Check back later tonight!
We'll be updating much later than we typically do to accomodate the July 4th holiday! See you this evening and have a wonderful, safe holiday!
July 04, 2009
July 03, 2009
Fireworks & Festivities: Whitley County residents ready to celebrate for two full days
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, festooned in red, white and blue, DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home will welcome the community this evening for their annual Independence Day celebration leading up to the Columbia City fireworks display. Below, volunteers Terry and Judi Huffman have decorated the entrances to the Loon Lake community in northern Whitley County with a patriotic spirit in anticipation of Saturday's activities there.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Looking forward to some Independence Day fun?
Luckily, as expected, there are lots of opportunities to have a great holiday right here in Whitley County.
Morsches Park
At 5 p.m., make your way down to Morsches Park for an evening of events as the Columbia City community celebrates Independence Day.
According to Columbia City Parks Department director Mark Green, the Splashpad will be open along with children’s activities, moonwalks, an obstacle course, jumperoos and more.
“It’s an opportunity for families to get together, hang out and be at the park,” Green said. “It is a chance to enjoy the holiday in a safe environment.”
Green said there will be elephant ears served by the Whitley County Shrine Club, Gaerte’s will serve their famous fish and tenderloin and shaved ice will be available to keep you cool.
Additionally, according to park board member Kelley Sheiss, Columbia City Farmers Market vendors will set up a booth as well – something new this year.
Sheiss said volunteers from the market will be selling popsicles and glow-in-the-dark bracelets to support the market from 7-9 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., local band Marshall Law will perform.
“Fireworks generally start at 10 p.m.,” added Green.
Those in attendance will have the opportunity to support two park-oriented fundraisers as well. First, a raffle of a children’s 4-wheeler will begin with proceeds to support the Splashpad’s water usage. Second, donations will be accepted to support the fireworks program.
“We would definitely accept donations,” Green said. “This is one of those areas where we’re asked every year if we can continue doing this.”
At a cost of approximately $10,000 per year which is supported partially by Columbia City Council and partially through the Parks Department budget, Green believes eventually a day will come when funding is not there – and when it does, it will be up to the community to determine, with their dollars, whether the annual fireworks show will continue.
“One of these years it could get cut,” Green said. “If we want to keep doing this, we’ll need to raise the funds.”
DeMoney-Grimes' Independence Day Celebration
DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home is pleased to announce its annual Independence Day Celebration.
For several years families have gathered in the parking lot at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home to watch the Columbia City fireworks display.
Tonight, July 3, DeMoney-Grimes staff will be sponsoring fun events for the family prior to the fireworks. Free face painting will be available all evening starting at 6:30 p.m., Fernip the Clown will be making balloon animals for the kids between 7:30-9:30 p.m., there will be a "BOOM BOOM" Egg Hunt at 9 p.m. for children ages 12 and under, and free popcorn will be available for all.
Parking spaces are limited and will be on a first come basis. No spaces will be reserved ahead of time.
Saturday, July 4 – Loon Lake Celebrations
Beginning with the annual Loon Lake 5.5K run/walk around the lake at 8 a.m., activities will be going on at Loon Lake in northern Whitley County throughout the day. 
From 8-11 a.m., a pancake and sausage breakfast will be served at the home of Tim & Ruby Brower. Proceeds will support the fireworks fund. Breakfast will be served pier side for boats and on the lawn by Loon Lake Property Owners Association volunteers.
At mid-day, the fictitious Loon Lake Sailing & Yacht Club will commence their annual sailboat race. Last year, close to a dozen sailboats participated in the event.
At 4 p.m., the well-known Loon Lake Boat Parade will begin near the southeast shore of the lake and make its way around the lake. This year’s boat theme is “Show Us Your Loon Lake Stimulus Package.” Watching the parade from the shore or on piers, viewers will have the opportunity to select their favorite themed boats to win prizes. Each year, the contest gets more and more impressive.
