A Wind Advisory in effect from 6 am EDT / 5 am CDT/ to 6 pm EDT / 5 pm CDT/ Saturday.
West winds are possible up to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph shifting northwest, then diminishing by evening.
Thunderstorms late Friday afternoon and early tonight can produce damaging wind gusts. Tornadoes are possible, as well.
Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
The Liberty Fund announced that Mitch Daniels will join the Liberty Fund as a Distinguished Scholar and Senior Advisor.
Daniels joins the Liberty Fund after serving as President of Purdue University from 2013 – 2022. At Purdue, Daniels led transformative change and was recognized as one of the most innovative university presidents in America. During Daniels’ tenure, Purdue froze tuition, reducing student borrowing by 32 percent.
Daniels served as Governor of the State of Indiana from 2005 – 2013. After inheriting a nearly $800 million deficit, Governor Daniels left Indiana with a budget in surplus, reserve funds equal to nearly 15 percent of annual spending, and its first AAA credit rating.
Daniels’ work with the Liberty Fund will focus on the creation of educational programs and partnerships that will strengthen Liberty Fund’s existing educational programs.
Daniels will begin his work with Liberty Fund on April 1, 2023.
Liberty Fund was founded in 1960 by Pierre F. Goodrich, an Indianapolis businessman and lawyer. Liberty Fund conducts its own educational programs to encourage research and discussion on the values and institutions of a society of free and responsible individuals.
A 17-year-old father has been arrested on charges of neglect and attempted murder after seriously injuring his four-month-old daughter in an attempt to get the baby to stop crying.
According to the probable cause affidavit the father, Jacob Kats, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury.
The allegations came on March 21. Indiana Department of Child Services contacted the Marshall County Sheriff's Department about concerns of a possible child abuse incident. According to DCS, the baby had been admitted to the hospital on the night prior due to 'general discomfort.' The baby was accompanied by both parents who were both juveniles.
According to the report, the four-month-old substained serious injuries that doctors determined were caused by non-accidental trauma and included three fractured ribs.
After being taken to a second hospital, doctors found more injuries on the baby that were in the process of healing, including multiple rib fractures on both sides on the body and a sternum fracture. Several new fractures on the baby's neck were also determined by doctors to be consistent with extreme pressure applied to the neck.
According to police, Kats initially denied knowing how the baby could be injured, claiming her ribs could have been injured after a fall from his bed a few weeks prior. A seperate claim in the report stated Katz had dropped the baby while falling down the stairs and caught her by her neck, causing some of the injuries found.
After investigators made it clear to Katz that the baby's injuries were not consistent with his stories, Katz asked to speak to officers without his father present. Once alone with investigators Katz emotionally admitted the abuse, blaming it on anger issues, which were triggered by the crying child.
Katz went on to elaborate his methods of abusing the child to investigators. The final incident was on March 20, when Katz had been frustrated after arguing with a classmate and the baby would not stop me crying. According to the report, after panicking Katz said he put his hand around her throat until the baby lost consciousness. Katz stated after the baby was quiet he then put her in a pack-and-play, 'knowing she was breathing.'
Katz had his initial hearing March 28. The court issued an order to keep him in the Marshall County Jail. Katz will be back in court April 12.
Things are starting to officially come together after a busy week of moving into the new 911 Dispatch Center in the Fulton County Sheriff's Department.
Designed by Gail Karas, Fulton County 911 Communications Director, who showed off the center with a public tour and ribbon cutting last week, the passion project became reality to Karas and her staff with the official move March 28.
WROI GIANT fm news took a second tour Thursday to see dispatchers at work in the new location and found dispatchers Mackenzie Kutzer and Seth Miller, along with techman Kerry Shultz from ERS Wireless in Ft.Wayne.
Kutzer says the change has been a welcoming one.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved Duke Energy Indiana’s request Wednesday to lower bills due to declining fuel and purchased power costs.
For an average residential Duke Energy customer in Indiana using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, it means a decrease of approximately 16% over rates today, or $26 a month. That is on top of a 5% decrease that went into effect in January.
Customer electric bills were higher in 2022 primarily due to soaring fuel costs that affected the cost of power utilities produced as well as what they purchased on the energy markets. A number of unique events drove up fuel costs – from volatility in the energy markets worldwide to labor shortages at railroads that delivered fuel.
“Fuel and purchased power can account for as much as 25-45% of an average residential customer’s bill, so when the markets are volatile, it can have a big impact on energy bills,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “We’re starting to see costs stabilize, and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has approved our request to pass those savings along to customers.”
The decrease will be in effect April-June. Four times a year, utilities adjust prices based on fluctuating fuel costs. Fuel rate adjustments are not permanent; fuel costs rise and fall, and utilities pass those costs to customers with no profit, so customers pay what their utility provider pays.
Duke Energy’s priority is to purchase fuel at the best possible price, through steps such as long-term contracts and using a diversity of suppliers.
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
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The subject of a reported Logansport battery was the same man eventually charged with three counts of attempted murder.
Logansport Police say they were called in the 1am hour to a reported battery inside the Renne Wa (former Old Style Inn), at 219 South Street. In that initial investigation, police were unable to identify or locate a suspect.
About two hours later, police again were at the Renne Wa for someone struck by a car. The suspect vehicle had left the scene.
Two people were initially found with injuries related to being struck by a vehicle. Then, a third person was discovered with injuries. One person was flown to a Ft. Wayne hospital while the other two were treated at Logansport Memorial.
Minutes later, police were called to Logansport's 25th and Spear intersection where a single vehicle accident left a car fully engulfed. No driver was at the scene.
Logansport PD says the car had been stolen from the River Bend Apartments.
