The Monday following Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday, has become one of the top shopping days of the year. But like so much else in 2022, not all of the deals will be just on Cyber Monday. Retail experts predicted many of the online shopping activities and special holiday sales started as early as Halloween and may continue throughout the holiday season. 

But online shopping – even on Cyber Monday – has risks. Be wary of misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers. The following tips will help you shop online this holiday season, so you can achieve maximum savings while keeping your personal information and hard-earned money secure.

Beware of false advertising and phony websites. If a company is selling the hottest item of the year at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for false advertising and keep a close eye on the web address in your browser. Scammers love to create lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. Make sure websites use the correct spelling of a business name and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers. 

Shop with trustworthy sellers on secure sites only. Be wary of businesses you aren’t familiar with. Check their BBB Business Profile on BBB.org, look at the rating, and read customer reviews. In addition, be sure any web page you purchase from is secure. Secure web addresses begin with "HTTPS" and not just "HTTP". Never put personal or credit card information in forms on non-secure web pages.

Keep your antivirus software up to date.  Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your computer or mobile device, and that it is up to date. This will help you to avoid non-secure websites and pop-up phishing scams and help keep your personal information safe.

Price check before you buy. Dozens of online retailers will claim they have the best price on an item, but their offers can be misleading. Do your homework by comparing prices. Remember that the best deal may not be the real deal.

Take advantage of rewards and loyalty programs. Check your credit card rewards program for special point offers that could add up on Cyber Monday and throughout the holidays. Make purchases using loyalty programs; many major retailers offer them.

Use your credit card. It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card. If any shady charges turn up later, you will be able to contest them through your credit card company. Debit cards don’t offer this same protection. Never make purchases with online sellers by giving them prepaid debit cards or wiring them money.

Understand return policies. Online store policies may change for Cyber Monday offers. Read the fine print before you buy. Understand the return or exchange policy for the specific item you would like to purchase. Be aware that stores may not allow returns for “final sale” or “closeout” items. Make sure to get gift receipts, so the recipient can return or exchange the item if necessary.

Watch out for phishing scams. Busy schedules and increased purchases make it easier to miss – and fall victim to – a phishing scam. Look out for unsolicited emails, texts, calls, or letters. These messages may claim you have a free gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with a delivery – all you need to do is click on a link or give up your personal information. Avoid phishing scams by ignoring suspicious correspondence and calls from unfamiliar phone numbers.

For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.  For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an online scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker.

When you stop by participating businesses between November 26 and December 4, have an employee put a sticker on your sheet. Each sticker is one entry, up to ten entries per sheet. Turn in your Shopper’s Sheet at the Chamber office by December 6 at 5:00 pm to be entered to win one of ten $25 Chamber Dollars or the grand prize, $250 in Chamber Dollars.

Let’s have fun and support local!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Small Business Saturday, please contact the Chamber at 574.224.2666 or assistant@fultoncountychamber.com.

Delays and Cancellations for November 17, 2022

2 Hour Delay

Rochester Community Schools

Culver Community Schools

Tippecanoe Valley Schools

Maconaquah Schools

Argos Community Schools

Legacy Christian Academy

It’s no secret that prices for consumer goods are on the rise this year and ingredients for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner are not immune.

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows that Hoosier shoppers can expect to spend approximately 14% more at the grocery store than in 2021. According to this year’s pricing survey, Hoosiers are paying an average of $61.00 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $6.10 per person. However, Indiana’s market basket price is approximately 5% lower,  or 31 cents less, than the U.S. average price of $6.41 per person.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the main driver of the increase is inflation,  as well as other factors including supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine, with other countries pulling back on exports to protect domestic supplies.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the food-at-home consumer price index for October 2022, a measure of price changes at the grocery store, increased 12.4% year-over-year. Additionally, the current rate of inflation for the average American was at 7.8% as of October 2022, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Many consumers have felt the weight of inflation this year, including farmers, who have been dealt a tough hand. While food prices have increased, so have input prices for the farmers growing that food.

“There is no question it’s been a difficult year for both consumers and farmers,” said Isabella Chism, INFB 2nd vice president. “Farmers are used to being nimble and agile in a job that can be very unpredictable when it comes to variables like the weather. But this year is different. Higher input costs presented a whole new set of challenges that are costing us more across the board and trickling down to consumers.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s revised Food Dollar Series, farmers currently receive approximately 8% of every food marketing dollar. Using this figure, the farmer’s share of this market basket would be $4.88. The rest goes toward food processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale and retail distribution, food service preparation and other marketing costs.

“Just like consumers, farmers are price-takers, not price-setters,” Chism said. “While food prices are increasing, the amount farmers are being paid isn’t covering the sharp increase of their input expenses.”

