Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Faithful from across the Catholic Church's Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese celebrated another facet of Holy Week Tuesday evening by attending Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. The event serves as an opportunity for all priests within the diocese, including Father Larry Kramer of Columbia City, to reaffirm their vows of priesthood. Additionally, churches within the diocese brought forth their vessels to bring back home newly blessed and consecrated sacred oils, or Chrism, that are used throughout the year for baptisms, priestly ordinations, anointing of catechumens and to anoint the sick. Above, Bishop Kevin Rhoades, forms the sign of the cross, blessing all in attendance at the Chrism Mass Tuesday, including a group of Whitley County residents.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Members of the newly formalized Downtown Columbia City Business Association met this morning to select a logo and finalize a letter urging local members to join the organization.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

In one form or another, they’ve been meeting for decades, but for the past year, the business owners in downtown Columbia City have been working toward refining their collective goals and objectives.
With a vote of the participants in February and the identification of goals in March, they decided to formalize the Downtown Columbia City Business Association (DCCBA) and move forward as an independent organization as they continue to advocate the importance of a thriving business community for downtown Columbia City.
A special meeting was held today to select a logo to represent the group and to finalize a letter that will be given to local businesses or service companies within the organization’s boundaries.
The purpose of the group is to act as an advocating and marketing entity for businesses in the vicinity of downtown Columbia City. Membership in the group will be open to all companies initially within the historic district in downtown Columbia City, however members are willing to expand that area if neighboring businesses want to join. Additionally, anyone supportive of the downtown business sector may elect to become a member as well.
Memberships will be $25 per year and will be put into a fund for use on future marketing, improvement projects or advocacy efforts for downtown businesses. The group is anticipating taking ownership of the Santa Claus house project in downtown Columbia City, among other things. A letter and membership form outlining to goals of the organization will be hand-delivered to downtown Columbia City businesses next week.
Steve Hostetler, owner of the CC Deli, was elected as the interim president of the group until a formal election of member businesses takes place later this year. Additionally, downtown block captains will be selected to keep their neighboring businesses informed regarding activities of the DCCBA.
Group members believe the organization will be able to do much to improve cohesiveness between downtown businesses and work as a unit to encourage the support of downtown businesses.
The DCCBA meets the first Wednesday of each month from 8-9 a.m. at the CC Deli on Van Buren Street. Anyone is welcome to attend and participate in discussions which typically center on upcoming promotions or concerns relating to downtown Columbia City.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Downtown Columbia City Business Owners Association may contact Steve Hostetler at 248-4700 or send an email to ccdeli@embarqmail.com.

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From reports

The Columbia City High School FFA Chapter had one of their most successful spring banquets in recent years -- raising $11,000 Monday evening.
The funds raised support judging contest participation, travel expenses to the National FFA Convention and more.
The community should be commended for continuing to support such a valuable organization that supports not only a respect and understanding of the agricultural lifestyle, but one that imparts great leadership skills and personal development for teens.

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(Talk of the Town photo provided) Whitko Community School Corporation board candidate Jorell Tucker, above at left, received the endorsement of current District 5 school board member Pete Mitchell, at right, today.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitko Community School Corporation board member Pete Mitchell announced his endorsement of candidate Jorell Tucker today. Mitchell is hopeful Tucker will be his replacement for the District 5 school board seat he has held since 2002.
Mitchell stated that after having met with Tucker and discussing issues the school system is facing, he is confident that Tucker will be an advocate for the students, parents, taxpayers and teachers of the corporation. Tucker has been a frequent attendee at school board meetings and has spent considerable time talking with community members about issues facing the school.
“Jorell Tucker will do a great job of representing us on the Whitko school board,” said Pete Mitchell in his official endorsement. “Jorell is a thoughtful leader who will do what is right for our kids and families in the district.”
Whitko is comprised of Richland and Cleveland Townships in Whitley County and Monroe, Jackson and Washington Townships in Kosciusko County. The school board election will be held in conjunction with the primary on May 4 and is open to all registered voters in the Whitko Community School Corporation.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

It's good to know that when we put someone in office to serve the people, that person is present and accounted for when decision-making counts.
Today, Senator Gary Dillon, who represents Whitley County, was recognized by Senate President Pro Tempore David Long for achieving a voting record of 99.4 percent during the 2010 regular legislative session.
 "Legislators are elected to be the voice of their constituents at the Statehouse," Long said. "This is often much easier said than done. Because important committee meetings or other critical matters may occur simultaneously while the Senate is in session, there will always be a few occasions when a senator cannot be on the floor when a vote is taken."
"Senator Dillon's commitment to the citizens he represents is clearly shown by his excellent voting attendance record," Long added.
In addition to voting on bills, Dillon is responsible to vote on amendments, committee reports and procedural motions.
Long further recognized Dillon for what he felt was exceptional effort in working with fellow lawmakers in a bipartisan way. Long said he felt the Senate did a particularly good job of acting in a bipartisan way this year.
"Hoosiers should know we made it a priority to work together this session," Long said. "Every bill that became law received bipartisan support in the Senate and 74 percent passed unanimously."

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(Talk of the Town photos provided) Doug Wood, above, gives an overview to the Whitley County Youth Leadership program participants about the Four Imperatives of Great Leaders.

By Jessica Tate

Whitley County Youth Leadership held their March session at 80/20 in Columbia City.
The student leaders from Whitko, Churubusco and Columbia City High Schools spent the day learning about and discovering The Four Imperatives of Great Leaders, led by Doug Wood, co-owner and general manager of 80/20, and a certified Covey trainer.
After the discussion, the students were divided into four teams.  Each team was assigned to an 80/20 staff member, as well as to one of the imperatives.  The goal of each group was to discover through a guided tour of 80/20, examples of these principles in action and then to report back to the group their observations.  
The Inspire Trust group mentored by 80/20 human resources director, Julie Parrett, observed that employees felt they were trusted to do what was right by their leaders as opposed to being micromanaged.  Plant operations director Taylor Bohde guided his group tasked with finding examples of clarify purpose.  Students found that individual departments were clear about the job that they needed to accomplish as well as how that purpose impacted the overall picture.  The Align Systems team, led by marketing director Jessica Tate, discovered that by having clear goals and keeping compelling scoreboards, everyone involved can feel that he or she is making a difference. Finally, the Unleash Talent team, guided by 80/20’s  Doug Wood found that by having trust, a clear purpose, and aligned systems, employees felt empowered to make suggestions and do their best.
The students also were given the opportunity to be a part of the company’s monthly meeting, where all employees are invited to attend.  The discussion for this month’s meeting focused on eBay sales.
Whitley County Youth Leadership is led by program director Dave Addison of the Whitley County Purdue Extension and program coodinator Monica Trump, alumnus of the Leadership Whitley County adult leadership program.  
The Whitley County Youth Leadership group meets once a month to “give students an opportunity to find their passion and to learn skills which will lead them to take ownership in their schools and communities.”  Whitley County Youth Leadership would like to thank 80/20 for hosting the group as well as planning the day’s events.  They would also like to thank Doug Wood, Julie Parrett, Taylor Bohde and Jessica Tate for leading the students through the events and discussions.

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By Pam Thompson

The 46th program of Whitley County Junior Miss is Saturday, September 11 at 7 p. m. in the Newell Rice Auditorium at Columbia City High School. Admission is $10 per person. There will be general seating with the exception of reserved seats for the parents of the contestants.
A moment of silence in recognition of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attack on our country, will begin the program.
The Whitley County Junior Miss Program is operated by a Board of Directors and its financial representative is the Whitley County Community Foundation. Whitley County Junior Miss is a franchisee of Indiana Junior Miss and local program sanctioned by the America's Junior Miss Program. The Board of Directors of WCJM dispersed $2600 in cash scholarships to the category winners at the 45th program in September of 2009.
All Whitley County high school senior girls who will graduate in the 2010-2011 school year are eligible to participate. This includes students in the county's high schools, Churubusco, Columbia City and Whitko as well as those who are home schooled. Prospective contestants who are residents of Whitley County, but attend high school outside of the county can also participate.
All contestants are strongly urged to attend all rehearsals which are in the auditorium of CCHS. All rehearsals are closed to the public. The rehearsal schedule is: Wednesday, August 18, 7 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, August 22, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, August 25, 7 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, August 29, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Tuesday, August 31, 7 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, September 1, 7 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, September 8, 6 to10 p.m. Dress rehearsal; Thursday, September 9, walk through from 7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, September 11, panel interviews in the afternoon (each contestant will have an assigned time) and performance at 7 p.m.
Prospective contestants are to register for the local program at ajm.org (America's Junior Miss Program). Orientations for contestants will be conducted at the county's libraries and scheduled prior to the ending of this school year. Orientation information will be published at a later date. After the online registration (ajm.org) is completed call 244-7467 for notification.
For more information about the Junior Miss program call 244-7467.

