(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Whitley County Fairgrounds’ demolition derby pit area will be the site of the “Showdown at the Fairgrounds” mud dodgeball event on June 7 in Columbia City. Proceeds will benefit Whitley County Toys for Tots.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Barry Yeakle says he’s hoping the upcoming mud volleyball tournament will make a big splash in Whitley County.
Truly, if the Columbia City Fire Department pours enough water on the dirt at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds, the Toys for Tots event is sure to make more than a splash!
Slated for June 7, “Showdown at the Fairgrounds” is a first-time fundraiser by Toys for Tots pitting 
teams of eight against one another for the messiest version of dodge ball anyone has ever seen.
“Mud dodgeball is an invention all our own,” Yeakle said. Born of an idea for a new and different fundraiser, the committee planning the event is not only hoping for many teams to participate – but plenty of spectators as well.
The event will be held at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds in the area typically used for the demolition derby. Yeakle says they’ll be bringing in seating so that watchers can have a seat close to the action, but far enough away they won’t be part of the muddy action.
“People have been excited about this from the very beginning,” Yeakle said. As of Wednesday, Yeakle already had 12 teams confirmed and hopes to add four more before the event.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots hoping to 'make a splash' with mud dodgeball tournament on June 7" »
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Members of the Columbia City Rotary shared their support of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department's K-9 program on Tuesday with a financial contribution. Above, Rotary president Renel Alarie presents a check for $217.94 to Sheriff Mark Hodges following Tuesday's Rotary meeting at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Since it's now May, there's a different kind of tree trimming going on in Columbia City this morning. Traffic is confined to one lane on West Lincolnway near the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds due to crews trimming branches away from exposed lines along the roadway. Above, a worker trims branches in the 700 block of West Lincolnway. Be careful if you need to travel this way early today.
How have the rising gas prices impacted your family and your lifestyle? Send us an e-mail at jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The ceremonial red ribbon flies through the air as a group gathered to celebrate the new home of the Salvation Army of Whitley County – now housed in an office on the lower level of First Presbyterian Church on Chauncey and Jackson Streets near downtown Columbia City. Above, center, Mayor Jim Fleck cuts the ribbon while Salvation Army executive director Pat Mossburg stands just left of him, wearing green. They are surrounded by community volunteers and representatives of several non-profit organizations.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Salvation Army of Whitley County officially celebrated the grand opening of their new home in the lower level First Presbyterian Church – and thanked scores of volunteers for their various roles in supporting the organization during the past year.
Called Dedication & Donuts, the gathering wasn’t held in the morning – the typical time for donut consumption – but later in the afternoon. The event did, however, uphold a longstanding Salvation Army tradition of serving donuts to those who’ve had stake in the organization’s success.
“It is a World War I-era tradition of the Salvation Army that began in 1917,” said Salvation Army executive director Pat Mossburg Tuesday afternoon. While the dedication was a one time event, the donut reception is expected to become an annual tradition.
“The donut part is something I’ll continue as a thank you, as a way of showing our appreciation to those who’ve helped the Salvation Army,” Mossburg said, adding that it was fitting to hold the event this week: National Salvation Army Week.
“We’ve had a great turnout today,” said Mossburg as she looked around the room at the many faces who’ve helped the organization in big ways and small ways this year.
“Most everyone who has walked through these doors has had something to do with our Salvation Army, helping with bell-ringing, making donations, the Kiwanis, Toys for Tots and many others,” she said.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, the Whitley County 4-H Bike Club helped the livestock building fund along Tuesday evening with a donation of $300. Above, from left, is Tim Yagel of the building fund committee, bike club members Brandy Kyler and Holly Kyler, and bike club leader Eric Blank. Below, on behalf of the Junior Leaders, Holly Kyler and Brandy Kyler present at check for $500 to Tim Yagel.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Whitley County 4-H Livestock Building fundraising effort is several hundred dollars further along with the Tuesday night donations brought forth by two groups of young 4-H’ers.
The 4-H Bike Club donated $300 from proceeds raised from working in the concession stand during the Spring King Antique Tractor Auction event. Bike Club leader Eric Blank was present for the check presentation.
