Talk of the Town - Whitley County: July 2010 Archives

Dekko Foundation awards $3,700 grant to the Friends of the Eel River Trail

By Kim Bolinger

The Dekko Foundation has awarded a $3,700 grant to the Friends of Eel River Trail, for the further enhancement of the newly completed Columbia City Trailhead on Whitley Street.
The grant will provide two benches, a bike rack, four 7-foot concrete parking stops and an asphalt ramp at the Trailhead.
The Trailhead was built to serve the growing network of non-motorized trails in Whitley County including the Blue River Trail, slated for expansion, and the Eel River Trail connecting Columbia City and South Whitley, now under development. Features include modern restrooms, parking and a water fountain.
The Trailhead was developed through a grant funded by the Whitley County Community Foundation, by the Friends of Eel River Trail on land donated by the City of Columbia City. Indiana University/Purdue University Fort Wayne and numerous local businesses, labor unions and individuals donated construction labor and materials.
The City of Columbia City is now the owner of the Trailhead, which is maintained by the Columbia City Parks Department. There is no cost to use area trails, which are built for the good health and enjoyment of all, including walkers, bicyclists, joggers, inline skaters, strollers and wheelchairs.
For more information about the Columbia City Trailhead or the Friends of the Eel River Trail, visit www.eelrivertrail.com.

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Eight enjoy successful outcomes at Whitley County Amateur Radio Club test session

Article provided

The Whitley County Amateur Radio Club W5YI Team held their quarterly test session earlier today.
The W5YI Team members present were Cathy Evilsizor / WB8ORR; Don Evilsizor / KA9QWC; Betty Hopson / KC9HYW; Greg Watson / KA9DTZ; Gary Stebbins / KC9GGV; James Smith / N9FGN; David Keiser / WB9UNL; and Roger McEntarfer / N9QCL.
In all, 12 people were present for the test session and eight left smiling with new ham radio licenses or upgrades to their existing licenses.
Those earning new ham radio licenses today included Scott A. Schilling of Fort Wayne, Michael A. Shelby of Fort Wayne, James A. Skora of Arcola and an unidentified resident of Albion.
Those upgrading existing ham licenses today included Amie N. Collins of Albion, Shephen M. Haxby of Fort Wayne, Debra K. Smith of Columbia City and Sara J. Wager of Albion.
The next W5YI Test session will be held on Saturday October 30, 2010 from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Columbia City Eagles Lodge, 306 West Van Buren Street, in Columbia City.
For further information on upcoming test sessions or other Whitley County Amateur Radio Club, Inc. activities check out our web site at www.wcarc.org or contact Roger McEntarfer / N9QCL via email at n9qcl@arrl.net

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Groundbreaking set for Monday at new orthopedic, physical therapy facility

(Talk of the Town image courtesy Whitley County GIS) Above, in the location outlined in yellow, representatives of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation, the City of Columbia City and Peak Performance will break ground on a new orthopedic and sports physical therapy location on Monday.

Article provided

Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck will join Peak Performance Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy (Peak Performance) owner Sean White and other community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony at the company’s new Columbia City location at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, August 2.
The company’s new site is less than one-mile east of the intersection of State Road 205 & US Highway 30 at State Road 205 & County Road 200 East.
Peak Performance Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, P.C. is a private practice serving patients throughout Whitley and Kosciusko Counties, providing out-patient orthopedic physical and occupational therapy, post-operative rehabilitation and sports medicine.
For more information about Peak Performance, visit http://peakperformancetherapy.net/

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Carol's Corner celebrates 40 years Sunday

(Talk of the Town photo by Teresa Smith of the Tribune-News) Carol Eberly, below, will celebrate 40 years of business ownership Sunday at Carol's Corner in South Whitley. Eberly has a variety of specials planned -- including rolled back prices and live entertainment.

By Teresa Smith of the Tribune-News

Everyone is welcome to help celebrate 40 years in business Sunday, August 1 at Carol’s Corner, 101 South State Street in South Whitley.
Owner Carol Eberly will provide the traditional free soft serve ice cream cones all day.
People who drive in their 40-year-old or older car will receive free soft drinks, too.
"I’m rolling back the prices on select items, too," Eberly said.
The Original Miss Carol Sandwich, from 1970, (but made fresh) is $2.50; french fries are $1 and be sure to get your old fashioned chocolate soda for $1.75.
Carol’s Corner has been a favorite drive-in and stop-in place for four decades.
"I still remember when Speck handed me the keys," she said.
"Speck" would be Speck Newell, who owned and operated the little restaurant on the corner from 1955 to 1970 . Floyd Eisaman built the building in 1950 before selling it and the business to Newell.
Eberly worked for Speck a few years then bought the business from her.
That was August 1, 1970. She was 18-years-old.
Carol’s Corner opens every year in April and closes up sometime in September.
She’s hired more than 500 community people over the years, as car hops, as cooks and as inside servers.
While it may seem like an impromptu vintage car show has started on the lot some weekends, it just goes to show that Carol’s Corner is a favorite stopping place, and has been for decades, for people just out for a drive.
Shade Jonz will entertain from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

In 2008, Talk of the Town published a full-length story on Carol Eberly and Carol's Corner. Click here to read it.

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Heart disease affects women uniquely, cardiologist tells Women's Giving Circle members

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, attendees at the Whitley County Community Foundation's Women's Giving Circle luncheon listen carefully to Dr. Linda Landon, a cardiologist with Fort Wayne Cardiology, as she provides information about understanding and reducing the risk of heart disease in women.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Since the program's inception, many free mammograms have been given away to women lacking insurance or the funds to pay for the crucial test to determine breast abnormalities thanks to the Women's Giving Circle.
Recently, a woman pulled Whitley County Community Foundation executive director September McConnell aside and told her that a friend had received one of the free mammograms -- and because of it, learned she had breast cancer in an early stage.
"If I don't do another thing or we don't complete another project, that was worth it," McConnell said, the sense of emotion catching in her voice.
Indeed, the Women's Giving Circle Fund through the Whitley County Community Foundation has accomplished a lot of good -- finding cancer, setting weary minds at ease and creating an awareness about breast cancer and other women's health issues.
Breast cancer has been an important mission of the group, but as McConnell told a group of women present for the annual Women's Giving Circle luncheon recently, there are many issues of concern including teen and pre-teen self-esteem and heart health.
"Heart issues are huge and I think we ignore it," McConnell said. "Heart health is kind of a silent predator. It's out there and we need to be more aware of it."
Dr. Linda Landin of Fort Wayne Cardiology, a graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine, discovered her interest for heart health during her internship at St Vincent's Hospital. During the past several decades of her career, Landin has seen great advances and greater understanding of women's heart health.
"Heart health for women has taken a back seat," Landin said. "No one paid attention that women could have heart problems.
We are now more aware and we've learned that heart disease can affect women differently than men."
"We have seen tremendous change in the care and treatment of heart attacks," Landin said. "And we've seen more emphasis on prevention."
Landin said a number of disorders fall under the overall umbrella of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart defects, peripheral heart disease, valvular disease, rheumatic heart disease and pulmonary circulation disorders.
"Heart disease is the number one killer bar none," Landin said, adding that it affects 500,000 yearly and someone dies every 32 seconds from a heart related issue. Looking around the room, Landin said one of every two women would be effected by cardiovascular disease in their lifetime.
"Statistics show breast cancer kills one in 30 women," Landin said. "Heart disease kills one in 2.5 women. That's a pretty startling realization. Statistics show that heart disease presents itself as sudden death in half of those who have it."
Landin shared symptoms to help women become aware of the unique and sometimed different ways a heart attack will present iteself in a woman. Symptoms can include discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw and stomach, back pain, jaw pain and shortness of breath. Sometimes these symptoms are less severe in women and they are often overlooked or ignored, a perilous mistake Landin said.
"You need to call 911 immediately. Do not wait more than five minutes," she said. "Quick action and medical treatment are helpful, but dead heart muscle tissue cannot be restored. Medications do exist to help stop some of the damage and restore blood flow."
"Stints can keep arteries open," she said. Landin said the standard time between when a woman senses a problem and her presence in a heart catheter lab should be no more than 90 minutes to minimize damage.
But instead of putting reliance on saving patients after they've suffered a heart attack, Landin wanted to warn women to turn back the clock and make changes now to prevent heart disease later.
"Can we slow, halt or reverse cardiovascular disease -- that's a big YES," Landin said emphatically.
"Indentify your risk factors, control your risk factors and identify what factors can increase your risk," she said. Landin said hereditary can be a risk factor if a female relative suffered a heart attack under age 65 or a male relative suffered a heart attack under age 55. Second hand smoke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and stress are also risk factors.
Dietary suggestions include eliminating animal fats and saturated fats, increase fiber and reduce or avoid high cholesterol foods such as eggs and meat. Lifestyle changes should include exercise and not smoking.
Landin said realistic goals that can help improve your overall health include losing weight in a healthy way -- about 1 to 1.5 pounds per week. "Most diets fail. You need to make realistic lifestyle changes to be successful," Landin said. "It's about lifestyle change and setting small goals for yourself. You're more likely to be successful this way."
Landin urged regular medical checkups and advised women to find a physican they feel comfortable talking with openly about their risk factors for heart disease.
"It doesn't happen overnight," she said of reversing heart disease. "The key to a healthy heart is knowing what your risk factors are and making your own health a priority."

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Redevelopment commission to discuss establishment of a new tax increment finance district

From reports

The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission will be holding a special meeting Tuesday, August 3, at noon in the conference room on the first floor of City Hall.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the establishment of a new tax increment finance district.
The public is invited to attend.

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Brandanza band lineup set for August 21

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Plans are already in the works for Brandanza 2010, a memorial event held for the second year in remembrance of the late Brandon Wade Minier.

Minier, the son of Mike and Debby Minier, husband of April Minier and father of two young children, died in a motorcycle accident in 2009, leaving his family and countless friends devastated.
As a means of remembering him, Chad Fry, Shannon Clark, Travis Grunawalt, Mike Thomas and Drew Minier began the tradition of Brandanza last year with great success. Brandanza is now an annual fundraiser, music festival and summertime social event all rolled into one.
This year, Brandanza is set for Saturday, August 21, with activities beginning at 3 p.m. at Portside Pizza, Tri Lakes.
This year's musical acts include Unlikely Alibi, Left Lane Cruiser, The Revisitors, Sparkleteaser, TIMBER!!! and Dirty Blue Jean. The bands will begin performing at 4 p.m.
The event will include a hog roast, activities for children, silent auction, cornhole tournament and more.
Admission is $10 per person or $20 per family which includes food and non-alcoholic drinks. Adult beverages will be available, but not included in the admission.
Portside Pizza is located at 5310 North Old 102, Tri Lakes.
A Facebook page for Brandanza 2010 has been set up. Click here to access it and RSVP.

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County council votes against putting Whitko's referendum on the November ballot

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

As a step in the process toward raising the tax rate in the Whitko School district, a public meeting was held Wednesday morning with the Whitley County Council.
Whitko School Superintendent Steve Clason was present for the meeting and explained why the vote was necessary. The school board wants the matter of raising the tax rate in the school district to go to a referendum and in order for that to happen, County Councils in both Whitley and Kosciusko County need to approve the request to place the matter on the November ballot.
The council's vote on the matter would not be to approve or deny the tax, but whether it should be allowed on the ballot.
Council members present for the 8 a.m. posted meeting included Kim Wheeler, John Barrett, Tom Western, Glen Larue and Jim Bayman.
After some discussion, a motion was made by Tom Western and seconded by John Barrett.
As council president, Kim Wheeler abstained from voting.
Tom Western voted in favor of the measure. Those who voted against putting the referendum on the November ballot included John Barrett, Glen Larue and Jim Bayman.
The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.
Kosciusko County Council will vote on the matter on Friday, just before the deadline. It is not clear what the outcome will be if Kosciusko County's vote differs from Whitley County Council's.

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Kiwanis Club, Key Club looking forward to construction of giant obstacle course for kids

By Barry Yeakle

What do you do with 50 bales of straw once the party is over?
That is the question facing the Kiwanians of Whitley County. Kiwanis is a service club dedicated to service to children, and their All Kids Athletic Day features an obstacle course constructed of bales of straw. More straw will be used behind the targets to be used for archery instruction. That’s fifty bales altogether. Where to find new homes for them afterward is one of the unsolved questions of the new program.
But, that question aside, the committee planning the event is focused on maximizing fun during the event which begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, at DeVol Field. Already, 70 children have registered.
All Kids Athletic Day! is a new idea, original to the Whitley County Club and is funded by a generous grant from the Kiwanis International Foundation. In addition to the obstacle course and archery ranges, children will find relay races, slip’n slides,
trampolines, tug of war, and a short cross-country course which features a trot through the woods and over a wooden bridge, through a tunnel and up the famous 50 staircase at Baker Park. The archery range will be set up for both right and left handers.
The program is open to children ages 6-12. A healthy snack of fresh fruit and trail mix will be served at mid-day. Bottled water and sunscreen, gifts of Parkview Whitley Hospital, will be constantly available for the young athletes.
One boy and one girl from each age group who show the coaches a strong spirit to compete will win a Kiwanis hoodie embroidered with their name.
The coaching staff consists of twenty-two members of Columbia City High School’s Key Club. The coaches will guide teams of boys and girls, grouped by age, through the events.
Boys and girls competing may get dirty and are guaranteed to get wet, so old clothes are advised. Parents are welcomed to watch the four-hour event, or may drop their young athletes while they attend the JA Car Show downtown in Columbia City. Security will be present and in addition to being given an identification number, children will be matched with volunteers. Additional volunteers will be keeping an eye on things as well.
American Legion Post 98 and the Columbia City Department of Parks are partners in the program.
Pre registration is necessary. It’s free and may be done at B.E. Computers, Cards and Comics on the courthouse square. Questions about the program, or about how to become a Kiwanian can be answered by calling Barry Yeakle at 609-3286, or Linda Scott at 248-4322.

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Columbia City United Methodist Childcare children raise $412 for St. Jude Children's Hospital

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Sausaman pleased with attendance at domestic violence training session

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Sherry Sausaman, founder of the Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force, sees the attendance at last night's domestic violence training session at Parkview Whitley Hospital as an indication that people are ready to respond in Whitley County.
"What a terrific outcome," Sausaman told task force members this morning.
In all, 14 people attended the training and 12 of the 14 were not currently involved with the task force -- just community members eager to respond appropriately to aid victims of violence in the community.
Sausaman said she was contacted by several other individuals that were unable to attend the training, but who want to get involved.

For more information about the Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force, send an email to sherry.sausaman@parkview.com

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Churubusco Fire Department seeking a few good men (and women) to bolster volunteer force

(Talk of the Town photos by Chris Tomlinson) The Churubusco Fire Department is in need of volunteers to add to their fire force. Above and below, volunteer firefighters participate in one of many training exercises.

By Chris Tomlinson of BuscoVoice.com

Imagine for a moment that you call 9-1-1 for the fire department and no one shows up. The volunteer fire service, which dates back to Ben Franklin, is slowly disappearing like the horse drawn fire truck.
In a community where we pride ourselves on staying connected and knowing our neighbors, the fire department has always been that social and civic point of contact for our citizens. But as incidents increase and volunteers fade, the volunteer fire service could become as rare as a firehouse Dalmatian.
“People are running out of free time,” said Churubusco fire chief Roger Bennett and according to a 2004 report by the NVFC that’s the number one factor.
Blame it on our society: longer commutes, year round sport activities, factories or shops that won’t allow volunteers to leave in the middle of a workday. Blame it on state mandated training requirements that have increased heavily since 9/11. Blame it on people who live in the community and don’t realize the department is strictly men and women willing to volunteer and there aren’t people at the station 24/7. The fact remains that the fire department could use more hands.
“Years ago the fire department was made up of local business owners and farmers who could leave for an emergency. Today more people travel out of town for work. Even if it’s just to Ft Wayne, it’s too far for them to respond," said one firefighter.
As more people commute to these cities and towns for work, you can imagine how few of these volunteers are available during the daytime hours.
Two critical accidents during the afternoon hours in June, one being a fatality, had a total of two firefighters at one incident and three at another. The department’s protocol calls for two trucks to respond to accidents and to have 4 to 5 people in each truck. On a structure fire the amount of apparatus and people needed to make it as safe as possible triples.

Volunteers Save Money

The economic consequences are obvious, because as more volunteers disappear from the fire service, towns are forced to hire career firefighters in place of volunteers. Of the 30,000 fire departments in the U.S., roughly 2/3rds are volunteer protecting 40% of the population.
A study conducted by the Public Safety and Environmental Protection Institute and found that it would cost U.S. citizens $37.2 billion annually if they had to replace all volunteers with career staffing.
The study went on to say that the average figure that can be used for a career firefighter’s salary and benefits is $71,500 per year. This obviously varies by area of the country, but it’s a figure that the town of Churubusco or Smith Township could not afford.
“To cover costs like these would require a raise in property taxes and in this day and age that’s not going to happen," said Smith Township Trustee Patty Amber. “Even if we considered a fire territory, there isn’t enough assessed evaluation to create a career department."

Benefits of Volunteering

Most firefighters are very humble when called a “hero” because they’re just doing their job, but they all gain great satisfaction knowing their hard work helped someone else in a time of need. It could be as simple as helping someone up from the ground after a nasty fall, to saving a home from total fire destruction. No matter the incident, your help made a difference in someone’s life.
On top of the intangible benefits there are life skills and financial benefits to being a firefighter. Some of these include:
* CPR certification – This could help you advance in your career
* Cell phone discounts – Many of the major carriers offer some sort of discount
* Hotel room discounts – Some major hotel chains will offer discounts
* Free admission – You can attend events, festivals and at times movies for little or no cost
* Tax breaks – It’s possible to write off or claim items on your taxes

How you can help

Deciding to be a volunteer isn’t something you should take lightly and the fire department has a list of questions to ask yourself before you decide to apply:
1.)   Do I have enough time?
2.)   Am I willing to go out in extreme weather, odd hours and get dirty?
3.)   Will my family be supportive?
4.)   Do I have the ability to cope with emergencies?
5.)   Can I physically do the job?
There are two main requirements to apply for a position:
1.)   Must be 18 years of age or older
2.)   Live within the coverage area which is roughly 5-6 miles in either direction from downtown
Applications can be picked up from the fire station on Tuesday evenings after 7 p.m. or downloaded from the Churubusco Fire Department by clicking here.

