Talk of the Town - Whitley County The Positive News

Lilly takes over as new market master for Columbia City Farmers Market

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Chris Lilly of Avis Acres Farms has been named the new Columbia City Farmers Market market master. Lilly is shown above on his northern Whitley County farm with his wife, Jennifer, son Nicholas and daughter Rebecca. Below, outgoing market master Tiffany Herron has a lot to be pleased about having lead considerable growth in the market during recent years.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

After a period of tremendous growth and excitement for the Columbia City Farmers Market, market master Tiffany Herron is stepping down to continue managing the growth of her business, Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio.
Under Herron's leadership, the market has become a thriving center of activity, commerce and entertainment each Saturday in downtown Columbia City -- spotlighting locally grown produce and
hand-crafted items. The market grew significantly in membership over the past several years, expanding well down Chauncey Street and onto Market Street. The market also expanded from being offered only on Saturdays to being offered on Wednesday nights as well.
Loon Lake area resident Chris Lilly of Avis Acres Farms has agreed to become the newest market master, taking reigns of the organization this month.
Lilly is looking forward to continued growth of the market in the coming weeks.
"It is my hope to continue to grow and nurture the farmers market as my predecessors have. I believe that Tiffany Herron did an excellent job," Lilly said. "My goals are to provide a warm, friendly environment for the community to shop the wonderful variety of vendors we have here in Whitley County."
"The fresh produce, plants, and the local crafts offer an excellent opportunity for everyone to find great deals from local vendors," Lilly added.
A two-year participant in the market, Lilly sees a lot in the Columbia City Farmers Market that everyone can enjoy.
"The thing that I enjoy the most about the market is the fact that everything sold comes from right here," he said. "Putting a face with something I buy is very comforting to me. When shopping the chain stores there is always that product that comes from another country that leaves me wondering how was this grown, or made and by whom? With the current economic environment, it makes me feel good to know that my purchases are helping support the local economy."
The Columbia City Farmers Market is set to open for the season on May 8. The market is open each Saturday until the second Saturday in October from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Whitley County Courthouse
square.
Times have not yet been set for the season for Wednesday night markets.

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Limited seating remains for spectators at culinary contest tomorrow night

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Chef Stan Horne, below, is coordinating what is shaping up to be a fast paced culinary contest tomorrow night at the Eagles Nest Event Center. Limited seating is still available.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Shows like "Iron Chef" and "Hell's Kitchen" illustrate the creative, chaotic behind the scenes drama that may happen in some of the hottest kitchens in America's top eateries.

While such excitement may or may not happen behind the swinging doors of local restaurants, there's bound to be a significant level of excitement tomorrow night as some of the regions top chefs compete at the Eagles Nest Event Center.
A very, very limited number of tickets still exist for the first-time event coordinated by Chef Stan Horne. Seating was limited to 120 for this exciting fundraiser and but a handful of tickets still remain.
"Six area chefs will have two hours to create a full meal for guests," Horne said, a wide smile spreading across his face. "When the competition begins, each chef will receive mystery box of items to cook with."
Guests present for the event will help choose the winner who will vy for bragging rights more than anything.
The event tomorrow evening will begin with the doors opening, hors d' oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. The competition will begin at cooking stations set up around the Eagles Nest Event Center at 6:30 p.m.
Funds raised at the event will be provided to the Whitley County Shrine's Antique Tractor club.
Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple.
To reserve a pair of the remaining tickets, contact Stan or Doris Horne at 248-1892.

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Alternative forms of transportation

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Without a doubt, traffic up and down streets and sidewalks in Whitley County appears to be influenced heavily by the warm spring days we've experienced this week. Of course, we've seen convertibles with their tops down, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and plenty of walkers, runners and skateboarders, at right. BUT...the one we were really impressed to see on a fine, sunshiney day was the tractor someone appears to have driven straight to the bank on Tuesday. Above, a tractor sits in the parking lot at Three Rivers Federal Credit Union in Columbia City as its owner was inside tending to their banking needs. Many will agree, after a long winter indoors -- the fresh air does us all good and may be best enjoyed aboard a tractor!

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She's a different type of cowgirl

She's a different kind of cowgirl alright, but we'd bet you didn't know she was a pageant girl at one time too!

