Talk of the Town - Whitley County

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

On the heels of confirmation that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will be making a private, by-invitation-only visit to Columbia City Thursday morning, a new report has surfaced that a representative from the Hillary Clinton campaign is now planning a stop in Whitley County on Saturday.

Barack Obama is expected to visit Columbia Thursday morning for a private reception before moving on to an event in South Bend.

Bill Clinton, according to reports, is planning to expected to visit Columbia City on Saturday, however an exact location and time have not been released.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Volunteers gathered at the Bloom, Gates, Sigler & Whiteleather law office Wednesday evening to make phone calls to local residents in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The volunteers planned to make calls until 8 p.m. this evening. Above, from left, is Matt Shipman, Bonnie Shipman, Tim Bloom and Lynn Walker.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County is seeing pink!

Residents continue to wake up in the morning or arrive home from work to find flamingos frolicking in their yards – and they want them gone. And, at the same time, they want send the plastic pink pairs off to annoy their friends and relatives while generating funds for Leadership Whitley County.

According to Leadership Whitley County’s director, Kelley Sheiss, the fundraiser has thus far raised approximately $800. With the event scheduled to continue a little longer, that figure is likely to rise with each new flocking.

An unfortunate incident, however, has many seeing red instead of pink.

“Unfortunately, someone has kidnapped a set of flamingos and signs,” Sheiss reported this afternoon.

Hopefully, they’ll be safely returned to a yard in Whitley County sometime soon so they can continue their mission.

If you’d like to schedule a flocking of a family member, friend or associate, contact Carrie Ebersole at 396-2723 after 4:30 p.m. daily. All proceeds raised from the Leadership Whitley County fundraiser will support the construction of a SplashPad, a water feature for families in Morsches Park slated for construction early this summer.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The BABE Extravaganza committee has been working diligently to plan the June 21 event for several months. Above, from left, are committee members Erica Sefton, Cara Graves, Shawn Ellis and Shawna Mullett. Not shown is committee member Sarah Schuman.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

To say she was ecstatic would be an understatement.

On Tuesday afternoon. Shawn Ellis, director of the Whitley County Beds & Britches Etc. (BABE) program found out that members of the Fort Wayne Freedom football team have agreed to not only attend the BABE Extravaganza on June 21 at the YMCA, prepared to meet local children and sign autographs.

“I’m just so excited,” Ellis said in her office as she looked over a file of information regarding the upcoming event which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. that day.

Additionally, Ellis learned this week that Parkview Health’s Samaritan will be flying in. “They’ll be there for kids to observe,” she said.

Ellis and a committee including Shawna Mullett, Erica Sefton, Cara Graves and Sarah Schuman have been planning the event for several months now.

The event will include various activities on the YMCA’s soccer field from giant inflatable moonwalks, sack races, a raffle and other fun stuff for families and children of all ages. Senator Gary “Doc” Dillon has agreed to sit in the dunk tank.

The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department will be doing a children’s identification program for the first 40 children in attendance through the SafeAssured ID program under the guidance of reserve deputy Greg Greaf. The cost of the program will underwritten by a local service organization pending final confirmation. Child safety seat checks are planned.

Lunch items will be available for purchase.

While the event is free to the community in hopes of bringing families together in support of BABE, a portion of the event is geared at raising funds…and speaking of gears, there won’t be any…in the bike race.

A bike relay race is planned using cruiser bikes and helmets from The Trailhouse, a bike shop in Winona Lake. Four member relay teams will complete a quarter mile course on the Blue River Trail.

Participation in the bike relay is ranges from a $100-$300 donation per team. Teams must register by May 31. All proceeds from the bike race will support the BABE program, with this event planned as their largest fundraiser of the year.

For more information on registering for the bike relay or regarding the event, contact Shawn Ellis at 244-2820.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Finding the answers they’re looking for can be difficult for any parent – but particularly for parents of children with special needs.

In hopes of providing some guidance and helpful information, Passages Inc. will be hosting a free forum on May 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. entitled “Planning for the Future.” The forum will be held in the board room at the Marshall Community Center off Walnut Street in Columbia City.

Attorney Tim Bloom of Bloom, Gates, Sigler and Whiteleather law firm will discuss the proper way to preserve children’s benefits with special needs trusts as well as the various perspectives on guardianship.

Melissa Justice of The ARC of Indiana will present information on The ARC Trust.

Additionally, attendees can learn more about services available within the state and community for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and who have experienced traumatic brain injury.

Experienced personnel from Passages Inc. will also be on hand to answer questions about waivers, etc. To RSVP, contact Diane Igney at 244-7688 ext. 110 or call Dean Kincaid at 244-7688 ext. 144 or Connie McKinney at 248-4211 ext. 229.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) On Saturday, April 19, local Republican Whitley County Council candidates were featured at a forum at the Eagles Lodge in downtown Columbia City. Each candidate had the opportunity to introduce himself and later to answer questions. The forum was recorded and the recording, though somewhat lengthy, is now available exclusively here on Talk of the Town for you to download and review. As informed voters of Whitley County, Talk of the Town urges you to listen to the recording before casting your vote next Tuesday. Above, from left, is Scott Darley, Steve Hively, Jim Banks, Bill Overdeer and Tom Western. The five candidates are vying for three open positions. Standing behind them is Steve Shine, moderator for the forum.

Candidate Introductions

The Forum Recording with Q&A

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

In awe of the power of prayer, Whitley County residents will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday with activities held throughout the day.

Coordinated by Suzie Langohr and the Whitley County National Day of Prayer committee, the event will begin with voluntary prayer on playgrounds at local schools and a prayer breakfast at 7 a.m. in Columbia City.

Prayers will include special requests for schools, children, families, law enforcement, emergency personnel and firefighters. Additionally, prayer requests were collected at the Whitley County Family YMCA and will be addressed during a prayer walk from noon-1 p.m. at the YMCA on Thursday.

The local Ministerial Alliance will also be leading prayer at noon in the gazebo on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn.

In the evening, a program has been planned entitled “Hands Around the Courthouse” on the courthouse lawn at 6:30 p.m. In addition to an inspirational speech given by Pastor Luther Whitfield of Youth for Christ, the community is invited to participate in prayer as the group prays for the community.

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(Photos provided) Young service organization members with FYI from New York not only volunteered their time and energy in Northeast Indiana last week, they also made a little time for fun too. The youths stayed with local families and participated in some of the best recreational activities Whitley County has to offer. Above, they enjoyed go kart rides at Paige's Crossing and below, they utilized the Whitley County Family YMCA and were among some of the first to use the new Dance Dance Revolution equipment.

By Jenna Ott

Tucked away in the hustle of Manhattan is a youth service organization called FYI, or Fresh Youth Initiatives. This growing service organization works with youth ages 10 and up who are ready to make a difference in their community. Youth involved at FYI earn rewards for hours spent volunteering in the community, building leadership skills, and attending supplemental activities and workshops. Each year, one of the biggest incentives offered is “Trip USA.” The young people have 3 months to log service hours at FYI, and the students with the most number of hours earn a seat on the much-anticipated trip.

This year, “Trip USA” came to Northeast Indiana. Through a partnership between the Dekko Foundation, local Community Foundations, and FYI, the group spent time in Whitley County and the surrounding areas last week. 

The youth saw many local attractions during their week-long stay, such as Paige’s Crossing, the Whitley County YMCA, several local farms, a Motocross Race at Trojan Raceway, DePuy Orthopaedics, DeBrand’s Chocolates, Merry Lea Environmental Center, and much more. They even learned the story of the Miami Indians as presented by Columbia City’s own Dr. Clark Waterfall.

Many firsts also happened on the trip as the young New Yorkers had their first experience with fishing, exotic wildlife at Black Pine Animal Park, and nature hikes at Pokagon. The group even made time for some service projects with the HANDS Foundation at Children’s Hope in Fort Wayne.

A "Thank You" to the many who made this possible...

The trip was an amazing success, and would not have been possible without the help of 12 amazing Whitley County families who opened their homes and their hearts to the visitors from FYI. A sincere thanks to the following families for their help in making “Trip USA” a big success: Brian & Vanessa Bills and Family, Matt & Leslie Rentscher and Family, Al & Mary Ann Anderson, Dr. John & Aileen Meier, Mayor Jim & Kay Fleck, Mark & Joanne Green and Family, Jim & Margie Daniels, Aaron & Melinda Woll and Family, Gary & Lisa Wilson and Family, Dr. Jim & September McConnell and Family, Jacie Worrick, and The Honorable Mike & JoEllen Rush. Thank you all for everything you did for our NYC Guests! 

In addition, special thanks goes out to the CC Deli for providing our guests with a great breakfast each day of their visit, and to Mike at Gotcha Covered for the “Trip USA” t-shirts…they loved them!!

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(Photos provided) The H.A.N.D.S. Foundation partnered with a group of young philanthropists from New York City last week for a service day at Children's Hope House on the campus of Lutheran Hospital. Above and below, the volunteers worked side by side on several projects. 

By John Slavich

On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation of Whitley County partnered with New York City’s Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) for a service day at Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope House, a division of the Lutheran Medical Park.  FYI is a youth philanthropic organization that consists of middle school and high school students and, among other services, runs the only youth-operated food bank in New York City.

The 24 FYI members teamed-up with the fifteen H.A.N.D.S. representatives for their annual project at Children’s Hope to spread mulch and plant flowers around the house’s perimeter, clean and sanitize the children’s toys, reorganize the linen closet, wash windows, and prepare lunch for the workers and residents. 

The Indiana natives enjoyed working and spending time with their New York counterparts and appreciated the ability to accomplish larger-scaled tasks than in previous years, and they hope the visiting volunteers felt the same.  This is one of H.A.N.D.S. members’ favorite activities, though they are always willing to donate time or money to other not-for-profit organizations in the community.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Indiana House Minority Leader Brian Bosma, standing above, talks with local residents about various change-related issues facing state government in the months and years ahead. The informal morning discussion was held at The Brownstone on State in South Whitley. Below, at left, State Representative Dan Leonard talks with attendees. Below, Whitley County Republican Party  and county council candidate Jim Banks answers a question. Banks helped to coordinate the visit to Whitley County.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Indiana House Minority Leader Brian Bosma of Indianapolis made a stop in South Whitley recently at the invitation of the Whitley County Republican Party -- bringing a message of change.

Bosma spoke about the impact of property tax changes on the future of the state as well as the impact individual communities will face. Bosma asked questions posed by local residents and county government officials.

“Dealing with the immediate and not the long term has put our state in a desperate situation,” Bosma said.

“Hoosiers don’t like change, but change was needed,” he said.

There may be some changes in store for Indiana, however, that he and others are not necessarily in support of – including proposed idea of putting one executive in charge of a county with that individual appointing representatives to serve in various areas. This concept is part of the bipartisan Kernan-Shepherd report, a hot topic on the minds of officials around the state. Some have described this proposed county executive position as a “super mayor.”

“It may be time for that and it may not be in some areas,” Bosma said of the idea.

 “I think its too much control in one person,” said Scott Darley, a county council member in attendance.

“It’s not a fiscally responsible solution,” said county councilman Bill Overdeer, also in attendance. As discussion continued, Overdeer urged Bosma to keep the perspectives of counties in mind when making decisions regarding the reformation of local government.

“Whatever you get done, give local government a voice,” said Overdeer.

Bosma stopped in South Whitley enroute to Huntington to speak in support of State Representative Dan Leonard’s bid for re-election. Leonard and State Representative Matt Bell were in attendance, along with several local officials and citizens.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Valparaiso mayor and Republican attorney general candidate Jon Costas visited Whitley County yesterday morning, talking with local residents at the CC Deli in Columbia City.

Costas is one of what is expected to be several candidates vying for the attorney general’s position. Republican delegates will be selecting a candidate during this summer’s Republican State Convention.

The visit to Whitley County to meet constituents was coordinated by the Whitley County Republican Party.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The weather lately has been ideal for a spring stroll. Whether walking in Churubusco, Columbia City, rural Whitley County or along a peaceful sidewalk in South Whitley, above, you're likely to enjoy beautiful flowers, new foliage on the trees and many reasons to enjoy spring in our community.

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By Carol Nolan 

For more than twenty years, Somebody Cares, Inc. has been vital in the Whitley County community, and though some things have changed - logo, location and personnel - over the last few years, its mission remains the same: to serve “the underserved.”

The underserved may be those who could benefit greatly from counseling if it were affordable and those who simply desire an option in choosing mental health care. No one is turned away. Support from United Way, the Community Foundation, churches, individual contributions and other grants put its services within reach of everyone.

Somebody Cares has always operated as a not for profit organization. The board of directors is made up of volunteers who believe in its mission and are willing to give of their time and effort to assure its survival. No office staff is employed. Counselors return messages left on the answering service and set their own appointments. Each client deals directly only with their own counselor.

The Linvill Center on Van Buren Street was the original home to the agency, but several years ago, Somebody Cares moved its offices to the lower level of the Lehmberg Building beside the hospital in Columbia City, and that’s when many people lost track of them. 

So, during the month of May, which is Mental Health Month, Somebody Cares plans to be very visible. No one should be asking, by the end of May, “Whatever happened to Somebody Cares?” You will see their booth at the Heartbeats Festival at Parkview Whitley Hospital on May 3, 2008, from 7-11 a.m.

Stop by to pick up information about mental health issues, and about the agency. A Lego building contest and other handouts will be fun for both children and adults. Meet the counselors too during that time. Cheryl Wagoner and Carol Nolan are both licensed and, together, cover the fields of marriage, family, children, addictions and mental health.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Solid Waste District employees, with the assistance of community corrections workers, load a large semi with discarded television sets and electronic items for the Earth Day Challenge. Below, computer monitors are typically the most recycled item, but televisions were popular items this time. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The growing pile of discarded televisions, computer monitors and electronic devices mounted as local residents cleaned their homes of unwanted items by participating in the Whitley County Solid Waste District’s Earth Day Challenge event Friday afternoon was shocking.

From their facility on South Line Street, Solid Waste District employees, assisted by community corrections workers, unloaded items and filled a large semi trailer, a job that took many hours to complete.

This afternoon, Solid Waste District director Jorell Tucker said, “I know we ended up with 16 skids of materials.”

“We won’t know exactly how much we collected until we get a report from Intercon Solutions,” Tucker said.

Intercon Solutions, a facility in Chicago Heights, Illinois, will effectively recycle each item, keeping it out of landfills and ensuring new uses for the materials.

“It is all de-manufactured and everything is stripped out,” Tucker said of the recycling process. “Nothing goes overseas and all of the raw materials are sold to scrap dealers.”

So, your old television might one day be reformed into something else useful.

Speaking of televisions, Tucker said the most interesting item collected yesterday was an orange and white vintage television.

The mixture of items collected yesterday seemed to be fairly balanced, Tucker said.

“Usually we get more (computer) monitors than anything else,” he said. “But with everything switching to digital and flat screen, a lot of people were bringing in their old tvs even if they were still working.”

In all, Tucker was pleased with local participation in the Earth Day Challenge, saying, “I think it was a good turnout.”

Tucker anticipates another electronics collection drive sometime in September.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies Tom Smith, left, and Greg Greaf, right, stand with three large bags of unwanted medication collected Friday afternoon. Below, a closer look at the numerous bottles and boxes of pills collected.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

They were not only responsible for making a little more shelf space available in local medicine cabinets, but, more importantly may helped keep dangerous drugs off the streets and out of the local sewers.

In cooperation with the Whitley County Solid Waste District’s Earth Day Challenge, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Task Force collected unwanted and expired medications and prescription drugs for disposal on Friday afternoon at the solid waste district facility on South Main Street.