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Registration open for Columbia City Parks Department's youth football leagues

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Registration is now underway for the Columbia City Parks Department's youth football leagues.
The tackle football program is offered for children in grades 2-6.
For children in grades 2-3, the Rookie League practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and scrimmaging begins part way through the season. The registration fee is $50 and due before August 17.
Practices for fourth and fifth graders in the Junior Football League is held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Games are held on Saturdays. The registration fee is $85 and due before August 17.
Sixth graders participating in the Sixth Grade Travel football team practice twice a week and play in a weekly game. Some games are hosted at home and the team also travels to surrounding communities for games. The registration fee is $85 and participants must register no later than August 17.
Helmets, shoulder pads, pants, mouth guards and other pads will be provided by the Columbia City Parks Department.
For more information on the youth Football League, contact Melinda Wheeler at 248-5180 or visit the Columbia City Parks Department website by clicking here.
The mission of JFL Program is to create a cohesive partnership with the Columbia City Park Department JFL Program and the Columbia City High School Football Program to develop players to be able to compete and succeed as varsity players.

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EMT course offered in hopes of fulfilling local need for emergency care professionals

Parkview Whitley Hospital and Whitley County EMS are offering an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT) course for those interested in first-level emergency care. The need for EMTs in Whitley County is greatest in the communities of South Whitley and Churubusco.
The class will meet two nights a week beginning October 5, 2010 and ends February 17, 2011. The course will be held in Parkview Whitley Hospital auditorium A, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $500.
An EMT, or emergency medical technician, is the first level of response to medical emergencies such as car accidents or heart attacks. EMTs deliver basic medical treatment on the scene and help transport patients back to the hospital and report to the ER physician. EMTs must pass a certified training program at the basic level and be certified by the state. They can then advance to the intermediate level and eventually to the more advanced paramedic level.
Upon completion of the class, students are prepared for a state practical and written exam for certified emergency medical technicians. Course topics include assessing the patient’s condition, performing CPR, dealing with blood loss, administering bandages, managing respiratory problems, first-response treatment for common injuries and emergency childbirth. The EMT-Basic class includes hours in the classroom and the field. Students are required to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Graduating high school seniors also are invited to enroll in the program.
For more information or to request a course-application package, call (260) 248-9340 or e-mail debra.brice@parkview.com.

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How to Help: Domestic violence training class offered tonight at Parkview Whitley Hospital

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Have you noticed a woman in your office seems to regularly have bruises on her arms or legs? Has a friend confided in you that his or her spouse is abusive?
You want to help your friend, but in a potentially volatile relationship, do you know how to get involved? Should you get involved?
Tonight a special training session is being offered by the Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force to help those caring people learn how best to help a victim of domestic violence. The training session this evening will be offered from 6-8 p.m. at Parkview Whitley Hospital's Auditorium C.
The class is free.

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Water in Whitley County: Local experts to lead information discussion Wednesday night

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, from left, Mike Dear, Gene Haskins, Scott Wagner and Mike Cook will discuss the many facets of water in Whitley County at an informational session Wednesday at the Peabody Public Library.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

As you shuffle into the bathroom in the morning and turn on the faucet to splash some water on your face or brush your teeth, have you given any thought to that cool, clear water rushing out? Where does it come from? Where will it go once it leaves your home?
Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. the Peabody Public Library is hosting an informational session to help local residents find answers to those questions and many more you haven't even thought of yet.
Gene Haskins of the Whitley County Soil & Water Conservation District, along with Scott Wagner of the Whitley County Health Department, Mike Dear of the Columbia City Water Department and Mike Cook of the Waste Water Treatment facility will all be present to share information about water in Whitley County.
As local authorities on water quality, they'll provide answers to audience questions and provide information about water programs and water conditions in Whitley County -- anything from water tables to your water bill...and explain where your water comes from and where it eventually goes.
The event is free and promises to be very informative.

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Leadership Whitley County alumni gather in celebration at the 4-H Fair

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Leadership Whitley County's alumni committee hosted an ice cream social for alumni representing nine years of the servant leadership program last week during the Whitley County 4-H Fair. In addition to enjoying a cold treat, alumni and their families had an opportunity to celebrate successes at the fair by signing the blue ribbon board, held above, by Leadership Whitley County alumni Cindy Barnett, left, and program director Kelley Sheiss, who is also an alumni of the program.

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County GOP's monthly breakfasts begin August 14

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Republican Party will host their first Saturday breakfast of the fall season on Saturday, April 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the CC Deli in downtown Columbia City.
According to county chairman Jim Banks, Indiana State Auditor Tim Berry is the featured speaker. Local candidates seeking office will also have an opportunity to speak.
Breakfast is $5 per person.
Additional breakfast dates include September 11 and October 9. Both will be held at the CC Deli at 8:30 a.m.

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Rotary exchange student reflects on her experience living in Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Rotary exchange student Nanna Osterby left Whitley County today, an end to the 11-month experience in teen life in rural America. Above, Osterby volunteered at the Columbia City Rotary's Easter Egg Hunt. Below, she participated in the 2010 graduation ceremony at Columbia City High School.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Nanna Osterby, a Rotary exchange student from Denmark, arrived in August 2009 for her year long adventure in Whitley County.
Immediately, she realized it was going to be different than life at home. Osterby recently took an opportunity to reflect on her experience in Whitley County and as a Rotary exchange student.
“Everything is really big compared to Denmark ,” she said. “The cars, the buildings...they were all bigger.”
The weather was also very different than what she's used to at home. While here, she’s noticed the summers are hotter and the winter is colder.
There are many things she's learned to love while here.
"It’s a good thing that you get to meet so many new people," she said. She has particularly enjoyed the friends she’s made and the families she’s stayed with. Her host families this year included Jacie Worrick, John and Aileen Meier and Tim and Beth Bloom.
She has also gotten to know everyone from the Columbia City Rotary Club as well as Rotarians from across the district.
She has met a lot of other exchange students also studying in Northern Indiana through the Rotary Exchange Program -- students from Japan, Thailand, Venezuela, Slovakia, France and beyond.
At Columbia City High School, she has also met three exchange students from Germany and two from Brazil who are participating through different international exchange programs. She expects to continue friendships with all of the other exchange students she’s met in the process and plans to visit with them when they return to their native homes. She has found that relating to the other exchange students has been a lot of fun.
In addition to learning about the vastly different cultures of her fellow exchange students, she's enjoyed the opportunity to learn about American culture, small town life and values.
"You learn a new culture. It’s different than being a tourist when you get to stay with the local people," she said. The school and social opportunities have been very valuable to Nanna. School clubs and football games are much different than what she experiences at home. "I don’t think I would have gotten involved in tennis at home and I have been able to do speech and debate all winter – we don’t have that at home in Denmark," she said. "I’m sad it’s over."
While English is not her native language, Osterby speaks fluently.
"The language is a huge advantage when you come home because you’ve been speaking the language every day for a year," she said. "If you think you speak English really well, it’s not the same when everyone is talking to you and giving you assignments. It’s pretty tough to do everything in English all the time."
When she first arrived in the United States, she still thought in Danish and dreamed in Danish -- but she now finds that she dreams in English.
While there is a lot about life in Whitley County that is the same as life at home, there is a lot that's different too. Osterby sees her life changing daily as she learns more about the local culture and, ultimately, herself.
"When you go to another country by yourself for a year, you change a lot. You mature a lot," she said. "You don’t know anybody at all when you come. It can be hard in the beginning, but when you start making friends and getting involved, it gets much easier."
Early on, Osterby discovered that getting to know people involved breaking out of her shell a bit. "You see that people don’t just come to you and you have to do something to meet new people," she adds. "If you are a little shy when you come, you are not anymore when you go home. It creates a bigger tolerance for other people. The culture may be very different from what you’re used to, but you see it from another side."
"You learn a lot about the country you are in," she said of just the things she's learned while being a student at the local high school. "During speech and debate, I learned so much about the environment, healthcare, the government, etc. I learned about voting and many things I wouldn’t have known about. Our school system is so different than the American school system."
She said she learned that the level of discipline in Columbia City High School is much different than what she was familiar with at home in Denmark. "School is much stricter," she said.
Being away from your family for a whole year would be very, very difficult if it were not for modern communication tools that keep her constantly in touch with family and friends at home.
"It is hard to be away from home and not see your friends and family," she said. "Skype and internet helps. It’s hard to know they are home doing their own thing. They have been doing things for a whole year you don’t know anything about."
While she says living with local families has been immensely rewarding, it's just different than being with your own family.
"You move in with a family full of strangers and you have to try to fit in with this family, with their routines and how they do things," she said. "You have to get used to that. With Rotary, you change host families several times during the year. It seemed weird at first, but I actually like it. When you stay with the same family, it gets into a routine."
"You will have families where you feel you fit better and you have more in common," she said. "It can be hard when you get to a new family and you have to adjust again. You may feel like you just adapted and then you have to change and start all over again. You do get used to the new family really fast. Each move is exciting and sad."
Osterby enjoyed her final weeks in Whitley County. She went to the prom, participated in graduation at Columbia City High School, and traveled the United States extensively over the past several weeks. She enjoyed the thrill of our hometown festivals and spent many summer days at local lakes. Hours ago, she returned to Denmark...reflecting on her once-in-a-lifetime experience living in Whitley County.

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Ready to launch your business? EDC offering another 11-week New Ventures program

Following on the success of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation's 2010 FastTrac New Ventures course, first launched in January of this year, business incubation program managers Sharon Sallot and Scot Goskowicz will lead another eleven-week New Ventures program beginning in September 2010.
FastTrac is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneur's fine tune the skills needed to create, manage, and grow a successful business. FastTrac participants don't just learn about business, they live it!
They work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program - moving their ventures to reality or new levels of growth.
Classes will begin September 7 and will be held Tuesdays fro 6-9 p.m. at the Whitley County EDC office, 220 West Van Buren Street.
Participants in a FastTrac program learn to operate their businesses effectively through a certified Kauffman Foundation business planning program using sources of information, and to make decisions based on trust and competence. In this learning -focused environment, participants will:
• Fine tune skills to create and/ or grow a successful business
• Learn from experienced entrepreneur facilitators, business coaches, guest speakers and peers
• Transfer knowledge in a peer-to-peer environment
• Expand their network of community resources
• Work ON their business, not IN it
• Receive continual feedback from experienced entrepreneurs
• Learn a business development and planning process they can use as a tool for the ongoing development of their business
The Whitley County EDC sponsors a services-based business incubation program that now serves twelve client companies from throughout Whitley County.
The most recent FastTrac New Ventures course attracted thirteen participants ranging from pre-startup “discovery” stage entrepreneurs to “acceleration” stage growth companies.
For more information or to register for the FastTrac New Ventures program, please contact business incubation program managers Sharon Sallot at 244-3176 and Scot Goskowicz at 481-0493.

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The Brew Barn raised $925 for Whitley County 4-H

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Brew Barn, a fundraising effort of Cathy Heritier and Kelley Sheiss, raised $925 last week during the Whitley County 4-H Fair. Open mornings during the fair, they offered a variety of coffees and specialty drinks to fairgoers from a window near the show barn.
Thankful for the volunteers who operated the stand each morning, Sheiss and Heritier were also pleased with the community's support for the fundraiser and say they plan to do it again next year.
Proceeds raised from The Brew Barn will be donated to Whitley County 4-H Inc.

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JuneStar ready to raise funds with mud volleyball tournament on August 28 at The Cove

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

One messy fundraiser is in the works for JuneStar!
On August 28 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., The Cove restaurant at Tri Lakes will be hosting a mud volleyball tournament to benefit the newly formed non-profit organization that links children with positive role models and connects senior citizens with buddies in the community.
Teams will consist of six people on the court at any one time, three men and three women, but may have as many as 10 members.
Players must be at least 16-years-old to participate in the double elimination tournament. A registration fee of $110 will be collected per team.
For more information, contact Greg Kaminski at

(260) 247-5118

or via email at gkaminski@junestar.org
To learn more about JuneStar, click here to read the recent story about the organization on Talk of the Town or visit their website at www.junestar.org

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BABE program travels to 'Busco today

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County BABE will bring their satellite program for families with children ages 0-5 to Farmers & Merchants Bank in Churubusco from noon-2 p.m. today.
The Whitley County BABE program rewards positive parenting with resources including diapers and child care supplies. The mission of the non-profit organization is to provide quality incentives to parents who participate in preventative and prenatal care, including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote healthy pregnancy, birth outcome and early childhood development.
For more information on the Whitley County BABE program, contact director Shawn Ellis at 244-2820.

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CC Deli's Soups of the Week

Soup's on at the CC Deli this week. What follows are the soups of the week:
Monday: Chicken Dumpling and Pepperjack Bacon
Tuesday: Wisconsin Cheese and French Onion
Wednesday: Talk of the Town's White Chili and Broccoli Cheese
Thursday: Cheesy Potato and Chili
Friday: Veggie Beef and Chicken Tortilla

The CC Deli is located at 118 West Van Buren Street, just north of the Whitley County Courthouse on the square. Orders can be placed for large or small gatherings by calling 248-4700. Offerings include fresh breads, sandwiches, soups, fresh baked items, salads as well as catering services and decorated cakes. Meats and cheeses by the pound are also available.

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Entrepreneurial veteran Bruce Stach to lead EDC's small business, start up initiatives

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today that aerospace and defense industry veteran Bruce Stach is now overseeing the organization’s small business and entrepreneurship initiatives.
"Over the past two years, we have established a strong foundation to support entrepreneurs in Whitley County," said EDC president Alan Tio, "With Bruce’s guidance we aim to further enhance our capabilities to work with startup and growth oriented companies.”
Stach joins the EDC’s small businesses team that also includes business incubation program managers Sharon Sallot, owner of Sallot Ventures, and Scot Goskowicz, business advisor with the Indiana Small Business Development Center. Sallot and Goskowicz now manage a business incubation program that serves twelve client companies from throughout Whitley County and will soon launch their second FastTrac New Ventures business planning workshop.
"The EDC’s business incubation program provides resources for new and emerging businesses to find success in Whitley County," said Stach. "We are exceeding our initial goals for the incubation program and are now looking toward serving additional clients at different stages of their entrepreneurial development.”
Stach has been involved in Whitley County’s business incubation program since its inception, most recently serving on the advisory board. He is the owner of Columbia City-based Sigma Systems Development LLC and was previously Director of Business Development at ITT Aerospace/Communications division in Fort Wayne.
The EDC will continue to sponsor the business incubation program and in 2011 will launch pre-startup “discovery” and second-stage “acceleration” programs. The business incubation program is supported by a Rural Capacity Grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, matching funds from the Whitley County Community Foundation and the Northeast Indiana Fund, and in-kind contributions from the EDC. The Whitley County EDC is partnering with the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to sponsor this countywide program.

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Nominees sought for Health Care Hero Awards

By Sue Reeves

Nominees are being sought for the 2010 Health Care Hero Awards breakfast slated for Friday, September 17, at 7:30 a.m.. The event will be at Don Hall’s Guesthouse, 1313 W. Washington Center Rd. in Fort Wayne.
The Health Care Hero Awards honor organizations and individuals in the health care field who epitomize the spirit embodied in the word "hero."
A winner and a runner-up will be honored in each of the following categories: Community Achievement in Health Care, Physician, Advancement in Health Care, Medical Professional and Volunteers.
Award winners will be honored at the Health Care Hero Awards Breakfast, profiled in a special publication published by the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly and will receive the distinctive Health Care Hero Award.
Nominations for the awards will be accepted until July 30. Nomination forms are available at www.fwbusiness.com/special/healthcareheroes.

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Crooked Lake residents applauded for their role in raising $2500 for The Lighthouse

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, a group of Luau on the Lake attendees relax on the lawn of a Crooked Lake home during the fundraiser July 17 that benefited The Lighthouse, Whitley County's homeless shelter and transitional living facility.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

An annual lakeside fundraiser, The Lighthouse's Luau on the Lake raised $2500 for the homeless and transitional living facility on July 17.
Ann Fahl, chairperson for the event held at Crooked Lake this year, said event provided an enjoyable evening for many.
Volunteer boat drivers included Becky Curless, Al Anderson, Eric Anderson, Chuck Farris, John Boderick, Karl Fuerste and Mr. McDowell.
Fahl thanked the gracious homeowners who welcomed the fundraiser to their lawns this year, including Becky Curless, John and Diane Igney, John and Aileen Meier, JoEllen McConnell, Jim and Kathy Heuer and Brad and Bridget Johnson.
"We wish to thank all the hostesses and their helpers for all the hard work and dedication to The Lighthouse for helping year after year," Fahl added.

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David Kauffman concert is August 6 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, located on South Line Street in Columbia City, welcomes Christian recording artist David Kauffman in concert on Friday, August 6 at 7 p.m.
Kauffman has been writing, recording and sharing his music since 1987, with the goal of creating music that is, "good for the soul."
"David has done two previous concerts in Columbia City and both were standing room only," said long-time fan Jessica Alles-Smith. Smith added that the show was definitely, "not something to be missed."
No tickets are being sold, but a freewill offering will be accepted. Because the concerts have been so popular in the past, guests are urged to arrive promptly for the best seats.
Additionally, Kauffman will present a mini retreat on Saturday, August 7, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Registration for the retreat is $25 per person which includes participation, a journal and a CD.
For more information on the concert or to register for the retreat, contact Jessica Alles-Smith at jesshopes@aol.com

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Unique event allows canoeists an opportunity to experience a journey along the Eel River

(Talk of the Town photo courtesy Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative) The Eel River Canoe Float, shown above in 2009, provides a unique opportunity for even beginner canoeists to experience nature and the beautiful resource that is the Eel River.

Article provided

Area residents will see firsthand the natural and historical beauty of the Eel River during a free canoe float to the historic Stockdale Mill on Saturday, August 28.
Last year, a similar easygoing float drew more than 60 explorers of all ages and rave reviews.
The float event is designed for the beginning canoeist, but will give paddlers of all skill levels opportunity to learn about the $1 million conservation and cleanup initiative of federal, state and local agencies, organizations and individuals led by Manchester College.
“This free event is especially for the public to see this wonderful resource firsthand, and to learn about the challenges and the possibilities of the Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative,” said Terri Michaelis, watershed coordinator. “Bring your family, friends and neighbors.”
The day begins at the Stockdale Mill with 8:30 a.m. registration and a brief safety and informational meeting. Then participants will be shuttled upriver to the Indiana 15 launching site. Canoeists will examine the fish species, learn about otters, mussels, Native American history, water monitoring procedures and tour Stockdale Mill. When they return to Stockdale Mill, canoeists will lunch on creek bank potatoes.
This family friendly event provides both recreation and experience, notes Michaelis in quoting Jeff Rennicke, author of River Days: “There is no rushing a river. When you go there, you are at the pace of the water and that pace ties you into a flow that is older than life on this planet. Acceptance of that pace, even for a day, changes us, reminds us of other rhythms beyond the sound of our own heartbeats.”
All participants must register in advance. Canoes, paddles, life jackets, lunch and snacks will be provided free. Paddlers with their own canoes or kayaks are welcome, but will need to provide their own staging and transportation. Restrooms are at the Mill, as well as ample parking.
To register, contact the Initiative at (260) 982-5101 or tmmichaelis@manchester.edu.
For more about the Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative, click here.