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(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, in front, is Levi McClure. Row two, from left, is Brayden Simmons, Elise Cormany, Mason VanHouten and Nathan Oilar. Below, Elise Cormany and Mason VanHouten stand with their exhibit. Below, the projects appear as they were displayed at IPFW in Fort Wayne last Saturday.

Article provided

Northeastern Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair took place this past Saturday, March 20th at the campus of IPFW.  
In all, five local students brought home top honors to Whitley County.  The students won the competitions at their local schools in order to advance to the regional competition at IPFW.  The students competed at their respective grade level (K-Senior High).  
Each student had a display board presenting their project and were interviewed by numerous judges throughout the day.
Whitley County winners include Levi McClure, grade 3 at Churubusco Elementary School, who won fifth place with his project, Transpiration; Brayden Simmons, a fourth grader from Churubusco Elementary School, who won second place with his project entitled "87, 89, 92 -- What to Pay?"; Elise Cormany and Mason VanHouten, both fifth graders at Northern Heights Elementary, who won third place for their project entitled "Can the color of your house affect your checkbook?"; and Nathan Oilar, a fifth grader at Northern Heights Elementary, who won second place with his project entitled "What type of nut contains the most energy?"

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Somewhere you find you've come to the end of the line, apparently shown above. Rows of vintage lines dangle from poles along the railroad tracks just north of SR 14 in rural Whitley County today.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Tiffany Herron, above in her rural Whitley County yoga studio, will participating in advanced Thai yoga training in Massachusetts later next week thanks to a local scholarship.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Tiffany Herron, owner of Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio in rural Whitley County, is about to take her yoga practice to the next level.
She will be attending Kripalu in Lennox, Massachusetts, where she will achieve Level 3 Thai yoga massage training.
"I will be studying Ayurveda, an Indian science," she said. Ayurveda is yoga massage based on three distinct body types. "This means I can then develop a yoga massage that is more specifically designed for your health needs."
Herron's training will be a 7-day process with three yoga classes each day. She is participating in the training alongside her father, Roger, who is expanding his knowledge and practice of yoga.
"I really think I will be overwhelmed at how amazing this is going to be," Herron said. "I would not be able to do this without my scholarships."
Herron received two scholarships to attend the training -- one from Kripalu and another one from a local business leader.
"I am so grateful to be in a community that is supportive of what I'm doing and I'm excited to be able to continue using my practice to aid in the wellness of our community," she said.
Herron has been teaching yoga for the past 10 years, receiving her 200 hour yoga certification in 2000.
She has now spent more than 80 hours studying Thai massage and has been practicing Thai yoga massage since January 2009.
Herron says she's looking forward to returning to Whitley County with an expanded understanding of Ayurveda which she will be able to share with local residents.
For more information about Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio, visit www.laughinglotus.us

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Richland Township residents Galen and Betty Wilkinson were among a small group of local residents present Wednesday to share ideas for future land use in Whitley County. Below, Brad Johnson of Ground Rules Inc. discusses the goals and objectives for the creation of a comprehensive land use plan for Whitley County. At bottom, Gene Heckman of Thorncreek Township fills out a survey that will determine, among other things, residents' feelings about property owner's rights.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

How will the landscape of Whitley County look  10, 20 or 50 years from now?
Utilizing the ideas and perspectives of residents and business owners, Whitley County is in the process of creating a comprehensive land use plan to answer precisely that question.
According to Gene Heckman, who participated in Wednesday's public planning workshop, the first  land use plan was created in the 1960s and can explain much of the land development we see around us today. David Sewell, executive director of the Whitley County Planning and Building office, said that plan was last updated in 1993 and needs revamped for the future.
About a half dozen residents were present for the afternoon session Wednesday, sharing their thoughts and concerns about a variety of issues in Whitley County.
Brad Johnson and Amy Schweitzer of Ground Rules Inc., a community planning firm, facilitated the discussion. Ground Rules has worked with several neighboring counties, including Huntington, Noble, Dekalb, Steuben and Elkhart counties as they have developed their comprehensive land use plans.
"We've never found two to be alike," Johnson said of plans they develop for communities. "We're not trying to mirror what's been doing in other places."
"We're in the very first steps of the process," Johnson said of the project which began in January. "We need to understand the community as best we can. We want to see the county -- see the growth you like and maybe the growth you don't like. In the end, a lot of the plan is based on values."
Johnson said it will be up to his team, through facilitated sessions such as the two offered Wednesday, to determine what values local residents hold dear. Some of the values Johnson said his group will want to determine include the level at which local residents are concerned with property owner's rights, the value of preserving farmland over development and what kinds of development residents would like to see located in particular areas.
Johnson said additional discussions with public interest groups and community leaders will be part of the process of creating the plan which will eventually be provided to the general public. He said there will be many iterations of the plan and that even in it's final form, it will be a fluid document. "It's never a done deal," he said. "We have to be willing to be flexible with the document."
The plan commission will certify a final copy of the plan and it will be provided to the county commissioners for adoption, a process that will take a year or more to complete.
The comprehensive plan will outline best areas for industrial growth, commercial growth, managed growth over time, areas that may be set aside for residential development and a transportation plan.
"Maybe a street is a local street today, but needs to become an arterial street over time," Johnson said. "It also deals with which properties are residential now, but may become commercial over time."
"We want this kind of information out there so that people can make good decisions for themselves," he said.
These decisions might also involve local government agencies, such as the highway department, since future development may dictate whether a road that is gravel now may eventually need to become chip and sealed.
"It will help us in finding fiscally responsible ways to manage roads," Johnson said.
Comprehensive plans often outline areas of the community where utilities, fire departments and governmental facilities are located.
Thus far,  Johnson shared that Ground Rules Inc. has had productive, engaging meetings with vocal groups of people locally with interests in the environment, agriculture and also with local real estate agents with a vested interest in future land developments.
Schweitzer shared some interesting information about the community, including that the county has approximately 338 square miles and of that, 2 square miles are water-covered.
"It's fun to know where you've been and know where you're going," Schweitzer said.
Ultimately, Johnson said, that a comprehensive land use plan can help stabilize the local economy, create a framework for economic growth, enhance quality of life -- all while engaging residents in the decision-making process for the future.
During Wednesday's discussion, a variety of topics were discussed. One resident said would like to see future residential growth stay closer to existing towns and infrastructure. Other residents pointed out their displeasure at seeing so many vacant commercial spaces and that they fear there will be more large, empty buildings in the future -- and they want to see that addressed. A resident said he felt there was a shortage for good, well-maintained rental properties in the area in the $400-$700 range, adding that he did not want to live in an apartment, but rather a nice home.
Citing the positives in the community, residents said they enjoy the local lake communities, community parks and the interest in expanding trails and greenways in the county.
Everyone present completed a survey that will be distributed to as many people as possible over the next several weeks to determine their values in a variety of areas. Those results will then be compiled and used in the completion of the comprehensive land use plan. To take a look at the survey yourself, click here. The survey can be completed by anyone interested in participating.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck spoke to local Democrats, above, about the need for Democrats and Republicans to work together.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Democrats recently hosted a rally for Congressional candidate Dr. Tom Hayhurst and local Democrats at the CC Deli in downtown Columbia City.
Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck spoke at the event, sharing frustration over the growing communication breakdown between Democrats and Republicans and the way it has impacted the ability for work to get accomplished in government. Fleck also spoke about the current state of Columbia City.
"My concern is the State legislature and Congress -- there has been a lot of hot air from the wrong end," Fleck said.
"When we can't talk to each other, when we can't dialog, when we can't respect the other person -- I think we have a significant problem," said Fleck. "We spend four years in law school defending the rights of people because our system depends on certain principles of justice and when you start defaming people who want to make the system work, there's a problem."
Fleck said the ability of local level communication between political parties is, fortunately, better than at the state or national level.
"We have struggles because we have different kinds of problems, different understandings of what our roles are and that's ok if we continue to talk and try to work things out," Fleck said. "Government is changing so fast...so rapidly that in the next four years there is a possibility we may have fire districts with their own boards, financed by themselves and for those districts. It costs $75,000 to outfit a full-time fire person. Right now we depend on volunteer fire people to keep us protected. As we go to do that, what's the cry -- government is spending too much money. But how do you get from there to here without dialog?"
Communication hasn't always been so good between the City and the County, Fleck said. Fleck cited Commissioner Michael Schrader's presence on the county commissioners as finally opening the lines of communication between city and county government. "They wouldn't even talk to us," Fleck said of communication between the two governmental entities in the past.
Fleck believes there needs to be better communication at the State level to address the problems ahead.
"There will be school reorganization around the state. It will happen because people don't want to spend money for education," he said. "We've got to talk. We've got to respect. We've got to figure out a way to affirm we're all in this together. We have to figure that out."
"We are going to have as much grant money coming into this community as we have budget. It's different and we have to be able to deal with that," Fleck said of the $7 million in governmental funding coming into the community. "It's that important because the county got that grant and we're trying to renew that so that counties like ours can afford to go green. Without that funding, we can't do it."
Job creation and growth is on Fleck's mind as well.
"If we want low taxes, if we want high paying jobs and the kind of growth we've been used it, we have to create jobs," Fleck said. He commended Alan Tio and the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation for their efforts in bringing business to Whitley County and creating jobs.
"It has to be our #1 priority," Fleck said of economic development.
"We're fortunate here even though the mortgage foreclosure rate is higher than it needs to be, we're still in the positive," he said regarding building projects that continue in Whitley County.
"We had an opportunity as a city, two years ago now, to apply for a grant that would pay for 80% of a road construction project if it were worthy," Fleck said.
"We have a situation where the southeast side of Columbia City is an expected growth area," Fleck said of the proposed growth and development surrounding the new Parkview Whitley Hospital campus, expansion at the Peabody Public Library and a possible community center sometime in the future. In that area, Fleck said it was necessary to make upgrades to the roadway to accommodate more traffic and potentially address traffic flow issues out of Morsches Park. Federal funding was sought to help offset the cost of the City's portion of the project and Parkview is funding the costs of their own improvements in that vicinity. Fleck said the City sought the grant funding for the project because it couldn't have been afforded otherwise -- but it's still been controversial.
"We will work together whether we're Republicans, Democrats, Independents or tea party people -- we're not going to be the obstruction," he said. "I think a lot depends on this election."