Three large bags of pills and packaging were collected over the course of the afternoon by reserve deputies Tom Smith and Greg Greaf.

“It gets drugs out of medicine cabinets,” Smith said. Smith shared that by purging the drugs, it cuts down on the instances of people breaking into homes to steal drugs. Smith also pointed out other disposal issues avoided by the public collection drive.

Smith said people often throw their unwanted medication into the garbage or flush it down the toilet and both methods are problematic. In the garbage, it can be stolen or find its way into the wrong hands.

Smith also shared that the instance of flushing medication in Fort Wayne has been prevalent enough that trace amounts of medications have been found in water supplies.

“We’re getting it out of homes so that it can be destroyed properly,” Smith said.

The three bags of drugs will be turned over to the Whitley County Drug Task Force and they will be incinerated.

The Whitley County Sheriffs Department and Drug Task Force holds the collection drives several times a year.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A long line extends out into the parking lot of The Eagles Nest Event Center Wednesday as the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce hosted the "Thanks A Bunch Lunch." The event, held annually, is a way for employers to show their appreciation for administrative assistants, secretaries and other office staff. This year's event featured a vacation theme, with towels and totes for each guest and some comical relief by local business people.

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Today...South Whitley Garage Sales through this afternoon.

Tonight....Relay for Life Tenderloin Fry at the Whitley County 4-H Center from 4-7 p.m. Also, Sherri's Place near US 30 and SR 9 in Columbia City will be having their grand opening celebration this evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.

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(Talk of the Town photos) Above, the nominees for the Heart of Gold Awards smile proudly with their gold medallions. Below, from left, John Slavich recognizes two of the three Count On Me award nominees Carrie Gates and Paula Langeloh. Brian Bills was not present, but was selected as the grant award recipient. At bottom, from left, Linda McCoy, DeVon Schuman and Jim Hayes were given $1,000 grants to direct to the non-profit agency of their choice as winners of the Heart of Gold Awards. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Hearing the heart-felt stories of self-less giving, of community spirit and love of neighbors, there’s no doubt Whitley County residents have hearts of gold.

On Thursday evening, in an often emotional, yet joy-filled ceremony, the Whitley County Community Foundation recognized local residents whose deeds and commitment to others in their lives and in the community went above and beyond expectations.

Whitley County Community Foundation executive director September McConnell welcomed guests to the Carver Auditorium at Indian Springs Middle School for the event, which began with a dessert reception.

Program officer John Slavich read the names of three local residents who had been nominated for the Count On Me award, an award that honors adults who’ve made unique contributions to the lives of children. Those nominees included Carrie Gates, Paula Langeloh and Brian Bills.

Nominated by Tara Brandon, Gates was recognized for her ongoing volunteer service to Camp Whitley. Brandon Porter nominated Brian Bills, who has been a dedicated volunteer for Camp Whitley, assisting with archery and the creation of a rifle pavilion and groundskeeping, including the “removal of poison ivy and bees nests.” Paula Langeloh was nominated by Chase Langeloh, among others, for being a long-time camp nurse at Camp Whitley.

Brian Bills, although not in attendance at the event, was selected by the Count Me In committee and was given a grant to direct to the youth-serving agency of his choice.

Whitley County Community Foundation staff members Vanessa Bills, Jenna Ott, John Slavich and Kendtra Zickafoose each took turns reading the heart-felt, beautiful nominations penned by local residents in support of their nominees.

Prior to the event, a committee comprised of Helen Beatty, Sharlene Berkshire, Jan Hammer, Joan Lillmars, Ruth Metzger and Rosemary Steiner had read and evaluated each nomination, selecting three to be given the opportunity to direct a grant to the non-profit agency of their choice in Whitley County.

As each nomination was read, the nominee approached the front of the room and a golden heart medal was placed around their neck. Nominees listened proudly as their story was read aloud, some with tear-filled eyes – watched by an equally emotional audience, sharing in their celebration of self-lessness.

This year’s nominees included: Lois Bailey, Gary Boggs, Kathy Boston, Mandy Boston, Trent Boston, Ruthie Busick, Stephanie Carpenter, David Cooper, Valerie Cooper, Tom Eberly, Bill Fries, Jackie Fries, Rex Grable, Mark Green, Sue Harker, Jim Hayes, Bill Helm, John Johnson, Judy Johnson, Leander Marie Kauffman, Lynn Klingaman, Barb Knuth, Mike Lane, Suzie Langohr, Cheri Lincoln, Joyce M. Linder, Gail Martin, Linda McCoy, Athena Metzger, Glenys Mills, Emily Munk, Ron Myer, Herb Ohlwine, Joyce Ohlwine, Cathy Petrie, Shawn Pierce, Donald Mark Pratt, Jennifer Zartman Romano, Brenda Saggars, DeVon Schuman, Laura Shank, Vicki Sprunger, Cheryl Stalter, Shirlee Tackwell, Steve Tackwell, Don Terman, Jill Usher, Joe A. Wagoner, Tim Weybright and Cheryl Wyatt.

In the end, three were selected, representing Columbia City, South Whitley and Churubusco, receiving a $1,000 grant to direct as they chose. Those selected for the honor included DeVon Schuman, Linda McCoy and Jim Hayes.

Talk of the Town hopes to bring you some of the beautiful tributes written by local residents nominating their friends and neighbors in the coming weeks.

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(Photos by Shea McClure) Michelle Obama visited a packed house at North Side High School Friday. Below, in a self-portrait, Whitley County for Barack Obama campaign organizer Shea McClure stands cheek to cheek with Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama. 

Jennifer Zartman Romano

Columbia City resident Shea McClure had an up close and personal opportunity to meet Michelle Obama on Friday in Fort Wayne. Obama is the wife of Senator Barack Obama, candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Obama talked to a crowd of approximately 500 people at North Side High School, sharing more about her husband's goals and hope for advocating change in America.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A fun and relaxing evening was enjoyed by all at last year's Elegant Evening on the Lake, as shown above, at Shriner Lake. This year, guest will visit Loon Lake. Below, guests prepared to board their boats enroute to another lakefront home for dessert last year. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

As soon as the ice is off area lakes, the temperatures warm up and people begin thinking about summertime at Whitley County’s beautiful lakes, thoughts begin to turn toward The Lighthouse’s annual Elegant Evening on the Lake dinner.

The event, a progressive dinner where guests are shuttled from house to house on local lakes enjoying hors d’ oeuvres, dinner and desserts, is a highly sought-after affair with the limited seating selling out each year. The time between each stop in the evening includes a scenic boat tour of the lake hosting the event.

This year, the community of Loon Lake has graciously welcomed The Lighthouse to host the event at homes surrounding the 222-acre lake in northern Whitley County. The volunteer event coordinator this year is Ann Fahl, who is working with the many families living around the lake to secure interesting homes for guests to visit as well as many boats for guests to ride in. Fahl is being assisted in the coordination efforts by Loon Lake residents Carol Ebbinghouse, Ruby Brower and Louise Hill.

The event will be held on July 19, 2008, with seatings at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Thus far, ten families have enthusiastically volunteered their attractive lakefront homes for the fundraiser. All proceeds from the event support The Lighthouse, Whitley County’s only homeless and transitional living facility. Since opening in 1998, The Lighthouse has served nearly 2,000 men, women and children with life’s basic necessities and much more.

The dinner is approximately three hours in length. Requests can be made to create accommodations that are handicap accessible, if needed.

The main course dinner options include: Creamy Apricot Chicken with garden rice pilaf and green bean bundles wrapped in bacon or Pork Chops with savory sauce, parsley buttered redskin potatoes and green bean bundles.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and seating is limited. Tickets may be ordered by contacting The Lighthouse and must be paid for when they are picked up. Cash or checks will be accepted. Tickets must be picked up no later than July 1.

For more information, contact The Lighthouse at 244-5266.

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This snapshot of Lois Kimsey Marshall was taken by Bessie Lawrence Henney on August 17, 1917. Marshall will be one of the county's remarkable women of the past whose contributions will be celebrated on May 10 at 1 p.m. at the museum. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

When we consider the early contributions of pioneers in Whitley County, we don’t just think of men’s names. There were some influential and strong women whose handprint on Whitley County’s past can be seen today.

In celebration of that, the Whitley County Historical Society will be hosting the Remarkable Women of Whitley County Tea on May 10 at 1 p.m. at the Whitley County Historical Museum, 108 West Jefferson Street, Columbia City.

According to the museum’s assistant director Angela Maley, the event will feature poignant, in-character sketches of several of the community’s most famous women. Some of those famous women include Lois Kimsey Marshall, Tacumwah, Alberta Grant, Sarah Cuppy, Helene Gates, just to name a few who might be honored at the event.

The cost to attend the afternoon tea is $6 per person and the community is invited to attend. Make your reservations prior to May 7 by calling 244-6372.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Rotary members supported the Splashpad project this week in a major way, with the gift of $1500 presented to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green, second from right. Above, from left, are Jacie Worrick, Renel Alarie, Ben Romine, Mark Green and Candice Yeakle. Yeakle, Romine, Alarie and Worrick are all Columbia City Rotary members.  

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Rotary members provided a considerable gift to the Splashpad project Tuesday with the gift of $1500.

The gift was made official with the presentation of a check to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green who addressed the group and shared an update on what is happening with the project currently.

According to Green, the sewer and water lines are currently being laid that will eventually service the site.

The exact location of the Splashpad, according to Green, will be where the batting cages are currently located, near the concession stand. Park board members felt that because this was such a bright, vibrant part of the community, they wanted it visible from US 30.

Green said that with batting cages now available at Paige’s Crossing, further now US 30, the existing batting cages are largely unused.

When asked to describe a Splashpad, Green said, “It is a large concrete oval with gushers and geysers – it’s like a playground in water.”

“It’s going to be a great project,” said Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck to the Rotarians. “Mark and the park board have worked hard to make it happen.” Leadership Whitley County class participants were also instrumental in moving the project forward.

 “This entire project, except the part we had to match, was paid for without taxpayer money,” Fleck added, pleased with how supportive the community has been in not only doing the legwork to build the Splashpad, but also coming forth with the funding to make it a reality.

While the two 100-year floods early this winter provided obstacles to the project moving forward expeditiously, Green said he’s optimistic the Splashpad will officially open on June 14 or shortly thereafter.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

For aspiring young actors and actresses in our community, there has been little in the way of a thespian experience aside from school and church programs to feed their creative inclinations upon a stage.

On Friday, John Slavich announced that funding had been approved by the Count Me In program to fund a youth theatre project at the Peabody Public Library. Funding was approved at the Thursday meeting of Count Me In, Slavich said.

A collaborative effort of several groups in the community who voiced an interest in seeing youth theatre as an opportunity in Whitley County, the grant will be used to fund a youth theater production for children in grades 4-12 later this summer at the library.

“It's really going to happen,” McCarthy said enthusiastically.

“Parents from the Story Exploration group, Faith Christian Academy and other groups in the community who see the library as a supporter of culture and the arts have asked if the Children's Department might sponsor such an effort,” McCarthy said.

Feeling uncertain about leading the project alone, McCarthy drew in others with an interest in theatre and in working with children. Count Me In grants are unique in that they fund efforts where adults work with children in skill-building, constructive ways, creating a bond of learning and trust.

Slavich explained that the Count Me In program is key. In addition to building upon the 40 developmental assets, the program shows young people that adults in the community, in addition to their parents and family, care about them and want them to succeed.
”I spoke with several people who expressed interest in youth theater, and this group developed a comprehensive plan that includes stage craft, crew work, props, costumes, sets, etc. and acting,” she said.

McCarthy will work closely with this group of volunteers as the production develops.

“I'm really excited to offer a quality theater program,” McCarthy said. 

As more information is available, we will provide it here on Talk of the Town.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Dr. Clark Waterfall, below, holds a copy of his book at it's debut in February. Waterfall is donating all proceeds from the book to the Whitley County Historical Society and thus far has sold 75 books. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Dr. Clark Waterfall’s recently released soft-bound book "Genealogy of a Dog’s Tale” has been a hot item at the Whitley County Historical Museum.

At the historical society’s dinner, held Tuesday night in Columbia City, Waterfall announced that he’d sold 75 copies of the book to date and would be making his final order for additional copies on Sunday.

Waterfall has been selling the books since his first copies arrived in February, donating all proceeds from the book to the Whitley County Historical Society.

Purchase of the book for $25 includes a one-year membership to the Whitley County Historical Society.

To order one of the last copies of the book, contact the Whitley County Historical Society at 244-6372.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

This evening, dozens of Whitley County residents who've been heroes in the lives of others will be recognized at the 13th annual Whitley County Community Foundation's Heart of Gold Awards and Count On Me Awards reception. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Carver Auditorium at Indian Springs Middle School, 1692 South SR 9, Columbia City.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano 

Over the weekend, several groups were actively involved in community cleanup projects -- adding a little sparkle and shine to Whitley County!

On Saturday, the Tri Lakes Property Owners Association, under the direction of Todd Nichols and with the assistance of the Whitley County Solid Waste District's Jorell Tucker, initiated their annual spring clean up project. The community collected garbage and recyclable items at the Tri Lakes Lions Club Hall.

Also on Saturday, twelve Columbia City Rotary members and two guests gathered and embarked on a roadside clean up project along SR 109. In all, 14 bags of garbage were collected by the group -- one bag for each volunteer in attendance.

Kudos from Talk of the Town for taking time to make Whitley County a cleaner, more attractive place to live, work and play!

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

That headline got your attention, didn't it?

Throw on something daring -- preferably red -- and get ready to sashay down the red carpet to the bright flashing of cameras and paparazzi. When seated, you'll be served by celebrities and throw your cares to the wind, laughing with friends until well into the night.

Sounds great, right? It's happening here on Friday night. FRIDAY night.

If you haven't bought your tickets already, there's still time if you'd like to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and socializing at the Rhapsody in Red event at The Eagles Nest Event Center beginning at 6 p.m. Friday night.

The Blue River Express will provide live jazz entertainment and your meal will be served tableside by celebrity servers, including Sheriff Mark Hodges, Greg and Ann Fahl, Janet Scank and many others. Guests will truly be greeted by the paparazzi on a red carpet -- something not to be missed!

The committee planning the event is hopeful it will draw attention to the crucial issue of women's health and wellness in Whitley County. Proceeds from the event will support women's health testing at Parkview Whitley Hospital's Heartbeats Festival and the Leadership Whitley County program.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Tickets may be purchased by calling Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Mahri Romano) Market master Tiffany Herron, below, and her daughter Twyla, survey the crowd at the 2007 Farmers Market in Columbia City. This year, Herron and others have some exciting changes and hope to draw even more customers to the Whitley County Courthouse lawn on Saturday mornings beginning May 3. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Farmers Market, though still two weeks away from opening weekend, is already off to an excellent start according to market master Tiffany Herron.

On Thursday, Herron and others coordinating this year’s market activities held a meeting to register market participants and were pleased to have 18 sign up.

“Everyone’s really looking forward, this year, to the growth of the market,” Herron said. With record attendance at the sign up meeting, things are looking optimistic on the growth front.

The market kicks off on Saturday, May 3, and Herron expects more vendors will sign up by that time and throughout the summer. “We haven’t even gotten started yet,” she said.

While the market could accommodate up to 100 vendors, Herron views their growth in a cautious way.

“We could have 100 vendors, but we need to have 100 local customers to support those vendors,” she said. And, speaking of customers, Herron is excited at the level of communication she’s witnessed between vendors and their customers.