After dark, the Loon Lakes Fireworks display will be sent forth from the old campground property on the eastern shore of the lake, creating a beautiful display over the water that can be viewed from anywhere around the lake community. Receiving the contract for this year’s display was once again Paul Forman of Forman Blaster, LLC, out of Peru, Indiana. This is the second year the Loon Lake community has raised funds to support a professional fireworks show.
Saturday, July 4, at Tri Lakes
Through there will not be a formal fireworks display at Tri Lakes this year, there will be much activity going on Saturday at Tri Lakes.
The public is welcome to spend the afternoon and evening at the Lake Shore Tavern on Bair Road
(formerly Pirate’s Cove) for food and activities beginning at 2 p.m. Later that evening, the more than 100 feet of shoreline will provide a scenic location to watch private fireworks shows around the lake.
Garden walk, plant sale to support Amerian Cancer Society on Saturday at Loon Lake
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Chris and AJ Neireiter of Loon Lake are hosting a garden walk and plant sale to support the American Cancer Society on Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Look for directional signs on CR 700 between the boat launch site and CR 250 West. There are also signs on CR 250 that will direct you down the original Loon Lake road toward the site of the garden tour and plant sale, shown above.
Getting ready for the July 4th Sale
Keep the water flowing: Fundraiser to aid in support of the Splashpad in Morsches Park
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A child-sized 4-wheeler, shown above, has been donated to the Columbia City Parks Department to use in a raffle to raise funds to support water usage for the Splashpad, the summer spot for refreshing fun in Columbia City's Morsches Park.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
It’s an oasis of summer bliss – refreshing cascades of water, laughter and constant movement. The Splashpad is priceless summer fun, but it isn’t free.
Sure, the big funds were raised for the outdoor water feature’s construction last summer, but there are crucial funds that will likely always need to be continually raised to support its operation.
“We spend a lot of money on the water,” says Columbia City Parks Department director Mark Green. “But, we love the Splashpad and so we’ll do anything we do to raise the funds to help support it.”
Last year, the budgeted amount of money for water usage was spent earlier than expected because the community loves the Splashpad too. Even on days when it seems almost too chilly to enjoy it, children can still be found aiming the water guns, swinging around the poles and standing on the fountains. For a kid, it seems, it is never too cold!
Fortunately, a local family recent donation will help raise needed funds for the water usage. The Barb Dunfee family donated a child-sized, gas-powered Wildfire 4-wheeler that will be raffled off with proceeds supporting the Splashpad.
The Dunfees contacted the Parks Department recently about their idea to raise funds for the Splashpad and delivered the vehicle this week.
Designed for children between the ages of 8-10, weighing less than 145 pounds, it will be a lot of fun for one lucky child.
“It’s a huge help and the money we raise from the sale of tickets will help fund the water we use for the Splashpad,” Green said. A certain amount of water is funded each year via the Parks Department budget, but with more people enjoying the Splashpad that funded amount of water could be easily surpassed.
Tickets will go on sale this evening during the Columbia City fireworks festivities in Morsches Park. Green said tickets will be available for purchase at the Whitley County 4-H Fair, in the park office and potentially other locations through August 15.
To purchase raffle tickets to support the Splashpad’s water usage fund, contact Mark Green at 248-5180.
Have you checked the Talk of the Town classifieds?
We have some excellent jobs posted in the Help Wanted section of our classified ads -- you might want to check them out! In fact, some of them you won't find posted anywhere else!
Just a reminder -- Talk of the Town classified ads are FREE for individuals! Got a car you want to sell? Antiques you no longer enjoy? Furniture you need to move out to make way for something new? Post it in our FREE classified ads. Also, employers -- our job postings are FREE too!
'Busco's Farmers Market opens Saturday
By Viv Sade
The Churubusco Farmers Market will be open for business Saturday, July 4, in the parking lot behind National City Bank, located at the corner of U.S. 33 and S.R. 205. Weather permitting, the market is open from 8 a.m. until noon each Saturday from now until October.
