With a forecast that includes the potential for ice, heavy snow, high winds and severely cold temperatures across the central United States this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 office encourages everyone to take precautions now to stay safe.

“Avoid travel and listen to local updates for the latest road conditions and closures,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5.  “If you must travel, make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave, along with an emergency supply kit with food, water and blankets in your car. When it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance.”

• Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Make sure your phone and other electronic items are fully charged in case you lose power.
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Find even more valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather by visiting www.ready.gov/winter-weather, downloading the free FEMA app and following FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5.

Fulton's County's Troy Cowles announces his candidacy for a commissioner's seat in the following submitted press release:

Troy L. Cowles is proud to announce his candidacy for the 2022 Fulton County District 2 Commissioner seat in the May 3 primary election.

A lifelong resident, Cowles will use his experience and integrity to bring unity to Fulton County. Sculpted by his family values, Troy lives by the core belief his grandfather instilled in him as a child, “All you own is your handshake and your word, don’t waste it.”

Growing up working and later helping to manage his family’s Fulton County business, Cowles Sand & Gravel, Troy learned the value of working together toward a common goal with effective collaboration. Cowles’ business knowledge grew and benefited multiple companies where he managed not only assets, but the rights of the workers around him earning their trust and confidence by always leading by example.

Cowles will tackle the issues facing Fulton County residents today with his ability to work with others and create a dynamic of cooperation between all the entities involved. Troy knows the residents of Fulton County need and deserve to have county-wide fiscal responsibility, investment in our generational future, and a balanced approach to economic growth through cooperation of the incorporated areas and residents. He will fight to prioritize the importance of helping families, schools, workers, and small business recovery and growth.

Troy will work tirelessly to ensure the investment in Fulton County’s future by bringing in fresh ideas with candor and decisiveness. He is committed to embracing a bipartisan effort to maintain focus not only on the county seat, but on Fulton County as a whole. Community leaders from all incorporated areas within the county will be invited to sit at the table to develop growth plans that will showcase and utilize each of their individual assets and benefits.

Cowles, a lifelong outdoorsman, has donated his time and resources to groups such as The National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever sharing his love for the outdoors with mentorship of youth who have the same passion. Troy and his wife, Casi, have three boys and own land in Richland Township, as well as two tree farms in Rochester Township. Troy and his family take pride in their stewardship for land conservation always trying to take only memories and leave nothing but footprints.

Together as a family they own White Pines Kennel, where they raise English and American Labrador Retrievers with hunting pedigrees and are excited to expand the business in the future to include training and boarding opportunities.

With the forecast offering a significant snow / precipitation event this week the City of Rochester has issued the following information:

In preparation for the forecasted winter weather, Mayor Ted Denton is declaring a SNOW REMOVAL CONDITION effective Wednesday, February 2, 2022 until notice is given that it has ended. 

With significant snowfall amounts predicted, the Street Department must be able to clear the streets as quickly and efficiently as possible, so we are asking city residents to please follow these parking restrictions. 

City Code states:

§ 96.91  PARKING RESTRICTIONS DURING SNOW REMOVAL PERIODS.

When a snow removal condition has been declared, the following traffic regulations will be in effect for all city streets:

(A)   All regular parking restrictions will remain in full force and effect on streets where parking is only permitted on one side and areas of no parking.

(B)   On even-numbered days parking will only be permitted on the side of the street with even-numbered street addresses.  (Even number day is February 2, 4, 6, etc. and example house address numbers would be 730, 1412, 918)

(C)   On odd-numbered days parking will be permitted only on the side of the street with odd-numbered street addresses.  (Odd number days are February 3,5,7, etc and example house address numbers would be 501, 1517, 817)

(D)   These restrictions will remain in force until the snow removal condition has been declared over or the snow has been removed from curb to curb for the entire length of the street.

(Ord. 21-2001, passed 11-13-01)

If you have any questions, please contact the Street Department at 574-223-4740

The North Manchester Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Penelope Kelsey, a 50 year old white female, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 150 pounds, brown hair with hazel eyes, and was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants.

Penelope is missing from North Manchester, Indiana and was last seen on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 10:00 pm. She is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Penelope Kelsey, contact the North Manchester Police Department at 260-563-1111 or 911.

A special exception for a proposed $81 million dollar mixed-use Rochester development was denied by the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals this week.