The 4-H Junior Leaders presented a check for $500 on behalf of their club.
Fundraising efforts continue in hopes that a barn can be built on the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds property – providing a permanent structure for livestock. Currently, a tent is put up each year to house animals that do not fit in the barns.
Donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated and can be sent to: Tim Yagel, 4-H Inc., 115 South Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.
For additional information, contact Tim Yagel at 609-1362, Bill Leeuw at 248-6499 or Dan Miller at 413-4524.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) With 'Love Wins' signs visible around Whitley County, shown early this spring, below, members of Columbia City United Methodist are taking action in the community with various projects. One team recently developed two new collection sites for the B.A.B.E. program.
By Roger Metzger
Collection centers now are available in three Whitley County communities in support of the B.A.B.E. (Beds and Britches, Etc.) Program serving young families of the area.
Two new locations for collection boxes are the Churubusco Child Care Center and the South Whitley Public Library. Columbia City collection points are the United Methodist Church (upstairs foyer and lower-level narthex), at The Peabody Library and at the B.A.B.E. store, 103 North Chauncey Street. 
Two of the new collection points, arranged through support of a “Love Wins” team at the Columbia City United Methodist Church , are meant to help address needs in those communities. Last year, B.A.B.E. served 242 clients from Churubusco and 281 from South Whitley – part of the 3,389 clients assisted in 2007.
“Beds & Britches, Etc. / B.A.B.E. is very excited to have so many people, churches, organizations and businesses willing to support this worthwhile program that is reaching the families within Whitley County,” says Shawn Ellis, program director.
“With gas prices at an all-time high, and food prices continuing to rise, families are in more need today then ever before. B.A.B.E. has noticed an increase in the number of diapers we’re distributing, not to mention the numerous other items that we provide, and sometimes, it feels as if we can’t keep up with the demands of the littlest members of our community.”
B.A.B.E. provides incentives for pregnant women to follow through with important prenatal care and preventative services for their infants and children by encouraging a healthier lifestyle.
Specific program goals are to:
-- decrease incidence of low birth-weight babies in Whitley County ,
-- increase awareness of the need for early and ongoing prenatal care, childhood immunizations and well-child physical examinations,
-- promote use and compliance with various family health services in the county and,
-- increase self-esteem and self-sufficiency through a coupon-earning system.
Young parents collect coupons to bring to the B.A.B.E. Store by taking their young child or baby to get its needed physical care. If their child goes to its own doctor for a checkup, the mother can ask for a coupon to bring to the store. If that child is taken for its immunization vaccines, a coupon is given, and the same occurs with visits to the WIC Program for food and good prenatal, postnatal and baby care.
Many other care programs visited by parents and a baby make that parent eligible for coupons.
The coupons can be spent one by one at the store or they can be accumulated to buy something larger than clothing, diapers or sippy-cups. By giving advance notice, those coupons could buy a baby bed, a stroller, a highchair, etc. It just depends how the parent wants to spend the coupons or what is needed in the home for children or baby. All these items are new.
“B.A.B.E. has been there for families of single parents, teen parents, stay-at-home moms and other families who desire to care for themselves and their little ones,” notes Ellis.
“Too many times we take for granted that families are making it just fine, when in fact they’re struggling to make it day in and day out. Please take the time to stop at your local store and purchase some diapers, wipes, pull-ups, bottles, onesies, socks, underwear, bibs, or any other kind of infant/toddler item that you know a parent would need to help in the growth of their child. Then, after you’ve purchased your item, please take it to the nearest drop-off point. It’s the goal to collect as much as possible so that B.A.B.E. can continue to serve the youngest generation.”
Ellis says she loves the word generation because it represents age, years, knowledge, accomplishments and many other things.
“Most importantly, the young generation is meant to learn from the older generation, and the older generation is meant to teach and love the younger generation. The Love Wins B.A.B.E. Group from the Columbia City United Methodist Church is a generation that is in full support of B.A.B.E. and the littlest members of our community and has taken on a project that is sure to reach many women, families and little ones in the community,” adds Ellis.
“With their love and support, they have set-up these new drop-off points for donations of infant and toddler items. Whether you’re among the young or older generation, you will have an easier opportunity to give to a program that serves so many.”