Those interested in becoming vendors must register with the Whitley County Board of Health in Columbia City (no charge for vendors of produce, plants or crafts) and locally, at the Churubusco Town Hall on Home Avenue.
There is also a $10 local registration fee (payable at the Town Hall) which is good for the entire season. All registration fees go into a Farmers Market fund which is used for market expenses such as advertising and signs.
For more information on the Churubusco Farmers Market call the Town Hall at 693-9350 (Barb or Gerri); email them at turtletownusa@aol.com; or email Town Council member Viv Sade at viv@buscovoice.com
Soiree planned to celebrate Columbia City Rotary Club's 90th anniversary
(Talk of the Town file photo by Marla Fahl) At right, Columbia City Rotary Club members stand in front of The Clugston on what is believed to be the club's actual anniversary date in May of 2009. The club is planning a formal celebration in honor of their 90th anniversary on July 10 at 7 p.m. at The Clugston. 
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Columbia City Rotary members of the past and present and their spouses are invited to attend the club’s 90th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 10 at 7 p.m. in downtown Columbia City.
A committee has been planning the event for several months. The soiree will be held at the site of the first Columbia City Rotary Club Meeting, The Clugston, and will include the dedication of a plaque on the Clugston commemorating the club’s anniversary.
Those with fond memories of Rotary are asked to attend and bring along any memorabilia they would like to share with those in attendance that evening.
The event will be held rain or shine.
July 02, 2009
Friends to remember Brandon Minier with August 22 live music event at Tri Lakes
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Friends of the late Brandon Minier, shown below last fall, will be hosting an event on August 22 to remember him and to raise funds to support his children's educational fund. Below, posters Brandanza, designed by Minier's friend Chad Fry, are being distributed around the community.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Brandon Minier’s friends remember fondly his smile, his perpetually positive attitude, commitment to his family, his sense of humor and enjoyment of music.
Overcome with grief after his tragic death in a motorcycle accident in late April of this year, they sought a way to memorialize him and, at the same time, honor elements of his life which were paramount – his family, friendship and a love of music. 
In his memory, his friends are planning an event they’re calling “Brandanza,” which will feature a hog roast, refreshments, games and more. The event will be held August 22 from 3-10 p.m. at Portside Pizza, Tri Lakes.
At 5 p.m., a variety of live bands will perform – including a reunion of the much-loved local band Strut Train and performances from other groups with local roots including I, Wombat, Towhead, The Swingin’ Angels and Unlikely Alibi.
“Mike Thomas and Shannon Clark originally came to me with the idea on the day of Brandon's funeral,” said Minier’s longtime friend, Chad Fry. “Since then, most of the planning has been done by Mike and myself, while Shannon has been acquiring support and donations from around town.”
The enthusiastic response they’ve received from a wide circle of friends and from the community at large has been amazing – with a large number of people already committed to attend the event via a page they set up for the event on a social networking site. As of this afternoon, 119 guests have already confirmed their attendance for the event that is still over a month and a half away. Excitement continues to grow and a wider network of people continue to invite others to attend the event.
“Brandon could always put a smile on your face and was always fun to be around. He was one of a kind and is missed by many,” said remembers lifelong friend Mike Thomas.
“Brandon was a huge music fan,” Fry said. “He was also an enthusiastic supporter of all of his friends' bands. As soon as I heard the idea, I knew that we had to do it.”
“He's always been a big fan of music,” Thomas said. “We've been turning each other on to music since I can remember and been going to shows since we we're like 14.”
“He will be on stage with all of us that day,” Fry added. 
If all goes well, Brandanza may be a fundraiser that continues for years to come as well – not only to support the education fund for Minier’s children, but for the warmth it provides in bringing together people who have loved and lost a good friend.