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One of Time's Magazine's most influential people, Goshen cancer researching is keynote speaker at Health Care Hero Awards

By Sue Reeves

A Goshen cancer researcher will give the keynote address at the 2010 Health Care Hero Awards breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, September 17. The event will be at Don Hall’s Guesthouse, 1313 W. Washington Center Rd. in Fort Wayne.
Douglas J. Schwartzentruber, M.D., is a surgical oncologist and medical director of the Center for Cancer Care in Goshen, and earlier this year was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for his work in cancer research. He is a native of Goshen, a graduate of Goshen College and the Indiana University School of Medicine and has completed fellowships in immunotherapy and surgical oncology.
He was a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute for 13 years before returning to Goshen.
For more information or to RSVP for the breakfast, call Lynn Sroufe (260) 426-2640 x304.

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Outdoor dining deck, possible Farmers Market coming to The Brownstone on State

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
The Brownstone on State, above, the popular South Whitley eatery, is in the process of expansion plans that will allow visitors to enjoy a meal, a latte or a dessert outdoors on nice days. Owners Mike and Kim Balser are in the process of building a large outdoor deck for dining, as shown at right. The Balsers are also hoping to eventually welcome a South Whitley-area Farmers Market to the adjacent space, but according to Kim Balser, there are a lot of details that still need to be worked out. She believes, however, that a Farmers Market for South Whitley would be a nice addition to the community. The deck space and surrounding area had once been the site of a building that burned down several years ago, leaving a vacant, empty foundation. The Balsers filled the area in with several tons of dirt and gravel this summer in anticipation of building their outdoor eating area.

The Brownstone on State is located at 105 South State Street, South Whitley.

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Blue River Big Band performing at Foellinger Theatre Saturday night

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, the Blue River Big Band, shown at a concert at the Foellinger Theatre in 2009, will appear in concert there tomorrow, Saturday, July 24, from 8-10 p.m.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Blue River Big Band will perform tomorrow evening, Saturday, July 24, from 8-10 p.m. at the Foellinger Theatre in Fort Wayne following the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.
"We're really hoping for a big crowd which will help to ensure that we get invited to perform again in future years," said Blue River Big Band member Jason Klingaman.
"We have done some additional preparation for this event and have a 100% new line-up of tunes from last year…not a single repeat," Klingaman said. "So we’ll have plenty of new and fun tunes for eveyone."
Tickets are $4 per person and may be purchased at the ticket counter. Foellinger Theatre is located on Sherman Boulevard, Fort Wayne, on the city's west side.

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Whitley County 4-H Auction sales total $336,902.21

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

While the 2010 Whitley County 4-H Auction, held Thursday at the fairgrounds, it was still a successful event for many local 4-H members with a grand total of $336,902.21 in sales.
This year's auction had 65 fewer items than last year and grossed $38,030 less than the auction in 2009. In all, 551 items entered the ring, 550 items were sold and 350 buyers supported this year's auction. According to the Whitley Count y 4-H, of the 10 types of items sold, seven had lower receipts and three types had higher revenue than 2009.

While the auction total was down from 2009 results, the average sales price per item was up
For the 26th year, Star Financial Bank clerked the auction. 4-H leaders thanked Star Financial Bank, local auctioneers and the community at large for their support of the annual Whitley County 4-H Auction.
Top selling items are as follows:

Sheep:

Grand Champion – Megan Schroeder - $2,650
Purchased by: Grandpa & Grandma Schroeder

Poultry:

Best of Show – Champion Meat Duck – Jarrett Ocken - $200
Purchased by: Bishop Family Farms
Reserve Best of Show – Champion Hen Turkey – Mikaela Michel -$725
Purchased by: Phil Genth family
Champion Roaster – Madison Barshaw - $350
Purchased by: Clayton Garden Center & Eason Horticultural Resources
Champion Dual Purpose – Sean Eberly - $150
Purchased by: Matt Wigent
Champion Goose – Adam Bernhard - $100
Purchased by: Studebaker Farms

Swine:

Reserve Grand Barrow – Jacob Leedy - $1,500
Purchased by: John Leedy family, J & J Insurance, Micropulse Inc, Western Farms, Beck’s Hybrids/Steve Cormany, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Waugh Farm Drainage, Gary Boggs & family, and Mega Bucks Pig Sale
Champion Hampshire – Derek Kissinger - $2,300
Purchased by: Friends & Family of Derek Kissinger
Champion Landrace – Abbi Schrader - $1,100
Purchased by: Star Financial Bank, Freeman Family, Grandpa & Grandma Sowers, Uncle Rony, Paul & Mindy, Grandpa & Grandma Schrader, Grandma Marti, Haupert Financial Services & Morsches Lumber
Champion Chester White – Robby Sheets - $250
Purchased by: Jeff & Darleen Clack
Champion Spot – Jared Lamle - $400
Purchased by: Ag Plus Inc & East Allen Ag & Turf
Champion Hereford – Morgan O’Reilly - $751.53
Purchased by: Friends & Family of Morgan O’Reilly, Sroufe’s Garage, Weatherhead Federal Credit Union

Goat:

Best in Show/Senior Doe – Taylor Eberly - $100
Purchased by: Whitley County 4-H Buyers
Champion Dairy Wether – Brittney Zolman - $250
Purchased by: Beacon Credit Union
Champion Boer Wether – Sydney Nix - $550
Purchased by: Chad & Stephanie Nix

Beef:

Grand Champion Steer – Robby Sheets - $6,670
Purchased by: Jim Argerbright, Star Financial Bank, Central States Enterprises, Shipshewana Livestock, Troxel Equipment, Hair Happening, Travis & Adelle Baker family, Schrader Real Estate, Ag Plus Inc, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Al’s Produce, Zumbrun Show Stock, Bayman Auctioneers, Morsches Lumber Co, Krider Meat Processing, Manchester Vet Clinic, Jeff & Darleen Clack, PNC Bank – Churubusco, Cox Farm, State Farm Insurance/Becky Curless, John Leedy family, Waugh Farm Drainage, Hauth Hyndman Cattle, Friends of Robby Sheets
Champion Simmental – Megan Schroeder - $1,700
Purchased by: Beck’s Hybrids/Steve Cormany, Cormany Farms Inc, Grandpa & Grandma Jacobs, and Grandpa & Grandma Schroeder
Champion Shorthorn & British Breed & Champion Bred, Born & Raised – Brad Johnson - $1,750
Purchased by: Kim Wheeler, Friends & Family of Johnson Brothers
Champion Charlois – Klarrissa Auginbaugh - $1,450
Purchased by: Farm Credit Services
Champion Limousin – Alyson Nicodemus - $1,500
Purchased by: J & J Insurance
Champion Maine-Anjou – Brooklyn Pettigrew - $1,350
Purchased by: Schrader Angus Farm

Rabbit:

Champion Meat Pen – Joel Genth - $1,050
Purchased by: Phil Genth family
Champion Single Fryer – Katie Barnett - $200
Purchased by: Hindbaugh for Auditor

Feeder Calves:

Reserve Grand Champion - Blake Reust - $700
Purchased by: Arden Schrader
Grand Champion Bred, Born & Raised – Taelor Maley - $525
Purchased by: Jim Banks for State Senator
Reserve Grand Champion Bred, Born & Raised – Courtney Davis - $600
Purchased by: Farmers Grain & Feed
Division 4 Champion – Kayla Schipper - $700
Purchased by: Robert Collier

Dairy Steer:

Grand Champion– Joshua Trabert - $4,450
Purchased by: Farmers Grain & Feed Co, Trabert Pioneer Seed Service, Doug Western, Ag Plus Inc and Kirk Trabert/Agro-Chem

Dairy (Cheese):

Supreme Grand Champion – Cory Studebaker - $1,300
Purchased by: DQ Grill & Chill, South View Farms, Beck’s Hybrids/Steve Cormany, Cox Farm

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Meeting set to discuss special education services within Whitley County Consolidated, Huntington Community school districts

By Lisa Tackitt

A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss the provision of special education services to private and parochial schools, and to homeschooled students who reside within the Whitley County Consolidated Schools and Huntington County Community School Corporation districts.The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 5, 2010, in the auditeria at Crestview Middle School, 1151 W 500 N, Huntington.
Parents and administrators of private or parochial schools and parents who home school their children are invited to attend. This meeting will fulfill the requirements of the federal statute Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.
For further information, contact Vendetta Gutshall, Huntington/Whitley Special Services at (260) 356-1730.

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Smith-Green named in lawsuit alleging racial discrimination

By Viv Sade of BuscoVoice.com

According to this morning’s Journal Gazette, a former student at Smith-Green Community Schools in Churubusco has filed a federal lawsuit, accusing the district of racial discrimination.
According to JG reporter Rebecca S. Green, the student, identified only by initials, C.S., and the students’ parents, Philip and Tara Lemper, sued the district and Churubusco High School Principal Austin Couch, Vice Principal Jerry Lange and Churubusco Middle School Principal Nicole Singer. The lawsuit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Fort Wayne.
The suit said C.S. is a multiracial student who is “perceived to be African-American,” who has been the victim of repeated racial epithets, racially motivated threats and violence by his fellow students with the knowledge and “acquiescence” of the defendants, according to court documents.
Lempers were present at a school board meeting in May 2009 to complain about alleged incidents and the way their child was being mistreated at Churubusco High School. Lempers alleged that school staff members turned a blind eye to the bullying. BuscoVoice.com published a story regarding Lemper’s concerns that drew many comments.
This is the second time in less than 12 months that the school has made the news with lawsuits filed by parents.
Last fall the ACLU got involved when several female students were punished and suspended from sports for racy photos they posted on Facebook while on summer vacation.
For more about this story and to see the related archived links, visit our Whitley News Network partner site, www.BuscoVoice.com.

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Whitley County's curbside recycling program continues to grow

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Last week as Whitley County Solid Waste Management director Jorell Tucker talked with local business people, he couldn't help but share his delight about the increased level of recycling in Whitley County this year.
Tucker said he knew the new, single stream recycling program introduced at the beginning of the year was going to be popular based on the phone calls and comments he received from local residents. Residents were excited about the simplicity of the new program, the inclusion of more items to recycle, the containers with built-in wheels and the fact that a local vendor, Whitley Environmental, had been selected as the contractor for the curbside program.
From January 1 through June 30, Whitley Environmental's recycling trucks have picked up 1,108 tons of recyclables from homes in Whitley County -- up over the 760 tons of material recycled in the same period last year through contractor National Serv-All. Tucker said he believes recycling in Whitley County will set record levels by the end of the year.
"People seem to really like the program," Tucker said. "We're seeing a lot more people recycling."
He said the county still has certain pockets where people are misusing the program and attempting to use their recycling bins as trash containers. He said he may try to do some education in these areas, but he said as the residents frequently change in these areas, there are always new people to inform about what can and cannot be placed in their recycle bins. Some of it happens because people aren't clear about what to recycle and some of it, according to Tucker, is that people knowingly do it to avoid paying for trash removal.
Tucker said Whitley Environmental continues to grow and expand as the interest in recycling does. He said they will have fully automated conveyors for sorting soon later this year.

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WCBN meeting tonight at CC Deli

Whitley County Business & Networking will host their first evening networking meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the CC Deli.
Though the group usually meets on Friday mornings, at the request of members, an evening meeting has been planned to gauge the level of interest in evening meetings.
The meeting will coincide with the Friday Fest activities presented by the Columbia City Downtown Business Owners Association, so in addition to networking, attendees may choose to shop or enjoy dinner and entertainment downtown as well this evening. Attendees are asked to bring business cards and be prepared to talk about their business or non-profit in Whitley County.
Click here to join the Whitley County Business & Networking group on Facebook and receive regular meeting updates or share information about your business.

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Downtown dishing up dinners, deals & more for Friday Fest tonight

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Downtown Columbia City business owners are preparing this afternoon for Friday Fest, which begins at 4 p.m. this afternoon and continues until 8 p.m. Some are planning in-store specials, live music, open house events and more. Above and at right, the Watering Can Florist is hosting a sidewalk sale tonight with an assortment of free or ridiculously cheap items for those who visit downtown Columbia City this evening.

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Kay Rothgeb is featured speaker at Kiwanis club meeting Wednesday

The Whitley County Kiwanis will meet Wednesday, July 28, at noon in the conference room at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
Karen Rothgeb of the Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry will be the featured speaker.
Members will also discuss All Kids Athletic Day slated for August 7 as well as a few other business matters.
Those interested in becoming members of the Whitley County Kiwanis are invited to attend.

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Applications accepted until Friday for Northeast Indiana Conservation Camp

By Nadean Lamle

The annual Northeast Indiana Conservation Camp is scheduled this year for August 2 -4, 2010 at Camp Whitley, which is just northeast of Columbia City on Troy-Cedar Lake.
For years, the northeastern Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts have leased Camp Whitley to host their own three day conservation camp.
Camp is open to the first 70 boys and girls who complete and turn in an application. Campers must be between the ages of 9 – 13. The fee for the three day camp is $100.00. If you are interested in sending your child please call your local Soil and Water Conservation District because many of them will help with the expense of your child attending camp. For example, the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will pay half of the camper’s fee if he or she is attending the conservation camp for the first time. This is a good camp for your child, if they have never attended a camp before since it is only three days long.
The camp program includes hands-on activities in wildlife, forestry, soils and water. The campers will participate in a mini-envirothon, water safety program, team building activities, presentations by the Columbia City FFA Chapter, educational programs provided by the local SWCDs, scavenger hunt, program by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, bird house building, a program by the Fort Wayne Zoo, a visit from Indianapolis’s Silly Safaris, swimming, crafts and many more activities.
The campers will earn “Water Bucks” during camp which they will use at the end of the camp for an auction. There is always a large variety of merchandise to purchase from such as basketballs, footballs, games and many more items. Every camper goes home with something from the Water Buck auction.
Applications are available from the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District.
If you are interested and need more information or need the phone numbers of the Soil and Water Conservation District in your county, please call the Whitley County SWCD at 244-6266 ext. 3 and ask for Nadean.
The deadline for camp applications will be July 23, 2010.

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Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation's annual golf outing raises $14,000

(Talk of the Town photos provided) Above, a team comprised of Christina Rice, Philip Smith, Scott Gabriel and Gail Altekruse pause for a photo on during Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation's annual summer golf outing at Eel River Golf Course on July 15.

Article provided

The Parkview Whitley Foundation Golf Classic raised more than $14,000 on July 15 to help provide medication assistance for Whitley County residents.
“Except for about an hour of thunderstorms, we had an excellent day for the foundation’s annual outing and a great turnout of 27 teams,” said foundation director Candice Yeakle.
A team captained by Todd Sider, MD, posted a low score of 54 in the men’s competition at the 22nd annual event at Eel River Golf Course in Churubusco. The other foursome members were Dick Moake, Lee Cutting and Chad Williams.
Parkview Whitley Hospital Surgical Manager Donna Shook, RN, captained the team of Harry Shook, Howard Mossing and Bill Beymer, posting a score of 59 to take first place in the mixed/women’s division in the Florida scramble-format outing.
Brian Ray was the winner of the gentlemen’s longest drive contest, Bruce Molter had the longest putt and Jim Haugel was closest to the pin with his second shot. Autumn Ray won the ladies’ longest drive contest.
Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit Parkview Whitley’s medication assistance program.

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Volunteers and projects needed for Whitley County's United Way Day of Caring

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County resident Jay Herron, below, carries a load of supplies to work with volunteers on projects for Habitat for Humanity of Whitley County during Day of Caring 2009. Now is the time for volunteers to begin signing up to to help with Day of Caring 2010 on September 14 and also for local non-profits to begin submitting their project wish lists.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Over the years, volunteers have completed projects ranging from tidying up landscaping to painting to constructing playground equipment -- all with the goal of helping non-profits and improving the community.
The Whitley County United Way Day of Caring is set for September 14, 2010, and the time has come for local organizations to submit their wish lists for volunteer teams to complete that day.
It is also the time for volunteer teams to sign up and agree to dedicate time to complete work projects.
To submit a project or volunteer to work on a community project, contact the United Way of Whitley County at 244-6454 or email uwwc@whitleynet.org
The United Way assists funding in 15 local agencies, including: American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, B.A.B.E., C.A.S.A., Churubusco Child Care Center, Interfaith Mission (The Lighthouse), Imagination Library, Junior Achievement, Passages, Salvation Army, Whitley County Council on Aging, Whitley County Energy Assistance, Whitley County Literacy Council and YWCA Domestic Violence Services.

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The importance of youth ministry

Father Larry Kramer talks about the importance of investing time in youth ministry and having involved parents as well. Read his most recent installment of Faith Focus by clicking here.

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Youths recognized for outstanding animal care

(Talk of the Town photo by Kelley Sheiss) The Whitley County Farm Bureau, in conjunction with the Indiana Farm Bureau, recently recognized 4-H members at the Whitley County Fair for their exceptional care of their animals. The kids received t-shirts from local Whitley County Young Farmer represented Kevin Ousley, who thanked them for putting their animal's care first.
Those recognized included, above from left in front, Brad Johnson, Jon Starkey, Nathan Wilz and April Gibson. Row two, from left, includes honorees Robby Sheets, Jared Lamle, Megan Schroeder, Ashlyn Wells. Seated in row three is honoree Ashton Jacobi-Barnes.

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Saturday was great for Whitley County Mizpah Shrine Yoshi's annual kids fishing derby

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Links page updated today...

A little summer cleaning was in order...
We updated the links section of Talk of the Town today -- adding a few links, removing a few and updating some as well. If your non-profit group, club, organization or governmental agency has a website you'd like us to consider for the links page, send an email to: jennifer@talkofthetownwc.com

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Chad Smyth returns to The Oaks, Oak Pointe

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Chad Smith, executive director of The Oaks and Oak Point, second from left above, serves up watermelon at a welcome-back party at The Oaks and Oak Pointe July 13 to celebrate his return.

Article provided

Chad Smyth, the new executive director of Parkview Whitley Hospital’s rehabilitation and long-term care facility The Oaks, and Oak Pointe, an attached senior living community, has returned to familiar surroundings.
After having served for two-and-a-half years as COO of the Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Smyth recently returned to the The Oaks and Oak Pointe where he was the previous executive director for seven years.
He has a total of 23 years of experience as a long-term healthcare administrator. He earned a bachelor of science degree in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan.
“I’m excited to be back among my friends at The Oaks and Oak Pointe,” he said. “The welcome has been overwhelming. The work we do in long-term healthcare is very rewarding, and we will continue to move forward and provide the best care in the community.”
A homecoming and cookout was held Thursday, July 13, at The Oaks, during which the staff, residents and their family members welcomed Smyth back to the facilities.
He and his wife, Stephanie, live in rural Whitley County and are the parents of three sons and one daughter.