A suspect, Jhosniber Josias Cuence-Orsama, 21, of Logansport, was named as a suspect by multiple witnesses. Cuence - Orsama was found the next day at the Peru Police Department where he had been taken after being involved in a leaving the scene of an accident. Following questioning by Logansport Police, he was booked into the Cass County Jail.
Cuence-Orsama is charged with:
3 counts of attempted murder
3 counts of aggravated battery
3 counts criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon
1 count if auto theft
1 count leaving the scene of a serious bodily injury accident
1 count of leaving the scene of a property damage accident
1 count of counterfeit government issued identification card.
Indiana American Water President Matt Prine announced the company’s acquisition of the Claypool water system in northern Indiana.
The purchase of the system adds approximately 150 water customers to the company’s customer base, which represents a population of more than 400 residents.
“The acquisition of this system will help hold future rates down for Claypool customers as needed investments are made and also provides access to operations and capital management water professionals and a number of customer service options and payment methods,” said Prine. “Indiana American Water already provides water service to several nearby communities, so this is a good fit for us and a continuation of our efforts to expand our presence across Indiana.”
The acquisition of the Claypool water system for $700,000 was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on February 22, 2023 and closed by Indiana American Water and the Town of Claypool on March 28, 2023.
According to Claypool Town Council President Benny Stage, “Claypool customers will benefit from Indiana American Water’s experience and expertise and the company’s large customer base across the state will provide much greater economies of scale and future rate stability by keeping water rates lower than they would have been as a small, stand-alone system.
“The business of providing water is getting more complicated every day, especially for smaller systems like ours that struggle with evolving regulatory issues and not having the scale to gain efficiencies in our operations,” said Stage. “The sale will also facilitate much needed improvements to the system and allow us to focus on other community needs.”
Redline Equipment, a Case IH equipment dealer with twelve locations in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, is now underway with plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Logansport.
The new building will be located on 17 acres in the Cass County Agribusiness Park, roughly five miles west of the current Redline facility. Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place in early 2023, with a grand opening slated for the first quarter of 2024.
The new facility will house more than 45,000 square feet of climate-controlled space, allowing for the immediate expansion of service as well as room for future growth. New features include an in-store Equipment Expo, two-story parts warehouse, 12 service bays with two 5-ton underhung cranes, a 50x50 standalone wash bay, and premium space to host customer and training events.
“We’re driven to be the best Case IH dealer we can be, and that starts with providing top-level facilities that allow our world class employees to shine even brighter,” said Redline President and CEO Mike Pitts. “The new facility in Logansport will offer a very versatile and dynamic front-of-the-house while providing generous overhead space for an expanded service area. It will be striking, flexible, and filled with natural light. And this is just the opening act. We intend to use this model to spread throughout our geographic footprint in the coming years.”
Redline Equipment worked with the Cass County Redevelopment Commission to acquire the land. The company looks forward to continuing to showcase Cass County’s growing economy and outstanding quality of life by offering first-class equipment and service to its agricultural community.
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Starke County officials have announced a project set to start next week so the public will be aware of its existence. The announcement made via the sheriff's office Facebook page.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office announcing to the pubic that NIPSCO has subcontracted a company called High Voltage Aviation. Work will be completed over the span of several weeks starting at US 421 and SR 10 going east for approximately 34 miles.
Residents may see a low flying red colored helicopter. The helicopter will often fly off towards a tree line or field to a landing zone to retrieve supplies and / or fuel.
This project is anticipated to begin on Monday April 3.
A project to construct new bridges on U.S. 31 over Elkhart Western Railroad between 13th Rd and 14th Rd will begin on or after Monday, April 3, restricting U.S. 31 to one lane in each direction.
Lane closures will begin with the inside left passing lanes closed in each direction to build crossovers for future phases of work. When the crossovers are complete, southbound U.S. 31 will be converted to two-way traffic while the bridge on northbound U.S. 31 is constructed during phase one.
Due to the location of the work zone, access and turning movements between U.S. 31 and 13th Rd and 14th Rd will be impacted throughout construction. Local detours will be provided for traffic wanting to cross U.S. 31 at 13th Rd or 14th Rd or make left turns. Right turns between U.S. 31 and 13th Rd and 14th Rd will be permitted.
This is a multi-year project ending in 2025 so motorists should be prepared for long-term lane closures between 13th Rd and 14th Rd.
Indiana’s unemployment rate in February stands at 3.1%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for February stands at 3.6%.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate held at 63.4% for February, remaining above the national rate of 62.5%.
Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,409,528 – an increase of 427 from the previous month.
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,100 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 72,900 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s February private employment stands at 2,827,300. This is a new private employment peak for Indiana.
Industries that experienced job increases in February included:
As of March 16, there were 135,336 open job postings throughout the state. In February, 19,485 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.
Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.
Rochester’s Republican candidates for mayor met in a debate at Rochester HS Monday night.
The event, hosted by the Rochester Sentinel and Rochester High School.,included questions from the Sentinel as well as government students to incumbent Mayor Ted Denton and Challenger, Trent O’Dell.
Odell told GIANT fm following the debate that he’s heard from several people on varying issues since announcing his run for mayor. One, the homeless, he wishes would have come up for further discussion during the debate.
Odell says it’s talks with other regional mayors and leaders that may be needed to spark a solution to the issue.
The candidates did have two questions they asked each other. Among those, Odell asked Mayor Denton why he didn’t join other mayors from the region in their meetings. Denon says staying at home gets more done than those types of meetings have to offer.
On the side of experience, the mayor touted his history of work within the city, particularly two terms as mayor and a term on city council.
Odell notes he has a lifetime of experience in different venues, from farming to business ownership. And he says his life is now invested in Rochester.
Denton says he still has the energy for a third term as mayor and what faces his hometown of Rochester.
