Treasurer Daniel Elliott announced that the Indiana Bond Bank assisted the City of Rochester with financing air curtain burners through its Hoosier Equipment Lease Purchase (HELP) Program.

The purchase of $150,000.00 worth of essential equipment was financed through this program.

The HELP program assists Indiana communities in acquiring essential equipment through a standardized and streamlined lease-purchase process. The program provides standard term leases. Flexible repayment is available with competitive rates offered. The HELP program exempts entities from the need to bid financing.

Since July 1, 2023, over $18M in essential equipment has been financed through the HELP program.

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Agi will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Agi’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,514 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is one of the many volunteer based services in the community that goes unnoticed until a time of emergency. Highlighting them for National Volunteer Week, which started April 21 and ends April 27, Fulton County 911 and EMA Director Gail Karas says although they have grown over the past few years, volunteers are still needed for Fulton County EMA. 

National Volunteer Week was designed to raise awareness about the ever-growing need for increased volunteer efforts, and the fulfillment experienced by those who volunteer. Emergency management, also known as disaster management, is an organized response team that coordinate resources and equipment across the community to assist in responding to an emergency. Some of the work includes analyzing and preparing damage assessments following a severe weather or a disaster, traffic control, and more. 

Karas said although many of her volunteers with Fulton County EMA have different reasons for joining, each have their own useful place in helping the community. 

For those interested in volunteering for Fulton County EMA, Karas says the group provides free training for those that don't have the credentials, . The only requirement that makes or breaks whether you can join is if you can pass a background check. 

For more information you can call Karas or Fulton County EMA Deputy Director Dawn Sewell at 574-223-6611 or 574-223-2910.

You can also stop by the Fulton County EMA at 1728 E State Rd 14 in Rochester for an application. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans.

A new law, which passed during the 2024 legislative session, will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors. 

A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in veteran benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.  
House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.

The Indiana Supreme Court denied U.S. Senate candidate John Rust a rehearing in a case to determine his eligibility for the Republican primary ballot. Previously, the justices stayed a lower court ruling that booted Rust from the ballot.

Rust wants to challenge Congressman Jim Banks for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination but a state law requires a candidate’s two most recent primary votes align with their preferred party — a bar Rust doesn’t meet.

Rust voted Republican in 2016 and Democrat in 2012. The law allows an exception, should the county’s party chair grant it. Jackson County Republican Party Chair Amanda Lowery elected not to do so in this case.

He sued to gain access to the Republican ballot, saying the measure barred the vast majority of Hoosiers from running under their preferred party.

Marion County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Dietrick found in December that the two-primary requirement is unconstitutional. But the state appealed, and the Indiana Supreme Court expedited the case as a matter of “significant public interest.”

Both the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Election Commission separately found him ineligible in February rulings. The commission cited the law, which the Supreme Court upheld in a ruling — prompting Rust to file for a rehearing.

Previously, Rust vowed to appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court but ballots are already printed and early voting is currently underway for the May primary. Election Day is May 7.

More than 50 people gathered at The Times Theater on Thursday afternoon to recognize matriarch of the theater Julie Shambarger.

Her efforts and decade-long commitment to reopening The Times Theater was highlighted by Congressman Rudy Yakym in a Congressional Record entry presentation.

Originally thinking the gathering was made to celebrate artist Jim Scott, and Scott's efforts for beautifying the theater with his work, Shambarger was completely surprised by the presentation by Yakym. 

Humbled by the crowd and by the Congressional Record entry in her name, Shambarger said her efforts wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the many other volunteers that helped her along the journey. 

The small town of Monterey in Pulaski County updated security recently.

New high-definition cameras are hoped to bring peace of mind for the locals.

Covering from Main Street in all directions that reach viewing areas of the library, park, town hall, local businesses and more, the camera also has night vision, ensuring all 24 hour protection. 

Douglas Denton has been the Monterey Town Council president for the past eight years. Denton said not everyone in town has been excited about the cameras, some even complaining it takes away privacy from the residents. Denton assures the locals that the cameras were placed in town for the purposes of protecting public property, and to help with traffic enforcement or crime, as needed. 

The Pulaski County town of just under 200 students has dealth with more crime than most realize. Over the past few years, Denton said crimes like vandalism and drug activity have plagued the area, but usually come in spurts, and are quickly taken care of.