In a meeting moved to the Fulton County Fairgrounds the BZA considered the request from Andis Dimants, managing director and managing broker of Chicago-based RealtyMetrix that would have allowed for over 600 apartments, retail and commercial space at State Roads 25 and 31.  The ordinance states a special exception must be established within one year.  Dimants was looking at up to five years for the completion of Manitou Crossing.

The site was within the General Commercial Dstrict. 

During the meeting Dimants spoke about the project having space for four hotels right off 31, six spaces for commercial buildings, and four different spaces, each housing 11 apartment buildings, bringing the total to 660 apartments.  Dimants spoke about one of the commercial spaces being donated to the community for something such a YMCA, a medical facility, or something along those lines. 

After Dimants finished his presentation the floor was opened for those in favor of the project to speak.  One man spoke in favor of the project stating that there is a lack of rental space available in Fulton County and spoke of a client he works for willing to move business into at least one of the commercial spaces.

The floor was then opened for those opposed to this project.  During this time several different citizens stood to talk with general concerns like an increase in crime rate, lowering of property cost to the homes along Old US 31, a population increase of 1,800 to 2,500, tax increases to cover the cost of the project, not enough employment opportunities for the population increase, utility price increases and the fact that INDOT plans to close off other entrances to Rochester which would only leave the intersection of State Roads 25 and 31 as a north and southbound entrance into Rochester.

The BZA voted unanimously, 5-0, to deny the special request for the Manitou Crossing Project.

The Fulton County Commissioners gave their go-ahead blessing to the proposed development back in September.

Locals in the Pulaski County farming community are feeling left in the dark over the proposed solar project with Mammoth Solar and Moss Creek Solar.

 

Mammoth Solar's 1.5-billion-dollar project is set to be the largest solar farm in the US, bringing national attention to Indiana. Mammoth Solar's 13,000 acres running through Pulaski and Starke County, it's expected to eventually generate up to 1.65 gigawatts of electricity when the companies begin operations in 2024. Moss Creek Solar, also known as NextEra, will involve 1,620 addition acres in Pulaski County's Beaver Township.

 

Despite the solar project spurring positive praise from many including Israeli Ambassador to the US Gilad Erdan and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, the locals affected the most are unhappy about the decision and feel ignored and betrayed.

 

With a facade of the solar farms being falsely painted as a saving grace to the rural community by major news outlets, many like former Pulaski County commissioner Terry Young fear that the dollar signs are covering up the larger picture.

 

Young feels that several local officials in the county are more focused on the solar project than they are about economic development, job industry, and following zoning ordinances in Pulaski County.

 

An economic study from Baker Tilly showed there would be an initial job loss of about 77 people in agriculture during the first three years. The tax abatements recently approved by Pulaski County council members and commissioners for the solar companies was like adding gasoline to the flame.

 

In exchange for the 40 million dollar tax abatement, Mammoth Solar offered an Economic Payment plan promising future payments with no published gaurentees. 

Young says the Economic Development Payment Agreement for Mammoth Solar was not read over thoroughly enough and essentially puts the county in a headlock. Young says in the EDP agreement, the company left many fill in that blanks that would allow them to be able to back out in the future without repercussions, but sets the county up to be sued if they chose to back out of the agreement. 

 

Concerned by the potential domino effect the project will bring to the local economy, residents are fighting back. Over five different lawsuits have been filed towards the solar companies to appeal the project by upset property owners.

 

With a flicker of hope, residents don't consider the fight to be over just yet.

Financial numbers were strong for Rochester's Woodlawn Hospital in the wrap-up of the 2021 calendar year.  But now, the adjustment to life without Covid dollars will take some preparation.

Woodlawn COO Brad Rogers says December was a busy month.

Rogers notes Covid dollars were important for many businesses in 2021, including Woodlawn.

As for Covid itself, Rogers says there is still hope, expectation that the Omicron variant will begin to wane and decline.

Woodlawn Hospital has also completed the chest pain accreditation process.  An audit is expected in the next month from the national accrediting body.

An artist by nature, Rita Thurman, who runs Pixie Smash Forge, went in head-first when she first picked up metal work less than five years ago. Formerly a production artist for Hallmark Cards for 25 years, Rita took her newfound passion for welding to a new level after being selected for the reality TV series on the History Channel called 'Forged in Fire.'