Columnist Kelley Sheiss shares an insight to life on her Northern Whitley County farm with her latest installment of "Musings from the Mud Room."

Click here to check it out.

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Congratulations to the Indian Springs Middle School wrestling team for first-time conference win

(Talk of the Town photo provided) The Indian Springs Middle School wrestling team captured its first ever Northeast Hoosier Middle Level Conference Championship last week at Summit Middle School.
ISMS had a total of 339 team points to beat out Bellmont with 313.5 points. Above, the team celebrates their win with their trophy. Click here to read the full story on today's sports page.

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Whitley County Sheriff's Department reserves hosting fish, tenderloin fry on May 1

The Whitley County Sheriff's Department's 2009 Reserve class will be hosting a fish and tenderloin fry on May 1 at the Whitley County FOP lodge in Columbia City. Funds raised at the event will offset costs associated with new equipment purchased for the 12 new Whitley County Sheriff's Department reserve deputies.

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Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation honored with State recognition for improving local lakes' water quality

On Thursday, the Indiana Lakes Management Society (ILMS) announced that the Outstanding Lake/Watershed Association Award award has been presented to the Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation (TWF).
TWF serves several Whitley County lakes that are part of the Tippecanoe watershed, including Crooked Lake, Loon Lake, Goose Lake, Old Lake and nearby Big Lake in Noble County, as well as several Kosciusko County lakes.
The Award was established by ILMS to recognize those that excel in lake/watershed management to improve water quality. The Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation (TWF) has been successfully implementing water quality improvement studies and projects for 13 years.
The TWF was founded in 1997 by local residents who realized that to protect and enhance their lake for the future, a larger vision – a focus on the entire watershed – was needed. With this vision, TWF has obtained grants and raised necessary matching funds for scientific research studies and construction of more than 30 water quality improvement projects, including restoring stream banks and wetlands, creating sediment traps, installing filter strips, fencing livestock out of streams, and creating rain gardens and natural shorelines.
TWF works to stop water pollution at its source, which will in-turn, reduce the nasty effects including noxious weeds and algae blooms.
In addition to on-the-ground water quality improvement projects, the TWF has a strong education and outreach program for both youth and adults. “We encourage resident to take simple actions to improve water quality. If everyone joins their neighbors in using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers, maintaining their septic system, and controlling invasive species – we can truly make a difference” states executive director Lyn Crighton. More than 1,000 lake and watershed residents have already joined TWF’s efforts by participating in their programs and providing financial support.
ILMS will be honoring the Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation at their annual conference on March 26, 2010, at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana.

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Snapshots: Groundbreaking for the Eel River Trailhouse in Columbia City

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Snapshots: Developing a Vision for Whitley County's Future

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Vision 2020 intiative continues to gain momentum with recent outreach meetings

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Commissioner Michael Schrader, below, works to prioritize and strategize concepts to improve Whitley County during a regional outreach meeting held in Whitley County on March 9. The local meeting was part of a series of meetings that will eventually result in plans that will be unveiled at the Regional Economic Summit in June 2010.

By Monica Freeman

The Vision 2020 Coordinating Group, comprised of leaders from across the 10-county Northeast Indiana region, held its third session March 10 as it continues the work of the Vision 2020 process aimed at improving the vitality of Northeast Indiana's regional economy.

The group continually receives community input from the Vision 2020 process and is working to identify immediate and long-term strategies to support a fully-implementable vision for the region. The latest meeting reviewed contributions from focus group interviews and regional outreach meetings conducted in February and March.
In February, more than 200 leaders from across the region participated in interviews conducted by ACP Visioning+Planning and Team Kolzow, Inc., facilitators for the Coordinating Group and visioning process. Members of manufacturing, financial, agribusiness, sustainability, healthcare, education and various other sectors, as well as students from area high schools, created "must have" lists for strategies to be included in the region as it moves forward with Vision 2020.
From March 8 to March 12 a series of regional outreach meetings in each of the 10 participating counties drew nearly 400 total participants to work with results from the February interviews. The community leaders prioritized and strategized tactics for improving the region in each of the five focus areas of competitive business climate, infrastructure, quality of place, entrepreneurship and 21st century talent. Discussions and activities helped to further develop a vision for the Northeast Indiana region.
Vision 2020 will continue in April and May as the Coordinating Group collects input from each focus area. The process will conclude on June 23, 2010 with the Regional Economic Summit at the Grand Wayne Center. All are encouraged to attend and help shape the region's future.
The 27-member Vision 2020 Coordinating Group held its initial meeting in January. The participating counties include Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. The Coordinating Group will continue to provide updates to keep the public informed of progress and outcomes.

