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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Five years ago this week, under the direction of former Whitko Community Schools board member Pete Mitchell, preservation efforts for a small cabin on the Whitko High School campus began. The cabin, shown above, was built in 1976 to commemorate the US Bicentennial Celebration. Years of weather had caused the cabin to deteriorate, however, thanks the the efforts of Mitchell and others, the cabin looks great today.
(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) At last, the Churubusco History Center is open for visitors. The facility was created largely through the efforts of Chuck Mathieu, below, and his son, Aaron.
From BuscoVoice.com
If you have yet to check out the Churubusco history center located at 108 W. Washington, what are you waiting for?
Get the low down on the history of Turtle Town USA. The center continues to get more great information each day; the center is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The public is welcome to visit anytime. The center’s purpose is the preservation of Churubusco History. Pictures have been taken of all current businesses and pictures will be taken of people who have been in Business in Churubusco for at least 25 years.
This is an ongoing effort and the center hopes to see more artifacts, newspapers, yearbooks, etc.
By TRSmith of the Tribune-News
South Whitley public Library director Renee Wozniak wanted to do a little more for a fall-themed festival besides inviting costumed children in around Halloween to play games in the basement.
“I wanted to extend it to the community,” she said. “Then I heard there wasn’t going to be a regular fall festival in South Whitley.”
That kicked things into high gear. Wozniak turned to adult program coordinator Leann Snyder for ideas.
“When I asked Renee how big she wanted to go, she said ‘Big,’” Wozniak said.
And Souper Stompin Saturday took off.
Vicki Smith who served as a South Whitley Fall Festival volunteer for many years suggested a soup contest – something other than chili. Smith is overseeing the soup competition.
Contestants include heavy weight contendors from Heyerly’s Meat Market who already have several awards under their belts, Moyer’s Corner Cafe, the Green Parrot, the Brownstone Cafe, AmVets Post 2919 and cooks from the library, Crossroads Bank, STAR Bank staffs. There is room for a few more tables.
Soups will be judged by popular vote with everyone getting a taste.
“October 5 is the deadline for registrations,” Snyder said.
Registration is required to be a vendor of crafts, produce, food and products; for the cornhole tournament, to enter the soup contest, for the dog shop and the basketball tournament. Entry forms are available at the library and in the September 14 issue of the Tribune-News.
All the activities and entertainment are free. Vendors will charge for their food and products.
There is a huge amount of activity planned in the four hour time frame from 3 to 7 p.m.
Entertainment includes peformances from accoustic guitarists Phil Smith and Ivory West, a concert by the Whitko Gospel Choir and tunes from the Whitko Jazz Band.
The Whitko cheerleaders and mini cheerleaders will dance and cheer on Front Street. There will be a Zumba demonstration for everyone to join in and the Red Hot Strutters will make an appearance.
Former Whitko-area resident Amy McVay Abbott is available to sign her book of essays, “The Luxury of Daydreams,” in the library. Her father and former Whitko High School teacher Bill McVay will accompany his daughter and greet old friends.
The fun dog show will be in town park with local canines being judged for the waggiest tail, cutest, shortest, best costume, most wrinkles, best pooch smooch (to the owner) and many other categories.
Bingo will be in the town hall community room with many adult and childrens books given as prizes.
Vendors include Darla Lepey’s rustic crafts; Angie Hathaway’s knitted items; baked goods from Brenda Angier’s and Fire in the Hole pizza.
The Columbia City Community Bible Church’s youth group will have a bake sale. The Whitko Parent Teacher Organization has planned a candy walk and other activities.
There will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament as well as a cornhold tournament. Teams may be able to sign up the day of the event, Snyder said, depending on the number of participants already registered.
There are also pony rides, a petting zoo and a seven-mile bike ride.
All the activities are sponsored by South Whitley Public Library.
Click the link below for the full schedule of events.
Saturday, October 8
3 to 7 p.m.
Free, fun activities at the library, in Town Park and on Front Street
Entertainment ....
3 to 3:20 Whitko Gospel Choir -Gazebo
3:25 to 3:45 Whitko Cheerleaders and mini cheerleaders – Front Street
3:50 to 4:10 Whitko Jazz band - Gazebo
4:15 to 4:45 Zumba on Front Street
4:50 to 5:20 Phil Smith, accoustic guitar – Gazebo
5:25 to 5:55 Red Hot Strutters - Front Street
6 to 6:45 Ivory West, accoustic Guitar – Gazebo
6:45 to 7 Dancing in the Street – Front Street
Activities ....
3 to 7 Vendor and information booths.
Food available: Pizza, pulled pork,
hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts, drinks.
3 to 7 Author book signing
Amy McVay Abbott – in the library
3 to 6:30 Games – Library parking lot
Events ....
4 to 5 Bingo – Community room, town hall
4 to 5:30 Pony rides - Front Street
2 to 3 7-mile bike ride starts at USPO parking lot.
3:30 to 4:30 Dog show in Town Park
3 to ? Corn Hole Tournament – Town Park
3 to ? 3-on-3 basketball tournament - Town Park
4 to 5:30 Soup Cook-off – Front Street
From BuscoVoice.com
According to officials at Smith Green Community Schools, a power outage has caused all three of its buildings to close early Friday.
The elementary, Jr.- Sr. high school and the administrative building all closed around 9:15 a.m.
School officials said they are not sure what caused the outage since the power in the administrative building came back on very soon after, but stayed out in the other buildings until about 10 a.m.
As a result, the all the middle school football practices are canceled for the day, but the varsity game played against Culver at 7:30 p.m. at Churubusco, will go on as scheduled.
From reports
The Columbia City Show Choir will be hosting a spaghetti dinner, catered by Fazoli's, this Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Eat in and enjoy the CCHS Show Choir as it performs. Carryout dinners are also available.
The dinner will be served at Columbia City High School.
Dinner is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Lori Shipman, below, a successful grant administrator, has joined the staff of the Whitley County EDC and will lead the organization's community development initiative.
Article provided
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today that grant administrator Lori Shipman is leading the organization’s newly established community development initiative.
"The EDC’s community development initiative focuses on bringing together multiple local stakeholder groups to advance impactful community development projects," said EDC president Alan Tio. "With Lori’s guidance we aim to support projects that improve Whitley County’s quality of place and to align our efforts closely with regional initiatives such as Vision 2020.”
As Community Development Coordinator, Shipman provides a single point-of-contact for business owners, developers, and others considering projects in Whitley County communities, such as the recently announced redevelopment and reuse of the former Post & Mail building by local law firm Myers, Tison, Hockemeyer, & McNagny. The community development initiative employs the same customer service based approach for which the EDC has become well regarded in promoting industrial development over the organization’s nearly 20 year history.
“I look forward to bringing together technical and financial resources to support projects that improve our community’s quality of place,” said Shipman. “Whitley County is well-positioned to access state and federal funding opportunities and to participate in regional initiatives that build upon our local capabilities.”
Shipman joins the EDC’s expanded team that also consists of President Alan Tio, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Initiative (SBEI) program manager Bruce Stach, Marketing project manager Kelley Lefever and administrative assistant Liane Minier.
"We continue to build upon the EDC’s core capabilities to encourage investment and job growth in Whitley County," said Tio. "Our newly established community development initiative addresses quality of place projects that are critical to our community’s long-term competitiveness.”
Shipman has been involved in community development projects throughout Whitley County, for instance coordinating Columbia City’s EPA Communitywide Brownfield Assessment Grant funded activities and the Whitley County Community Foundation’s Whitley Forward initiative. She is the owner of Lori Shipman Consulting and is a state-certified grant administrator. Shipman‘s experience in community development includes program and fund development responsibilities with organizations in Central and Northeast Indiana. She is a graduate of Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and a concentration in management.
(Talk of the Town photo provided)
During the recent Columbia City High School homecoming weekend celebration, the Columbia City High School Alumni Association hosted their annual golf outing at Eagle Glen. Winners of the coveted flying eagle trophy included, from left above, Ryan Modglin, Randy Smith, Zach Buchan and Steve Smith. The award is being presented by CCHSAA president Andrew Thompson, standing far right.
By Amber Recker
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is hosting an informational seminar presented by Genentech, to provide valuable information on understanding metastatic cancers and how you can manage them.
This event will take place at Cancer Services, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne on Thursday, October 6, at 6 p.m.
To attend, please call Krista at (260) 484-9560 to reserve your spot.
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.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
For those who read about the upcoming Leadership Whitley County Food & Wine Spectacular on November 3, you better hurry when those tickets become available. As of this morning, ALL of the pre-sale VIP tickets have sold out and a limited number of general admission tickets will be available.
The general admission tickets for the 7 to 9 p.m. event on November 3 are $25 per person and will be available starting Wednesday, October 5 at The Dock, J & J Insurance or by contacting Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.
Article provided
The DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (Indiana’s State Historic Preservation Office) is seeking public input for revision of its 2005-2011 Cultural Resources Management Plan, commonly called “The State Preservation Plan.” This document is used to guide decisions about programs and funding for historic preservation and archaeology.
While many communities in the state are well represented in the plan, little public input has been received for Whitley County. In fact, only five surveys have been taken for Whitley County thus far.
Indiana’s cultural resources range from archaeological sites dating back more than 12,000 years to masterpieces of modern architecture, from majestic county courthouses to neighborhoods of modest workers’ cottages, from ceremonial mounds built hundreds of years ago by Native Americans to historic downtowns and main streets. These resources help tell the story of Indiana and who we are as Hoosiers.
Please take a few moments to tell the state what about Indiana’s heritage is important to YOU.
The deadline to take the survey has been extended to October 16, 2011. To take the survey, go to http://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/6436.htm.
(Talk of the Town photo by Kelley Sheiss) The 2011 Leadership Whitley County Food and Wine Spectacular is just around the corner. Below, attendees can look forward to this year's commemorative glass which was selected by the event committee this summer.
By Kelley Sheiss
One of the most anticipated events of the year is just around the corner.
Leadership Whitley County is pleased to host the Food and Wine Spectacular on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Eagles Nest Event Center.
Columbia City’s locally owned The Dock has worked diligently to coordinate over a dozen wine vendors who will feature a wide variety of wines to tempt the palate. An array of tasty foods prepared by Chef Stan and Doris Horne will be featured along with specially prepared desserts. Proceeds from the event benefit Leadership Whitley County, the community’s unique adult servant leadership program celebrating its eleventh year.
As of publication time, just seven of the coveted VIP tickets remain available for purchase, allowing a limited number of ticket holders entrance to the event at 6 p.m. Tickets for the VIP hour are $40 per person and include special additions to the food buffet. VIP tickets can be purchased only by contacting LWC Program Director Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.
Regular admission tickets for the 7 to 9 p.m. event are $25 per person and will be available starting Wednesday, October 5 at The Dock, J & J Insurance or by contacting Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.
