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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The sun sets on another beautiful day in Whitley County, above. A boater on Shriner Lake makes a quick trip home as the golden rays of the sun slide behind the tree-lined shore Wednesday night. Local residents who choose to be near the water this weekend, perhaps boat, fishing or swimming, may expect a 30% chance of rain with scattered showers through the weekend. So, you better get out there while the sun is still shining!
Today
The Columbia City Farmers Market is open today on the western side of the Whitley County Courthouse Lawn until noon.
The Columbia City High School cheerleaders are selling Nelson’s barbecue chicken this morning through 2 p.m. this afternoon in the parking lot at Tractor Supply Company on North Main Street. The meal, including a chicken half, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw and a brownie, is $6 each.
Tonight
The Tri Lakes Lions Club is hosting an all you can eat Gaerte’s fish and tenderloin fry at the Tri Lakes Lions Hall. Dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit a young Larwill girl who suffers from a genetic disease. The meal is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.
The Donovan Kessler Little Swimmers Fund will be hosting their second annual community cookout in the pavilion at Morsches Park from 4-7:30 p.m. in Columbia City. More than 100 prizes will be awarded. All proceeds will support scholarships for swimming lessons.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Many local groups and organizations are already planning golf outings this year. The ones we are currently aware of include:
* The Parkview Whitley Foundation Golf Outing is planned for July 10 at Eel River Golf Course. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $90 per player or $360 per team including greens fees, cart rental, lunch, dinner and a gift. You can register by calling Candice Yeakle at 248-9802 or sending an e-mail to: candice.yeakle@parkview.com
* The Columbia City Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing is scheduled for June 19. The event will begin with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. at Eagle Glen Golf Course. Cost is $100 per player or $400 per team. You may register by sending an e-mail to office@columbiacity.org or call Michelle at 248-8131.
* The Churubusco Rotary is planning a golf outing on Saturday, June 14, at Eel River Golf Course. Teams are still welcome to participate. Call Eel River Golf Course for more information or contact any member of the Churubusco Rotary or call Mark Coonrod at 693-9650.
* The Loon Lake Property Owners Association is planning a golf outing in July at Crooked Lake Golf Course. Details are still being ironed out, but any inquiries may be directed to Bill Franke at 799-4862.
If you have an upcoming golf outing and would like to publicize it here on Talk of the Town via e-mail at jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com or send us a flier at Talk of the Town, P.O. Box 682, Columbia City, IN 46725.
June 7 is the final deadline to register a team for the 2008 Big G’s Columbia City Classic, a three on three basketball tournament, scheduled to take place on the Courthouse Square on Saturday, June 21.
Four people may compose a team in one of the following divisions: 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14,15-16, 17-18 and 19 and over.
The entry fee is $100 per team. All players will receive a t-shirt for participating and trophies will be awarded to top places in each category. Registration forms can be downloaded by going to www.ccbasketball.com.
For additional information about the event, contact Jo Murphy at 610-0809.
(Talk of the Town photo by Tony Romano) The Mudd Dodgers, a mud dodgeball team sponsored by Richards Restaurant in Columbia City, is one of several teams ready to compete in the upcoming Toys for Tots 'Showdown at the Fairground' mud dodgeball event on June 7. The team gathered outside the restaurant wearing the uniforms for the upcoming event. They're still looking for a few more challengers. Are you game? If so, register your team by contacting Barry Yeakle at 691-2923.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Faith Christian Academy students enjoy creative play time at the school this spring, below. For the summer, the school is planning to offer a unique, fun filled Summer Enrichment Program for any student in the community, including those enrolled in public school or who are homeschooled.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Following a year’s focus on learning, summer vacation is a much-anticipated break. But somewhere between summer camp and days at the beach, a child just might slip backward on the skills built up during the school year. 
In an effort to keep students on track, push students ahead and to offer a break from the summer doldrums, Faith Christian Academy is offering a unique summer school opportunity for anyone in the community interested in keeping their child’s education a priority during the summer months. Oh, and it's going to be FUN!