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Get outside, get some fresh air and do a little shopping at the Cabin Fever Craft show Saturday

(Talk of the Town graphics)

Celebrate the first weekend of spring with the new “Cabin Fever Craft Show” which will be held this Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center in Columbia City. Over 60 vendors of crafts, food and other items will be featured, making this a great opportunity to shop for gifts or a unique item for yourself! A special raffle to benefit the Whitley County Animal Shelter will feature over 30 items. Lunch will be available. Maggie Fahl of Hunkapunka will have a booth with her unique, one-of-a-kind clothing and decorative items for children. Above, some of her baby blankets, bibs and burp cloths are featured.

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Whitley County Energy Assistance Board raising funds with barbecue on April 30

The Whitley County Energy Assistance Board is hosting a Nelson's Golden Glo chicken sale on Friday, April 30, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. They will be serving Nelson's famous chicken halves with two sides, including Marna's famous baked beans and the best local cole slaw for $7 per order.
Pre-orders may be made today by calling Tania Keirn at 244-5266.
The Whitley County Energy Assistance Board raises funds to aid the community's underemployed and unemployed to pay their utility bills during periods of struggle.

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CCHS Academic Team enjoys first NHC Conference win since 1996

(Talk of the Town photo provided)
On Monday night, the Columbia City High School Academic team tied with Carroll to win the NHC Academic Conference for the first time since 1996. Winning first place in the divisional rounds were the Fine Arts Team coached by Tom Lough, the Math Team coached by Beth Scharpenberg and the English Team coached by Stacy Keener. The team will compete in the area competition at Middlebury High School on April 20.
Academic team members, above from left, in row one, include Emma Patee, Lauren Gates, Olivia Western, Libby Peterson and Addie Schinbeckler. Row two, from left, includes Ivan Fung, Natalie Angel, Rachel Rosfeld, Amelia Roman, Jacob Swain, Nicole Yingst and Tiffany Harber. Row three, from left, includes Nick Burlage, Nick Houser, Ashley Cornwell, Emily Klinefelter, Alex Dryer, Korinne Hazen, Deanna Beckner and Lindsay Angel.

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Snapshots: St. Patty's Party at St. Paul's

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Whitley County Community Foundation seeking grant applicants to meet local needs

By John Slavich

The Whitley County Community Foundation’s grant review session is approaching. The Foundation funds charitable projects that will make a positive impact on Whitley County and its people. The Foundation is particularly interested in ideas that shed new light on local needs and provide innovative, long-term solutions.
Categories include: Arts and Culture, Health, Civic Affairs, Recreation, Community Development, Welfare and Education.
Requests for funding are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, composed of residents from communities throughout the county. Their recommendations are forwarded to the Foundation's Board of Directors, with whom all grant-making authority resides.
The deadline for submitting an application is May 1st, and grant seekers are strongly encouraged to call the Foundation to discuss a grant proposal before submitting a formal application.
If you would like an application or have questions call John Slavich, Program Officer, at 244-5224. You may also download an application from the Foundation’s website which is www.whitleycountycommunityfoundation.org.

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Novae Corporation, owner of Cardinal Grain, plans to add 85 jobs