The Republican candidates for Rochester mayor, incumbent Ted Denton and Trent Odell, met on stage in a debate hosted by the Rochester Sentinel and Rochester High School government class on Monday, March 27.
The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that tickets are now available for the 2023 Fulton County Annual Community Gala and Awards Ceremony.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 29th at The Jackson Estates, 1674 N 750 W, Rochester, IN 46975. Doors will open at 6:00 pm for guests to enjoy live music and networking during cocktail hour, and dinner will begin at 7:00 pm. 2022 Community Awards and the Community Service Award winner will be announced during the awards ceremony at 8:00 pm.
Seats are available for purchase at the Chamber Office for guests to enjoy a celebratory evening of networking and great food at The Jackson Estates. Guests are encouraged to wear their red carpet best and a cash bar will be available.
Individual tickets for Chamber members are $50, or $450 for a table of 8. Nonmember and community pricing is $75 for individual tickets and $650 for a table of 8. Table pricing includes preferential seating and recognition.
This event would not be possible without our event sponsor, Rochester Metal Products.
If you have any questions or if you would like to reserve your seats, please email Kellie Scobie at kellie@fultoncountychamber.com, call the office at 574-224-2666, or see us at 822 Main Street in Rochester.
Internal Revenue Service urged everyone to be on alert for scammers using fake charities to dupe taxpayers, especially following major disasters.
Whether an earthquake or wildfires, good-natured taxpayers rally to help victims after an emergency or disaster by donating money. Unfortunately, scammers often try to prey on well-intentioned donors by posing as fake charities, hoping to steal money, but also personal and financial data that can be used in tax-related identity theft.
“Following disasters, there are heart-wrenching situations where people want to help,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “But scammers move quickly and use these events to try taking advantage of the public’s generosity, stealing not just money, but personal information that can lead to identity theft. Scams requesting donations are especially common over the phone, as well as by email and texts. Taxpayers should never feel pressured to give immediately, and they should look to recognized, established charities to help victims.”
As a member of the Security Summit, the IRS, with state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry, have taken numerous steps over the last eight years to warn people to watch out for common scams and schemes each tax season that can contribute to identity theft. Along with the Security Summit initiative, the Dirty Dozen aims to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from identity thieves and various hoaxes designed to steal money and information.
The Dirty Dozen is an annual IRS list of 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal data and more. Some items on the list are new, and some make a return visit. While the list is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, it is intended to alert taxpayers, businesses and tax preparers about scams at large.
Fake charities: Real scams
Bogus charities are a perennial problem that gets bigger whenever a crisis or natural disaster strikes. Scammers set up these fake organizations to take advantage of the public's generosity. They seek money and personal information, which can be used to further exploit victims through identity theft.
Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity might be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions, but charitable donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
Fake charity promoters may use emails to solicit donations or alter or “spoof” their caller ID to make it look like a real charity is calling on the phone. They often target seniors and groups with limited English proficiency.
Here are some tips to protect against fake charity scams:
Don’t give in to pressure. Scammers often use a tactic focused on an urgent need to pressure people into making an immediate payment. Legitimate charities are happy to get a donation at any time; so, people should feel no rush. Donors are encouraged to take time to do their own research.
Verify first. Scammers frequently use names that sound like well-known charities to confuse people. Potential donors should ask the fundraiser for the charity's exact name, website and mailing address so they can independently confirm it.
Be wary about how a donation is requested. Taxpayers should never work with charities that ask for donations by giving numbers from a gift card or by wiring money. That's a scam. It's safest to pay by credit card or check — and only after verifying the charity is real.
Don’t give more than needed. Scammers are on the hunt for both money and personal information. Taxpayers should treat personal information like cash and not hand it out to just anyone. They should never give out Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or PIN numbers, and they should give bank or credit card numbers only after they’ve confirmed the charity is real.
Help stop fraud and scams
As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort, the IRS encourages people to report individuals who promote improper and abusive tax schemes as well as tax return preparers who deliberately prepare improper returns.
To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should mail or fax a completed Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers and any supporting material to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.
Mail:
Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center
Stop MS5040
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
Fax: 877-477-9135
Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for possible monetary reward
At the Indiana Statehouse, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Don Lamb presented 56 farming families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.
“It is a true honor to be in the historic Statehouse today celebrating your incredible family farming history,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Your commitment to Indiana and our agriculture history and future is renowned. It was awe-inspiring to celebrate this family achievement with you all today.”
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20 acres, the farm must produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years of ownership and the Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.
Since the program's inception in 1976, over 6,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Many past awardees can be identified by the sign proudly displayed in front of the family farm or field.
Among area farms recognized:
|
Wabash |
Albright |
1847 |
Sesquicentennial |
|
Cass |
Berlet |
1918 |
Centennial |
|
Kosciusko |
McSherry Farms |
1838 |
Sesquicentennial |
The recent ceremony that marked the move of Fulton County's 911 services to the new justice center site also serves as the beginning for other moves soon.
Fulton County Commissioner Brian Lewis.
Lewis notes that it also soon signals the end for the old Fulton County Jail.
In another county note, Lewis says commissioners have continued with a new contract located at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
The Indiana House of Representatives recently passed State Rep. Ben Smaltz's (R-Auburn) legislation that would provide more government transparency to Hoosiers by requiring public meetings be livestreamed and archived.
Smaltz's bill would require executive and fiscal bodies of state and local agencies, and school boards, to livestream their meetings on publicly accessible platforms, and archive the recordings with links to agendas and minutes. Smaller government entities would have until July 2024 to comply.
"Hoosiers deserve to know what their government is doing with their tax dollars," Smaltz said. "Not everyone has the ability to attend public meetings in person, so having the ability to watch online anytime provides a higher level of transparency and that also boosts accountability."
