State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) encourages high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

Hoosier students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at a state-accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to access qualified training opportunities. About 1,000 spots are available for the 2023-2024 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the October 1st deadline.

Career Scholarship Accounts are available to high school students who are enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Eligible students may also be enrolled in an apprenticeship, applied learning experience, work-based learning, and/or credential attainment experience approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:

Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study;

Career coaching and navigation services;

Postsecondary education and training;

Transportation and equipment;

Certification and credentialing examinations; and

Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State.  Approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science, and more.

The State Board of Education is also reviewing high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule, so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences.

To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov, or call 317-232-0723.

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An exhibit of recent works by artist Gib Foster will be on display in the Main Gallery of the Fulton County Public Library in Rochester from Oct. 3-28.

“Gib Foster is an interesting character,” said FCPL Marketing Director Erica Coffing, the exhibit’s curator. “Visiting him in his barn home out on Rain Creek you get the distinct feeling you’ve stepped into a world long forgotten, one of a more bohemian lifestyle, when the artist was more closely connected to their creative pursuits and less worried about modern ills … there are Native American artifacts mingled with magazine clippings, stacks of old letters and various areas devoted to different methods of art-making.

“Go up even further and you are in the loft where a computer, printer and massive drafting table occupy a large space framed by a massive painting that shows the influence of the Pacific Northwest peoples.

“Gib mentions he lived with the Ojibwe for a short while on an island in northern Lake Michigan, and I am not surprised. He finds indigenous Native American culture inspiring, referencing their closeness to nature and spiritual life.”

Foster’s FCPL exhibit features his most current project - assemblages of found objects, which he finds “more freeing and creative than a lot of his previous work,” said Coffing.

“I didn’t ask, but I assume it is probably the ability to experiment which he enjoys. While his technical skill as an artist is undeniable, as a person I would describe him as curious, alive and playful. These works represent that side of him.”

Foster studied at the American Academy of Art from 1960-64, as well as the Art Institute of Chicago and Studio 22. His professional experience includes work as a graphic artist, illustrator and educator with firms and institutions including the U.S. Army, Motorola Aerospace Center, Stephens-Gross Studio, Fitchco & Corly, Louisiana Tech University and Manchester College. In 2003, he opened Rain Creek Design freelance studio following his retirement from Manchester College.

Foster’s list of exhibitions and awards is equally diverse, including first place at the 1967 Museum Gallery Exhibition in Macon Ga., first and second place in the Creativity ’72 Cover Design and Poster competition in Chicago, and first place in the Hoosier Salon’s 78^th “New beginnings” logo competition at the Indiana State Museum, to name just a few.

For more information, contact the Fulton County Public Library at (574) 223-1015.

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The City of Rochester will be replacing a stormwater structure and pipes beginning October 10 through October 12, pending weather, at the intersection of Arrowhead Drive and Lincoln Way.

The intersection and a section of Arrowhead Drive will be closed while crews make
the necessary repairs.

We apologize for the inconvenience and residents in that area should plan
for alternative routes and we ask that all others avoid that area until the road and intersection reopen.

Get the most recent Fulton County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to fultoncountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

The City of Rochester will be closing Ewing Road from State Road 14 to Jackson Boulevard for a tree removal on Monday, September 25, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

We appreciate your cooperation in avoiding the area while crews are removing the tree, the road should be reopened by late afternoon/evening.

Beacon Credit Union is hosting a Shred Day on Saturday.

Fulton County Public Library in Rochester will be making a wide variety of robotics kits available to the public from 3-4 p.m. every third Thursday of the month starting Sept. 21.

Kids ages nine and up will have the opportunity to build, program or code robots for free in the library’s Meeting Room B.

No registration is necessary to take advantage of this activity, which promotes science, technology, engineering and math skills and has become an increasingly popular competitive event in schools at the local, national and international levels.

Currently, FCPL will have the following robotics kits available: Sphero, Osmo, Ollie, Cozmo, RC Thunder Tumbler and Lego Spike Prime.

