Twenty-one organizations were awarded with an All-Star Legacy Grant by the NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee.

The 21 projects will impact an estimated 90,000 kids across Indiana, thanks to the $1 million initiative focused on youth-serving nonprofit organizations.

"The 21 organizations take on and empower young people," said Todd Jacobson, NBA Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility. "They take on the challenges that face our communities, and they lead with the values of teamwork, inclusion, respect and quality."

Some of the recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marshall County.

"I think the legacy programs are certainly proving positive of how we can impact lives and communities together," said Rick Fuson, Founding Chairman of the All-Star Board of Directors.

The 21 projects will be constructed and completed before the NBA All-Star 2021 game.

“Basketball is a part of the DNA of Indiana, serving as a common language for residents of all ages and backgrounds. These 21 legacy projects showcase our community’s commitment to future generations while also celebrating the history and heritage of basketball in our state leading up to NBA All-Star 2021,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Through this $1 million investment in youth-serving organizations, we are leveraging our role as the host of this world class event and putting into action the sentiment that ‘we grow basketball here.’”

 A man from Winona Lake faces multiple counts of child molesting.

Trece Blanton, 21, is accused of molesting a 14-year-old boy multiple times and telling him not to tell anyone about it.

Police say the abuse happened for about a month, from December to January, reports WNDU.

Blanton's next court date is in April.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is urging Hoosiers to take common-sense steps to prepare for the possibility that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) gains a greater foothold in the United States.

Indiana has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, and no one in the state is suspected of being infected at this time. To date, ISDH has worked with local health departments to monitor nearly 60 travelers in accordance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of people being monitored fluctuates as individuals complete the 14-day monitoring period. Currently, 26 individuals are being monitored in Indiana due to their history of travel or contact with an individual who has traveled to an affected country.

The CDC says the immediate risk at this time is low for Americans who do not have risk factors, such as travel to an impacted area or contact with a person who has had recent travel to China or other affected countries. However, the CDC has urged Americans to begin thinking about steps they would take if their daily lives are disrupted.

“This is a time to plan, not to panic,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “The situation with this novel coronavirus is changing rapidly, and I know that can cause concern because we don’t have all the answers yet. What we do have, however, is a plan for how to respond if and when COVID-19 comes to Indiana.”

ISDH is working with state, local and federal partners to refine existing pandemic response strategies, which include specific measures to prepare communities to respond to local transmission of the virus.

“Indiana has responded to pandemics before, and we have many tools to keep Hoosiers safe,” Box said. “While we can’t predict which measures might be necessary, we have trained in their use and can deploy these strategies quickly if the need arises.”

COVID-19 is a new illness caused by a coronavirus that had not been previously identified. This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has since spread globally. It is thought to be spread mainly person-to-person between people in close contact (within 6 feet) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

Because there is no vaccine and no treatment for COVID-19, these steps largely focus on staying home and mitigating the risk of community exposure should it become necessary.

Here are some practical steps Hoosiers can take:

• Practice everyday prevention measures, which include washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you are sick and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest information by checking credible sources of information, including the ISDH website at in.gov/isdh and the CDC website at cdc.gov/COVID19. More information will be shared about additional recommendations as the situation changes.

A video of a briefing Dr. Box provided to media earlier today will be posted here (Internet Explorer only) this afternoon.

Due to weather conditions we are starting to see delays for Friday, February 28, 2020:

Tippecanoe Valley High School - 2 hour delay

Stay tuned to WROI GIANT fm for further updates.

Rochester High School Athletic Director Ryan Johnson was on From the Bench Wednesday and talked about the upcoming boys basketball sectionals and when and where you can get your tickets.

You can catch all the Zebra sectional action right here on Giant FM Sports

Brian Johnson from the Fulton County Community Foundation spoke to GIANT fm about the benefits that come after an individual or group makes a donation to start a long term endowment fund.

John Kraft, CFO of Woodlawn Hospital, has details of his report from the board meeting this week.

Kraft said they were getting ready to update some other equipment  before the new da Vinci X system arrives.

Kraft went on to update  the financials of Woodlawn.