To maintain records of meetings, Smaltz's legislation would require each public agency to make recordings available to the public for at least 90 days after the meeting date. Governing bodies could also utilize free livestreaming on social media platforms or host it on their existing websites. Additionally, any technological failures during a livestream, like a loss of internet service, would not invalidate actions taken at any public meeting.
"Our ability to record public meetings and provide access to information is easier than ever," Smaltz said. "All levels of government should want to demonstrate and be accountable to what they're doing for their communities."
House Bill 1167 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration.
NIPSCO released a report detailing a successful year of corporate giving in 2022, with more than $2.3 million donated to more than 250 non- profit organizations throughout northern Indiana.
The report, available at NIPSCO.com/givesback, provides at-a-glance information on NIPSCO’s community contributions, including donations and support given in partnership with the NiSource Charitable Foundation.
NIPSCO’s parent company, NiSource, established the NiSource Charitable Foundation with a mission to help create strong and sustainable communities where employees and customers live and work. The foundation provides funding and encourages volunteer support for non-profit organizations throughout the country.
Along with funds from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, employee donations and corporate funds from NIPSCO, the company provided focused grants and targeted donations to local charitable organizations.
NIPSCO’s 2022 donations were centered on areas of identified need, including Basic Needs and Hardship Assistance, Economic and Workforce Development, Environmental Stewardship, Public Safety and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and Energy Education.
Charitable donations are funded by NIPSCO and its shareholders, the NiSource Charitable Foundation, and direct employee contributions. Donations are not recovered through the rates customers pay for their energy service.
Detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) arrested a Miami County man on alleged charges of possession of child pornography.
This investigation by the Indiana State Police ICAC Task Force began when a tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip ultimately led to a search warrant being served on a residence located at 316 W. SR 218 in Bunker Hill, by the Indiana State Police.
Cody Shanks, 28, was arrested and transported to the Miami County Jail for one count of Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony, and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 Felony.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Miami County Prosecutor’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Howard County Sheriff's Department.
Anyone having any information related to internet crimes against children are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or make a report to NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org/.
The Knox City Council made a unanimous decision this week to approve the request of having the ashes of four-year-old murder victim, Judah Morgan, buried beneath a memorial tree in Knox’s Wythogan Park this summer.
Morgan was killed at the home of his biological parents on October 11, 2021, duringwhat was supposed to be a six month home trial with Indiana DCS.
Jenna Hullett, the kinship placement foster mother who raised the boy for the first three and a half years of his life, spoke during the Knox City Council meeting on Monday evening. After telling council members about Judah’s tragic story, Hullett put in a request for the cremation tree that would release the boys ashes for a living memorial.
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok had checked with the local funeral director to confirm legalities on the burial prior to the meeting. The exact location for the memorial tree within the park has yet to be determined. Silverleaf Boutique will be donating a plaque for the ceremony, which will be displayed in front of the tree in memory of Judah.
Hullett said the park had been one of the boy's favorite places to visit while growing up in the Knox area.
The memorial tree planting and release of Judah's ashes will be a public event at Wythogan Park, 101 Washington St in Knox, June 10, 2023, on what would have been Judah's sixth birthday.
The ceremony will start at 11a.m. central time, 12 p.m. eastern time, and will include a free potluck after.
(Photo provided by Jenna Hullett shows Judah playing at Wythogan Park, one of his favorite places to go, Hullett said.)
A traffic stop by Fulton County Deputy AJ Styers led to the arrest of a man for Possession of Stolen Property.
About 2:30 p.m. Monday Deputy Styers was on routine patrol when he received information on a 2018 Kia Forte traveling south on US 31 that was stolen from Chicago. Deputy Styers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop around the area of US 31 & Wabash Road.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, John Brown, 47, of Chicago was taken into custody without incident. Brown was lodged in the Fulton County Detention Center on Possession of Stolen Property, a Level 6 felony.
The name of the driver involved in a fatal Marshall County crash has been identified as Caleb Ingram, 35, of Rochester.
About 4:30 p.m. Monday, ISP troopers responded to calls of a serious vehicle crash on US 31 near 4A Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2013 Dodge was travelling northbound on US 31 when it ran off the road to the right for an unknown reason, striking a concrete bridge abutment. Troopers attempted life-saving measures at the scene but the driver, Ingram, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to be factors in this crash.
An autopsy is scheduled for later this week at the Marshall County Forensic Center.
An Indiana State Trooper discovered pills containing fentanyl during a traffic stop on US 31 in Miami County on St. Patrick’s Day.
Just after 8 p.m., Trooper Blake Sarver made a traffic stop on a 2021 Dodge Charger for not having taillights activated as it travelled northbound on US 31 near SR 16. While speaking to the driver, Devin Jones, 22 of Indianapolis, Sarver smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A subsequent search of the Dodge resulted in troopers finding 103 grams of pills suspected of containing fentanyl and a marijuana vape pen.
Jones was arrested for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Narcotic Drug, and Possession of Marijuana.
Two passengers in the Dodge were also arrested. Jadore Overton, 21 of Indianapolis, was arrested for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug and Possession of a Narcotic Drug and also found to have an active arrest warrant out of Kentucky.
Darius Watson, 24 of Indianapolis, was arrested for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug and Possession of a Narcotic Drug.
All three were transported to the Miami County Jail.
Kathy Bottorff and her husband Jim are excited to announce that WTCA will be under new ownership beginning April 1. The owners of WTCA have reached a deal with 3 Towers Broadcasting, LLC.
WTCA was founded by Kenneth E. Kunze in 1963 when he was granted a license from the FCC to operate WTCA-AM 1050. In the beginning, all productions were broadcast from its transmitter site on Muckshaw Road in Plymouth with a business office on Water Street.
In 1965, the broadcasting operation was moved to the Water Street location in order to accommodate an ever-growing listening audience.