By Blair West

Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives of Novae Corporation in North Manchester today to announce the company's plans to expand its trailer manufacturing operations, creating up to 85 new jobs by 2013. The company has a Columbia City location, Cardinal Grain.
Novae Corp., which manufactures both open and enclosed utility trailers, commercial lawn equipment and agricultural and industrial material handling systems, will invest more than $3.4 million to purchase, renovate and equip an 88,000 square-foot facility to grow its Sure-Trac Enclosed trailer division.
"In an industry that has been especially hard-hit by national and global economic conditions, Novae has found a way to grow and continue to create new opportunities for Hoosiers," said Daniels. "This is further proof that Northeast Indiana is the best place around for small businesses to prosper."
For the past three consecutive years, Novae Corp. has been recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the nation's fastest growing privately-held companies. The firm employs more than 150 people at facilities in Markle and Columbia City. Production at the North Manchester plant will focus on enclosed trailers, while Novae's Columbia City plant will continue to grow the Cardinal Grain agricultural business.
"With the worst recession in 60 years the competition has been intense. We were very pleased that we were able to execute our plan this year to achieve a modest growth of 15 percent while retaining record profits for Novae Corp. Having our business in Indiana has been instrumental to our success," said Mike Bermes, president and chief business development officer of Novae Corp. "Indiana is centrally located with excellent infrastructure to support our interstate and international commerce. Indiana also provides an exceptional workforce with an incredible and robust work ethic. Mitch Daniels believes in and has created a positive business environment for small businesses like ours."
Novae Corp., which markets its products throughout the northern United States and Canada, will occupy the North Manchester facility formerly owned by Dexter Axle. The company chose North Manchester over potential sites in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Novae Corporation up to $570,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. Novae will receive local assistance from Wabash County, the town of North Manchester and the city of Wabash.
"The cooperation among economic development and elected officials from North Manchester, Wabash County and the city of Wabash was a significant factor in Novae Corp.'s decision to expand in Northeast Indiana," said Bill Konyha, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Development Group of Wabash County, Inc.
In March, Novae Corp. received recognition at the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers annual convention for growing their market share by a larger percentage than any of their competitors according to Statistical Surveys, Inc.

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Today in Retrospective...

Thinking about a Scottish grandfather on an Irish holiday...and considering the great fanfare he received when arriving in his new country 53 years ago today...click here to read the latest installment of "Retrospective."

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Former Governor Otis Bowen sends warm letter of endorsement to Jim Banks

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It is debatable to many whether political endorsements are meaningful in the eyes of voters, but yesterday, Whitley County resident and Senate District 17 candidate Jim Banks received a letter of endorsement in the mail that was extra special even if only for the sentiment and historical significance.
Banks received a letter from a once widely-known political figure in the State of Indiana, former Governor Otis. R. Bowen. Now 92-years-old, Dr. Bowen has been retired for many years and out of the public spotlight -- but he still keeps his eyes and ears on Indiana politics.
“I have known Jim Banks for many years and I’m confident he would be a superb legislator," Dr. Bowen wrote. "Jim would be dedicated to doing whatever would be required providing it were right.”
Bowen was the Governor of Indiana from 1973 until 1981. From 1985 until 1989, he served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"I first met Governor Bowen almost ten years ago as a student at Indiana University," said Banks. "I discovered after reading his biography, 'Doc: Memories from a Life in Public Service,' that we were members of the same college fraternity and I wrote him a letter asking him if he’d speak to the College Republicans at IU and have dinner at our fraternity the same evening."
"A few days later I received a kind response and we welcomed him back to Bloomington a few weeks after that," continued Banks.
"Since then I have carried on a unique friendship with him and have collected dozens of hand written notes from him as he encouraged me in my career and through my efforts to serve in political office," Banks shared. "He is one of Indiana’s finest leaders and one of my political heroes. I’m very proud to have his support and appreciate his friendship."

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Whitley County awarded $46,763 grant to make lighting more efficient in the Whitley County Jail

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County is among 37 Hoosier communities whose efforts toward energy efficiency in governmental buildings is being rewarded -- to the tune of $46,763 locally.
On Tuesday, Leutenant Governor Becky Skillman announced that Whitley County would be a recipient of one of 46 Energy Efficienct and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) awarded across the state. In all, $3.35 million in grant funds were awarded for upgrades to fund conservation and efficiency projects including LED traffic light conversion, facility lighting upgrades and non-lighting building retrofits. Communities were considered for the grants based on a competitive bidding process.
“These communities have stepped up and are leading by example by making sure public buildings and facilities are not wasting taxpayer dollars through inefficiency,” Skillman. “Grants such as these help Hoosier counties, cities and towns to be good stewards of public facilities by reducing energy consumption.”
Whitley County has been awarded the $46,763 grant to subsidize lighting retrofits for government-owned structures.
"This grant will retrofit or replace the lighting fixtures in the 23 year-old Whitley County Jail with energy efficient lighting," said Michael Schrader, Whitley County commissioner.
"This upgrade is estimated to save approximately $6,700 in energy costs at the jail annually," Schrader added.
Funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and administered in Indiana by the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED), only cities and towns with populations of less than 35,000 people and counties with populations under 200,000 people eligible to apply for these grants.
The Indiana EECBG Program assists eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and reduce energy costs through efficiency improvements and create new jobs and increased productivity to spur economic growth and community development.
Skillman will officially present the grant awards on March 26 in Indianapolis.

