compete in meets together: Richter and her teammates who train independently at the Whitley County Family YMCA under Julie Robinson, Penn Aquatics and Huntington Otters. The rest of Richter’s team, sister Andrea and Robinson’s two daughters, will compete next week in a younger class.

Richter is looking forward to the meet, stating, “I’m nervous, but it will be a great experience. I’m not too concerned.” Richter said that she will be competing against swimmers fifteen years-old and up through college, some of whom have an eye on future Olympics.

 Preliminary events will begin each morning with the top 24 swimmers in each event advancing to the finals that afternoon.

When asked whether she had any other comments, she wanted to make sure that it was mentioned how grateful she is to Coach Robinson, a volunteer coach who diligently researches the sport and who drives her swimmers to do their best. She also feels “blessed to do three sports (she also does track and cross country) … because it makes her a more rounded athlete and a better person.”

Haley’s mother, Northrop High School teacher Janet Richter, feels that Haley will be ready for a break from swimming after this weekend and says that Haley will begin track on Monday.

“Swimming is a solitary sport,” says Janet Richter, herself a former college swimmer, “but Haley realizes her potential and is working toward swimming at the college level.”  

To pass the time in the water dad Jim Richter says, “Haley sings in her head…she sings all the time when she’s not in the pool.” 

Haley Richter chuckled a little when asked about pursuing an Olympic career; at this point Haley is planning to swim her way to a college scholarship.

Posted by jennifer321 at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Optimists welcomed Columbia City High School football coach Brian Lewis to their meeting at Big G’s on Thursday night. Above, from left is Bob Brittain, Brian Lewis, Jim Nolan, Eric Blank and Andrew Thompson. Below, coach Brian Lewis reflects on last season, his first at the helm of the Columbia City High School football program.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Around a table at Big G’s restaurant on South Main Street in Columbia City, it isn’t surprising that talk might turn to football – in particular, Columbia City High School football.

But it isn’t every night that the CCHS head football coach joins you for dinner to discuss the team, his goals for the coming season and basically anything else a fan might want to know.

Last evening, at the invitation of the Columbia City Optimist Club, coach Brian Lewis shared his vision of the local team with the club’s members. Lewis became coach of the local team at the beginning of this most recent football season, meeting a variety of challenges head on and, he hopes, began paving the way toward an exciting future for the Class 4A team.

“They’ve adjusted really well to the time commitment and what I expect,” Lewis said of his team, “but we’ve really only just begun. We’re always continuing to change things.”

Lewis came to CCHS and found himself with a relatively young team of players. He sees that as a positive point, however, as he’ll be able to work with and mould the team over the next few seasons.

“I think success is just around the corner…we are just on the edge,” he said.

Lewis is already looking forward to the fall ’08 season and so are the members of his team, weight training and mentally preparing for the season ahead.

Tentatively, Lewis said he’s planning both a freshman and junior varsity team, something that was not possible last year. He believes it will be possible this year considering the number of good prospective eighth grade players that will join the freshman ranks.

Lewis also applauded his current team for their ability to work well together and roll with the changes they felt along the way last season. He feels that adaptability will be key as the team moves forward.

Optimist club members asked Lewis about what sets high school football apart from football at the college or even professional level.

“There’s not anything that’s better than Friday night,” Lewis said of the enthusiasm and support home team fans contribute to the player’s enjoyment of the game. Also, at the high school level, players have the opportunity to enjoy football for the pleasure of the game.

“Football gets you going,” said long-time CCHS fan and Optimist Club president Jim Nolan.

Nolan and fellow Optimist Club members say they hope to help fill the stands next season and may look for ways to assist the football team in raising funds.

Lewis is a graduate of Jasper High School and Indiana State University, where he played football. Prior to coaching football at CCHS, Lewis was a coach at Vermillion High School. In addition to his position as head football coach, he is an economics teacher at the high school.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Angela Maley, the new assistant director of the Whitley County Historical Museum, above, works to mount several Civil War prints as she prepares a new display for Sunday afternoon. As part of a series of Sunday afternoon programs at the museum, the museum will host a Civil War relic show and tell and stories round table beginning at 1 p.m. this Sunday, March 9, in the museum’s annex building (located behind the Thomas R. Marshall home) on

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Earth-moving crews have been onsite at the location of the recently demolished Smith Brothers Standard Oil Service Station on North Main Street, above, for the past several weeks, removing debris and making way for progress. Advanced Auto Parts has voiced interest in the location and may build there in the near future, having already received approval from the plan commission.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Faith Christian Academy, Whitley County's only private, non-denominational faith-based school will be holding Kindergarten Roundup for their full-day kindergarten program on Friday from 9-11 a.m. at the school. Located at 1550 North State Road 205, between US 30 and Eagle Glen, the school welcomes students between the ages of 3 through Grade 8 offering a Christ centered education in a family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, customized curriculum for each child, yoga, art classes, music education, a highly involved parent and teacher organization and more elements that make the school a unique alternative for families.

Above, kindergarten teacher Susan Lewis works with her kindergarten class on their spelling lesson last Thursday afternoon. Faith Christian Academy kindergarteners are typically reading well by Thanksgiving each year. At left, kindergarten student Gabby Fry is deep in though as she considers her answer.

For more information on Faith Christian Academy, visit the website at www.faithchristianacademywc.com or call the school office Tuesday-Friday at 248-4872.

For a parent's perspective on the school and the importance of a Christian education, check out the latest  by Athena Metzger on the "Community Voices" on the tool bar at right.