“He loved doing stuff for his kids and talked about them and showed them off constantly,” said Thomas of Minier's wife, April, and the couple's two young children. “His wife and kids meant everything to him and they always came first no matter what,” he added, “even if we tried to persuade him to hang with us!”
The event’s goal of raising funds for Minier’s children’s educations is just what he would have wanted, friends say.
“He was always riding bikes with his kids, playing Wii with his kids, carving pumpkins with his kids...he was an awesome father,” remembers family friend Meghan Lawrence. “When you think of what kind of father you wish you'd had or what kind of father you want your kids to have, he's it -- the perfect example.”
“I would love to do this every year,” said Fry, who will be performing with his band, I, Wombat. “So many people have expressed excitement to me about this show. If it is as successful as I think it will be, I don't see why we wouldn't want to do it again.”
“We miss him,” Lawrence added. “We are proud to have been his friends. We are better people from having known him, and we will always be positively influenced by him.”
The event is $10 per person or $20 for a family and children under 12 are free.
If anyone would like to donate to the event, but cannot attend the show to send an email to: BRANDANZA@yahoo.com.
Snapshots: 2009 Crossroads Music Festival
Passing the Gavel: Rotarians honor outgoing president Candice Yeakle, welcome new president Ryan Wilson
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) On Tuesday, members of the Columbia City Rotary Club ended their rotary year with the passing of the gavel. The reigns of the organization were passed from Candice Yeakle to new president Ryan Wilson. Above, Ryan Wilson presents Candice Yeakle with a plaque to commemorate her year of leadership with the local service organization.
Parkview’s Diabetes Education Center receives program accreditation
Article provided
Parkview Whitley Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center recently applied for and received re-accreditation for its education program June 19, which means that it is in compliance with national standards for diabetes self-management education. The three-year accreditation was granted by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE).
The hospital program is managed by Jan Robson, RN, CDE, who keeps detailed records as evidence of continual implementation of the national standards and requirements for maintaining accreditation. She also is required to submit change-of-status reports to AADE within 30 days of any significant program change, and must submit an annual status and performance measurement report at the end of the first and second accreditation anniversaries.
Diabetes education, also known as diabetes self-management training (DSMT), is a collaborative process through which people with diabetes or who are at-risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions. Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who focus on helping people with diabetes and people at risk for diabetes and related conditions to achieve changes in behavior that, in turn, lead to better clinical outcomes and improved health.
Founded in 1973, AADE was created by and for diabetes educators. As a multidisciplinary professional association, it represents and supports diabetes educators by providing members the resources to stay abreast of current research, methods and trends in the field and by offering opportunities to network and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
For more information on diabetes education, call 248-9319.
Crossroads Bank celebrates 5th anniversary for Columbia City branch
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Columbia City branch of Crossroads Bank is celebrating their 5th anniversary in the community. Joining in the celebration, above, from left are employees Tina Wood, Jody Klopfenstein, Cathy Heaton, Charlotte Lytle, Deb Roy, Jane Davisson, Casey Avery and Randy Holler.
Article Provided
The Columbia City branch of Crossroads Bank turns five this month, and they’re inviting the community to celebrate — through a customer appreciation day and a community food drive.
On Friday, July 10, the bank will host a customer appreciation day at their 526 W. Connexion Way location, where they’ll serve cookies and punch from the time they open at 8:30 a.m. until closing at 5 p.m. And don’t miss the free hot dog cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Throughout the day, they’ll also be collecting canned goods, baby items, hygiene products and cash donations to give to local food pantries. On top of all this, Crossroads Bank will contribute an additional $500 to help feed the hungry in the community.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to the community for a very successful five years,” said Deb Roy, branch manager and assistant vice president of Crossroads Bank. “Since we opened the Columbia City branch in 2004, we feel fortunate to have grown alongside the thriving industry, business and housing markets. It’s rewarding for us to see the positive impacts we have made within our community.”
Some of the branch’s achievements include being named the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Business of the Month” in February 2008 and three-time “People’s Choice Award” winner by The Post & Mail newspaper.