There's also been more serious incidents, like the active shooting that took place in town last 4th of July. The town has also seen three robberies in the past few decades at the First National Bank of Monterey.

Denton said increasing a certain amount of security in public spaces is the best that they can do to help law enforcement in their job to promote public safety.

People using the town as a way to get rid of trash have been a problem that Denton hopes is stopped by the new cameras. While the town encourages park visitors to use the trash cans as needed for small items, Denton hopes the cameras will defer anyone wanting to come to town to get rid of their loads of trash bags on public property or business dumpsters. 

Denton reminded the public that placing bagged trash or other trash in town containers or private dumpsters without permission from the owner is illegal and could face a fine up to one thousand dollars.

Denton hopes the cameras send a message that those dumping, littering, or participating in public vandalism or the damage to public property in Monterey will potentially be prosecuted. 

Last week, Denton had received some complaints about drivers speeding through town, and running stop signs. Among the complaints, a four-wheeler that was caught on camera tearing up the streets.

In a recent Facebook post, Denton made a request for help from the public to identify the driver of the four-wheeler. Denton said although they have received a few tips, the suspect has yet to be identified. 

Keeping communities safe has been a passion Denton over the years. In 2017, Denton implemented the first Neighborhood Watch program in Pulaski County. 

Aside from the cameras and neighborhood watch, Denton said the town also gets help from the sheriff's offices from neighboring counties due to the town's location. Last week, Denton said he was able to get the Pulaski, Starke, and Fulton County Sherriff Offices to help increase patrols in the town. 

Cass County public safety personnel were busy Monday afternoon with an overturned anhydrous ammonia tank.

It happened in the area of US 35 north of Logansport. According to public announcement made by the the Cass County Emergency Management Agency, a local farm hand had been moving the nurse tank into a field off of the roadway when the tank rolled over. It came to rest in the field. 

Nearby residents were notified, and roadways were blocked by responding agencies as a precaution while the situation was being assessed. 

Detection equipment indicated no active release of chemicals at the time of initial response. Technician and specialist level HAZMAT personnel from Cass County EMA stood by to monitor the situation and deal with any potential chemical issues while Cass County firefighters worked to safely turn the tank upright. Rescue and intervention personnel were on site ready to respond, if needed.

The area was evaluated for a second time by specialists who determined that no detectable reslease of hazardous materials had occured. 

There were no reported injuries or illnesses as a result of this incident. The roadways were soon cleared by units and returned to service. 

(Photos provided by Cass County EMA)

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com. Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), plans to invest $11 billion to build a data center campus in north central Indiana and create at least 1,000 new jobs. This planned investment marks the largest capital investment announcement in Indiana’s history.

“Indiana’s long-term economic strategy is paying dividends for Hoosiers as we cultivate the growth of critical sectors like technology infrastructure,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Amazon has long been an important economic partner in Indiana, and we are excited to welcome AWS. This significant investment solidifies Indiana’s leadership position in the economy of the future, and will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on the town of New Carlisle, the north central region and the state of Indiana for years to come.” 

AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, and its data centers enable customers of all sizes and across all industries, such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, public sector, and more, to transform their businesses. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. The new data centers will contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment, and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing capabilities, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

“AWS’s unwavering commitment to supporting our customers and helping drive digital transformation has been evident through our infrastructure investments across the United States,” said Roger Wehner, AWS director of economic development. “Building upon this, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Indiana through this planned $11 billion investment, which will create numerous well-paying job opportunities and tap into the state's burgeoning tech sector, while contributing significantly to the state's growing economy. This investment will include our continuing commitment to fostering workforce development and educational initiatives in areas where we operate, and we look forward to helping nurture the next generation of talent in the Hoosier State. We are excited to partner with Governor Holcomb, IEDC, and other state and local leaders to forge a path toward a brighter future for Indiana’s tech landscape.”

Indiana is an ideal hub for data processing due to its business-friendly environment, abundance of infrastructure resources, availability of skilled labor and growing technology and semiconductor sectors.

“The AWS announcement today will be a generational boost to our local and regional economy, and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome the AWS team and workforce into our community,” said Carl Baxmeyer, President of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. “This new data center campus to be built in the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) over the next decade will be a major employment center for all of northern Indiana. This project announcement also shows our alignment with the State’s goal to create next level jobs that benefit all Hoosiers.”