“We feel like this is a great opportunity for any child to come and learn in a really fun environment,” said Faith Christian Academy parent Nicole Trier. The Summer Enrichment Program was an idea Trier and several others have been working on for over a year.
The Summer Enrichment Program is open to any student in pre-K through eighth grade in Whitley County. Any student, including students enrolled in public schools or homeschooled students, are invited to participate.
Six weeks of classes will begin June 9 through July 25 with no classes during the week of July 4.
A variety of classes will be available to choose from, including Kitchen Fun, World Travelers, Science Lab, Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Bible Study, Creative Writing and Social Awareness.
“These classes will incorporate skills learned in the classroom during the year, but they will be formatted in a way that’s really fun and outside the box,” Trier added.
The classes will be taught by a licensed educator.
Classes are $45 each series or $35 each series for students currently enrolled at Faith Christian Academy. Morning and afternoon classes are available, meeting from 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. each day. Students may pack their lunch and stay between classes for an additional $5.
An exact schedule of class dates and times will be available as soon and will be based on level of interest.
Additionally, plans are in the works to offer field trips for the whole family each Friday during the session.
To register or for more information, contact Nicole Trier at 248-4872.
(Photos provided) The Oaks director of nursing Sarah Lopez, above at right, introduces her horses to The Oaks residents and guests. Below, The Oaks residents enjoyed interacting with the various animals, even a snake, top, and an alpaca, bottom.
By Tricia Hennessy
Though the wind was blowing hard, that didn’t stop the residents and family members from turning out for this year’s Barn Yard Day at The Oaks. Among the esteemed guests were horses, cattle, alpacas, rabbits, a snake and even a tortoise.
This was the second annual event and one the staff and residents of The Oaks hope to continue.
“Barn Yard Day is an exciting event for
our residents and their families to experience a fun-filled day of interaction with animals,” said Director of Nursing Sarah Lopez. “This event is a real spirit booster for our residents,” she added.
The Oaks employees, as well as family members of the Oaks residents, provide the animals.
If you have an animal you would like to share for this event in the future, contact The Oaks at (260) 248-9830.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Throughout the Whitley County Historical Museum, you’re likely to find, here and there, hanging on the walls, the works of local artists such as Shinzo Ohki, Rosebud Slim, Marilyn Kimble, Margo Langohr, Laura Kaler Schweir, Rob McNagny and others who’ve enlightened our community with their creativity.
Up until this point, visitors have only been able to view the artwork – but beginning June 12, they can begin creating their own artful expressions at the museum.
Marilyn Copeland will be teaching watercolor classes at the museum on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. beginning June 12. There will be six sessions.
The fee to participate is $12 per session.
To reserve a spot in the class, call the museum at 244-6372.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) With the surface of Shriner Lake at Tri Lakes as smooth as a sheet of glass, a sailboat and the blue, cloudy sky was reflected beautifully near sunset Wednesday evening. As the weekend approaches, this unbroken surface will be a memory with jet skis and ski boats zipping away the afternoons.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The students at Coesse Elementary School have learned that philanthropy can be fun.
On Wednesday, the administration, staff and students celebrated several weeks of fundraising efforts in support of the American Cancer Society’s Whitley County Relay for Life with a mini relay and field day at the school.
After enjoying basketball, relaying around the school’s grass track, giant inflatable moonwalks, face painting and other activities, the students celebrated their fundraising success by super-soaking their principal, Tammy Weimer, with squirt guns, drenching their favorite teachers in chocolate sauce, sprinkles and whipped cream, singing along as their school office staff serenaded them – and cheering loudly as their check for $1938.65 was presented to representatives of the Whitley County Relay for Life.
Whitley County Relay for Life co-chairs, as well as American Cancer Society representative Sara Goff, happily accepted the check during a brief ceremony in the field next to the school. The check was presented officially by Weimer and Coesse teacher Brandi Duncan.
