Community News Archives for 2023-01

Miami County JA Euchre Championship

It’s not every day you get to play in a Euchre tournament to support education – but that’s just what the Miami County Junior Achievement is doing on February 18.

 

The fun will kick-off 5:00-9:00 p.m.at Peru Moose Lodge, 110 N. Broadway, Peru.

 

The fun will raise funds to support the Junior Achievement programs that prepare young people for success in today’s local and global world. In partnership with educators and adult volunteers, JA’s proven sequence of experiential learning helps young people in Miami County develop the work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literary skills that help them function as self-sufficient adults who will strengthen their community.

 

“The Euchre Championship is an exciting and unique way for so many individuals and businesses in our community to support Junior Achievement’s work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs, which are provided across our community,” says Beth Miller, Area Manager, Junior Achievement of Miami County.

 

 

Delays and cancellations Friday, January 27, 2023

Delays and Cancellations Friday, January 27, 2023

Schools

Pioneer Community Schools - Closed synchronous learning day

Eastern Pulaski Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Rochester Community Schools - Closed NO E-Learning please see the updated school calendar for makeup days later today

Caston Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Legacy Christian Academy - Closed

Maconaquah Community Schools - 2-hour delay

North Miami Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Tippecanoe Valley Community School Corporation - Closed

Argos Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Culver Community School Corporation - 2-hour delay

Peru Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Lewis Cass Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

Whitko Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

Manchester Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

 

Sports

Rochester Boys @ Northfield - Cancelled

Rochester Girls Home with Northfield - Cancelled

Caston @ Pioneer - Cancelled


Delays and closings Thursday, January 26, 2023

Delays and Closings Thursday, January 26, 2023

Schools

North Miami Community Schools - Closed e-learning

Manchester Community Schools - Closed e-learning

Maconaquah School Corporation - Closed E-learning day

Peru Community Schools - Closed e-learning

Rochester Community Schools - Closed e-learning

Tippecanoe Valley Schools - 2-hour delay

Caston School Corporation - Closed e-learning

Eastern Pulaski Community Schools - Closed e-learning

Legacy Christian Academy - Closed

Argos Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Culver Community School Corporation - 2-hour delay

Knox Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Warsaw Community Schools - 2-hour delay

Wawasee Community School Corporation - 2-hour delay

Triton School Corporation - 2-hour delay

Whitko Community School Corporation - 2-hour delay

Pioneer Community Schools - Closed synchronous learning day

Lewis Cass Schools- Closed e-learning

Business

Fulton County Public Library Rochester and Fulton Branches are closed.  The Aubbee Branch is open.

Closings and delays January 25, 2023

Delays and Cancellations Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Schools

Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation - Closed 

Warsaw Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

Argos Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

Wawasee Community School Corporation - Closed

Plymouth Community School Corporation - Closed e-learning day

Triton School Corporation - Closed

Rochester School Corporation - Closed E-Learning Day

Maconaquah Schools - Closed Virtual Learning Day

Culver Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

North Miami Schools - Closed E-Learning Day

Peru Community Schools Closed - E-Learning Day

Caston School Corporation - Closed E-Learning Day

Legacy Christian Academy in Rochester -Closed

Logansport Community School Corporation - Closed E-Learning Day

Lewis Cass Schools - Closed E-Learning Day

Manchester Community Schools - Closed e-learning day

Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation - Closed e-learning day

Whitko Community School Corporation - Closed e-learning day

Pioneer Community Schools - Closed synchronous learning day

Fulton County Winter Farm School class at the Rochester High School hosted by Purdue Extension, Mark Kepler, for tonight will be canceled

Businesses

No meals at the Senior Center

All branches of the Fulton County Public Library are closed

No Woodlawn home meals

Viking Food closes at 11 am

Republic Trash Service, if trash is missed today, will pick up tomorrow

Nubiano's will be closed from 2 pm to 4 pm

Arlington Public Place closed

Recovery Cafe closed

Country Lanes closed no League tonight

Jonesy's Junction closed 

Pizza Quik closed

Sports

North Miami’s girls' JV/V basketball game scheduled at home with Northwestern has been moved to Friday with a 6:00 pm JV start time.

