(Talk of the Town photo provided)

Walt Crowder, a resident of Columbia City since 1970, is running on the Republican ticket for the Columbia City Common Council's Northeast District seat.

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Columbia City Northeast District resident Walter Crowder has announced he is running for the Northeast District seat on Columbia City Common Council, which includes Districts 4, 6 and 8.
First elected to the seat in 2000, Crowder is hoping to continue to serve on the council and is running on the Republican ticket.
Crowder and his wife, Joy, have been married 43 years. Family members include a daughter, Jodi Dorais, and her husband, Eric Dorais, and a son, Ryan Crowder. There are also three grandchildren, Coulter Grant Mills, Luke Mills Grant and Taylor Crowder.
"I'm the President of Columbia City Common Council, my major responsible is stepping in when the Mayor becomes unavailable. I've been Council President for the past 12 years," Crowder said. "Today, I'm serving on several boards for the City of Columbia City and on combined boards between Whitley County Gov. / Columbia City."
Crowder notes many reasons he'd like to continue to serve on the council.
"The reason I'm running is to represent our citizens at City Council meetings and at Board of Works meeting. I'm a good listener, who wants to hear ideas and concerns," he said.
Crowder believes Columbia City is an excellent place for new residents to call home and for businesses to grow and prosper.
"Columbia City is always looking for investors to help build our continuous growth of city. We have more choices in housing, shopping and rental properties," Crowder added. "Columbia City is one of the fastest growing cities in Indiana. The growth areas are expanding in all directions of the City. This means we need to be ready and we are ready. We are improving our Utilities Infrastructure, Power, Water, Sewage, Storm Water. We are becoming a technology driven City."
Safety continues to be a priority for Crowder.
"I support and promote Columbia City as a safe place to live," he said. "Emergency Services have increased the coverage for Communications Dispatch, Police and Fire. In the past 60 days we went live with our new Dispatch Center."
Crowder counts himself among the team players in the community working to make it a great place -- a team effort that is necessary for success in an ever-changing environment.
"The team players include Columbia City's elected officials, Whitley County elected officials, the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation. They are promoting our City and County strengths and putting them together to draw new businesses."

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From reports

Six candidates are vying for two different political seats in the Town of South Whitley and gearing up for the General Election on November 5, 2019.
Three candidates are seeking the South Whitley Town Clerk-Treasurer's seat, including Pamela Hoffman (Republican), Dawn Boggs (Democrat) and Bob Gould (Independent).
Three candidates are also seeking three available seats on the South Whitley Town Council. The candidates include incumbents Randall C. Cokl (Republican), Leslie A. Hoffman (Republican) and Brock Waterson (Republican).
Polling locations in South Whitley include:
Cleveland Northeast - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
Cleveland Northwest - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
Cleveland South - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
Poll locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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From reports

If you're unable to make it to the polls on November 5 for the General Election in South Whitley and in Columbia City's Northeast District -- you're in luck! Absentee voting is an option to help local residents ensure they have an opportunity to cast a vote.
Absentee voting is now underway at the Whitley County Courthouse. Votes may be cast October 29-November 1, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Absentee voting is also offered on November 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and November 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Absentee voters are reminded to bring along a valid form of ID.

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If you're a resident of Columbia City's Northeast District or a resident of South Whitley, you're the only local residents who will need to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5 for the General Election.
The Municipal General Election in Columbia City will only include the Northeast District (Columbia 4, Columbia 6 & part of Columbia 8 (East of Wayne St)) on November 5, 2019. There is no competition between any of the other offices. To vote in the Columbia City Municipal Election in the Northeast District, poll locations include:
Columbia 4 - Grace Lutheran Church - 204 North Main Street, Columbia City
Columbia 6 - Columbia City Church of the Nazarene - 506 North Main Street, Columbia City
Columbia 8 (Northeast only) - Grace Lutheran Church - 204 North Main Street, Columbia City
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 5, 2019.
There will also be a General Election in the town of South Whitley on November 5, 2019.
Poll locations in South Whitley include:
Cleveland Northeast - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
Cleveland Northwest - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
Cleveland South - United Methodist Church of South Whitley - 6685 West SR 14, South Whitley
There will NOT be elections held in the towns of Churubusco or Larwill, due to no competition between any offices.