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(Talk of the Town logo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce's EXPOsed event is slated for this Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Indian Springs Middle School. There is no fee to attend.
More than 40 booths showcasing great products and services have committed to the event, offering a great opportunity to learn more about businesses and non-profit agencies in Whitley County.
Leadership Whitley County's Taste of Whitley County will feature the fine foods and beverages of Daniel Menu & Party Planning, Heyerly's Meats, The Brew Ha and All Occasion Cakery. Try something from all of them and help select the 2010 People's Choice award winner.
Prizes will be awarded hourly on the entertainment stage, including $50 in Chamber Bucks from Crossroads Bank, $50 in Chamber Bucks from J&J Insurance Solutions, a one night stay in a regular room at Quality Inn, a one night stay in a jacuzzi room at Quality Inn, a three month membership to the Whitley County Family YMCA, as well as other prizes donated by Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware, Midwest America Federal Credit Union, Daniel Menu & Party Planning, Indiana Technical Institute, The Watering Can and Edward Jones. A $250 grand prize has been donated by Sycamore Village.
The Whitley County Humane Shelter will be there from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. hosting their Animal Roadshow, allowing visitors to get to know some of the pets available for adoption currently in Whitley County.
The Columbia City High School Game Club will be present with game tables set up throughout the day. Additionally, a full schedule of stage entertainment, a fashion show and demonstrations have been planned. Click the red link below to see the full entertainment schedule.    

2010 Participants

Exhibitors this year include: A-1 Concrete & Leveling, J&J Insurance Solutions, Aumsbaugh Flooring, Midwest America Federal Credit Union, Bankers Life & Casualty, Midwest Home Design, CenturyLink, Miller’s Merry Manor, DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Parkview Whitley Hospital, Diamond Air, Inc., Pathfinder Services / Resource Connection, Edward Jones Investments - Rick Trump, Pro Exteriors, Fahl Colors, Quality Inn, Farm Credit Services, Simonson Estates, Farmer’s Market, Sycamore Village, G&L Enterprises, The Center for Whitley County Youth, Huntington Asphalt, The Watering Can, Huntington University EXCEL, U.S. Census, Home Comfort Experts, Universal Windows Direct, Hoosier Window & Siding, Whitley County Democrats, Indiana Technical Institute, Whitley County Republicans, Indiana Wesleyan University and Whitley County YMCA.
Non-profit participants this year include: Beds and Britches (B.A.B.E.), CCHS Band Boosters, Columbia City Lion’s Club, Safe Assured Child ID, Habitat for Humanity, JuneStar Corporation and Angel Food Ministries.    

Whitley County EXPOsed Schedule:

9:00 a.m.  – CCHS Game Club members will be available to take on your challenge at chess and other board games.  They’ll be there all day!
10:00 a.m. – All Star Twirlers and Poms
11:00 a.m. – Cooking Demonstration with the Local Celebrity Chef Jacob
12:00 p.m. – “Mascot Madness” – Meet Local Business & School Mascots, take pictures and get autographs from:
“Cuppie” from Dunkin Donuts        “Mad Ant” from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants
“Cosmo” from STAR Financial Bank    “Cowabunga Caffie” from Midwest America Federal Credit Union
Whitley County Historical Figures from the Whitley County Historical Society
School Mascots from Whitley County area high schools and elementary schools
1:00 p.m. – Fashion Show – “Spring Fashions” sponsored by Peebles and Fashion Bug
2:00 p.m. – Dance ‘Til U Drop
3:00 p.m. – Columbia City High School Presents:
         CCHS Dance Team, Jazz Combo, Barbershop Quartet, Rock Bank, City Lights and
        Whitley County’s Junior Miss Mindi Hoffman    

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Third District Congressional candidate Dr. Tom Hayhurst greets Marilyn Gebert, a candidate for the Whitko School Board. Below, Hayhurst speaks before a sizable gathering of local Democrats.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Third District Congressional candidate Dr. Tom Hayhurst was in Columbia City recently to speak with local Democrats about his campaign and the problems he sees at a rally held in his honor by the Whitley County Democrats.
Hayhurst talked about the lifestyle enjoyed in Whitley County, saying this is a really beautiful place to live -- a place close to attractions of Fort Wayne with the benefits of quiet and tranquility.
As a physician, Hayhurst said he's seen enough to know healthcare needs overhauled. Through his work at a clinic he set up near Wolf Lake, he's met patients who've removed their own teeth with pliers and people who can't make changes in their employment because of hernias they can't afford to fix. He felt all of this was symtomatic of not only insurance issues, but also available jobs.
"I look at this strongly from an ethical viewpoint. If you don't have health insurance, your mortality goes up 50% with breast cancer and colon cancer," he said. "You should not have people here in Whitley County who are pulling their own teeth out with pliers."
"General healthcare is a huge drag on the economy. I don't think we need one big monolithic plan, but I think there are various ways we can do it. There doesn't need to be one solution. We need to develop a level of cooperation in Washington," Hayhurst said. "There are 47 million people without health insurance right now. We may as well solve that right now before it's 57 million."
"One thing that really grates me is when the talking heads slam the Democrats for the security of the United States," Hayhurst said. "We're as patriotic...in some ways more patriotic than those who are sitting around attacking it."
Hayhurst is bothered by the level of disrespect he's seen for the President and for the country.
"Our president is a really good man and we really need to back him up," he said. "He's not an ultra leftist. He's much more conservative than that. He's a pragmatist and he loves our country."
Hayhurst said he believes many of the problems that exist today in government could be solved if people could put partisan politics aside and begin talking.
"I'm a let's solve the problem guy. I'm a bi-partisan guy," Hayhurst said. "You've got to have civility. We need to be searching for solutions and that's something that I think we Democrats are just better at, whether we're in the majority or minority."
Hayhurst said he's very focused on job creation in the Third District. He feels the current trade policy is set up to ship jobs out of this county, citing recent company's decisions to move out of local communities and set up shop in Mexico. "We need to be shipping our goods out and keeping our jobs right here," he said.
Education is another concern. "I think we need another educational revolution like the one that happened years ago after Sputnik. We need to recapture that sense of urgency," he said. Hayhurst feels there needs to be technology retraining in the region for many adults and a renewed focus on math and science in schools. "I think that will help move us in the right direction," he said.
Hayhurst said he's looking forward to the upcoming election and feels that grassroots activism is key. "We need to work hard, get energized and register to vote," he said. "Drag your relatives and friends out to vote and let's have some fun."