For their fundraising efforts, students were randomly selected to pour ten toppings over the heads of their teachers – eliciting the appropriate heckling and rowdy cheers from the crowd. The good sports, the teachers and staff who allowed this to happen to them, included Angie Grable, Lori Heuer, Stacey Raptis, Brandi Duncan, Rachel Mowery and Carmen Eager.
After the “ice cream incident,” school office staff members Lisa Bassett and Cheryl Hoffman rocked out to Pat Benetar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Decked out in 80s era finery, they played guitar and karaoked with the best of them.
The final excitement of the afternoon included the “once in a lifetime” opportunity for several randomly selected students to super-soak their principal, Tammy Weimer. Another good sport, Weimer endured many squirt gun blasts before having buckets of water dumped over her head by the office staff – further delighting the audience of students on the grass nearby.
Teacher Brandi Duncan, one of a committee that helped plan the days activities and coordinated the fundraising, was pleased with the school’s efforts for a good cause.
“If everyone could raise $500, what a difference it would make for a worthwhile cause,” Duncan said. “I just wish everyone could do it. It was awesome.”
The team that coordinated the day’s activities included Mindy Bloomfield, Stacey Raptis, Lori Heuer, Margaret Taylor, Angie Grable, Roxanne Thomas and Brandi Duncan.
Duncan was pleased to thank several sponsors for the event including Autoliv (who donated Coesse Relay for Life shirts for each child in the school), Undersea Sensors, Northeastern REMC, Coesse PTO and several others without whom she feels the event would not have been such an outstanding success.
By Barry Yeakle 
In keeping with the serious nature of the Whitley County Mud Dodgeball Championship Tournament called Showdown at the Fairground on June 7, Sunbeam, a clown, has been named to act as judge for the important trophies to be awarded to teams for Cleanest Uniforms, Dirtiest Uniforms, Most Stylish Team, People's Choice, and Old Stick in the Muds.
Sunbeam's qualifications include oversized ties, balloon tricks and size 24 shoes. The Mud Dodgeball tourney is a benefit for Toys for Tots of Whitley County and is sponsored by Whitley Chiropractic & Wellness Center. It will be held at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. Admission is $1 and children may attend for free. Only three slots remain for the sixteen-team field.
For team entry info, contact Barry Yeakle at 691-2923.
Article Submitted
For the second year, the American Red Cross is participating in the statewide Fallen Officer Blood Drive campaign.
During the month of June, the American Red Cross will host blood drives across the state of Indiana to honor those who serve and protect our communities.
Janice Starnes is responsible for organizing this statewide blood drive campaign and knows first-hand how important blood donation can be. Starnes’ husband, Sergeant Daniel Starnes, was killed in the line of duty in 2001. He received many units of blood during the 27 days he survived after being shot. After watching her husband receive countless blood transfusions, she realized there was a way for others to help.
“I called Dan's department and asked them to organize a blood drive to honor Dan,” Starnes recalls. “Sadly, Dan did not live to know about the blood drive since the first one was held one month after he paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
However, the local blood drive held in honor of her late-husband lead Starnes to expand her efforts. “We have continued the blood drive each year in our community and have been pleased with the success of the blood drives held in Dan's honor. It was my dream to have this statewide blood drive, which is now named ‘Indiana Fallen Officer Blood Drive,’" said Starnes.
Help honor the lives of those who serve and protect our communities by donating blood on Thursday, June 19, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at United Methodist Church located at 605 N. Forest Parkway in Columbia City.
All presenting donors in the month of June will have the opportunity to enter into a region-wide drawing for a grill package worth $1,250.
If you are at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good general health, you may be eligible to donate blood. All donors need to present positive identification. For more information or to schedule your blood donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Steam rises off Burnworth Memorial Pool this morning. The pool will open for the season on Friday. Below, ample poolside seating will soon be filled as local residents relax at the city's pool.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
It’s quite possible that the higher gas prices could have an impact on how many people choose to stay home this summer – and how many choose to find enjoyable warm weather activities closer to home. At least Columbia City parks and recreation department director Mark Green believes this might be the case. 