Another distinction of the bank, said Roy, is the employees themselves, who offer a collective 59 years of banking experience to the community. Incidentally, every staff member at the Columbia City branch is a Whitley County resident and involved in at least one local charitable or business-related group.
“As a locally owned bank, Crossroads is committed to enriching the community in which we live and work,” said Roy. “As we look ahead—whether it be 5 years or 50—we’re just honored and privileged to serve our great community and customers. A special thanks goes to them for making this milestone possible!”
About Crossroads Bank
Crossroads Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of FFW Corporation, providing an extensive array of banking services and a wide range of investments and securities products through its main office in Wabash and four banking centers located in Columbia City, North Manchester, South Whitley and Syracuse, Ind. The bank provides leasing services at its banking centers and its Carmel, Ind., leasing and commercial loan office. Insurance products are offered through an affiliated company, Insurance 1 Services, Inc. The corporation’s stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “FFWC.OB.” To learn more, visit www.crossroadsbanking.com.
Ginger Alert: Help reunite family with missing pet
(Talk of the Town photo provided) 
A local family needs the community's help in being reunited with their missing dog, an eight-year-old Yorkie named Ginger Ale Smith.
Ginger is believed to have been dog-knapped on Father's Day and her family would like nothing more than to have her returned home safely.
Click here for more information on what happened and how you can help.
Ham radio enthusiasts gathered for 24-hour on air event at 4-H Grounds
July 01, 2009
Joe's Truck and Tractor Pull 2009
(Talk of the Town video by Tony Romano) Joe's Truck and Tractor Pull to benefit the Whitley County 4-H program was held Saturday night at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds. The first-time event brought pullers from all over the region and was planned by Columbia City resident Joe Oliver.
More OSD parade photos...
You wouldn't believe how many photos Talk of the Town took during the American Legion Old Settlers Days parade...many more than we could ever post on here. So, we uploaded quite a few to our photo folder on the tool bar at right where you can view them. Enjoy!
Sources say Fort Wayne Foundry may reopen as soon as July 13
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Though the plant stands silent at this hour, it may not be the end for the Fort Wayne Foundry in Columbia City.
In fact, according to sources, the foundry may again be operational as soon as July 13 – breathing life again into the facility that has been shut since Thursday, May 28.
On Friday morning, UAW Local 2242 will meet for the purpose of ratifying a contract. The former contract under which Fort Wayne Foundry employees had been working was nullified when the foundry filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
While workers are eager to get their jobs back, it may not be the same jobs they left, says a source. The new contract is likely to include pay cuts, a reduction in benefits and other concessions.
At this time, it is possible, that only one shift will be called back if the foundry reopens this month. It is unclear how many employees may return to work.
Talk of the Town will continue to follow this story and provide more information as it is available.
June 30, 2009
Old Settlers Days Association leaves mark of philanthropy on Whitley County year-round
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, when walking along the midway, distracted by the activity around us, many fail to realize the level of good the event makes possible in our community each year. Below, OSD leadership help guide the annual giving. From left are Red Coats Jacie Worrick, Toby Chapman, Tom Drew and Jim Brock.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
There’s a piece of Old Settlers Days in the trees and gardens in Morsches Park. It’s in the smiles of children playing soccer at the YMCA. It was in the Civil War soldiers hats that museum last week and if you look around, you’ll find a little bit of Old Settlers Days in the community throughout the year – not just during the annual festival in June.
In the past two years, alone, the Old Settlers Days Association has given away more than $84,000 to local groups and charitable organizations including Whitley County 4-H, Learning Services, Whitley County Community Foundation, American Legion, Columbia City Parks Department, Whitley County Family YMCA, Whitley County Council on Aging, Columbia City Fire Department Museum, Whitley County Historical Society and the 4-H Agricultural History Museum and Learning Center. And that’s not all. 