Based on the company’s significant capital investment plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in AWS in the form of data center sales tax exemptions for eligible capital investments over a 50-year term. The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $18.3 million in the form of headcount-based tax credits, up to $5 million in training grants, up to $55 million in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, and up to $20 million in redevelopment tax credits. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made. In addition to its community investment and engagement activities, AWS will also contribute up to $7 million to support road infrastructure improvements being conducted by the state and local community along State Road 2 surrounding the company’s planned development. The company’s investment plans are dependent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements.

The region including Fulton County that recently received its allocation of funding from READI 2.0 is excited about possible future projects.

At the same time, the group also left wondering what could have been had the grant award been larger.

Fulton County Commissioner Bryan Lewis says the North Central Region of Cass, Clinton, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties is working together to decide how to utilize $35 million.

Lewis said the request from the region was for $80 million

READI 2.0 awarded $500 million to 15 regions representing all 92 counties.

The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in March stands at 3.5%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for March stands at 3.8%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 62.6% for March, while the national rate is 62.7%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16-and-older that are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include primarily students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs.  

Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,380,807 - a decrease of 8,595 from the previous month.

"March 2024 was yet another record month for Indiana employment with more Hoosiers employed in the private sector than ever before," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "We saw an increase in demand for workers within six industry sectors including Private Education and Health Services and Professional and Business Services. These sectors added over two thousand jobs to Indiana. Combining these numbers with exciting announcements of new opportunities, including the SK Hynix announcement, shows the strength of the Indiana economy."

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,300 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 34,500 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's March private employment stands at 2,845,500.

Industries that experienced job increases in March included:

• Private Educational and Health Services (+1,200)
• Professional and Business Services (+1,100)
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+800)
• Construction (+400)
• Leisure and Hospitality (+300)
• Financial Activities (+100).

As of April 16, there were 105,593 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending March 30, Indiana had 23,998 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.

Mayors across the country are taking action to help save the monarch butterfly. 

The iconic species has declined in eastern populations by as much as 90 percent and western populations by 99% during the recent years. 

Rochester Mayor Trent Odell recently signed The National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. The commitment aims for mayors to encourage both restoring habitat within the community, and encouraging residents to do the same. 

Last Friday, partnering with Ladybug Foundation Founder Lindsay Barts, Mayor Odell read a book about monarchs to preschoolers at Columbia Elementary School to help inspire community interest in the pledge. 

Around 50 students listened to the program on monarchs, and how community members in Fulton County could do their part in keeping them safe. 

Kim Landis was also there helping Barts teach the students about the monarchs. Landis demonstrated to students how they, with the help of a parent, could make their own pesticides. 

One group of insecticides that has raised concerns over the years in particular is neonicotinoids. It's commonly used on farms, businesses, homes and landscapes. 

While a minimal threat to humans and mammals these particular insecticides are extremely toxic to arthropods. The accesibility and variety of application methods make neonicotinoids popular for use in pest control.

Pollinators, including the monarchs, as well as other insects exposed to neonictinoids face lethal or sublethal effects.

Barts plans on continuing her spread of awareness on saving the monarchs through The Ladybug Foundation, with hopes of gaining more community support in the future. 

The Fulton County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Fulton County – Addison Zimpleman of Caston High School.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

Addison is the daughter of Greg and Camile Zimpleman and plans to study Business and Marketing after graduation.She’s involved in softball, basketball, volleyball, National Honor Society, Key Club, and several other organizations in which she has received awards and honors. Throughout the years, Addison has spent numerous hours volunteering with the Lions Club, the Fulton Community Center, and her youth group.

Wesley Steininger of Rochester High School was previously named the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. He will be pursuing his education at Vanderbilt University, where he will be in the ROTC program, in the fall.

“We wish Wesley the best as he leaves the state to pursue his educational goals,” says Shannon Berger, NICF Scholarship Coordinator. “We feel grateful to have such an excellent applicant pool that allows us to have many qualified students and are fortunate to be able to give this scholarship out to a different student. Addison is an impressive young lady who will only continue to excel in college.”

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.