“I’m really excited about the way the farmers have listened to what their customers have asked for,” Herron said, sharing that many have made note of their customer’s preferences when planning their crops this year.

Some new, food-oriented offerings this year will include free range eggs, organic produce and honey.

In addition to crops, many exciting new vendors with handmade crafts and other items have committed to be involved this year, with items such as stained glass jewelry, artistic children’s clothing and grocery totes with an artistic flair.

Something else new and different this year: yoga! Herron will lead free yoga lessons on Saturday mornings in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn beginning at 7:15 a.m. starting in June. Herron is also looking into finding morning musical entertainment at the gazebo during market hours.

Herron said she enjoys the fact that Columbia City has a thriving farmers marketing and feels that the timing couldn’t be better in an era of going green and keeping our green dollars within the community.

“It’s just wonderful there is a farmers market in Columbia City,” she said, “with all the talk about going local, shopping locally and keeping dollars in our community.”

In Herron’s mind, keeping those dollars in the community as long as possible is an important part of what the farmers market accomplishes.

“Those dollars stay in the hands of our friends and family,” she said. “Supporting the farmers market supports your neighbor.”

“In some regards, we are so removed from where our food comes from,” she said. “So, it’s kind of cool when you come to the farmers market and can see what we in Indiana can grow and what time of year it can grow.”

Again this year, several farmers market participants will be accepting vouchers from the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program – meaning local recipients can choose to provide their families with fresh, local produce.

The Columbia City Farmers Market will be open each Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. beginning the first Saturday in May and continuing until the last Saturday in October.

For more information about the farmers market, to register for a sales location or with questions, contact Tiffany Herron at milesofsmiles6@yahoo.com or call her at 248-2148.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Local supporters of the Hillary Clinton for President campaign gathered to make some calls on Tuesday evening in Columbia City. Under the leadership of Tara McNamara, third from left above, volunteers managed to make quite a few phone calls in hopes of rallying support locally for Clinton. Those interested in volunteering with the group in the coming days are asked to call Tara McNamara at (260) 745-0183.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Dr. Russ Gilliom of Churubusco, below at center, listens to an informative program about the great Miami Indian leader Jean Baptiste de Richardville. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Conversations over dinner ranged from the drama of the Civil War to the hard times of the Great Depression and the many stages before and since.

It was, after all, the annual spring dinner of the Whitley County Historical Society and regardless of age or demographic, all in attendance shared an interest in history.

Held at The Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City, following dinner, guests were addressed by Whitley County Historical Society president Chuck Jones.

“We’ve had four months of programs which have been very well attended,” Jones said of the past several months’ worth of Sunday afternoon events at the museum highlighting several intriguing historical topics.

Jones also spoke of changes. In recent months, there have been changes in leadership with the addition of three new staff members, including Dani Tippmann, Angela Maley and Tonya Brown. There have also been changes in hours of operation and the museum is now open Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon and on weekends during special programs.

Three of the society’s board members’ terms were set to expire, but the three, including Gerald Runkle, Marie Hockemeyer and Jennifer Zartman Romano, have agreed to continue on. In addition, three other board members were unanimously voted onto the board this evening – Bill Simpson, Dennis Warnick and Joyce Hite.

Jones provided several awards, including an honorary lifetime board role to Clark Waterfall, whom Jones described as “a walking history of Whitley County.”

The Waugh Award for great contributions to the Whitley County Historical Society was bestowed upon Greg and Jan Anthes. The Anthes were recognized for their gift of The Little Brick Outhouse which is now standing proudly on the grounds of the museum property. The little building was lovingly moved from its original home in Columbia City to Springfield, Ohio, and then carefully moved back to Columbia City to what many hope will be its final home. The Anthes were not present to accept their award, but were recognized by a grateful society regardless.

The president’s award, given annually at the discretion of the society president for a volunteer going above and beyond was presented to Tonya Brown for her volunteer work on the Bill Jones photo collection last summer. Brown assisted in finding homes and/or cataloging perhaps thousands of photographs given to the society by the Bill Jones Family, a longtime Whitley County photographer whose work spanned decades.

Jones also recognized the John and Hester Adams Trust for many years of significant support. JoEllen McConnell and Dick Buchanan accepted the award on behalf of the now retired trust.

Dr. Russ Gilliom of Churubusco made a special gift to the Whitley County Historical Society in the form of a portrait of Chief Little Turtle painted by the late Churubusco area artist John Cockrell.

On receiving the gift, museum director Dani Tippmann looked proudly at the painting and remarked, “Little Turtle is my great-great-great uncle, so it has special meaning for me.”

The featured speaker of the evening was Todd Pelfrey, executive director of the Fort Wayne Historical Society.

“I would really like to commend the Whitley County Historical Society for their selection of Dani Tippmann as their director,” said Pelfrey, who has worked with Tippmann at the Chief Richardville House for the past four years, where Tippmann volunteers. “I can’t speak highly enough of her.”

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)  The United Way of Whitley County announced this afternoon that David Kinder, above, has been selected as the new director of the organization. Kinder began his first day at the helm of the organization today.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Important decisions often take time.

The board of directors for the United Way of Whitley County announced today that a candidate has been selected to fill the directorship role of that organization -- an important position that has been vacant since January.

David Kinder, a Fort Wayne resident, began his first official day of work today at the United Way office in the lower level of Parkview Whitley Hospital’s Lehmberg Building. Kinder brings a vast resume of experiences to the position, including manufacturing, journalism and not-for-profit perspectives which he believes will serve him well as director of the United Way of Whitley County.

“I’m very excited about the position,” Kinder said, sitting at the desk of his new office this afternoon, smiling and bantering with assistant Monica Trump. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with not-for-profits and I feel my background lends itself well to this position.”

Most recently, Kinder was employed by the City of Fort Wayne’s housing department. Prior to that, he was employed for seven years in the Logansport area as director of the Area 5 Agency, a division of the state’s housing authority.

Kinder oversaw 370 units of affordable housing and was involved in the development of several non-profit initiatives in that area including the Boys & Girls Club, a community health center, a mental health center, senior centers and various non-profit building projects.

Kinder also spent two years as the director of Aging Services in the Logansport area, managing a six-county area providing services to senior citizens.

This “gamut of possibilities,” as he calls it, will serve him well at the helm of Whitley County’s United Way.

A Fort Wayne resident for the past 10 months, Kinder and his wife Tammy recently moved to the area from Cass County.

“Cass County is a very rural community,” Kinder said, sharing his point of view that although the population of that community is a bit larger than Whitley County, there are many similarities. “I like my fit in a county of this size,” he said and added that he’s looking forward to being actively engaged in Whitley County.

Kinder is the father if four sons – 23-year-old Mac of Fort Wayne, 20-year-old Sam, who is a student at the University of Indianapolis, in addition to 10-year-old Gabe and 7-year-old Nick, both at home.

In his free time, Kinder enjoys refereeing basketball and umpiring for baseball.

“I decided I needed to give back for the areas in my life that I’ve been blessed,” Kinder said. “Working in non-profit is very appealing to me.”

Kinder fills the position previously held by Candice Yeakle who left in mid-January to become director of the Parkview Whitley Foundation.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) We've been enjoying some really nice weather lately -- nice enough that many local residents have gotten their boats out of storage and begun enjoying afternoons on the lakes across Whitley County. We will continue with temperatures in the 70s throughout the week, but we may have a shower or two beginning this evening. Above, a 1956 Thunderbay Runabout sits waiting for another trip around the lake. We'll have a story about this unique boat later this spring as it was made right in downtown Columbia City!

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Submitted by Tricia Hennessy

Find out how old you really are based on your “health” age. This year Parkview Whitley Hospital and Parkview Women’s Health Center are teaming up together to determine how old you really are at the annual Heartbeats Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, from 7 to 11 a.m.

This is the 20th and final year for the Heartbeats Festival at Parkview Whitley Hospital. A larger, more inclusive health event will be planned for 2009.

For a $30 fee, individuals will participate in a Personal Wellness Profile education report designed to help evaluate current lifestyle, identify health risks, and decide where and how to make improvements. Screenings include a blood chemistry profile, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist-to-hip measurements. All participants will receive an individual report and consultation with a health professional. 

Other screenings include:

Blood Chemistry Profile*  $20; Prostatic-Specific Antigen (PSA) $20; Hemogram**    $8; Bone Density    $15; and Body Composition   $10.

Additionally, height, weight, blood pressure and skin cancer screenings are free.

*Blood Chemistry Profile is a standard Parkview Health blood screening with 17 tests that deal with all the vital organs and cardiac risk factors

**Hemogram measures white cells and red cells to screen for infection or anemia

Other services available at this year’s Heartbeats Festival include Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography and massage therapy, among others.

For more information, contact Leila Plew at 248-9510.

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Submitted by Tricia Hennessy

Rev. Ann Lantz, Director of Chaplaincy Services at Parkview Hospital, will present a program about advanced directives at Parkview Whitley Hospital on Thursday, May 1, at 1 p.m. in the lower auditoriums. This free program will be presented during the May Seniors Club meeting and is open to the public.

Advanced directives are spoken or written directions about future medical care or treatment and can help ease the burden of tough decisions at the end of a life. They come into effect when a patient can no longer communicate their wishes due to illness or injury.

During the presentation, Rev. Lantz will discus the four main types of directives, including living will declarations, life prolonging procedures declaration, appointment of a health care representative and power of attorney. There will also be a time for questions.

If you would like to attend this presentation, reservations are appreciated at 1-800-325-1338 ext. 89900.

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Peabody Public Library congratulates Ari Fest and Brooks Walker for prize winning work

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Two young Whitley County writers are sweeping the competition with their work, impressing judges and moving from local, to regional and now the national level of the Reading Rainbow contest.

First grader Ari Fest and third grader Brooks Walker were notified this week that their books will be going to the National Reading Rainbow Contest in Washington, D.C.

Fest and Walker’s books were selected to compete in the regional contest recently and much to everyone’s delight, the well-crafted literary and illustrative works will now line up alongside the best contributions from young writers around the country.

Having read and reviewed each writer’s work personally, we should not be surprised they’ve achieved such remarkable acclaim.

“We're thrilled that our county was so well represented in the regional contest,” said Peabody Library children’s librarian Peggy McCarthy. “This is very exciting and we congratulate Ari and Brooks.”

Peabody Public Library annually presents the Reading Rainbow competition as a means to encourage writing and illustrating for children in kindergarten through third grade. Results from the initial, local contest were announced in March and all local winners progressed to a regional contest at PBS Channel 39 in Fort Wayne.

Results from the national contest are expected to be announced in June or July.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The five Republican candidates for Whitley County Council who are vying for three open seats participated in a candidate forum on Saturday morning. From left is Scott Darley, Steve Hively, Jim Banks, Bill Overdeer and Tom Western. Talk of the Town recorded the proceedings and will be posting that recording, along with more answers to their questions, later this week. Below, Allen County Republican Party chair Steve Shine was the morning's moderator, keeping order to the event. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Seated shoulder to shoulder at the front of the room, Saturday’s candidate forum for County Council candidates had a decidedly tense feel.

Was it the questions? The fact that the competition has really heated up in the past few weeks? The realization that this primary election is likely to have more voters present than previous primaries? The awareness that many local voters are looking at events like candidate forums to make up their minds about local candidates?

One thing is for certain: Saturday was a great opportunity for local residents to get to know the five candidates vying for three open seats on Whitley County Council.

The morning’s moderator was Steve Shine, chair of the Allen County Republican Party. Shine kept the candidates to stringent time allotments, fielded questions from the audience and managed to keep order to the event, ensuring each candidate had a fair opportunity to respond.

After names were drawn from a hat to determine speaking order, each candidate introduced himself and gave a few comments – within a two-minute period.

Incumbent candidate Scott Darley is a real estate agent and South Whitley resident, living in the same house where he grew up. Darley said, “I’m here to tell you Whitley County government is in great shape.” Describing the current county council as “frugal” and “progressive,” Darley said “We have a good tax base and a growing tax base.” Darley has been on the county council for 20 years. He and his wife, Rhonda, have a daughter, Ally.

Steve Hively was a past county council member, serving from 2001-2004. Working in the private sector for 28 years and owning an accounting and tax preparation business, Hively hopes to bring his business experience to work on the county council. Hively and his wife, Rita, are proud to trace their ancestral roots in Whitley County back to the 1800s.

Jim Banks, owner of a public affairs consulting business, The Wabash Group, was the next to speak. “I’m running for county council to be a breath of fresh air for Whitley County,” Banks said. “I believe what Whitley County needs is a new perspective.” Banks describes himself as a strong fiscal conservative and hopes voters will see the benefit in a leader who will think ahead and who will be present 25 years down the road to mould the county’s future. Born and raised in Whitley County, Banks and wife, Amanda, are looking forward to raising a family in this community.

Incumbent Bill Overdeer thanked his wife, Barbara, for her support. Overdeer credited the county’s council and commissioners for keeping the county in good fiscal shape, saying, “It’s been due to good forward thinking.” Overdeer is aware of changes coming to Whitley County in the future and hopes he can be part of that. “There is a lot of change coming,” he said, citing the Kernan-Shepherd Report and House Bill 1001.

Etna Troy resident Tom Western, a full time farmer, is an incumbent. He and wife, Sue, have three children. “As the other two councilman of have said, Whitley County government is in excellent shape,” he said. Western is optimistic about the outcome of House Bill 1001’s impact on Whitley County, saying “it’s only going to effect our total monies in this county 6/10ths of one percent in 2010 – and that’s just a pretty minimal effect.”

When asked to elaborate on what has been described as the good shape of the county, the candidates said:

Darley: “Financially the county is in good shape,” Darley said. “Our general fund money is pretty tight. We’re not facing the shortages other counties are,” he said. “Next year we’re going to have to find $78-79,000 in cuts but we’ve got the funding and funds that we can absorb that.”

Hively: “From my perspective, I’ve been a little disappointed since I left office in 2004,” he said. He stated he is not a big fan of pet projects, wheel tax and the work release center.

Banks: “Good is not good enough,” Banks said. “People are suffering,” he said, describing loss of health care benefits, gas prices and the current 7.1% unemployment rate, a rate that has jumped up in Whitley County recently. “That’s what the county can do -- build long term economic development,” Banks said as one way to improve the county.

Overdeer: “In the budget year 2009, we’ll have a shortfall of $15,000,” he said. Citing growing assessed values by 3% or more, Overdeer said he’s optimistic the county can financially overcome changes coming this way.

Western: “Well, it’s hard to add anything else to what Scott and Bill said,” Western said. “Maybe its not good enough, but when you compare it to our neighbors, it’s excellent,” he said. “I’m not taking all the credit for that ‘cause it’s been good sound judgment of the last previous council members in the last 10, 15 or 20 years.”

The questions continued, including the anonymous questions from the audience.

One item of discussion among candidates was talk about the longevity pay perk for elected officials in Whitley County. According to a law enacted sometime ago, longevity pay is set at $50 per year of service, paid annually.

Recordings will be available soon...

Talk of the Town recorded the entire forum and we’ll post this recording later this week. This recording is very informative and quite telling about the local candidates and their points of view. We hope you will take a few minutes and download the recording. We’ll also bring you their answers to more of the questions asked Saturday in installments over the next few days.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Final preparations are underway as the Salvation Army of Whitley County prepares for the “Light the Way to Child Abuse Prevention and Education” lighted vigil this evening in downtown Columbia City from 7-8 p.m.

Rain or shine, the event will be held on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn.