“Just about every worthwhile organization, we’ve contributed,” said 2009 Old Settlers Day president Tom Drew.
“We’ve just always done it – since day one,” Drew said.
“We’ve always kept a low profile,” said first vice president Jim Brock. The OSDA has been reserved about their level of giving, but many feel it’s time to let the community know that Old Settlers Days is more than a street fair, more than just a tradition, more than just five days of enjoyment.
“It’s a big asset to the community,” Drew said. “We’ve helped a lot of organizations as you can see.”
“With what I’ve seen, it’s been very evenly distributed,” Brock added, saying the contributions over the years have been given to a variety of causes that impact children on up to senior citizens.
“We’ve really worked well together and I think everyone has had something they wanted to see done,” Drew said.
When measuring the value of Old Settlers Days in the community, it is also worthwhile to take into account the funds raised for local non-profit organizations through their own booths along the midway. Organizations such as the Whitley County Shrine Club, Faith Christian Academy, Whitley County 4-H, numerous churches and church groups and other organizations raise considerable funds selling confections downtown or during the parade.
There’s a lot about Old Settlers Days people don’t know, despite the event’s 105-year history – some of which is never known unless a person is personally involved in planning the event.
“I didn’t realize how indepth it is, the work that it takes,” Brock said. “It takes a lot of long hours.”
“There is definitely a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Drew added.
Snapshots: Old Settlers Days 2009
Snapshots: 2009 American Legion Old Settlers Days Parade
Leonard weighs in on state budget, approved this evening
(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) 
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
About an hour ago, it was announced that the state budget has finally been approved – within hours of the midnight deadline for some sort of resolution.
“This budget is the result of hours of testimony, debate and negotiations,” said State Representative Dan Leonard who represents a large portion of Whitley County.
“This isn’t a budget House Republicans would have written, but it will keep the state solvent for two more years,” Leonard said. “I would have preferred to see more restraint in spending tax dollars to provide a wider safety net for the state.”
Leonard and fellow State Representative Matt Bell, who also represents a portion of Whitley County, have voiced concerns about keeping ample reserves to keep the state comfortable financially through uncertainty ahead.
This evening’s vote in the Republican-led Senate was 34-16. The House, under Democratic leadership, had passed the budget 62-37 earlier today.
Concerned about the financial implications of a bad economy on the state, Leonard added, “We don’t know where the bottom of this recession is; until we start to see some recovery from the economy, we must remain extremely careful about spending reserves.”
The budget now goes to Governor Mitch Daniels for his approval.
Update: As of late this evening, Governor Mitch Daniels approved the state budget.
Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network opening lines of communication tonight for Hoosiers needing help
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
As heads of household continue to lose their jobs and face financial woes in this devastating economy, more and more families are coming to terms with the reality they may lose their homes. Will it be next week? Next month? Nothing is for certain.
Fortunately, many in positions of power within the state do not want to see that happen and have developed the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network to find solutions and help Hoosiers avoid foreclosure.
The initiative has been heavily promoted over the past several days by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman.
Tonight, between 5-10 p.m., representatives from the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network will be fielding phone calls and discussing options to avoid foreclosure in a confidential, private way over the telephone.
Before placing a call, residents facing the potential of foreclosure are asked to have several pieces of information readily available before dialing the number. You should have your mortgage loan account number, a brief description of your personal circumstances, recent documents pertaining to your income such as pay stubs, benefit statements regarding social security, disability, unemployment, retirement or public assistance. You will also need a list of household expenses and if you are self-employed, you will need a tax return or a year-to-date profit and loss statement.
Whitley County residents should call 1-800-274-5961.
Secretary of State's office will remain open regardless of budgetary woes
Article provided
Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita announced Sunday that if Indiana lawmakers are unable to pass a budget before this week’s deadline, the resulting state government shutdown will not adversely affect the services currently provided by his office.