The raffle will return this year, featuring unique wine ornaments from Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan along with a grand prize of a Coach purse sponsored by J & J Insurance. Raffle bags can be pre-purchased or reserved that evening for $20 each. In addition, all ticket holders will receive a collectable wine glass.
Again this year, the planning committee has chosen a unique “Boston Rocks” style glass for the event.
Only 200 tickets will be available this year through pre-purchase only, so be sure to get your tickets early for this popular event.
Signature sponsors for the 2011 Food and Wine Spectacular are The Dock, J & J Insurance, and J & K Communications.
From reports
Etna United Methodist Church is hosting a pulled pork dinner this Saturday, October 1, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church.
Enjoy plain and BBQ pork sandwiches, salads, side dishes, homemade desserts and more. Iced tea, coffee and other drinks will be served as well.
Take out orders area available by calling 799-5940.
Etna United Methodist Church is located at 4255 W. 750 N. in rural northwestern Whitley County, at the village of Etna.
From reports
The Whitley County Council on Aging will host an All You Can Eat Grilled Tenderloin Dinner at the Woodlands Senior Center on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Dinners are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under age 5. Buy your tickets in advance at the Senior Center and save $1 per ticket.
The Woodlands Senior Center is located at 710 Opportunity Drive in Columbia City.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Triad Metals president and CEO Ron Hammond, below, speaks about his company's plans for growth in the Rail Connect Business Park. Standing at right is Whitley County EDC president Alan Tio. 
Article provided
Leaders from Whitley County and Northeast Indiana gathered today to celebrate the completion of Rail Connect Business Park (Rail Connect) and to welcome Triad Metals International (Triad) to Whitley County at an event hosted by the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
“Today we recognized the partnership among local, regional, and state leaders that has developed over the past 18 months to bring these projects together,” said EDC president Alan Tio. “Our entire team looks forward to working with Triad Metals and continuing to attract new companies to Rail Connect Business Park.”
Triad Metals International, a distributor of structural steel, selected the “Certified Site Ready” Rail Connect Business Park location for its 170,000 square-foot distribution center. Triad distributes Wide Flange Beams, mini mill hot rolled shapes, hot rolled tubing and pipe for construction, OEM’s and energy related projects. Materials are cut to size, cambered and split into T’s on state of the art processing equipment. Triad anticipates investing more than $10 million in the project, which is anticipated to create up to 35 new jobs by 2013.
“I have enjoyed working with Whitley County’s economic development team throughout this project,” said president and CEO of Triad Metals International, Ron Hammond. “Most importantly, I am pleased that our Indiana facility is now operational and that we are adding new products and capabilities.”
Rail Connect Business Park is a publicly controlled, rail-served business park located near four-lane US Highway 30 in Whitley County. The 110 acre, master planned industrial park has achieved “Certified Site Ready” status through the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership’s (NEIRP) site certification program. Rail Connect is located in one of two Tax Increment Finance areas administered by the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission (Redevelopment Commission) in the US 30 Industrial Corridor.
“The Redevelopment Commission continues to seek opportunities to invest in infrastructure projects that encourage new investment and jobs in our community,” said Redevelopment Commission Chairman Bill Overdeer. “Whitley County has a 20 year track record as a progressive community that works to support our existing industries and to welcome new businesses like Triad Metals.”
“Through our ongoing economic development efforts, Whitley County has seen more than1,100 new jobs committed since 2008,” said State Representative Kathy Heuer (R-83). “As an EDC board member, it is gratifying to see today how the work of our organization can produce such positive impacts on our community.”
“It became clear early in our work at the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership that we would need to build our region’s capacity to support additional business growth,” said President & CEO John Sampson. “With shovel ready industrial parks like Rail Connect and workforce development efforts like the Talent Initiative, we are in a much stronger position to compete globally.”
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The WhitleyCounty EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.
About Triad Metals International
Triad Metals International is one of the largest structural steel, tubing and mini mill distributors east of the Mississippi River. The company’s wholesale distribution centers are located in Pittsburgh and Horsham, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia. For more information visit: http://www.triadmetals.com/
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Yesterday, members of the local College Success Coalition gathered on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn with Mayor Jim Fleck to officially proclaim this as Indiana's College GO! Week in the community. Above, from left, is Mayor Jim Fleck and committee members Jennifer Reiff, Suzi Swinehart, Derek Yoder, Sarah Maynard, Kim Waugh, Tara Walulik, Jodi Metzger, Kara Greulich, Derek Adams, Kylie Hagans and Margaret Malcolm.
By Margaret Malcolm
Schools across Whitley County will be celebrating College Go Week, September 26-30, 2011, with activities aimed at assisting students in planning for and applying to college.
It is never too early to get students and families to start thinking about college, so all grades will be participating.
The Whitley County affiliate of the statewide College Success Coalition is coordinating the week's celebration and is urging all community businesses and organizations to do their part to promote college planning by their employees or members.
The CSC has been in existance for approximately one year now, locally, and has grown to over 40 members organizations with a stake in getting our Whitley County students on the path to higher education.
The focal point of the week's activities are in the schools where students at every grade level will explore what they and their families need to be doing right now to prepare them for their future education.
To give students an incentive to put some real thought into their future plans, an essay and video contest is planned with a $100 winner in every school building in the county. The College Success Coalition is sponsoring the contest and has set up the guidelines for contestants to follow. Information has also been distributed to teachers at each school so that they may work with students in preparing their entries. The winners will be selected at the end of October.
The contest is open to all Whitley County schools. Students in the following grades are invited to answer the following question:
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade: Why are you going to college?
Grades 6-8: What are you doing to get ready for college?
Grades 9-12: How can you help others plan for college success?
Students in grades K-8 can submit their entry as an essay, poster or collage. Grades 9-12 are urged to create a how-to guide in any format (essay, print, video, etc.)
The deadline for project submission is Friday, October 28, 2011. A complete submission form and project must be delivered to the Whitley County Community Foundation. Winners will be selected for each school in the county and notification of the winners will be announced at the student's school. For additional information about the contest, contact Margaret Malcolm at 244-5224.
Additional information about College Go! Week may be found at www.collegegoweekindiana.org.
By Ashley Smith
Huntington University’s EXCEL Adult Degree Programs has launched an Online Writing and Learning (OWL) lab to assist students with their writing assignments.
EXCEL students can now e-mail their work to the OWL to receive suggestions and feedback. The submissions are reviewed by EXCEL instructors with English/writing teaching backgrounds.
“Students have the opportunity to acquire feedback tailored to their specific needs before their paper is turned in and graded,” said Nilah Horner, an EXCEL instructor and facilitator of the OWL program. “Content-area instructors can then focus their time on instructing their subject matter rather than on writing improvement.”
EXCEL offers associate degree programs in Christian ministry and organizational management in addition to bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, human resource management, not-for-profit leadership, marketing, accounting and nursing (RN to BSN). Onsite classes are held one night per week, one subject at a time in Huntington and Columbia City, Ind. A 15-credit hour TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate is also offered in an accelerated format in Huntington.
For more information about EXCEL or the OWL, call 800-600-4888 or e-mail excel@huntington.edu.
(Talk of the Town photos by Angela Hoffman) The sixth annual day of farm chores and fundraising was held Saturday.
By Angela Hoffman
Despite the raindrops well over 1500 people attended the 6th annual Plow day hosted by Willie and Susie Hilty.
Hundreds of tractors, number of horse teams and even a few lawn implements plowed over 110 acres today at the Hilty property.
A full lunch with homemade desserts and soft-served ice cream was served for a freewill donation.
This year’s donations will be given to assist Rylie Powell, a four year-old, who is was diagnosed with severe immune deficiency syndrome at the age of two and is currently at Riley Hospital undergoing a stem cell - bone marrow transplant. Rylie is the daughter of Paula and Amber Powell and resides with her Waybright Grandparents in Larwill.
The committee will also give to the South Whitley Area Emergency Food Bank and the Shrine van fund.
Spectators enjoyed wagon rides to the field, pony rides, children games, apple-butter and cider making, blacksmithing, cream separating, rope-making and other handcraft demonstrations start.
A new event this year was the pull against two work horses. The first tug with twenty-five people pulling against two draft horses was unsuccessful for the humans but, but the second pull with forty-three people was just enough to bare the brute strength of the two horses. The same two horses also rivaled a full sized Farmall M (the largest tractor in the Farmall letter series) and came out on top leaving skid marks to prove it.
Over 200 volunteers from the community donated their time, money and energy to make this event a success.
“There was rain, but it was still a beautiful day, there were lots of smiles and we can’t thank those who helped enough,” says Beth Ann Sickafoose.
Committee members express sincere gratitude for the commitment to those helping make this event possible. Committee members are Steve Sickafoose, Don King, Roy Rubrake, Stan Studebaker, Doug Reiff, Stan Sickafoose, Marcus Schwartz, Mike Schwartz, Johnny Graber and Sam Schwartz – the same people who started the event in 2006.
By Meredith Hoffman
Painting the Town Purple?
You may see some changes downtown and around the county in the month of October. Local businesses, high school students and the County Government buildings are “painting the town purple” to recognize that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.
The gazebo, located on the lawn of the Whitley County Courthouse, will be decorated with purple ribbons and banners and the trees will be tied with purple ribbons around the courthouse square.
Through the support of the county commissioners, county employees will be encouraged to kick off the show of support by wearing purple to work on Friday, September 30.
The Columbia City High School Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) will decorate the football field in purple for the home game on September 30, and many students will be wearing purple wrist bands as a show of support. The Whitley County Domestic Violence Task Force will have a booth to pass out free purple lapel ribbons and will be selling delicious homemade purple cookies as well.
On Wednesday, October 5, the SAVE group will chalk the side walks around CCHS to spread the message “Chalk it up to Awareness” program and painting the cafeteria windows purple. Also, every Tuesday in October, all classes will read a relevant article pertaining to domestic violence. Each day after the Pledge of Allegiance, a violence statistic will be included in the announcements.
In Columbia City, the CCHS SAVE group will be decorating a window at Star Insurance and businesses have been sent messages to put on their marquee signs to support Domestic Violence awareness during the month of October.
Whitko will be “Chalking It Up” on Friday, October 7. Also, purple ribbons will be passed out to students at the homecoming game on Friday, October 7, with half time announcements supporting Domestic Violence Awareness month.
In addition, Whitko High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will be plastering the walls of their high school with non-violence messages and will also be hearing a fact or statistic about domestic violence following the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
By Ashley Smith
Huntington University’s physical education students are offering a homeschool P.E. program for children ages 3 through fifth grade this fall.
Children will be split into one of four developmental levels: preschool (ages 3 and 4), grades K-1, grades 2-3 and grades 4-5. The nine class sessions will be offered from September to December. Class time is from 2:15 to 3 p.m. in the fieldhouse of the university’s Merillat Physical Education and Recreation Complex. The dates for the sessions are September 29, October 6, 13, 20 and 27, November 3 and 17 and December 1 and 8.