In determining Fulton County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, the committee assesses a multitude of criteria including high academic performance and community involvement. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

The 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists include Alexa Finke,Tanner Reese, Annie Harsh, and Payton Moore, who will receive $1,000 scholarships from the Fulton County Community Foundation.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department reports that a county resident was involved in a boating accident near the Pulaski Public Access.

The man did not recover from the injuries sustained on Thursday. Few details are available as of this report. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are assisting with the investigation.

A Warsaw teen who pleaded guilty to shooting a person in April of 2023 has received a six year prison sentence from a Koscuisko Superior Court Judge. 

Michael Ramirez, 19, was found guilty in March by a jury trial of charges of aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony; and two counts of pointing a firearm at a person, Level 6 felonies. 

Ramirez was sentenced to nine years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with six years to be executed, and three of those years suspended for probation. An additional one year DOC for each charge of pointing a firearm was given, but both counts were suspended for probation. 

Ramirez had 40 days of jail time credit at the time of his sentencing. The judge ordered each of the charges to be served back-to-back. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, Ramirez's crime happened on April 8, 2023. When Warsaw Police officers arrived to the scene they reported immediately discovering a man laying on the ground with a gunshot wound. The victim was soon taken to a nearby hospital by emerency medical personnel. 

Witnesses from the shooting incident claimed Ramirez had pointed a firearm at three individuals before fight ensued with the victim, ending with him shot. 

Ramirez reported to officers that he had been enticed by threatening text messages prior to the shooting. Ramirez also admitted to loading a firearm when he noticed two people outside of his home with their hoods up. When he went outside, Ramirez claimed the victim swung at him first, causing him to push the victim and shoot his firearm. 

A witness had claimed that they had confronted Ramirez after they had been texting threatening messages from him. The shooting victim reported that he had told Ramirez to put the gun away multiple times before he was shot in the back. The bullet had lodged itself in the victim's lung. 

Ramirez refused to give a statement in court, and said he would not appeal the sentence. 

Gov. Eric Holcomb proclaimed this week Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Indiana.

The proclamation is meant to encourage public safety agencies and residents statewide to recognize and appreciate the important work these professionals do.

Fulton County 911 Communications Director Gail Karas says her 13 dispatchers are part of a 24 / 7 service that is a critical component during emergency communications, often being the first-step in coordinating critical, life-saving emergency services. 

Whether it be a car wreck, home intruder, domestic violence, medical problem or some other emergency, 911 dispatchers are trained to stay calm to get the information needed in order to quickly send help.

Karas said she has personally been able to see 911's development and efficency grow throughout the decades. Even back in the 1990's, changes made for addresses in the country instead of the former 'rural routes' have made a world of difference to first responders being able to be sent to a scene quickly. 

Karas started her 911 career in 1999, after she was hired as a dispatcher. 

Whether it's with EMS, EMA, or 911, Karas is thankful for the support she's gotten from Fulton County Commissioners throughout the years. Karas said her main focus as her career has developed throughout the years has been to enhance and make Fulton County better each year. The focus and dedication was inspired by previous 911 directors before Karas. They taught her the importance of growth.

In March, 2023, Karas made her vision of an even bigger and improved dispatch center a reality when her staff officially moved to their newest location in the Fulton County Sheriff Department at 2006 Sweetgum Road in Rochester. 

Karas said the job her dispatchers have each day they clock in is often unpredictable and not for the faint of heart. 

(Pictured is Fulton County Dispatcher Mackenzie Gaines.)

The Cass County Clerk and Cass County Courthouse Poll Workers reports it had the opportunity and privilege to assist Arthur “Don” Morphet with casting his ballot during the 2024 Presidential Primary. 

Mr. Morphet is 101 years old.  He has voted by absentee ballot in previous years but this year he wanted to get out and vote in person. Cass County Clerk Destry Richey wants to commend Mr. Morphet for getting to the polls and recognizing that his vote does matter. 

“Our team was so honored to be there when Mr. Morphet came in to cast his ballot.  It’s people like him that show the rest of us your vote, every vote does indeed count and is important in each election. From 18 to 101, each Hoosier should get to the polls and let their voice be heard,” said Destry Richey, Cass County Clerk.