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Sirens today are part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Did you hear sirens?
Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed March 14 through 20, 2010 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. Locally, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, the City of Columbia City Communications Department, the Whitley County Amateur Radio Club and the Whitley County Amateur Radio Emergency Service will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Wednesday, March 17 between 10:15-10:30 a.m. and again between 7:30-7:45 p.m..
The City of Columbia City Early Warning System (EWS) Sirens will sound during the these two test periods. Amateur radio operators will be on hand during the test to ensure proper operation and to answer immediate questions from the public during the test only. Columbia City Communications Department with the help of the Whitley County ARC and the Whitley County ARES groups normally test these siren’s the first and third Mondays of each month except when there is a potential severe weather risk or major holiday etc.

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Abigail Puckett awarded St. Joseph's College athletic scholarship valued at $129,000

(Talk of the Town photo provided)
Today, Abigail Puckett of Columbia City High School accepted the Thomas J. Huhn Athletic Leadership Scholarship from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. St. Joseph’s only awards one of these scholarships per year, and Puckett is the first young woman to win the scholarship in 14 years. The scholarship is a four year, full tuition, room and board award worth approximately $129,000. Puckett has signed to play volleyball at St. Joseph’s College.
Above, from left, at the award ceremony today was Columbia City High School principal Gregg Goewert, Abigail Puckett and Justin Terria, a representative of St. Joseph's College.

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March is Red Cross Awareness month

By Amanda Banks

Each March, the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to fulfill its life-saving mission, down the street, across the country, and around the world. Mayor Jim Fleck has joined these efforts by proclaiming March as Red Cross Month in Columbia City.
“The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most – and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work – here at home and abroad,” says Kay Ostrum, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana. “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in America to achieve its mission.”
Red Cross Month is a great time for the community to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes or getting involved as a volunteer. The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort, and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.
“The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” says Ostrum. “The Red Cross is there in Haiti now – and we are also here each day across the country for families who need us.”
Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and, wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana assisted 1,308 disaster victims and 432 military families with emergency communication, reached 20,617 people through CPR, first aid, AED, aquatics, and babysitter’s training, and provided 2,856 translations and interpretations for local non-native English speakers. In addition, 36,531 units of blood were collected in the northeast Indiana area.
For more information on Red Cross Month efforts and services provided, please contact the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana at (800) 513-2599 or visit www.redcrossofnei.org.

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Whitko's superintendent tackles rumors, seeks solutions with unveiling of 'Plan A'

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Concerned parents packed the Whitko School Board meeting Monday night, eager to hear the details of the school corporation's plans to deal with budgetary constraints and severe funding cuts.
More than 30 guests assembled in the board chambers at Pierceton Elementary School to hear Whitko School Superintendent Steve Clason's highly detailed plan, called "Plan A."
"There were a lot of very upset people here tonight," a parent said. "But there are a lot of details in Clason's plan that are worth looking into."
Clason has published "Plan A" on his blog on the Whitko School Corporation, which you can review in full by clicking here.
Some of the ideas included in Plan A include pay-for-play athletics, staff reduction by attrition, increased class sizes in some grades, operational cost-saving measures such as turning off freezers and energy conservation, tighter scheduling and more.
After much discussion and many questions, the board approved moving ahead with Plan A, without approving the details contained in Plan A. A public meeting will be planned to address community concerns on March 29 at 7 p.m. at Whitko Middle School. The public is encouraged to attend.