The B.A.B.E. incentive program also is available in many other communities in Indiana to help infants and children have a healthier life. Various institutions have helped with operation start-ups, then grants and community contributions have helped fund the program.
In Columbia City, store hours are Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call the B.A.B.E. Store at 244-2820 or the Columbia City United Methodist Church at 244-7671, extension 239.
By Tricia Hennessy
Two Parkview Health facilities and several physicians in Whitley County were recently recognized with 2008 Professional Research Consultants (PRC) Excellence in Healthcare Awards. The awards are based on patients’ perception of care and were presented at the PRC Client Education Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
“We are pleased that Parkview has been recognized as a leader in providing great patient care,” said Mike Packnett, President and CEO, Parkview Health. “Our physicians and staff work hard each day to ensure that patients and their families are receiving the best care possible. These awards complement our mission to improve the health of our communities and vision to be northeast Indiana’s leading provider of healthcare services.”
2008 Excellence in Healthcare/Patient Perception Awards for Parkview Medical Group
*Mark Burkett, D.O. – Columbia City, Oak St.
*Parkview Whitley OB-GYN
*James F. Hanus, D.O. – South Whitley Clinic
*Brian Haley, M.D. – Parkview Whitley OB-GYN
*Darcy Hoopingarner, N.P. – Columbia City, Branch Court
*South Whitley Clinic
Five-star award winners scored in the top 10% in the PRC national client database for 2007. The award is based on the percentage of patients that said their overall quality of care was excellent. Four-star award winners scored in the top 25%. The data was collected through phone interviews conducted by PRC, which is a nationally-known healthcare marketing research company headquartered in Omaha, Neb.
“Outstanding patient care is being provided in Whitley County thanks in part to our award winners,” said John Meister, Chief Operating Officer, Parkview Whitley Hospital. “This is great recognition for Parkview and the Whitley County community.”
(Talk of the Town photos by Dillon Sheiss) Parkview Whitley Hospital chief operations officer John Meister, left, receives a donation from Kelley Sheiss of Leadership Whitley County to assist with costs of a women’s health assessment offered during the recent Heartbeats Festival. Below, Sheiss submits to the needle, wincing as she participates in the women’s health assessment test.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano 
We probably all know of someone we love who tragically left our lives because of a heart attack. There might have been warning signs – seen and unseen – that might have prevented that from happening.
While we cannot save those we’ve lost, we can help women in the future in Whitley County.
For this reason, Leadership Whitley County and Parkview Whitley Hospital recently teamed up for Rhapsody in Red, a dinner dance for women’s heart health in Whitley County. Proceeds from the event were donated to Parkview Whitley Hospital to underwrite some of the costs associated with a special wellness test for women covering critical areas of heart health. The test was offered to Heartbeats Festival attendees on May 3 for $30 per person.
Kelley Sheiss, director of Leadership Whitley County, presented a check to Parkview Health chief operations officer John Meister on May 3 to defray some costs of providing the test.
Sheiss, who lost her mother to a fatal heart attack several years ago, took part in the health assessment personally – hoping to show by example that local women of all ages need to be concerned with their heart health.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Every small business owner, supervisor and employee is looking for a way to get the most out of their day, but without adequate time management skills, you’re spinning in circles.
On Thursday, May 22, Leadership Whitley County will be presenting a special seminar for the community entitled Time Strategies from 9-11 a.m. at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
Facilitator Tim Hartigan of Wells Business Development will present an informative and interactive session on time management. His program will include tools, techniques and breakout activities for participants – helping them to enhance and refine their time management skills.
“This is a great opportunity to attend an affordable, locally-based program on a valuable topic,” said Leadership Whitley County director Kelley Sheiss, who has been coordinating the event.
The cost to attend the event is $5 for Leadership Whitley County alumni and $10 for general registration. Pre-registration is requested by Friday, May 16.
For more information, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or via e-mail at 3dsheiss@whitleynet.org.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Emily Berning, shown below with her parents, was selected at Whitley County's 2008 Junior Miss, below. Plans for the 2009 event are now underway.