All afterschool activities have been canceled for Culver Community Schools

Culver Community's JV/Varsity boys basketball game vs Oregon-Davis has been postponed until Monday, January 30

Churches

Grace United Methodist Church has no free meal


2023 Indiana Sheriffs' Association Scholarship application is now available

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of receiving, investing, and dispensing funds to provide college scholarships to qualified students who are committed to pursuing an education and career in the law enforcement field.

 

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Committee consists of the following members: two (2) sheriffs and one (1) deputy sheriff plus one (1) college or university administrator from each of the four areas of the state.

 

Each member shall be appointed for the term of one year to serve at the pleasure of the president. The committee shall recommend the amount and number of scholarships to be awarded annually. The president of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association shall serve as chairman of the committee and the executive director of the association shall serve as the secretary by virtue of their respective positions. The members of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Committee shall serve as a screening committee in their respective area of the state, and the said screening committee shall determine the scholarship recipients from that area.

 

The state of Indiana shall be divided into four separate areas for the purpose of selecting members of the committee and recipients of the scholarships.

 

The said scholarship fund was established for the benefit of the members of the association and other qualified individuals. The general qualifications for applicants are: to be an active affiliate or associate member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association or a dependent child or grandchild of an active affiliate or associate member of the association, be an Indiana resident, attend an Indiana College or University, major in a law enforcement field and enroll as a full-time student (12 hours).

 

A person who has received a scholarship in a prior year may apply for a renewal of the scholarship for only three successive years. The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Committee shall determine the regulations and information required to qualify.

 

Notification of the available scholarship shall be made by printing such notice in THE INDIANA SHERIFF, an official Indiana Sheriffs’ Association publication; through each sheriff’s office by news release and by mail to each high school, college, and university in the state. Applications shall also be available from any sheriff’s office or the association office.

Gov. Holcomb directs flags to be flown at half-staff

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy in Monterey Park, California.

 

Flags should be flown at half-staff at the Indiana Statehouse until sunset on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

 

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.


Individual income tax filing opens Jan. 23

The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) will start accepting filings for the 2023 individual income tax season on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in concert with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

 

Customers will have until Tuesday, April 18, 2023, to file both their state and federal 2022 tax returns and pay any taxes owed.

 

While Indiana tax forms for the upcoming individual income tax season are now available online, DOR is reminding Hoosiers to wait to file their tax returns until they receive their official tax documents and statements. Attempting to file without all documents can delay the process and ultimately postpone any refund a customer may receive. All employers are required to provide Form W-2s to employees by Jan. 31, 2023.

 

DOR also encourages customers to utilize electronic filing, online payment and direct deposit to significantly improve the quality and speed of return and refund processing.

 

While most Hoosiers received their Automatic Taxpayer Refund(s) via check or direct deposit in 2022, many elderly and disabled individuals who did not receive direct payment may be eligible to claim a $200 tax credit. Visit dor.in.gov for eligibility and filing information.

 

Eligible taxpayers may be able to file their federal and state taxes for free through the INfreefile program. Participating vendors and eligibility requirements are available at freefile.dor.in.gov. Additional information on individual income tax filing, including FAQs, tips and resources for free and low-cost tax preparation help are available at dor.in.gov/individual-income-taxes.

 

DOR says that the answer to most common tax questions can be found online through dor.in.gov. Customers who wish to contact DOR directly should use the secure messaging portal in INTIME for the most efficient service. INTIME registration takes just a few minutes for most users.

 

To download tax forms and find more information on what documents are required to file an Indiana individual income tax return, visit DOR’s website, dor.in.gov

Hunter Education classes in February and March

Hunter Education classes are being scheduled.

 

Below is an updated list of upcoming Hunter Education classes available in the area.

 

To register simply visit: https://www.register-ed.com to sign up.

 

2/8/23 6:30 pm. Kosciusko County 4-H Extension Office, Warsaw, IN

2/18/23 12 p.m. Fulton Conservation Club, Rochester, IN

3/10/23 6 p.m. Nappanee Conservation Club, Milford, IN

3/17/23 6 p.m. Fulton County Coon Hunters Club, Rochester, IN


Pike Lumber Company donation benefits Akron area parks

Pike Lumber Company donated $25,000 to the Fulton County Community Foundation’s Pike Lumber Company Fund Supporting Akron Area Parks.