In 1966, the radio station moved into the old Plymouth Dairy at 112 West Washington St. The building was renovated into a broadcasting studio and remains the base of operations today for WTCA.
The station has since expanded to include FM radio broadcasting in addition to their AM radio operations. WTCA is still operating daily radio programs from the AM transmitter site on Muckshaw Road and FM transmitter site at its Washington St. office in downtown Plymouth.
In its early days, Jeanne Kunze hosted a live public interest program each day called, “This and That.” The Kunze’s daughter, Kathy Bottorff, continues that tradition with the station’s daily talk show, “What’s Your Opinion?”
WTCA has proudly provided services to the local communities for more than 55 years with unique programming, local news, hit music, and other features geared toward the communities of Marshall County.
WTCA is 3 Towers Broadcasting’s fifth Indiana-based radio station, joining WSVX (AM 1520 and 96.5 FM) in Shelbyville, WSVX (106.3 FM) in Greenfield, WROI (92.1 FM) in Rochester, and WREB (94.3 FM) in Greencastle. 3 Towers Broadcasting is based in Shelbyville.
Johnny McCrory, co-owner of 3 Towers Broadcasting said, “Little did we know when we started with AM 1520 in Shelbyville that our local brand of GIANT fm radio and online services would expand into other Indiana communities with such success.”
Co-owner Scott Huber said, “Our entire organization is excited to now partner with WTCA as we add to and help grow its longstanding record of service in Plymouth.”
“We look forward to becoming part of the Plymouth and Marshall County community and being a vital source of news, sports, and entertainment for listeners and readers in the area,” said McCrory.
In addition to the radio stations operated by 3 Towers Broadcasting, there also are digital newspapers operating under the banners Shelby County Post, Fulton County Post, and Putnam County Post. 3 Towers Broadcasting will commence operations of Marshall County Post in the near future, according to co-owner Scott Huber.
Kathy Bottorff, who operates the station today with her husband Jim said, “We are excited to see 3 Towers take the radio station to the next level. We want to see the station my parents put their lives into continue and flourish in the community.”
She also said she was pleased when 3 Towers wanted to keep Rusty Nixon for their morning show and sports. Bottorff will also continue working for 3 Towers as a news reporter and talk show host.
The Indiana State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Rochester man Monday afternoon.
About 4:30 p.m., troopers responded to calls of a serious vehicle crash on US 31 near 4A Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2013 Dodge was travelling northbound on US 31 when it ran off the road to the right for an unknown reason, striking a concrete bridge abutment. Troopers attempted life-saving measures at the scene but the driver, a 35-year-old man from Rochester, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to be factors in this crash.
An autopsy is scheduled for later this week at the Marshall County Forensic Center.
It was a busy morning at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office Monday, where community members packed the house for a tour of the new 911 Dispatch Center and the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The move has been a long time coming since the start of the project in 2018 that originally studied a 300 foot tower. After multiple road blocks and broken promises, when the tower and engineering group couldn't follow through with the promise they made to Fulton County Commissioners about saving tax payers money by bidding the tower project out, Gail Karas, Fulton County 911 Communications Director, took over the project. Karas and the commissioners would soon learn that getting the larger companies to communicate with each other for the wireline connection was also no easy task.
With the help of Indiana State Treasurer Dan Elliott, things finally began to come together. Elliott was among those who gathered for Monday's ribbon cutting.
Now able to have some breathing room for her staff, Karas led tours of the new space that will be available to the 12 dispatchers currently employed there starting March 28. Taking a progressive step forward, the team will now be connected to the state's core for interoperability. Had they not gotten this accomplished, a change of equipment would have been needed, but Karas said that was something that "just wasn't going to happen."
Karas explained the system during her tour introduction of the center.
Senator Mike Braun has introduced legislation to clarify the definition of tipped employee and relieve reporting burdens that are harming the restaurant community.
Representative Steve Womack (R-Ark.) introduced the companion legislation in the House.
“The Biden administration’s confusing compliance rule creates an unnecessary reporting burden for restaurants and servers that are already going through a difficult time due to inflation and rising food costs. This legislation will help streamline regulations for tipped employees so that restaurants and their workers can thrive.”— Sen. Mike Braun
“More financial uncertainty is the last thing restaurant workers want. With crushing inflation and a faltering economy, the Biden administration’s heavy-handed compliance rules only add to the burden being put on hardworking Americans. Servers don’t need the federal government skimming their pay more. Our bill brings much-needed certainty to tipped employees by protecting their income and job opportunities.” - Rep. Steve Womack
“Many servers choose restaurant careers because their skills and knowledge mean high earning potential in a job that’s flexible to their needs. For others, they’re looking for something – extra income, customer interaction, business skills – that make the opportunity ideal. The current system of tipping means that the industry can fit all their needs. We appreciate Sen. Braun and Rep. Womack’s championing of tipped income workers and their ongoing support of restaurant owners and operators.” - Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of the National Restaurant Association
“Senator Braun has traveled the state of Indiana hearing firsthand the stories from those in the restaurant industry and how vital this income is to Hoosiers. We greatly appreciate Senator Braun for listening to our industry and taking action. The support from Representative Womack and Senator Braun will allow our industry to continue to provide opportunities to the communities we serve.” - Patrick Tamm, President & CEO of the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association
“We appreciate Representative Womack’s dedication to the tipped workers of Arkansas. His efforts with Senator Braun to introduce this bill shows the hardworking people with careers in the restaurant industry that their dedication is important. Their skills and knowledge are vital to the success of the Arkansas restaurant industry, and they play an integral part in the communities they support. We hope that Congress will consider these essential workers and pass this legislation.” - Katie Beck, Chief Executive Officer, Arkansas Hospitality Association
The Tipped Employee Protection Act of 2023 would:
Combining boutique, consignment, health and beauty items with a cafe and sandwich shop, Mina's Market has brought a little bit of everything under one roof to their store at 116 N Logan Street in Winamac.