By Pamela Thompson 
Contestant recruitment for the 44th annual Whitley County's Junior Miss program has begun. The event will be held on October 11 at 7 p.m. at Columbia City High School and recruitment efforts have begun to seek contestants for this year's event.
Informational meetings about the Junior Miss program are scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m. at the Churubusco Public Library, Thursday, May 29, at the South Whitley Public Library and Tuesday, June 3 at the Peabody Public Library, Columbia City.
Each meeting will be one hour in length with Anne Rentschler and Pamela Thompson, co-coordinators of the Whitley County Junior Miss (WCJM) program providing information. Potential contestants from the communities should attend an informational session, which fits their schedule. If a potential contestant has a conflict with the scheduled informational meetings she should call 244-7467. Orientation meetings for the local program will be scheduled during the last week of July.
Whitley County Junior Miss, a franchisee holder with Indiana's Junior Miss and America's Junior Miss program, welcomes high school senior girls from the county's three high schools as well as home schooled high school senior girls to participate. Senior girls who attend a Whitley County high school, but are residents of a township outside of Whitley County may also enter the competition.
Potential contestants are encouraged to register on line by typing in either
America's Junior Miss or "http://ajm.org/" in "search." On the Junior Miss web site click on "Join us." The contestant will be asked to login in and should use her
personal email address. Click on "forgot password" and a password (from
America's Junior Miss) will be received by the contestant with in a day or two. The contestant is then asked to complete the "Contestant Application" and then click on "Submit Application." The staff of America's Junior Miss will notify the local co-coordinator, Anne Rentschler, of the interest for participation in the local Junior Miss program.
The Board of Directors of WCJM awards cash scholarships to category winners, the second and first runners-ups and Whitley County’s Junior Miss.
Prizes totaling $2,600 were awarded to the winners in the Oct. 6, 2007, program. Emily Berning, a senior at Columbia City High School, was named the winner of Whitley County Junior Miss and received a $700 cash scholarship. Berning will attend Hillsdale College in Michigan in the fall.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Hands clasped in prayer and heads bowed, soldiers of the Army’s 384th Military Police prayed together – sharing thanks for their safe return and honoring those who did not make it home during a ceremony held in their honor Friday evening as they returned to Indiana. Below, carrying all of their belongings from a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq, three soldiers prepare to part ways on home soil.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano 
Pouring rain and cheeks wet with joyful tears welcomed soldiers of the Army’s 384th Military Police to a pavilion festooned with flags and bunting as they returned to Indiana Friday evening – including six native sons and a daughter who’ve come home to Whitley County.
Sergeants Tom Hamman, Dian Hager and Wesley Smith as well as Specialists Gabe Gordon, Kory Duncan, Brandon Kuhn and Dustin Auer, all of Whitley County, were among the scores of soldiers who returned from an 15-month tour of duty in Iraq.
The celebration of their return home was held Friday night at the Allen County Fairgrounds on Carroll Road in Fort Wayne. The soldiers were greeted by loved ones, friends and members of the community – showing their pride, an outpouring of support and joy at the soldiers’ return.
Local government representatives, including State Representative Matt Bell who serves a portion of Whitley County, were on hand to welcome the soldiers home and thank them for their duty to their country. Bell personally welcomed the Whitley County soldiers back to the community and spoke briefly with many of their families.
(Photos contributed) Mason and Dalton VanHouten, above, give it their best as they participated in the first annual Tinkham's 5K at Camp Whitley last year. Below, Ashley Cearbaugh is triumphant in completing the run. Volunteers are busy planning the details of the 5K run and a fundraising breakfast at Camp Whitley next Saturday, May 17.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Eager to learn archery, take early morning swims in Troy Cedar Lake and participate in the shenanigans every young boy and girl experiences at camp, the 80th season of campers will soon pack their bags for Camp Whitley, a long-held tradition and rite of passage for young ones in the community. 
As they gear up for the season, a series of weekend of fundraisers is being planned at Camp Whitley in Etna Troy Township next weekend.
The event kicks off early Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with a 5K run. The event, coordinated by Brian Bills, a volunteer and longtime supporter of the camp, is one of the newest events to be held annually in support of the camp.