The FCPL Rochester branch is located at 320 W. Seventh St.

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The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs the public’s help to update The Big Tree Registry, a list of the largest known specimen of each native tree species in Indiana.
“Indiana’s currently tallest recorded tree is a 152-foot-tall bitternut hickory, and our widest tree circumference is a silver maple at more than 361 inches,” said Jacob Roos, DNR urban forestry director. “We need help getting out across the state to find our new record-setting trees.”
That means it’s time to review the recently updated champions list and start looking for new candidates to nominate for the list, which is maintained by DNR’s Division of Forestry.
Three measurements are required:

• trunk circumference, in inches, at 4 1/2 feet above the ground;
• total height, in feet;
• and average crown spread, in feet.

The total size of each tree nominated is calculated by adding the circumference and height to a quarter of the average crown spread.
The individual tree of each Indiana native tree species with the highest total points will be that species’ Big Tree champion. All nominations are reviewed, but only those with the highest scores will be verified.
To review the updated Big Tree Registry, view detailed measurement instructions and nominate, see on.IN.gov/big-tree.

In a vibrant display of community collaboration and the transformative power of art, Pulaski County Tribe (PCT) and Friends of the Panhandle Pathway celebrated the completion of a new mural situated along the scenic Panhandle Pathway Trail in Winamac.

The mural's theme features a tractor, vibrant wildflowers, and a cyclist. It encapsulates the essence of rural life, outdoor exploration, and the simple joys of a peaceful bike ride through Pulaski County.

Community members and art enthusiasts gathered on Saturday, September 16th, to witness the mural's creation. It was not just an opportunity to admire art but also a chance to embrace the unhurried pace and community camaraderie of Pulaski County.

PCT recognizes the following:

• Members of Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for their commitment to the wonderful trail that runs through Pulaski County and for their partnership on this project.

• Members of Pulaski County Tribe for their unwavering commitment to creating a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

• Artist, Zach Medler, for providing his talents again to enhance Pulaski County.

Brandi Larkin, founder of PCT, underscored the significance of creating a sense of place within the Pulaski County community.

"Projects like these are a testament to the power of collaboration and art in fostering a strong community," Larkin noted. "They reflect our pride in our county and serve as a reminder of the potential to create meaningful connections through shared experiences."

However, the mural's creation was not just about art; it was also about community effort. Volunteers from both PCT and Friends of the Panhandle Pathway worked to clear brush and debris, trim trees, and clean the building to prepare the space for this vibrant addition to the county.

The completion of this mural is not just an artistic achievement; it's a celebration of the Pulaski County community's spirit, dedication, and collaboration. As the mural adorns the Panhandle Pathway, it invites all to appreciate the county's unique character and the power of art to connect people, evoke pride, and foster a sense of place.

As you stroll through Pulaski County, PCT encourages you to explore this mural and other stunning artworks including the crane mural in Medaryville, eagle mural in Monterey, firefly mural in Star City, and the floral mural and opera block mural in Francesville (led by the Uptown Project).

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is extending its Twilight Pumpkin trains, with the Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show put on by Silly Safari Shows, to all four Saturdays in October. 

The Animal Show begins at 4:30 p.m., Central Time, and then the diesel train pulls away from the depot area at 5:30 p.m., Central Time, for a unique excursion through the Indiana Fall countryside. 

Additional diesel Pumpkin Trains will run on Saturdays in October.  These 10-mile, round-trip excursions to the Kankakee River take approximately 45 minutes and will then drop passengers off at the Pumpkin Patch and fall activities on the museum grounds. 

Steam Pumpkin Trains take approximately 25 minutes.  They depart from the depot and travel approximately 1.4 miles to the park returning to the Pumpkin Patch and fall activities on the museum grounds. 

Please check the website for departure times and prices.  Child tickets include a pumpkin.  Additional pumpkins can be purchased at the ticket office before departure for $3 each. 