Started seven years ago at the home of owner, Alisha Becker, Mina's Market has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Having a bakery and pastry degree, Becker was no stranger to culinary art prior to opening her store. Originally selling things online like cakes, cookies, brownies and other treats, Becker began adding to her business by not only selling drinks and other health products, but also consignment.
As space became limited in the small shed Becker used as her home store, she would eventually move to her first downtown location on Winamac's Pearl Street. As business continued to grow, so did Becker's ideas. The idea of not only having consignment, but also having a full blown boutique, would eventually lead Becker to her current location on N. Logan Street. Only recently moving to their newest building a few months ago, Becker feels she may have reached her peak limit of adding to her business, as things are finally settling in.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Becker’s passion for food and fashion is shared with her two loyal staffers, who help run Mina's Market, along with Becker's husband, who provides support from the sidelines and prefers to be out of the public eye. From bubble tea, protein shakes, coffees, bakery items, breakfast and lunch and more Becker's unique menu keeps her customers coming back for more.
Wanting to give back to the community she loves, Becker said Mina's Market is heavily involved locally by sponsoring teams, scholarships, and monthly fundraisers for those in need.
Grissom Air Reserve Base will be a little quieter this summer.
Aircraft, aircrew, maintainers and support staff are on the move as Grissom’s 12,501 foot runway gets a makeover.
The $60 million project begins later this month, and is expected to be completed by late summer, or early fall depending upon weather.
Grissom’s KC-135s will operate primarily out of the Fort Wayne International Airport during the early stages of the runway repair, and will transition to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio once their own runway repair project is complete.
“Runway repairs are typically done about every 10 years,” said Col. Thom Pemberton, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “This time is a little different, they are removing concrete down to the dirt in many areas – which is something that has not been done since it was built in 1942.”
Grissom planners have worked with both the airport staff, and the 122nd Fighter Wing based there to ensure a smooth transition of operations.
Some of the KC-135R Stratotankers began moving to Fort Wayne March 15, 2023.
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker wing in the Air Force Reserve Command. The unit has 16 aircraft assigned, but not all will be making the move to Fort Wayne and Wright Patterson.
Aircraft have been loaned to other units, and some are undergoing depot-level maintenance that will reduce the footprint of the forward locations.
One aircraft, 58-0093 will stay behind at Grissom. The aircraft is new to the Grissom fleet and will be brought up to Grissom standards. It also offers maintainers a chance to train and work on the aircraft without having to travel.
Once all the aircraft that are leaving are gone, base members can expect to see increased traffic from heavy equipment and trucks as they haul materials to and from the construction site.
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Following recent news of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) bailout of two failed banks, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the Protecting Consumers from Bailouts Act to protect consumers from new fees and to force the big banks to face up to their mistakes.
The Biden administration announced that they will impose “special assessment” fees on banks across the country to pay for the Silicon Valley Bank bailout.
“Consumers and community banks should not have to shoulder the cost of fiscal irresponsibility by big financial institutions,” said Senator Hawley. “The Biden administration wants to take money from the American taxpayer and local banks through new fees so they can use it to bail out California billionaires. We must protect hardworking Americans and force the big banks to pay for their own mistakes.”
“Community banks and their customers in Indiana should not be on the hook for bailing out Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank for their risky financial decisions. We need to make sure responsible community banks and regular Americans are not footing the bill for President Biden’s bank bailout," said Senator Braun.
The Protecting Consumers from Bailouts Act would:
Bar banks from passing to their customers the cost of any "special assessment" by the FDIC to bail out Silicon Valley Bank or Signature Bank
Prevent the FDIC from levying "special assessments" on community banks to pay for bailing out the uninsured depositors of failing banks
Allow the FDIC to claw back bonuses paid to executives of failed banks
A section of SR 39 in Pulaski County is to close next week for road work.
State Road 39 will be closed between State Road 14 and C.R. 100 S on/after Monday, March 20 through mid-April for a culvert replacement.
Motorists should seek alternate routes.
The official detour will follow State Road 14, U.S. 421 and State Road 16.
A road closure is planned for Starke County starting next week.
U.S. 421 will be closed between C.R. W 400 S and C.R. W 500 S on / after Monday, March 20 through mid-April for a culvert replacement.
Motorists should seek alternate routes.
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From corned beef and cabbage, green beer, drink specials and more, the luck of the Irish will be in Rochester Friday evening for the St.Paddy's Day pub crawl.
(Green Shamrock drink special at Ruthless.)
Starting at 4 p.m., Ruthless Bar and Patio, The Arlington Room, Evergreen Eatery, Putt's Bar and Grill and The Dam Landing will be providing festive green touches of fun tonight for the Leprechaun Lap.
Monica Smith, owner of Putt's Bar and Grill, hopes the event is the start of a new St.Patrick's Day tradition for Rochester that will continue to grow.
Those participating in the event should do so responsibly. Plan ahead for transportation home before going out. The Indiana Department of Transportation stated on their website that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had reported that in just 2016 alone, 60 people were killed from drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick's Day holiday period that started from 6 p.m. March 16 and ended 6 a.m. on March 18.
For that reason, law enforcement will be out in full force to make sure everyone behind the wheel is sober. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
(Corned Beef and Cabbage Shepard's Pie that will be a feature at the Arlington Public House tonight. Slow Roasted corned beef, carrots, onions, potatoes, in a slow simmered Broth topped with creamy white cheddar mashed potatoes.)
The satisfaction of completing the new justice center in Fulton County has been tempered with the inability to move the 911 center into the same building.
That frustration may finally be coming to a close.