To make the event as family friendly and safe as possible, Salvation Army director Pat Mossburg said they plan to use glow sticks instead of burning candles. Today, Mossburg and a group of volunteers will be gathering supplies for this evening’s event.

In addition to the Salvation Army of Whitley County, local Kiwanis club members and citizens of the community, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) will also have representatives in attendance to help residents learn to spot the signs of violence and know how to respond.

The event is being held in observance of national child abuse prevention month.

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Jim Banks, Jennifer Zartman Romano and Eddie Beagles, Jr., from left above, were honored with Future 40 Awards on Friday evening in a ceremony at Sweetwater Sound on US 30 in Fort Wayne. The celebration recognized 40 leaders excelling in business, medicine and community efforts all under the age of 40. According to Upstate Indiana Business Journal, more than 250 qualified nominees were evaluated in a rigorous process, narrowed down to 170 and further evaluated, with the top 40 selected to receive the Future 40 honor by a panel of judges. Each Future 40 award recipient received a handcrafted glass art object with their name and designation on the front. The local recipients awards are shown at left.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Community Foundation executive director September McConnell, standing far left, talks with Columbia City Chamber of Commerce members Friday during the monthly business briefing luncheon at Parkview Whitley Hospital. McConnell and others gave an overview of what the local community foundation has accomplished. Below is Susan Frantz of the Huntington University Excel program, which provides college coursework through the university in Whitley County. The Huntington University Excel program was the sponsor of Friday's luncheon.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Board members and staff of the Whitley County Community Foundation brought local business leaders a colorful overview of the ways the organization has impacted the community in its 17-year history during Friday’s business briefing luncheon.

The monthly luncheon, coordinated by the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity to understand the past and look forward to the future.

According to Whitley County Community Foundation board member John Lefever, approximately 1.9 billion in assets are held by community foundations in Indiana.

Kay Fleck, a long time supporter of the foundation and an instrumental part of it’s early beginnings, recalled that the plans for a local community foundation came to fruition one day with a $100,000 pledge from the Dekko Foundation and discussions over lunch at Pirate’s Cove (now Timmy's Nook) at Tri Lakes.

“Dekko and of course (The Eli Lilly Foundation) were the impetus for getting us started,” Lefever said.

Though the Whitley County Community Foundation is now located in a beautiful, restored, brick building on Whitley Street, it had humble beginnings in an office above then Estlick Girvin & Lefever insurance agency in downtown Columbia City. The first director was Sharon Beckman Smith.

After sharing the past, executive director September McConnell brought the Chamber members into the future with an overview of the various aspects of the community foundation’s services.

“Charitable gift annuities are a really cool tool,” McConnell said. She explained that a $10,000 gift to the foundation benefits the donor with a 6.5% annual payment ($650) back to the donor and a $4,062 tax deduction using the fictitious example of Aunt Mildred’s dream of making a gift to her local community foundation for a particular interest near and dear to her heart.

“She receives a secure stream of income, a tax deduction and made her dream come true,” McConnell said. McConnell said gift annuities often mature beyond the amount of the original gift, a credit to the investment strategies of the Whitley County Community Foundation – and a benefit to donors whose gifts have the ability of helping even more than they may have initially planned.

McConnell shared that people can give gifts to the foundation in various forms – cash, personal property, stocks, real estate, etc.

Using those gifts, the foundation is able to invest back into the community in the form of grants to worthy organizations.

“Without our donors, we wouldn’t be making grants,” McConnell said. Last year, an estimated $1.2 million was granted locally.

Scholarships are also a big portion of the work the local community foundation handles. McConnell said that since 1998, 16 four-year Lilly Scholarship have been awarded to local students, in addition to other numerous scholarships to support higher education.

Other significant grant success stories have included the Senior Center, Whitley County Transit and the Splashpad – all of which have worked with the Whitley County Community Foundation to seek and receive grant funding.

In 17 years, the Whitley County Community Foundation has gained almost $17 million in assets. “Whitley County is a very generous community,” McConnell said.

“If I had a word to describe our community foundation, it would be blessed,” McConnell said, adding that the foundation is blessed with caring donors, an active, engaged board of directors and a fabulous staff. “We’re blessed to be giving back to Whitley County.”

Friday’s Chamber luncheon was sponsored by the Huntington University Excel program in Whitley County. This was the last luncheon of the season held at Parkview Whitley Hospital before the luncheons cease for the summer months.

Next month’s luncheon will feature an onsite tour of Five Star Distributing. To reserve as spot for the tour, contact the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce at 244-8131.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Just minutes into the annual Whitley County Extension Homemakers Garage Sale, the hunters were already wall to wall this morning at the Whitley County 4-H Center Building. Unencumbered by scattered showers outside, the indoor garage sale offered dozens of sales under one roof. Above, the shoppers look for bargains and chat with friends. At left, Thorncreek Township resident Sandy Wysong was just putting the finishing touches on her garage sale booth this morning when shoppers arrived. Wysong is co-owner of Off The Path, an arts and gifts boutique on North Walnut Street in Columbia City.

The Whitley County Extension Homemakers Garage Sale continues until 3 p.m. today at the Whitley County 4-H Center Building.

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By Mike Roy

The CCHS Lady Eagles Varsity softball team was victorious over the Bishop Luers gals Thursday afternoon.

With some great pitching from Emily Schnorr and the hard hitting bats of her team mates, coupled with some outstanding defense, the young ladies put up four runs and held the former state contenders from Fort Wayne to only one run.

Senior outfielder Natosha Wood got the girls going on offense with a line drive double. She was 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 RBI’s. Wood made some outstanding catches in the outfield during the contest as well. 

Alex Bunyan, Mallory Sims, Lindsey Snyder and Emily Schnorr all went into the score book with hits as well. Emily Schnorr got the win from the mound as she hurled the entire 7 innings. She struck out 7 of her competitors, giving up 5 hits and 2 walks.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A little over a week after the wildly successful The Center Cookoff, a fundraiser held April 10 for the local non-profit teen facility in downtown Columbia City continues to receive donations.

The Center’s director, Jeff Wike said donations have continued to pour into the facility since the event. “It’s still coming in,” Wike said. “We’ve received one or two (donations) in the mail or dropped off every day since then.”

“In hand, that night, we raised just shy of $14,000 not including the $10,000 match that was pledged before the event,” Wike said, bringing the end of evening total to $24,000. Wike said an anonymous donor, a local individual, offered the $10,000 match.

“Right now, we’re just under $26,000,” Wike said of the current fundraising total from the event.

“To be honest, we had a goal of $25,000,” he said, “but I tried not to hold my breath.”

“Awareness was our primary motivation in doing this,” Wike said, hoping local residents would, as a result of the dinner, learn more about the facility and how it is keeping local young people on a positive path for lifelong success. Of fundraising and raising awareness, Wike was pleased that both were accomplished successfully as a result of The Center Cookoff.

Considering the success of the event and the community’s enthusiasm for it, Wike believes the event will continue next year.

“I think it was pretty much decided the night of the cookoff that we’ll do it next year,” Wike said.

The $26,000 is expected to be used in The Center’s overall budget, but Wike expects it might also be used to fund some specific projects in the future as well.

Donations are still being accepted for The Center and may be sent to: The Center, 201 West Market Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.

To learn more about The Center, visit The Center's Website by clicking here.

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Today…

The Whitley County Republican Party will host a candidate forum for Republican candidates for Whitley County Council on this morning, April 19, 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.  Steve Shine, Allen County Republican Party Chairman, will serve as the guest moderator for the event. 

The Whitley County Extension Homemakers are holding their annual giant garage sale today at the Whitley County 4-H Center Building.

Tonight…

Etna United Methodist Church, located at 4255 W. 750 N., invites the community to a Country-style BBQ Rib Dinner on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. The dinner includes desserts and drinks. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, call the church at 799-5940.

Tomorrow…

Young Adults in Action will be picking up trash and debris along the Blue River in downtown Columbia City on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. Following the cleanup project, there will be a barbecue in Morsches Park. Volunteers, including families, are asked to meet near the pavilion in Morsches Park at 1 p.m. and will begin work near Trier Ford Chrysler. The rain date for the project is Sunday, April 27.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Kay Fleck, below, describes the attributes of a leader. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A newly prepared class of servant leaders set out to transform the community and find a niche to share their skills and talents with the citizens of Whitley County.

On Thursday evening, the seventh class of Leadership Whitley County completed their months-long program with a celebratory dinner at The Eagles Nest Event Center.

From classmates dressed to pirate perfection to tables festooned with black, white and red, the theme carried throughout the dinner adding an element of fun to the evening.

When asked why the class chose a pirate theme for their event, class member Peter Farrar said, “When you go past the Hawaiian theme, there’s not a lot left,” of prior years’ class dinner themes. “I don’t think there’s much left, I just don’t.”

Poignantly, however, classmate Christina Rice said, “There are a lot of undiscovered things in Whitley County…there are treasures in Whitley County.”

Keynote speaker Kay Fleck of Passages, Inc.was introduced by classmate and Passages employee Sonya Rubrake who spoke emotionally of Fleck’s pending retirement in the spring of 2009 after more than 22 years with Passages, Inc.

“Kay played an integral part in the development of Leadership Whitley County,” Rubrake said, citing her record of service to the community, truly exemplifying a servant leader.

Fleck talked about the greatest attributes of leadership and asked the audience to visualize their idea leaders. Comparing the many leaders in her life, from her brother-in-law to local volunteer Aileen Meier, Fleck said, “My point is that leaders come in all shapes and sizes.”

In her concluding remarks, Fleck said, “You’ll be ready to share your own special recipe with the world and with this community.”

Program director Kelley Sheiss, in addressing the new class of servant leaders, said, “Leadership is not about position, but about attitude. It’s about people and the impact you have.”

Sheiss recognized program sponsors, community supporters and the Leadership Whitley County policy council for their contributions to the program’s success over the years.

Feeling the emotion of the evening, and expanding on the bond of growth and development felt between this year’s classmates, Farrar said, “Leadership is about one thing and that’s trust.”

Each year, class participants, following graduation, are placed to serve as a volunteer on a local board. This year, the following organizations will have a participating intern: Columbia City Chamber of Commerce, Literacy Council, Interfaith Mission, Churubusco Chamber of Commerce, Beds and Britches, Etc., Count Me In, The Center, Passages Inc., 4-H Council and Leadership Whitley County’s policy council. Additionally, several class members have decided to volunteer locally at The Lighthouse and Parkview Whitley County. One class member, Terry Eberly, is running for the Whitko School Board in hopes of putting his newly gleaned leadership skills to work there.

Class members included: Lorie Asfour, Michelle Ball, Judy Bell, Mary Ann Dickinson, Terry Eberly, Carrie Ebersole, Peter Farrar, Holly Fry, April Gerard, Linda Melvin, Christina Rice, Sonya Rubrake, Amy Shaw and Matt Shipman.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) David Smith of Star Financial Bank, below at left, was awarded the Excellence in Servant Leadership Award Thursday evening during the Leadership Whitley County Celebration Dinner. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The culmination of Excellence in Servant Leadership Week, the coveted Excellence in Servant Leadership Award was presented to a local resident with an eye on community service.

David Smith of Star Financial Bank was presented with the award Thursday evening during the Leadership Whitley County Celebration Dinner at The Eagles Nest Event Center. Smith received a certificate and the opportunity to hear some truly eloquent words about how he has impacted the lives of others since returning to Whitley County some years ago.

Smith was nominated for the award by Peter Farrar, a 2008 LWC class graduate and an employee of Star Financial Bank. Farrar wrote:

“David’s commitment to bettering the community started with his participation in Leadership Whitley County.  His participation in this program, along with collaboration with other class members, led to the implementation of the United Way Day of Caring in Whitley County.  David has not only served as a dedicated volunteer for the United Way program, he has also made valuable contributions as a board member of the Whitley County Community Foundation and The Center, just to name a few of the organizations David has touched.  Through his work on these boards and with other local organizations, David strives to help our community grow and thrive in a positive manner.”

Farrar added that under Smith’s leadership, Star Financial Bank’s Whitley County branch employees contributed over 2,000 hours to 44 different community and non-profit entities.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

As most local residents lay sleeping in their beds this morning, an earthquake shook much of Illinois and Indiana at little after 5:30 a.m. this morning.

The large tremor, measuring between 5-2 to 5.4, had an epicenter near West Salem, Illinois, more than 60 miles from Evansville. Reports indicate the tremor was not only felt in Indianapolis – but could be seen as some of the city’s tall skyscrapers moved.

Several local residents have already sent messages in this morning, indicating they felt the quake locally as well.

One Talk of the Town reader, a Warsaw resident, wrote that she felt the quake this morning and sat straight up in bed saying, “Earthquake!!”

Share your experience…e-mail us at jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The seventh consecutive class of servant leaders in Leadership Whitley County celebrated the completion of their program this evening at The Eagles Nest Event Center with a pirate theme.

Above, from left, in front is April Gerard, Linda Melvin, Lorie Asfour, Judy Bell and Amy Shaw. Row two, from left, is Terry Eberly, Michelle Ball, Holly Fry, Christina Rice, Rudy the Pirate, Sonya Rubrake, Matt Shipman, Carrie Ebersole and Peter Farrar. Not present for the photo was classmate Mary Anne Dickinson.

Talk of the Town will bring you more photos and coverage from the event a bit later...tomorrow perhaps.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Athena Metzger and her mother, Thomai "May" Toskos, above, gave the students of Faith Christian Academy a greater understanding and appreciation for Greek culture today. Below, the children created Greek-inspired artwork and prepared a lunch for their classmates. The bottom photos show classmates making a Greek pastry called kourabiedes.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Tying together the cuisine, music and culture of Greece, a local family is sharing their heritage with fellow students at Faith Christian Academy today.

Athena Metzger and her mother, Thomai “May” Toskos, and upper grades students from the school worked busily in the kitchen. Delicious aromas filled the air as the sounds of Greek music surrounded them. They worked busily, creating with their hands, small crescent-shaped cookies called kourabiedes. Similar to a Mexican wedding cookie, the pastries were in abundance and the students seemed to be enjoying the chance to make them under the guidance of Metzger and Toskos.

Nearby, two students drew Greek-inspired urns on paper for decorations in the lunchroom, adding to the festivities.

The business at hand in the kitchen was with purpose – as they were busy preparing an entirely Greek lunch for the entire school, staff and any parents in attendance.

According to Metzger, today’s lunch will include a traditional Greek salad, rice, olives, chicken and the kourabiedes for dessert. The students will also learn some Greek dances as well today.

The luncheon and related cultural activities are the culmination of a series on Greek mythology and heritage led by Faith Christian Academy parent and volunteer Beth Lang, who was also present for the hands-on learning exercises.

Metzger shared that her mother and her father, Sotirios “Steve” Toskos, emigrated to the United States from Greece in the 1950s in search of a better life. The Toskos’ have lived in Whitley County for the past 14 years after retiring as the owners of Greenblat’s Furs in Fort Wayne where they were furriers and tailors.

As a child, the Toskos moved back to Greece for two years, returning to the United States when Metzger was seven years-old.

For Metzger, growing up Greek was quite an experience.

“It was kind of a culture clash growing up,” Metzger said of being very Greek in a very non-Greek community. Though she is quick to share her patriotism for this country, she’s proud of her Greek heritage and the sacrifices her family and other Greeks have made while sticking together in support of each other and their culture.

Life for her family has not been easy either. In addition to the challenges they faced as immigrants, both of Metzger’s parents grew up during the Greek Civil War – a time of unimaginable brutality and horror. For a better understanding of what they faced, Metzger said the movie “Eleni” provides good background for their story.