Green is optimistic that might mean record numbers of residents cooling off at Burnworth Memorial Pool.
Gearing up for the final days until the pool, adjacent to Columbia City High School, opens for the season, Green wants to get the word out that the pool is a great spot for summer fun.
“The gas prices and people staying home might lead to more use (of the pool),” Green said. While people might not justify the expense of driving across too far for summer fun, Green believes the pool is economic enough that many residents might find Burnworth Memorial Pool is an budget-friendly option for staying cool this year.
The pool officially opens this Friday and will remain open until August 9. The pool is open Monday-Saturday from 12-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-8 p.m.
General admission to the pool is $3 per person or $2 for the kiddie pool.
Green adds that each Wednesday the pool offers a "free swim" from 4-6 p.m. opening the pool free of charge for the community to enjoy.
Season passes are available again this year. A family pass (good for 4-5 people in the same household) is $120 for the season, a single pass is $45 and a couples pass is $75. Pass holders can utilize the pool on an unlimited basis throughout the summer.
Two-week swimming lessons will also be available.
The Burnworth Memorial Pool has been a favorite summer location in Columbia City for nearly 50 years. In addition to the large pool and the kiddie pool, the facility offers a locker room, changing areas and restroom facilities.
“It’s been around awhile, but it gets a lot of use,” Green added.
Here’s another fun use for the facility: splash parties. Once again this summer, the facility can be rented out by the hour for special events. The fee is $50 per hour.
Green encourages those interested in buying summer passes to get them early and maximize the savings.
For more information on Burnworth Memorial Pool, contact Phil Stanczak at 244-5182.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Whitley County Historical Society shares their thanks to the Whitley County Community Foundation for a grant received to purchase a new computer. According to museum director Dani Tippmann the computer will be used to track history within the museum and, she hopes, will be the first step in providing more online access to local history. Currently, most of the museum's computers are "antiques," the youngest of which being eight years old. The sign stands proudly at the corner of Main and Jefferson Streets.
Article Submitted
The Whitley County Community Foundation has awarded $38,590 in grants to deserving charitable organizations serving the community. The funding was made possible thanks to the generosity of local donors who made contributions to the Foundation with only the stipulation that the money be used where the need is the greatest. The following awards were recommended by the Foundation’s volunteer grants committee and approved by the WCCF Board of Directors:
The Center for Whitley County Youth -- $20,000 to develop organizational sustainability and support general programming to enhance the lives of Whitley County youth.
American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana -- $5,000 toward funding a Family Caregiving Program aimed at those caring for an elderly or disabled person. This gift was made possible by the Donald Ferber Fund.
Whitko Middle School Peacekeepers Program -- $3,140 to continue the Peacekeeper Program aimed at preventing bullying.
YWCA of Fort Wayne, Inc. -- $2,000 for their Eyes Wide Open educational series on relationship violence issues for the youth of Whitley County .
Camp Whitley -- $1,500 from the Weick Fund to provide scholarships to campers needing financial assistance to attend camp this summer.
Whitley County YMCA -- $1,500 to provide summer programming for children living in Park Terrace apartments.
Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council -- $1,000 to train local leaders
Children’s Hope Hospitality House -- $1,000 to help offset the expenses of Whitley County residents who utilize the facility while their child is hospitalized at Lutheran Hospital .
Whitley County Historical Society -- $1,000 toward the cost of a new computer
Victory Christian Fellowship Outreach -- $750 for a community outreach project at Park Terrace Apartments
Jefferson Chapel Food Pantry -- $500 to help purchase food for their pantry which exists to alleviate hunger in our community.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
As the time drew a bit closer to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, residents lined up here and there along Van Buren Street hoping to gain a front row seat for the American Legion’s annual Memorial Day Parade.