Fulton County Commissioner David Sommers says they have turned to some governmental leaders to push the project along.
Summers is hoping to introduce the center next week.
Sommers says a lot of moves hinge on getting operational for a facility that’s been ready since October except for the lack of fiber hookup.
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Indiana’s unemployment rate in January stands at 3.1% according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for January stands at 3.4%.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate held at 63.4% for January, remaining above the national rate of 62.4%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,409,096 – a decrease of 973 from the previous month.
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 12,600 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 85,300 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s January private employment stands at 2,825,700.
Industries that experienced job increases in January included:
As of March 1, 2023, there were 130,839 open job postings throughout the state. In January, 19,460 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.
Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.
A grant to the Eastern Pulaski school system will upgrade educational technology.
Superintendent Dara Chezem.
Chezem says the board will see more with a presentation at next month’s meeting.
The superintendent also notes a grant from Pulaski Memorial Hospital that will be used to support the school district’s pre-healthcare pathway. The donation included two medical beds, two bedside tables and linens to help get the program up and running next school year.
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The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was called Tuesday to the West Central School Corporation in reference to a threat being made and reported to school administrators.
The incident was investigated by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Francesville Police Department, and West Central School administrators. After several interviews with individuals involved, it was determined the comment made was not of a criminal nature but was a violation of school rules and policies.
No further word was given on the type of threat involved.
School administrators are handling the disciplinary action.
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office ensures there is no threat to the school or the community.
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Fulton County Commissioners are among those gathering information in public meetings to prepare for making future decisions involving the county's EMS.
Commissioner David Summers says Ritter Strategic Services is anchoring the information gathering process. He notes the efforts to analyze the county’s finances as they could be connected to the future of EMS are also ongoing.
Summers says they want to hear from everyone who has a stake as all options are on the table.
The Rochester Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of full-time police officer.
Applications may be picked up at the Rochester Police Department, 312 Main Street, and returned no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14.
Lateral applicants will be accepted and are encouraged to apply.
For questions, call Chief Shotts or Lt. Campbell at 574-223-3313.
Some requirements are:
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and under 40 years of age and the time of appointment
High School Diploma or GED
Pass a written and physical agility test
Pass a background investigation
After the first year of employment, officers earn $60,000 per year. Other benefits include:
Health Insurance costing the employee $1 per year
Uniform Allowance
Gym membership
Holiday and longevity pay
Take home vehicle program
Following a record-setting year of enrollment for On My Way Pre-K, Indiana’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year.
On My Way Pre-K allows 4-year-olds from lower-income families to receive a free, high-quality, prekindergarten education through Indiana’s only state-sponsored prekindergarten program. Information about the program and the link to apply can be found at OnMyWayPreK.org.
“We enrolled more than 6,200 children in 2022 and expect to enroll even more this year,” said Courtney Penn, director of FSSA’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. “The Purdue University long-term study released last year showed that children who attend On My Way Pre-K are better prepared for school and that the benefits continue well into elementary school. As we enroll an even larger group of children, we know more will be better prepared to succeed throughout their school years.”
For the 2023-2024 school year, a child is eligible for On My Way Pre-K if they:
An easy-to-use, online application called “Early Ed Connect” serves as the application for both On My Way Pre-K and child care assistance provided via the federal Child Care Development Fund or CCDF. Early Ed Connect makes it easy to attach documents and notifies the user that their submission was successfully submitted. A Spanish version is also available.
Once the family has met eligibility requirements and completed the enrollment process, they may choose from any of the 1,055 approved On My Way Pre-K programs located across Indiana. These programs are operated in homes, centers, schools and religious settings, allowing families to choose the type of setting that works best for them. Families can search approved providers at www.ChildCareFinder.IN.gov.
If a family needs help working through the enrollment process or finding an approved pre-K program, they can go to navigate.onmywayprek.org to connect with a manager in their county.
More than 21,000 Hoosier children have attended pre-K through the On My Way Pre-K program since it began in 2015. The program, which started as a five-county pilot and then expanded to 20 counties in 2017, became a statewide program in 2019. OECOSL also updates the Indiana General Assembly every year on the program. The most recent report can be found here.
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
Families may call 800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist or for other questions about On My Way Pre-K.
Storm was held on several active warrants through Howard County. and obtain a jail clearance.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Argos Police Department and Argos EMS.
Indiana is no stranger to storms.
Snow and ice happen each winter, then in the summer, extreme heat can alter outdoor plans. Even though Hoosiers experience this kind of weather often, they cannot get complacent.
That is why Governor Eric J. Holcomb proclaimed March 12-18 Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
Each year, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) collaborates with the National Weather Service during Severe Weather Preparedness Week to remind and educate Hoosiers about seasonal severe weather threats and how to prepare effectively for them.
"This week reminds us that we all have a role in preparing for severe weather, whether we're emergency responders, community leaders or simply concerned citizens," said Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran.
All Hoosiers should learn the best practices to stay safe, save lives and recover from Indiana’s severe weather.
IDHS encourages all families, schools and workplaces to make tornado safety plans. You can practice these plans during the statewide tornado drill at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 14.
Throughout the week, IDHS will share severe weather safety tips on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow IDHS and use the hashtags #SevereWx and #SWPW.
Cass County law enforcement is investigating a shooting in Walton.
An exchange of gunfire between siblings happened at 306 North Main Street just before 9 p.m. Thursday. Melody Harding, 43, from Albion, was visiting the Walton residence. She sustained a non-lethal grazing injury to the left shoulder. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says she was taken by a friend for medical treatment.
Jeff Hiner, 33, of Walton, was also visiting the residence. He was shot in the leg. He was transported to IU Arnett in Lafayette and then later transferred to IU Methodist in Indianapolis.
Three other people at the residence were not injured.