 

Pictured from left: Kirk Robinson (Pike), Craig Brouyette (Pike), Jim Steen (Pike), Brian Johnson (Fulton County Community Foundation, Chris Herrell (Pike)

 

The fund was established by Pike in 2018 to financially support the upkeep and maintenance of current and future Akronarea parks.

 

You can earn more about this fund and others at www.nicf.org.

IRS says Free File launch aims to save taxpayers hard-earned dollars

The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File Guided Tax Preparation service is live and ready for taxpayers to use.

 

Free File went live Jan. 13, 2023, 10 days prior to the 2023 filing season start date.

 

The IRS starts accepting individual tax returns on Jan. 23.

 

IRS Free File marks its 21st filing season this year and is one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their taxes either online or in person. IRS Free File is offered via a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc., formerly the Free File Alliance. Through this partnership, leading tax software providers make their online products available in both English and Spanish for free.

 

Seven partners will provide IRS Free File online products this year to any taxpayer or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2022.

 

Because the filing season does not start until Jan. 23, IRS Free File providers will accept completed tax returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically on that date.

 

Those who make over $73,000 can use the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF), the electronic version of IRS paper forms beginning Jan. 23. This product is best for people comfortable preparing their own taxes.

 

How IRS Free File online works

 

Each IRS Free File provider sets its own eligibility rules for products based on age, income and state residency.

 

Taxpayers that made $73,000 or less in 2022 will likely find a product that matches their needs. Some providers also offer free state return preparation. Active-duty military can use any IRS Free File products if their adjusted gross income was $73,000 in 2022 or less.

 

To find the right IRS Free File product taxpayers can:

  1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile,
  2. Click on Free Guided Tax Preparation. Then select IRS Free File Online Lookup Tool for help in finding the right product, or
  3. Use the Browse All Offers tool to review each offer,
  4. Select the best product for them, and
  5. Follow the links to the provider’s website to begin their tax return.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

 

IRS Free File participants

 

For 2023, the following providers are participating in IRS Free File:

  1. 1040Now
  2. ezTaxReturn.com
  3. FileYourTaxes.com
  4. On-Line Taxes
  5. TaxAct
  6. FreeTaxUSA
  7. TaxSlayer

For 2023, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish. 


United Ministries of Fulton County to resume financial asistance for rent and utility expenses

United Ministries of Fulton County will resume financial asistance for rent and utility expenses beginning Monday, January 16.

 

Applications are available at The Cross Church, corner of Third and Main Street, Rochester, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Call 574-223-4802 for more information.

 

The Food Pantry remains open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 - 3:00 p.m. at the Community Center in Rochester. 

 

Donations to support these ministries may be mailed to 625 Pontiac Street, Rochester.

 

FCCF scholarship application available

The Fulton County Community Foundation (FCCF) endowment scholarship application is now available.

 

The application is all online, where students can track the status of their application and find instructions. Visit the Fulton County page at www.nicf.org to apply.

 

Applications must be submitted by February 1.

 

The FCCF has over 65 scholarship funds and awarded more than $169,000 in 2022.

 

For more information about FCCF scholarships, contact Shannon Berger, Scholarship Coordinator for the Northern Indiana Community Foundation at 574-223-2202 or email scholarships@nicf.org.

 

High school students can also contact their guidance department for more information.

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce planning for day at the Statehouse

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce has issued an invitation to join the them and many other chambers from around Indiana for the 2023 Chamber Day at the Statehouse, coordinated by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association.

On March 14, Fulton County colleagues and small business owners will get a chance to see the Indiana General Assembly in action. By participating, you can; tour the Statehouse, hear powerful presentations, get a personal look at the legislative process, and have lunch with other chamber advocacy teams from throughout Indiana.

Tickets are available on a first-reserved basis, and people are encouraged to register ASAP. 

For more details, reach out to Kellie or Jillian at the chamber if you have any questions about these special legislative events. 

Fulton Co. Highway Department building getting safety check

Fulton County's Commissioners are awaiting a report on a highway department building to see what or if anything needs to be done to improve safety concerns.

 

Commissioner Rick Ranstead says DLZ is taking a look.

 

 

Ranstead also notes that the highway department is preparing community crossings projects for area roadways.

 

 

 

Federal grant will help improve quality, access, affordability of early childhood care, education

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education Office of Kindergarten Readiness, has been awarded a $42 million federal grant. 