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From reports

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center will host their third annual Lil' Pumpkins on Parade Trick or Treating in the downtown business district in Columbia City. The event will be held rain or shine on Thursday, October 31, 2019, from 3 to 6 p.m. All ages are invited to participate.
Registration cards can be at the Chamber office, 128 West Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City, and at other participating locations. Participants are invited to get their cards marked and turn them in at the Chamber where they will be entered for a prize drawing. Prizes have been donated by ProFed Credit Union.
Participating businesses and organizations include:
Bravo Home & Gift - 217 West Van Buren Street
Whitley Crossings Neighborhood Corp - 108 South Chauncey Street
Whitley County EDC - 220 West Van Buren Street
Whitley County Historical Society - 108 West Jefferson Street
United Way of Whitley County - 219 West Van Buren Street
City of Columbia City - 112 South Chauncey Street
Running Around Screenprinting - 227 West Van Buren Street
Duffitt & Associates - 118 East Van Buren Street
Chapman's Brewing - 118 West Van Burent Street
Dr. David Lieb - 111 West Market Street
B.E. Comics - 126 West Van Buren Street
Summit Mortgage Company - 128 West Van Buren Street
Rhoades Automotive - 401 West Van Buren Street
Music Encounters - 128 West Van Buren Street
Parkview Whitley Hospital - 128 West Van Buren Street
Brightpoint - Trunk or Treat on Chauncey Street
IN Whitley - 128 West Van Buren Street
Next Generation RC & Hobby - 105 South Main Street
Mayor of Columbia City - 112 South Chauncey Street
Columbia City Fire Department - 112 South Chauncey Street
Passages - 301 West Van Buren Street
Old Fort Motorcycle Club - Trunk or Treat on Chauncey Street
American Legion Post 98 - Trunk or Treat on Chauncey Street
Blue Moon Bakery - 101 South Main Street
STAR Financial Bank - 102 West Van Buren Street
Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center - 128 West Van Buren Street
Indie Republic - 113 South Main Street
Century 21 Bradley - LT Group - 126 North Main Street
Horizon Bank - 123-129 South Main Street
The Square - 111 South Main Street
TNT Floral - 550 West Old Trail Road

For additional information, contact the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at (260) 248-8131 or email [email protected]

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From reports

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From reports

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is coordinating the third annual Lil' Pumpkins on Parade trick or treating event in downtown Columbia City on October 31, 2019, from 3 to 6 p.m. in downtown Columbia City. 

Children and adults are invited to dress up in costume and walk from location to location in downtown Columbia City. At each location (a local business, non-profit or government entity), participants will ask to have a Lil' Pumpkins card stamped or marked. They may find candy, treats, stickers or other drawings, games or activities at various locations. Enjoy this opportunity to get to know new places and meet new people! 

Once participants get locations marked off their entry form, they are invited back to the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at 128 West Van Buren Street to enter a drawing and get some treats! 

"This year we're adding a Trunk or Treat component to our event," said Jennifer Romano, executive director of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. "If a local church, youth group, non-profit organization or club would like to set up a booth or offer trunk or treating from a vehicle, they're invited to contact us to reserve a space on Chauncey Street in downtown Columbia City. There is no cost to participate." 

Last year, more than 800 people participated in the Lil' Pumpkins on Parade trick or treating event.

If your business or organization would like to participate, contact the Chamber at (260) 248-8131 or email [email protected]

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In an effort to connect private investment in broadband infrastructure, the Town of South Whitley submitted an application to become certified by the State of Indiana as a Broadband Ready Community.
 