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Talk of the Town columnist Christy Smith continues on her journey to improved health and wellness with her latest installment of Half Baked. Smith shares what she calls "The Big Suckage of '07" and the tailspin her health followed after that. Can she get the momentum to move forward? Find out today by clicking here.

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Join us in congratulating Aaron and Vanessa Schoon on the birth of their Christmas Day miracle, Wilson. Visit the Congratulations page today by clicking here.

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By Nadean Lamle

Over sixty local farmers were interested in improving their soil quality by learning more about nutrient and pest management, no-till farming, applying cover crops, and reducing erosion on their property.  They were attended a workshop which was hosted by the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District at the Northeast Purdue Ag Center (NEPAC) on Tuesday, March 16.  
The last several years, farmers have been able to apply for financial assistance of the above mentioned practices through a federally funded voluntary conservation program called the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).  The program promotes agricultural production, forest management and environmental quality type practices to be installed on their farms.  EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants to install or implement conservation practices on eligible agricultural and forest land.  This program is administered at the county level through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
The local Whitley SWCD and NRCS and staff organized this important and informational meeting in order to help the local producers learn more about how to improve their soil conservation methods and improve water quality.  The program features several expert speakers.  The first speaker was Barry Fisher, state agronomist for NRCS.  Fisher has worked for the NRCS for over 25 years.  Over the last 10 to 15 years, Fisher has worked extensively on no-till management and research, planter and drill set-up, nitrogen application and placement.  The second speaker was Jamie Scott, SWCD supervisor and farmer from Kosciusko County.  Scott is a seed representative for the Oregon Rye Grass company.  Scott talked about the different kinds of cover crops and their benefits.  Mike Sims, agronomy manager with Ag Plus, is a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) in conjunction with NRCS.  Sims discussed what exactly is a TSP and how they help the farmer who is participating in the EQIP program.  Amy Lybarger, NRCS district conservationist in Whitley County also shared information about the EQIP program and level of financial assistance available to producers for 2010.  
A free meal was provided to the attending producers through the sponsorship of Ag Plus.  

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, from left, is Tom O'Neill, Gregg Goewert, Alaina Beckner, Andrew Tourney, Amelia Roman, Jordan Chapple, Jim Pope, Miriah Hicks, Karen Koday and Stacy Keener.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Words that were once used in clinical terms to describe the disabled or differently-abled members of society are now some of the ugliest words, words that that hurt deeply.
In recent weeks, Passages Inc. and Columbia City High School joined efforts to bring awareness to the hurtful nature of one particular "R" word and other words that hurt people with disabilities through a creative expression contest to "Spread the Word to End the Word." The words they hope to encourage people to stop using include stupid, idiot and retarded.
A panel of judges representing the high school and Passages Inc. reviewed more than 50 creative entries from local high school students. Students used a variety of means to express themselves -- from artwork to poetry to essays. In the end, five teens were selected to win $75 prizes and shirts donated by Running Around Screenprinting that were specially designed for the contest.
Last Tuesday, the five teens, including Amelia Roman, Jordan Chapple, Miriah Hicks, Andrew Tourney and Alaina Beckner were invited to attend the Columbia City Rotary meeting to share their award winning entries.
Tourney spoke about his brother Zack, who has autism. "Zack has taught me and my family life skills and how to be better people," Tourney shared.
Chapple shared that people with disabilities are, he said, "The same, but different." He added that, "disabilities are close to my heart."
The hurtful words often used thoughtlessly in conversations are bothersome to Miriah Hicks whose sister is in a wheelchair. "It really makes me mad when people would say a word like that," she said, the emotion showing on her face.
Equally emotional, Alaina Becker talked about her experience in observing a disabled child who played with his young friends and interacted with them as if he were no different than they were.
Roman brought forth a painting she had done using the universal image of a wheelchair on a blue background, except beneath it she painted "able." When describing her work, she said, "They're not disabled...they're abled."
"They've said it much better than I could have ever said," said CCHS principal Gregg Goewert who worked with Tom O'Neill of Passages to plan the contest. "All of them were great."
"I really appreciate the experience," said Jim Pope. Pope helped to judge the entries and was present for the awards presentation. "In the bigger picture, we did bring awareness to Columbia City High School with Disabilities Awareness Month," added Pope.
"I've very proud of these students and of the 50 students who entered," O'Neill said. "This was our forum to talke to high school kids about being sensitive."
O'Neill shared that there are 2.5 million people in the United States with some level of intellectual disability.
"Today as never before we are having young people with intellectual abilities participating in the community," O'Neill said. He added that the iradication of hurtful words used casually is particularly important to those young people as they strive to achieve great things in our society.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a group of small children are seen splashing around in the Burnworth Memorial Pool's kiddie pool. The park board voted last night to close the small pool adjacent to the larger community pool to investigate the cause of a leak and look at any underlying issues.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Addressing a problem that has been bubbling for years, the Columbia City Parks Department board of directors voted Tuesday night to close the kiddie pool at Burnworth Memorial Pool.
"It has leaked for at least 20 years," said Mayor Jim Fleck, "and it's probably getting worse."
"We have to have to fill it every day with a hose," parks director Mark Green told the board. "We have no idea where that water goes and it's chlorinated."
Where the leaking water goes is an issue the board is concerned about.
"We have a belief that at least some of that water makes its way to the (Columbia City High) school parking lot," Fleck said.
Board members, including Kelley Sheiss, Mauri Bordner, Mark Ellis and Mike Malcolm, were vocal about closing the pool and performing some exploratory work to determine the extent of the leak and possible long-term solutions to either fixing it, removing it or replacing it. Those decisions, they said, would be best made with information and could be given to a newly formed pool focus group that will be looking at the viability and future of the entire Burnworth Memorial Pool facility.
Bordner suggested closing the kiddie pool for the season, roping off the area and bringing in a backhoe to get under the pool and see what problems exist.
"I think you need to close it from a safety standpoint," Bordner said. Bordner was concerned that potential instability of the smaller pool may have consequences for the larger, more frequently used Burnworth Pool nearby. Green pointed out that while the kiddie pool experiences some usage in the summer months, the larger pool is more utilized by the community.
The board voted unanimously to close the pool and explore what issues exist with it before determining what might happen with it in the future.
The larger pool will remain open. The Burnworth Memorial Pool focus group is expected to begin meeting soon.