Ruth Gunter was appointed by Phyllis Biddinger, Fulton County Democratic Chair, to fill the Rochester City Council Precinct 1 seat vacated by Gary Clevenger, Jr. 

Ruth’s term will end on December 31, 2023. 

Ruth lives in Precinct 1 and is the owner of the Evergreen Restaurant, 530 Main Street, Rochester.

Emergency crews responded to a call of a vehicle in a pond.

At 11:17 am, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received a call from Garrett Palm.  Palm reported that his truck had gone into the water in the 3800 block of East Wooster Road.  A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Winona Lake Police Department officers were on scene within five minutes of the dispatch. Wooster Road was noted to be ice covered as the crews were arriving.

Officers made contact with Palm, who was still inside of his pickup truck.  The truck was sitting in approximately three feet of water. Firefirefighters with the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory donned drysuits and entered the water to assist Palm, who was uninjured, from the truck.

A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team Member assisted the wrecker crew with the removal of the pickup.

The Fulton County Community Foundation says it's time to start filling out summer applications.

Brian Johnson spoke with GIANT fm News.

Johnson describes two other grant opportunities that are taking applications

Rochester schools will still be educating kids during the upcoming spring break.

Columbia Elementary Principal Jason Snyder says that if your child isn’t going anywhere for spring break there are some things they can do through the school.

Snyder says they also have some other things planned.

Rochester schools will be out for Spring Break March 23 - April 3.

Executive Director of the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Jillian Kreamer was our guest last week on chamber chat.  She talked to us about CASA. Jillian told us what it is and what they do.

If you’re interested in being part of CASA stop in at 420 Main St and talk with them about joining. 

Jason Snyder, Principal of Columbia was our guest on the Rochester Schools report.  Jason tells us there are several steps you need to take if you have a child getting ready to enter into kindergarten. 

Jason went on to tell us that step one, registration, is quickly approaching.

Giant FM had a chance to talk to Ryan Zimpleman of Smith, Sawyer and Smith Insurance this week about the move to their new location.  We asked Ryan when they decided they needed to move and how they came to the decision of the old First Financial Bank building.

Ryan went on to tell us about one of the surprises they found during the renovations.

Stop by 729 Main St. in Rochester and take a look at the new Smith, Sawyer and Smith building.

The Rochester Common Council met in regular session on Tuesday night taking just under an hour to address the evening’s agenda.  Taking center stage for the meeting was Ordinance 01-2020 which was a traffic amendment to install a 4-way stop at the intersection of Fulton Avenue and 9^th Street.  Police Chief Andy Shotts suggested waiting until warmer weather to install the new stop signs so that the new signage and road markings could be applied at the same time.  The council held the 3^rd reading and voted to pass the ordinance by a vote of 5-0, Councilman Mart Smith was absent for Tuesday night’s meeting. 

In other business Chief Shotts gave his monthly report.  In January the Rochester Police Department investigated 13 traffic accidents all property damage, they issued 119 warnings, had 615 calls for service and incarcerated 29 individuals. 

In other reports Mayor Denton told the crowd on hand Tuesday night that the 50/50 sidewalk program is back open.  If you are interested in applying for the 50/50 program contact city hall to fill at the application. 

The next Rochester Common Council meeting will be March 24^th at 6:00 p.m. in the city complex building. 

All of this rain in central Indiana will eventually turn to snow, but how much will we get?

Mike Ryan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service says it all depends on where you live.

The northern half of the state is under a Winter Storm Watch late tonight and all day Wednesday.

"Indianapolis is not included in the watch, but locations in the north metro -- Boone and Hamilton counties -- and points north of there are under the watch," Ryan said.

He says the Indy metro will see the most snow on Wednesday afternoon and during the evening commute, with totals reaching 1-3 inches.

The more north you go, the more snow you'll see.

"North central Indiana, places like Lafayette and Kokomo, will get around 3 to 5 inches," Ryan said. "6 to 8 inches, maybe even higher, as you get up towards Rensselaer, Rochester, and definitely South Bend and towards the Chicagoland area."

On the flip side, southern Indiana will see less amounts. Ryan says Bloomington and Columbus might see an inch of snow, but cities and towns along the Ohio River Valley might not see any, as temperatures should stay warm enough to keep any precipitation as rain.