Before boarding, passengers purchasing tickets online need to pick up their tickets at the ticket office.   Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.  For handicap accessibility, prior arrangements must be made by calling the depot, and are available only on diesel excursions.   

Before or after your train excursion, allow time to explore the HVRM museum displays and grounds which is free of charge.  HVRM has one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals, a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car, and a diorama of North Judson in the era 1950s depicting the Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, and New York Central railroads which all ran through the town.  Walk around the grounds to see all types of rolling stock, engines, and memorabilia of a bygone era.

Tickets are available online at www.hoosiervalley.org or by calling the depot on Saturdays at 574-869-3950.  Groups of six or more receive $2 off each ticket purchased.  Please book in advance, as many of these special trains sell out. 

Located in North Judson,  the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation of railroad history in northwest Indiana. The museum educates the public through interpretive displays and its tourist railroad operations. Additional information about the museum can be found online at www.hoosiervalley.org.

Kewanna Union Township Public Library will be hosting two special events to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of bats in our environment. 

The events will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 11:00 a.m. and Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m.  

Tony Carroll, DNR Wildlife Biologist, will be sharing information about ways that bats help in pest control and pollination of plants.  Some types of bats are rapidly becoming endangered and need our help. Carroll will explain ways to conserve our natural resources that will help to increase the number of bats. 

All of those that attend will be able to make and take home their own bat house after the presentation.  A limited number of bat house kits are available.  Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

This program was made possible at the Kewanna Union Township Public Library through a grant received from Arrow Head Country RC & D.   Fulton County Soil & Water Conservation District is partnering with the library for these special events.

For more information call Kewanna Union Township Public Library at 574-653-2011, visit our website www.kewanna.lib.in.us or check out their Facebook page.   

Beacon Credit Union along with the Beacon Ag Group is excited to announce details for the 2023 Rochester Member Appreciation Day.

This year will mark 92 years of serving their member-owners.

Beacon is looking forward to showing its appreciation by celebrating their member-owners with themed events at the Member Centers.
“Our member-owners are very important to us, they are the center of everything we do,” states Dusty Cuttriss, President/CEO. “We are blessed and grateful to have their support. Without such great member- owners Beacon Credit Union would not be where it is today.”
The Rochester Member Centers will be celebrating with member-owners on Friday, September 22nd, during regular business hours. Celebrations will take place at 504 Main Street and 430 Rouch Place Drive in Rochester.

Members can expect food, fun, and excitement with Beacon Credit Union staff.

Follow Beacon Credit Union on social media for additional information.

An event this weekend at the Fulton County Historical Society will take visitors back in time nearly 200 years.

The annual Trail of Courage begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage.

Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals.Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and donations in affected areas.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give nowto ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care. 

When Idalia slammed into the Southeast – leading to widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding – the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and causedhundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in.

The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitingRedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give through September 18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, 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. 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.

Notice of Request for Proposals
Notice is hereby given that the Fulton County Board of Commissioners is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified vendors for Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) to respond to emergency 911 calls for service.
The RFP document is available by emailing Barry Ritter at barry.ritter@ritterstrategicservices.com or by phone (765) 969-1133.

Interested Proposers shall submit a letter of intent to respond no later than 4:00 pm local time on Friday, September 15, 2023 to barry.ritter@ritterstrategicservices.com The County will conduct a mandatory preproposal meeting at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 18, 2023 for qualified
vendors to review the Specifications and seek clarification. The preproposal meeting will be held at the Fulton County Annex Building, Commissioners Room, located at 125 E. 9th St. Rochester, IN 46975.

Proposal Submittal Deadline
All proposals shall be received by the Fulton County Auditor’s office no later than 3:00 pm local time on Monday, October 16, 2023. Proposals may be hand delivered or mailed to the County Auditor’ office. Electronic submittal of proposals is not permitted. Fulton County Commissioners reserve the right to reject any or all proposals. No late proposals will be accepted.

Proposals should be submitted to:
Fulton County Auditor’s Office
125 E. 9th St.
Rochester, IN 4697

September is National Preparedness Month.