Thurman trained for a month with the welding equipment at her stepfather's shop at 435 N Northwest St in Winamac before being flown to Connecticut for the show. Rita was told she was 'out of her league', but being unafraid to suck at something new was Rita's biggest weapon when it came to succeeding on the show.

She would eventually go on to become the third woman to ever win the show.

The final episodes were filmed at her home forge in Winamac, where she completed the challenge of making a Japanese Samuri arresting weapon. 

Seeing the win as a form of destiny, she followed it. Rita soon retired from Hallmark and now goes back and forth between Kansas City and Winamac with her business Pixie Smash Forge. She quickly found out a lot of people are in need of metalworkers. 

Keeping herself busy, Rita offers everything from metal fabrication, knife making, blacksmithing, forging classes, art and oddities. A merit badge counselor and Boyscout Troop Leader, Rita also offers merit badges for welding, metal and leatherwork to any interested scouts in the area. 

An explosion and fire damaged a Royal Center home early Sunday morning.

Just before 2:00 am Sunday, Cass County Central Dispatch received several 911 calls regarding a fire and explosion in Royal Center on US 35 North. Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Indiana State Police responded. Fire units from Royal Center responded and requested assistance from Harrison Township Fire, Cass County Fire District #1 and Logansport Fire, as well as Cass County Emergency Medical Services. Initial scene assessment found a residence in the 400 block of North Chicago Street (US 25) had exploded and caught fire.

Preliminary investigation by Detective Sergeant Dale Campbell found Jody Thompson, 51, of Royal Center had been asleep in his home when his residence exploded. A neighbor responded to the scene after hearing and feeling the explosion. The Good Samaritan kept Thompson in his vehicle until medical personnel arrived to provide care. Cass County Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to Logansport Memorial Hospital where he was later transported via ambulance to a trauma center in Indianapolis. A medical helicopter was not available because of impending weather.

The Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office was requested to assist with this investigation.

The fire departments extinguished the fire, searched for other victims and assisted the sheriff’s office and State Fire Marshall’s office with the investigation of the incident. The agencies were able to confirm no one else was at the residence when the explosion occurred.

Sheriff Ed Schroder stated, “This is a terrible tragedy that critically injured Mr. Thompson while destroying his home and personal possessions. We received reports of citizens hearing and feeling the explosion from at least eight miles away.”

This incident is still under investigation by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Indiana State Fire Marshall’s office. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 574-753-7800.

A woman was killed when a vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a large gravel pile.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says its dispatch received a call just after 11:00 am Thursday.  A vehicle going eastbound on State Road 16 just east of State Road 25 ran off the road and struck a large pile of gravel on the south side of the road.

The vehicle, a 2020 Nissan Cube, rolled over and landed upright on the south side of the rock pile.  Trudie Harrison, 53, of Twelve Mile, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Harrison was ejected from the vehicle.

Indiana State Police, Logansport Police, Logansport Fire Department, Twelve Mile Fire Department, Harrison Township Fire Department, Cass County Emergency Medical Services and the Cass County Coroner’s Office were at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Cass County Sheriff’s Department at (574) 753-7800.

An investigation of child seduction and possession of child pornography has resulted in an indictment.

The Wabash City Police Department says it has been investigating allegations against Rick L. Brewer, 58, of Marion. In early January, a Wabash County Circuit Court Grand Jury indicted Brewer on two counts of Child Seduction and one count of Possession of Child Pornography.

Brewer is a former teacher at Northfield High School and was the boys varsity basketball coach at Northfield the past three seasons.

The Indiana Department of Health will have a strike team at the Winamac Knights of Columbus continuing through Saturday, January 22.

The strike team will be offering free vaccines and COVID-19 testing from noon to 8pm each day. 

Both Moderna and Pfizer will be available and open to anyone over the age of five years old. Pfizer is only offered to those 18 years or older. 

As a state site, rapid testing is only available for those under 18 or symptomatic patients over the age of 50. Anyone testing between the ages of 19-49 or those 50 and older who are asymptomatic will be given a PCR test, with results available in 2-3 days. 

The site is free to anyone, with walk-in appointments available. 

A recent traffic stop by Indiana State Police troopers led to the arrest of a Michigan man in Fulton County.