A Cass County woman is accused of intentionally crashing into the patrol car of an Indiana State Trooper.

According to WLFI, Melissa Smith's minivan was spotted weaving from lane to lane early Tuesday morning.  When Cass County Sheriff's deputies tried to pull her over, Smith refused to stop. She led officers on a chase that lasted nearly 20 minutes and ended when she slammed into the back of an Indiana State Police patrol car.

WLFI reports Smith intentionally crashed into the back of the car.

Smith was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to WLFI. No one else was hurt.

Jillian Kreamer was our guest on Chamber Chat.  She told us that the County is working on updating the current comprehensive plan.

Jillian says they need everyone’s input on the plan.

Chamber Chat comes your way every 2 weeks here on Giant FM.

This week is FFA week around the state.  Tessa Downhour of the Rochester FFA chapter tells us what they have planned for this week. 

We want to thank them for everything they do and remind everyone FFA nurtures young men and women with an interest in agriculture into the farmers and stewards of tomorrow.

Were you wondering what's going on at the Courthouse today?  Josh Sriver the IT/Maintenance guy for the county says they will be here all week working on the following issuses:

At the bell tower peak: Install roughly 20 new tiles and apply new mortar at the hips

At the bell tower base:  Install 30 new tiles at the North and West gables

Address area over Circuit Court courtroom which is leaking

Midland Engineering is doing the work for the county.

The Rochester Common Council will have their monthly meeting coming up this Tuesday evening at 6:00pm. Agenda items include minutes from the January 28^th meeting.  In old business the council will have the final reading and vote for Ordinance 01-2020, traffic amendment for addition of a 4 way stop at Fulton Ave and 9^th St.  Also on the agenda is New Business including Council appointments, permit fee waiver for the Times Theater and Lawn Care Business owner’s discussion of ordinance 04-2014.  They will conclude their meeting with department and committee reports.     

Jillian Kreamer was in the studio on Friday for the latest Chamber Chat.  She talked about the Red Hot Car Show committee wanting to have an event for Friday night before the Chili Cook Off and Red Hot Car Show. 

They need some help with this,  Jillian has more details.

The Chamber office is located at 822 Main Street or you can call them at 224-2666.

A 12-year-old boy’s death was as a result of self-inflicted injuries.

Ayden Elijah Adee was found Friday in a wooded area southeast of Warsaw near his home.  He was the subject of a statewide Silver Alert after being reported missing on Wednesday.

The Kosciusko County Coroner released the information Friday.

On Thursday, authorities released that Adee may be in possession of a gun.

Adee had recently transferred to the Whitko school district.  The district released the following statement:

“Yesterday, we learned that one of our own students, Ayden Adee was found deceased. This is the worst reality any family could experience. This is a profound loss for our Whitko family and we that know many of you are grieving, hurting, and upset. As your students return to school on Monday, we will have mental health professionals, counselors and ministerial staff from within the community ready to support students and staff during this time of tragedy. As we grieve together, let’s lean on one another and depend on each other for support.  

Finally, we are encouraging every family to please spend time speaking with your son or daughter about the value of their life, and the lives of others and help them to know it is always ok to reach out and ask for help no matter what they may be experiencing.  

No other information is expected to be released by authorities out of respect to the family

A social media video resulted in an arrest by Peru Police involving a battery on a child.

On Friday evening, Peru Police were dispatched to conduct a welfare check on a small child.  Officers received information of the existence of a video of an adult female that battered a child.

Police and the Indiana Department of Child Services determined the child was not injured and the child was placed with family members as an investigation was initiated.

The Peru Police say the video was released via social media and numerous reports came into the department.  Following the investigation, Hanna Winch, 21, was taken to the Miami County Jail on charges of domestic battery and intimidation.

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Tyler Shoffner at (765) 473-2150, extension 504.

On Friday's editon of Chamber Chat, Jillian Kreamer talked about the upcoming Chamber Gala Awards Night.  It is time for nominations.

To make nominations stop by the Chamber office at 822 Main Street or call 224-2666.