The total market basket price of $61.00 includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, a carrot and celery veggie tray, whole milk, cranberries, whipping cream, ingredients for pumpkin pie and miscellaneous baking items.

This year, shoppers can expect to pay approximately $1.75 per pound for a whole turkey, or $28.02 for a 16-pound bird, which is an 11% increase from 2021.

Contributing to short-term price increases of turkey this year are depopulations of turkey flocks caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). According to Rebecca Joniskan, president of the Indiana State Poultry Association, about 50 million birds have died or been euthanized so far in 2022 as a result of HPAI. Eight million turkeys nationwide were lost, with over 171,000 in Indiana specifically. However, in Indiana, turkey is typically produced year-round, whereas production in other states can be seasonal.

“This year has been difficult for Hoosier poultry farmers, both financially and emotionally,” said Joniskan. “But despite those losses, we are still a robust industry. There are still plenty of turkey products on the market.”

According to the survey, turkey is less expensive pound for pound than other meat options, such as ham, which is $2.72 per pound, or $10.88 for a 4-pound ham.

Hoosiers can expect most of the traditional Thanksgiving items to be more expensive this year; however, pie shells and cranberries are more affordable than they were in 2021. The largest percentage price increase was for cubed bread stuffing, up 64% for 14 ounces. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, higher packaging and processing costs brought on by supply chain disruptions and ongoing volatility in the wheat market have been the major drivers behind this increase.

Only pumpkin pie filling is slightly more expensive in Indiana this year than it is nationally. All other items on the shopping list came in less than the national average, most notably peas, pie shells and whole milk. 

The INFB Thanksgiving market basket survey was conducted in late October by volunteer shoppers across the state who collected prices on specific food items from one of their local grocery stores. Volunteer shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals. Indiana’s survey was completed in conjunction with a national survey administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states. When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays.

Paired with busy holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses may make it harder to collect the blood hospital patients require this winter. Donors −especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets − can help bolster the blood supply now by making an appointment to give in the coming weeks.

There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot.Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Learn more about flu safety and prevention at redcross.org/flusafety.

As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering severalopportunities to donors this month:

• All who come to give Nov. 1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
• Those who come to give over the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 23-27, will get a Red Cross knit beanie, while supplies last.
• All who come out to help Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.Details are available at rcblood.org/together.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Bell ringing season is approaching for the Salvation Army.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for bell ringing that begins on November 25 and runs through Christmas Eve, December 24.

Hours are 10am - 7pm, Monday - Saturday.  Locations include Kroger, Walmart, RP and Smith Farm Store.

To schedule to ring go online at www.RegistertoRing.com . 

For questions or help scheduling, call 574-224-2151.

Ivy Tech Community College is offering a one-day instructor-led training course to prepare students to take the ServSafe Food Manager Certification exam.

The class will be offered Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Ivy Tech’s Kokomo campus at 1815 E. Morgan St. The deadline to register is Nov. 28.

Indiana Code 410-IAC7-22 requires mandatory certification of at least one person who oversees the food safety operation within each food establishment. The ServSafe program is developed by the National Restaurant Association with the help of foodservice industry experts. Years of experience and inside knowledge of the foodservice industry are at the core of the ServSafe courses, exams and materials that prepare students to handle food sanitation risks.

ServSafe certification is valid for five years. The course fee is $155 and includes the manual, all study materials and the certification exam. The class will start with check-in between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and will run until 3:30 p.m. The exam will start at the conclusion of the class and last about two hours.

The fee to take the exam without attending the class is $60. The book can be purchased separately for $65.

To register for the ServSafe Food Manager class and examination or for more information, please contact Bonnie Devers at bdevers3@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5497. You can register online for the class at:

https://www.inrla.org/events/kokomo-servsafe-food-manager-class-and-examination-dec-7

In a show of support for all those who have served and to recognize veterans on Veterans Day, Wings Etc. Grill & Pub is offering all U.S. Armed Forces, active-duty personnel, and veterans a free entrée valued up to $13.99 on Nov. 11.

“Each and every day, we want to recognize and honor our service members who have given so much to our country,” said Wings Etc. CEO Rob Hensmann. “We deeply appreciate their sacrifice and are proud to honor our veterans not only on Veterans Day but throughout the year.”

During business hours at participating Wings Etc. locations on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, service members will receive a free entrée valued up to $13.99, with proof of service or veteran status.

Participating locations include Angola, Avon, Brazil, Bluffton, Camby, Columbia City, Connersville, Decatur, Dunlap, Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne (3 locations), Franklin, Goshen, Greenfield, Huntington, Indianapolis (2 locations), Jasper, Kendallville, La Porte, Lafayette (2 locations), Marion, Martinsville, Mishawaka, Muncie, Newburgh, Noblesville, Osceola, Peru, Plainfield, Plymouth, Princeton, Rochester, Shelbyville, South Bend (2 locations), Terre Haute (2 locations), Valparaiso, Wabash, Warsaw, West Lafayette, in Indiana.