Jason Werry, 38, from Howard City, MI. He was incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail to face criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine, dealing methamphetamine, dealing a legend drug, dealing marijuana, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of marijuana, theft from a motor vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

in the 10:00 am hour Sunday, the troopers initiated a traffic stop, on a 2001 Buick passenger car, on U.S 31 near State Road 25 for allegedly traveling 72 miles per hour in a posted 60 miles per hour zone. 

Indiana State Police say that during the traffic stop,  they noticed indicators that criminal activity was afoot.  

In a subsequent search of the Buick, officers allegedly found a handgun, over four pounds of marijuana, approximately 19 grams of methamphetamine, prescription medication, drug paraphernalia, a stolen license plate, and a stolen laptop computer. 

The troopers were able to use identifying information from the laptop computer to track down its owner who drove to Peru to pick up the computer which had been reported stolen from Kent County, MI. 

Werry was incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail. 

Day one of the latest stretch Covid-induced E-learning is in the books for Rochester schools.

Rochester Superintendent of Schools Jana Vance says they've been struggling to maintain daily activities and schedules with staff shortages in every department.

Vance says virtual learning is not advantageous for anyone.  They hope extending to January 31 will get past the peak Covid numbers that are still anticipated.

Vance addresses the desire to keep athletics and extra curricular activities running.

The man charged in the death of a Plymouth 11-month-old received the maximum sentence of 65 years in prison on Tuesday.

Justin Miller entered guilty to the crime last month, with a deal that dismissed a habitual offender enhancement that would have added an additional 20 years.

11-month-old Mercedes Lain was reported missing on August 14 by her father who told authorities Miller had been babysitting.  Miller had failed to return Mercedes that Sunday and stopped responding to texts. A Silver Alert was issued that evening.

Miller was arrested August 16. The parents were also arrested and are still facing child neglect charges. 

Miller eventually led investigators to Mercedes body, which was located in rural Starke County, near the intersection of County Road 1025 East 50 North. 

Mercede's parents, Kenneth Lain and Tiffany Coburn, are set for hearings this week on child neglect. 

Farming For Life, located at 915 E Ninth Street in Rochester, could make your healthy start to the new year a little easier to digest, with their gut-healthy food and drinks. 

Owner Joe Gady has been fermenting probiotic foods and beverages for almost two decades. From his dozens of European crocks in his certified kitchen on Ninth, Gady  produces nothing but organic, nutrient dense products.

His passion in organic farming and fermentation has changed lives and diets across the state of Indiana. 

Gady discovered that fermenting fresh, organic vegetables increased their nutritional value as much as ten percent. The health benefits from including just one bite of fermented foods with each meal is said to help everything from arthritis, acid reflux, migraines and more. 

Whereever he goes, Gady always has around a dozen handouts on him about the many health problems caused by an imbalance in the gut flora. Those curious about Farming For Life walk away from the store with free samples, and if Gady's there, a whole new understanding about gut health. 

Farming For Life is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-4pm. 

The Rochester Community School Corporation will return to virtual learning starting Wednesday, January 19.

Superintendent Jana Vance released information Tuesday related to the school corporation's decision to go virtual.  In the release, Vance states:

As you are aware, the Covid virus continues to be a problem for all businesses including Rochester Community School Corporation. 

Due to a shortage of staff in all areas from teachers, to instructional assistants as well as transportation, food service and maintenance we have been forced to make the decision to go to virtual learning. 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:  All athletic and extra-curricular activities will continue as scheduled for as long as we can sustain this area.    

SCHOOL: Wednesday, January 19 - Rochester Community Schools will begin E-Learning.  Teachers and staff will report during contracted time.  E-learning will take place beginning at 10:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, January 19, and we will resume in-person learning again on Monday, January 31, 2022. 

Vance goes to state that through working with the Fulton County Health Department they have determined that next week Covid cases in the county should be at their peak.

More information on lunch plans, procedures and other important updates will be released in the next couple of days.  You can follow Rochester's school website, social media and GIANT fm News and the Fulton County Post for continued updates.

Should you have questions regarding this information, please contact the Central Office at 574-223-2159. 

Mayor Ted Denton gave his State of the City address this week top open the new year.

The mayor included items of interest related to continued growth and planned improvement projects.

Waste treatment

Street, storm sewer improvements

City pool

The entire State of the City can be heard here.