A tradition for many, many years, the parade today probably brings out a few less people than it used to – but still a decent crowd formed for this year’s event.
The sirens of a Columbia City police car heralded the parade from Walnut to Van Buren and then south to Greenhill Cemetery for the ceremony there.
At the cemetery, attendees lined up along the cemetery’s main entrance, watching the parade wind into the cemetery. The color guard, a bugler and others participating in the ceremony waited nearby, some seated here and there on folding chairs. Of those in attendance, a large contingency included Boy Scouts from Troop 94, Cub Scouts and Korean War veterans.
American Legion commander Dean Ramsey led the group in prayer.
Ramsey took the opportunity to recognize someone who had always been involved with the Memorial Day events – but who was absent from the crowd this year: Joe Zickgraf. Ramsey remembered Zickgraf as a good Legion member. Zickgraf was a past commander of the American Legion Post 98.
“I know that Joe loved his God, his church, his family, his country,” Ramsey said. “I know he is with us in spirit today.”
Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck then spoke contemplatively about Memorial Day, asking what attendees would remember about the day years from now. He talked about how he had spent the previous day with his 93-year-old mother. He said he had been thinking about local resident Jeff Lemon who is now serving his third tour in Iraq, about his father and about Stuart Smith who had served both his community and his country.
“We’re here to honor those who’ve allowed us to be free…those who’ve paid the ultimate price,” Fleck said.
A list of names of all American Legion Post 98 and VFW Post 5582 members who had passed away within the past year, including: Porter J. Adams, Ernest M Bowsman, Ralph Connett, George E. Coverstone, Raymond R. Gilbert, Thomas L. Goss, Richard D. Grunstad, Clarence D. Huey, Ralph M. Joker, Richard H. Kreider, Leon Paulus, Daniel D. Rock, Richard L. Smith, Robert H. Steller, Pleasant Guy Stickler, Joseph R. Zickgraf, Alvin K. Fry and Leon M. Wysong.
The ceremony concluded with a gun salute and a bugler playing “Taps.”
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Bob and Janice Parquet of Churubusco stand near their church in Columbia City. Their new car, a Smart Car, has gotten a lot of attention recently as one of just a few of the cars on local roadways. Below, the little car has an advantage in busy parking lots -- enabling the Parquets to find a parking spot almost anywhere -- including this spot at Portside Pizza, Tri Lakes, on a busy night recently.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Passersby on the street stop and stare. They get flagged down by passing motorists. Everyone wants a closer look at Bob and Janice Parquet’s new car.
This spring, the Parquets, of Churubusco, became the first local owners of a Smart Car.
The tiny car, just big enough for two people and a few items in the trunk, is the result of a joint venture by Swatch, the Swiss watchmaker, and Mercedes-Benz. As a DaimlerChrysler brand, the cars made their US debut in the first quarter of 2008. 
The Smart Car has a compact 1.0 L, 71 horsepower three cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
Just 5.1 feet wide, 5.1 feet tall and 8.8 feet in length, the Smart Car is teensy weensy – particularly when you see one sitting next to a mammoth SUV in a local parking lot. It’s littleness has a lot to do with the attention its been getting locally, but when people ask the Parquets about their new car, they learn there’s more to it than its size.
In addition to being a cute, little car, it also boasts great fuel-efficiency – something the Parquets are already enjoying. Just six weeks after purchasing their car, they found they were already driving their other vehicles less and less – and enjoying great gas mileage as well. According to the company’s website, www.smartusa.com, the car is estimated to achieve 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Offering alluring features to the green-going customer, the plastic panels on the car’s body are all recyclable, the three main car colors (black, yellow and white) utilize water-solluble paint and the car has been classified as an ultra low emission vehicle, according to the company’s website.
The price range on the car begins in the $11,000s on up to a more souped-up version in the $16,000s.