This service is available to all area homeschooled children in preschool and elementary grades, including students from Huntington and surrounding counties. All families are asked to come a few minutes early on September 29 to complete the registration forms.
The class is free to all participants.
In light of the new state teacher education licensing requirements, the preschool class is new to the homeschool physical education program. This class will be available to children ages 3 and 4, however, one adult must participate with the child.
Huntington University students conducting the elementary physical education class are either physical education majors or elementary education majors. Curriculum development and supervision of the classes are provided by Dr. Jody Davenport, assistant professor of physical education.
For more information, contact Davenport at jdavenport@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4214.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Author and Sesame Street writer since 1970, Emily Perl Kingsley, below, will speak at Passages' upcoming annual dinner about her life and experience raising a child with an intellectual disability.
By Tammy Nickolson
Passages, Inc. will conduct its annual meeting, themed “Passport to Italy”, on October 5, 2011, at the Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City.
Besides presenting a brief overview of 2011 business, the special program will feature Sesame Street writer Ms. Emily Perl Kingsley. Kingsley has been writing for Sesame Street since 1970. Her work has been acknowledged with 12 Emmy Awards and 9 Emmy Award nominations. She has also been widely recognized for her work with the disability community; having received numerous local, state and national awards for her pioneering efforts.
Kingsley is the author of over 20 children’s books, two Sesame Street home video releases (Elmo Learns to Share; Elmo Says Boo!), and two Disney interactive CD-ROMS.
In 1974 Kingsley’s son, Jason, was born with Down syndrome. It was her son's birth that inspired Kingsley to include children with various disabilities as part of the Sesame Street cast. Today, Kingsley continues to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities. She served for nine years on the Board of Directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress and chaired the Adoption Committee.
Kingsley is the author of the widely published piece,"Welcome to Holland." This piece compares the experience of planning for the birth of a child to planning a trip to Italy, but ending up in Holland.
In 1987, Kingsley wrote the made-for-television movie, "Kids Like These." The movie premiered on CBS and has been shown on numerous other networks since that time. "Kids Like These" begins with the birth of Ms. Kingsley’s son and covers the next nine years.
Please join Passages as we take a trip to Italy and enjoy samplings of Italian cuisine. This event is free and open to the public, and begins with socializing at 6:30 p.m. RSVPs are appreciated.
For further information, contact Tammy Nickolson at 244-9317 or via email at tnickolson@passagesinc.org
From reports
The South Whitley Lions' Club is hosting an all-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin fry this Saturday, October 1, 2011, beginning at 1 p.m. at the fire station in South Whitley. The dinners will be available for purchase until sold out. The cost is $8 per person.
(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Plow Day in South Whitley, shown above and below in 2010, is a unique event that brings the community together for fellowship, tradition and fundraising for a family facing a medical crisis.
By TRSmith of the Tribune-News
What began as a day of fun for a group of local farmers quickly developed into a major fundraiser that has now assisted many people in the area.
Whitley County’s Plow Day started in 2006 with a group of farmers in South Whitley area who wanted to get together and plow, according to Beth Ann Sickafoose.
“It was just a bunch of farmers getting together to begin with,” Sickafoose said. “Then it turned into a benefit.”
A month before the event, the late Becca Hollenbaugh niece of Steve Sickafoose (Beth Ann’s husband) and Don King, was just diagnosed with stomach cancer.
A day of plowing evolved into a Rally for Rebecca. Proceeds were used to help her family with medical expenses. Since then, the committee has continued to combine a day in the fields, a variety of events, food and a benefit to help someone in our county.
Committee members are Steve Sickafoose, Don King, Roy Rubrake, Stan Studebaker, Doug Reiff, Stan Sickafoose, Marcus Schwartz, Mike Schwartz, Johnny Graber and Sam Schwartz – the same people who started the event in 2006.
Over the years volunteers, friends and other community groups have lent a hand. Last year more than 225 volunteers helped to man this event last year. And, it couldn’t continue without the visitors on that day, too.
Back on September 16, 2006, 70 modern, antique and vintage tractors along with horse and pony plow teams turned under 160 acres on the Doug and Terri Reiff farm on CR 1000S.
Baked goods provided by the Amish quickly sold out. Buggy rides were quite popular with visitors showing much interest in the horses and accompanying equipment.
The first hog roast fed more than 700 people. Sickafoose said plates are counted to determine the number of lunch attendees.
Last year more than 2,000 plates were provided at lunch time and not everyone stops for lunch.
The event has grown by leaps and bounds until now there are craft tents, apple cider making, demonstrations, a large tent where produce is sold and a long line for lunch. That long moves quickly, though.
This year’s event is this Saturday, September 24.
Plow Day 2011 hosts are Willie and Susie Hilty. Their property is four miles south of South Whitley. Go south on SR 105 to CR 1000s, then west three-fourths of a mile. Follow the signs.
This year’s event benefits Rylie Powell, 4, who is undergoing a stem cell - bone marrow transplant. At the age of 2 she was diagnosed as having severe combine immune deficiency syndrome which means her body doesn’t process infections well.
The committee will also give to the South Whitley Area Emergency Food Bank and the Shrine van fund.
The tractors and horse teams begin plowing at 9 a.m. There are wagon rides to the field. The Amish bake sale begins at 9 a.m., too.
At 9:30 a.m. pony rides, children games, apple-butter and cider making, blacksmithing, cream separating, rope-making and other handcraft demonstrations start.
Lunch starts at 10:30 a.m. featuring pulled pork from the roasted hog, whole hog sausage sandwiches with homemade potato salad, baked beans along with chips, drinks along with homemade desserts and soft ice cream. From 11-1 p.m. Sunbeam the clown visits with his balloon creations. A new event is the pull against two work horses starting at about 12:30 p.m.
An adult cornhole competion is at 1 p.m.
Tractors and teams are on display at noon. At 1 p.m. the plowing resumes. Plowing continues until the fields are finished.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Carrie Hoffman, below, has been named the director of the Parkview Whitley Foundation.
Article provided
Parkview Whitley Hospital announces that Carrie Hoffman has been named director of the Parkview Whitley Foundation.
Hoffman said she wants to share with the people of Whitley County “how they can benefit from and through the Parkview Whitley Foundation. I also believe,” she added, “that it is important in my role as director to establish lasting relationships with people built on trust, and to educate the community about Parkview Whitley Hospital as a not-for-profit hospital and what that means to the community.” 
“We are fortunate to have Carrie join us, as she is already established as a leader in Whitley County,” said Scott Gabriel, Parkview Whitley Hospital chief operating officer. “Her knowledge of the community and her experience in various leadership positions is invaluable.”
Hoffman earned an Associates of Science from Ivy Tech in 2004, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Anderson University in 2009, and is working toward a Masters of Science in Management with Healthcare Specialization from Indiana Wesleyan University.
For the past five years, Hoffman had been an adult learner recruiter for Indiana Wesleyan University in Fort Wayne.
She is a Rotarian, and was the United Way of Whitley County Campaign chair in 2010. Hoffman also serves as a board member for the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, the South Whitley Public Library and Junior Achievement.
She is a 2010 Leadership Whitley County graduate, and this year was the Leadership Whitley County’s 2011 Excellence in Service Leadership Award winner.
She and her husband Marcus reside in South Whitley with their two sons, Aiden, 8, and Logan, 5.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Van Buren Street is open again in downtown Columbia City after closures on Wednesday and part of the day Thursday. Crews were making upgrades to the water line, converting it from 6 inch pipe to 8 inch pipe to accommodate growth in that area.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The 11th annual Elementary 1 Mile race has become a must-do event for young runners across northern Indiana. The event will be held in Columbia City's Morsches Park this Friday, September 23, 2011.
Over 500 young runners in the third, fourth and fifth grades are expected to participate this year, representing more than 40 schools.
"This event is strictly geared to our youth runners and the Cross Country format allows for the runners and parents learn about the sport," said race coordinator Gary Bird.
The course is a certified mile, all grass, through Morches Park. The third graders begin the race at 5:30 p.m. with other grades following shortly thereafter, Bird added.
All participants receive a race shirt, pizza and awards. Additionally, top finishers of each race are presented with trophies. The race also offers a school competition score like traditional cross country meets and it is also competitive for the fifth grade divisions.
Race day registration begins at 3 p.m. The registration fee is $10.
Complete results will be posted on RunIndiana.com and the event is fully sanctioned by USA Track & Field.
Art & article provided
Columbia City's Susie Duncan Sexton, a Talk of the Town columnist and new author of "Secrets of an Old Typewriter: Stories from a Smart and Sassy Small Town Girl," recounts with humor, verve and insight decades of small town life in America. The smart and sassy essays cover such subjects as ’50s and ’60s nostalgia, America’s great books and motion pictures, politics, religion, animal rights and modern-day values. 
Describing her essays, Sexton says, “I willingly share nostalgic trips to the past as I have now achieved such an old age that no one remains who can question the authenticity of my memory of places, people and events that were very much never what they were cracked up to be.”
"Secrets of an Old Typewriter: Stories from a Smart and Sassy Small Town Girl" is available to read on all popular eReaders including Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK. It is also available in PDF format to read on PC.
Duncan Sexton grew up in Columbia City. After graduating 12th in her class at Ball State University (winning the first ever John R. Emens award for “most outstanding senior”), she returned to her hometown where she has worked as a teacher, a publicist and a health lecturer.
She currently writes monthly columns for a blogs and her local newspaper.
For more information about "Secrets of an Old Typewriter: Stories from a Smart and Sassy Small Town Girl," please visit http://www.open-bks.com/library/moderns/secrets-of-an-old-typewriter/cover.html or contact Roy Sexton at 248-320-9134 or salinesexton@gmail.com
Susie’s website is www.susieduncansexton.com
(Talk of the Town photos provided) Jaclyn Simmons, below in a modeling photograph for costumes now on sale at Walmart, has a Whitley County connection. She appears on packaging for two witch costumes and two princess costumes.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Chances are, the gleaming faces of models on the packaging in local stores aren't familiar. While most aren't recognizeable, one young model might be -- particularly if you're shopping for Halloween costumes at the local Walmart store. 
Eight-year-old Jaclyn Simmons of Fort Mill, North Carolina, has a Whitley County connection. Simmons is the daughter of Shannon Ostram-Simmons, a 1995 graduate of Columbia City High School, and the grand-daughter of former county residents Robert and Kay Ostram. Jaclyn's father's family lives in Goshen.
According to her mother, Jaclyn began modeling at age 5, signing with Wilhelmina in New York City.
"We moved to New York for 6 weeks last summer (2010)," said Ostrum-Simmons. "We met Wilhelmina NYC because Jaclyn is connected with Evolution Modeling Agency here in Charlotte, North Carolina."
Costume modeling was one of her projects and now, her image appears on the packaging for several children's costumes currently on sale at Walmart stores and online across the country and worldwide.