Pulaski County has ranked near the bottom of the state  (83rd of 92) in access to broadband internet service. Because of this, the Pulaski County Broadband Task Force is urging every resident in Pulaski County to perform the Indiana Farm Bureau Internet speed test.

The mission of the Task Force is to bring broadband service to everyone, despite the location. The test is not just for those in Pulaski County and is available to anyone in the state of Indiana. RTC Communications is also actively seeking grants to build fiber to as many people in Fulton County and urges its residents to participate in the test as well. 

The Speed Test can be performed from this website (www.infb.org/speedtest) from a computer or mobile device connected to your home’s internet connection. If you don’t have access to internet, you can also state that on the form.

This free test will help gather critical information used to access state and federal funding for broadband projects that will directly benefit residents. Testing only takes a few minutes to perform. 

While the test can be taken at any time, both Pulaski County Broadband Task Force and RTC Communications are asking it be completed by January 18 so that two proposed Fiber To The Home (FTTH) projects have this information to bolster their application.

A investigation of burglaries at a Logansport business led to Fulton County.

On Tuesday, multiple agencies worked together to serve a warrant at 1628 West 1000 South in Fulton County.  During the residential search multiple items were found connected to burglaries and illegal narcotics use.

Justin Overholser, 38, was charged with two Level 5 felonies and two other Level 6 felonies connected to two September burglaries at Dunham’s Sporting Goods in Logansport.

Agents with Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined officers with the Cass and Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police at the scene on Tuesday.

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Dillon with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 574-725-2826.

The Wabash Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Katelin Rogers.

Rogers is described as a 13 year old white female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 160 pounds, red hair with brown eyes.

She was last seen in a black 2015 Ford Explorer with Indiana license plate 496RBA.

Katelin is missing from Wabash and was last seen on Tuesday, January 11, at 11:36 am. She is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Katelin Rogers, contact the Wabash Police Department at 260-563-9223 or 911.

The Mammoth Solar and Moss Creek Solar Economic Development Agreement and tax abatements were both approved in a 5-1 favorable vote by Pulaski County Council members Monday evening.

The meeting lasted for more than three hours at the Pulaski County Highway Garage, and included a public hearing opened by council members. The room was packed wall-to-wall with concerned farmers, home owners and life long residents from Pulaski County, who came to voice their opinions. Most who spoke were against the project, bringing up their concerns on potential environmental issues, area job losses, the affect on home property value and more. 

The solar project is a $1 billion investment in Pulaski County that will include the several thousand acres of agricultural land throught five townships. According to officials with Baker Tilly, the proposed utility property abatement would be a 20 years and would result in property tax savings of over $40 million. During that 20 year period, Mammoth Solar is expected to provide $34.6 million in minimum Economic Development payments to the county. 

The tax abatement is said to result in an estimated property tax savings of more than $10 million. Moss Creek Solar would provide $6 million in minimum Economic Development payments to the county over an eight-year period. It also would lower property taxes from the proposed increased assessed valuation of property for soly this project, without any outside assessed valuation determined in the county. 

A New Year’s Day crash killed a Plymouth man.  Now, days later, a Medaryville woman has died after being taken from the scene for medical treatment.

The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of 23 year old Darlene Harwood of Medaryville.

Harwood was pronounced dead on January 7, by Pulaski County Coroner Jon Frain at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.  The cause and manner of her death are pending investigation. 

John Partee, 55, was southbound on the highway about three miles south of Francesville in rural Salem Township on the evening of January 1. He was driving a 2014 Honda SUV.  Harwood was northbound in a 2008 Chevrolet SUV.  It’s unknown what caused the vehicles to collide causing Partee’s car to leave the roadway.

Toxicology tests are being performed for both drivers.  Evidence at the scene indicates both drivers were driving too fast for conditions with sleet and ice at the time of the crash.

The obituary notice for Darlene Harwood is on our news website, Fulton County Post.

First Federal Savings Bank has started its 56^th year having enjoyed an enviable run of management continuity and leadership. 

Dick Belcher, First Federal’s founding Chairman and President/CEO, has stepped down after leading the bank for over half a century. The Board of Directors recently promoted Evan Gottschalk, the bank’s current President, to assume the additional role of CEO in January. 

In the same meeting, Nancy Gruesser, Belcher’s daughter and current board member, was approved to become the next Chairman of the Board, also beginning in January. 