Secretary Rokita and his staff have volunteered to man a skeleton crew to keep office services available to Hoosiers. Because of the 21st Century business model implemented by Secretary Rokita and his administration, only a small number of volunteers will be needed on a temporary basis to maintain the innovative and largely automated web-based services provided by the Secretary of State’s office.
“Government might shut down, but Indiana business won’t. We will work to make certain that Hoosiers will still be able to interact with our office,” said Secretary Rokita. “A government shutdown will be a real problem for many Indiana businesses, but with our user-friendly online services and capable staff, our office is part of the solution.”
Few places in government are as prepared as the Secretary of State’s office to handle a potential shutdown. Secretary Rokita has made the following services available 24/7 through his web site, www.in.gov/sos.
The one piece of the budget there should be no dispute about is the Secretary of State’s budget. Offering online services is just one of the latest efforts to increase government efficiency that is allowing Secretary Rokita to operate his division on the same budget, unadjusted for inflation, as that of the secretary of state in 1987.
In fact, Secretary Rokita states that he requested 2.3 percent less in his current two-year budget request than was appropriated for his office for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The office also has been able to reduce costs through increased efficiency and use of new technology.
“Unreliability of government services and the cost of government, primarily taxes, are two major concerns for business leaders as they decide whether to move to or stay and grow here in Indiana,” said Secretary Rokita.
“For our part, the Secretary of State’s office is making sure that reliability, good service and low cost are guaranteed, no matter what the General Assembly does or does not do with regards to the budget,” added Rokita.
Need for summer blood donors is significant, says American Red Cross
By Amanda Banks
Helping to save lives through blood donation is as much a part of summer as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie.
“You can make a huge difference and help save a life this summer through the simple act of giving blood,” said Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “Every day, someone’s mother, father, child or friend needs blood for their very life. Your blood donation has the potential to impact others when they need it most.”
Hospital patients need blood year-round for ongoing and emergency care. But that need compounds in the summer when vacation-related travel and activities increase the chance of serious accidents that require blood for lifesaving care. A person injured in an automobile accident, for instance, may need up to 40 units of blood.
“It’s critical for blood to be there when it’s needed,” said Whitman. “In some cases, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death.”
Every day, patients across the U.S. need an average of 38,000 pints of blood. And while the need for blood doesn’t go away during the summer, blood donors sometimes do. Donors become busy with seasonal activities and may overlook donating blood. High school and college students, too, are on break and may not have the opportunity to give. About 15 to 20 percent of the blood supply is donated by students through drives scheduled at schools, colleges or universities.
“We’re asking students and all eligible donors to make donating blood part of what they do this summer,” said Whitman. “Wherever your travels take you, chances are there’s an American Red Cross blood drive close by.”
Whitley County area blood drives:
Thursday, July 9, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Churubusco United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall, located at 750 N. Main St. in Churubusco.
Thursday, July 16, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at United Methodist Church, located at 605 N. Forest Parkway in Columbia City.
Wednesday, July 29, from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at Northeastern REMC in the Conference Room, located at 4901 E. Park 30 Drive in Columbia City. Please call 244-6111, ext. 412 to schedule your blood donation appointmet.
All northeast Indiana donors who give blood or platelets June 29 – September 7 may enter to win a $500 Meijer gift card. A winner will be drawn each week!
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Recent Posts
- Check back later tonight!
- Fireworks & Festivities: Whitley County residents ready to celebrate for two full days
- Garden walk, plant sale to support Amerian Cancer Society on Saturday at Loon Lake
- Getting ready for the July 4th Sale
- Keep the water flowing: Fundraiser to aid in support of the Splashpad in Morsches Park
- Have you checked the Talk of the Town classifieds?
- 'Busco's Farmers Market opens Saturday
- Soiree planned to celebrate Columbia City Rotary Club's 90th anniversary
- Friends to remember Brandon Minier with August 22 live music event at Tri Lakes
- Snapshots: 2009 Crossroads Music Festival
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