At the invitation of the Parquets, sitting inside the car, you find it is much roomier than you might expect. Now that their new car has become such an attraction in local parking lots and along streets, they’ve met a lot of great people as a result and are enjoying the opportunity to share their car with others, pointing out unique features and giving many their first, up close opportunity to check one out.
In getting to know the Parquets new car, one of the first things you’ll find out is that in addition to bursting with personality, the bright yellow car also has a name – just call him Maxwell Smart.
On Thursday, Parquet said he had talked to the eleventh person in the area to get one earlier that day. Just over two months ago, when the Parquets first got their car from a dealer in Indianapolis, it was one of the only ones on the road in Northeast Indiana. But, the popularity of the little car is spreading.
“It’s getting to the point now where we’re not the only one around,” Bob Parquet said. The Parquets may have been the only ones in Whitley County to have one for just a few weeks – last week a white one was spotted zipping around downtown Columbia City.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Whitley County resident Jim Banks has been selected to manage the convention campaign of state attorney general candidate Greg Zoeller. 
Banks, owner of the Wabash Group, a political consulting firm based in Columbia City, will oversee Zoeller’s run for the Republican attorney general nomination. Zoeller, Attorney General Steve Carter’s chief deputy since 2001, is running against Valparaison Mayor Jon Costas for the seat.
Thus far, Banks reports that Zoeller has the endorsement of the 3rd, 8th and 9th congressional district chairs and has been endorsed by Congressman Mark Souder.
Meanwhile, Costas, who visited Columbia City in April to speak with local Republicans, has earned the endorsement of 19 mayors from across the state of Indiana.
The attorney general’s race will culminate at the Indiana GOP convention on June 2 in Indianapolis.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Tiny flags and crosses represent Whitley County's veterans, placed proudly on the hill in front of the Columbia City American Legion Post overlooking DeVol Field and Business 30 West. The patriotic display is an annual tradition for the legion.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Our local American Legion makes a significant effort each year to remind Whitley County residents about the contributions made for us by veterans – those still living and those who’ve passed away. 
Rows upon rows of tiny white crosses and flags atop the hill in front of Columbia City’s American Legion post represent local veterans, the wind catching those banners of red, white and blue. Elsewhere, at each cemetery in the county, the American Legion has provided a flag in honor of each veteran buried there – as a way to recognize them year after year for their service to their country.
And, as they have each year for many, many years, the American Legion encourages the community to come out in support of the annual American Legion Memorial Day Parade in downtown Columbia City.
The parade is slated for Monday, May 26. Participants will line up at 9:30 a.m. at the Marshall Building and the parade will begin at Walnut and Van Buren Streets at 10:30 a.m., continuing to Greenhill Cemetery.
To participate in the parade or for additional information, call the American Legion at 244-5821.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Below, Kevin Ousley prepares to box up some chicken to go at the Farmers Market on May 10. Ousley will be selling chicken each Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in support of the Livestock Auction Support Fund now through October.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The icing on the cake for a child’s 4-H experience is having their animal sell for a good price at the auction. Unfortunately, just as there is always a top seller in any given category – there’s a bottom seller too. As elated as a child with a top selling project may feel, the child with the lowest selling item may leave the auction feeling very disappointed.
Long-time 4-H supporter and volunteer Kevin Ousley has been to quite a few 4-H auctions and has seen that disappointment in the eyes of young 4-H members. As a 10-year 4-H member himself, he’s been there. 
So, for the past four years, with the help of others through the 4-H Livestock Auction Support Fund, Ousley has been working to improve the auction experience for several youths.
“I go to the 4-H auction and I start the auction for the kids,” Ousley said. The goal of the project is to get lower priced auctions raised to the midrange for a given project – thereby shortening the gap between the lowest priced auction and a larger number of average priced auctions. Using donations, Ousley places bids and tries to encourage others to get involved in the bidding process.
Since beginning the project, Ousley’s bidding has helped many 4-H’ers. He said he’s received positive feedback from the members and their families.