In addition, the Board appointed three new Directors.  Joining the Board in January are Dr. Dan Belcher and Cynthia Maves, children of Belcher and previously Advisory Directors.

The third appointment to the Board is Joe McCarter, current President and CEO of RTC Communications Corp. in Rochester, Indiana, where First Federal is headquartered.

Founded in 1966, First Federal Savings Bank has expanded over the years to have six branches located in northern Indiana and is considered to be a leading mortgage lender in Indiana.

First Federal’s mission is to serve our customers with the newest, competitively priced products delivered to them with state-of-the-art technology; to provide to all First Federal Family members a favorable working environment with reasonable compensation and benefits; and to treat all customers and First Federal Family members in the manner that all would like to be treated.

Two significant grants awarded to Rochester schools will aid in the areas of technology and safety.

Supt. Jana Vance says Rochester received a grant that from the U.S. Justice Department.  Only two Indiana corporations were awarded the grants to deal with school safety.

Vance says Rochester schools have a good camera system but they can always be better.

She also noted a technology grant that aids the Rochester schools improving IPad technology.  Tech that’s need was enhanced by the pandemic.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, is recovering at home after becoming re-infected with COVID-19, the Indiana Department of Health announced Tuesday.

Box tested positive through a rapid test on Tuesday morning after becoming symptomatic Monday night. She also received a PCR test, which will be sent for sequencing to determine whether she has been infected with the Omicron strain. Indiana and much of the nation are experiencing a surge in cases that is testing healthcare systems, due largely to the highly infectious Omicron variant. On Tuesday, the state reported 8,533 new cases and a seven-day positivity rate of 20.5 percent.

Box, who is fully vaccinated and received a booster dose in November, is one of an estimated 113,000 Hoosiers to suffer a breakthrough case since Jan. 18, 2021. She was experiencing symptoms including muscle aches, chills, coughing and a sore throat and was isolating at home. She will follow the isolation guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which call for her to isolate for five full days and allow her to return to work fully masked on the sixth day if her symptoms are improving.

This is her second time to become sickened with COVID-19, after testing positive in October 2020. An estimated 15,000 Hoosiers have become reinfected with COVID-19. The CDC says some reinfections are expected and is studying the frequency of such cases. Individuals who have previously had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated to prevent serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death.

COVID-19 can be spread even by people who show no symptoms. Hoosiers can take steps to protect themselves and others during this surge, such as wearing surgical masks or KN95s when in public, staying home when sick, getting tested, getting vaccinated and receiving a booster when eligible. For information on testing sites, click here. Hoosiers aged 5 and older can get vaccinated. To find a vaccine clinic or schedule your appointment for your first, second or booster dose, go to www.ourshot.in.gov. 

The Indiana State Health Department today announced changes to Covid-19 testing operations.  Full story available here:   https://fultoncountypost.com/wroi-news/612074

In response, due to high demand and a national shortage of rapid test kits, the Fulton County Health Department has released information specific to its site at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.

Rapid antigen tests are only available at some locations for anyone age 18 and younger and symptomatic individuals age 50 and older due to the limited supply. PCR tests with results in two or three days are available for everyone, regardless of age or symptoms.

Fulton County Health Department Covid-19 testing site hours

Monday, 9am - 4:30pm

Wednesday, 11am - 6:30pm

Friday, 8am - 3:30pm

Saturday, 9am - 12:30pm

1009 W 3^rd Street, Rochester - Fulton County Fairgrounds

Free Drive-up testing site. No appointment required.

Enter from State Road 31

Rapid and PCR Tests Available per State Criteria

Rapid - 18 years & younger or Symptomatic 50 years & older

PCR - Anyone 2 years or older, Regardless of symptoms

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is making several changes to testing operations due to high demand and a national shortage of rapid test kits.

• Hours are being extended at the community testing and vaccination clinic outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays through Jan. 22. The changes are effective today.
• The clinic, which is being held in the INDYCAR parking lot at 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, across from Gate 2, will accept walk-ins only from noon to 4 p.m.
• The two-dose Pfizer pediatric and adult vaccines, as well as the two-dose Moderna vaccine, are available.
• Also effective today, rapid tests at state and local health department testing sites will only be available to individuals aged 18 and younger and symptomatic individuals aged 50 and older. This change is necessary due to the national shortage of rapid antigen tests and is designed to help ensure that students can stay in school and that Hoosiers who are most likely to need a monoclonal antibody are identified within the prescribed window in which they can be administered. Indiana typically uses about 50,000 rapid tests per week but is only guaranteed to receive 11,000 a week at this time.
• Appointments for rapid tests previously scheduled for today will be honored while testing supplies last, but no appointments for rapid tests will be honored at state or local health department sites going forward except for individuals who fall within the above categories. PCR tests, which are the gold standard, will continue to be offered at all testing sites, with results expected in two to three days.