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14-year-old entrepreneur working with Whitley County businesses to create clothing company

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, 14-year-old Aleena Sallot models some of the designs she's created for her clothing line. Sallot has worked with several Whitley County small businesses to create and grow her business.

By Mary Popovich

While most young teenagers are lining up babysitting jobs, newspaper routes or chores around their parents’ homes to earn some spare change, a 14-year-old girl from Mongo has come up with a more creative way to spend her summer vacation and save for college at the same time -- and she's been networking and utilizing several Whitley County businesses to make it happen.
Aleena Sallot, a recent eighth-grade graduate from Prairie Heights Middle School, has formed her own company, called Boondock Designs, LLC, to offer T-shirts, sweats and other casual apparel items that are adorned with a variety of her own Boondock logo designs. She plans to continue operating the company until she starts college, using the profits to help fund her long-term educational goal of going to medical school.
Starting a company at the age of 14 is an unusual feat; but then again, Aleena is not your typical teenager. Aleena has been an overachiever most of her life. She has been taking dance lessons since the age of 3, leading to performances with the Moscow Ballet at the Embassy Theatre and a number of awards won at regional and national dance competitions; she has been an honor roll student, consistently achieving academic recognition and physical fitness awards while attending the Prairie Heights schools; she has served on the student council and received awards for outstanding service; and she will be a varsity cheerleader this fall while only a freshman at East Noble High School.
As she prepared to add “business owner” to her long list of accomplishments, Aleena received a lot of support from her family and friends. Start-up funding was provided by her parents, Jeff and Sharon Sallot. Jeff is an international contract manager with the Raytheon Company in Fort Wayne, and Sharon is program manager of the Go Whitley! Accelerating Business incubator program in Columbia City. Sharon assists Whitley County residents with their small businesses, so it was a natural fit to help her daughter in the same fashion.
Jo Ann Bird, owner of Running Around Screen Printing, LLC, in Columbia City, has served as Aleena’s mentor, teaching her how to transfer designs onto clothing, how to order from catalogs and other functions related to the back side of a screen printing business. Others involved in helping Aleena start her business were Beth Beach, an attorney from Angola, who helped draw up legal documents; April Waters, manager of the Three Rivers Federal Credit Union in Kendallville, who assisted with setting up a business bank account; Chris Tomlinson from Gonink, Inc., in Churubusco, who did her logo and business cards; and Lee Pomerantz, owner of eMedia Technologies, who designed the firm’s Web site at www.boondockdesigns.com. Aleena also worked on marketing strategies with Scot Goskowicz and Mary Popovich from the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center.
Most of Boondock Designs’ sales will be through its Internet storefront, but Aleena also plans to offer her products at various festivals, fairs and boutiques. She just completed a stint selling her clothing items at the Whitley County 4-H Fair, where she donated a dollar for every item sold to the BABE of Whitley County nonprofit organization in support of its aid to babies and newborns.
In preparation for the fair, Aleena developed a Boonie Babies line of clothing that features one-piece creepers along with sweats, T-shirts and shorts for babies. The Boondock Designs line of clothing also includes sweats, shorts, T-shirts, tank tops and jackets sized for juniors, women/misses, men, girls and boys, as well as toddlers.
“I created Boondock Designs as my first business because I wanted to find a cheaper way to make amazing tees and tanks, sweats and uniforms for girls and boys without cutting out quality,” Aleena said in explaining her business idea. When asked how she came up with the name of her company, Aleena said she just thought of her hometown of Mongo, which she described as being “out in the boondocks,” and she went with an outhouse motif for the logo because it seemed an appropriate match for the company name.
Look for other creative ideas from Aleena, including a “Show Us Your Boondock” feature on her Web site where customers can display photographs of themselves wearing their favorite Boondock clothing item. The Web site also is currently offering a free sunflower-enhanced Boonie Bag with each $50 purchase.
“My goal is to get my stuff in Seventeen magazine,” Aleena says. “When I reach that goal, I’ll be a happy camper.”
To check out the Boondock Designs clothing line, visit www.boondockdesigns.com. To learn more about the services of the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, visit www.isbdc.org or call 260-481-0500. The NEISBDC serves ten counties in northeastern Indiana and visits clients at nine outreach sites within the region, in addition to its Fort Wayne headquarters.

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Type O-negative blood donor needed to help preemie Gemma Ridge

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A local family is desperately seeking a blood donor with a rare blood type - Type O-negative.
Last week, we shared the story of seven-week-old preemie Gemma Ridge. Currently, she is in need of platelets. Her blood type is O-negative and her parents, Jason and Danelle Ridge, were told there is currently no O-negative blood available.
"If your donation can't be used for Gemma, it would be a great gift to someone else needing a blood transfusion," said Gemma's aunt, Brenna King.

King urges potential donors to call the Red Cross at Lutheran Hospital at (260) 480-8170.

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Later hours, instore specials all part of Friday Fest event in downtown Columbia City

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Local business owners are anticipating an enjoyable evening during the group's Friday Fest in downtown Columbia City on Friday night.
The Columbia City Downtown Business Association has planned the event and participating businesses will remain open from 4-8 p.m.
The CC Deli will be open from 4-8 p.m. serving dinner. Dinner will include Turkey Manhattans, salad, green beans and a drink for $7.95. The Messengers will perform live at the CC Deli from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Clugston on the Square will host and open house and tours of the renovated historic hotel in downtown Columbia City. No longer a hotel, the building is now a senior housing facility -- but the character of the old hotel can still be seen in the period fixtures and beautiful woodwork. Door prizes will be awarded.
Performance PC is planning a sale including 50% off selected items.
Julie's New Sensations will offer a discount of 30% storewide on Friday evening.
This is the second Friday Fest event and, according to association president Steve Hostetler, something downtown business owners hope to continue and expand upon in the future.

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A new installment of Musings...

Talk of the Town columnist Kelley Sheiss reflects on the character of her rural Whitley County farmhouse, home of the county's first modern kitchen, in her latest installment of Musings from the Mud Room. Click here to read it.

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School supplies needed for Salvation Army's Pack-A-Truck collection drive

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Salvation Army's Pack-A-Truck collection drive for school supplies is planned for July 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in front of Shoe Show in Columbia City. All items collected will be given to children in need of supplies for the approaching school year.
Needed items will included:
college rule spiral bound notebooks
loose leaf paper- wide and college
color markers
colored pencils
wet wipes
gallon size ziplock bags
dry erase markers
black/white composition books
tissues
pocket dictionaries
inexpensive headphones
Items can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Office located inside Eagle Quest Church, Peabody Public Library, the Whitley County Family YMCA or they may be brought directly to the Pack-A-Truck event.
For more information, contact Pat Mossburg at 248-1711.

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Native author Lloyd Cassel Douglas will be featured in August's Second Sunday program at the museum

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Lloyd Cassel Douglas, below, a Whitley County native, is the subject of the Whitley County Historical Museum's Second Sunday program in August. A film based on his novel "White Banners" will be shown August 8 at 1 p.m.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Historical Society's Second Sunday program for August will feature a screening of "White Banners" by Lloyd Cassel Douglas.
Born August 27, 1877, in Columbia City, Douglas became a well-known author and Lutheran minister. Very popular and known across the country in his day, he didn't begin his writing career until the age of 50 and he gained wide respect for his work. He wrote numerous books, selling millions of copies. His book "The Robe" sold more than 2 million copies alone.
Douglas's novel "White Banners" became a film and it premiered to wide acclaim in Columbia City in 1938.
Douglas died in 1951 in Los Angeles, however, he is still remembered locally for his literary contributions. A large collection of his work is housed at the Whitley County Historical Museum and can be enjoyed by the community today.
The program about Lloyd Cassel Douglas and the film showing will begin at 1 p.m. on August 8 in the Annex Building behind the Thomas Riley Marshall home and museum at 108 West Jefferson Street, Columbia City. Refreshments will be served.

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Snapshots: Gotta love the Demolition Derby!

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Snapshots: Lots to see and do at the 4-H Fair

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Snapshots: Tractors & History at the 4-H Fair

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Committee shares results of recent community survey regarding Burnworth Memorial Pool

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Burnworth Memorial Pool, above, was built by the Job Burnworth family in memory of their son who was killed crossing the street in downtown Columbia City. Many decades later, the pool is showing signs of age and is in need of some major repairs in the near future. The Columbia City Parks Department has designated a pool committee to investigate the pool's future. An initial step was an online survey recently conducted on Talk of the Town.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

This summer, Talk of the Town, in cooperation with the parks department's pool committee, conducted an online survey to determine community input, ideas and attitudes regarding the Burnworth Memorial Pool in Columbia City and potential plans for the pool's future. The survey is part of an overall initiative for the pool committee to evaluate the pool's viability now and in the future.
Overall, Columbia City Parks Department director Mark Green said he was pleased with the survey and the quality responses received from the community. The pool committee will consider these results as they make future recommendations regarding the pool.
In all 114 individuals completed the survey, and the results were tabulated and provided to the pool committee recently.
Of the respondents, 2% were ages 11-20; 19% were 21-30; 56% were 31-50; 22% were 51-70 and 1% were age 71 or older.
In all 98% of the respondents said they were aware that Columbia City had a pool, with 2% being previously unaware.
81% said they had either been a member or used the pool for swimming lessons. 19% had not been a member or participated in swim lessons there.
99% of respondents said they felt having a public pool in Columbia City was important asset, while 1% disagreed.
Respondents were provided with six options for the future, which included renovating the existing pool (41%), closing the existing pool (2%), building a new indoor pool (12%), building a new outdoor pool (23%), building a new indoor water park (11%) and building a new outdoor water park (11%). If you combine the figures for wanting a new facility, the total response in favor would be 57% versus 41% in favor of renovating the existing facility.
If a new facility were created, survey respondents had a variety of specific suggestions for where it should be including Morsches Park, DeVol Field, near Bones Theatre or at the current location near Columbia City High School. Others added that it needed to remain centrally located within the city, but with more parking with convenient bicycle or walking access. Several respondents were in favor of some sort of working relationship on the project between the Columbia City Parks Department and the Whitley County Family YMCA.
An issue that came across loud and clear was that many families utilize and enjoy the kiddie pool at Burnworth Memorial Pool. Because of constant leaking and maintenance issues, the park board voted to close the pool for the summer of 2010 so that the origins of problems regarding the pool could be determined later this year. At the time, Green said the kiddie pool was needing to be filled on an almost daily basis because of a leak.
Respondents were also given an opportunity to candidly provide additional comments and suggestions.
Here are some of the more than 45 suggestions provided:
"The Burnworth pool has been a huge asset to Columbia City for many years. Kids and parents alike look forward to when the pool is open for the summer. It's a safe place for kids to hang out, and it's the cheapest way for families to feel like they can do something for and with their kids if they can't afford to vacation. The pool also helps to keep kids out of trouble while providing exercise. Having a pool outside encourages kids to play outside. Please find the grant money needed to renovate Burnworth...it's worth the investment."
"If my memory serves me correctly, I think the pool was built in 1960, and that doesn't make it 60 plus years old. Restore the Kiddy Pool as well. It has always been heavily used by mothers and their small children. A municipal pool can never be profitable to the city; as the cost to operate exceeds what the public would be able to afford. A swimming pool is an asset to the community because it offers a safe environment for adults and children. The land upon which the pool was built was leased from the school corporation for 99 years at one dollar per year. The pool was totally renovated in 1990, and if it has been properly maintained, it cannot be in that bad of condition as the articles in the newspaper seem to indicate. That 1990 renovation was funded partly by bonding and private contributions, and I am sure the same thing could be done again. The cost of a new pool at a different location would cost in the excess of 3-4 million dollars. Therefore, it seems to me that a renovation of the existing pool would be the better option."

The committee will now closely examine these results and consider them along with several potential plans for direction as they consider the Burnworth Memorial Pool's future.

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Demo derby coverage on Sports page today

Check out Talk of the Town sports writer Andrew Ferrell's coverage of the nightly demolition derbies at the Whitley County 4-H Fair by clicking here.

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Sixteen teams support Ladies League's annual Memorial Golf Scramble

(Talk of the Town photo provided)
In all, sixteen teams participated in the Eagle Glen Monday Night Ladies League's Third Annual Memorial Golf Scramble on Sunday, June 27. The teams are shown above with many wearing pink in honor of women's heath issues, including breast cancer and heart health.
This year, the outing raised over $3900 to benefit the Whitley County Giving Circle for Women’s Health. The Ladies League holds the scramble each year in memory of Sally Cooper, Karen Behm and Betty Barrett who were members of the Monday Night Ladies League.

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Cole prepares to share Women Build plans with Churubusco-area residents Thursday

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Local businesswoman Dottie Cole, a volunteer coordinator for the Whitley County Habitat for Humanity's Women Build project, is hoping to share the project with Churubusco residents later this week.
Cole said an informational meeting will be held at Brevins in Churubusco this Thursday, July 22, at 6 p.m.
For more information, attend the meeting or contact Dottie Cole at dcole@investmentcrossroads.com

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CC Deli's Soups of the Week

What follows are the CC Deli Soups of the Week:
Monday: French Onion and Cream of Crab
Tuesday: Black Bean and Broccoli Cheese
Wednesday: Talk of the Town's White Chili and Cheeseburger
Thursday: Cheesy Potato and Chicken with Rice
Friday: Veggie Beef and Wisconsin Cheese

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WCBN visits the Whitley County 4-H Fair

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
On Friday, members of Whitley County Business & Networking moved their regular, bi-weekly meeting to the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds Friday to enjoy the outdoors, a change of scenery and, of course, a little networking. Above, from left, are Matt Pugh, Mark Mynhier, Meg Moss, Shawn Ellis and Renee Pepple. Not shown are Chad Moore, Esther Smith, Cindy Barnett and Jorell Tucker, who were also in attendance Friday morning. WCBN meets bi-weekly at the Brew Ha at 8:30 a.m.

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Whitko school board to meet Monday night

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitko Community School Corporation board will meet Monday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Whitko administration office in Pierceton. A special reception for new staff in the school corporation will begin at 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend.
Schools superintendent Steve Clason will discuss a referendum update and provide an update on grants.
Topics of discussion will include approval of an alternative learning program, approval of text book rental fees, review of ISTEP and MAP testing for the school year. Additionally, board approval is anticipated for a cooperation-wide purchasing program.

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WCCS school board to discuss funding of New Tech, approve contracts and other assignments

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Consolidated Schools board of trustees will meet Monday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the Marshall Community Center. The community is invited and encouraged to attend all school board meetings.
Topping the agenda is a discussion of funding options for Eagle Tech Academy, the proposed New Tech high school program currently being developed by the school system.
New contracts are expected to be offered to:
- Kimberly Rohrer, MRES Grade 5 Long Term Substitute replacing Jeni Mullett, effective August 16, 2010 through November 24, 2010
- Megan Johnson, Coesse ED Teacher, effective August 16, 2010
- Julie Bugert, LTES Grade 1 Teacher, effective August 16, 2010
- Jackie White, ISMS Science Long Term Substitute replacing Heather Lemmon, effective August 16, 2010 through October 11, 2010
- Diane Tiede, CCHS Social Studies Long Term Substitute replacing Maryanne Willcutts, effective August 17, 2010 through November 10, 2010
- Helen Bennett, CCHS Music Teacher, changing to 66% contract from 50% contract for 2010-2011, effective August 16, 2010
- Andrew Ferrell, NHES 5th Grade Teacher (Temporary Contract) replacing Amber Bretzman, effective August 16, 2010
- Thomas Baldwin, NHES 1st Grade Teacher, effective August 16, 2010
Extra co-curricular assignments are expected to be offered to:
- Nancy Beyhan, CCHS Girls Assistant Soccer coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Devin Keener, CCHS Boys Assistant Soccer Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Tammy Kumfer, ISMS 8th Grade Volleyball Coach, effective August 9, 2010
- Kendra Getz, ISMS Girls Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Meredith Howe, ISMS Girls Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Phil Genth, ISMS Boys Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Luke Genth, ISMS Boys Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Corey Brueggeman, ISMS Boys Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Grant Bockelman, ISMS Boys Soccer coach, effective March 16, 2011
- David Leininger, CCHS Assistant Football Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Shannon Rehrer, CCHS Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Ryan Smith, CCHS Assistant Football Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Marcus Moore, CCHS Boys Fall Assistant Tennis coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Jim Thompson, CCHS Girls Golf Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Andrew Thompson, CCHS Boys Golf Coach, effective March 1, 2011
- Tim Hearld, CCHS Assistant Cross Country Coach, August 2, 2010
- Jeff Slain, CCHS Head Wrestling Coach, effective November 1, 2010
- Thor Hodges, CCHS Assistant Wrestling Coach, effective November 1, 2010
- Kyler Kearby, CCHS Assistant Wrestling Coach, effective November 1, 2010
- Kayla Hogue, CCHS Head Cheer Coach Fall/Winter, effective August 2, 2010
- Jessica Leedy, CCHS Assistant Cheer Coach Fall/Winter, effective August 2, 2010
- Steve Cox, CCHS Head Softball Coach, effective March 1, 2011
- Dan Weigold, CCHS Assistant Softball Coach, effective March 1, 2011
- Mike Roy, CCHS Assistant Softball Coach, effective March 1, 2011
- Lori Straub, CCHS Sophomore Class sponsor, effective August 2, 2010
- Aimee Ray, CCHS Junior Class Sponsor, effective August 2, 2010
- Tally Sheppard, CCHS Chess/Game Club, effective August 2, 2010
- Kristin Rentschler, CCHS Eagle Renaissance, effective August 2, 2010
- Alison Gerardot, CCHS Dance Club, effective August 2, 2010
- Andrew Weaver, CCHS National Honor Society, effective August 2, 2010
- Melanie Bechtold, CCHS Upsilon, effective August 2, 2010
- Stacy Keener, CCHS Spell Bowl, effective August 2, 2010
The board will also formally accept the resignations of:
- Wayne Kreiger, CCHS Head Girls Basketball Coach, effective July 14, 2010
- Michelle Urban, ISMS Webmaster, effective July 5, 2010
- Joseph Urschel, CCHS Forensics Director, effective June 13, 2010
- Joseph Urschel, CCHS Forensics Debate Coach, effective June 13, 2010
- Beth Beckner, ISMS Student Council, effective June 8, 2010
The following volunteer assignments are expected to be approved:
- John Slavich, CCHS Assistant Football Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Adam Kukula, CCHS Assistant Football Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Blane Culp, CCHS Assistant Football Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Chandra Hepler, CCHS Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Andrew Boggs, CCHS Boys Assistant Soccer Coach, effective March 16, 2011
- Bruce Wood, CCHS Assistant Boys & Girls Golf Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Tia Lantz, CCHS Assistant Girls Golf Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Andrew Thompson, CCHS Assistant Girls Golf Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Jim Thompson, CCHS Assistant Boys Golf Coach, effective March 1, 2011
- Tom Shearer, CCHS Assistant Cross Country Coach, effective August 2, 2010
- Lindsey Snyder, CCHS Assistant Softball Coach, effective March 1, 2011

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Whitley County Master Gardeners offering afternoon programs at the Fair Tuesday

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Once again this year, the Whitley County Master Gardners are offering a series of afternoon learning sessions for experienced gardeners and newbies alike.
The programs will be held Tuesday, July 20, in the Whitley County Agricultural History Museum on the Whitley County Fairgrounds property, and offered hourly beginning at 1 p.m.
What follows are this year's workshops:
1 p.m. - “Centerpieces From My Garden" presented by Beth Ann Sickafoose, a 13-year Master Gardener, involved in gardening for 40 years.
2 p.m. - “Close-Ups In Nature: Garden and Wildflower Photography" presented by Bonnie Shipman, Manchester College professor.
3 p.m. - “Companion Gardening: Attracting good insects and controling bad insects" presented by Jim Fleck, a seven-year Master Gardener.
There is no need to pre-register and no fee to attend. The workshops are presented annually during the Whitley County 4-H Fair.