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The next Whitley County Business and Networking meeting is this Friday, March 26, at 8:30 a.m. at the Brew Ha coffee house.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Stan Ide) Above, a glimpse of First Church of God's community garden reveals some of the beautiful bounty that benefited many local families and individuals last year. Plots are available this year for families to raise their own fresh produce which they can enjoy and share.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

There's no doubt the miracles of God's creation can be witnessed in a garden. Gardens teach so much more as well -- sustenance, healthy eating, helping those in need, feeding the hungry, the value of hard work and more.
A sizeable plot of land has been set aside once again this year so that miracles big and small can take shape at First Church of God in Columbia City through their community garden project.
"We had about a dozen participants last year," said church member Stan Ide, who is helping to coordinate the community garden. Last year was the first year for the community garden.
"Phase I was to open it up to people from the church (First Church of God) and encourage them to raise food for the community," Ide said. "We displayed the food on Sunday mornings and people would take veggies to neighbors who were out of work or needed food."
"We also distributed food at our non-food pantry on Thursday mornings as people came to pick up supplies," Ide said. "Any left over food was given to The Lighthouse in Columbia City."   
"It was a good year for gardening and we gave away a lot of food," Ide said, adding that tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, zucchini, summer squash, cabbages, onions and peppers were plentiful.
Last year's community garden was roughly 4800 square feet and divided into plots ranging in size from 10' x 30' up to 20' x 60'.
Building on the success of last year's garden, this year's community garden at First Church of God will be 9600 square foot.
A total of 32 plots will be available, but only eight plots remain -- and those plots are open to the public to use.
"We are opening it up to folks in the community who don't have a garden to use as their own," Ide said. "(They can) plant whatever they wish to feed their families."
Ide adds that each family is responsible for the care and maintenance of their own plot -- planting, weeding, harvesting, etc.   
"We supply the ground, plow and till it to make it garden ready," Ide said. "We also have a tiller they can use, a storage shed for tools and have run a water supply line to the area."
Ide is optimistic that families will use the land and not only enjoy the produce for themselves, but share their bounty as well.
"We do encourage folks to give some of their produce to those in need within the community," he said.
The deadline to reserve a plot is April 4. To reserve a plot or for more information, contact Stan Ide at stanide-icm@whitleynet.org or call 260-327-3366.

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Freshly baked loaves of bread will be available at the CC Deli once again this week for $2.49 per loaf. Special orders may be made by calling your order in to 248-4700 and specify the kind you want.

What follows are the CC Deli Soups of the Week:
Monday: French Onion and Pepperjack Bacon
Tuesday: Tomato Tortellini and Cheesy Potato
Wednesday: Talk of the Town's White Chili and Cheeseburger
Thursday: Stuffed Pepper and Chicken Tortilla
Friday: Veggie Beef and Clam Chowder

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

The Brew Ha coffee house in downtown Columbia City was a busy place Friday night, with a large crowd filling most of the available seating for Trent Boston's Christian rock concert, above.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

The churches of the Churubusco area invite the community to join us in a Good Friday worship service on Friday April 2nd at 6:30 at Collins United Methodist Church. 
Pastors from area churches will read scripture on share briefly on it as we look “Perspectives of the Cross.”  Pastor Corinne Boruff from the Churubusco United Methodists Church will look at the “Above the Cross – God’s Perspective.” Pastor Paul White from the Churubusco Church of the Nazarene will look “From the Cross – Jesus’ Perspective."  Pastor Nancy Fergusson from the Green Center United Methodist Church will look “Beneath the Cross – John & Jesus’ Mother”.  Pastor Michael Dillon from St. Matthews United Methodist Church will look “In Front of the Cross – The Crowd."  Pastor Larry Schmoekel from Collins United Methodist Church will look “Back to the Cross – Today’s Perspective."  
There will many specials solos, and congregational hymn singing.  
The offering will go to the Churubusco Transient Fund.  
All are invited to come for this unique service.

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(Talk of the Town by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors met last week at Papa John's Pizza in Columbia City to discuss activity plans for the next several months. The Chamber Ambassadors present monthly "Business of the Month" awards to local businesses who've gone above and beyond in service to the community. They also serve as public relations representatives for the Chamber and attend ribbon cutting events to celebrate new businesses in the community. Instead of meeting at the Chamber office in recent months, the Ambassadors have been hosting meetings around the community at randomly selected eateries in hopes of making a small, but significant impact on the economy. Above, from left, are several of the more than a dozen Ambassadors. From left is Randy Holler of Crossroads Bank, Cari Wells of First Source Bank, Kristi Maloney of Sycamore Village, Trudy Miller-Longhenry of Simonson Estates Apartments and Michelle Culbertson of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce.

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(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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(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 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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(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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(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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(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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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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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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(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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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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(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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(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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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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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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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Whitley County's Domestic Violence Task Force members discussing a variety of avenues for addressing violence in the community during their February meeting.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The growth of a task force to address domestic violence in Whitley County continues.
Sherry Sausaman of Parkview Whitley Hospital and a Leadership Whitley County participant, founded the group in October to address a need she felt was not being fully addressed locally -- the plight of domestic violence victims and their families.
Since the fall, the group has continued to grow and develop plans to address advocacy, services and education, gaining momentum and community interest along the way.
"We've found some resources to respond," said committee member Linda Scott citing many groups and organizations in the community who are eager to assist the task force.
The group has been working closely with local law enforcement officials and Sheriff Mark Hodges has voiced his support of the group, particularly with creating a training program for deputies enabling to better understand and see the signs of domestic violence and to know how to respond.
"The deputies would like us to do a training session with them," Sausaman said of the new domestic violence training program she hopes to create. Sausaman said the local training program may be modeled on similar training programs offered to law enforcement officials in other counties.
"He's very, very supportive of doing this," Sausaman said of Hodges, who attended the task force's first meeting and who has remained in contact with Sausaman as the group has grown.
In addition to offering training and emergency response plans, the task force is also planning support groups to help domestic violence victims and their families to better understand the cycle of violence. Cami Herron of the Bowen Center will be looking into finding potential spaces within the community to offer these support groups.
Herron advised monthly or bi-monthly support group meetings. "We want to link them with people who've been in their shoes," Herron said.
September McConnell, executive director of the Whitley County Community Foundation attended February's domestic violence task force meeting and spoke about ways the foundation could assist the task force in its efforts. The Whitley County Community Foundation could set up a pass-through fund under their 501c­­3. "It kind of takes the responsibility out of your hands for managing the money," McConnell said.
She also invited the group to consider writing up a plan and submitting a grant request, noting several funds and groups under the Community Foundation umbrella that might be logical sources of funding for domestic violence awareness and education activities.
McConnell urged the group to think outside the box regarding awareness materials and information -- and how to get that information into the hands of the people who need it most. Other communities have done similar projects -- creating cards that can be hidden in a victim's possessions so that they have the contact information they need and not have the information raise the attention of an abuser.
"You just tuck it somewhere and no one really knows what it's about -- but they do," said committee member Pat Mossburg.
In the past, a card was created outlining various services in Whitley County and a similar card may be created in the future outlining resources such as the YWCA's shelter in Fort Wayne, Whitley County Sheriff's Department, Salvation Army and other sources of help.
The task force is working with The Lighthouse shelter to have an available space there for emergency placement of individuals leaving domestic violence relationships. Still, the shelter's director, Tania Keirn, stated that efforts would need to be made to seek funding to underwrite the availability of space at the shelter to serve specifically domestic violence victims. At a previous meeting, Keirn said that funding may exist and that she regularly has domestic violence victims who come to the facility seeking shelter and she is able to accept them as long as they meet other criteria. She stated then that appropriate security was in place to keep victims and personnel safe at The Lighthouse.
In addition to a cell phone program that provides 911-programmed cell phones to domestic violence victims for use in an emergency situation, the group hopes to do more.
Recently, the YWCA presented "Eyes Wide Open," a program geared at middle school students informing them of appropriate relationships -- an example of programming the task force might consider supporting in the future. Task force members present said they felt that talking with teens and pre-teens about appropriate dating and interpersonal relationships may be helpful in ending the cycle of violence.
The group meets monthly and will continue to work toward specific plans to address domestic violence in Whitley County.
For more information on the Domestic Violence Task Force, contact Sherry Sausaman via e-mail at sherry.sausaman@parkview.com

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(Talk of the Town photo provided) The shirt design, shown at right, will be available for purchase in a special fundraiser to support Columbia City High School.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

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The Mizpah Shrine's Hillbilly Club is hosting their annual Chili Supper this Saturday, March 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the Shrine Horse Show Grounds on SR 9, just north of Columbia City.
Dinner is $5.50 for adults, $3.50 for children age 5 and older and children 0-4 eat for free. The community is invited to attend this popular event -- you need not be a Hillbilly to attend.