"She modeled costumes for a company called magic Paper Group. Walmart must have bought the rights to the costumes and her pictures," Ostrum-Simmons said.
"This is her first major project," Ostrum-Simmons said. But, for a child who has said since the age of 3 that she wants to walk the red carpet on day, there's more in store.
"She has been in pageants and in runway shows here locally. She has auditioned for some major feature films, but has not landed a part," said Ostrum-Simmons. "She wants to move to Paris to do runway modeling and to be a fashion designer."
All of that is in the future...for now...but she'll get there.
"She is very head strong and driven. I never would have picked this for her, but her kindergarten teachers told me she is special. She has picked everything that she wanted and we have just supported her," said Ostrum-Simmons. "She is as beautiful on the inside as the outside. She is a great kid."
"We did not go to NYC this summer, but may return next summer," she added. "There are going to be a lot of big projects in the southeast this year, so she is in classes to help her have a better opportunity when auditioning."
Jaclyn currently holds the titles of Little Miss Fort Mill and will be competing to be Little Miss South Carolina in June 2012.
Ostram-Simmons said Jaclyn is excited to see her photographs on the costumes, currently two witch outfits, and they're keeping their eye out for two princess costumes she also modeled at the same time.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Indian Springs Middle School eighth graders aren't looking for a free ride -- but they hoped members of the community might donate a few minutes of their time to get them on their way.
The students are hoping to raise funds for a class field trip to the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. Coming up with the funds to ensure all students are able to take the trip is the hard part and the students need help.
Through an online "Back to School Sweepstakes" promotion by Kleenex, the students decided to try to get enough votes to be in the top 100 schools -- which would garner a $5000 prize.
The contest ended on September 14, but through the wide support of the local community, it appears their efforts were successful. Indian Springs Middle School was the top winner -- coming in with first place and 462 votes.
The money from Kleenex will fund the transportation costs associated with the field trip which, according to school principal Janet Boylen in a memo, will complement class curriculum.
By Courtney Tritch
What is one of the most important factors that will impact the future of Northeast Indiana's economy and the prosperity of its residents? The skill level and educational attainment of its workforce. As a result, the mayors of Northeast Indiana are hosting the 21st Century Talent Conference with the goal of strengthening our understanding of the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, sharing results of transformative programs occurring in our region today, and challenging us as a region to maximize our collaboration and set bold goals to shape our future.
The 21st Century Talent Conference is planned for Wednesday, October 5, 2011, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Landmark Conference Center, 6222 Ellison Road, Fort Wayne.
This free event includes brunch and materials. The conference is open to the public and highly recommended for K - 12 administrators, K - 12 technology directors, school board members, business and industry leaders, HR directors, higher education leaders, public officials and regional stakeholders.
Featured speakers include Ian Jukes and Dewayne Matthews.
Jukes was the creator and co-developer of TechWorks, the internationally successful K-8 technology framework and was the catalyst of the NetSavvy and InfoSavvy information literacy series. His most recent book was Teaching the Digital Generation, co-authored with Ted McCain and Frank Kelly. Ian Jukes is currently working on 3 books - a 2nd edition of Windows on the Future, a book on Understanding Digital Kids and a series on Digital Fluency for 21st Century Learners.
Matthews is vice president for policy and strategy of the Lumina Foundation for Education. Matthews has served in a variety of higher education leadership roles, including senior adviser to the president and vice president of the Education Commission of the States (ECS), director of programs and services for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and executive director of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education. He has been a legislative staff member, faculty member and university trustee, and has worked with higher education institutions in Mexico, Canada and Japan.
The 21st Century Talent Conference is sponsored by Partners of the Vision 2020 Initiative: the City of Fort Wayne, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Northeast Indiana Workforce Investment Board, the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana and the Talent Initiative.
From reports
The Friends of the Eel River Trail Board of Directors and the Whitley County YMCA are pleased to be hosting a 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile fun run this Sunday, September 25, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the YMCA.
A healthy lifestyle and promoting fun exercise are paramount to both of our missions to the community. Proceeds of the event will go towards the on-going development of the Eel River Trail and the Strong Kids Campaign at the Y.
Click here for a registration form for the event.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Whitley County Historical Society's next Sunday afternoon program will include an opportunity to view this county and it's people through the collection of Dr. Orville Briggs.
Recently added to the collection of the Whitley County Historical Museum, the Briggs collection includes a broad spectrum of images including towns, the city, historic houses and structures, buildings, businesses and more as they were at the turn of the century. Briggs' collection shows many vantage points that no longer exist today.
The slideshow presentation of Briggs' collection will be shown in the Whitley County Historical Society's Annex Building on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
The Whitley County Historical Museum is located at 108 West Jefferson Street in Columbia City.
(Talk of the Town photo provided)
By Ashley Smith
Dr. Jerry Davis, director of the graduate counseling program at Huntington University, will present a workshop on affect-focused therapy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 1 in IPFW’s Walb Student Union. 
This six-hour workshop will help participants better understand and learn how to work with the affect (emotions) of their clients. The workshop will explore the research on the importance of affect, how to include affect-focused work with their existing approaches and how to use attunement, heightening and containment to make lasting changes in their clients. In addition, participants will explore decision-making strategies for the ethical use of spiritual interventions in therapy.
Davis is the director of the graduate counseling program and professor of counseling at Huntington University. He is a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor in the state of Indiana. He has taught and done clinical supervision for the past 17 years and has done part-time therapy for Samaritan Centers, Psychiatric Services, Parkview Behavioral Health and the Family Care Center. Currently, Davis has a private practice in Huntington called Grace & Truth Counseling Services.
Davis holds degrees in Bible and Christian Education (B.A.) and Counseling (M.Ed. and Ph.D.).
The workshop is open to anyone, and there is a reduced fee for students. The registration fee is $75 or $25 for students. There is an additional $20 charged for registration at the door. Register online at https://learn.ipfw.edu/CourseStatus.awp?~~11FHLT132.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Whitley County Health Department is helping local residents prepare for flu season by offering Immunization Flu Clinics. All flu shot clinics are located at the Immunization Clinic in the Whitley County Government Center, 220 West Van Buren Street in Columbia City. Visitors are asked to please enter at the north end of the building.
Clinic dates are as follows:
Thursday, September 22, 2011 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 29, 2011 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 6, 2011 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 13, 2011 2 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2011 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 27, 2011 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
These dates and times are open for walk-in visits. You do not need an appointment.
Adult flu shots are $15 and can be paid for with cash only.
Shots for children ages 6 months to 18 years old are free. If the child has Hoosier Healthwise (Medicaid), that number will be needed.
Because the Indiana law governing immunizations and healthcare coverage will no go into effect until January 1, 2012, even children with insurance can still get a free flu shot at the Whitley County Health Department.
If the above dates and times do not work you may call for an appointment, but please note appointments are limited. For an appointment, call 244-2310.
(Talk of the Town photo by TRSmith)
A scene from the South Whitley Car Show Sunday, September 18. Car enthusiasts from around the region participated in the annual event. This toward the south view shows vintage and novel cars and their admirers long State Street near the corner of State and Broad streets. The exhibit stretched from the Shindigz South building to Columbia Street.
From reports
The Whitley County Extension Homemakers will be holding their annual Fall Garage Sale at the Whitley County 4-H Center building on Saturday, September 24. The sale begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m.
Food and refreshments will be available. The event supports the awards and scholarships of the Whitley County Extension Homemakers.
(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Enjoy farm fresh produce each week this far as a particpant in the Goldwood Gardens CSA program. Below, Canda Goldwood of Goldwood Gardens shares information about her program at the Whitley County Farmers Market where she can be found each week.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
A limited number of shares remain available for the Goldwood Gardens fall community supported agriculture program (CSA).
Basically, buyers purchase a share and receive a portion of the farm's harvest each week.
Participants can expect a wide variety of items in their harvest each week -- including squash, beets, root vegetables, lettuce, greens and other natural food items on occasion to round out the harvest such as eggs, honey, black beans, brown rice, quinoa and more.
Goldwood Gardens grows a variety of heirloom and open pollinated fruits and vegetables. Additionally, they only use non-genetically modified seed and do not use chemicals or pesticides.
Each week, full share participants will receive upwards of $20 worth of produce each week. Half shares are also available.
Full shares cost $200 and half shares cost $125.
Weekly pick-ups will be offered on Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. at the farm, Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at Tractor Supply Company in Columbia City and on Fridays from 3-6 p.m. at the farm.
For more information or to register for the Goldwood Gardens Winter CSA program, call Canda Goldwood at 229-1421.
Goldwood Gardens is located at 4750 West 350 North in Whitley County. The farm is registered with www.LocalHarvest.org as a northeast Indiana CSA program.
From reports
The Whitley County Consolidated School board of trustees will meet for their next regularly scheduled school board meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Community Center building in Columbia City. The meeting is open to the community.
The meeting will begin with the pledge of allegiance led by Josh Hildebrand, a fifth grade student at Mary Raber Elementary. His principal, Julie Terpin, will lead the introductions and will then give a program entitled "Celebrate Success."
Several retirements, resignations and assignments will be approved. Additional action items include: approval of the dissolution of the Huntington Whitley Special Services Cooperative, approval of the WCCS Special Education Department and approval of personnel appointments.
An update on the Eagle Tech program is also anticipated.
The board will convene again on October 3 for a work session and on October 17 for a meeting.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
As the late afternoon sun fades, the Columbia City JFL sixth grade football team pauses for a message from their coach Bryan Maley before departing from practice Thursday evening at DeVol Field. The team plays their first home game today, Saturday, September 17, at 2 p.m. at Max Gandy Field at Columbia City High School. The community is invited to attend the game and admission is free.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
For the third year in a row, Cleveland Township Firefighters will pull the community together in support for with an event that's become a tradition, Dewy's Run.
Dewy's Run is planned for Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the Cleveland Township Fire Department. The event is a benefit ride open to motorcycles, Jeeps and classic cars. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the ride commences at 10 a.m., returning to the fire station located at 117 North State Street, South Whitley. In addition to the ride, there will be a drawing, cash prizes and giveaways.
The event began initially as a fundraiser for a local firefighter's family to help with medical expenses. Feeling as though they were powerless to fight his cancer, the fire department members say that as a brotherhood, they needed to find something they could do to help.
"The best we could do is bring the whole community together in support of our brother. We could show him how many people care about him and his family. We could help with medical expenses. Our community did not let us down. The response was nothing short of amazing. We filled South Whitley with bikes, jeeps, classic cars, fire trucks, and people...... lots of people," they stated in a message on their website.
Now, the fundraiser supports a fund that has been created at the Whitley County Community Foundation -- a fund with the expressed purpose of helping firefighters and police officers in need. The Police and Fire Fund will aid these public servants in times of illness or injury.
"We felt this would be an ideal way carry on the spirit of the original Dewy's Run: helping the people who choose to spend their lives helping everyone else," they stated.