“I’m proud of my heritage,” she said. She hopes that her three children and their fellow students at Faith Christian Academy will have a developed a meaningful interest in Greek culture today – and memories of the experience they’ll reflect on in the years to come.

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Growing up on the farm that had been in their family nearly 100 years when this photos was taken, the children of Clair and Bessie Henney are shown with a family pet on a sunny day in the 1930s in Jefferson Township, Whitley County. Above, from left, are siblings Matthew Henney, Alice Henney Eason, Lawrence Dean Henney, Norma Henney Zartman, Wanda Henney Bair and Betty Henney Hicks.

If you have interesting photos to share of the early days in Whitley County, send them via e-mail to jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com and we'll post them here.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The calm tranquility of a Columbia City neighborhood was interrupted by the loud visual disturbance of a flock of fuscia feathered flamingos found on the lawn of Mayor Jim Fleck. Fleck's flocking was one of several which transpired Wednesday in Whitley County. The brisk wind must have been a concern for one of the feathered friends who wore a tiny scarf, as seen above.

To flock a friend of your own, contact Carrie Ebersole at 396-2723 after 4:30 p.m. daily. All proceeds raised from the Leadership Whitley County fundraiser will support the construction of a SplashPad, a water feature for families in Morsches Park slated for construction early this summer.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Barbara Lemon, left, and Shirley Miller cheerfully greet absentee voters and assist with the process on the second floor of the Whitley County Courthouse Tuesday morning.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Where will you be on May 6?

It’s possible you will be on vacation somewhere or that a week from now, your boss will tell you you’re going to be in Montreal visiting an important customer that day. Perhaps you’ll be recovering from surgery and will be unable to stand in what may be a long line at your polling site for the primary election. You may be working at the polling station that day and, because of the polling hours, you’ll be unable to vote in your precinct.

There’s doubt this is an important election – and you don’t want to miss your opportunity to have your voice heard. Is there a solution?

Indeed, you can vote today.

Absentee voting is an option that many Whitley County voters have already participated in. Sure, there isn’t the instant gratification of finding out the same day if you candidate has won and there isn’t the fanfare of voting on election day – but there is satisfaction in knowing you’ve already made up your mind.

According to Jennifer Baxter, Whitley County’s chief deputy of voter registration, there are numerous reasons people choose to be absentee voters – and numerous ways of doing it, including mailing it in, faxing it in, visiting the second floor of the Whitley County Courthouse or, for soldiers serving overseas, they can vote absentee via e-mail. As of Tuesday, 10 people had voted absentee via e-mail.

In all, as of Tuesday, Baxter has received a cumulative total of 564 absentee ballots in Whitley County.

Absentee voting is a quick and easy process in person on the second floor of the Whitley County Courthouse. Voters are asked to bring a valid photo identification. If the ID card is expired, it must have expired after November 7, 2006.

Whitley County voters may vote absentee anytime between now and May 5 at noon.

Absentee voting hours are typically 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. This Saturday, April 19, however, the hours will be 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

For more information, contact Jennifer Baxter or Jessica Hockemeyer at 248-3164.

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By Meredith Hoffman

City Heat and City Lights show choirs each brought home trophies from all nine of the competitions they participated in this season. 

Starting the season in January, students competed at Findlay, Ohio Invitational and brought home trophies for 1st Runner-Up in the Woman's Division and 3rd Runner-Up Class B in the Mixed Division.
In February, the choirs competed three weekends.  On February 2, the students competed at the Northrop Invitational. On February 9 at the DeKalb Invitational, members brought home trophies for 2nd Runner-Up in the Women's Division and 4th Runner-Up in the Mixed Division; and February 23 at the Bellmont Invitational City Heat was named 2nd Runner-Up and City Lights was named 2nd Runner-Up

Also in February the choirs hosted “An Elegant Affair” at the Eagle's Nest Event Center.  Patrons enjoyed a dinner with competition shows by City Heat and City Lights and selected individual performances.

The choirs competed in three competitions in March bringing home trophies for 2nd Runner-Up for the Women's Division and for the Mixed Division, 4th Runner-Up, at the Carroll Invitational on March 1st. On Saturday, March 8 the choirs competed at East Noble with both choirs bringing home a 1st Runner-Up trophy. The talented group of singer/dancers finished the season representing CCHS at the State ISSMA finals in Indianapolis on March 15. City Heat, in the mixed division, placed 11th in the State. City Lights placed 9th in the state of Indiana.   

Both Choirs have completed their second season under the direction of Rosalie Geller-Byrne.  City Soul, the band that supports both choirs, performs under the direction of Carolyn Hindbaugh.  City Crew is the technical support group for both choirs and the band. This season both City Soul and City Crew championed awards for their contribution to the City Heat and City Lights competition shows.

Fantacular, the annual music extravaganza will be showcased Friday through Sunday, May 16-18.  More information is available on the choir department at the high school.

(City Heat & City Lights photos by Meredith Hoffman)

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Submitted by Sheriff Mark Hodges

Pets, Romance, and Secret Shoppers. They’re each among the top ruses used by Internet scam artists in 2007, according to a comprehensive report on online crime just issued by the Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3. Here’s a rundown on how these scams generally work, along with other common frauds described in the report:

Pet Scams

You see an online (or offline) ad selling a pet and send in your money, plus a little extra for delivery costs. But you never get the pet; the scam artist simply takes your money and runs. You’re selling a pet. You’re sent a check that’s actually more than your asking price. When you ask about the overpayment, you’re told it’s meant for someone else who will be caring for the pet temporarily. You’re asked to deposit the check and wire the difference to this other person. But the check bounces and you lose the money you sent to what turns out to be a fraudster.

Secret Shoppers and Funds Transfer Scams

You’ve been hired via the web to rate your experiences while shopping or dining. You’re paid by check and asked to wire a percentage of the money to a third party. Like the pet scam, the check is bad and you’re out the money you sent. As part of the scam, the fraudsters often use (illegally) real logos from legitimate companies. While renting out a property, you’re sent a check that is more than your rental fee and asked to wire the difference to someone else (are you seeing a trend here?). Or you take a job that requires you to receive money from a company and redistribute funds to affiliates via wire.

Adoption and Charity Frauds

You get a spam e-mail that tugs on your heartstrings, asking for a pressing donation to a charity and often using the subject header, “Urgent Assistance is Needed.” The name of a real charity is generally used, but the money is really going to a con artist. One set of scams in 2007, for example, used the name of a legitimate British adoption agency to ask for money for orphaned or abandoned children.

Romance Fraud

You encounter someone in an online dating or social networking site who lives far away or in another country. That person strikes up a relationship with you and then wants to meet, but needs money to cover travel expenses. Typically, that’s just the beginning—the person may end up in the hospital during the trip or get mugged and need more money, etc.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A flock of pink flamingos invaded Whitley County yesterday, kicking off the Leadership Whitley County's Getting Flocked fundraiser. One of the first targets of the flockings were Dr. Angela Cotter and Dr. Ingrid McClain at Columbia City Optometry. Their Columbia City office was still surrounded by the fuscia feathered friends late last evening, shown above. The birds are slated to leave today, thanks to a generous donation to Leadership Whitley County by McClain and Cotter -- but who will be the next target? We've heard the next subject of a flocking of pink flamingos makes a mean pico de gallo...we'll keep you posted!

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County Treasurer Lisa Richmond has announced that Whitley County property owners’ tax bills will be delayed.

Richmond explained that the delay is due to legislative changes made this year.

“Tax bills will be mailed whenever the County gets approval from the State,” she writes. “If anyone wants to make payments in advance please pay no more than 70% of your last year’s amount.”

For more information, contact the Whitley County Treasurer’s office in person at 220 West Van Buren Street, Suite 208, or call 248-3105.

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By Mike Roy

The JV ladies traveled to Northrop Monday afternoon looking to keep their record flawless.

The girls faced a tough pitcher and were shut down for the 1st 5 innings. The Lady Eagles were behind 3 - 0 and started to come alive.

They managed to get 2 runs across the plate and had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 7th.

With runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs, the girls were unable to drive in the runs needed.

The girls lost 3-2 in a heartbreaker. Errors on the base paths as well as in the field were factors in the outcome.

The JV vs. Huntington game has been rescheduled for this Friday, April 18, at Morsches beginning at 5 p.m.

The JV Lady Eagles record thus far this season is 2-1.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Gearing up for another season of selling local produce and handcrafted items, the Columbia City Farmers Market committee will be holding an open meeting on April 17 at 7 p.m. Anyone with an interest in participating in this year's Farmers Market is invited to attend and to reserve their space. The market is open the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October on the western edge of the Whitley County Courthouse Lawn. Seasonal spaces are $50. For more information, contact Tiffany Herron at 248-2148 or via e-mail at milesofsmiles6@yahoo.com

Above, several members of the Farmers Market executive officer board met at Brew Ha in March to finalize details for the 2008 Columbia City Farmers Market. From left is Becky Thompson of Larwill, Tiffany Herron, market master, Phil Couch and Jenny Spitler, all of Columbia City.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The former Super 8 Hotel, above, is now home to Whitley County's non-violent offenders and the Whitley County Community Corrections Work Release program. The building is located near Taco Bell and the Walmart Plaza in Columbia City.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Driving past the former Super 8 Motel in Columbia City, the unsuspecting passerby might believe the parking lot was filled with guest’s cars and scooters.

They are guests, but they didn’t make reservations…

Now the Whitley County Community Corrections Work Release program, since October of 2006, 193 inmates have called the former motel home.

According to statistics released recently on the program, from October 28, 2006-December 31, 2007, the county has realized profits in the amount of $368,176.44 collected through work release fees, restitution, court costs and child support – all funds that support the county and the community in what appears to be a positive solution for housing Whitley County’s non-violent offenders.

Of the 193 served, 125 were transferred from the Whitley County Jail, 48 were placed directly from the community and seven were referred from the Department of Corrections. While the majority were Whitley County residents, six  hailed from Noble County, four from Kosciusko County, two from Allen County and one from DeKalb County.

The report indicates that 23 of the inmates were serving some level of misdemeanor while 169 were serving felony sentences. One participant served a sentence for contempt of court.

The average length of stay at the Whitley County Community Corrections Work Release Facility was 94 days. In that period of time, 93 participants successfully completed the program and 46 were terminated from the program, three of which were terminated for job loss.

In the first year of the program, $256,932.77 was collected in work release fees, $22,838.60 was paid toward restitution, $34,369.28 was paid in court costs and $54,035.79 was collected in child support while participants were in the work release program.

The sale of sodas and commissary items also bolstered the profits by $12,233.80 – all dollars that can be reinvested in Whitley County.

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The Columbia City Optimist Club is preparing for their 23rd Annual Golf Scramble to raise funds for the programs the organization provides to children in Whitley County . The event will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at Crooked Lake Golf Course on May 17.

The entry fee is $100 per team, not including greens fees and carts. Cold soft drinks, beer and water will be provided during the scramble, followed by a hog roast dinner for participants.

Prizes will be awarded, including $400 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place if 18 teams participate. Prizes will also be awarded for the longest drive, closest to the pin and para mutual betting.

Each team must have a minimum handicap of 45 and may have no more than one player with a handicap less than 10.

To reserve a spot for your team, sign up at the Crooked Lake Golf Course pro shop or contact Dee Trier or Jack Anderson at Trier Ford Chrysler at 244-5171. 

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Bill Overdeer has announced that he is a candidate for re-election to the Whitley County Council for the fifth term.

During his time in office, he has served as president of the council as well as president of the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission. He has also served as president and vice president of the Indiana Association of County Councils and was chairman of the Whitley County Republican Party for several years.

Overder has worked with the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation in helping with the growth of about one billion dollars in investment in the county. This investment has brought many good paying jobs to the community as well as increased the assessed value, which helps spread the property tax load.

Overdeer is active in other ways in helping to improve the community. He is currently a member of the Whitley County Community Foundation Board, the Blue River Senior Citizens Housing Board, serves on the Region IIIA Development Board, and the Indiana Commission of Courts. He is a former member of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board, the Thorncreek Township Advisory Board, Somebody Cares and the Whitley County Extension Board. He was also President of the Old Settler’s Association the year the 100^th celebration was held.

Overdeer, a retiree of International Harvester and farming, along with his wife, Barbara, live in Thorncreek Township. They’re the parents of five children – Mike, Mark and Matt Overdeer, Brent Bockelman and Lori Heuer. They have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, most living in Whitley County. A member of Grace Lutheran Church, he is also a member of the Masonic Lodge #189, the American Legion Post #98 and the Whitley County Historical Society. He is currently part owner of Commercial Realty Concepts Group in Columbia City.

“Due to the outcome of the last session of the state legislature,” stated Overdeer, “there are some challenging changes coming to County Government.”

“I believe my past years of experience will help Whitley County meet those challenges,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of all of Whitley County in the future.”

(Bill Overdeer photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

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Whitley County Sheriff Mark Hodges has released the statistics for the work completed by the department in the last three months, as shown below.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It was 4:30 p.m. and Sheriff Mark Hodges was in the midst of a meeting Friday afternoon when he received a call from dispatch unlike many calls he’s ever received before in his lengthy law enforcement career.

“Dispatch said it was the Secret Service,” Hodges said as he recalled being notified about the caller’s identity. “I knew it was a phone call that was either going to take 30 seconds or 30 minutes, so I asked them to take a message.”

Was this a prank? In light of the current political atmosphere, Hodges knew it could very well be the real thing and so began Whitley County’s brush with a visit of the Presidential kind.

When Hodges returned the call, it was indeed the Secret Service out of Indianapolis. They were calling to begin the process of what might have been a local visit from former President Bill Clinton. While Hodges wasn’t surprised that Whitley County might have been a campaign stop – he was a little surprised when he heard it could have been Bill Clinton.

“The call didn’t surprise me as much as who might be coming to town,” Hodges said.

Hodges said both the Columbia City Police Department and the Sheriffs Department were contacted by the Secret Service and that, while details were sketchy, it sounded as though Clinton’s visit might have been slated to happen somewhere within city limits.

“They had just gotten the call themselves,” Hodges said, adding that the Secret Service did not provide a lot of detail – not just because of security reasons, but because they didn’t have a lot of information at that point themselves.

“This is the first time I’ve personally been involved in something like this from the standpoint that I was the one contacted,” Hodges said. In the past, Hodges has provided security for other notable political figures, including a 1984 visit from George H.B. Bush, then Vice President, and in 2005 for current President George Bush’s visit to Notre Dame in South Bend. On both occasions, Hodges was with the Indiana State Police.
So, why was Whitley County considered for a visit by Bill Clinton?

Hodges isn’t sure, but it was as though a dart was thrown at the State of Indiana and just happened to land on Columbia City, he said.

“The Secret Service didn’t give any reason why,” Hodges said.

After returning that call on Friday afternoon, the next 24 hours were a flurry of planning.

According to Hodges, coordinating the security for a former President could mean anything from very little local law enforcement involvement to a considerable amount of protection involving city police, state police and the Sheriffs Department to cover the details. This could have meant considerable manpower. With the limited amount of information provided by the Secret Service, this made even preliminary plans somewhat difficult, Hodges said.

“There were too many variables,” he said. “With the very little information they had, I was running the whole spectrum on it.” From full security to providing assistance to the Secret Service, Hodges was getting prepared.

“It was a very last minute thing for me and for them too,” Hodges said. “Everybody was scrambling for about 24 hours.”