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The Brew Barn is a morning must at the Fair

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Whitley County 4-H Fair attendees are feeling a little perkier during early morning shows at the fairgrounds this week. The Brew Barn, a volunteer project spearheaded by Kelley Sheiss and Cathy Heritier, offers a wide assortment of coffees and specialty drink the fair's morning hours. All proceeds benefit the Whitley County 4-H Inc. The Brew Barn will be open Monday-Wednesday from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Above, Shawn Ellis purchases a icy cold frappe and a freshly baked muffin from Kelley Sheiss during the Brew Barn's trial run on Friday morning.

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Groundbreaking date set for Habitat for Humanity's first Women Build home in Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A group of Whitley County Habitat for Humanity Women Build project volunteers, above as they walked in the 2010 American Legion Old Settlers Day parade in June, are among the growing group gearing up to participate in the project that will build two homes in Columbia City this year. Groundbreaking for the first home is set for August 6.

By Dottie Cole

As part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, Whitley County Habitat for Humanity and a crew of women volunteers and sponsors will break ground at 608 Ellsworth, Columbia City, on August 6 at 10 a.m.
The community is invited to attend the groundbreaking and join in the celebration of Whitley County's first Women Build project, which will bring together more than 150 local women to construct a home for a family in need.
The Women Build program, underwritten by Lowes, brings women from all walks of life together to learn construction skills and then use those skills to be part of the solution to poverty housing.
“We are very excited about having ladies work side by side with our partner families”, said Belinda Hawn, board president for Whitley County Habitat for Humanity. “Their hard work will help make the dream of homeownership a reality for the Richcreek family.”
The home on Ellsworth will add to more than 1500 Habitat for Humanity Women Build houses built throughout the United States and in dozens of other countries.
For more information on participating in the Women Build project, send an email to womenbuild@habitatwhitley.org or call (260) 568-3870.

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Guitarist John Radawski performing at Columbia City Farmers Market this morning

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Accoustic guitarist John Radawski, at right, is performing this morning at the Columbia City Farmers Market, open until noon today. Radawski is shown here at an event in Whitley County last February.
The market is now featuring a wide assortment of fresh produce and according to Market Master Chris Lilly, the weekly market is now exceeding growth projections for the year. All booths along Chauncey Street and Market Street are now occupied and new vendors continue to be added.

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United Way volunteers dreaming big for 2010 giving campaign

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
The Whitley County United Way volunteers are working hard to meet their fundraising goals for the year. Last year, under the guidance of campaign director Melinda Woll, the United Way of Whitley County raised $243,000.
This year brings a new campaign director, Carrie Hoffman, at right, and new goals to meet for fundraising. United Way provides needed financial support to dozens of non-profit agencies in Whitley County.
Above, members of the United Way marketing committee meet with a representative of the United Way of Allen County with ideas about this year's giving campaign. Clockwise, from left, is Linda Hyndman, Shawn Ellis, Amy Shimasaki, Ruth Stanley, Jeff Walker, Carrie Hoffman, Whitley County United Way director John Black and an unidentified representative from the United Way of Allen County.

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Motocross at the Fair

Check out Talk of the Town sports writer Andrew Ferrell's coverage of motocross from Friday night at the Whitley County 4-H Fair by clicking here.

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JuneStar aims to unite youths with mentors, seniors with caring adults

(Talk of the Town photos provided) Above, volunteer staff members for JuneStar have been actively working to build the non-profit organization. Below, Greg Kaminski and his son, Hayden, enjoy an active, involved, positive parent-child relationship -- something he wishes all children were able to grow up with. Through the development of JuneStar, he hopes positive adult role models can be found for children who need them most. He also hopes to find adults willing to volunteer to spend time with senior citizens.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A door closed and another opened for Columbia City resident Greg Kaminski and a group of friends who have dedicated the better part of the last several months building an organization to unite youths with mentors and senior citizens with youths.
Kaminski had been employed at Autoliv and when the company shuttered its doors and moved to Mexico, he was faced with the reality he needed to pursue his college education and build his skills for the job market.
He enrolled at the Columbia City campus of Huntington University unaware that a great idea and collaborative relationships were about to be born.
"I learned how to start an organization through my schooling at Huntington University," Kaminski said. "I always new I wanted to start my own organization that will make a positive contribution to Whitley County."
A lifelong resident and graduate of Columbia City High School, Kaminski said improving his community has always been of paramount concern to him -- in particular, positive relationships between adults and youth. In his own life, he's found the strong relationship he has with his son is special and that many children do not have strong role models or active, engaged parents in their lives.
Discussing this concern, he and another Huntington University classmate, Renee Pepple, conceived the idea to create JuneStar during a course session and have since worked to bring it to fruition. JuneStar is a non-profit organization and they recently received their 501c3 designation for which Kaminski is very proud.
"Our ultimate goal is to help unite the county," Kaminski said. "It's tough out there with the economy and a lot of people are out of work, we feel the best cities find ways to overcome that adversity by coming together. JuneStar would like to be an outlet for people to unite."
Kaminski sees the link between senior citizens and youth as one of the most potentially positive collaborations a community could experience -- providing opportunities for education, growth, understanding, the passing on of tradition and so much more.
"The way we hope to unite is to provide citizens in good standing a service that will allow their talents to be passed down to the youth that are in need of a positive role model," he said. "Also, we are looking for folks who would like buddy up with the elderly in Whitley County."
Kaminski said JuneStar will have two program areas, including one for youth mentorship and one that provides an outreach for senior citizens to buddy up with younger volunteers.
"Our first service is a youth mentorship," said Kaminski. This program is geared at children ages 5-15 that are in need of a positive adult role model. "The volunteers we provide will be background checked and interviewed thoroughly and the parents would guide the relationship after the link is made."
"Our second is an elderly out-reach that will allow volunteers to buddy up with a senior citizen in Whitley County," Kaminski said. Again, all volunteers will be background checked.
Kaminski and his team spent a great deal of time researching and evaluating their plans for JuneStar before acting, he said.
"We have been researching programs in Whitley County and came to the conclusion that many volunteer programs are idle.
We hope to revitalize the sector," he said.
"We are not working with the United Way, but our buddy program is similar (to Big Brothers-Big Sisters)," he said. "We did benchmark their program and made some adjustments to fulfill more needs."
As the program has grown, so has the list of volunteers.
"Right now we have a staff of three very talented and bright people," he said of the unpaid, yet highly committed team of volunteers working overtime to make JuneStar happen. "Renee Pepple runs the administration branch. Bobbie McIntosh will be running the buddy program and Carrie Dunn is running the elderly program."
He also credited Robert and Shelly Anglin for their creative and technical contributions to the organization and Vicki McIntosh for her help with fundraising thus far.
Though he calls it a staff, no one is paid for their work with JuneStar.
"At this point no one in the organization will receive a salary. All funds will go to the building and fees associated with the development of a non-profit," he said. "We we get the proper funding, we will look for office space in Columbia City. Our goal is to be operational in the fall of 2010."
"Right now we are in development phase and are collecting statistics to get a better scope of the demand," he said. They have begun applying for grants to fund the non-profits needs.
Kaminski credits the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce for helping the organization in its growth process.
"The leadership of the Chamber has been very supportive and has connected us with the SBDC, which has given us the direction we need to put this idea into a reality," he said. "Michelle Culbertson and Shea McClure have all individually made a positive contribution to JuneStar and we appreciate them very much." McClure is a former Chamber volunteer.
When asked whether he would have had the initiative to start JuneStar had he not lost his job with Autoliv, Kaminski was introspective.
"It's hard to say," he said. "We are an ambitious group. We are inline with many others who have lost their jobs an are trying to turn a negative into a positive. Regardless of circumstance, to be surrounded with great minds is a true blessing and I believe the community will benefit overall."
The JuneStar team has created a website where the community can learn more about the organization and complete a survey to help assess the interest in the organization. The website is www.junestar.org
For more information about JuneStar, contact Greg Kaminski at (260) 247-5118 or via email at gkaminski@junestar.org

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Local groups, organizations participate in serving hot meals in the Whitley County 4-H Center building

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Looking for a hot, homemade meal during the Whitley County 4-H Fair? Would you like to eat in an air conditioned space with comfortable table seating?
Meals are served daily at the 4-H Center building with lunch offered at 11 a.m. and supper served from 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, July 17
Lunch - sandwiches, macaroni & cheese and salad bar
Supper - beef and noodles, mashed potatoes and green beans
Sunday, July 18
Lunch - pork chop dinner with applesauce and baked beans
Supper - sandwiches and salad bar
Monday, July 19
Lunch - sandwiches, salad bar and cream of broccoli soup
Supper - meat loaf dinner with corn and scalloped potatoes
Tuesday, July 20
Lunch - sandwiches, salad bar and potato soup
Supper - swiss steak, mashed potatoes and peas
Wednesday, July 21
Lunch - sandwiches and taco soup
Supper - lasagna dinner with salad and Texas toast
Meals are served in the Whitley County 4-H Center with the help of local volunteer organizations and other groups. Those serving meals this year include: Whitley County Democrats, Whitley County Extension Homemakers, Whitley County GOP, Ada's Country Bakery, Columbia City Optimist Club, Churubusco Rotary, Whitley County Literacy Council, Whitley County Family YMCA, Columbia City Rotary, Whitley County Consolidated Schools and the WCCS Transportation Department.
Many of this year's food items, including the pork chops and fresh pies, have been purchased from Heyerly's Meat Market in South Whitley.

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JA board finalizing plans for downtown Columbia City event in August

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, Junior Achievement Serving Whitley County board members discuss plans for the upcoming car, truck and motorcycle show on August 7. From left, is Jerry Gurrado, Dick Buchanan, Lis McPheeters, Linda Hyndman, Scott Duffitt, Julie Copeland and Zach Beard. Not shown is board member Jacie Worrick.

By Linda Hyndman

Junior Achievement Serving Whitley County board members met this week to finalize plans for the ninth annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, August 7.
The morning of the event, the gates open at 8 a.m., judging will end at 11 a.m. and awards will be presented at 1 p.m. Awards will be given for the top 15 in four age categories, pre 1950s, 1960s, 1970s-1980s and 1990s and newer for cars and trucks. Top 10 prizes will be awarded for motorcycles and one overall “Peoples’ Choice” award will be presented.
Pre registration is $10 if received by July 24 or $15 at the gate the day of the car show. Pre registration checks made payable to Junior Achievement and sent to Scott Duffitt, 118 E Van Buren St., Columbia City, In. 46725 or by visiting www.jani.org. For more information regarding registration, call Scott at 244-7611.
Members of the Columbia City Downtown Business Association are planning special promotions the day of the event as well and will announce them soon.
Junior Achievement is also seeking clubs, organizations, youth groups, booster clubs, vendors and crafters to fill booths around the courthouse lawn. Booth space will be rented to anyone interested in having a “spot” on the courthouse square to promote their club or organization or sell items. Proceeds will profit thoserenting and operating the booth space. Booth rental will be on first come basis at $5 for not-for-profits and $10 for profit entities. Those interested should contact Gene Donaghy at 244-6111, ext. 403 by July 24.
General admission is free to the Junior Achievement Car, Truck and Motorcycle show and spectators are invited to enjoy the activities of music, food, festivities on the courthouse square.

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There is still time to register for the Whitley County 4-H run/walk this evening

The Whitley County 4-H 4K Run/Walk begins tonight, Friday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Registration begins at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
The start and finish line are located on the north end of the fairgrounds- near the intersection of Park Street and Lincolnway, just off US 30.
The entry fee is $20 per participant.
The event is being coordinated by 4-H Inc. board member Tara Van Houten. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each age group, including 12 & under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over.
For information, contact Tara Van Houten at 609-0773.
A release of all risk will have to be signed by anyone participating in the race.

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Whitley County 4-H Fair is now underway!

The Whitley County 4-H Fair is now underway at the fairgrounds. Are you wondering what's going on and when? Click here to see the full schedule!

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Columbia City Rotarians welcome Shawn Ellis to membership at Tuesday's meeting

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Columbia City Rotarian welcomed a new member to the club this week -- Shawn Ellis, executive director of Whitley County BABE. Ellis is a Columbia City resident, a graduate of Whitko High School, an alumni of Leadership Whitley County and a recent graduate of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation's business incubator Fastrack program. Through administration of the BABE program, Ellis provides oversight to a non-profit program that encourages positive parenting and serves families from pregnancy through age 5, rewarding them for such things as attending well-baby checkups, visiting their local library, etc. Above, Columbia City Rotary Club president Erica Miller welcomes Shawn Ellis to membership Tuesday, July 13.

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Whitley County Country Quilters auctioning off a quilt to benefit the Ag Museum

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A century ago, the effort put into crafting a quilt was almost commonplace. Each piece, each stitch -- lovingly applied by a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a neighbor. Each quilt took a very long time to make, but was enjoyed for a lifetime and passed along to the next generation.
Quilts are just as loved today and the joy of quilting continues with the Whitley County Country Quilters who gather to quilt together as they did in the old days.
For the past several years, the ladies have been working on a quilt they will be auctioning off to the highest bidder on Wednesday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at the Whitley County Agricultural History Museum and 4-H Learning Center. Proceeds will support the Whitley County Agricultural History Museum and quilting enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and bid.
Whitley County Country Quilter Joyce Klingaman has been among the club members working on the quilt for the past several years.
"Many of our club members participated in machine piecing and hand stitching the quilt," said Klingaman.
Club member Jo Crace, co-owner of Quilts n' Ladybugs in downtown Columbia City, was president when the project started and has been involved in its completion these last few weeks. Countless hours have been lovingly invested in this quilt.
Somewhere between a full and queen size, the design features log cabin blocks in a barn raising pattern. "This pattern normally has a dark red center and this one does," Klingaman said. Other colors include shades of blue, navy, cream and beige.
Following the auction, the Jerry Yagel Band will perform their old-timey, bluegrass music at the the museum on the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds. The community is invited to stay and enjoy the free show.

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Friends plan benefit for Adam Schrader at Larwill's Elkhorn Ranch on July 24

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, John Finken, Kim Reiff and Greg Fahl move some board as they prepare to work on a stage that is being constructed for the Adam Schrader benefit at Reiff's Elkhorn Ranch near Larwill. Below, Kim Reiff is welcoming the community to his vast ranch, at bottom, near Larwill in hopes of raising funds.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

One quiet evening, relaxing with friends in his western-themed retreat at Elkhorn Ranch in Larwill, Kim Reiff realized his annual get-togethers at the ranch could be a source of support for a local family facing a tragic situation.
"We have annual parties out here and decided that we should just start doing this for a good cause," Reiff said.
Reiff, along with friends Greg Fahl and Mark Mynhier, had been talking about Whitley County Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Adam Schrader and the nearly fatal vehicle accident that occured in March while Schrader was responding to an emergency call in northwestern Whitley County. Schrader survived the accident, but his recovery has been tenuous and difficult, personally and financially.
"We want to do a good thing for the Schrader family," Reiff said.
An emergency services volunteer himself for more than 30 years, Reiff has been close to tragedies. He understands what it means to put your life on the line to serve your community like Schrader did -- and he understands that this tradition of service is a long one in the Schrader family where several generations have served in local law enforcement. So coming to his aid in his hour of need just seemed like a natural response for Reiff, Fahl and Mynhier.
"I know them and their whole family and what they've done for the community for so many years," Reiff said. "It's time to do some good for people that have done a lot of good for this county. Both sides of his family have done things for this community forever."
So, planning the Adam Schrader Benefit has been a high priority for them for the past six weeks. In addition to Fahl, Mynhier and Reiff, others helping to plan the event include Bob and Tammy Gettinger, Roxanne Reiff, Ann Fahl, Mike and Julie McEvoy and Meg Moss.
On Saturday, July 24, Reiff's Elkhorn Ranch will host a massive, all-day fundraiser in hopes of helping the Schrader family with medical, transportation and therapy costs associated with getting Adam Schrader back to health. The event will be held from 1 p.m until late, late...late.
The event includes a hog roast, fire-roasted chili, bonfires, live music and more. "It's going to be a good chance for people to get together," Fahl said.
Reiff, Fahl and Mynhier have approached others to help, finding tremendous support. "We've had outstanding support from everyone we've asked," Fahl said.
Five Star Beverages and Stan Ziherl are donating beverages. Hogs have been donated by Keith Brown, Henry Brown and Kim Reiff, Krider's Meats are processing the hogs, the Reiff family is preparing close 50 gallons of chili.
Other donors include Time Lude of Lude Entertainment, Bob Gettinger, Tony Doepker, Talk of the Town, Crossroads Bank, Orizon Real Estate, Big G's and Kim L. Reiff & Sons, Coda and Tennessee Rebels.
Reiff's wife, Roxanne, is also working to coordinate a prize drawing with small items donated by local businesses.
Reiff all about doing this event right -- and has obtained a license from the Alcohol and Beverage Commission.
Thus far, Reiff said about 150 tickets have been sold for the event, but his rance could easily accommodate more than 500 guests. "Even if all our tickets sell out, be sure to show up and you will get in," Reiff said assuredly.
Guests are urged to bring their own lawn chairs and to dress for the weather -- whatever it might be. The event will be held rain or shine. A large tent will be set up onsite to provide shelter from the elements.
Reiff and friends have been busy building a permanent stage for the event for nearly two weeks. Reiff said a small barn has been converted into a pavilion and this is the first time it will be used.
After more than 26 years of parties, this event will indeed be something different and special for the Reiff family.
"This isn't about Kim Reiff having another party -- it's about Adam Schrader getting better," Reiff said.
As Reiff and Fahl went over details for the event one night recently, a member of one of the participating bands stopped in to visit and see the efforts being done on the stage. "This is going to be fun," said drummer John Finken of the band Coda as he surveyed the space. "This is about good people doing good things."
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Children under 5 may attend for free. Advanced sale tickets for adults are available at Crossroads Bank locations in Columbia City and South Whitley, at Orizon Real Estate, from Talk of the Town or by calling 248-6558. Admission can also be paid at the gate. Reiff said that 100% of the profit from the event will be going to Adam Schrader and his family.
"I just want to emphasize the need that Adam has," Reiff said. "He has a little girl, Sadie, and they're going to be dealing with this forever."
A Facebook page for the event has been set up and can be accessed by clicking here.
If you cannot attend the event, donations can be sent to: Adam Schrader Benefit c/0 Elkhorn Ranch, 2123 North Binkley Road, Larwill, IN 46764

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Old Settlers Day Association supports newly formed Columbia City Downtown Business Association

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Representing the Old Settlers Day Association and the former New Century Downtown, Jim Brock presents a donation to Columbia City Downtown Business Association president Steve Hostetler. From left is Jim Brock, Steve Hostetler, Jim Landrum and Steve Richcreek.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

A local organization with a shared vested interest in the success of revitalization efforts in downtown Columbia City has given the Columbia City Downtown Business Association a generous gift.
This week, representatives from the Old Settlers Day Association presented a donation to the group in hopes of helping them with their promotional and organizational efforts.
"During the planning process for this year's community donations on behalf of the Old Settlers Day Association, the newly formed Downtown Columbia City Business Association came to mind as being a worthy recipient," said OSDA president Jim Brock.
The OSDA also noticed a similarity in focus and interest between the CCDBA and an older, now defunct group, New Century Downtown.
"This organization's main focus is providing for the well-being of the downtown area -- as was the former New Century Downtown; an organization that was active during the 1990s with the downtown streetscape project," said Brock. Brock had been involved in New Century Downtown and sees the spark of activity that group once had present in the newly formed organization.
"New Century Downtown still had some unused funds in account with the Whitley County Community Foundation. Those funds have now been donated to the Downtown Columbia City Business Association in order to assist them in their efforts and promotions," Brock said.