(Talk of the Town mobile photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Last week, two CCHS students contributed the single largest gift made thus far to the Tyler Andreas Scholarship Fund. Above, from left, is Sarah Bird, John Slavich of the Whitley County Community Foundation and Sarah Opliger. Bird and Opliger designed shirts and decals in Andreas' memory and sold them this summer. The teens are wearing the shirts they designed above.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Sometimes we face issues in life where we feel powerless to do anything, but we want to help in some way.
Columbia City High School students Sarah Opliger and Sarah Bird felt this way when their friend and fellow classmate Tyler Andreas died suddenly this summer. After learning about a scholarship fund created in his honor, they wanted to not only find a way to contribute to that fund, but show Andreas' contagious school spirit as well.
Opliger designed a t-shirt and joined efforts with Bird to print the shirts at her family's business, Running Around Screenprinting. Additionally, Bird created decals in Andreas memory. The two worked together to make and market the items for several weeks, beginning at the Whitley County 4-H Fair and ending in late August. The end result: a gift of $1124 for the Tyler Andreas Scholarship Fund.
All proceeds from the shirt sales were given to the fund. When asked just how many shirts they sold, Opliger said, "Enough to make the stands green (during a recent football game)."
Last week, the teens presented the gift to the scholarship fund which is housed within the Whitley County Community Foundation.
"This brings our total to about $2000," said John Slavich of the Whitley County Community Foundation.
Slavich said the next goal for the scholarship fund will be to raise an additonal $2000, bringing the total to $5000. At that point, the Whitley County Community Foundation will match it and bring the fund up to $10,000.
"This will provide a yearly scholarship to a student on the football team," Slavich added. He said the fund may start awarding scholarship as early as the spring of 2012.
"This is the largest single donation to the scholarship fund at this point," he said.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Leadership Whitley County began its 11th year Tuesday with an orientation meeting for this year's class members. Above, program director Kelley Sheiss, at left, welcomes class member Heather Holzinger to orientation held at the CC Deli in downtown Columbia City. The class, the largest in several years, will meet for their retreat later this month.
By Chelsey Barrell
On Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. the CCHS Lady Eagles Volleyball team will take on the New Haven Bulldogs while raising support for the Whitley County Humane Society.
The team hopes to promote awareness for the Humane Society and provide assistance to the many homeless animals that are cared for by asking the crowd to bring in donation items that the Humane Society needs.
“The goal for putting on this event is to help bring awareness to our student body and the community about what a wonderful place our community has in the humane shelter” the CCHS Lady Eagles varsity players said collectively.
The list of items needed are: paper towels, hand sanitizer, dog leashes, H.E. laundry soap, Joy dish soap, cat litter, dog toys, cat toys, rubbing alcohol, toilet paper, Airwick plug in refills and medium size raw hide chews.
Anyone who brings one of the above listed items will be eligible to win one of three raffle prizes offered. The prizes include a Vera Bradley purse set and gift cards to area restaurants.
“It’s important to promote awareness because there are so many animals without homes and the shelter is in need of money and items to keep it going,” CCHS Lady Eagles Volleyball Coach Trish Hinen said.
The team will also be selling Paw-Print Cookies provided by Better Than Grandma’s Catering for two dollars apiece and silicone paw print decorated bracelets for two dollars apiece with all proceeds going to the Humane Society.
“We are hoping to collect items or monetary donations throughout the next week. We will be collecting money this Friday (September 16, 2011) night at the homecoming game and all throughout next week during lunch from the student body and staff,” Hinen said.
Several girls on the team have also adopted their pets from the Humane Society that are now a loving part of their family. The team is hoping to, in addition to donations, help people realize that there are wonderful pets that are in need of being adopted into a loving family.
Contributions can also be made directly to the Humane Society by sending them a check or cash to the Humane Society of Whitley County, 951 S. Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.
“Coach Hinen and Coach Rehrer want us to not only play the game of volleyball but become good citizens and great people and this is one way we can help give back to a community that helps support us,” the varsity team said collectively.
The CCHS Lady Eagles Varsity Volleyball Team includes: Sidney Bunyan senior, Kailisha Goree sophomore, Samara Qureshi senior, Kylie Hagans senior, Emily Rupp senior, Madison Smith senior, Kara Jackson senior, Alivia Gruettert senior, Jenee Schneider senior, Becca Tourney sophomore, Alivia Roberts junior, and Gabrielle Hazen sophomore and coach Trish Hinen with JV coach Shannon Rehrer.
By Nadean Lamle
The Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has received funding through a Clean Water Indiana grant for the promotion of seeding cover crops.
Through this promotion the SWCD is offering an incentive payment to Whitley County producers that want to use cover crops on their farms. This incentive program is available on a first come first serve basis of $15 per acre up to 35 acres. The seeding must be completed in 2011 and verification will include submitting seed invoices and a visual inspection for cover crop growth.
The SWCD also encourages participants in the program to enroll additional cover crop acres in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Contact the Whitley County SWCD office at 260-244-6266 ext. 3, if interested in participating in this incentive program.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Maybe it has been a year or two...ok, maybe a decade or more since you've played a musical instrument, but if the melody of the school song still makes your heart skip a beat, the Columbia City High School Marching Band still wants you!
This Friday, September 16, the CCHS Marching Band would like any band alumni to join them in playing at the the CCHS Homecoming game. Specifically, they'll be playing the National Anthem and the school song.
Interested musicians are asked to bring their instruments and music will be provided. You are asked to arrive at the band room at the high school at 5:30 p.m. to warm up.
If anyone would like a little time to practice in advance, band director Helen Foster will gladly email the music to you. Some instruments may be avaiable for use the night of homecoming as well.
For more information, contact Helen Foster at fosterhm@wccs.k12.in.us
By Mary Popovich
The Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is partnering with KPC Media Group to offer a workshop on “Website and Social Media Presence: What Does it Mean for Small Business?”
The workshop, which is free of charge and open to all area business people, is scheduled for Friday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing Street at Wayne Street in downtown Fort Wayne.
At this presentation, Bret Jacomet, director of interactive for KPC Media Group, will be speaking on a variety of topics related to Web sites and social media and their application for a small business. The Web portion of the presentation will discuss Internet terminology, search engine optimization (SEO), online marketing, as well as Web sites and Web site development, and how these tools can be used to propel a small business to the forefront of its industry.
The social media portion of the presentation, meanwhile, will talk about the ins and outs of using popular online media such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. In addition to discussing the various tools available to enhance social media presence and electronic communications for small business marketing, the presentation will also discuss ways to optimize and integrate various forms of social media.
Due to limited seating, reservations are required to attend this workshop and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through http://links.isbdc.org/registration.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The building located at 116 North Chauncey Street, most recently occupied by Three Birds Casual, is being renovated and will become the office of Myers, Tison, Hockemeyer and McNagny law offices.
Article provided
Local law firm Myers, Tison, Hockemeyer & McNagny, LLP announced today that the firm will be renovating and moving into the historic former newspaper building at 116 Chauncey Street.
“Maintaining our presence in downtown Columbia City was an important factor in our search for a new location,” said managing partner Greg Hockemeyer, “I am proud of our firm’s commitment to supporting the redevelopment of this important property.”
Built in 1911, the building originally housed The Post newspaper, a publication that later merged with the Commercial Mail to form The Post & Mail. The building was most recently occupied by locally based teakwood furniture company Three Birds Casual, which has since relocated to a facility in Gateway Park. The firm anticipates $400,000 in building acquisition and improvement costs.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the centennial of this local landmark,” said Hockemeyer. “This project has involved collaboration among a number of local organizations that we hope will become a source of pride for all of Whitley County.”
The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission, which oversees a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area in downtown Columbia City, is supporting the project through Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and façade grant awards. The City of Columbia City is also planning public improvements along Jackson Street to support the project.
“We are pleased to support local businesses that are willing to invest in the historic charm of downtown Columbia City and contribute to the overall economic growth of Whitley County” said Columbia City Redevelopment Commission chairman Carl Siler, “The RLF program was designed to provide much needed assistance to support the reuse of vacant and underused facilities in our community.”
The Commission oversees a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) area in downtown Columbia City. The RLF program promotes efforts to strengthen the economic viability of properties located in the TIF area and stimulate private sector investment in downtown Columbia City through the physical revitalization of local properties. RLF programs have become a widely used financial incentive, establishing a pool of funding that can be replenished once loans are repaid to provide additional loan awards.
“This project is a prime example of a local business willing to invest and make a difference in the historic preservation and appearance of downtown Columbia City,” said Mayor Jim Fleck. “This investment will serve as a benchmark for additional downtown business owners interested in preserving the history of Whitley County.”
(Talk of the Town file photo) Michelle Culbertson, below, has been named interim director of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
On Tuesday evening, the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce board of directors selected Michelle Culbertson as the interim director of the organization, temporarily filling a vacancy in the leadership of the organization. 
Culbertson, a Columbia City resident, has most recently served as the organization's administrative assistant.
"The board has full confidence and trust in Michelle as she continues to work closely with our board, committees, and you - our members and partners, in the upcoming months," said board chairman Mike DeFreeuw in a written statement released by the Chamber this morning.
"We are entering a very busy season for the chamber. Our annual banquet and the New Year's Eve Gala are two of the big events currently being planned. Our committees have put a lot of hard work into organizing these events, and we are asking that you please continue to support them," added DeFreeuw.
"We are committed to maintain the integrity of this incredible organization. With your support we will get through this transition and grow stronger, together," he stated.
Culbertson can be reached by calling the Chamber at 248-8131.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Glory-June Grieff, below, dressed as Gene Stratton Porter, will present and informative program about the naturalist, novelist and photographer.
From reports
The Whitley County Genealogical Society will hold their regular meeting on Thursday, September 15, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at the South Whitley Public Library. 
The program for the evening will be Glory-June Greiff presenting a first-person program of the successful naturalist, novelist and photographer Gene Stratton Porter. Stratton Porter reminisces about her early life on a Wabash County farm, tells of her early beginnings in writing and photography. She will also read from some of her fiction and non-fiction pieces.
Greiff is a public historian and preservation activist. She has written several articles and books on Indiana history.
The community is invited to attend her program which promises to be educational and entertaining.
The program is sponsored by the South Whitley Public Library and the Whitley County Genealogical Society.
From reports
The Whitley County Humane Shelter's annual Beer Tasting & BBQ fund raiser is this Friday, September 16, 2011, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Whitley County Shrine Grounds. Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the door or at the Whitley County Humane Shelter in advance.
Tickets include dinner, beer tasting, live music, fireworks and door prizes.
(Talk of the Town file photo) Daniel Linnemeier, below, was elected as a new member of the Northeastern REMC board of directors during the annual meeting held Saturday evening in Fort Wayne.
By Mike DeFreeuw
Members of Northeastern REMC voted in a new director and re-elected two incumbents to the electric cooperative’s board of directors during Saturday’s Member Appreciation Night and Annual Meeting.