In a memo from State Representative Ethan Manning he stated that "we got off to a running start this week as the second half of the session really got going."  Ethan says he is sponsoring eight Senate bills this session and keeping watch on several matters around the state.  One of those matters he is involved with, and watching closely, is the Indiana Department of Transportation's plans to install J-Turns along US 31 in Miami County.  Ethan says he has received many messages in opposition of the J-Turns and he has shared those with INDOT officials.  He also asked INDOT to host public meetings to inform the public of the detailed plans and to receive input from all that are affected.  "Rest assured we'll get the word out about any updates, hopefully in the near future"

Also in the memo from State Representative Manning, he made mention of how great it was seeing folks at the Statehouse this week including a group from Fulton County.  Fulton County Leadership Academy is divided into 2 groups.  One group is working on a dog park and the other is working to replace the light poles at the Rochester High School football field.  "These dedicated Hoosiers and programs help make a big difference and have a positive impact in our community" Manning stated.  He also wanted to thank them for sharing time with him at the statehouse.

Manning reminds citizens that "it's your government, so participate in it."

The biggest topic of the day from the Legislative Breakfast Series at Rochester Meat and Deli was the new Fulton County Jail.

Fulton County Commissioner Rick Ranstead says coming to a final decision on the price of the jail was a process in itself, but there is a final estimated price.

Ranstead says when push comes to shove it was time for a new jail, as the current jail is overflowing with inmates and some are needing to be outsourced to surrounding correctional facilities.

The finish date for the construction of the new jail is sometime in May 2021.

An Indiana State Police investigation has resulted in the arrests of six Peru residents.

The two week long criminal investigation resulted in the arrests of Jennifer Brown, 39, Allen O’Malley, 39, Frank Stambaugh, 36, David Jones, 35, Whitney Stambaugh, 33, and Roger Edmondson Jr, 30.  All will face criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic needle, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Indiana State Police say Whitney Stambaugh faces an additional charge for trafficking methamphetamine. Allegedly, while she was being booked into the Miami County Jail, methamphetamine was found hidden on her person.

Frank Stambugh has an additional charge for possession of methamphetamine, while Jones has an additional count for dealing methamphetamine.

A citizen’s tip about possible illegal drug activity occurring at a home in rural Peru sparked the investigation.  The Indiana State Police developed enough probable cause to be issued a Miami Superior Court II search warrant for the residence.  Officers report they found approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medication, syringes, and drug paraphernalia.

Officers also served Whitney Stambaugh with two arrest warrants. The warrants were for failure to appear from Wabash and Miami Counties.

Emergency personnel returned Friday morning to the area of Ayden Adee’s residence to resume the search that was initiated Thursday.   Adee was the subject of a statewide Silver Alert.

A thorough search grid was established and teams were assigned to designated areas. At approximately 12:15 pm the deceased body of Ayden Adee was discovered in a heavily wooded area near the intersection of CR 350 E and CR 500 S.

At this time, there is no indication that foul play is involved. The Kosciusko County Coroner was dispatched to the scene and will be the point of contact for the cause and manner of death.

Earlier Friday, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s office said deputies, along with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, searched the Sellers Lake area throughout the day on Thursday. Officers and deputies used drone technology, search dogs and ATV's to aid with the search.

It is possible that Ayden had in his possession a .40 caliber handgun.

Assisting in the investigation and search were the following: representatives from fire Departments throughout Kosciusko County, Lutheran EMS, Nappanee Police Department and Indiana Conservation Officers.

The American Red Cross supplied refreshments and food, donated by McDonald’s, at the scene.

A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of Ayden Elijah Adee, a 12 year old white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 108 pounds, red hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing a black ball cap, black and blue coat, black vest, and blue jeans.

Ayden is missing from Warsaw, Indiana and was last seen on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 9:30 pm. He is believed to be in danger and may require medical assistance.

Personnel from the Kosciusko County Sherrif's Office along with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers have searched the Sellers Lake area throughout the day. Officers and deputies have used drone technology, search dogs and ATVs to aid with the search. It is possible that Ayden is in possession of a handgun.

If you have any information on Ayden Elijah Adee, contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office at 574-267-5667 or 911.

A meeting for the Commissioners of Fulton County lasting nearly three hours as the public voiced their concern.