The goal of this month is to encourage individuals, families and communities to take proactive steps in preparing for various emergencies and disasters. House fires, tornadoes, winter weather and power outages are just a few emergencies that can affect Hoosiers.

Each member of your family needs to know their role and what to do for each emergency. That includes the older members of your family. The focus of 2023’s National Preparedness Month is preparing for older adults.

"Just like every member of your family, older adults face great risks when it comes to emergencies, especially if they are living alone, have a disability or live in rural areas. We need to check in on our family members and neighbors before, during and after a crisis to make sure they have the support they need," said IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran. 

This focus underscores the necessity of creating inclusive emergency plans that consider factors like mobility challenges, medical needs and social isolation, which can significantly impact the well-being of older individuals during crises.

Tips for planning for elderly adults in an emergency include:

• Plan how you will communicate with older adults if you have a communications need.
• Plan for food, water and essentials they will need.
• Plan ahead for transportation if they need help evacuating.
• Include items that meet their individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in their emergency supply kit.

You can learn more about creating emergency kits and plans on the Get Prepared webpage.

The United Way of Marshall County has announced the winning number for the 2023 Marshall County Blueberry Half Pot.

The winning ticket number is 968976013.

During this year’s Marshall County Blueberry Festival, the Blueberry Half Pot reached a grand total of $32,834, meaning the winning ticket is worth $16,417.

The winning ticket holder must contact the United Way of Marshall County, Inc. at 574-936-3366 or email blueberryhalfpot@marshallcountyuw.org within thirty (30) days of the end of the entry period, by close of business on October 3, 2023, in order to receive more information on how to claim the prize.

For official rules and more details on how to claim the prize, go to https://www.marshallcountyuw.org/marshall-county-blueberry-half-pot .

Kewanna Union Township Public Library has planned several special events on Saturday, September 23 in conjunction with the Kewanna Fall Festival. 

These events include a Free Book Give Away, Meet & Greet Fulton County Nonprofits, Patron Appreciation Booth, and Story Time on the Lawn.

Kewanna Union Township Public Library will be hosting a Free Book Give Away on Sat., Sept. 23 from 9am-1pm.  Everyone is welcome to come and select books of their choice from our free give away collection.  We have books for all ages.  Stop in and pick out a bagful!

The library will also be hosting a Meet & Greet Fulton County Nonprofits in our Performing Arts Room.  The Meet & Greet will be held 9am-1pm for community members to learn more about local service organizations and to find out what they have to offer.  Be sure to visit the library for this special opportunity!

Kewanna Union Township Public Library will be having a Patron Appreciation Booth on Sat., Sept. 23 during the Kewanna Fall Festival.  Food and give aways will be available 12-1.  Everyone is welcome to stop in as we show appreciation to our library patrons!

Story Time on the Lawn will be held at 12:00 pm on Sept. 23 right before the parade @ 1:00.  Children of all ages are welcome to relax in front of the library and listen to a variety of popular children’s books.

Return to Normal will be sharing their talent @ the library.  They will be singing in the morning before the parade @ 1:00.

The library will also be having a Kewanna Fall Festival Coloring Contest.  Pick up an entry @ the library.  Contest entries are due by September 16^th.

All of these programs will be held at Kewanna Union Township Public Library 210 E. Main St., Kewanna, IN.  For more information call Kewanna Union Township Public Library at 574-653-2011, visit our website www.kewanna.lib.in.us or check out our Facebook page.

“Budgeting 101,” a financial wellness workshop led by Justin Taylor, Lake City Bank assistant vice president and training officer, will be held at the Rochester branch of Fulton County Public Library from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in Meeting Room B, 320 W. Seventh St.

Taylor will impart techniques for achieving better financial health.The sessionincludes hands-on exercises and handouts showing how to apply what you learn to your financial life.

Taylor works with all Lake City Bank branches to provide Financial Wellness Partner Program workshops to businesses and educates bank employees on issues related to the bank’s core value of inclusivity.