Unfortunately, by late Saturday, Decatur had been selected as the site for Clinton’s Monday visit. Hodges received a call notifying him that Whitley County would not be receiving a special visitor.

Could it happen the next time he gets a call? Hodges said he would not be surprised if Whitley County might be the site of a major political visit in the future. “With all of the uproar, I would not be surprised,” he said.

(Mark Hodges photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)  Whitley County Young Adults in Action member Scott Wagner, above, standing along one of the county's many drainage ditches late this winter, sees a lot of what local residents carelessly toss aside -- cans, bottles and more floating in waterways and littering the roadside. Below, some of the refuse seen in the area YAIA members will be cleaning up on Sunday afternoon in Columbia City.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A grassroots organization of local residents eager to make a difference in the community, the Whitley County Young Adults in Action are planning their first family activity on Sunday, April 20.

Members of YAIA, the community and anyone interested in helping with a hands on project is invited to join them in a clean up project along the western bank of the Blue River in downtown Columbia City.

Beginning at 1 p.m., volunteers will begin cleaning up trash along the bank accessible by the Blue River Trail starting near Trier Ford Chrysler and will continue working their way to Morsches Park. At the completion of the clean up project, the group will host a barbecue at the park. Hotdogs will be provided, but attendees are asked to bring side dishes to share and their own beverages. There will be no cost to attend.

Participants are encouraged to bring their family members, including children, to help with the project.

“Families are an integral part of who we are as an organization,” said Eddie Beagles, a steering committee member of YAIA. “All of our members have families and we want to be able to include them,” Beagles added.

“It is important to include families because it is a Sunday and that is a day typically spent with our families,” said Scott Wagner who coordinated the project. “Additionally, it gets everyone out of the house, gets some exercise and enjoy God’s creation.”

“This event teaches our children that not only are their parents concerned about our local community and environment, but teaches them a lesson on how to be a good citizen and care for their community,” Wagner added.

This is the first of what the group hopes will be many hands-on, community-oriented projects led by YAIA.

The idea for the project was first presented by YAIA member Scott Wagner – with enthusiastic response from fellow members eager to find unmet needs in the community for service.

“I hope to accomplish several things with this event,” Wagner said. “First, I hope to clean the river greenway of trash and debris and make the walk more pleasant for others.”

“Secondly, I hope to have a great time with my family and others as we enjoy the springtime in Columbia City,” he said. “Third, I hope to meet other YAIA member’s families and have a greater appreciation for our city.”

Wagner and other YAIA members hope to make community service a center point of the organization’s activities.

“I wish to make these projects a constant happening in our community to the point that people in general are responsible enough to themselves and the environment that these projects will not be necessary in the future,” said Wagner.

“Educating the public about littering and recycling is the best thing we can do for our small community,” said Wagner who, in his role with the Whitley County Health Department, often sees the county’s roadways and waterways badly littered with trash and discarded items.

Beagles said he hopes YAIA will continue to find projects that need addressed within the community, including roadway cleanup as well, perhaps. “I’m sure we’ll be doing other projects as needed,” he said.

YAIA, formed late in 2007, is a group of young adults living or working in Whitley County between the ages of 21-40. Since that time, YAIA has already provided manpower and volunteer efforts for the Ice Festival in downtown Columbia City and several other community projects.

“Service projects are very important to Whitley County’s Young Adults in Action,” Beagles said. “I’m sure there will be more.”

For additional information about the Blue River cleanup project or to RSVP, contact Jennifer Zartman Romano at 610-1873 or via e-mail at jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com or Eddie Beagles at eddie@demoneygrimes.com.

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(Photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Saturday night’s Third District Democratic dinner had a level of excitement and optimism unparalleled to many of the events before it, some said.

With rumors of presidential candidates’ possible attendance at the event, the reservations soared, making any plans of last minute commitments to attend the event nearly impossible to fulfill. Held at The Eagles Nest, the event could have easily been one of the largest seated dinner events there in quite some time.

“This is a record-setting event in recent years at least,” said Randy Schmidt, treasurer for the Third District Democrats. Schmitt said the event has been held in Columbia City for the past several years, but many years ago it was held in Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center and back then, they saw large crowds. Attendance had been dwindling…until this year.

Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck welcomed the group to Whitley County for the event, thanking Stan and Doris Horne of The Eagles Nest for preparing another excellent meal. He also gave a humorous account of how difficult it can be to cook for a crowd over 300 – his first-hand experience having prepared a meal for Thursday evening’s The Center Cookoff. Laughter filled the room as Fleck talked about accidentally preparing pico de gallo for 600 – instead of for 300 as was needed.  Since then, he said, he’s been handing it out right and left.

“We are really proud to have you here,” Fleck said. “Many of you have become friends. Enjoy this evening and let’s get fired up!”

The event was emceed by Third District Democratic Chairman Steve Haines.

Following dinner, Democratic congressional candidate Michael Montagano did fire up the crowd, covering the road he’s taken thus far to pursue the congressional seat.

Montagano, at age 26, is pursuing a seat that has been held by Republican incumbent Mark Souder for the past 14 years.

“We have the fastest moving campaign in the state of Indiana,” Montagano said. “This has changed from a campaign to a movement.”

He said he’s received well over 400 contributions and has received three times the level of financial support he might have expected to receive this far in the campaign process.

“We need new leadership,” Montagano said. “This is the time for a new generation of leadership.”

Montagano encouraged voters to participate in the May primary and added that between now and November, “There is a long way to go.”

Knowing he’s facing a long-time incumbent, Montagano realizes the difficulty of his campaign, but remains optimistic.

“Our party is about underdogs and lifting people up who don’t have a voice,” he said, describing the problems he views – a broken energy policy, high gas prices, a broken healthcare system and the war.

“The problems are too large and the consequences are too great,” Montagano said. “This isn’t politics anymore – it’s more than politics…It’s time for solutions.”

“We deserve better leadership in this area,” he concluded.

Although Democratic candidate for Governor Jim Schellinger was unable to attend due to a conflicting scheduled engagement in Southern Indiana, his designee Chris Becker briefly spoke with the crowd. Columbia City resident Marge Warnick also voiced her support for Schellinger’s campaign.

Jill Long Thompson also spoke, sharing her vision of leadership for the state and asked for her native county’s support in pursuing the Governor’s seat.

While no presidential candidates made an impromptu appearance at the event, representatives did speak on behalf of the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns.

Obama’s Harvard Law School professor Charles Ogletree marveled at the excitement of the American people having the opportunity to choose between an African American man or a woman for their Democratic nominee for president.

Ogletree said that Obama’s mother had died at a young age because of a failed heathcare system, citing that as a reason Obama is concerned about the nation’s healthcare.

While Obama could have left the prestigious Harvard Law School to pursue a variety of lucrative positions, Ogletree said it is admirable that Obama has sought other ways to utilize his education for the good of others.

“He has always been committed to service,” Ogletree said. He said Obama went to Chicago “to lift up the people who didn’t have the power.”

With the excitement and fury of this year’s presidential campaign, Ogletree remarked, “We’ve never seen people as excited about politics as they are today,” he said.

“We are here to make sure every vote counts and every vote is counted,” he said. “We don’t’ want the tricks of 2000 when George Bush was not elected, but selected.”

On behalf of the Hillary Clinton campaign, state coordinator Joe Hogsetts shared that he’s campaigned in 41 cities on her behalf since March 5.

“What does that tell us,” he asked. “The eyes of our country are on the people in this room,” he answered.

“Finally, long overdue, the eyes of our country are on Indiana,” Hogsett said. “That is a particularly good thing for Hoosiers and Hoosier Democrats.”

Hogsett also shared that Bill Clinton would be appearing in Decatur on Monday, putting to rest rumors that Clinton might have made an appearance in Columbia City that same day.

“I believe that the next Democratic nominee will be that gifted individual, because both are,…that wins the Indiana Democratic primary,” Hogsett said. “Regardless of the outcome, we are all gonna be winners on May 6.”

Hogsett numerated the reasons why it was time for change in Indiana, describing “Bush’s cowboy diplomacy” and said, “The George Bush era will end in November.”

Speaking of Clinton, specifically, Hogsett added, “If she is worthy of yoru support, she will make you a fine President.”

Three regional Democrats with lengthy resumes of service to the party were recognized during the evening as well. Charlie Belch and Doloris Cogan were each recipients of the J. Edward Roush Award and Helen Runge received the Pat Kennedy Award.

In her brief, but interesting address to the crowd, Cogan talked about the book about politics in Guam which she penned at age 79 and recently published. Her astute comments were a highlight of the evening.

“Democracy takes grassroots effort and organization,” Cogan said.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Farm Bureau members gathered Wednesday, April 9, to hear local candidates introduce themselves and discuss their viewpoints on the issues. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

At the invitation of local Farm Bureau members, local candidates for office had the opportunity to sit down in an informal way, meet their constituents and share their message.The well-attended event was held at the new Farm Bureau Insurance office on Connexion Way in Columbia City.

Trish Hinen, Whitley County Farm Bureau president, said that the organization’s board of directors met recently and decided that incorporating a candidates forum into their annual policy development meeting, held each spring, might be of interest to their members.

“We decided to incorporate a ‘Meet the Candidates’ right into the event,” Hinen said. “We could meet them and find out what they’re all about.”

In all 38 local individuals, many of which were Farm Bureau members, attended the event. Candidates present included Jim Pettigrew, Bill Overdeer, Scott Darley, Matt Bell, Dan Leonard, Mark Roach, Jim Banks, Tom Western and Don Amber.

Candidates spoke on a variety of issues, including House Bill 1001, property taxes, the Columbia City High School remonstrance process, township assessors being out of a job on July 1, changes in property assessments, commercial vehicle excise tax, the wheel tax, repairs to local highways, fuel costs and economic development in Whitley County. Additionally, attendees asked questions pertaining to confined feeding operations, bio fuels and insurance coverage as it relates to the proximity from one’s home to a fire station.

Talk of the Town recorded the candidates as they spoke and answered questions and the recording is available for you to listen to below:

Meet the Candidates

Candidates spoke in the following order as you listen to the recording: Dan Leonard, Matt Bell, Jim Pettigrew, Mark Roach, Don Amber, Jim Pettigrew, Scott Darley, Jim Banks, Tom Western, Dan Leonard (about House Bill 1001), Jim Pettigrew (regarding taxes and schools), Dan Leonard, Matt Bell, Dan Leonard, Matt Bell, Dan Leonard, Tom Western, Jim Pettigrew and Bill Overdeer.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Indiana Clinton campaign coordinator Joe Hogsett announced that Bill Clinton will be making a scheduled appearance in Decatur on Monday, April 14, to rally support there for his wife, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The announcement was made during the Third District Democratic Dinner this evening at The Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City.

Hogsett attended the dinner to speak on behalf of the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Bill Clinton is also scheduled to speak in Corydon and Indianapolis on Monday.

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 (Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Yesterday's sunny skies and wonderfully warm weather departed abruptly as a new weather front moved last evening, as shown above around 7 p.m. The defined line of the front was crisp -- as crisp as the temperatures we'll feel this weekend.

At left, if you use your imagination, the front almost looks like a mountain range rising above western Whitley County.

The good news is that reports indicate we'll be warming up next week!

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Local volunteers put time, effort and a lot of energy into preparing dinner for an estimated crowd of 360 people last evening at the The Center Cookoff – delighting a seemingly endless line of guests.

The event, held at the First Church of God in Columbia City, was a highly successful fundraising event and the first of what many expect will be an annual offering.

For the past several weeks, teams have been organizing their menus, making trial runs of their dishes, offering taste tests to neighbors, ordering ingredients, driving great distances to secure items, shopping, baking and bantering with each other about who might capture the top prizes – titles.

Four teams, designated in colors by their aprons, worked frantically throughout the day to put the finishing touches on their dishes. As the clocked ticked by the hours, the kitchen at First Church of God was bubbling – with people and furious activity. When the doors opened and guests began to arrive, the nervous excitement continued until the last dessert was dished up and handed over.

The teams who not only shared their recipes, also their enthusiasm for this event included:

City Comfort - Tom LaRue, Karen Rust, Brian Anspach, Mayor Jim Fleck and several helpers, including Brent Bockelman and Ric Rust.

Team O’Dell - Pastor Ross O’Dell, Lisa O’Dell, Doug O’Dell, Beverlie O’Dell and helpers Anna O’Dell and Buddy O’Dell.

The Press Club and One Star Guy - John Lefever, Teresa Smith, Jennifer Zartman Romano and Kelley Sheiss, as well as helper Dillon Sheiss (who stood on a stool to help serve dinner guests…and spent a reeeeeeeealy long time chopping pears for the salad.)

Following dinner and an address by The Center’s director Jeff Wike, educating attendees about the facility and how it serves to keep young visitors’ lives on the straight and narrow, the votes were cast and tallied.
The Doc Dillon’s garnered the prize for “Best Item” with their grilled marinated venison. (We tried it...OH-MY-GOSH…good stuff). This team also received the award for “Most Creative” with their wild game with a gourmet flair themed menu.
The “Best Overall” award went to The Press Club and One Star Guy for a meal consisting of Phil and Teresa Smith’s famous asparagus wraps, Kelley Sheiss’s  smoky citrus pork, parmesan rosemary encrusted potatoes and balsamic pear salad with tortellini and Jennifer Zartman Romano’s hot from the oven apple praline cake.
At the end of the evening, guests were asked to dig deep into their hearts and wallets in support of The Center. An unnamed donor offered to match donations up to $10,000 – incentivising attendees to give big.
The event was coordinated by David Smith, Doug Wright and R.D. Schrader. The table centerpieces were orchestrated by September McConnell of the Whitley County Community Foundation and sold to raise additional revenue for The Center. The evening’s entertainment was provided by The Blue River Express.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Cooped up in the house all winter, the familiar smell of barbecue wafting through the outdoors and the plume of white smoke rising above is catching plenty of attention this morning as the Women's Ministry group from New Hope Wesleyan Church holds a Nelson's Golden Glo chicken barbecue today in Columbia City. They'll sell chicken for $5 per half today until they're sold out at Tractor Supply Company, located on North Main Street.

Above, from left, is Sharon Alexander, Nancy Davis, Kaye VanPelt and Larry VanPelt preparing containers of chicken as guests line up in their cars nearby.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Several local residents with an interest in sharing support for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama gathered Thursday morning in Columbia City to begin charting their strategy to gain support in Whitley County. Above, from left are several of the attendees, including Lynn Walker, Shea McClure and Ashley Rousson. Not visible in the photo is Patty Weybright, chair of the Whitley County Democratic Party.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Barack Obama’s campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination has hit high gear in most parts of the country, but aside from commercials now visible in local markets, his campaign wasn’t active in Whitley County…until yesterday.

Over cups of coffee at the Brew Ha in downtown Columbia City, those with a keen interest in developing the organizational efforts of the campaign began planning their strategy.

Field organizer Ashley Rousson of the national Barack Obama campaign was present, providing ideas, insight and a plan for local Obama supporters to get the message out in the community.

Local resident Shea McClure is leading the campaign locally, chairing the Whitley County for Barack Obama committee.

Though McClure views herself as an open-minded, independent she feels drawn to be involved actively in this presidential campaign because of her belief in Obama’s message.

“I can say this is the third (presidential) election I’ve been eligible to vote in and for the first time in my life, I’m inspired to get involved and educate myself,” McClure said.

In watching the various candidates come forth, she was looking for something. McClure said she did not feel at all motivated by the John McCain or Hillary Clinton campaigns, yet she found a meaningful connection to Barack Obama.