Daniel Linnemeier was elected to represent members from the co-op’s eighth district, a position previously held by his wife, Carolyn. Linnemeier has been serving as the Lake Township Trustee since 1978 and is currently the Director of Corporate Accounts for Aunt Millie’s Bakery. In the election, Linnemeier ran against former REMC director Joseph Hilger and Allen Boyd.
Re-elected to the board were Jane Scott, District 9, and Bruce Heffelfinger, District 1. Scott has been an REMC board member for six years and Heffelfinger has served 31 years.
Over 4000 reservations were received for this year’s annual meeting, which was held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Multi-award winning singer Jo Dee Messina entertained members with a concert following the business meeting.
By Ashley Smith
Huntington University recorded a strong enrollment this fall with the third highest overall enrollment in the school’s history. Graduate and adult programs both set new enrollment records.
For fall 2011, Huntington enrolled 1,009 undergraduate students, including its second largest class of traditional degree-seeking students. The Graduate School and the EXCEL Adult Degree Program set enrollment records with 92 and 161 students, respectively.
“It’s encouraging to see our second highest number of traditional degree-seeking students this year,” said Jeff Berggren, senior vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “In reality, we came very close, within 1.3 percent, of equaling our enrollment total of 2010.”
As Huntington strives to provide new and innovative programs to its students, the number of students pursuing nursing, film and animation grew to new heights this fall. The film studies, film production and animation programs grew to 116 students overall this fall from 108 in 2010, and the nursing program saw a 23 percent increase with 75 students enrolled in the program this year.
Students this year hail from 23 countries and 35 states with 63 percent coming from Indiana. Five percent of the student population is ethnic minorities.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its “Best in the Midwest” list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
From reports
The Columbia City Redevelopment Commission meets tomorrow, Tuesday, September 13, at noon, in the City Hall council chambers. The community is invited to attend this public meeting.
Redevelopment Commission members include Carl Siler, Kevin Snell, Belinda Hawn, Eddie Beagles and Jerry Freewalt.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jerilynn Alexander-Johnson/above and Jennifer Zartman Romano/below)
The observance of the 9/11 tragedy did not go unmarked in Whitley County today. Above, activities director Jerilynn Alexander-Johnson photographed a balloon launch at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City this morning at precisely 8:46 a.m. marking the time at which the first plane struck the World Trade Center.
Below, several residents decided to make the gazebo on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn a place of quiet reflection today. Pastor Mike McKinney and attorney Terry Smith were there this morning. McKinney listened to the morning's coverage of the memorial program in New York City through earphones while seated on a bench in the gazebo until he was joined by Smith. The two then talked about their memories of that day and what had transpired. Others were expected to spend time in the gazebo later in the day.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Saturday marked Whitley County's first Distinguished Young Women scholarship event at Columbia City High School. From left, above, are top finishers McKenzie Smith, Kelly Jo Hilleshiem, Michaela Thomas, Kassie Yenser and Katie Barnett.
Below, at right, Whitley County's Distinguished Young Woman Michaela Thomas stands with her parents, Micah and Michelle Thomas, onstage following the event's events. Below, Whitley County's final Junior Miss Cassandra Petrie, wearing the original Junior Miss cape, exits the stage for a farewell walk escorted by program coordinator Pamela Thompson.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
It was the end of one era and the beginning of another Saturday as the final Whitley County's Junior Miss took her ceremonious walk through Newell Rice Auditorium -- and the first Whitley County's Distinguished Young Woman was selected.
Judged in the areas of panel interview, talent, scholastics, self expression and fitness, the top finisher was Michaela Thomas. Thomas, the daughter of Micah and Michelle Thomas, is a Columbia City High School senior. Thomas was also awarded the Scholastics and Self Expression awards at the end of the evening.
First runner-up was Kassie Yenser. Yenser is the daughter of Richard and Kimberly Yenser. She is a Columbia City High School senior.
Second runner-up was Kelly Jo Hilleshiem. Hilleshiem, a senior at Columbia City High School, is the daughter of David and Jennifer Hilleshiem. She was also the recipient of the Fitness Award after impressing the crowd with a high energy cheerleading and gymnastics routine. Hilleshiem was also awarded the Spirit of Distinguished Young Women, an honor for which she was selected by all program leaders and participants.
Katie Barnett, a Whitko High School senior and the daughter of Cindy Barnett, was the recipient of the Panel Interview Award.
McKenzie Smith, a Columbia City High School senior and the daughter of Josh and Lisa Smith, was the recipient of the Talent Award.
This year marked the end of the reign of the final Whitley County's Junior Miss and the beginning of the new program, Distinguished Young Women. Event coordinator Pamela Thompson explained the change, saying that when the Frankfort, Indiana, Jaycees gave up sponsorship of the program going forward, changes were made. Now, according to Thompson, a willing group of volunteers in Kokomo have taken up the event and will host a statewide scholarship program there in February 2012.
"I tend to be a bit weepy and sad about Junior Miss," Thompson told the crowd. But, in celebratory fashion, Thompson ensured that the end of that era was marked with ample pomp and circumstance. Wearing the original regal cape fashioned for Junior Miss by Margaret Nelson, the final Junior Miss Cassandra Petrie walked up and down the aisles to the event's traditional theme song.
Thompson shared that the cape was created more than four decades ago using the remnants of two Santa Claus suits. The robe, along with 47 years worth of Whitley County's Junior Miss memorabilia, is now part of the permanent collection of the Whitley County Historical Society. Thompson told the crowd she expects the items to be on display occasionally in the future so that all may see what once was.
As for the new program, Thompson shared that a wonderful gift had been put into the program's coffers recently. On August 11, Thompson was the recipient of a $1000 Heart of Gold grant from the Whitley County Community Foundation. Thompson directed that $800 of that grant be awarded to the Distinguished Young Women program. After discussing it with her board, it was decided that funds from that gift would be used immediately to further enhance the 2011 program's scholarship awards. So, each category winner would receive an additional $100, increasing the scholarships to $300 per award.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
This Saturday, September 10, 2011, during the Whitley County Autumn Art Festival, up to a dozen chairs designed by local residents will be auctioned off to benefit a scholarship fund for local art students. "Chair-ish An Art Student," was a project spearheaded by Lynn Walker, Aileen Meier, Bonnie Shipman and Kay Fleck. The silent auction of many items, including the chairs, begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. Each chair features a unique design. Artists completing chairs include Joanne Heritier, Aaron Walker, Doug Egolf, Jennifer Zartman Romano, Amy Shaw, Maggie Fahl and numerous artists through Passages, Inc. who worked together to create a chair and matching piano bench. Above, from left, two of the chairs up for bid tomorrow include designs by Aaron Walker and Doug Egolf.
(Talk of the Town image courtesy Whitley County GIS) The Blue River Trail's expansion calls for a bridge over the Blue River, shown in orange above, not far from the pond on the north side of Morsches Park as well as the addition of about one mile of new trail, shown above in red. The trail will link the park and several other locations south of US 30 with an estimated 25% of the city's population located north of town. The trail and bridge will enable residents north of town to more safely access the park and other locations without crossing busy US 30.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Columbia City Parks Department was thrilled to receive news Tuesday that they would be the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation -- bringing them to the finish line in efforts to raise funds to expand the Blue River Trail through Morsches Park and northward.
"We applied to Dekko in hopes to get some extra funding to finish trail," said parks director Mark Green. "It's an expensive project...about $238,000."
With the Dekko gift and funds from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Whitley County Community Foundation, the funds have been raised.
"Now, this grant from the Dekko Foundation will help us asphalt the whole trail, put in bathrooms north of US 30 and put a bridge in," Green said. North of US 30, an additional mile will be added to the trail. The bridge will be located not far from the pond on the north side of Morsches Park.
"It's very exciting," Green said of hearing the news yesterday. Green cited the efforts of grant writer Lori Shipman as crucial in the process. "She was very important in getting this grant for us," Green added.
Park board president Kelley Sheiss is equally thrilled with the grant and the ability to move the project forward.
"We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Dekko Foundation in joining our vision to extend the trail, serve more residents and enhance the park as a valuable asset to our community," she said.
"Now, we've got to get our ducks in a row," Green said. The department will begin getting bids and making plans to move the project forward. "Hopefully we can get started next spring."
Expansion of the trail on the north side of town was crucial for several reasons, according to Green.
"In our research we did find that 25% of our population lives north of US 30," Green said. "Really the only way to get into town is to cross 30...it's a safety concern. Now they can walk or ride bikes without crossing US 30. That's really what Dekko knew and that's why they supported this project with a grant...it gives access to the park, YMCA, the library and the new hospital."
Article provided
Picture a dirt floor, burlap bags for your walls, and if you are lucky -- a metal roof for your home. This is a typical description of the average home in Haiti.
Now, add these conditions: 6 family members sleeping in one room, temperatures over 90 degrees, insects that pester you or other critters such as snakes and/or rats plus when it rains, water pours through the walls or parts of the roof leaving the drenched family sleeping in mud–It sounds unbelievable and miserable.
An organization, Homes 4 Haiti, has a vision to change these conditions for families in Haiti. You can be a part of this vision in many ways (see http://homes4haiti-gap.com/index.html). One way is to consider joining the Le Tour d’Haiti.
Le Tour d’Haiti is a Community Wide Bike-a-thon event for residents to help needy Haitian families. The Le Tour d’Haiti will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011. The tour is open for all skill levels and ages ranging from age 4 to adult. Individuals can select the 1 mile, 3 ½ mile or 18 mile course. The starting point for all the courses will be at First Church of God in Columbia City at 10:30 am. Registration for this event is $10 a person, which includes a Le Tour d’Haiti T-shirt.
If you, your church, school, youth group, or club is interested in joining this cause more information can be gathered by contacting tourdehaiti@gmail.com or calling either Suzie Langohr at 229-1037 or Diane Meister at 691-6062.
Join the race and let’s see how many homes this community can build!
By Lauren Caggiano
Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) has received a $3,000 grant from the Whitley County Community Foundation.
The funds will be used to provide emergency assistance for low-income individuals in Whitley County.
CANI helps communities, families, and individuals remove the causes and conditions of poverty.
For more information about CANI and the services provided, visit the Web site www.canihelp.org.
By Darrell Radford
As Indiana’s 195th birthday quickly approaches, State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City is asking area fourth-grade students, “What does Indiana mean to you?”
Banks said this question aims to spur creativity in local fourth-graders whom he hopes will participate in an annual essay contest — one of many festivities planned for Statehood Day. Indiana became this nation’s 19th state on Dec. 11, 1816.
This year’s birthday party at the state capitol in Indianapolis is on Friday, December 9, 2011.
“There’s nothing quite like celebrating Statehood Day at the Statehouse,” Banks said. “Indiana’s past, present and future all come together in a unique fashion – with our youth leading the way.”