“Mr. Morphet is setting an example for all Hoosiers. I want to especially recognize him for fulfilling his civic duty and voting in this year’s Primary Election.  I hope other eligible voters see this incredible example of a Hoosier and an American and follow in his footsteps. Thank you, Mr. Morphet, for making your voice heard with your vote,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State.

To check your registration status, see who is on your ballot, and find your polling location visit IndianaVoters.com.

Mr. Morphet will turn 102 next month on May 15.  

Two different stretches of Old US 531 in Fulton County will be the focus of upcoming projects.

Commissioner Bryan Lewis.

Lewis says another stretch will wait a few years for its scheduled project.

The Marshall County Drug Task Force assisted by  the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the Creekside Mobile Home Park near LaPaz.

During the investigation, officers located and arrested Kayla Baker, 32,  who lives in the trailer park for outstanding warrants from Marshall, Miami, Wabash, and Fulton counties.

Baker was also arrested on new charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. She has no bond on the warrants and a $1,500 cash bond on the new charges.

Indiana Farm Bureau recently awarded scholarships to incoming or current college students pursuing careers in agriculture.

New this year, INFB introduced the Ag Impact Scholarship, which highlights applicants who demonstrate a lasting effect on Indiana agriculture. Three recipients each received a $2,000 scholarship.

The Ag Impact scholarship program is designed to focus on the applicant’s current involvement, future commitment, and potential impact in agriculture as well as academic and career potential. All applicants must have been graduating high school seniors. The scholarship funds can be applied to tuition, housing, books or other educational expenses.

The three recipients of the 2024 Ag Impact Scholarship include Lauryn Merritt, of Miami County. Merritt will graduate from Maconaquah High School. She will attend Huntington University in the fall to pursue a double major in agriculture education and agriculture ministry.

Merritt is a fifth-generation pig and grain farmer who serves as her chapter’s FFA president and is completing her 10^th year in 4-H. She also serves as co-captain of the women’s basketball team, participates in cross country and track, serves as treasurer for her National Honor Society chapter and volunteers with Champions Together, a partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics Indiana.

Merritt created a fundraiser in her community called “Harvest for Hunger,” where she has raised over $48,000 for Miami County Helping Hands, the local food pantry. Merritt plans to continue her community service work during college, as she intends to teach others how to grow their own food and highlight how farmers give back to their communities.

The United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are alerting the public to several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be representatives of the Marshals Service, court officers, or other law enforcement officials.

Several residents in the Northern District of Indiana have reported having received calls from individuals claiming to be the "U.S. Marshal" informing those called that their identity had been stolen and their bank account hacked.

The USMS are urging people to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.

Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible, sometimes providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials, federal judges, and courthouse addresses. Scammers may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency or the court.

The caller on the Indiana scam instructs those called to go to their bank and withdraw funds from the account before they are frozen. Those victims are further told to purchase gift cards with their money and the "marshal" would then put that money into a new account and issue them a new Social Security number. Be advised that the U.S. Marshal's Service will not call and ask for any money or monetary instrument over the telephone.

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local FBI offices and/or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you were contacted by someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal or believe you are the victim of such scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/ .

Things to remember:

—The U.S. Marshals Service will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.

—Never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.

—Report scam phone calls to your local FBI offices and to the FTC.

—You can remain anonymous when you report.

—You can authenticate the call by contacting the United States District Court Clerk's in your area to verify the court order given by the caller.

The Department of Justice launched the National Elder Fraud Hotline, which provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. The hotline's toll free number is 833-372-8311.

Two area Indiana State troopers were honored at a ceremony Wednesday.

The Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Indiana State Police employees from around the state. Two local troopers were recognized at the ceremony.

Trooper Chad Babbs was recognized as the 2023 Indiana State Police Peru Post Trooper of the District. The award is given annually to the trooper that personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic. Babbs was selected by the command staff at the Peru Post for his dedication to his job, traffic and criminal enforcement, community involvement, instructor ratings, specialty assignments, and other services provided by the officer that exceed department expectations. In 2023, Babbs had 284 criminal arrests with 76 of those being felony. Babbs investigated over 111 criminal cases, worked 14 crashes, answered 461 calls for service, and initiated 933 traffic stops. Babbs has worked for the Indiana State Police for seven years and primarily works in Miami County.