“I felt like for the first time here is a candidate whose values and beliefs matched mine,” she said. “When he spoke, I felt I could put my trust in him.”

Disenchanted by many political candidates today, McClure feels there is a quality to Barack Obama, a vision, similar to other heroes of our time such as Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy and Mother Theresa.

“Like them, he has the ability to bring people together,” said McClure.

“I never really felt like my vote really counted until I heard Barack Obama,” she said.

McClure encourages local residents, regardless of the previous or current party affiliations, to get out and vote during the May 6 primary election – and, if possible, before then at the Whitley County Clerk’s office and then volunteer on voting day.

Since the deadline to register to vote has already passed, McClure hopes people will be sure they’re ready to vote in November.

Over the next few weeks, local volunteers will begin making phone calls, knocking on doors and garnering support within Whitley County.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Whitley County for Barack Obama campaign should call Shea McClure at 580-1142 or via e-mail at sheadlady@gmail.com

For more information on the Whitley County for Obama campaign, visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/WhitleyCountyforBarackObama

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Many local political candidates gathered Wednesday evening at the request of local Farm Bureau members for a political discussion at the new Farm Bureau office on Connexion Way in Columbia City. Talk of the Town was there and we'll have photos and recordings of the event so you can hear what was said and feel a little more informed as a voter...the May Primary is just weeks away!

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) It's been a long road, but the dream of running the Boston Marathon is within site for two South Whitley residents, Rebecca Hollenbaugh and Staci Beiswanger. Above, from left, Hollebaugh, Beiswanger and a fellow South Whitley runner, Beth Keim, are in the final weeks of conditioning for the event on April 21. The women take off for an early morning run last Saturday along Main Street in South Whitley, above. Below, from left, is Hollenbaugh, Beiswanger and Keim.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Among the hundreds of lean, trained athletes running the Boston Marathon on April 21 will be two Whitley County residents – two friends running, experiencing a dream and achieving a goal together. And if you ask Staci Beiswanger and Rebecca Hollenbaugh, neither believes they could it without the other.

It’s hard to believe that Staci Beiswanger, a Whitley County resident since the age of ten, pulled on her running shoes for the first time and began distance running at the age of 35 – and it’s even more surprising when you find out why she began running. She did it to save time – seriously!

She jokes about it now, but the South Whitley resident would describe her twenties and early thirties as “couch potato” years. “When I was in high school, I wouldn’t drive two miles without air conditioning,” said the Whitko High School graduate.

But, at age 35, to improve her health, she began walking. One day she read in a magazine that she could achieve the same results in half the time by running.

“I started running as a time saver, but it hasn’t saved me any time,” she said with a laugh.

It hasn’t saved her any time, however, because almost as soon as she started running, she began setting lofty goals – and running marathons – a hobby that requires training and preparation.

“My goal was one 5K to say I could do it,” Beiswanger said. She planned to run the Old Settlers Day race and found out the night before the event that it was a four mile race. “My biggest fear was that I’d get lost, but I kept up with the other runners and finished with a decent time,” she said.  So, she ran another race, won an award and was hooked.

Not far away, also in South Whitley, was running enthusiast Rebecca Hollenbaugh. One day three years ago, Hollenbaugh was reviewing the race results for the Indy Mini Marathon and noticed that another female runner, also from South Whitley, had a similar finishing time. Hollenbaugh sought Beiswanger out at Carol’s Corner one night and they’ve been running together ever since.

 “Here we were living in the same town and we never ran together,” Beiswanger said. “Who would have known such a great friendship would have evolved.”

It is a friendship that has remained strong through some very trying times. Even after being diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer and facing rounds of chemotherapy, treatments and surgery, they’ve kept running and kept their goals in sight – they’ve continued running for fun and in marathons.

Following one of their most recent conquests, the Chicago Marathon, an important opportunity presented itself and Beiswanger found she was qualified to run the Boston Marathon, yet another goal to achieve.

“The Boston Marathon is based on gender, age and qualifying time,” she said. To qualify a 40-44 year-old woman has to run a three hour, 50 minute race on an approved course. Beiswanger ran it six minutes faster than she needed to in order to qualify.

Hoping to bring her friend along as well, a key phone call and a lucky acquaintance made it possible to get a rare waiver from Adidas for Hollenbaugh to run as well.

“She has a waiver to run at Boston with me if she’d like,” said Beiswanger. “She’s planning to finish the last part of the race.”

“Everything in this lifetime happens for a reason,” Beiswanger said of the many coincidences that have brought her life and Hollenbaugh’s together, and the way in which it has happened that both women will run the Boston Marathon together.

The weeks leading up to the race have been rough. Beiswanger does a 14-week training plan with every marathon she runs. “You build up your mileage,” she said. So, Beiswanger, Hollenbaugh and another friend, Beth Keim, have been training together building their mileage up to 22 miles – even though the actual mileage of the Boston Marathon is 26.2 miles.

On Sunday, March 30, the women reached their 22 mile in a day goal and are now in a brief reprieve. “After hitting the 22 mile mark, you taper off and it helps the body repair and better prepare for race day,” said Beiswanger.

“I almost feel like this isn’t my race,” Beiswanger said. “I’m just the representative going.”

“She’s worked hard and her mileage has been more difficult,” Beiswanger said of the work Hollenbaugh has put into preparing for the race. Even on bad days, days that would keep most cancer patients indoors and resting, Hollenbaugh is out and running. On days when they’re training and she can’t run, she’ll bike the miles.

“She always tries to do the mileage,” said Beiswanger. “But she’s always there.”

Beiswanger said that Hollenbaugh has been there at her side riding a bike in 30 degree weather. “I said, ‘Rebecca, it’s too cold,” but she put on two sweatshirts and two hats and went anyway.”

“To me, that’s a bigger sacrifice than running 22 miles,” she said.

“In my mind, this is both of our race,” Beiswanger continued. “I would have never qualified if it hadn’t been for her.”

Beiswanger shared that last year, Hollenbaugh stepped in during the Chicago Marathon at a crucial time.

“She took care of me for miles 13-26 when I thought I couldn’t make it,” she said.

“Rebecca is the motivation behind it,” she said of preparing for the Boston Marathon. “I sometimes think God gave me the body and He gave her the motivation. I’m merely the tool for us both to get there.”

While Beiswanger finds support in Hollenbaugh, Hollenbaugh feels a sense of gratitude to Beiswanger as well, writing of her friend, “She is something else. While cancer is trying to suck the life from me, she constantly inspires me to push harder and strive for wellness.”

“I know I’m a better person having such an influence in my life,” Beiswanger said of her dear friend, Hollenbaugh.

While Hollenbaugh and Beiswanger run the race, Beiswanger’s husband, Dan, and 17-year-old son, Braydan, and another friend, Kelly Mize, will be cheering them on along the race route.

For both women, the Boston Marathon isn’t necessarily about the race, but the road that will bring them there and back home again, together, to South Whitley, having achieved something very special together.

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(Photos by Mike Roy) The Lady Eagles' Michelle Wheeler pitches a winner to the Railroaders. Below, Krista Line knocks a game winning hit against Garrett Wednesday night. Both the JV and Varsity teams were victorious in their matches Wednesday evening.

By Mike Roy

In a barn burner the Varsity Lady Eagles derail the Railroaders in extra innings.

Two evenly matched teams met on the field Wednesday afternoon and slugged out a whale of a game.

The Garrett Lady Railroaders were building up a head of steam to knock CCHS off the tracks. Garrett had the lead as they topped the hill heading for the station. But, Columbia City had other plans as Kayla Dunn and RBI queen Kari Mudrack had clutch hits and tied the game up in the bottom of the 7th inning sending it into the 8th.

To lead off the 8th for the home team Columbia City’s Michelle Wheeler had her sledge hammer out and was determined to drive the spike needed to derail the opposing team. Wheeler after getting behind in the count 0-2 managed to battle her way back after fouling off 6 pitches, she found a way to get on base with a walk.

Next up, Mallory Sims with her smooth swing, Sims gave the ball a ride, off the top of the fence an inch from a walk off homer, the ball bounced back on to the playing field for a huge double, moving Wheeler to 3rd. Runners on 2nd & 3rd   junior Krista Line tagged a shot up the middle to bring in the winning run. The Lady Eagles move to 3-0.  Emily Schnorr pitched 4 of the 8 innings and Michelle Wheeler came in for the save.

Coach Cox commented on the great team effort he witnessed and said Wheeler’s at bat was one of the best he’s seen.  The varsity Lady Eagles will host county rival Whitko this Friday at 4:30 p.m.

Junior Varsity Girls pierce Archers’ hope for win in Packard Park Wednesday night

By Mike Roy 

The JV girls shot down the South Side Archers at Packard Park in Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon.

The girls put together a game plan and executed their plan -- staying aggressive at the plate and driving in 22 runs.

Cathy Heaton, Trisha Stine and Megan Clark all had beautiful line drive shots for extra bases into the gaps.

Solid defensive performances from Megan Bolinger and Tiler Haigwood bent the quills of the Archers.

Michelle Gaff hit the bullseye repeatedly from the pitching rubber for her 2nd win of the season on the hill.

Columbia City had 50 at bats in the 22 to 4 mercy rule shortened contest. The JV ladies have scored 39 runs in the 10 innings played thus far this season.

The JV girls at 2-0 will try to improve their record tonight as they host the Snider Panthers at 4:15 p.m.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) High above US 30 near Higher Grounds Coffee Shop, a crew from Burkhart Signs works swiftly as they install a billboard design Thursday morning -- with an advertisement for the Huntington University Excel Program, located nearby on Frontage Road.

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By Jan Labas

The Family Caregiving Series conducted by the American Red Cross has been well received in Columbia City and will continue with three more upcoming sessions.  This program consists of a one-hour presentation followed by questions and answers. 

Thanks to the generous support of Columbia City United Methodist Church, this series is provided free to the public. Reservations are encouraged in order to provide needed materials. Please call Nancy at 244-7671 to reserve your spot.

Upcoming day and evening Family Caregiving Classes are scheduled as follows:

Assisting with Personal Care - Monday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. Topics include: bathing, dressing, grooming, mouth care and more. Hosted by: Columbia City Methodist Church, 605 N. Forest Parkway, Columbia City

Healthy Eating - Monday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. Topics include: nutrition, the importance of fluids, responding to choking and more. Hosted by: Columbia City Methodist Church, 605 N. Forest Parkway, Columbia City

Caring for the Caregiver - Monday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m. Topics include: stress, dealing with depression, end of life issues and more. Hosted by: Whitley County Council on Aging & Senior Center,  603 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) With a series of updates to Kids Dreamland now complete, the exciting new features are easy to spot. Bright in color, some of the favorite new additions to the 16 year-old park include a blue plastic tire swing, shown above, and the rock climbing wall. A walk through the park reveals other changes as well -- some cosmetic, others geared at improving safety. The project was completed by Andy Vanderford of Acute Fencing in plenty of time for local families to begin enjoying the park when the weather got warmer recently.

Kids Dreamland is managed by the Columbia City Parks Department and is located just west of downtown Columbia City on Van Buren Street near the FOP Lodge.

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By Mike Roy

The CCHS varsity softball team moves its record to 2-0 with a victory at Wawasee Tuesday night.

The hard hitting bats of Natosha Wood, Lindsey Norris and others from the Lady Eagles squad managed to thunder 11 hits with 7 runs across the plate in the 7 inning contest. Solid pitching from Michelle Wheeler and a stout defense behind her held the Lady Warriors to just 2 runs. Emily Schnorr came in to relieve Wheeler for the close.

The varsity girls will host northern contenders from Garrett High School tonight with a 4:30 p.m. start time weather permitting.  

JV team aggressive in season opener with Wawasee

By Mike Roy

The Junior Varsity Lady Eagles opened their season at Wawasee Tuesday evening with aggressive bats.

Mustering up 12 hits and rounding the base paths 17 times. The contest was shortened due the mercy rule at end of 5 innings. Final score CCHS 17 Wawasee 1.

Michelle Gaff was the ace on the mound for the JV girls. Hard hitters of the contest for Columbia City were Noorani with 3 solid hits all driving runs in as well as Heaton and Gaff.

The first game jitters were apparent in some of the freshman ladies seeing their first high school action, but they soon settled down and played solid ball. The JV girls will be traveling to Fort Wayne tonight to meet the South Side Archers at Packard Park off of Fairfield Avenue at 4:30 p.m.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Dan Weigold, center, talks with council members about needed upgrades to the GIS system that would improve consistency and accuracy. Below right, councilmen John Barrett and Bill Overdeer look at GIS maps provided by Weigold as they contemplate funding enhancements to the program. At bottom, Representative Dan Leonard holds a copy of House Bill 1001 in his hand -- the 600 plus pages fill a volume. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Council had a busy morning Tuesday, with several different topics of discussion on the table.

Dick Conrow of C&A Tool in Churubusco, accompanied by Whitley County Economic Development Director Alan Tio, appeared before the board to request tax abatement, a request that was unanimously approved by the council.

On behalf of Indiana Metal Products, commissioner Tom Rethlake appeared before the council to request CEDIT funds for the company. Tio also interjected that the business is growing, now supporting eight employees. The council voiced approval of the business’s growth and willingness to distribute funds if the company can provide a business plan before CEDIT monies are granted.

Sheriff Mark Hodges shared that he would not need $7,700 from the council for a patrol car because he is able to subsidize the expense from proceeds raised by the highly successful commissary program he’s overseeing in the Whitley County Jail.

“The commissary is running extremely well and I’m more than willing to use funds out of the commissary fund,” Hodges said.

Following Hodges’ report, Rethlake stated that he had one more request before the council.

“This is the last request for funds I’ll make this morning,” Rethlake said, laughing.

Rethlake asked the council to consider a funding request to purchase a new furnace for the second story of the Whitley County Historical Museum. Rethlake made the request on behalf of Whitley County Historical Society board president Chuck Jones. Jones had taken bids and found the best bid to be $5,500 to purchase the furnace for the building which houses many community treasures.

“Chuck has been very frugal,” Rethlake said of the request and recent efforts to fund most repairs of the building out of the organization’s funds.

The council unanimously approved the request to purchase a new furnace.

Rethlake reported that two internships have been developed in the Whitley County Engineer’s office for two Columbia City High School students. The internships will be 10-weeks long for two hours a day with no pay. Rethlake said he would like to see similar internships created for students of Churubusco and Whitko high schools as well.

Council members asked Rethlake if he had any knowledge about when road construction might begin on repairing the now-rugged West Lincolnway.

“ASAP we’re told,” Rethlake said. After a rough winter, local roadways are quite a concern, adding, “Roads are a problem.”

Dan Weigold of the Engineer’s office gave an overview of the GIS system and of efforts to put two-foot contours and watersheds on the site, providing a greater level of helpful information on the system.

“It’s a huge project,” Weigold said, but one he feels would be worthwhile to many who utilize the information contained in GIS.

According to Weigold, the Schneider Corporation, the firm significantly involved in the creation of the site to date, could complete the project in a six-week period of time if given the go-ahead. He also said local surveying firm Walker & Associates would also be involved in the process.

“Kevin Michel’s experience with the county will be helpful,” Weigold said of the importance of having Walker & Associates involved in overseeing portions of the project.

The biggest reason for the upgrades, Weigold said, was a need for greater accuracy and consistency.

“We’re looking at creating a more accurate system,” Weigold said. He also said that a more accurate level of GIS information would also provide a seamless transition of information between the Engineer’s office and other offices within local government who utilize the site.

The GIS system offers computer-generated information about all land within Whitley County using aerial photography and digital elevation models. The system, according to Weigold, is quite compatible with similar systems used in Noble, Kosciusko and Huntington counties.