Statehouse events begin at 9 a.m. and include tours and activities hosted by the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, legislature, Indiana Supreme Court, state museum, state library, historical bureau, history center and other state agencies. Students, their parents, teachers and principals also have the opportunity to visit with representatives of the state’s executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
Statehood Day celebrations also feature words of welcome from high-ranking government officials, displays of Indiana’s original 1816 and 1851 state constitutions and the reading of the statewide-winning essay entitled “What Indiana Means to Me.”
Banks said the essay contest is also a great way to encourage students to voice their thoughts and ideas about Indiana. This competition is open to any Indiana fourth-grade public, private or home-schooled student and is easy to enter:
· Entries need to range from 100 to 400 words;
· They can be handwritten or typed;
· Essays must include the student’s name, teacher’s or parent’s name, school’s name and contact information, including address and telephone number;
· Students should convey what living in the state of Indiana means to them and highlight things that make them glad to be a Hoosier; and
· Essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 28, 2011.
Entries should be sent to: Jennifer Hodge, Coordinator, State Capitol Tour Office, 200 W. Washington St., Room 220, Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Judges will choose first-, second- and third-place winners, who will be notified in November. The first-place winner will be invited to read the essay at the December 9 ceremony.
For more information about the contest or to schedule a group to attend the event, contact Hodge at 317-233-9830 or email jhodge@idoa.in.gov
Banks said education officials should make plans soon, because space may be limited.
“I encourage all local teachers and administrators to take advantage of this special celebration,” Banks said.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) With the start of the new school year, Whitko Schools encouraged parents to register for the latest electronic updates. 
School delays /closings, blog updates, lunch balance alerts and school newsletters are sent to parents wishing to receive notification by email or phone through the PowerSchool Program. All parents registered by Thursday, September 1, 2011, were entered into a drawing for an Apple IPad 2 donated by Brian Hensley of A. Hattersley & Sons of Fort Wayne, Indiana. John and Kelly Klefeker of Columbia City were chosen as the winners. Shown above, is Superintendent Steve Clason with John Klefeker and his son, Garrett, a second grade student at Pierceton Elementary School.
From the Tribune-News
Several staff changes are coming to the South Whitley Clerk-Treasurer office in advance of the fall election.
Outgoing clerk-treasurer Mitch Winger informed the council that deputy clerk-treasurer Patricia Garcia has tendered her resignation, effective September 5.
Winger proposed that Stephanie Cripe be offered the deputy job during the August 22 town council meeting. Cripe currently works part-time in the office.
“Stephanie has been doing an exceptional job over the last year and a half,” Winger said.
Further, Winger recommended that Cripe be offered the full-time position at $14.25 an hour which is 75 cents per hour less than the position currently pays. Winger also recommended that Pam Waller be hired to take over Cripe’s current position at $10.25 per hour with a limit of 32 hours worked a week.
“I’d like to see them (Cripe and Waller) continue into next year,” Winger said. “$14.25 (proposed pay for Cripe) is not a burden on any fund.”
Councilwoman Tonya Warner said she wanted to review the pay options before making a decision. When Winger replied that the positions should be filled immediately to start training, the council held a brief discussion. They then decided to offer $12 per hour to Cripe for the deputy clerk-treasurer position, and $10.25 to Waller for part-time help.
Winger was shocked, saying, “you’ve got to be kidding.” He added that he couldn’t see why Cripe should not be paid comparably with someone starting in the police department, especially considering her year and a half experience in the office.
Councilman John Dunn replied that the next council (to be elected in November) could move the pay up if they so desire.
At this point, Winger left the meeting.
Council members also voted to accept the lowest bid for surveillance cameras at the town’s parks. The system will come from SDS Communications at a cost of $2,987. However, they also voted to make an upgrade to the camera system which will add $25 or $35 per camera. No one had the paperwork on hand to be sure of the additional cost.
Utility manager Dennis Eberhart answered a question from resident Jim Hazen as to whether any street repairs will be made this fall to streets such as Broad Street or Calhoun Street on the east side of town that were cut last year for the sewer project. Eberhart answered that the streets cut for the sewer project have a one-year warranty on paving, so he doesn't want them touched this year. Future paving projects will depend on the money available at that time.
Teresa Calhoun brought up concerns with past electric bills at her family’s former business.
“I am not in agreement with the promissory note, not with the wording. I also want to address property tax issues...a tax abatement was agreed to and not paid,” she said.
Dunn answered that he would rather talk in a private meeting; a meeting with Dunn, the Calhouns, and town attorney Greg Hockemeyer was set up for August 29. Warner commented that she would only agree to one more private meeting.
“We shouldn’t be paying an attorney for what is not our problem,” Warner said, adding that the Calhouns just need to pay the past due amount.
David Harvey from Fleis and Vendenbrink Engineering commented on progress on the upcoming wastewater treatment plant project. The permit approval process is proceeding. Harvey noted that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management has advised that the town not advertise for bids until all permits have been received.
From reports
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District announces that SR 114, between North 200 East and South 700 East is now open to traffic. Five small structures have been reconstructed. There will be some miscellaneous work, such as seeding to occur under traffic.
The contract for the project was awarded to E&B Paving based on the company’s low bid of $1.3 million.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Whitley County United Way Day of Caring food drive volunteers include, from left above, Todd Jones, Erica Miller, Wendy Miller, Mindi Conrad, Zach Ziliak, Heather Holzinger, Patti Rethlake and John Black. Committee members now shown include David Smith, Andy More and Doug Brown.
Article provided
The Whitley County United Way Day of Caring food drive is now underway and continues through September 9, 2011. The organization is still in need of more canned and dry goods for needy families.
It’s a luxury, really, to be able to pick and choose from a readily available supply of food stored in your cupboards.
When many families are searching for something for dinner, they head to the pantry and sort through the items, choosing one and setting the other items aside for another time.
For some families, the cupboards are largely bare and they rely on food pantries to feed their families.
When food pantries run out of food what happens?…Families go hungry or stretch already meager groceries to cover the loss.
That’s where the United Way Day of Caring Food Drive can help!
All donated items are kept within Whitley County! The food is divided among the food banks in Whitley County.
Something NEW this year, we are also doing a “Supply Drive” to collect monetary donations that will help provide material for projects during Day of Caring. These funds will help purchase paint, lumber, tool rentals, etc while our teams are out in the county completing projects for non-profit organizations. Even if you cannot be there to swing a hammer yourself, you can help put one in someone else’s hand!
The community’s support makes the Whitley County United Way Day of Caring a success and we thank you!!
Day of caring drop-off locations
STAR Bank/Insurance ~ West Van Buren St ~ Col. City
STAR Bank/Insurance ~ Frontage Road ~ Col. City
Dollar General ~ Col. City
Walgreen’s ~ Col. City
Northeastern REMC ~ Col. City
STAR Bank/Insurance ~ South Whitley
Heyerly’s ~ South Whitley
Dollar General ~ South Whitley
South Whitley Public Library
Crossroads bank ~ South Whitley
Fox Products ~ South Whitley
STAR Bank ~ Churubusco
STAR Insurance ~ Churubusco
Dollar General ~ Churubusco
Egolf’s IGA ~ Churubusco
United Way Supply Drive Drop Off Locations
Morsche’s Lumber ~ Col. City
Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware ~ Col. City
Eagle Do It Best ~ Churubusco
Shroyer’s True Value Hardware ~ Churubusco
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, the staff at Columbia City's newly opened BBQ Rib Barn prepares a carryout order for a customer Tuesday. The establishment is located next to Fashion Bug in the Walmart plaza. 
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
From the outside it doesn't look much like a barn, but inside the newly opened BBQ Rib Barn on the northwest side of Columbia City, it's got a country feel and down home aroma.
Business owners and barbecue masters Sheila Braunsdorf and Lee McFarland opened the restaurant last week, introducing customers to a casual atmosphere and, most importantly, some great barbecue, country style food. As the name might suggest, barbecue ribs are their big calling card, but you'll also find barbecue chicken, pulled pork, barbecue meatballs and more.
Some of the menu's most unique offerings on the menu include skillet grilled applebutter sandwiches, hot dogs topped with pulled pork, deluxe pork nachos and an extensive menu of sides with items like potato cheesy bake, fried apples, Rib Barn slaw, cheesy Texas toast and more.
The dessert menu is equally unique with frozen bananas drenched in chocolate and peanut butter, cherry and lemon delite or the most over the top -- Brain Freeze. This item features four scoops of ice cream, loads of brownie, Reese's, bananas, sprinkles and chocolate. It's seriously huge.
The restaurant offers seating and a friendly staff as well as a carryout menu.
The BBQ Rib Barn's hours are Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They're closed on Sundays. They are located next to Fashion Bug in the Walmart plaza.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
This Saturday, September 10, 2011, during the Whitley County Farmers Market, Faith Christian Academy is pleased to again offer "Save Around" coupon books with offers for Columbia City and Fort Wayne. "This incredible book has the potential for saving you over $ 3,400," said school administrator Larry Schmoekel. The coupons include Columbia City establishments such as Brewha, Diary Queen, Hardee’s, Mancino’s, McDonalds, Paige’s Crossing, Richards, Subway and Fashion Bug. Other places in the area include Catherine's, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Regal Cinemas, GFS, Komets tickets, Grease Monkey, Mad Antz tickets, Fort Wayne Parks Golf Courses & pools, LaFontaine Golf (Huntington), Crazy Pinz, Westwood Lanes, Georgetown Bowl, Culvers, O’Charley’s, Putt Putt Games, Science Central, Roller Dome north & south, and the list goes on and on. There are museums in Auburn , Andy Granatelli Hall of Fame, National Military History Center, and many others. Faith Christian Academy will also have scrip cards to Dairy Queen, and many other restaurants, as well as Family Christian Book Store. Look for their booth on the grass side of Market Street. Above, school administrator Larry Schmoekel and parents group member Robin Koller set up a booth to sell the coupon books during last Saturday's Whitley County Farmers Market on the courthouse lawn.
(Talk of the Town photo provided)
Madison Schuck, daughter of Ben and Emily (Janney) Romine of Columbia City, arrived in Germany on September 1, 2011, to begin her year as a Rotary Exchange Student. Above, a welcoming committee celebrates Schuck's arrival in Germany last week. Schuck is standing above in front at right, surrounded by German Rotary Club members, fellow exchange students and others. Schuck will remain in Germany for the next year learning the language, culture and attending high school there.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) The original Whitley County Memorial Hospital, above, now known as Parkview Whitley Hospital, will soon be closing as the health system unveils a new hospital for the community, located along SR 205 just south of US 30.
Article provided
Parkview Whitley Hospital is planning a special farewell for its old hospital, which has served the community for 60 years.
Soon to be vacated for a new hospital at 1260 E. State Road 205, residents of Whitley County are invited to share memories and say goodbye to the old hospital, located at 353 N. Oak Street. The event will be held under a tent at the old hospital on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
The hospital also wants the public to bring to the event their hospital-related memorabilia and photos, which will be scanned on-site and placed in a time capsule at the new hospital during the co-worker open house October 5.