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Afternoon storm causes damage in Churubusco

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Free sports physicals, immunizations offered in Churubusco Monday

From BuscoVoice.com

St. Joseph Medical Group and the Whitley County Health Department are joining efforts to offer free sports physicals and immunizations Monday, July 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Churubusco Family Medicine, 202 W. Whitley Way, Churubusco.
Free sports physicals will be performed by the clinic’s soon-to-be full-time primary care physician, Dr. Jeffrey Witt, along with Fort Wayne Medical Education Program residents and St. Joseph Medical Group staff.
Free immunizations will be administered by the Whitley County Health Department and St. Joseph Medical Group staff.
For additional information, call the clinic at 693-3700.

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Smith-Green hoping to draw students, added funding with waived tuition

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

This year, families wanting to send their children to Smith-Green Community Schools will have an opportunity to do so -- without paying tuition.
Beginning this August, students from anywhere outside the district may attend schools in the Smith-Green Community Schools district without paying tuition. Board members unanimously approved the measure July 6, hoping that by waiving tuition charges for out-of-district students, more parents will choose to send their children to school in the district.
Not only was the change made in hopes of providing another education option in Whitley County, but for financial reasons too.
School officials estimate the system stands to lose about $450,000 in funding, but since funding is based on enrollment -- if their enrollment grows, so will their funding. Bringing in just 50 new students could bring in $275,00 in additional funds to the district.
The board's decision was made possible by recent changes to Indiana Code through Senate Enrolled Act 252, which legislators in the 116th General Assembly amended this year. The amendment calls for flexibility for school districts to charge or not charge tuition to non-resident students who want to attend their schools.
Current enrollment in the district is around 1200, with students in Pre-K through grade 12.
Permission to transfer will be granted on a student by student basis, depending on space availability in each grade. The school system will also evaluate each potential transfer for disciplinary issues and stated they would not accept students based only on their athletic interests.
Transportation to school will require that the student be taken to an in-district bus stop or driven to school each day by the parent or guardian.
In order to transfer into the district, parents will need to obtain and complete a transfer request form which is available at any Smith-Green Community School, the administrative center at 222 West Tulley Street in Churubusco, via their website or by calling 693-2007.
Smith-Green Community Schools have set an open enrollment day for August 10 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at all school facilities. Parents may complete their transfer paperwork at that time.
Whitko Community Schools recently approved a similar measure to allow student transfer flexibility.

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After 33 years, Kreiger parts ways with Columbia City to take coaching position at Canterbury High School

By Andrew Ferrell

Come November, a new girls' basketball coach will be court side at Columbia City High School.
Hall of Fame coach Wayne Kreiger has resigned as Columbia City Lady Eagles head coach to take on an assistant head coaching position at Fort Wayne's Canterbury High School, where his son Scott Kreiger is the current head coach.
During his 33-year reign as head coach at Columbia City, Kreiger donned a 520-222 record, a .701 winning percentage. He gathered 16 sectional titles, 8 regional titles, 1 semi-state championship, and a State finals runner-up in 2000.
Kreiger was inducted into the Indiana Womens Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006, where he was the third most winning coach in Indiana's Womens high school basketball; Kreiger is currently the fifth most winning coach.
Kreiger also added assistant coach for the Indiana All-Star Team and coach for the Jr. All Star Team to his list of accomplishments, as well as the Claude Wolf Coach of the Year Award in 2005 from Manchester College.
Prior to taking over the girls' coaching job in 1977, Kreiger was also the Columbia City boys' head coach for two years. News of Kreiger's resignation came as a surprise to many Whitley County sports fans who view him as an almost legendary figure in local basketball history.
Kreiger's resignation as Columbia City High School head girls' basketball coach was effective July 14.

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Indiana Secretary of State candidate Vop Osili to visit Whitley County Friday night

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Vop Osili, Indiana Secretary of State candidate, will meet informally with local constituents this Friday, July 16, at 7 p.m. in the Whitley County 4-H Center building. Osili, shown above when he visited Whitley County in June, says he's committed to entrepreneurship and job growth in Indiana.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County Democratic party chairman Scott Allison is excited to welcome a state candidate to the community on Friday evening.
Indiana Secretary of State candidate Vop Osili will be making an appearance in the 4-H Center building on July 16 at 7 p.m.

In June, Osili was selected by state Democratic party delegates to run for the Secretary of State seat.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon and Columbia University, Osili is a founding partner of an Indianapolis area green architectural design firm. The company has grown from a two-person entity to a thriving enterprise of 30 professionals, designing projects in Indiana and abroad. The quick, sustained growth of Osili's company resulted in his recognition by the Small Business Administration as a "Rising Star" in Indiana.
Osili was appointed to the Indiana Fire and Building Services Commission by Governor Frank O'Bannon. He serves as chairman of the Indianapolis Board of Zoning Appeals, co-chair of the Urban Design Oversight Committee in Marion County, a board member of the United Way of Central Indiana, a board member of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and is a trustee of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
He has participated on numerous missions trips to Haiti and other developing countries.
Osili is committed to supporting the Hoosier state's entrepreneurial spirit, expanded job growth, education, mentoring young people and encouraging public service.
Osili and his wife, Una, a professor of economics at IUPUI, are residents of Indianapolis. They have two young children.

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Coesse third grader appearing Warsaw's Wagon Wheel Theatre production

By Viv Sade of BuscoVoice

A typical third grade elementary student plans his summer vacation playing sports, going on vacation, hanging with friends and playing video games.
Dustin Barkley, a third grade student from Coesse Elementary School, is that typical student.
But this summer, Barkley has added an addition to his daily schedule. For the last several weeks, he has been hanging out with professional actors at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw in preparation for his role as Winthrop Paroo in “The Music Man."
The play runs through July 17 at the Ramada Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw. Tickets are available at the door or go to the Wagon Wheel website.
After Barkley’s successful acting debut in Columbia City High School’s production of Beauty and The Beast this spring where his uncle, Shane Barkley, the show’s director, picked him to play the part of “Chip,” the youngster got the bug to do a little more acting.
His dad, Greg Barkley, saw an ad in a local newpaper for auditions for Wintrop on June 2 and asked him if he wanted to try out. They had already auditioned several kids for the part and were hosting a second round of auditions. Twenty kids walked into the audition – 20 minutes later 18 kids walked out.
Barkley and another boy were still in the audition process. Another twenty minutes went by and the boys walked out. The director told the boys, “Good luck, if you hear from us by Friday – great; if not, have a nice summer.”
Friday came and went with no phone call, so Barkley thought he didn’t get the part.
Speaking to his father that Friday night, while doing the typical kid thing -- playing Wii bowling -- Barkley said he wasn’t disappointed at all and would like to try again sometime.
Greg Barkley took him to his mother, Jo Barkley’s house, the next day and she came running out, very excited and yelling, “He got the part, he got the part!”
The third grader has been busy with rehearsals and performances ever since – from 10-4 pretty much every day including Saturdays.
So get your tickets and support Barkley as he makes his professional theatre debut as Winthrop Paroo in “The Music Man,” featuring great music like, “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” “Seventy Six Trombones” and Winthrop’s song, “Gary, Indiana.”
For more information, call the Wagon Wheel at (574) 267-8041. The theater is located in the Ramada Inn, 2517 East Center Street, Warsaw.

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Sycamore Village hopes for a large crowd to enjoy Spike & The Bulldogs

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Always a popular event at Sycamore Village, Spike and The Bulldogs will return this summer for a concert on Friday, July 23.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and some bug spray and be transported back to a delightful summer night in the 1950s or 1960s. The free show begins at 6:30 p.m. and will continue until 8:30 p.m.
According to Kristi Maloney, marketing specialist for Sycamore Village, the annual concert regularly welcomes about 400 people -- so you'll want to arrive early to get the best seats.
The event will be held weather permitting.
Sycamore Village is located at 611 West County Line Road, on the Whitley-Allen County Line, just north of SR 14 near Dunfee.

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Unlikely Alibi to headline Three Rivers Festival concert tonight in Fort Wayne

From reports

The local band Unlikely Alibi will perform at the Three Rivers Festival tonight in Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne. The show beings at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for those ages 12 and under.
Unlikely Alibi will also be performing at Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne this Friday at 10 p.m.

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Registration for 'School Worx' vouchers is July 26 through August 12

From reports

The Whitley County Salvation Army "School Worx" program will begin registering children for new school shoe vouchers beginning July 26 through August 12 (or until funding is gone).
New shoe vouchers are available for children in grades K-12, but they are limited to children living in Whitley County only. Custodial parents must bring photo identification, proof of income and proof of residence to the sign up.
Parents and guardians must register Monday-Thursday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Whitley County Salvation Army office inside Eagle Quest Church, 1120 North SR 109.
For more information, contact Pat Mossburg at 248-1711.

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Bake sale planned by Union Township Fire Department auxiliary on July 24

The Union Township Volunteer Fire Department's fire auxiliary will host a bake sale and 50/50 drawing on July 24 at Walmart from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds will support the Union Township Fire Department.

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Grand opening set for Blue River Churubusco, a new income-based senior housing facility

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Blue River Senior Housing Inc. board of directors president Kathy Heuer greets Whitley County Commissioner Don Amber during a recent tour of the newly opened Blue River Churubusco senior apartment facility. Heuer and Amber were standing in the spacious community room located at the facility where an appropriate saying is affixed to the wall, reading "Happy is a home that shelters a friend." Below, construction has been completed on Blue River Churubusco, an apartment complex for residents age 55 and older with an income-based rental structure.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

After months of work, the dust has cleared and residents have begun moving in to Blue River Churubusco's senior residence on Clingerman Avenue in Churubusco -- in plenty of time to enjoy late summer's evening breezes on the screened patio.
Commencing in October 2009, the project was made possible with a grant of $2,267,800 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of the grant was to provide quality housing for the elderly under Section 202 Supporting Housing Program.
The 22-unit facility welcomed it's first 15 residents beginning June 17, all of which were thrilled with the spacious, open-concept apartments, community living areas and convenient proximity to points of interest in Churubusco.
"Some of these residents have been on the waiting list for an apartment for over a year! Some sold homes that they couldn’t afford to take care of anymore or that were too much for them to take care of," said Blue River Apartments site manager Mindy Muchow. Muchow oversees the Blue River Apartments in both Columbia City and Churubusco.
As site manager, Muchow has gotten to know all of the residents and begun to understand their individual situations and why having affordable senior housing in the community is important.
"Their rent includes utilities at Blue River which means for most of them, they are paying less than half of the rent they were paying elsewhere," Muchow said. "They can afford to 'live' again. Some make choices between food and medication so they can afford housing, but at Blue River, they don’t need to do this as their rent is based on their income which makes it affordable to all!"
One might expect most of the residents in the new Blue River Churubusco to be from the area, but Muchow discovered
recently that it has also provided an opportunity for extended families to be together again in the same town.
"I had a couple move in July 1 from Kansas," Muchow said. "They sold their house and their belongings to come back to be by their family. All they drove was a little car and then bought furniture here."
Muchow said the opportunity to build Blue River Churubusco was an opportunity that won't likely be available again for the foreseeable future. "According to HUD, they are not offering a grant like this again after 2010," added Muchow.
All in all, Blue River Churubusco's opening is something to celebrate.
"It is another proud moment for Kathy Heuer and Blue River Apartments," Muchow said of her board president and the board members who made the project come to fruition. "This is our fourth project," she said, adding that the third project was completed in May 2005 in Columbia City.
"The building is so beautiful and so proud of everyone’s hard work from beginning to end! It takes a village to build a project like this," Muchow said.
"Churubusco is a very unique community. Everyone has been so welcoming to myself and to my residents," she said. "It brings a big smile to my face to see how happy these people are to move in and also to be able to bring their pets."
On Thursday, July 29, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. facility manager Mindy Muchow as well as the board members of Blue River Senior Housing, Inc. will welcome the community for tours of the facility and apartments. Light refreshments will be served as the community is invited inside the Blue River Churubusco facility for the first time.
Blue River Churubusco is located at 235 East Clingerman Avenue in Churubusco, not far from Turtle Town Park, just off US 33.

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Smith selected for leadership role with USDA

(Talk of the Town file photo)

USDA Rural Development area specialist Esther Smith will be serving in an important leadership capacity during the coming year.
In June, Smith was elected at the 38th Annual meeting of the National Association of Credit Specialists (NACS) of USDA Rural Development meeting to serve as Alternate Zone C Representative for the 2010-2011 year at the convention in Portland, Maine. This will require her to help the zone representative to carry out NACS concerns and may require travel to Washington, D.C. Additionally, she will be asked to participate in the NACS Zone meetings and 2011 Annual meeting.

A Tri Lakes resident, Smith began working with the USDA in 1977. She held clerical positions in Logansport in 1978, and Auburn 1979-1980. She served in an assistant supervisory position in Albion from 1980-2004, assisting low-income households to purchase and retain affordable housing. She moved to the Columbia City area office in 2004, as area specialist for the Multi-Family Housing Program.
Smith has been appointed to serve as the acting area director of the Columbia City area office this September through December.
"I enjoy working with co-workers from every state," Smith told Talk of the Town Monday. "Being involved at this level is one of the most interesting parts of my job."
Smith has been president of the Indiana Association of Credit Specialist since 2006 and a member of the Indiana Rural Development Council, American Legion Auxiliary, Indiana Leadership Association, a 2002 Alumni of Leadership Whitley County and member of the board of directors of Interfaith Mission, “The Lighthouse.”
She also serves as a seasonal tax preparer for H&R Block and has launched a small business in counseling families in personal finance.
NACS is a consultative employee association, organized in 1973, whose purpose is to initiate and promote improvements in the delivery system of Rural Development programs and services to Rural America. Throughout the years, NACS has been very successful in this endeavor due to the dedication of its members, as well as its successful consultative relationship with the agency’s administration.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development invested more than $49 million since 2009 for growth in homeownership, and assistance in home repairs. More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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Enjoy your summer harvest safely this winter with food preservation courses by the Whitley County Extension

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Below, a colander of purple beans awaits the dinner table...but if you have extra and would like to enjoy them in the cold winter months, plan to participate in a basic food preservation course offered by the Whitley County Extension office.

By Cindy Barnett

Picture your garden overflowing with plump, juicy tomatoes, shiny green peppers & crisp green beans.
Imagine picking juicy peaches, pears and apples from the local orchards.
Enjoy selecting fresh produce from baskets at the farmer’s markets.

Why not save some of this bounty to enjoy all through the year? Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to stop or greatly slow down spoilage, loss of quality, edibility, or nutritive value caused or accelerated by micro-organisms. Learn to preserve foods safely with at Whitley County Extension office. Several basic food preservation classes will be offered this summer and will cover canning, freezing and drying techniques to keep your food safe and ready to be enjoyed year-round.
Classes will be offered in Columbia City at the Whitley County Extension office on South Line Street:
July 28 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; August 18 from 9:30-11:30 p.m.; August 18 from 1-3 p.m. and August 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
A class will be offered at Churubusco Town Hall on July 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Classes are $3 per person.
Has it been awhile since the gauge on your pressure canner has been tested? If so, bring your lid with guage to the Extension Office and we will test it for you. Plan to leave the lid for at least 2 hours. Cost is $1 per lid.
For more information about the basic food preservation courses or to make reservations to attend a session, call 244-7615 or 625-3313 or email cbarnett@purdue.edu

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August 1 fundraiser will surround Ridge Family with love, support

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Tiny Gemma Ridge, below, is surrounded with the love and attention of a whole community, all eager to see her thrive. A fundraiser is planned to help the Jason and Danielle Ridge family on August 1. Gemma is the only surviving child in a set of triplets born to the Ridges at just 23 weeks gestation.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The arrival of a baby is a blessed, exciting time -- but when a baby arrives too early, it also brings trepidation, concern and piles of medical bills.
On June 2, Jason and Danielle (Schmitt) Ridge welcomed their triplets to the world at just 23 weeks gestation. They were born weighing just 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 pounds each.
Sadly, their two boys, Gabriel and Elliot, did not survive. Still, a ray of hope remains in their tiny daughter, Gemma, who's fighting hard to survive.

To help the family, a group of friends are rallying around the family in support -- and planning a benefit run/walk event for the family on August 1 at 2 p.m.at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
"It is not in our nature, or anyone’s for that matter, to ask people to help," the Ridges said in a blog posting about the fundraiser. "The reality of our situation is that we do need help."
"The 5K is not a race, but more of a community event. It is for our Gemma and Team Gemma," they said. They are grateful for the prayers and ongoing support for their family as they face this difficult time in their lives.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are urged to participate. Registration forms are available at Carousel Hair on Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City and at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
Registration for the run/walk is $25 and $10 for those ages 13 and under. If you register by tomorrow, July 13, the registration fee for adults is $20.
Supporters are also planning a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction that day as well. Any sponsors wanting to participate are urged to provide donations as well.
Team Gemma bracelets are available for sale at Carousel Hair for $2 each with proceeds supporting the Gemma Ridge family.
For more information about how you can help, contact Trisha Wright Poling at jtpol_78@hotmail.com or Brenna Schmidt King at 503-0729.