Posted by jennifer321 at 09:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A state highway truck removes the remaining remnants of snow from US 30 on Wednesday afternoon. The good news: local crews did an excellent job of clearing roadways and getting everyone back to school and work today. The bad news: according to local meteorologists we're in for another one. Indeed, another weather system is heading our way and it is likely to dump a significant amount of snow on our area beginning tomorrow afternoon and into the evening hours Friday night. Why have we had such a snowy winter this year? Blame it on 'La Nina.' To learn more about La Nina and what it means to local weather and why we might continue experiencing snow well into the month of March, click here.

Posted by jennifer321 at 08:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Taking advantage of the mild temperatures and heavy snowfall, an unidentified man braves the steep incline of the ravine between the FOP Lodge and the American Legion for an innertube ride. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County awoke yet again this morning to a massive white blanket of snow, wrecking the morning for motorists and closing local schools for the day.

Quick-moving city street, county and state highway crews had most roads passable by early this morning, putting the finishing touches on major roadways by mid-day today.

The big question of the day, however, is just how much snow did we get?

Teresa Smith, publisher of the Tribune-News in South Whitley reports that the town received approximately six inches of snow.

Further north, in Etna Troy Township, Dillon Sheiss reports that they received approximately six inches, but had drifting in some areas as high as two feet.

Eastward, near Tri Lakes, Rick Zartman reports that he measured between 6-7 inches of snowfall.

In Columbia City, snowfall measurements concur with those reported elsewhere, but seem to be more on the order of 7 inches in the areas we checked.

A drive through Columbia City Wednesday afternoon revealed more than a few residents shoveling, scooping and snow blowing their way to clear driveways and sidewalks. Fortunately, it appears that Mother Nature had a big of a hand in clearing things up as well with warmer weather melting the sun.

With no school and a perfect sunny afternoon, why not enjoy the snow by sledding at DeVol Field or cross country skiing? With spring a few weeks away, this might be one of our last great snowfalls of the season...we hope!

Posted by jennifer321 at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

Talk of the Town just received word from the Whitley County Solid Waste District that due to the weather, recycling will not be picked up today in Whitley County.

Director Jorell Tucker advises residents to treat this as they would a holiday – with the pickup schedule being pushed back one day. So, if your recycling pickup is usually on a Thursday, it will be picked up on Friday of this week.

Posted by jennifer321 at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

(From the collection of Jennifer Zartman Romano) A family tradition in Whitley County for generations, the annual Old Settlers Day events are a high note for the summer in this community. The postcard below was the official postcard used in 1948. Each year, a different postcard is created to commemorate the year, always urging those with local ties to 'Come Home' for the festival.

Article Contributed

A highlight of summer in Whitley County, the 105th Old Settlers Day and American Legion Festival will run from Tuesday, June 24 through Saturday, June 28.

The free nightly entertainment on the Courthouse Square for the 2008 Old Settlers Day and American Legion Festival was announced by Mike Redman, past president and OSD Association events chairman, on Monday.

“In our commitment to providing a variety of musical entertainment and focusing on northeast Indiana artists, this year will provide something for every listening taste”, Redman said. “There will be oldies, rock-n-roll, country, bluegrass, jazz, standards and big band.”

First up on Tuesday, June 24, “Spike and the Bulldogs” take us back to the days of the “Drive-In” and “Sock Hops”. Spike, aka Val Asay, and his buddies have been bringing back the “Oldies” since 1982, and have been a favorite to start the Old Settlers week’s activities for many years. Redman said “Their music is from 1955 through 1966. It’s what I grew up with and danced too in high school.”

“Nostalgia” plays five decades of “Rock ‘n’ Roll”. It’s a seven piece band of seasoned musicians that will perform on Wednesday, June 25. Picking up about the mid-60’s, where Spike and the Bulldogs leave off, they play the “classic” rock. From the 60’s British invasion, the midwest’s Mellenkamp and Seger or almost anything you call rock (except heavy metal) will be heard.

On Thursday, June 26th, “Prime Time” will come to the stage. Chuck Surack, the owner of Sweetwater Sound, (you know… that big new building across from North American Van Lines) is also an accomplished sax, flute and keyboard player. His trio plays jazz, standards and big band music. What tech-savvy trio wouldn’t be backed by the “Mac-in-the-box”? This is a 1.67 ghz Titanium Apple Macintosh computer that provides a powerful backing band with a “kicking” beat and huge orchestration.

Friday, after the parade, you will be entertained by “Huckleberry Blue”. This bluegrass and country band is from Whitley County . Josh and Anna Copp, Brandon and Sara Marshall, Doug King and Johnny Morten make up this relative new group that has taken the local club scene by storm. They’re appearing everywhere in the Fort Wayne area and have gathered a great following. Come on down and boogie with the local kids.

Saturday will again have karaoke with Denny and Deb Elkins. At 3:30 p.m. Saturday, kids ages 5 through 14 can compete for trophies and bragging rights. At 8 p.m. in the evening, those age 15 and over will belt out their best for cash prizes. Mike said “You too can be a star, so be sure to enter these contests”.

Redman noted that “this year won’t disappoint our crowd. The OSD Association is committed to finding new bands each year and showing the variety of fine musicians available right here in our home towns.”  Hosting and contracts for this entertainment is handled by Backstage Promotions of Wolf Lake.

Nightly entertainment will be from 8- 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and after the parade on Friday.

The OSD Association officers consist of Fritz Martin, President, 1st Vice-President Tom Drew, Jim Brock, 2nd Vice President, Secretary John Lefever and Bill Webber, Treasurer.

Posted by jennifer321 at 07:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options