The big debate of the night came from the building code ordinance proposed by the area plan commission. Commissioner Steve Metzger says the time of the meeting is understandable as they wanted to make sure they answered any questions the public might have.

Metzger wants to clear up some confusion from earlier with the example of working to replace toilets in the home.

The ordinance will now head to the state level for approval.

Indiana Beach has officially closed for good.  White County Economic Development Director Randy Mitchell confirmed that Apex Parks Group decided to close Indiana Beach after a search for buyers ended unsuccessfully.  Apex Parks Senior Vice President Gregg Borman told Mitchell the closure was strictly for financial reasons.  The lakeside resort was originally opened in 1926 by the Spackman family, on September 1, 2015 it was announced that the park had been sold to Apex Parks Group.

Indiana Beach still has 27 employees, 15 in maintenance and 12 in administrative roles.  The future of their employment is uncertain at this time according to Mitchell.  Mitchell also stated that Apex Parks had closed three other amusement parks.  Apex Parks currently operates 11 parks, 9 in California and three in Florida.

The second installment of the Legislative Breakfast put on by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce took place at Rochester Meat and Deli on Saturday.

The crowd of roughly 40 was on hand to hear from the Fulton County Commissioners and the Mayor of Rochester Ted Denton. President of the Commissioners Bryan Lewis says there are changes coming to the Fedco Board.

Steve Metzger has been working on developing a plan for salting the roads when bad weather is on the horizon. Rochester has struggled in recent memory as they have had to call ahead for salt from the surrounding area; this will no longer be the case soon as Rochester is working on getting its own salt storage depot.

Their daughter, Elizabeth, and Ivy Tech Community College are both deeply woven into the lives of Melissa and Stephen Padgett of Kokomo. To honor both, the Padgetts are proud contributors to the #THETIMEISNOW campaign to support the transformation of the College’s Kokomo Campus.

Thanks to their contribution, faculty, students, and staff will be able to meet, converse, and learn in the Elizabeth Padgett Huddle Room that is part of the faculty offices in Ivy Tech Kokomo’s new Health Professions Center.

The family’s connection to Ivy Tech goes back nearly 29 years, when Melissa was hired to serve as regional bookstore manager. After 17 years in the bookstore, she moved through grant project accountant to director of the business office to her current position as executive director of finance. Stephen, a registered nurse since 1997 with ER experience at both local hospitals, started out as an adjunct faculty member in Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Medical Assisting. Since 2010, he has been a fulltime faculty member, teaching everything from pharmacology to medical law and ethics, along with clinical procedures for Medical Assisting students.

Why the investment in Ivy Tech?

For Melissa and Stephen, the theme is “pay it forward.” “We’ve been blessed to have been employed as part of the Ivy Tech family,” Melissa said. “We believe in Ivy Tech’s mission. When we’re out in public, students rush up to Stephen to thank him and let him know that the experiences he shared in class have really helped them in their professional careers. We’ve seen so many instances where the opportunities Ivy Tech provides has turned lives around.”

And the opportunity to acknowledge the gift of Elizabeth was also an important consideration to the couple.

Elizabeth was born 27 years ago with cerebral palsy and profound brain injury. Stephen said they were told she might not live to leave the hospital and, if she did, she would be “a vegetable.” “And so she got the nickname ‘Spud,” he said with a chuckle. So began the Padgetts’ journey in parenthood. Once they got her home, Stephen said, they began to see her develop and they ran with every improvement.

“We said when we knew we were having a child, we knew we’d always do whatever we could to help them have a good life,” Melissa said. “This is just a different journey than what we expected. Maybe by sharing our stories, we can help other families on their journey.”

While nonverbal, Elizabeth is able to communicate through looks and sounds, showing she understands and interacting with those around her. “She’s complete care, but she provides us complete joy and love as well,” Melissa said. “She has been a light in so many people’s lives.” With therapy and support, Elizabeth graduated from Kokomo High School in 2010 with a certificate of completion.

“Elizabeth loves to learn, to be read to,” Stephen said. “One Ivy Tech student, when she served as a caregiver, would study by reading her physiology books to her.”

“Our gift to the campaign is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to the entire Kokomo community,” Melissa said. “From the time we brought Elizabeth home, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received to give her the best life she can have. The transformed Kokomo Campus will help others on their way.”

Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of resource development for Ivy Tech Kokomo, said, “Melissa and Stephen are such great examples of how the Ivy Tech family feels about our mission. We are incredibly grateful for the support our campus project has received from so many members of the Ivy Tech Kokomo faculty and staff.”

So far, Ivy Tech faculty and staff have contributed or pledged $283,451 to the capital campaign to finish the $43 million transformation project currently under way on the Kokomo campus. To find out more about this opportunity to improve education in north central Indiana, contact Karickhoff at kkarickhoff@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5501.

Two Asian men were denied a hotel room at a Super 8 Inn as well as a Days Inn in Plymouth this week over fears of the coronavirus.

Kaopra Lor and his friend were looking to a place to stay for the night, according to his Facebook page. When they walked into a Days Inn, the man working the front desk told them they could not give them a room. That's when he started recording the conversation on his phone.

"Are you from China," the Super 8 desk worker asked.

"Why is that," Lor replied.

"You haven't heard of the coronavirus," the worker said. "It's a major problem at hotels right now. We're trying to keep the stuff from spreading.

The worker went on to say it was a company policy that they no give rooms to people they believe might be carrying the coronavirus. The same thing happened at the Days Inn across the street, but the owner said Lor was turned away because he was recording the conversation on his phone, reports ABC 57.

Lor said in his Facebook post they ended up sleep in their car for the night.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, who owns both brands, but licenses the hotels out to independent owners, said it is not a policy to turn away people suspected of carrying the coronavirus and offer "sincere apologies" to Lor.

With the weather last week coming through northern Indiana last week some changes are coming to the Rochester School schedule.

Riddle Elementary School Principal Luke Biernacki wants to remind parents and students that this Monday school will be in session as a snow make up day.

Riddle Elementary is working to help peak their students interest in reading and are doing so by starting a one book one school program that will wrap up towards the end of this month.

We are experiencing some delays for Friday February 14, 2020:

Eastern Pulaski Community Schools - 2 hour delay

Rochester Community Schools - 2 hour delay

Tippecanoe Valley High School - 2 hour delay

Culver Community Schools - 2 hour delay

Stay tuned to this post and WROI GIANT fm for more updates

Sentencing for a Kosciusko County man who admitted to running a man over during a drug deal.

Daniel Duenas, 21, admitted to killing Derek Davidson in Warsaw in 2017, reports WSBT.

Duenas told police he was trying to sell marijuana when Davidson took the drugs without paying, according to WSBT. Duenas got in his car and backed over Davidson multiple times.

Duenas faces up to 22 years in prison.

Last month Fulton County residents gathered at Kewanna Public Library to hear from legislators this Saturday is time for the second installment of the Legislative Breakfast Series.

Executive Director with the Chamber Jillian Kreamer wants to see you at Rochester Meat and Deli this time around for the Legislative Breakfast this weekend.

After hearing from the Fulton County Commissioners and the Mayor of Rochester at the Legislative Breakfast, Kreamer says it is time to kick back and relax at the next business after hours.

On Friday, the newest group of men in the Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP) graduated after four months of classes and services. The men completed numerous courses including: MRT, parenting, Celebrate Recovery, fitness, spiritual and job readiness classes. They also received their food handlers safety certificates from ServSafe and seven of the nine men received the managers certificate as well. Four men took an additional challenge and participated in four hours of tutoring each week from Warsaw Adult Education and three passed their High School Equivalency test.

Nearly 70 people were in attendance for the graduation, including community leaders, Mayor Joe Thallemer, representatives from probation, community corrections and even the jail cook came; all to show their support. Class instructors shared their experiences working with the men and encouraged them to continue to work hard and reach out to them once they’re released from jail. Sheriff Dukes announced that the next women’s program will start at the end of the month and that we will be starting another men’s program in March. Running two programs at once has been a goal, and funding opportunities have finally made it possible. We would like to thank Michelle

Wiedenbenner for her generous donation of the men’s graduation T-shirts.

Fulton County Fuel Group working to be better adults.

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jillian Kreamer says the Adulting 101 class was a roaring success and if you were not there you certainly missed out.