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(Talk of the Town photo provided) Today was an exciting one for Columbia City's Angie Roy. Roy, the daughter of Mike and Deb Roy, traveled with her fellow University of St. Francis women's basketball team to Sioux City, Iowa, for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament. The team lost to Aquinas in the first round of the national playoffs during overtime, 67-65, but the loss didn't diminish the excitement for Roy and her team.
Above, Angie Roy sits aboard a bus Tuesday as she left for the NAIA Nationals. Roy and her father are the coaches of a sixth grade AAU basketball team and will be participating in the Norwell Invitational this Saturday.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Trent Boston, shown above performing in downtown Columbia City, is looking forward to a show at the Brew Ha on March 19.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

God and music are important elements in the life of Whitley County musician Trent Boston.
Boston began playing drums at the age of 19 and began a strong relationship with God eleven years ago.
Today, he's passionate about joining those two relationships -- a love of God and music -- together. Having played with several Christian bands over the years, including Ears to the Door, Longshot and Ending Up, but often performs alone or at his church, Victory Christian Fellowship, where he and his wife, Mandy, are worship pastors.
Known for his guitar and drumming, Boston enjoys playing the piano and is expanding his skills, learning to play the saxophone and harmonica.
Boston will perform next Friday, March 19, at the Brew Ha coffee house in Columbia City from 7-9 p.m.

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By John Slavich

Who do you know that is going above and beyond to make a difference for kids?  Who do you know that works to create an environment that ‘lifts up’ young people?  Who do
you know that is looked up to and admired by young people?  Who do you know who volunteers their time and talent to better the lives of young people?  If you know
someone who fits this description, there is a way you can honor them.  
Count Me In!, Whitley County’s 40 Developmental Assets initiative, is sponsoring an award called “Count On Me.”  This award is designed to recognize those who make a
difference in the lives of young people in Whitley County.  People who serve as quality role models for youth in our communities.  The winner or winners will be recognized at the Heart of Gold reception in late April, and will also be able to direct up to $500.00 to the youth serving agency of their choice in Whitley County.
Nomination forms are available at the Whitley County Community Foundation and Whitley County YMCA.  All you need to do is write your reasons as to why an individual should be recognized.  You can also complete the form attached to this article.
Nomination forms are to be returned to the Whitley County Community Foundation by April 9, 2010.  If there are any questions please call the Community Foundation at 244-5224.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Attorney General Greg Zoeller, below during a visit to Columbia City last year, urges Hoosiers to stop texting while driving.

Article provided

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(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, Colonel Augustin de la Balme DAR Chapter regent Charlotte Blair stands with Whitley County's three good citizens award recipients, Danielle Hartmann, Stephanie Weigold and Abigail Chambers.

Article provided

The Colonel Augustin de la Balme DAR Chapter held their annual “Good Citizens Recognition Tea” on February 14, 2010, to recognize three young women.  
Held at the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City, the event honored Whitley County's 2010 DAR Good Citizens, including Danielle Hartmann of Churubusco High School, Abigail Chambers of Columbia City High School and Stephanie Weigold of Whitko High School. Weigold was selected as the Whitley County DAR Good Citizen of the Year.
Guests included Danielle Hartmann and her parents, Michael and Shawn Hartmann; Abigail Chambers and her parents, Nick and Jill Chambers; and Stephanie Weigold and her parents, Mike and Tania Weigold.
Chapter Regent Charlotte Blair shared the history of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the chapter located here in Whitley County.   She then presented each young woman with an envelope containing a certificate acknowledging this award, a copy of the US Constitution, the flag code, a copy of the 2010 Whitley County Calendar compiled by the Chapter and a monetary award.   
During the ceremony, each young woman also received a DAR Good Citizen’s pin which was pinned on by their mother.
Refreshments were served highlighted with a cake decorated with the DAR emblem and “85” marking the 85th anniversary of the Colonel Augustin de la Balme DAR Chapter.

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March is Disability Awareness Month and through a cooperative effort with Columbia City High School, Passages is sponsoring an expression contest in which students are asked to do a creative piece focusing on how to sensitize people about the negative impact of using the “R” (retard) word.
Last year, Special Olympics started the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. Legislation has also been introduced into Congress that will remove the words mental retardation from use by the Federal Government.  Locally, Passages hopes to bring attention much closer to home with this creative campaign involving our community youth.
According to Tom O’Neill, president of Passages, the purpose of the contest is to educate young people about the negative impact of the “R” word.  While the use of this word may mean little to the person using it, it can have a very negative and painful impact on others.
“The ‘R’ word is very hurtful to people with intellectual disabilities, as well as to their family and friends. The underlying theme of the expression contest is language and the impact of the words we use when speaking about others. We want people to become more aware of how certain words can frame how we think about people,” said O’Neill.  To participate in this expression contest, students can write a poem or an essay, create a piece of art, write a song or anything else that creatively expresses their thoughts.
Details about this contest are available at Columbia City High School or by contacting Passages at 244-7688, ext. 131.  Deadline to enter is March 11, 2010. 
Alice Anderson of Passages and O’Neill, along with staff from Columbia City High School, will serve as judges. The expression contest will award three $75 prizes to Columbia City High School students at an event in March.
 

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(Talk of the Town image provided) The print by artist P. Buckley Moss, at right, has been framed and is ready to be given away to benefit the Columbia City High School Band.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City High School band will benefit from the sale of tickets and one lucky ticket holder will benefit from a new piece of framed artwork for their home.
Pat's Happy Hoosiers and Columbia House Interiors have donated a framed P. Buckley Moss print entitled "Back Home in Indiana" to the CCHS Band Boosters. The print is valued at $300.
In exchange for a $5 donation to the band, the Boosters and CCHS band students are now offering tickets to give away the piece of artwork.
Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20.                

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Churubusco Rotary Auction Item List as of March 7

Roger Barnhart*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Handcrafted rocking chair

Chuck* & Barb Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quilt

Chuck* & Barb Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Quilt rack

Chuck* & Barb Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bear bench made by Chuck

Chuck Jones* . . . . . . . . ..  .. . . . .Famous award winning Junior Achievement broom rack from the 1970s

Churubusco Watch & Jewelry/Jim & Ceil Parker. . . .14k white gold diamond tennis bracelet (.14ct total wgt)

Churubusco Watch & Jewelry/Jim & Ceil Parker.. . . . . Citizen lady’s 2 tone quartz wristwatch with Svarorski crystals

Churubusco Watch & Jewelry/Jim & Ceil Parker. . . Citizen men’s yellow quartz watch

Sycamore Hills Golf Club/Golf Pro Tim Frazier. . . .Threesome of golf at Sycamore Hills with Pro Tim Frazier

G & K Golf Kars. . . . . Signed Purdue Basketball by Coach Matt Painter

Rob* & Jill Mar and Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . .Purdue football outing including 2 game tickets, parking pass & tailgating before and after the game

BRC Rubber & Plastics . . . .Weekend use of moonwalk

BRC Rubber & Plastics . . . .Weekend use of moonwalk

K & K Video and Books/Karen Hill. . . . . 52 free rentals

K & K Video and Books/Karen Hill. . . . . 52 free rentals

Whitley County Community Foundation. . . Heffelfinger Water Color

Richard Tuck. . . . Pottery

C & A Tool/Rob Marr*. . . .Roto Tiller

Terry Beeler. . .Scale model steamer launch

Mark* Coonrod/Star Insurance. . . .Garden dump cart

Aquatek Water Treatment. . . .5 bags of 80 lb. solar salt

Ball Furniture/Pat Ball**. . .$100 gift certificate

Parkers Outlet Center. . . . Carhartt jacket

Ultrazone Family Entertainment. . . . . .Certificate for 1 weekday laser tag party for 6

Ultrazone Family Entertainment. . . . .gift certificates buy 1 game get 2^nd game free