 

These dollars will be used over three years to implement programmatic changes that will improve Indiana’s capacity to recruit early educators, increase access to early learning opportunities for students in unserved areas and ultimately, support families as they make important decisions regarding their child’s education.

 

"These funds come at a key time as Indiana has built the foundation for innovation through the collaborative partnership of FSSA, IDOE and the Early Learning Advisory Committee. Together we are uniquely prepared to best serve children and families across the state," said Maureen Weber, chairwoman of the Early Learning Advisory Committee. 

 

The three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award $14 million annually to FSSA, which partnered with the Indiana Department of Education on the grant application.

 

Combined with FSSA’s $4.2 million annual investment as matching funds required by the grant, $54.6 million will be leveraged in total to accelerate and build Indiana’s capacity to implement long-lasting change, including:

  • Building upon stakeholders’ understanding of the needs, gaps and inequities in Indiana’s birth-through-age-5 mixed delivery system, especially as they relate to underserved populations
  • Refreshing Indiana’s birth-through-age-5 strategic plan to reflect the current environment and the existing opportunities to drive system-level change
  • Amplifying the voices of families in decision-making and introducing new services and educational supports that empower them as their child’s first and most important teacher
  • Introducing new workforce recruitment and career pathways, building the operational capacity of early childhood care and education providers and enhancing workforce conditions and compensation
  • Strengthening instructional practices, quality measures and birth-to-age 8 coordination efforts
  • Investing in the expansion of high-quality programs in underserved geographies

The funding will build upon key work already underway to improve the early learning infrastructure in Indiana. New state legislation championed by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb restructured and expanded Indiana’s Early Learning Advisory Committee, and Gov. Holcomb also launched a new Office of Kindergarten Readiness within IDOE to work in partnership with OECOSL to ensure the early learning experiences children receive are effectively readying them for school. In September 2022, new early learning policy goals were established by ELAC to ensure Hoosier children, especially those most underserved, have access to early learning opportunities that prepare them with the skills required to thrive in kindergarten.

 

Woodlawn Hospital welcomes a new general surgeon

Woodlawn Hospital is honored to welcome Dr. Monzur Haque as a new general surgeon.

Dr. Haque started his education at State University of New Jersey and went to medical school at New York Medical College. He finished his residency at Easton Hospital in Eaton, PA. Dr. Haque currently serves as a Major in the United States Army Medical Corp.

“If you knew me for two weeks in medical school, you knew that I was going to be a rural surgeon. I get to address a variety of surgical needs instead of performing the same few procedures repeatedly,” Dr. Haque said.

Dr. Haque comes to Woodlawn Hospital from Archbold, Ohio, and has previously worked in other rural Hospitals.

“My favorite thing about working for Woodlawn is the personal relationships with patients only afforded by a small hospital. One-to-One interactions with patients seen only in a rural practice,” he stated.

“We at Woodlawn Hospital are excited to be able to add Dr. Haque to our medical community.  Dr. Haque is increasing our surgical team’s ability to expand our capacity to help the residents of Rochester and the surrounding area. We couldn’t be more pleased to have him working here at Woodlawn Hospital,” Brad Rogers, DPT, MPA, MPM, PT; Woodlawn’s Chief Operating Officer stated.             

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Fulton County Farm Bureau announce legislative breakfast schedule

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Fulton County Farm Bureau’s 2023 Legislative Breakfast Series kicks off on Saturday, January 21at 7:30 a.m.

 

The public is invited to attend this opportunity to communicate one-on-one with Indiana state legislators at the Kewanna-Union Township Public Library. Social networking and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m.

 

Senator Stacey Donato and Representative Jack Jordan will provide a legislative preview and remarks at 8:00 a.m., followed by a question-and-answer period. Anyone is invited to attend these free breakfast meetings.

 

Other breakfasts are scheduled for February 18 in Rochester and March 11 in Akron.

Public Fulton County EMS meeting set for January 17

The Fulton County Commissioners will hold a public EMS meeting on January 17 ,  11 a.m.,  at the New Fulton County Justice and Detention Building meeting room in Rochester.

 

Entrance can be made through the side door.

 

This meeting will be led with an agenda presenting a “proactive” approach in preparing a strategic plan for the future as the existing agreement ends.

 

Barry Ritter, Ritter Strategic Services, has been contracted in the development and planning process.  

 

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