Weigold requested $25,000 for the Schneider Corporation part of the project, $5,000 for the Walker & Associates portion and said he would use $3,000 out of his own budget for other related expenses.

After discussion, the council unanimously approved the request to fund the project.

In closing, Weigold said that aerial photography used on the site is currently being taken across Whitley County on sunny days…so don’t be surprised if you see low-flying planes overhead.

At the last meeting of the Whitley County Council, a decision was made to change the pay range for part-time employees, but following that meeting, several issues have arisen – creating a domino effect. The result – a number of unbudgeted, automatic pay increases.

“It has effected a number of different departments in different ways,” said Paula Reimers who oversees much of the county’s employment operations.

Despite the problems created by the change in the pay range, council members remained steadfast to the idea they would not undo what had been done with regards to individuals’ pay.

“You can’t bounce people’s pay around,” said councilman Scott Darley. Some county employees’ pay that was previously below $10 per hour, as a result of the decision made at the last meeting, bumped up to $10 per hour.

“We’ll just have to work through them one by one,” Reimers said of the issues created.

Reimers said that new employees would be started at whatever rate is designated for their position and not automatically started at $10 per hour.

Kelley Sheiss, executive director of Leadership Whitley County, shared a report with the board of the last seven years of the program and the impact it has had on various sectors of the community.

“We felt it was long overdue to come before our county’s elected officials,” Sheiss said of the program’s many achievements.

“The program has had a dramatic impact on our community,” said Sheiss.

Darley, one of just two county elected officials to complete the program, spoke highly of Leadership Whitley County and the ways it could be helpful in adding job enrichment and training to supervisory or pre-supervisory level employees or those who aspire to seek public office.

“We should really define those people and encourage them to attend,” Darley said.

Much of the rest of the meeting was dedicated to providing council with an enhanced understanding of House Bill 1001 as explained by Senator Gary Dillon and Representative Dan Leonard.

After reviewing the changes and the local impact, Darley responded, “We can live with that.”

“Whitley County has been extremely aggressive about economic development…and very fortunate,” Leonard said. Neighboring counties and counties around the state might not fare the changes as well as our community, however.

According to Leonard, Huntington County, in contrast, will lose 10% of their annual budget because of the changes created by House Bill 1001. “There’s going to need to be some dramatic things done to offset that,” Leonard said of Huntington County’s plight.

“I don’t think there’s any reason you even need to think about local option income tax,” said Leonard, a option other communities might need to initiate in order to make up for budget shortfalls.

“The same tax rate will generate more money in Whitley County,” Dillon said as one reason Whitley County will overcome the challenges created by the bill. He also commended local officials for their conservative fiscal nature.

All agreed, however, that local schools may yet be impacted by House Bill 1001. Initial thoughts are that Whitley County Consolidated Schools will be in a better position financially than Whitko and Smith Green school corporations.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Beds and Britches, Etc.’s executive director Shawn Ellis, at right, selects an attractive design for the Mother’s Day card fundraising project currently underway. BABE volunteers will eliminate the effort by hand-addressing and mailing your cards to the recipients of your choice – you simply select them and make a $5 donation in their honor.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Every mother needs a little encouragement – from the mother of a newborn child to the mother of rowdy teenagers to the woman made a grandmother many times over.

In celebration of Mother’s Day and in honor of the countless mothers in all of our lives, Beds and Britches, Etc., a non-profit organization in Whitley County dedicated to providing everything from diapers to baby cribs to mothers and families in Whitley County, is planning a fundraising event everyone can be involved in.

For a $5 contribution per card, BABE will send a unique Mother’s Day Card to the recipients of your choice – honoring the special women in your life. In addition to receiving a card for Mother’s Day, your honoree will also have the pleasure of knowing you made a contribution to BABE in their honor.

To order cards, provide the names and addresses of your recipients, along with a check for $5 per card to: BABE, 202 West Van Buren Street, Columbia City, IN 46725. The deadline to order your cards is Friday, May 2.

Proceeds from the purchase of the cards will help BABE to continue providing diapers, baby wipes, pull-ups, clothing, high chairs, cribs, strollers and numerous other baby items to pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers in our community – families who are making the right steps to ensure their children grow up healthy and well-adjusted.

For more information, contact BABE’s executive director Shawn Ellis at 244-2820 or via e-mail at bedsandbritchesetc@embarqmail.com

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Submitted by Kendra Zickafoose

The Whitley County Giving Circle for Women’s Health is pleased to announce that it will offer the well-known, Look Good . . .  Feel Better program in our community for women with cancer. The next session is planned for Monday evening, May 5, 2008, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. There is no cost for the program, but advance reservations are required.

Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength, but it doesn’t have to take away her self confidence. Look Good . . . Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Each participant will receive a free make-up kit.

Look Good...Feel Better is a national public service program created from the concept that if someone with cancer can be helped to look good, their improved self-esteem will help them to approach their disease and treatment with greater confidence. Look Good... Feel Better was founded and developed in 1989 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation, a charitable organization established by CTFA, the trade association that represents the cosmetics industry.
The program is offered through a partnership of the CTFA Foundation, the American Cancer Society (ACS), one of the nation's largest voluntary health organizations, and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA), a national organization of more than 25,000 hairstylists, wig experts, estheticians, makeup artists and nail technicians.

ACS administers the program nationwide, NCA enlists its members to participate as Look Good...Feel Better cosmetologists and the CTFA Foundation provides the makeup, materials, and financial support for the program. Each year, the cosmetics industry donates more than one million pieces of cosmetics, valued between $8 and $10 million. The sponsoring partners work together to provide patient education, through group or individual sessions, or through self-help materials, free program materials including videos and pamphlets and free makeup kits for each patient participating in a group class. The group program is open to all women cancer patients who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment. A friend or caregiver may attend as well, but make-up kits will only be made available to women undergoing treatment. Each year, more than 50,000 female patients participate in a Look Good...Feel Better group session. Since 1989, more than 430,000 cancer patients have benefited from the program.
Two local volunteer cosmetologists have volunteered to participate in the Whitley County program. Both have been trained and certified by ACS, NCA and the CTFA Foundation at a regional workshop.
The Whitley County Workshop will be conducted at the Community Foundation, 400 N. Whitley Street, Columbia City. Have questions? Call the Foundation at 244-5224 or register by calling the American Cancer Society at (260) 471-3911.

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By Mike Roy

The CCHS Varsity softball team had their season opener Monday evening.

The girls were victorious over the Marion Lady Giants -- the final score being 2-1 in favor of the Lady Eagles.

In a hard fought battle, The Lady Eagles came a way with a victory with pitching efforts from Emily Schnorr and Michelle Wheeler, in relief.

The deep bench for the Lady Eagles came into play in the latter innings, with clutch hits from Mallory Sims and Kayla Dunn, being brought home by the bat of RBI queen Kari Mudrack who drove home the two earned runs for the home team. The Varsity Girls along with the JV team will take on the Wawasee Warriors Tuesday afternoon in Syracuse in a two game combined event slotted to begin at 5 p.m.

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(Photo contributed by the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce) Quality Inspection and Gage, located at 225 S. Towerview Dr., was selected as the April 2008 Business of the Month.  Attending the ceremony to present the certificate were, in front from left, Rick Williams of Quality Inspection & Gage; Pat Hatcher of the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce; Sue Roman of Miller’s Merry Manor. Row two, from left, is Alan Tio of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation, Deb Roy of Crossroads Bank; Cari Wells of 1st Source Bank; Nancy Reiff of Reiff Construction. Row three, from left, is Randy Holler of Crossroads Bank and Greg Fahl of Orizon Real Estate. 

In addition to the certificate, the Business of the Month receives a free ice cream cake from Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Kelley Sheiss, executive director of the Leadership Whitley County servant leadership program, far right, gave an overview of the program to the Whitley County Commissioners during their meeting this afternoon. Sheiss said that the seventh class will graduate from the program next week during Exellence in Servant Leadership Week, culminating with the presentation of a Excellence in Servant Leadership award and class graduation celebration on April 17 at 6 p.m. Above, from left, is Tom Rethlake, Jim Pettigrew and Mike Schrader along with Kelley Sheiss. Seated, facing the commissioners, is T.J. Hemlinger of The Post & Mail newspaper.

During the presentation, Sheiss shared that in the past seven years, 134 people have graduated from Leadership Whitley County. Class participants have been between the ages of 22-62 years-old at the time of graduation.

A breakdown of class participants by occupation shows that 77 work in business or industry, 41 work for non-profit organizations, five are educators, five work in government and six have home-based or part-time businesses.

Of the total number of graduates, 97 work in Columbia City, four work in South Whitley, seven work in Churubusco and 26 work outside the county. 94 of the graduates live in Columbia City, nine live in South Whitley, six live in Churubusco, three live in Larwill and 22 live outside of Whitley County.

For more information on Leadership Whitley County, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or visit www.leadershipwc.org

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Submitted by Kendra Zickafoose

The Whitley County Giving Circle for Women’s Health is pleased to announce that it will offer the well-known, Look Good . . .  Feel Better program in our community for women with cancer. The next session is planned for Monday evening, May 5, 2008, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. There is no cost for the program, but advance reservations are required.

Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength, but it doesn’t have to take away her self confidence. Look Good . . . Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Each participant will receive a free make-up kit.  Look Good...Feel Better is a national public service program created from the concept that if someone with cancer can be helped to look good, their improved self-esteem will help them to approach their disease and treatment with greater confidence. Look Good... Feel Better was founded and developed in 1989 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation, a charitable organization established by CTFA, the trade association that represents the cosmetics industry.
The program is offered through a partnership of the CTFA Foundation, the American Cancer Society (ACS), one of the nation's largest voluntary health organizations, and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA), a national organization of more than 25,000 hairstylists, wig experts, estheticians, makeup artists and nail technicians.
ACS administers the program nationwide, NCA enlists its members to participate as Look Good...Feel Better cosmetologists and the CTFA Foundation provides the makeup, materials, and financial support for the program. Each year, the cosmetics industry donates more than one million pieces of cosmetics, valued between $8 and $10 million. The sponsoring partners work together to provide patient education, through group or individual sessions, or through self-help materials, free program materials including videos and pamphlets and free makeup kits for each patient participating in a group class. The group program is open to all women cancer patients who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment. A friend or caregiver may attend as well, but make-up kits will only be made available to women undergoing treatment. Each year, more than 50,000 female patients participate in a Look Good...Feel Better group session. Since 1989, more than 430,000 cancer patients have benefited from the program.
Two local volunteer cosmetologists have volunteered to participate in the Whitley County program. Both have been trained and certified by ACS, NCA and the CTFA Foundation at a regional workshop.
The Whitley County Workshop will be conducted at the Community Foundation, 400 N. Whitley Street, Columbia City. Have questions? Call the Foundation at 244-5224 or register by calling the American Cancer Society at (260) 471-3911.

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The 2009 Robert Burns Dinner, presented by the Scottish Cultural Society, will be held April 4, 2009, at The Eagles Nest Event Center.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County 4-H, Inc. board members, below, look at an aerial map of the fairgrounds property to determine an ideal location for the proposed 10,000 square foot feeder calf barn.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County 4-H, Inc. board has been busy for the past several months raising funds for a proposed feeder calf barn on the Whitley County Fairgrounds.

The group has been working toward the goal since February in hopes of having a permanent structure in place to house livestock during the Whitley County 4-H Fair. In recent years, animals have been placed under large tents that many feel are inadequate and demonstrate a need for a new barn.

Several weeks ago, 4-H, Inc. board members began distributing brochures about the barn building project and raising funds. The first fundraiser was a Gold Canyon candle sale spearheaded by Janelle Burnworth. Burnworth is planning another sale soon.

According to the brochure, the proposed new board would be approximately 10,000 square foot in size and is estimated to cost about $70,000 to construct.

Any amount of support would be appreciated for the project which many hope to complete yet this year if possible. Checks can be made payable to: Whitley County 4-H Clubs, Inc. and can be mailed to: Tim Yagel, 4-H Inc., 115 South Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.

For additional information, contact Tim Yagel at 609-1362, Bill Leeuw at 248-6499 or Dan Miller at 413-4524.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Whitley County Extension Homemakers are now selling copies of their much-anticipated cookbook entitled “Recipes from Home.” Filled with recipes straight from the hands of noted local cooks, the ring-bound cookbooks offer a little bit of everything. The Extension Homemakers have not produced such a cookbook in several years, so there is quite a bit of excitement about this collection of recipes. Above, Whitley County Extension Homemakers executive committee vice president Carolyn Grawcock and president Pauline Scott sold the books during the recent Whitley County Extension Annual meeting the 4-H Center in March.

The books are $10 (with $4 for shipping, if needed) and can be purchased at the Whitley County Extension office at 115 South Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725. For additional information, contact the office at 244-7615.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Merry Lea Spring Daycamp concluded Friday afternoon, having been a delightful experience for several local children. Above, from left, is camp leader Jane Lutwiller, Jack Claypool, Ava Underwood, Twyla Herron, James Romano and camp leader Dana Wilkinson seated around the campfire where they enjoyed s’mores on their last day of camp.

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The Natural Resources Management for the Landowner is a two-part workshop on how to benefit owners of small acreages and owners of large land parcels scheduled for April 17 and 19.

The first part will be April 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center. The second part will be April 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Purdue Harrold Forest in Etna, Ind.

“This program will help participants whether they are new to rural life or are simply interested in improving woodlands, grasslands, or wetlands on their property,” said Brian MacGowan, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist.

The first part of the workshop will introduce participants to the terminology and management techniques that are needed. MacGowan will lead a session on an introduction into wildlife and habitats, which will include the basic requirements of wildlife, management concepts, the four basic habitat components for wildlife and how to increase value of your property for wildlife.

Don Carlson, Purdue forester, will lead a session on woodlot and wetland management. This will include basic woodland management concepts, how woodlands function and how to approach a property resource management plan.

The second part of the workshop will provide participants with many examples of what types of management practices and techniques they can consider for their property.

“The second day will give participants a first hand look at the topics that were presented on the first night,” said MacGowan. “They will be given a tour of the Purdue Harrold Forest and a neighboring private property.”

The field tour on the second day will feature tree plantations, regeneration opening with deer fencing, tile lines, wetlands and warm season grasses and food plots. There will also be a fire demonstration if conditions are appropriate.

Registration is $10 per person by April 11 and will include refreshments, lunch and workshop materials.

The Whitley County 4-H Center in Columbia City is located off of West Lincolnway between U.S. Hwy 30 and old U.S. Hwy 30. Harrold Forest is located on CR 525 W 750 N close to Etna in northwestern Whitley County.

This workshop is sponsored by the Purdue department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Whitley County soil and water conservation district, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Purdue Extension Whitley County, Wood-Land-Lakes RC&D and Merry Lea Environmental Center of Goshen College.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The monochromatic grey tone of Loon Lake Friday afternoon almost camouflages one of the lake’s most popular seasonal residents – a loon, swimming above near the tree-lined point.

Loons may be seen at Loon Lake just twice a year – in the spring and in the fall – for a short window of times as the birds spend a few weeks at the lake enroute to cooler climates up north. A close-up shot of the loon, at right, shows the bird’s characteristic black and white plumage. Loons have a shy personality and haunting call which echoes over the lake in the quiet spring and fall months.

Residents have been seeing the birds and hearing their distinct call for the past three weeks. As the weather gets warmer and more residents of the human variety return to their cottages, the lake’s feathered namesake will soon depart.

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