Culligan/Columbia City. . . 5-40 # bag of choice of salt

Culligan/Columbia City. . . 5-40 # bag of choice of salt

Culligan/Columbia City. . . 5-40 # bag of choice of salt

Culligan/Columbia City. . .case of bottled water

Culligan/Columbia City. . .case of bottled water

Hayden Honda. . .t-shirt and $20 gift card

Paintball Plex. . . .. Six $20 gift certificates

Papa Murphy’s. . . .four one topping large pizzas

LaOtto Meats. . . .$20 gift card

Jack Green*. . . .One hour flight over Indiana (example—Rochester for breakfast before return flight)

Don Johnson Lawn Service. . .one yard mowing

Jones Greenhouse. . . . 14” dragon wing begonia moss basket

DQ Grill & Chill/Orange Julius. . . Five eight inch ice cream cakes

Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware, Inc.. . . . . . .. . . Makita 10.8 v cordless Driver Drill with 65 pc bit set

Huntertown Volunteer Fire Company.. . . five house # plates (Department will place address on)

Peg Perego USA. . . Battery powered John Deere Utility Tractor

Embassy Theatre. . . . Four tickets to the May 9 Buddy Nolan Memorial Organ Concert featuring Mark Herman

Brady’s Auto Service, Inc.. . . . . .$25 gift card

Churubusco News. . . . .Four Busco subscriptions

Sybaris Clubs (Indianapolis). . . .$75 gift certificates towards an overnight getaway

Steve* & Debbie Darnell. . . . .Vera Bradley Riviera Blue Cargo sling purse and matching cosmetic purse

Albright’s Quality Meats. . . .$25 gift certificate

Whitley County Historical Society. . . .one year membership which includes the quarterly bulletin

Memory Lane. . . . $25 gift certificate

Biddle Chiropractic, P.C. . . . . . . .Four one hour massages

Crazy Pinz. . . . .Four one hour lane rental

Holiday World Splashin’ Safari. . . . . . . . . Two general admission tickets

All Occasions Cakery. . . .1/4 sheet cake

New Harmony Inn. . . . . One night stay

The Post & Mail . . . .  . .One year subscription

Hinen Printing/Jeff Hinen**. . . . . .Deluxe PC cleaning kit

Hinen Printing/Jeff Hinen**. . . . . . . Web Office pro keyboard

Rob* & Jill Marr. . . . .Colts collection (helmet magnet, youth football, hat, microraschel throw)

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . . Two juvenile beach chairs with umbrellas

Rustic Hutch . . . .$25 gift certificate

PBS Channel 39  . . . .Six Weeks to an Ultra Mind book, workbook, and CDs

ProFed Credit Union. . . . . . .Basket of Pro Fed Logo items

Gloria Linsley. . . .Knot tied lap quilt

Keystone Aggregates Inc.. . . . . .$100 gift certificate towards landscape gravel or any aggregate material

Bev Zollinger. . . . . .Handpainted bird houses

Kernel Colada’s Snack Shack. . . .Gourmet popcorn gift bakset

Northeastern REMC. . .. .Energy efficient basket

Cohen Orthodontics. . . . . Sonicare Toothbrugh

Frazier House Bed & Breakfast. . . . Spa Basket

Mardell Rhodes. . . .Two rag rugs

First Sales LLC. . . . .Barnes Sump Pump

Gotcha Covered. . . . One adult hooded sweatshirt with Busco design

Gotcha Covered. . . .One youth hooded sweatshirt with Busco design

Cathy Petrie. . . .Brick for the Eagle Garden Walkway

Pro System. . . . basket

Papa John’s Pizza/Columbia City. . . . .Ten large pizzas

CES PTO. . . Eagles stadium blanket

Premier Limo. . . .One hour limo ride

Noble Hawk Golf Links. . . Twosome for 18 hole green fees

Felger Peat Moss. . . .gift certificate

Eagle Glen Golf Course. . . golf passes

Greg* & Julie Veerkamp. . . .Wolfgang Puck Cookware

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . . Barely buoyant Balloon hot air ride

General Credit Union. . . Gift bag

Jack & Mary Myers. . . 1 galloon dill pickles

Jack & Mary Myers. . . .3 hanging baskets of Wave petunias

Jack & Mary Myers. . . Full size quilt (RickRack) made by Mary

Whitley County 4-H Inc.. . . .Family pass for grand stand events

Whitley County 4-H Inc. .. . . Family pass for grand stand events

Whitley County Family YMCA. . . .Family membership

Whitley County Family YMCA.  . workout towel, gym bag

Rosewood Carriages. . . .Carriage ride

Cathy Oberholtzer*. . . . DVD/CD Case with DVD & CDs

Joe & Trudy Dickason.  . .Handcrafted Wooden Bottle Stopper

Joe & Trudy Dickason. . . .Handcrafted “Bloodwood” Desk Set ;  cigar pen, letter opener, magnifier

Farmers & Merchants. . . . .2009 US Mint Proof Set

The Watering Can. . . .one floral arrangement a month for a year

The Watering Can. . . large wreath

Salesman & Sons Trucking Inc. . . .. one triaxle load of top dirt

Salesman & Sons Trucking Inc. . . . .one triaxle load of driveway stone

Churubusco Subway/Pam Shanahan. . . . . Subway Party Platter (serves up to 20)

Busco Ag Plus. .  .bird seed

Busco Ag Plus. . .snow melt

Busco Ag Plus.  .. dog biscuits

Busoc Ag Plus. . .mouse control

Eagle Do It Best/JR Ford. . . . .perfect garden tool

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . . .lube, oil, and filter

Evans Toyota. . .tape measure, pen, pencil

Fort Wayne Tin Caps. . . .exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Parkview Field (up to 10 guests)

Eel River Golf Course. . . Odyssey white hot putter

Eel River Golf Course. . . One foursome 9 holes golf with carts

Eel River Golf Course. . . One foursome 18 hours golf with carts

Kriders Meat Processing Inc./Columbia City. . . .Smoked ham

Precision Sharpening. .  ..$50 gift certificate towards purchase or rental

Bubbles & Barks/Johnston’s Dog Grooming. . . .$25 gift certificate

Bubbles & Barks/Johnston’s Dog Grooming. . . .$25 gift certificate

Magic Wand. . . $50 gift certificate

Gonink Web Design. . . .Free web site

Star Bank/Debbie Lee*, Churubusco Branch Manager. . . Two p rime tickets to the Indianapolis 500

Pit Stop Pizza. . . .one large pizza a month for a year

Cobblestone Golf Course. .. . . four green fee passes

Jill Bontrager. . . .matted painting of a brick house

Girl Scout Troop 10850. . . .Twenty-four boxes of Girl Scout cookies

Nancy Becker*. . .St. Patrick’s Day Luck of the Irish arrangement with lottery tickets

Sheets & Childs’ Funeral Home/Greg & Jeannine Childs. . . (5) $25 DeBrands Fine Chocolates gift certificates

Trudy & Joe Dickason. . . Handcrafted turned “ash” bowls

Matthew Shambaugh*. . .7” LCD digital photo frame

Matthew Shambaugh*. . .game basket

Columbia House Interiors/Columbia City. . .$50 gift certificate, expires 60 days from 3/3/10

Greg* & Julie Veerkamp. . . .Igloo cooler

Shambaugh & Son. . . Channelock ratcheting wrench set

Shambaugh & Son. . .3 pk Wolverine leather work gloves

Mark & Patty Veerkamp. . .32” Magnavox HD LCD TV

Perry’s Country Store. . .Churubusco hooded sweatshirt

Shear Creations. . . gift bag of product

Shear Creations. . .gift bag of product

Ju Jada Handbags/Lisa Fensler.  .  .Ju Jada handbag

Ju Jada Handbags/Lisa Fensler. . . Ju Jada handbag

Andy’s Car Wash. . . car wash tickets

Hilton Fort Wayne. . .overnight stay with breakfast for two

CHS Fine Arts Department. . . Four tickets to spring musical, “Guys & Dolls”