Trooper Dustin Powers received the Indiana State Police Peru District Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Award for his commitment to removing impaired drivers from the Indiana roadways. In 2023, Powers led the Peru Post with 31 impaired driver arrests. Powers exemplifies the professionalism and integrity expected of Indiana State Police troopers. Powers’ actions continue to make the roadways safer for the citizens of Indiana. He has worked with the Indiana State Police Department for two years and primarily works in Wabash County.

This year marks a century for The Budd Agency, who strives to provide their customers in Pulaski County and surrounding communities with insurance for financial protection homes, properties,vehicles, and more. 

Karen Budd, wife of the late Dave Budd, a third generation owner of the business, currently runs the business at their current location at 607 Monticello St in Winamac. The small-town insurance business strives to maintain the personal relationships built with their clients, keeping a mindset of 'neighbors looking after neighbors' for the past 100 years. 

Founder Skyler Budd started the business, after a fire destroyed his barn on his rural Pulaski County farm in 1923. Having insurance on his buildings saved the farmer financially from the disaster. When community members joined together to lend a helping hand in the rebuilding of the Budd family barn, Skyler soon learned that many of his friends and family were without insurance themselves. 

The Budd Agency was officially formed in 1924, with humble beginnings as a weekend job for the farmer. 

The Budd Agency was continued on for a second generation when Harold Budd took over the side business from his father. Growing the business, Harold would eventually move their insurance business off the farm, and into a more convenient location in Winamac.

The Budd Agency saw its third generation of Budd men running the business once Dave Budd stepped up to bat in the 1980's. Dave held his reign at the agency until his sudden passing from a heart attack during the summer of 2022. 

Although the fourth generation of Budd family has other plans in their careers, Dave's wife Karen continues to keep the Budd legacy alive. 

Karen says although the Budd men are gone from the agency, she and her staff maintain the same quality of service Budd Insurance Agency has given over the past century. 

In celebration of their 100 years in business The Budd Agency will be celebrating at their Winamac location on Friday, May 17, by serving free lunch and cake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A school board member for the Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award.

Beth Ruff-Crawford received the award for calendar year 2023. The Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) are conferred annually by the Indiana School Boards Association to school boards and school board members who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to professional learning and student success.
Awards are conferred across four levels of distinction. This year’s honors include 109 Commendable Awards (Level 1), 78 Advanced Awards (Level 2), 54 Distinguished Awards (Level 3), and 29 Exemplary Awards (Level 4).
“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this most exceptional group of school board members,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service, and members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to perform their duties effectively.”
Honorees will formally receive their awards at ISBA’s Spring Regional Meetings during the month of April.
“These individuals are leading the way as models who strive for effective school board governance, and they should be proud of their accomplishments,” said ISBA President Rebecca Gardenour.
In addition to the individual accolades, a total of 105 school boards have earned board level awards. Level 1 and Level 2 Board awards are based on the collective point totals earned by board members, while Level 3 and Level 4 Board awards require the completion of additional criteria, such as a retreat with an outside facilitator.
Spring Regional Meetings are being held in Lafayette, Merrillville, Plymouth, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Greencastle, Hagerstown, Indianapolis, Seymour, and Jasper.
 

In 2023, Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security secured state funding totaling $17.7 million for fire training and equipment.

Out of these funds, $10 million in new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been issued to volunteer fire departments across the state.

These funds represent the first-ever funding allocated by the General Assembly for firefighter training and equipment. The departments received full sets of PPE (turnout gear and SCBA setup) based on their needs and the age of their current equipment.

Among area departments included in the PPE issue:

• Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department
• Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services, Etna Green
• Kewanna/Union Township Fire Department
• Winamac Volunteer Fire Department
• Fulton-Liberty Township Volunteer Fire
• Denver Volunteer Fire Department Denver, IN
• Twelve Mile Community Volunteer Fire Dept. Twelve Mile, IN

Through Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, $17.7 million was allocated to firefighters through PPE and new training facilities for volunteer stations across Indiana. This investment marks the first time the Indiana General Assembly has dedicated funds specifically to firefighters. The only other funding source for firefighters is the tax revenue from the sale of fireworks in Indiana.

The funds are administered by the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy, led by the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The vendor, MES Inc., will work directly with individual firefighters to measure and fit the equipment before delivery.

IDHS accepted submissions for several months in 2023 to determine the highest need departments. The application process is now closed.