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Limited tickets remain for Luau on Crooked Lake

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Luau on the Lake organizers are hurriedly taking care of final details for the fundraiser this Saturday night at Crooked Lake in north central Whitley County.
According to volunteer event coordinator Ann Fahl, a limited number of tickets remain for the 4 p.m. seating. Near the water's edge, everyone will be cool and comfortable for the evening event, Fahl said.
This is the first time the event will be held at Crooked Lake. In prior years, it has been held in the Tri Lakes and Loon Lake communities.
Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. Once purchased, additional details will be provided -- including where to park and where each party will begin the evening. Dinner will be served at various homes around the lake in three courses. Additionally, guests will enjoy comfortable boat cruises around the lake and musical entertainment. The event is an annual fundraiser for The Lighthouse, Whitley County's only homeless shelter and transitional living facility.
For more information, call 244-5266.

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Columbia City High School's football program gears up for Middle School Football Camp

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Football Program will be hosting their Middle School Football Camp for players entering sixth through eighth grades this fall. The camp will be offered July 26-30 at Indian Springs Middle School.
Helmets and shoulder pads will be required for camp, so potential campers need to report to Indian Springs Middle School on Sunday, July 25, between 6-8 p.m. to pick up their equipment and receive camp information.
The Columbia City Parks Department will loan equipment to sixth graders.
During the camp, youths will receive ten hours of football instruction lead by the Columbia City High School football staff.
Each camper will receive a t-shirt and a certificate upon completion of camp.
Registration for the camp is $40 per child and forms are available online at cceagles.com
For more information, contact Columbia City Eagles football coach Randy Hudgins at hudginswr@wccs.k12.in.us

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Gruettert, Wagoner named pageant royalty

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Mr. & Miss Whitley County pageant was held Friday evening -- and evening that ended with Jeff Gruettert and Amy Wagoner being crowned royalty. The pageant was held a little closer to the 4-H fairgrounds at First Church of God in Columbia City for the first time this year.
In all, 20 contestants were vying for the opportunity to reign over the Whitley County 4-H Fair.
For the ladies, first runner up was Kennedy St. George, second runner up was Katie Barnett, third runner up was Olivia Wilson and fourth runner up was Rachel Atkins. The Miss Congeniality award winner was Gabrielle Mishler.
For the gentlement, first runner up was Eric Emerick, second runner up was Nathan Wilz and third runner up was Cody Brommer. The Mr. Spirit award recipient was Skyler Grable-Gibson.
Mr. Whitley County Jeff Gruettert is the son of Michael and Michelle Gruettert and was sponsored by Gruettert Buildings. A ten year 4-H member, his career plans involve wildlife management. He plans to attend IPFW.
Gruettert stated that he entered this program to excel in his abilities to speak publicly, interview properly and learn to better present his self to stick out in the future with employers.
Miss Whitley County Amy Wagoner is the daughter of Joe and Jane Wagoner and was sponsored by Wagnor Construction and Handy Guy Repair. Wagoner is in her final year of 4-H. She plans are to attend Purdue University in the fall to study pre-dentistry and later transfer to Indiana University for dental school. She hopes to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Aside from the scholarship benefits, Wagoner stated that she entered the scholarship program to enhance her public speaking skills and to make new friends.
In addition to the pageant portion of the show, several scholarships and recognition awards were presented.
Two Dean Hoffman Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Jordan Nicodemus and Jeff Greuttert.
Taylor Eberly was the recipient of the B.V. Widney Award.
Caleb Schuman was the recipient of the Jim Teghtmeyer Award.
Caleb Schuman, Katie Barnett and Holly Kyler were named as the honor group for the Hester Adams Award. Schuman and Barnett were both Hester Adams Award recipients.
4-H Tenure Award were given to Beth Miller and Mikaela Michel.

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YMCA invites parents to informational meeting regarding youth dance classes

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Does your little one just love to dance? Perhaps you haven't arranged for dance classes just yet, but you're curious about what opportunities exist locally.
The Whitley County Family YMCA will host an informational session for parents on Thursday, July 29, to share information on dance classes offered at the YMCA. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Sports and Aquatics director Steven Kuhn will be there to introduce the Y's new dance instructor, provide an overview of the program and explain the different types of dance classes that will be offered.
Kuhn said the informational meeting will also provide parents with an opportunity to ask questions and get answers.
For more information, contact Steven Kuhn at 244-9622.

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Amateur radio club offering test session July 31

If you've always had an interest in operating an amateur radio, now is the time to get started.
The Whitley County W5YI Amateur Radio club will offer test sessions on the last Saturday of July and October.
The next test session will be held on Saturday July 31, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Columbia City Eagles Lodge,
306 West Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City.
For additional information about WCARC, visit the club's web site at www.wcarc.org or contact Roger McEntarfer via email at n9qcl@arrl.net or via phone at 260-503-9008.

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Wayfinding signage, facade grants are topics of Tuesday's Redevelopment Commission

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission will meet Tuesday, July 13, at noon in the City Council Chamber, second floor of City Hall.
The agenda includes discussion of the facade grant program and way finding signage in Columbia City.
All Redevelopment Commission meetings are open to the public.

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CC Deli offers soups of the week

The CC Deli will be participating in the Friday Fest celebrations on July 23 in downtown Columbia City. They'll be staying open late, from 4-8 p.m., serving dinner -- including turkey Manhattan sandwiches.
What follows are the CC Deli Soups of the Week:
Monday: Tomato Bisque and Broccoli & Cheese
Tueday: Clam Chowder and Tomato Tortellini
Wednesday: Talk of the Town's White Chili and Stuffed Pepper
Thursday: Chicken Noodle and Steve's Red Chili
Friday: Veggie Beef and Wisconsin Cheese

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Snapshots: Fireworks at Loon Lake

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Fireworks, no matter where you see them, are awe-inspiring. Above, the show on July 3 at Loon Lake was especially pretty as it reflected on the lake's relatively serene surface. The event is made possible annually with a series of fundraisers by the Loon Lake Property Association and the generosity of lake residents. A 5.5K race, pancake breakfast, spring raffle and aluminum can drive all raise funds for to pay for the show each year. Below, while some residents and their guests watch the fireworks show from their lawns and piers, others enjoy it on the lake -- filling deck boats and pontoons to catch the best view of the show.

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Not your typical parade: Floating entries showcase lake residents' creativity

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520 meals served at Loon Lake pancake breakfast

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The Great Race: 2010 Loon Lake 5.5K

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
The annual Loon Lake 5.5K run and walk was held July 3, with over 200 registered participants circling the lake. According to race organizer Garry Hill, the event was very successful with approximately 70 participants registering less than a week before the event. Comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine made the event enjoyable for all. Hill was pleased with the event and looks forward to coordinating the race again in 2011.
Above, a group of walkers make their way through the first leg of the race -- around the south shore of the lake. Runners said the hills on the west side of the lake were quite challenging, making the race among the more difficult ones locally this summer.
At right, from left, are volunteers Judi Huffman, Terry Huffman, Garry Hill and participant Laurie Heller-Reed. Heller-Reed had just completed the race and was eager to check her time.

Click the red link below to see all of the finishing times for runners and walkers who completed the race.

OVERALL WINNERS
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Michael Nussa   19   18:20   1       Overall Male Winner
Jessica Gall       25   20:33   5       Overall Female Winner

MALE
AGE 12 and UNDER
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Ryan Jordan   11   31:40   92       1st Place 12 & Under
Davis Hoefelmeyer         11   41:04   141       2nd Place 12 & Under
Mason Heller   9   56:33   177       3rd Place 12 & Under

FEMALE
AGE 12 and UNDER
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Alexandra Lahr   12   27:04   53       1st Place 12 & Under
Madisen Lahr   12   32:05   97       2nd Place 12 & Under
Maryia Kienzler   10   54:48   172       3rd Place 12 & Under
Madison Heller   11   56:34   178

MALE
AGE 13 THROUGH 19
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Michael Nussa   19   18:20   1   Overall Male Winner
Quinn Ruich   19   19:28   2   1st Place 13 -19
Jude Stieglitz   17   19:50   3   2nd Place 13 - 19
Brody Wilson               17   20:26   4   3rd Place 13 -19
Michael Gatton   16   20:42   6
Hunter Langeloh   13   23:39   18
Chase Keirn   15   24:31   25
Austen Hively   17   24:50   27
Zachary Prather   15   25:14   30
Connor Slavicek        16   25:47   37
Seth Slabagh   14   26:16   43
Blake Downing   19   26:31   47
Austin Beachy   13   27;47   55
Kyle Reynolds   19   30:46   85
Braden Lecklider   13   39:53   133
Logan Caskey   18   51:20   168

FEMALE
AGE 13 THROUGH 19
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Samantha Roush   13   21:37   9   1st Place 13 -19
Jordan Morhout   18   23:32   17   2nd Place 13 - 19
Heidi Blocker   18   24:09   23   3rd Place 13 -19
Kristen Shively   13   26:37   49
Katie Keirn       17   28:38   66
Emily Hively   15   34:51   115
Amber Lecklider   19   38:56   134
Lauren Gareiss   18   42:05   145
Bailey Keener   16   42:11   146
Rachel Hively   15   49:35   157
Kayla Mathewson   19   50:18   165

MALE
AGE 20 THROUGH 29
NAME   AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Tommy Albert   25   22:16   11   1st Place 20 -29
Trent Diller       24   22:50   14   2nd Place 20 - 29
Evan Hyudman   29   23:07   15   3rd Place 20 - 29
Tim Chapman   29   23:41   19
Ben Shinneman   20   24:04   22
Jeremy Brice   21   27:52   56
Kevin Parrish   29   29:23   75
Dustin Brown   26   30:45   84
Brandon Smith   25   31:56   96
Cody Brown   22   32:38   107
Taylor Lowen   25   33:01   110
James Stevens   24   35:20   117
Taj Birkenbeul   25   35:47   119
Corwin Minerd   23   58:46   188

FEMALE
AGE 20 THROUGH 29
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Jessica Gall       25   20:33   5   Overall Female Winner
Jenna Downing   23   24:42   26   1st Place 20 -29
Erica Nelson   27   26:41   50   2nd Place 20 - 29
Whitney Oler   23   27:54   57   3rd Place 20 - 29
Tasha Farris   25   30:03   78
Jennifer Hodnett   29   30:48   86
Julie Bock       28   30:53   87
Ashley Harris   24   32:20   99
Bethany Alcock   23   32:25   102
Britt Lowen   25   33:09   111
Leanne Franks   29   34:38   114
Claire Becerra   28   35:20   118
Lindsey Novak   23   38:30   131
Liz Tansey       22   38:31   132
Katie Pranger   25   48:29   154
Jen Roe Brown   28   48:30   155
Amy Henderson   29   50:07   158
Michelle Wolfmueller   27   50:08   159
Jessica Lewis   24   51:45   169
Jennifer Houser   25   58:24   185
Alicia Krick   29   58:40   187

MALE
AGE 30 THROUGH 39
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Hans Gochenauer   33   21:02   7   1st Place 30-39
Brad Prather   38   21:31   8   2nd Place 30 -39
Elias Cruz       31   22:06   10   3rd Place 30-39
Keith Bock       32   22:23   12
Matthew Arnold   32   23:56   21
Brian Simpkiss   34   25:01   28
Jared Krider   31   25:22   32
Scott Allison   38   25:44   35
Adam Schmitt   31   26:29   42
Tony Romano   35   26:30   46
Tim Powell       34   28:08   59
Jeremy Lahr   38   28:15   60
Tony Stinson   38   28:27   62
Bruce Lane       38   30:15   79
Jeffery Gibson   32   30:30   81
Eric R Ummer   36   30:44   83
Jonathan Mosier   31   31:02   88
Chris LaFollette   34   31:41   94
Caleb Chichester   32   36:05   122
Tim Hill       31   38:30   135
Brian Rademacher   37   40:16   138
Matt Birkenbeul   31   59:08   189

FEMALE
AGE 30 THROUGH 39
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Karla Barnhart   34   26:05   41   1st Place 30 -39
Sarah Schmitt   31   26:20   44   2nd Place 30-39
Tina Stinson   37   26:52   51   3rd Place 30-39
Teri Fields       32   27:00   52
Jessica Tate   34   27:41   54
Stephanie Wilson   39   27:56   58
Trisha Groholski   34   28:27   63
Brandie Duncan   33   28:30   64
Charlotte Mosier   30   28:32   65
Jerra Myers   30   28:53   69
Sadie Landrum   36   29:14   74
Deanna Rains   39   29:32   77
Julie LaFollette   35   31:41   93
Melissa Gibson   31   32:10   98
Jennifer Buck   37   32:28   103
Marley Jones   32   32:33   105
Karen Pawlak   34   33:37   113
Lisa Bashford   34   35:04   116
Traci Heller       37   36:59   124
Mindy Barnhart   39   37:59   127
Kimberly Sajdah   38   39:53   136
Christy Kanis   39   40:02   137
Jaimie Huhn-Leach   32   45:49   150
Amanda Feiock   31   46:08   151
Wendy Shively   36   50:09   160
Lisa Rademacher   32   55:39   174
Leah Brannaka   36   58:34   186
Jennie Powell   31   1:01:34   193

MALE
AGE 40 THROUGH 49
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Luster Roush   44   22:31   13   1st Place 40-49
Brad Knapp   48   24:21   24   2nd Place 40-49
Paul Hahn       42   25:04   29   3rd Place 40-49
Jeff Beck       45   25:27   33
Joel Barrett       42   25:34   34
Avery White   41   25:46   36
David Gareiss   44   25:47   38
Abel Rosado   45   25:52   40
Dan Shinneman   45   26:29   45
Eric Anderson   41   26:33   48
Doug Fahl       43   30:39   82
Fred Horne       46   59:08   89
Mark Gareiss   46   31:30   91
David Krueckeberg   49   32:42   108
Timothy Beachy   49   36:06   123
Dan Lecklider   45   38:19   129
Gunnar Heller   41   56:34   179
Chris Scheer   42   58:22   182

FEMALE
AGE 40 THROUGH 49
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Ashley Cearbaugh   41   25:18   31   1st Place 40-49
Paula Langeloh   42   28:39   67   2nd Place 40-49
Lisa Bennett   44   29:06   72   3rd Place 40-49
Kathleen Anderson   43   29:28   76
Mary Rice       48   30:22   80
Andrea Beck   45   31:52   95
Tracy Weigel   44   32:29   104
Lisa Jackson   46   22:23   112
Lisa O'Dell       42   35:54   121
Jeanette Jordan   40   37:31   125
Christina Rice   42   37:58   126
Ellie Keirn       45   38:00   128
Nikki Dietrich   42   40:17   139
Kellie Woll       41   40:27   140
Karmen Hoefelmeyer   42   41:04   142
Jean Fox       49   44:47   148
Laurie Heller-Reed   46   47:17   153
Tami Kreager   42   49:35   156
Jodie Hively   40   50:47   166
Nora Hively   44   50:48   167
Stacie Lecklider   44   52:24   171
Michelle Jones   45   55:00   173
Magella Scheer   43   58:23   183

MALE
AGE 50 THROUGH 59
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Neil Tate       58   23:13   16   1st Place 50-59
Terry Diller       52   23:47   20   2nd Place 50-59
Tom Rice       51   25:50   39   3rd Place 50-59
Tony Gatton   54   28:17   61
Gene Donaghy   55   28:48   68
Randy Vanderford   51   29:04   70
Rick McCoy    55   29:11   73
Gary Brown   54   31:12   90
Bob Harris       56   32:34   106
Mike Sands   55   50:16   164
Randy Holler   57   56:48   181

FEMALE
AGE 50 THROUGH 59
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Linda Alcock   52   32:22   100   1st Place 50-59
Deb Vanderford   52   35:53   120   2nd Place 50-59
Tam Snyder   51   38:28   130   3rd Place 50-59
Diane Post       53   43:49   147
Becky Brown   55   45:28   149
Marilyn Post   58   46:50   152
Sharon Sands   53   50:12   162
Sandra Claybaugh   50   55:56   175
Lisa Reinke       50   55:58   176

MALE
AGE 60 AND OLDER
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Darrell Post   61   29:05   71   1st Place 60+
Jerry White       68   50:10   161   2nd Place 60+
Rich Hively       63   50:15   163   3rd Place 60+
Kevin Fennell   75   58:23   184

FEMALE
AGE 60 AND OLDER
NAME       AGE   TIME   OVERALL PLACE   AGE BRACKET PLACE
Karen Nelson   64   32:49   109   1st Place 60+
Candi Snyder   61   52:23   170   2nd Place 60+
Patti Holler       61   56:48   180   3rd Place 60+

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Loon Lake Regatta was a visual delight

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

Boats with sails of many colors glide around the northern shore of Loon Lake on July 3, above, preparing to participate in the annual Loon Lake Sailing and Yacht Club's Regatta. This year's event was held with a first-time permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The race is a regular feature of the Independence Day celebrations on Loon Lake.

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Many will marvel at the skills of local residents in the 4-H Adult Open Show

(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Local adults are invited to enter in the Whitley County 4-H Adult Open Show, shown above and below in 2009.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Local adults are invited to share their talents with the community in the annual Whitley County 4-H Adult Open Show.
Held in the Whitley County 4-H Center building, entries will be accepted Wednesday July 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and on Thursday, July 15, from 7-10 a.m. in the West Room, inside the 4-H Center.
The registration fee is $3 per entry. Registration forms may be obtained at the Whitley County Extension Office on South Line Street.
Adult Open Show divisions include:
Baked goods: cakes, decorated cakes, pies, cookies, quick bread, muffins, yeast breads
Food Preservation: jams & jellies, pickles & relishes, fruits, vegetables, dried foods
Candy: fudge, peanut brittle, fancy chocolates, other candies
Sewing: children’s garments, dresses, suits & jackets, miscellaneous
Needlework: counted cross stitch, crochet, knitting, crewel, embroidery, needlepoint, miscellaneous
Fine Arts: paintings (water color, oil, acrylic, mixed media), drawings (charcoal & pencil), miscellaneous
Crafts: baskets, ceramics, Christmas ornaments, decorated clothing, decorative painting, dolls, floral crafts, gingerbread houses, jewelry, leather, macrame, rugs, scrapbooking, soft sculpture, stamping, weaving, woodcarving, woodworking, wreaths, miscellaneous
Photography: color, black & white, miscellaneous
Quilting: small patchwork quilted items, baby quilts, miscellaneous
Herbs: fresh, herbal design
Flowers: container plants, dried arrangements, single stem, fresh arrangements, artificial arrangements
Vegetables: any kind
Redesigning: creative ways to redo, reuse, remake, redesign items you no longer use for their original purpose.
Entries will be released for owners to pick them up on July 22 from 7 to 10 a.m.
For more information about the Adult Open Show, contact Cindy Barnett at 625-3313 or via email at cbarnett@purdue.edu.