The Town of South Whitley in conjunction with the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) completed all steps required to apply for the Broadband Ready Community certification. The application was made to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and its Broadband Ready Communities Development Center.
 
The Town of South Whitley was recently notified that their application was accepted and approved by the State of Indiana.  
 
"This certification doesn't guarantee a new high-speed internet provider, but it shows potential investors that South Whitley has taken steps to prepare and is ready for service," said Kennedy St. George, Whitley County EDC director of marketing. "Broadband is important to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for residents and businesses of South Whitley."
 
The Broadband Ready Community ordinance was passed at the Sept. 10, 2019, town council meeting.
 
"Broadband is becoming more important for everyone. With one-to-one devices for kids' homework and greater network demands from businesses, we knew we had to take the appropriate steps to encourage investors to consider building additional broadband infrastructure in South Whitley," said Randy Cokl, South Whitley Town Council President.

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From reports

During deer hunting season, Indiana DNR encourages hunters to stay informed about deer diseases and best practices for handling any carcass or other raw meat.

There are three deer diseases that hunters should be aware of this season: epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), bovine tuberculosis (bTB), and chronic wasting disease (CWD).

EHD has been confirmed in several central and southern Indiana counties. As a result, the bonus antlerless quotas for the affected counties were reduced to a maximum of two. EHD is a naturally occurring virus that is transmitted to deer by an insect, a biting midge. EHD does not affect humans. Deer infected with EHD are safe to eat. As outdoor temperatures begin to drop, the risk of EHD will lessen. More information about EHD is at wildlife.IN.gov/8541.htm.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a bacterial disease that can affect cattle, deer, and other mammals, including humans. It is not believed to be established in Indiana's wild deer herd; however, the DNR recommends that hunters continue to inspect harvested deer for white or tan lesions on the internal organs or inner wall of the deer's chest cavity. If lesions are found, hunters should contact an Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) veterinarian by calling 877-747-3038 or for more information.

CWD has not been detected in deer tested from Indiana. CWD is a fatal neurological disease affecting white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and moose. CWD is shed in bodily fluids like feces, saliva, blood or urine. CWD is found in free-ranging white-tailed deer in several Midwestern states close to Indiana, including Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Hunters choosing to hunt in CWD-positive states should have their harvested deer tested for CWD. Hunters from Indiana who hunt out of state and have a deer carcass that has tested positive for CWD should call Indiana's Deer Hotline at 812-334-3795 to discuss disposal options. To learn more about CWD and CWD surveillance, see on.IN.gov/CWD.

Hunters from out of state who hunt in Indiana should follow the carcass transportation regulations for their home state, as well as carcass transportation regulations for Indiana.  BOAH strictly limits the movement of cervid carcasses and body parts into Indiana to the following:

• Commercially processed meat, which may contain bone
• Carcasses or parts of carcasses if no portion of the head, spinal cord or small intestine is attached or otherwise included
• Carcasses or parts of carcasses that include the head, spinal cord or small intestine, if they are delivered within 72 hours after entry to one of the following:
• A meat processor inspected by BOAH for processing
• A commercial deer processor registered with DNR for processing
• A taxidermist licensed by DNR
• Antlers, including those attached to skull caps, if the skull cap is cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue
• Hides
• Upper canine teeth, also known as "bugler," "whistlers," or "ivories"
• Finished taxidermist mounts

Regardless of the harvest, hunters and trappers should adhere to the following best practices when field-dressing or handling any carcass or other raw meat:

1. Wear disposable gloves
2. Always wash your hands afterward
3. Clean and disinfect instruments after use
4. Don't handle or consume wild animals that appear sick or act abnormal
5. Cook meat thoroughly
6. Minimize contact with brain or spinal tissues

Report sick deer at deer.dnr.IN.gov

For information on wildlife diseases, visit wildlife.IN.gov/5466.htm.

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