“To brag on him a bit, (he) single-handedly organized the run last year, which has prbably been one of the most re-invigorating events for us at Camp in a very long time,” writes camp director Tara Brandon.
Called Tinkham’s 5K, participants may choose to run or walk. Awards will be presented to the top male and top female finishers as well as the top three in each age category. Families are encouraged to participate in addition to individual runners or walkers.
The entry fee is $20 per person or a maximum $50 per family. Registration will be held from 7-7:45 a.m. on Saturday.
A pancake, sausage and egg breakfast will also be held that morning from 7-10 a.m. with proceeds raised also supporting Camp Whitley.
“It was a huge success for us last year and a lot of fun,” stated Brandon. “We hope the same will happen again this year!”
Later this summer, on June 28 from 1-4 p.m., the community is invited to visit Camp Whitley in honor of the 80th year for celebration event.
For additional information about the Tinkham’s 5K, contact Brian Bills at 248-2930 or via e-mail at bbills@hoosierlink.net or Paula Langeloh at 248-8733. Also, visit the website at www.campwhitley.com
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Many passersby were struck by the obvious beauty of the large blooms, above, on several peony bushes for sale this morning at the Columbia City Farmers Market in downtown Columbia City. The market is held each Saturday in Columbia City on the courthouse lawn from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, locally grown products, handmade items, entertainment and the pleasant chatter of friends.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors selected Miller's Merry Manor as the May Business of the Month, garnering the staff an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and a sign designating the honor. Above, ambassadors stand among the staff of Miller's Merry Manor celebrating their designation this past Monday.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Viewing the gardening genius of other in our community is a tremendous way to spend an afternoon and many look forward to the annual Somebody Cares Garden Walk.
This year’s event is slated for July 12 in Whitley County, with proceeds supporting the organization’s counseling services in the community.
Ann Fahl, a volunteer planning the event, is currently seeking participants who would like to have their garden showcased in the walk.
For more information, contact Ann Fahl at 609-2404 or at Orizon Real Estate at 248-8961, ext. 226.
Article Submitted
The American Red Cross encourages all citizens to learn the skills necessary to save a life in cardiac arrest situations through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In recent weeks, discussion about “Compression-Only CPR” has surfaced in news reports and the medical community. In response, the American Red Cross explains its position on Compression-Only CPR.
Compression-Only CPR, also referred to as “Hands-Only CPR,” is comprised of forceful chest compressions (at the rate of 100 compressions per minute) administered until professional help arrives on the scene of a cardiac arrest. This method differs from full CPR, which includes cycles of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing.
Based on scientific evidence, the American Red Cross supports Compression-Only CPR as an acceptable alternative for those unwilling, unable or untrained to perform full CPR.
Erin McDonald, director of preparedness and safety solutions for the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana, explains “The Red Cross recognizes that eliminating mouth-to-mouth breathing in cardiac arrest situations may make CPR easier and less stressful to some who may be reluctant or unable to perform it. However, full CPR is still important to learn.”
The American Red Cross offers full CPR courses that provide participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations. In addition to learning how to recognize cardiac emergencies and perform CPR, Red Cross CPR courses teach what to do if someone is choking or having a breathing emergency, how to care for someone in shock, and more.
McDonald adds “In any life-threatening emergency, the most important thing that a person can do is call 911 immediately. Then, perform full or Compression-Only CPR until professional help arrives.”
To learn Compression-Only CPR, the American Red Cross offers First Aid and CPR for Everyone at-home kits for $9.95. Individuals or groups interested in taking a CPR, Automatic Defibrillator (AED), first aid or other training courses should contact the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana. To purchase at-home kits or to sign up for a class, call (260) 484-9336, ext. 240.
An all you can eat fish and tenderloin dinner has been planned for May 16 at the Masonic Lodge in Columbia City across from C.J.'s hotdog stand on Chicago Street. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until they are sold out. The cost is $8 for adults, $3 for 5 -12 year olds and under 5 may eat for free.
According to Angely Maley, assistant director of the Whitley County Historical Museum, and Jeanette Brown, county historian, the Remarkable Women of Whitley County tea that had been scheduled for Saturday, May 10, has been cancelled.