Review Whitko Schools Superintentend Steve Clason's blog at http://wildcatssuperblog.blogspot.com/

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Indiana Highland Games announces move to IPFW for 2010 events

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a bagpipe band moves across the field during the 2009 Indiana Highland Games. Below, Mike Huth prepares to present awards in the Highland Athletics competition. The athletic competitions at the Indiana Highland Games are popular with Whitley County residents, many of whom are competitors and spectators each year.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

For those who look forward to the Indiana Highland Games each year, an important announcement was made last night regarding a new location for the event in 2010.
According to IHG president Tony Graber, the Scottish Cultural Society had been engaged in discussions with Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne for several months about the possibility of moving to IPFW's property.
"After several months of negotiations with IPFW, we will host our event this year on the old Carrington baseball fields site," said Graber Monday evening. This location is just west of the IPFW campus and near the newly constructed Holiday Inn and Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
"We are very excited about moving to this location," Graber continued. "We hope the increased visibility and accessibility will help us with our attendance."
This year marks the 24th year the Scottish Cultural Society has presented the Indiana Highland Games, a Scottish festival with athletics, sporting, entertainment and activities for families to enjoy. The 2010 Indiana Highland Games is slated for Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on the grounds of IPFW.
For the last several years, the event has been hosted at Concordia Theological Seminary. Prior to that, it was held at Zollner Stadium for many years.

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$195,000 grant awarded to Whitley County's Greatbatch Medical, 15 jobs will be created

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced this morning that she has awarded Whitley County a $195,000 Community Economic Development Program grant for purchase of capital equipment to expand the operations of Greatbatch Medical. These funds, from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, were dedicated to Indiana after several natural disasters caused damage in many areas across the state during 2008.
"In these tough economic times, it is critical to leverage all of the resources we can to spur economic growth in communities that were affected by the natural disasters,” said Lt. Gov. Skillman. "By supporting Greatbatch Medical, Whitley County is driving economic recovery in their community in a growing business sector."
Greatbatch Medical manufactures a variety of medical components for the orthopedic, cardiac, and neurology fields. The grant will fund new machinery that will streamline production processes to reduce lead time and increase the facility’s capacity to build prototypes for the research and development area of the company. By expanding its operations, the company will add 15 jobs to their current operations.
Indiana's CDBG Disaster Recovery program is administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

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Trier Ford rewards long-term, buy local business relationship with history-laden gift to Passages Inc.

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, the Trier Ford dealership donated an autographed football to Passages Inc. From left is Tom Trier and Grant Trier of the Trier Ford dealership, Tom O'Neill and Randy Holler of Passages Inc. Below, Grant Trier provides a closer look at the piece of Notre Dame history, complete with a certificate of authenticity.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It's certainly a piece of Notre Dame history and while Grant Trier joked that he and brother, Tom, have thrown it around the showroom a time or too, it's been kept safely in a display case at the family dealership.
Recently, however, the Triers presented the autographed piece of Notre Dame football history to a deserving non-profit entity in Whitley County as a token of recognition for a long-lasting, valued relationship -- Passages Inc.
The rare piece of Notre Dame history holds the signatures of seven of Notre Dame's Heisman Trophy winners dating from 1943 until 1987. Signatures include that of Angelo Bertelli, John Lujack, John Lattner, Leon Hart, Paul Horning, John Huarte and Tim Brown. Two of those winners are now deceased, adding to the value of the ball.
"The football was given to the dealership 20 years ago by Ford," said Grant Trier. At the time, the footballs were part of a fundraiser for Notre Dame which Ford Motors supported by purchasing the signed footballs and giving them away. Trier said he brought the football back to Columbia City following a dinner with one of the men who signed the ball, Paul Horning, and put it away. He joked that the ball had been tossed around the showroom at Trier Ford in downtown Columbia City a time or two since then.
"We've got an accumulation," Trier said, adding that it made sense to give the piece of history to a deserving non-profit that might be able to use it to raise funds.
Trier said they selected Passages Inc, an organization that serves differently-abled residents of Whitley County, because of the organization's long-time relationship with Trier Ford. Over the years, Passages Inc. has purchased numerous service vehicles from the local dealership, remaining committed to the notion of shopping locally.
"We've been good friends of Passages Inc. over the years and we've had an ongoing business relationship over many, many years," Trier added.
"Passages certainly appreciates the support of community leaders like Grant (Trier) and Trier Ford," said Passages Inc. president Tom O'Neill. "That link to an organization like us is critially important," he added.
O'Neill said Passages Inc. board of directors had not yet made a firm decision on what to do with the valuable piece of sports memorabilia (save it and watch the value grow....or sell it soon).
"We will eventually use it to raise funds," O'Neill said.
"With the shortfall in State revenues and the resulting budget cuts, every dollar becomes important for Passages," said board member and finance committee chairman Randy Holler. "It is wonderful that we have caring and responsible civic leaders such as the Trier Ford dealership and the Trier family here in Columbia City."
Holler acknowledged the importance of Passages and Trier's business relationship over the years as well.
"This is just another example of why it is important to do business locally," Holler said. "Fortunately, sometimes the rewards for doing so are clear, such as today."