In addition, video cameras will be set up to record people’s hospital memories, which will also be put in the time capsule.
Guest speakers will include Scott Gabriel, chief operating officer, and former chief operating officers John Meister and John Hatcher.
Refreshments will be provided. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by September 9 by calling 248-9400 or (800) 325-1338, ext. 89400.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Above, a HANDS Foundation member talks with elementary school students about the value of giving back to the community through philanthropy.
By John Slavich
During the 2010-2011 school year the HANDS Foundation funded digital cameras for a a high school Art Department, four Senior Packs for elderly citizens in Whitley County, outdoor playground equipment for an elementary school, GED supplies for the local literacy council, assisted in funding an electronic scoreboard for a ball diamond and hosted Christmas parties with gifts for children in the Head Start Program. These are a few examples of the grants made available last year in Whitley County by the HANDS Foundation.
The HANDS Foundation, made up of fifteen students from the three Whitley County school corporations, received a grant of $17,500 from The Dekko Foundation for use during the 2011-2012 school year. This is the seventeenth consecutive year The Dekko Foundation has funded HANDS.
Over the last sixteen years, HANDS with funding from The Dekko Foundation has granted over $250,000 in Whitley County. While the HANDS Foundation receives financial support from The Dekko Foundation, this learning experience for young people also requires the cooperation of the Whitley County Community Foundation, and the three Whitley County school corporations.
HANDS will use the grant to fund unique educational initiatives in all three school corporations as well as assist in funding to improve the quality of life in Whitley County, provide scholarships for three graduating seniors who are non-HANDS members, host Christmas parties for Head Start children, conduct its annual Littlest Philanthropist Day and perform service projects throughout the county.
As a provider of funds, HANDS encourages community members to submit grant requests for the students to review at their monthly meetings. The grant applications are available by calling the Whitley County Community Foundation at 244-5224 or going online to whitleycountycommunityfoundation.org and download a HANDS Foundation grant application.
The HANDS Foundation is brought to the community through the cooperation of The Dekko Foundation, the Whitley County Community Foundation and the three Whitley County school corporations.
From reports
The Whitley County Democrats will be hosting their annual Thomas R. Marshall Dinner on Monday, October 10, 2011, at the Brownstone on State in downtown South Whitley.
Social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person.
Scheduled speakers include Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck, mayoral candidate Cathy Heritier and state gubernatorial candidate John Gregg.
RSVP as soon as possible as seating is limited.
Checks can be made out to "Whitley County Democrats" and mailed to:
Matt Shipman - Treasurer
119 S. Main Street
Columbia City, IN 46725
By Lizette Downey
Lutheran Hospital’s addition of a fifth floor is expected to be complete November 11, 2011. Patients will be moved to the fifth floor in December after new furniture and equipment is delivered and installed. Lutheran’s fifth floor will feature 96 private rooms including 24 dedicated to intensive care and the rest to telemetry. One of the four pods is designated exclusively to the care of patients with congestive heart failure.
The $42.3 million, 58,649-square-foot project began May 2010. It is the largest phase of a hospitalwide effort that includes a conversion to all private rooms. Additional renovations at Lutheran are expected to be wrapped up in 2012.
Project features:
· One elevator has been added to bring the total to eight
· Seven elevators have been extended
· Six stairways have been extended
· 750 different workers onsite to-date
· 260’ tower crane erected in an existing stairwell reaching a height of 150’
· 15,000 sq. ft. is approximate size of each pod
From reports
The next Whitley County GOP breakfast is slated for Saturday, September 17, at 8:30 a.m. at the CC Deli, downtown Columbia City. The keynote speaker will be Tim Berry. The cost is $7 per person which includes breakfast.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Columbia City High School Varsity Cheerleading squad, above, shows one of several posters they've been making for their new friends, the Joplin Eagles cheerleaders, in hopes of encouraging them and building their spirits in their first year following the horrific tornado that destroyed their community.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Eagle spirit is plentiful in Whitley County. As we near homecoming, the windows of downtown businesses will bear the cheerfulness of support for our local teams. Streamers, paint and signs will boast of pride and tradition. There will be no doubt the citizens of Columbia City are proud to be Eagles.
Yet, about 700 miles away, the Eagles there are a little down, a little broken this year.
When a tornado ripped through the town on May 22, 2011, it not only tore down the tangible -- it made for fragile spirits and changed life there in permanent ways.
This summer, when local resident Ken Slavicek and his son visited Joplin for a missions trip to work on the ravaged community, he brought home stories and unknowingly planted a seed of hope.
Slavicek and his family, including his wife, Michelle, talked about what he saw there. With a daughter of his own in high school, he spoke of how the Joplin Eagles would be having a strained school year. The former high school building was destroyed in the tornado, so half of the student body has been attending classes in a former JC Penney storefront. Others attend school elsewhere.
"They want to keep moving forward," said Michelle Slavicek, "but their seniors will not graduate from the high school they went to. They had a lot of support right away (after the disaster), but they don't have a lot to cheer about."
The Slavicek's daughter is a Columbia City High School cheerleader and if a place could use a little more cheer as they go through such devastation, it is Joplin. After seeing photographs of the disaster, their daughter and others wanted to get involved in supporting girls much like themselves living in Joplin, but facing an entirely different reality.
"The high school is a real hub of a community," Slavicek said. "Theirs is in ruins."
After making a phone call to the cheerleading coach from Joplin, the Columbia City High School Varsity cheerleaders have adopted the Joplin Eagles cheerleaders.
Since that phone call was made, things have snowballed as the 15 CCHS Eagles cheerleaders have begun plans for care packages and weekly encouragement for the 16 Joplin Eagles -- hoping that building them up with encouragement and hope might have a bigger impact on not only school spirit at games each week, but that it might spill over into a struggling community as well.
"We would hope someone would come alongside us if we needed it," Slavicek said.
Slavicek said Columbia City, thus far, has been the only community to call and offer support to the high school students in this way.
While the majority of their support will be for the team, Slavicek said the coach will let them know if individual girls might need additional assistance as well. Plans thus far call for pizza parties before games, t-shirts, promotional items and hand-written letters of encouragement between the girls.
"We want to impact and encourage those girls so that they can keep impacting and encouraging their community," Slavicek said.
A goal has been set locally to raise $100 per girl to fund their plans throughout the year.
To help in the effort, a car wash is planned for this Saturday, September 3, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Columbia City DQ Grill & Chill on North Main Street. The cheerleaders will utilize all donations to support the Joplin Eagles cheerleaders.
"It's a really neat thing to see these girls get so into doing this," Slavicek said of the local cheerleaders enthusiasm in supporting fellow cheerleaders so far away. Some have said they hope to visit the girls in Joplin one day, but for now, they're content to do what they can from here to raise a community's spirit -- one cheer at a time.
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Micropulse, Inc. was honored by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and others last week as a Spotlight Award recipient for their continued expansion and job growth.
With reports
Last week, Whitley County-based Micropulse, Inc. was named as one of six Spotlight Award recipients in the fourth annual Companies to Watch ceremony in Indianapolis.
The accolade, presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network, Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, recognizes past "Companies to Watch" honorees that have demonstrated continued growth, success and commitment to Indiana.
Micropulse, Inc., a 2008 "Companies to Watch" recipient, has grown to 217.5 full-time employees. The medical products manufacturer, which specializes in surgical instruments, implants and delivery systems for orthopedics, had 26 percent revenue growth in 2010 and projects 13 percent growth in 2011. Micropulse, Inc. is located in southeast Whitley County on SR 14.
"'Spotlight' award winners are shining examples of the growth and ongoing impact that 'Companies to Watch' recipients have in their communities and beyond," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "These five companies deserve our congratulations and our thanks for exemplifying the many strengths of Hoosier businesses."
Other Spotlight Award recipients included:
- Lee and Ryan Environmental Consulting, Inc., a 2010 "Companies to Watch" recipient, has grown from 65 to 135 full-time employees, opened a facility in Atlanta, Ga. and won a $15 million contract for PCB sediment removal in Milwaukee, Wis. this year. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business had 35 percent revenue growth in 2010 and projects another 60 percent growth this year.
- Livin' Lite Recreational Vehicles, Inc., a 2009 "Companies to Watch" recipient, weathered the RV industry storm and grew from approximately 51 to 77 employees in 2011. With 200 percent revenue growth in 2010, the RV manufacturer expects an 88 percent revenue increase this year due to its new light-weight RV model.
- MainGate, Inc., a 2008 "Companies to Watch" recipient, has worked with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Susan G. Koman for the Cure, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Churchill Downs and sports teams including the Colts, Redskins, Vikings, Lions, Titans and Chiefs. The event retail and merchandising company has bids going out on the Super Bowl and Big Ten championships.
- POLARIS Laboratories, LLC, a 2008 "Companies to Watch" recipient, provides fluid analysis testing and training services worldwide. With 200 full-time employees, the company had 32 percent revenue growth in 2010 and expects 25 percent revenue growth this year.
The second annual field of "Spotlight" award winners were honored along with this year's 43 "Companies to Watch" recipients at a ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom yesterday. Companies recognized as "Companies to Watch" are privately held businesses incorporated in Indiana, employ six to 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital.
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Donna Ruby, standing above, of Columbia City, watches as her son Connor, 17, receives an EKG screening at Parkview Whitley Hospital on August 20. Ruby’s son is a linebacker on the Columbia City High School football team.
Article provided
One-hundred fifteen teenage male and female athletes from Whitley County’s three high schools took advantage of $5 EKG screenings Saturday, August 20, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. The screening event was staffed with citizen volunteers and hospital co-worker volunteers.
The money raised, $575, will be donated to the Tyler Andreas Memorial Football Scholarship, established in 2011 by his family and friends as a means of paying tribute to him and honoring his memory. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating member of the Columbia City High School football team who best reflects Andreas’ values, work ethic and character.
Donna Ruby, executive assistant to Parkview Whitley Hospital COO Scott Gabriel, conceived and organized the screening event following the death of Andreas over the summer.
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
Bright, shiny mornings like the one we're enjoying today have been a big help to the local non-profit Whitley County BABE program as they launch their new Stages shop, a quality second hand children's clothing store with proceeds benefiting BABE. Passersby have surely noted their outdoor sales, bringing in many customers and introducing many families to the BABE program. Today only, Thursday, September 1, 2011, the store's outdoor sale items are 50% off. Stages is located at 301 North Main Street, Columbia City. The hours today are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Above, BABE director Shawn Ellis organizes some of the children's clothing items during the outdoor sale last week.
From reports
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Whitley County Consolidated Schools board of trustees' work session has been moved to Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Community Center.
Topics of discussion, among other things, will include the HWSS dissolution plan, out of district transportation and an overview of the opening of school.