“They’re very thankful,” Ousley said. “I get a lot of thank-you notes and kids talk to me during the fair about what they plan to do with their auction proceeds.”
Ousley added that 4-H alumni have also been very helpful and receptive about the program.
In the first year of the program, Ousley was able to find five donors. “Now, we have about 15 or so who contribute,” he added.
A 4-H Livestock Auction Support Fund board was formed and that group meets each year to determine an average price for animal auctions. “That becomes our target,” Ousley said.
In addition to accepting donations for the project, this year, Ousley is taking the fundraising downtown – on a weekly basis.
Ousley, a regular participant in the Columbia City Farmers Market, has been barbecuing chicken with his own blends of sauce and spices and selling them to market attendees with proceeds benefiting the 4-H auction project. The chicken is sold for $5 per half.
He plans to continue barbecuing the chicken each week through the end of October. The chicken is already becoming a hit and Ousley has been able to raise a bit of money to support the project. He hopes that when more people learn why he’s selling barbecue chicken each week, they’ll be interested in supporting the sale.
Later in the season, he’ll be selling barbecue chicken that was locally raised on his farm.
Ousley has stood in that auction ring himself, understands the level of emotions involved and knows it felt great when someone supported him. “I just wanted to return the favor,” Ousley said with appreciation for those who supported his auctions as a child.
To contact Kevin Ousley about making a donation for the project, call 244-0066 or visit him at the Columbia City Farmers Market on Saturday mornings between 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the western edge of the Whitley County Courthouse Lawn. Ousley's booth is near the corner of Chauncey and Market Streets.
By Linda Hyndman
Whitley County’s Junior Achievement is seeking clubs, organizations, youth groups, booster clubs, vendors and crafters for their seventh annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show slated for Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Booth space will be rented to anyone interested in having a "spot" on the Courthouse Square to promote their club or organization or sell items. Proceeds will profit those renting and operating the booth space.
Booth rental will be on first come basis at $5 for not-for-profits and $10 for those with for-profit ventures.
Those interested in securing a space should contact Gene Donaghy at 244-6111, ext 403 by July 25.
Hill’s ATA Black Belt Taekwondo Academy is holding a barbecue chicken fundraiser today at Towne and Country Plaza until 6 p.m. They will be selling Nelson’s Port-A-Pit chicken to defray the costs of new equipment.
The Columbia City Farmers Market will be held from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the western side of the Whitley County Courthouse lawn.
Boy Scout Troop 83 will be holding a pickle, maple syrup and popcorn sale at Wal Mart from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Loon Lake Property Owners Association will be holding their annual spring meeting at the home of the Grahams on the eastern shore of the lake. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. All residents interested in aquatic weed control can purchase it at that time.
The annual American Legion Parade...check back tomorrow for additional information.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The staff, students and administration at Coesse Elementary School will once again reach into their pockets and into their hearts to make a difference for those facing cancer in Whitley County.
For the third consecutive year, Coesse Elementary School will be holding Relay for Life Day – the culmination of fundraising efforts and a lot of fun. Last year, the school raised over $1400 for the American Cancer Society’s Whitley County Relay for Life and according to Coesse teacher Brandi Duncan, who is helping to coordinate the initiative, she expects the school may surpass that amount this year.
“Students will be collecting coins during the month of May by doing extra chores, selling memorial and honorary flags, or asking family members to give to this worthy cause,” Duncan writes.
After a month of working and fundraising, the students will be rewarded with an afternoon of fun beginning at 1:10 p.m. on May 28 at the school. Duncan shared that in addition to a check presentation to the Whitley County Relay for Life, the students will participate in challenges and “super soak” their new principal, Tammy Weimer. They will also participate in a kid-sized relay event around their track and visit various activities booths. Additionally, staff will enjoy sundaes and office staff karaoke.
“This promises to be a special event that will help our community and our students learn how they can make a difference in their world concerning cancer research,” added Duncan.
(Talk