Click on the testing map at www.coronavirus.in.gov  to find a testing location. Visit ourshot.in.gov to find a vaccination site.

The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a fatal car crash.

The crash occurred around 7:00 pm Saturday approximately three miles south on US 421.  Johan Partee, 55, of Plymouth, was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jon Frain.  The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. 

Assisting Frain was Chief Deputy, John Behny from the coroner’s Office. 

For unknown reasons, two vehicles collided causing the vehicle Partee was driving to leave the roadway. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to Franciscan Health in Rensselaer.  The crash remains under investigation by Deputy Cody Foust.  Assisting Foust was Deputy Matt Pickens and Detective Chris Schramm from the Pulaski Couunty Sheriff’s Department.  

Responding agencies include Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski County EMS, Francesville Fire Department, Monon Police Department, D1 Towing, and Indiana DNR. 

2022 is a new start for Jeff Finke. 

Finke's term is up after 12 years on the Fulton County Community Foundation Support Board. Between being the past Vice President and President of that board, Finke has also served as a committee member on the Grants Committee, the Scholarships Committee, and the Lilly Scholarship Committee.

During his time serving he helped establish three funds for the Kewanna area: The Kewanna Fund, The Kewanna-Union Township Endowment Fund, and The Kewanna Fall Festival Fund (In Honor of Luke Mate).

Finke says his time serving the community has been rewarding. 

Serving the community isn't something that's just going to stop this year for Finke. He also serves on the Kewanna Town Council as President, and is President of Kewanna's H.E.A.R.T., Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. 

As for his career, Finke has been at Kewanna Metal Specialties, Inc. for the past 32 years where is Vice President of Sales & Administration.

Finke said at the end of the day, he does what he does to try to make the community a better place for his friends and neighbors.

Law enforcement in Fulton County contributed to arrests of suspects connected to the shooting and killing of one officer and injuring another in Bradley, Illinois.

Pictured:  Darius Sullivan

About 3:30 am Friday the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Rochester.  A car and foot pursuit followed with two men taken into custody.

Indiana State Police confirm that a handgun and narcotics were recovered. Bryce Baker, 20, and Joshua Adams, 26, both of Kankakee, have been charged with possession of stolen property, possession of a handgun without a license and resisting law enforcement.

By 9:30 am Friday, officers with the U.S. Marshall’s Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police SWAT to serve a search warrant on a residence located at 1001 N. Bond St., North Manchester.  During the execution of that warrant, two individuals were taken into custody without further incident.

Several weapons and narcotics were recovered.

One of the individuals, Darius Sullivan, 26, from Kankakee, had active warrants for First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Aggravated Battery with a Firearm.  These charges stemmed from the murder of Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and the injuries to Officer Tyler Bailey, both of the Bradley Police Department.  At last report, Officer Bailey was in critical condition.

Sullivan was held at the Wabash County Jail pending his return to Kankakee.

Indiana State Police wouldn’t comment on the Illinois State Police investigation but did confirm Sullivan is the suspect in the shooting of the Bradley officers.  No explanation was given for Sullivan or the other suspects connection to the location in North Manchester.

Also arrested at the residence was Daniel Acros, 19, from Kankakee.  He is preliminarily charged with weapon and narcotic charges in Wabash County, IN as a result of the search warrant.

A woman wanted by authorities, Xandria Harris, has since turned herself in to Bradley Police.

This is an ongoing investigation by the Illinois State Police. 

Assisting at the North Manchester scene were the following agencies:  Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Akron Police, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw Police Department, North Manchester Police Department, Akron Police Department, North Manchester Fire Department, Manchester University Security, Lutheran EMS, and the Wabash Fire Department. 

Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to call the Illinois State Police Hotline at 815-698-2315. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling that number or CrimeStoppers at (815) 93-CRIME.