This was the first course in the Adulting 101 series designed to help educate those who need it on real world living. 

For more information you can call the Chamber at 224-2666

In a prepared statement sent to WROI GIANT fm news, Eastern Pulaski School Corpartion has announced as of February 7, 2020, the principal of Winamac Middle School is on paid administrative leave due to allegations of misconduct. The district has launched a thorough internal investigation and is cooperating with law enforcement.  Any additional comments at this time would compromise the investigation, so we ask for the public's patience.  This situation is completely unrelated to the High School investigation.  Eastern Pulaski School Corporation will release information it can as it becomes available.

Fulton County Solid Waste District cleaning up the county.

Executive Director with Fulton County Solid Waste District Stacy Hart says there are plenty of places in the area that you can drop off your recycled goods.

Hart wants the public to be aware of the pay as you go program they offer saying it is something that can be taken advantage of 24 hours a day, just simple drop your items off. 

Fulton County Member of the Month honored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Director of Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home Darin Beeker accepted the award on behalf of his staff. He says the history of Zimmerman Brothers is a rich one that goes back over 150 years. 

Roughly 15 years ago Zimmerman Brothers last received a member of the month from the chamber. Beeker says it’s good to know that all this time later the funeral home is still on the right track and still in good standing by staying positive with the community.

Zimmerman Brothers is open 8-5:30 every day but can be reached anytime by phone at 223-3712

The Fulton County Animal Center has plenty of options for you to choose from for the next family pet.

With a total of about 5 dogs up for adoption and also plenty of cats looking for homes as well, there are multiple ways the animals end up in the center. Executive Director Janet Showley says everyone is welcome to come in and apply to adopt a furry friend. 

The holidays are always a popular time at the center for adoptions, Staff Member with the Fulton County Animal Center Jaci McCallen says there is a special event coming up for Valentine’s Day as well.

The event will be February 13-15 at the Fulton County Animal Center located at 1540 Wentzel Street in Rochester. 

Building code ordinance heated topic at Commissioners Meeting.

The new building code ordinance would drop the price from $5,000 to $1,500 for you to need to get a permit for the work being done on your property. A Fulton County resident who wishes to remain anonymous expressed his concern.
 

Joyce Zartman shares a story of friends who needed to replace a toilet in their home, and for replacing just the one toilet it took a big bite out of their funds.
 

The discussion was eventually tabled and will be readdressed at the next commissioners meeting.

While we look forward to the warmer temps it can have a negative effect on livestock.

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhogs Day meaning an early spring is on the way, and for the first time in 2020 Monday we saw temperatures rise above 60 in Fulton County. Mark Kepler with the Purdue Extension Office says while we look forward to the warmer temperatures for the live stock it can mean bad news.

While these temperatures may not be ideal for live stock it is prime weather for maple syrup harvesters in Fulton County.

Phyllis Biddinger, Fulton County Democratic Chair, received Gary Clevenger Jr.'s resignations from Precinct 1 City Councilman and Precinct 1 Committeeman effective 2/1/2020.  The Democrats are actively looking for a replacement.  The Chair has 30 days to appoint a candidate, who must reside in Precinct 1.

The Warsaw Police Department has lost one of its own.  Jason Dobbins, 50, an officer who has been with the department since 2012, passed away following complications from surgery.

He had been suffering from a critical heart condition while on duty on January 24th, a release from the department said Dobbins was an officer for 16 years, beginning with the Plymouth Police Department and worked for them from 2004 to 2012 before joining the department in Warsaw.

He was also part of the Warsaw Dive Team and served as one of the members always on call for any situation on or under water.

Memorial and funeral services are currently pending.

Rochester Courts are looking at starting up drug court for those ready to get life back on the right track.

Judge Greg Heller in Rochester is surprised that it has taken Fulton County this long to start up a drug court. He says they have been around for a while now around the state of Indiana including in the surrounding counties.

With counties around Fulton County already having drug courts up and running Heller says it was extremely helpful to visit the surrounding drug courts to see what works and what doesn’t.

Drug court is intended to help those who want help, for this reason it is a voluntary course to take to get back on track with this 12 month program. An individual must have pending felony charges, as well as have some department of corrections time on the line to apply.