The offer is good for dine-in only. Some restrictions may apply.

On Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, all veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to Department of Natural Resource (DNR) state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas.

“We appreciate the sacrifices and service of our veterans and active-duty military and look forward to recognizing them with a day to explore some of the best outdoor places in our state,” said Terry Coleman, director of Indiana State Parks.

Veterans and military personnel should simply let the gate attendant know at the property they visit that they are either a veteran or serving and on active duty.

For general information about state parks, reservoirs, forest properties, and off-road state recreation areas, or to locate a DNR property, visit on.IN.gov/recguide.

A falling tree branch critically injured a driver in Cass County.

On October 26, just before 2:30 pm, Kee Htoo, 23, of Indianapolis, was driving a 2016 Nissan Sentra on US 24 near Cass County Road 50 South when a large tree branch fell from a tree on the south side of the road.  The branch struck Htoo through the windshield.  The car then went into the guardrail and came to a stop.

Several Good Samaritans stopped and assisted the driver until emergency personnal arrived.

Htoo was flown by medical helicopter to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis with life threatening injuries.

Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry is asking for hunters throughout the state to help feed Hoosiers in need this deer season.
 

Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry partners with various community members and organizations to get nutritious meat into hunger-relief agencies and into the hands of residents in need. Farmers, hunters, and 4-H members donate deer and livestock to their “Meat” The Need program. Donations are then processed at local
participating meat processors and the meat is distributed to hunger-relief agencies within the community it was donated in. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry pays 100% of the processing fees so there is no charge to donors or agencies receiving meat.
 

According to Feeding America, an estimated 47% of the over 726,000 Indiana residents struggling with food insecurity make above the threshold to qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. To make ends meet, many are turning to local hunger-relief agencies such as food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens.

“Due to the lasting effects of the pandemic and the continuing rise in inflation, families are struggling to buy groceries and many are turning to food pantries for help for the first time,” said Katie DeForest, Fund Development Director for Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

“Unfortunately, these agencies are experiencing the same diminished purchasing power that families are facing with their own grocery budgets. Meat is especially difficult to obtain.”
 

In fact, according to the most recent data from the Consumer Price Index, meat prices have risen over 13% since February 2021, making a noticeable impact on hunger-relief agencies throughout the state.
“More food pantries than ever have been reaching out for help from us this year. They simply can’t afford to purchase meat with the rising cost of groceries, and most of their donations are non-perishable items, ” said DeForest.

“Meat is hard to come by and there’s a great need for it. It’s a major source of protein, which is so important for a healthy diet.”
 

Last year, venison accounted for more than 37,000 pounds of the over 213,000 pounds of meat distributed by Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry—a number they hope to surpass this deer season.

“On average, each donated deer provides enough meat for about 200
high-protein meals to those reached through hunger-relief agencies. Every donation helps.”
 

Hunters who wish to contribute can take field-dressed deer to any one of several participating butchers in the area and inform the butcher of their intent to donate. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry will pay the processing costs. After processing, local food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens are called to pick up the donation.

There is absolutely no charge to the livestock and deer donors.

For a list of participating meat processors, visit
www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org.

Bane-Welker Equipment is proudly supporting the 2022 toys for tots drive and will be collecting over toys at all Indiana and Ohio locations from now until December 9.

“We are proud to support this effort for a second consecutive year,” stated Jason Bane, president of Bane-Welker Equipment. “Last year, everyone really got into the spirit of it, and we had customers and employees who used their Red Zone Rewards points to buy more toys for the children.”

This type of project aligns well with the Bane-Welker mission of making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

This year, the Toys for Tots project was initiated by two Bane-Welker employee Justin Butler, a former Marine, who benefitted from the program himself as a child.

“My passion for helping came from when I was a child and once received toys from this same program,” stated Butler. “It meant a lot to me then, and I wanted to help make a difference in children’s lives now. I feel very proud to be a part of a company who makes time for such important community efforts.”

The toys will be distributed throughout the local communities.

Last year, Remington collected the most toys, with 550. Local FFA chapters helped with the effort. As a complex, Bane-Welker collected 1807 toys.

For more information, visit your nearest dealership. For more about the Toys for Tots program or to donate directly to Tots, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/about_toys_for_tots/how_toys_for_tots_works/Default.aspx

                                                    2  Hour Delay

Culver Community Schools

Rochester Community Schools

Tippecanoe Valley Schools

Caston Schools

Eastern Pulaski Schools

Argos

                                                        1 Hour Delay

Legacy Christian Academy