Lake City Bank, a $6.3 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, is the eighth largest bank headquartered in the state, and the largest bank 100% invested in Indiana.

For more information or to register for this workshop, contact FCPL Literacy Director David Hazledine at dhazledine@fulco.lib.in.us or call (574) 223-2713.

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The City of Rochester Street Department has announced the city street paving projects are scheduled to begin on or around September 5.

The Street Department asks that residents in these areas move all vehicles off the street prior to Tuesday and refrain from parking on the street during the resurfacing in that respective area.
If a vehicle is left on the street, the owner will be contacted by the Rochester Police Department to move the vehicle immediately. Any vehicles left on the street may be subject to the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.

The following streets are on the schedule:
Larue Street
Pontiac Street, between 6th and 8th Street
Jay Street, between 6th and 8th Street
West 2nd Street, between Jay and Fulton Avenue
West 3rd Street, between Main and Jefferson Street
West 7th Street, between Jay and Fulton Avenue
Indiana Avenue, between North end of Mill Creek bridge to 8th Street
Madison Street, between 4th and 6th Street
East 5th Street, between Main and Madsion Street
East 10th Street, Madison to Monroe Street
East 12th Street, RR Tracks to Main Street
East 17th Street, Main to Madison Street
Washington Street, between Lincoln Way and Clover Street
Rochester Blvd, between Ewing Road and Lincoln Way
Idlewild Drive
If you have any questions, please contact the Street Department at 574-223-4740.

Caston School Corporation
Executive Session Agenda
Caston Administration Building
Bruce E. Cress Board Room
September 6, 2023
7 PM
As permitted by I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1 the Caston School Board of Trustees will conduct an executive session to
privately discuss a topic permitted by law as indicated below:
_____ (1) Where authorized by federal or state statute
_____ (2) For discussion of strategy with respect to any of the following:
____ (A) Collective bargaining
_____ (B) Initiation of litigation or litigation that is pending or has been threatened specifically in writing.
_____ (C) The implementation of security systems
_____ (D) A real property transaction including:
(i) A purchase; (ii) a lease or lessor; (iii) a lease or lessee; (iv) a transfer; (v) an exchange;
or (vi) a sale;
by the governing body up to the time a contract or option is executed by the parties.
_____ (E) School consolidation
_____ (3) For discussion of the assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures,
plans, and systems.
_____ (4) Interviews and negotiations with industrial or commercial prospects or agents of industrial or
commercial prospects by:
_____(A) The Indiana economic development corporations
_____ (B) The office of tourism development
_____ (C) the Indiana Finance authority
_____ (D) the ports of Indiana
_____ (E) an economic development commission
_____ (F) The Indiana State department of agriculture
_____ (G) a local economic development organization that is a nonprofit corporation established under
state law whose primary purpose is the promotion of industrial or business development in
Indiana, the retention or expansion of Indiana businesses, or the development of entrepreneurial
activities in Indiana; or
_____ (H) a governing body of a political subdivision
_____ (5) To receive information about and interview prospective employees
_____ (6) with respect to any individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction;
_____ (A) to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct; and
_____ (B) to discuss, before a determination, the individual’s status as an employee, a student, or an
independent contractor who is (I) a physician; or (ii) a school bus driver
_____ (7) For discussion of records classified as confidential by state or federal statute
_____ (8) To discuss, before a placement decision, an individual students’ abilities, past performance, behavior,
and needs.
__X___ (9) To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees
_____ (10) When considering the appointment of a public official to do the following:
_____ (A) Develop a list of prospective appointees
_____ (B) Consider applications
_____ (C) Make one (1) initial exclusion of prospective appointees from further
consideration.
_____ (11) To train school board members with an outside consultant about the performance of the role of the
members as public officials
NO SUBJECT MATTER WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION
OTHER THAN THE SUBJECT MATTER SPECIFIED IN THIS PUBLIC NOTICE