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Free computer monitors available to non-profits, community service groups and churches

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Steve Beck of BE Computers in downtown Columbia City gets to play Santa this week for local churches and non-profits.
Today, more than 11 CRT computer monitors were donated to Beck with the understanding that he would find non-profits, community service organizations or local churches to give them to. Beck said the monitors would be ideal replacements for ones that are currently ailing or dead. The monitors are 15 inch and 17 inch models. The monitors are free while supplies last.
For more information, contact Steve Beck at BE Computers by calling 244-4688 or 248-8020.

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Travis Frantz will be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Travis L. Frantz of Columbia City, a student athlete at Huntington University, will be inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society on March 28.

By Ashley Smith

Four Huntington University students-athletes have been selected for induction into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society, including Travis L. Frantz of Columbia City.

Frantz is a junior pursuing a major in the applied exercise science program. He is a member of the baseball team. Other inductees include Brittany Carlson, Alex Nafziger and Cory Powell.
Chi Alpha Sigma is as national college athlete honor society recognizes student-athletes who excel in athletics and academics. Membership in Chi Alpha Sigma is given to those who display excellent character and citizenship, an outstanding scholarship of a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or higher, an earned varsity letter and a junior or senior academic standing.
An induction ceremony is planned for 3 p.m. on March 28 in the upper level of Habecker Dining Commons.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the Best Baccalaureate Colleges and Best Values in Baccalaureate Colleges in the Midwest region. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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Loaves of bread, meats and cheeses available for sale at the CC Deli

Loaves of fresh baked bread will be available for sale again this week at the CC Deli. Pre-order by Thursday afternoon by calling 248-4700. Did you know you can also buy deli meats and cheese by the pound?
This week's soups of the week include:
Monday: Chicken Rice and Pepperjack Bacon
Tuesday: Chicken Dumpling and Chili
Wednesday: Talk of the Town's White Chili and Tomato Bisque
Thursday: French Onion and Cheesy Potato
Friday: Veggie Beef and Cream of Crab

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A low fog at Loon

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Columnist, national authority on Amish culture plans visit to South Whitley Public Library

From the Tribune-News

Kevin Williams, editor of the syndicated “Amish Cook” column and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on Amish culture will be at the South Whitley Library at 6:30 p.m. on March 30.
He has been interviewed about the Amish on Fox and Friends, and been featured in People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and New York Times as the “Amish expert.”
He has been the editor of The Amish Cook Column since its inception 15 years ago. For the Amish, baking is an art form, a pleasure and a way of life. The emotion they bring to baking is at the heart of The Amish Cook’s Baking Book. Together, celebrated Amish cook Lovina Eicher and her editor, Williams, introduce a new generation to Amish baking.
No fee, no registration required.

(Book cover art provided)

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Follow a rainbow to Etna for an Irish meal at Etna United Methodist Church on March 20

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The village of Etna is set to become the hub of Irish activity in Whitley County next Saturday in observance of St. Patrick's Day.
You can forget your passport at home -- and travel to Etna United Methodist Church for their second annual Traditional Recipes Irish Dinner on Saturday, March 20.
From noon to 7 p.m., stop by the church and enjoy corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, Irish casserole, scones, apple cake and more -- all prepared by the church's congregation.
A free will offering is all that's required of those lucky enough to find their way to Etna for this delightful day of dining and delight.

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March 19, 2010