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All Kids Athletic Day seeks to get kids active and keep them entertained

The Whitley County Kiwanis Club is planning All Kids Athletic Day on Saturday, August 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at DeVol Field and Baker Park on the west side of Columbia City.
The event will include fun, competitive activities for children ages 6 through 12, including archery, trampoline, slip & slides, cross country runs, relay races, tug-of-war and an obstacle course. A healthy snack will be served at mid-day.
Registration is free. Children may be registered at B.E. Computers, Comics and Cards on the corner of Chauncey and Van Buren Streets, or at the Kiwanis booth at the Whitley County 4H Fair.
During the event, one boy and one girl from each age group who show the greatest athletic spirit will be awarded a Kiwanis hoodie with their name on it.
The Kiwanis All Kids Athletic Day is funded by a grant from the Kiwanis International Foundation and sponsored by the Whitley County Kiwanis Club in partnership with the CCHS Key Club, American Legion Post 98 and the Columbia City Parks Department.
For more information, contact Barry Yeakle at 609-3286 or via email at 2Yeaks@gmail.com

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Getting ready for the 4-H Fair

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Many down-to-the-wire projects are underway at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds as volunteers are working overtime to prepare for the upcoming Whitley County 4-H Fair, July 16-22. Above, work continues to create space for additional grandstand seating as crews move piles of dirt behind a newly installed cement wall. Grandstand seating will be place atop the compacted dirt.
Grandstand tickets can be purchased Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, at the 4-H Fairgrounds Gazebo beginning at 3:00 p.m. and all the way up to gate time at 7:00 p.m.
Family passes are $65 (a family may consist of two adults and a maximm of four kids). Couple Passes are $33, and a Single Pass is $17. Individual tickets sold at the gates will cost $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12.

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Kiwanis Club to meet Wednesday

The Whitley County Kiwanis Club will meet Wednesday, July 14, at noon in Conference Room 1 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. The guest speaker is Pam Dietz of First Steps. Those interested in joining the Kiwanis Club are welcome to attend.

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A fun-filled July at Peabody Public Library

Click the link below to learn more about the many wonderful summer programs and activities offered at the Peabody Public Library during the month of July.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Wednesdays, July 14 & 21 6PM
Nancy Zummack teaches the basics of this relaxing fitness regimen. Registration is requested. This is a FREE program.

Dark City Movie Night
Saturday, July 12 7 PM
This month’s presentation is “Suddenly”, starring Frank Sinatra as a would-be presidential assassin. Popcorn and soda will be available. This is a FREE program.

Sand Candles
Monday, July 12 2-3 PM
Come make an unique candle in a sand form. This class is for grades 9 through adults. Registration is requested, with class size limited to 20. This is a FREE program.

CC Tatter Tots
Mondays July 12, 19 & 26 5:30 PM
Learn to create beautiful lace patterns using the needle technique. There is a $13.00 fee for first time participation only. Subsequent classes are free. Registration is requested.

Beach Movie Marathon
Wednesday, July 14 10AM – 6 PM
Various movies will be screened throughout the day including but not limited to "Beach Blanket Bingo", "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini", "Beach Party", "Bikini Beach", and "Muscle Beach Party”. Popcorn will be available. This is a FREE program.

Modern/Classics Book Club
Tuesday July 20 Noon
The selection for the month of July is 'Kim' by Rudyard Kipling. Walk-ins are always welcome. This is a FREE program.

Freshwater Aquariums
Wednesday, July 21 2 PM
Learn how to setup and maintain a fresh water aquarium. Presented by Michael Waite of PetSmart. This is a FREE program.

Beading
Wednesday, July 21 2 PM & 6PM
Create a beautiful bracelet using freshwater pearls. Registration is required. Sign-up for the 2 PM class or the 6 PM class, but not both. This is a FREE class.

Water: Our Most Precious Resource
Monday, July 26 2 PM
Topics of this program include Lake Health; River Watch on the Eel River; Unsafe Water Areas; Hypoxia & how our watershed area affects the Gulf of Mexico; Wetlands Issues; Well Water & Septic Systems. This is a FREE program.

Best Seller Readers Book Club
Monday July 26 6 PM
The book selection for the month of July is “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks. Walk-ins are always welcome. This is a FREE program.

Best Seller Readers Book Club
Tuesday, July 27 Noon
The book selection for the month of July is “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks. This group will be meeting at Brewha. Walk-ins are always welcome. This is a FREE program.

Water? I’ll Take Mine Clean
Wednesday, July 28 6 PM
Learn about what is being done locally to establish and maintain a healthy water supply. This is a FREE program.

July Events for Young Adults

Make Waves @ Your Library Craft Thursdays— Each Thursday during Summer Reading, we will have crafts available to do in the Children’s Department between the hours of 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. We will have a more advanced craft for 4th grade and up. All the crafts will follow our Summer Reading Theme of “Make Waves @ Your Library!”

Teen Café Club – Writer’s group and book discussion. Tuesday, July 13 and 27 at 1:00 PM.

Show Me the Movies! - “2012”. Tuesday, July 20 at 6:00 PM. Refreshments will be served. This movie is rated PG13.

Gaming Challenge – Football! Join you friends in a football challenge on the X-Box 360. Friday, July 23 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Sign-up is requested.

July 2010 Children’s Events From the Peabody Public Library

Summer Reading Club “Make a Splash – Read!” – Starting June 7 and continuing until July 30. Register for Summer Reading, report the minutes you have read each week and receive coupon prizes. Weekly drawing for a goodie bag of summer surprises.

Splish Splash Story Time - Tuesdays, July 13, 20 and 27 at 10:30 AM . Special guest readers will share some great stories related to the SRC theme “Make a Splash – Read!”

Make a Splash Craft Thursday - Each Thursday 15, 22 and 29, during Summer Reading , we will have crafts available to do in the Children’s Department between the hours of 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. There will be a simple craft for the younger kids and a more difficult craft for 4th grade and up. All the crafts will follow our Summer Reading Theme of “Make a Splash –Read!”

Beach Movie Marathon – Wednesday, July 14 from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM the Children’s department will be showing movies with the beach theme. Movies include “Finding Nemo” at 10:00 AM, “Lilo and Stitch” at 12:00 noon, “Free Wily” at 2:00 PM and “Little Mermaid” at 4:00 PM. We will be showing show clips of SpongeBob between the movies.

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Countryside Antique Mall prepares for grand opening antique fair on July 17

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Countryside Antique Mall, now under the ownership of Steve and Darlene Hess, features a new sign out front, shown below, and many new treasures waiting to be discovered inside the 12,000 square foot facility.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Do you have an obsession with 1940s tablecloths? Are you constantly in search of Depression glass? Is it, perhaps, World War II memorabilia that fills the shelves at your house? What would you give for an oak arrowback armchair or a piece of aqua Fiestaware to complete your collection?
Mark your calendar now and be sure to arrive early on the morning of July 17 for Countryside Antique Mall's Grand Opening antique fair, held that day from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The event celebrates the new ownership of the mall by Steve and Darlene Hess. They officially took ownership of the 12,000 square foot antique mall at US 30 and Binkley Road, in December and have been making updates ever since.
According to store owner Steve Hess, dealers from around the area will have booths indoors and out with a wide assortment of antiques and -- best of all -- a 15% off sale storewide.
Hess held a similar sale earlier this year and found it was enjoyed by customers and dealers alike. This event, however, is likely to be even bigger.
Countryside Antiques is located at 8049 West US 30, just a mile west of Larwill. Normal store hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.
For questions, call Countryside Antiques at 327-3050.

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Kneubuhler joins Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana to serve as children's advocate

(Talk of the Town photo provided)

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana has hired Leah Kneubuhler as a part-time children’s advocate. She will work with children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families in Northeast Indiana, including families in Whitley County.
Cancer Services’ mission is to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer by providing meaningful resources, information and compassionate assistance. Last year, more than 3,000 local people with cancer and their families received emotional support and practical resources for their cancer journey. Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana helps people who live in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties.
For more information, visit www.cancer-services.org.

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At a time when schools are reducing teachers, a local institution is hiring

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

At a time when many in education are facing job loss and a shortage of teaching positions, one local learning institution is hiring.
According to Nicole Trier, director of The TROY Center, they are potentially seeking two part-time educators for classes this fall.
Trier said teachers could be retired or new graduates or merely educators looking for part-time employment -- but they must be licensed.
The TROY Center provides alternative education to at-risk teenagers, so Trier is eager to find teachers who enjoy working with teens. The TROY Center has two components, including a daytime alternative learning program and an after-school enrichment program. Students work at their own level to earn credits toward graduation or work to obtain a GED.
The daytime program runs from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and the afternoon program runs from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Staff work with students to build skills in a variety of areas including social skills education, basic skills, tutoring, mentoring, fine arts, physical education and wellness.
For more information or to apply, contact Nicole Trier at nstrier@embarqmail.com

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Purdue Roundup welcomes 20 from Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Delegates to Purdue Roundup included, above, from left in front, Megan Schroeder, Gloria Reimer, Maura Garza, Courtney Davis, Rachel Hartman and Cole Eberly. Row two, from left, is April Bishop, Brooke Laux, Mikalah Reimer, Kaitlyn Sheets, Laura Peterson, Abigail Atkins, Cole Findley and Jacob Bridegam. Row three, from left, includes Ashlyn Wells, Morgan VonSeggern, Rebecca Lilly, Macy Schlotterback, Jocelyn Sherbahn, Courtney Schinbeckler, David Addison and Kyle Laux.

By Gloria Reimer

Whitley County sent 20 4-H delegates to Purdue Roundup June 21-23. This was the 92nd State 4-H Youth Roundup with 612 delegates from Indiana attending. Kevin Wazner was the keynote speaker. Wazner empowers young audiences to see their potential by being leaders for others. Delegates brought snacks for the Ronald McDonald House as a Community Service Activity. The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana provides a comfortable, caring and affordable place where a family can call home while a child is being treated at an Indianapolis-area hospital.
The delegates were introduced into the Purdue campus life by living in Shreve and Earhart Residence Halls. The conference was focused on discovering and being yourself while learning about careers and educational opportunities, developing leadership abilities and stimulating individual growth. For Career Day the delegates were able to choose classes from Agriculture, Consumer & Family Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Management, Nursing, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Technology, Veterinary Medicine and other career options. These classes gave the delegates an introduction to some careers that they may be interested in. The classes were held throughout Purdue University for more of a campus life experience.
Delegates enjoyed a huge buffet for breakfast in the Hillenbrand Dining Court. The State 4-H Chorus and Band performed.
Whitley County 4-H Inc. helps sponsor the delegates for Purdue Roundup each year.

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Local 4-H members entertain at Purdue Roundup

(Talk of the Town photos provided) Local residents made the 2010 Purdue Roundup in West Lafayette a very entertaining event.

Whitley County's delegates Tyler Sheets, Olivia Western and Mackenzie Ziegler participated with the 4-H Band during the event. Delegate Holly Kyler helped with the Get Acquainted Mixers in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms.

Also, performing were the Area XI Share the Fun Contest winners from Whitley County "The Volcanoes” jumping rope to the Beach Boys while having fun on the beach, above, and Hannah Schaefer, at right, who sang “Because of You."

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Diabetics find support in Purdue Extension program offered in Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo provided) Cindy Barnett, CFS educator in Whitley County, left, discusses the benefits of fish in a healthy diet while Inger Friend, CFS educator in Steuben County, right, prepares one of the dishes for the cooking school.

By Sara Workman

The Purdue Extension - Whitley County office offered Dining with Diabetes sessions beginning in May. The class of nine met each Tuesday for four consecutive weeks at the Purdue Extension's Whitley County office.
Dining with Diabetes is a series of five sessions, including a two month Follow-Up Session that will be held sometime in the fall. The Dining with Diabetes program is open to those with diabetes, their family members and caretakers.
The educational programs and cooking school help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar to feel better and reduce risk of health complications. The class members learned how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good. Recipes were demonstrated, and participants had the opportunity to taste each one. Participants also learned up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes-related medical tests. Recipe and handouts were given to each participant.
Diabetes is a very serious and costly disease, but research has shown that those who learn to manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly can lower their risks of complications and lead a healthier and more productive life.
Purdue Extension - Whitley County will be offering a fall session of this program and will have more information in August.
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or know someone and are part of the support system for an individual and are interested in being a part of this program, please call Purdue Extension office at 244-7615 or 625-3313.

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OurSpace hosting session for creative people building their brand in Northeast Indiana

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Charles Shepard, executive director of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, will lead a discussion entitled “Surviving as a Creative in Northeast Indiana” at OurSpace LLC in Fort Wayne on July 20.
The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Conference Room at OurSpace LLC, 825 South Barr Street.
Shepard's presentation will provide creative individuals with constructive ideas and input on how to be successful as their build their brand and product within Northeast Indiana.
For information or to RSVP, contact Jodi Dean at jodi@ourspacefw.com

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Karaoke at the VFW this Friday.... or at the Adam Schrader Benefit on July 24

This Friday, July 9, Lude Entertainment is hosting their monthly karaoke event at the Columbia City VFW.
Singing begins at 8 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend this family-friendly activity. Membership not required.
Lude Entertainment's Tim Lude says there's always plenty of laughter and lots of entertainment.
The VFW is located at 415 E. Chicago Street in Columbia City.
If you can't attend this Friday, but love karaoke, consider attending the Adam Schrader benefit at Elkhorn Ranch near Larwill on July 24 -- karaoke will be just part of the full day of events. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children, which includes barbecue, bonfires, music and more. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. or later. Attendance is limited to 500 people. Tickets are available at Big G's, Orizon Real Estate, Crossroads Bank in South Whitley and Columbia City, and from Talk of the Town or by calling 248-6558.

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A good night for many at Swine Evaluation Show

From reports

An annual precursor to the Whitley County 4-H Fair, the Swine Evaluation Show was held last night in the showbarn at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Hunter Rostochak had the grand champion, followed by Dillon Sheiss with the reserve grand champion.
Other winners included Alia Schuman, Karaline Schuman and Jaden Rostochak, to name a few.

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Bleary-eyed early morning fairgoers can now wake up with a steaming cup from The Brew Barn

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

There are ample late nights followed by early....early mornings at the Whitley County 4-H Fair.
So, a group of volunteers hopes to cater to the bleary-eyed parents, grandparents and guests to the fair by offering more than the standard fare coffee at the fair -- they're opening the The Brew Barn Cafe!
The Brew Barn Cafe will be open in the show barn Saturday-Wednesday during fair week from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and fully staffed by volunteers. Drinks will be sl

Talk of the Town - Whitley County

Positive News in Whitley County

July 31, 2010

Dekko Foundation awards $3,700 grant to the Friends of the Eel River Trail

Eight enjoy successful outcomes at Whitley County Amateur Radio Club test session

Groundbreaking set for Monday at new orthopedic, physical therapy facility

July 30, 2010

Carol's Corner celebrates 40 years Sunday

July 29, 2010

Heart disease affects women uniquely, cardiologist tells Women's Giving Circle members

Redevelopment commission to discuss establishment of a new tax increment finance district

Brandanza band lineup set for August 21

County council votes against putting Whitko's referendum on the November ballot

Kiwanis Club, Key Club looking forward to construction of giant obstacle course for kids

July 28, 2010

Columbia City United Methodist Childcare children raise $412 for St. Jude Children's Hospital

Sausaman pleased with attendance at domestic violence training session

Churubusco Fire Department seeking a few good men (and women) to bolster volunteer force

Volunteers Save Money

Benefits of Volunteering

How you can help

July 27, 2010

Registration open for Columbia City Parks Department's youth football leagues

EMT course offered in hopes of fulfilling local need for emergency care professionals

How to Help: Domestic violence training class offered tonight at Parkview Whitley Hospital

Water in Whitley County: Local experts to lead information discussion Wednesday night

Leadership Whitley County alumni gather in celebration at the 4-H Fair

County GOP's monthly breakfasts begin August 14

July 26, 2010

Rotary exchange student reflects on her experience living in Whitley County

Ready to launch your business? EDC offering another 11-week New Ventures program

The Brew Barn raised $925 for Whitley County 4-H

JuneStar ready to raise funds with mud volleyball tournament on August 28 at The Cove

BABE program travels to 'Busco today

CC Deli's Soups of the Week

Entrepreneurial veteran Bruce Stach to lead EDC's small business, start up initiatives

Nominees sought for Health Care Hero Awards

July 25, 2010

Crooked Lake residents applauded for their role in raising $2500 for The Lighthouse

David Kauffman concert is August 6 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church

Unique event allows canoeists an opportunity to experience a journey along the Eel River

July 24, 2010

One of Time's Magazine's most influential people, Goshen cancer researching is keynote speaker at Health Care Hero Awards

Outdoor dining deck, possible Farmers Market coming to The Brownstone on State

July 23, 2010

Blue River Big Band performing at Foellinger Theatre Saturday night

Whitley County 4-H Auction sales total $336,902.21

Sheep:

Poultry:

Swine:

Goat:

Beef:

Rabbit:

Feeder Calves:

Dairy Steer:

Dairy (Cheese):

Meeting set to discuss special education services within Whitley County Consolidated, Huntington Community school districts

Smith-Green named in lawsuit alleging racial discrimination

Whitley County's curbside recycling program continues to grow

WCBN meeting tonight at CC Deli

Downtown dishing up dinners, deals & more for Friday Fest tonight

Kay Rothgeb is featured speaker at Kiwanis club meeting Wednesday

July 22, 2010

Applications accepted until Friday for Northeast Indiana Conservation Camp

Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation's annual golf outing raises $14,000

Volunteers and projects needed for Whitley County's United Way Day of Caring

The importance of youth ministry

July 21, 2010

Youths recognized for outstanding animal care

Saturday was great for Whitley County Mizpah Shrine Yoshi's annual kids fishing derby

Links page updated today...

Chad Smyth returns to The Oaks, Oak Pointe

14-year-old entrepreneur working with Whitley County businesses to create clothing company

Type O-negative blood donor needed to help preemie Gemma Ridge

July 20, 2010

Later hours, instore specials all part of Friday Fest event in downtown Columbia City

A new installment of Musings...

School supplies needed for Salvation Army's Pack-A-Truck collection drive

Native author Lloyd Cassel Douglas will be featured in August's Second Sunday program at the museum

July 19, 2010