CHS Athletic Department. . .two family sports passes

CHS Football team. . . .signed helmet

CHS Football team . .. sweatshirt

CHS Football team. . .t-shirt

CHS Basketball team. . .sweatshirt

CHS Basketball team. . .t-shirt

CHS Track team. . . sweatshirt

CHS Track team. . .t-shirt

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . .Dr. Seuss read & play basket

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . .Dr. Seuss read & play basket

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . . Longaberger spring bowl basket

Dick* & Cindy Zollinger. . . play dough basket

Chuck Jones*. ..  JA 1982-1983 project Oscar card game played like Old Maid with history of Churubusco

Candice** & Barry Yeakle. . .pint of Yeakle brand pure maple syrup

Candice** & Barry Yeakle. . .pint of Yeakle brand pure maple syrup

Julie Mast/Longaberger consultant, CES media specialist.  .gardening bag including Longaberger pottery pot and seed packets

Julie Mast. . .tatted cross made by Julie

Hair Solutions/Amy Crabill. . .basket of hair products and certificate for haircut and style

Amy Crabill. . . jewelry item

Hit the Floor Dance Studio/Churubusco/Amber Upton. . .one month of dance lessons

McDonalds. . .  donation

Parker Insurance. . .  donation

Churubusco Family Dentistry. . .  donation

Don & Patty Amber. .  donation

Dr. and Mrs. Russell Gilliom. . . donation

Steel Dynamics Structural & Rail Division. . . . donation

*Churubusco Rotarian

**Rotarian in surrounding community

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(Talk of the Town file photo) Michelle Ball, below, a local teacher, will be traveling abroad to study the Holocaust.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Pierceton Elementary School teacher, Michelle Ball, was recently named as a recipient of the Indiana Lilly Endowment.  Ball is a Columbia City resident, the daughter of Ned and Alma Freeman and the wife of Pat Ball.
Funded under the Lilly 2010 Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program, Ball will be traveling to Germany and Poland to study the Holocaust this summer.
Ball will be retracing the footsteps of Anne Frank, traveling to her birthplace in Frankfurt, Germany, and to Prinsengracht 263, the secret annex where the Frank family went into hiding in 1942 to escape the Nazis.
Ball will also visit Hannover, Germany, where Frank died at the Bergen-Belsen camp. She will later travel to Poland, studying Auschwitz II-Brikenau, and the location where Otto Frank was liberated by the Russians in January of 1945.
Ball's journey is supported in an effort to keep the memory and lessons of Holocaust history alive and to teach students concepts that will forever change their world view. Ball will take what she has learned in Germany and Poland and enrich the learning experience of her students.

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By Mary Popovich

The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) network recently recognized business advisor Scot Goskowicz from the Northeast Indiana SBDC (NEISBDC) for his accomplishments in 2009.  Goskowicz serves clients through NEISBDC outreach sites in Whitley, Huntington, Wells and Adams Counties, in addition to Allen County.
Scot Goskowicz, a business advisor with the NEISBDC since November 2007, was named to the ISBDC’s Two Million Dollar Club in recognition of the assistance he provided to his clients in obtaining more than $2 million in capital during 2009.
“Northeast Indiana is fortunate to have Scot who in my opinion is among the best business counselors in Indiana,” says Ken McCrory, regional director of the NEISBDC.  
Based in Fort Wayne and hosted by Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center is one of 10 regional ISBDC network sites in the state of Indiana.  The NEISBDC serves entrepreneurs and small business owners in 10 counties in northeastern Indiana, offering confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops and courses in partnership with IPFW, and assistance with business planning, marketing, loan packaging, business and financial analysis, and market research. Goskowicz offers one-on-one business counseling in Whitley County.
The NEISBDC also assists businesses with international trade and government procurement in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne and Partners In Contracting Corporation, respectively.  To learn more about the Northeast Indiana SBDC, visit www.isbdc.org, or call (260) 481-0500.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, basket of soft toys and books was assembled by third and fourth graders eager to raise funds for their Pennies for the Poor project to help earthquake victims in Haiti. Below, baskets, baked goods and more were available for sale by Faith Christian Academy students last weekend at their annual dinner in Columbia City. In all, students collected 37,827 pennies.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Faith Christian Academy students felt a special bond with friends in Haiti and were driven to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake with their student-led fundraiser, Pennies for the Poor.  
Faith Christian Academy teacher, Jean Graham, and her husband, Jeff, recently returned to Indiana after serving with the CSI orphanage there.  A medical clinic, also run by CSI, is very close to the orphanage.  
Knowing about the Graham's experiences in Haiti, and because the students have had Haiti as their chapel mission project this year, the students wanted to do something to help. Karen Van Voorst, a Faith Christian Academy teacher, helped the students organize a craft/bake sale held during the annual FCA fish fry & tenderloin dinner held last weekend.  
The whole school got involved in the fundraiser! The preschoolers made pinecone bird feeders.  The kindergarten class made original cookbooks (and some of the recipes are priceless).  The first & second grade, and middle school made items for a bake sale.  Van Voorst’s 3rd & 4th grade class made baskets filled with books, stuffed animals and knitted items.  
"Almost all of the items sold – and best of all, the incredible amount of 37,827 pennies was raised," said school administrator Rev. Larry Schmoekel. "That’s $ 378.27.  What a joy to see this amount go directly to provide aid to those who have real needs."

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On Tuesday, the Whitley County Patriots met at the Columbia City America Legion where they welcomed Cindy Gamrat of the Huntington County TEA Party.
Gamrat spoke about the TEA Party/Patriot movement -- with 130 local residents in attendance.
“About one year ago I was frustrated with the direction the country was heading and wanted to go to a TEA Party,” says Gamrat. “I saw there was not one scheduled on tax day, April 15, 2009, in Huntington and felt the citizens of Huntington would be missing out on a chance to have their voices heard. So, I prayed about it and decided to hold one in Huntington.”
Gamrat talked with friends, learned they felt the same way, and they worked to stage a well-attended TEA Party on the courthouse square in Huntington.
The Huntington movement snowballed from that point, as the group organized a July 4th patriotic event and now has monthly meetings attended by as many as 300 people. It has conducted a Constitutional studies seminar through the National Center for Constitutional Studies, has handed out more than 1,000 pocket Constitutions and helped stage a northern Indiana TEA Party rally last fall in Warsaw.
A University of Michigan graduate, Gamrat is a registered nurse but has devoted the past 10 years to homeschooling her children.
Also addressing The Whitley County Patriots was Emery W. McClendon, who lives in his hometown of Fort Wayne, is an Air Force veteran and served two years active duty with the Indiana Air National Guard’s Fort Wayne unit.  He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.  
McClendon’s involvement with patriotic volunteer work began shortly after he helped with two-way amateur radio communications at Glenn Beck’s Fort Wayne "Rally For The Troops," and with the national Glen Beck rally in Huntington, West Virginia.
In February 2004, he founded Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day (www.armad.net) as a way for people in communities nationwide to honor and show appreciation for the nation’s troops, veterans and military retirees live over two-way radio.  ARMAD led him to other military support groups and he became active with Families United for Our Troops and their mission, Vets For Freedom, The United States Army Freedom Team Salute and Americans For Prosperity.
McClendon became involved in the TEA Party movement through blog talk radio during the first Tea Party by helping broadcast the event, and by having live updates from various locations around the country streamed over blog talk radio.  He then organized the Fort Wayne Tea Party, with Dr. Alan Keyes as the keynote speaker. 
He has been invited to speak at several patriotic events across the country and has participated in many TEA Parties, rallies and other patriotic causes and town hall events throughout the area. 
“I continue to get involved in leadership roles at other TEA Party events, such as serving on panels; and in blogging,” says McClendon.  “I believe speaking at the events is a way to help show citizens how important it is to save our Constitution and Republic.”
Tuesday's meeting also included a presentation on steps individuals and the group can take to have an impact on local, state and national issues.
“We are not aligned with a political party or with any state or national organization,” says Patriots Chairman Roger Metzger.
“We are just a group of citizens from across the county concerned about irresponsible government spending, unresponsive elected officials and a surge of government control that was never the intent of our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. We believe those original Patriots had it right then and that their values of faith and principle still apply today.”

The next meeting will be April 6 in Columbia City.

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