Christopher Brown, 29, of Walton, was arrested for domestic battery, strangulation and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
Indiana State Police, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Emergency Medical Services, Walton Fire Department and Walton Police responded Thursday night.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Joe Nies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 574-753-6293.
Dozens of workers are being affected by the announcement of the closing of the Catherine Kasper Life Center in Plymouth.
A total of 60 employees will be affected.
The following WARN notice was filed with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and with Marshall County Commissioners.
A social media post by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office echoes a concern of Rochester schools - stop arm violations involving school buses.
According to Rochester Community Schools, there has been a recent increase in stop arm violations. Currently, this school year has averaged one per week.
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office advises the following:
• When approaching a school bus from any direction, which is stopped and has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, motorists are required to STOP, even on multiple lane highways where there is no barrier or median separating lanes of traffic.
• Motorists who are on a highway that is divided by a barrier, such as cable barrier, concrete wall, or grassy median, are required to stop only if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
• Always be prepared to stop for a school bus and watch for children. Children are unpredictable. Not only is disregarding a school bus stop arm dangerous, it is a serious offense.
• Prepare for increased pedestrian traffic in the morning and afternoon hours, and be aware of children standing along the roadway at a bus stop.
Culver Community Schools have accepted more than $14,000 from a settlement with JUUL Labs, following a school board meeting earlier this week.
The lawsuit was filed against JUUL Labs by the State of Indiana, who accused the company of targeting teens and children with their ads and merchandise.
In December, the Indiana Attorney General's Office announced the state would recieve $15.7 million from the settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. The money Indiana received will be used for prevention, education, harm reduction and mitigation efforts. Indiana's settlement is just a small chunk of a larger $435 million settlement between Juul and 32 other states.
Culver Community Schools has the potiential of receiving another $10,000 from the settlement at a later date.
More Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) kiosks are going up in northern Indiana.
The BMV announced that with the introduction of two new BMV Connect kiosks in Huntington and Nappanee it now has 54 kiosk locations available to customers across the state.
Over one million transactions were processed on a kiosk in 2022 and that volume is projected to grow this year. Most kiosks are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offer more than a dozen common transactions. Those transactions include getting a new registration, renewing a registration, renewing a driver's license or ID, getting a duplicate title, getting an official driving record, and much more.
The new kiosk located in the Huntington branch, 240 S. Jefferson St., Huntington, is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The Nappanee kiosk is located at Martin’s Supermarket, 242 N. Oakland Ave., Nappanee, and is available 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
For a complete list of branch locations and hours, to complete an online transaction, or to find a 24-hour BMV Connect kiosk near you visit IN.gov/BMV.
Fulton, Indiana is the third town that RTC Fiber Communications has built fiber
broadband service to since OCRA & NLC awarded grant money to RTC back in May 2022.
More than 200 residents & businesses in Fulton are able to get fast reliable fiber internet service.
“RTC is excited to be able to serve the town of Fulton with high speed fiber internet. The support of the Town of Fulton’s Board as well as the library and other local businesses has been huge,” said Joe McCarter, President of RTC Fiber Communications.
Fulton is the tenth town that RTC Fiber Communications now serves within the surrounding area. Rural areas around Leiters Ford, Kewanna, Fulton & Akron are scheduled for completion of fiber broadband by the end of 2024.
The Town of Fulton has mainly been serviced with a Fixed Wireless service provided by RTC Fiber Communications.
We are excited to provide cutting-edge technology with speeds up to 1GB to residents to allow them the ability to stream, work or go to school from home or have smart-home devices installed. Providing such high speeds also allows businesses to be more efficient and competitive within the community.
An area police department has gone to social media to ask the public's help in identifying a suspect.
Knox Police responded to a theft call at the Lady Bug Cleaners. Officers were advised someone used a key or tool to gain access into one of the drying machines, stealing approximately $75.00 in change.
The Knox PoliceDepartment is asking citizens to help identify the man in the photograph.
Police say the suspect vehicle appears to be a later model Nissan Altima.
It's a hobby turned profession.
Country Road Boarding and Obedience owner Cory Woodcox began his journey in dog obedience about ten years ago while training his own dogs.
After dealing with behaviorial issues and having his German Shepherds professionally trained for obedience, Woodcox began learning the techniques himself.
Woodcox would go on to get his own training and certifications for dog obedience and began practicing at home. After getting a third dog, he expanded his house, to add a kennel room to meet the needs of a growing family. Discovering a need in Fulton County for dog boarding, Woodcox decided to put his passion for dogs to good use. Finally getting the legalities in order, with the help of his wife Annie, Country Road Boarding and Obedience located at 5647 E 500 N outside of Rochester, was officially open about six months ago.
Providing boarding and specialized training to give the one-on-one attention that every dog deserves, the pup paradise has eight private kennels that have a 3x6 indoor running area attached to a 3x12 outdoor running area, a bathing station and a large fenced in yard.
Woodcox said he plans on keeping his kennel business small to make a learning, loving and personal experience with each dog he has, with safety as a top priority.
Fees vary by the service the dog owner is looking for. Their customized training is tailored to suit the specific needs of each dog.
Starting in April, a professional groomer will also be joining CRBO, adding an additional service to the facility. To learn more about the business, visit them on their Facebook page at Country Road Boarding & Obedience or on their website at crbokennel.com.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in the State of Indiana in honor and remembrance of Master Trooper James R. Bailey who was killed in the line of duty.
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, March 11.
Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags to half-staff.
Dr. Mark Heal explains.
Dr. Mark says Dr. Christian is a perfect fit.
Dr. Christian explains why the Renew Health practice and Rochester were the fit for him.
Renew Health has offices in Rochester, Winamac and Lafayette.
The American Pickers television show is returning to Indiana in April to film episodes for The History Channel.
The show is a documentary series following skilled pickers in the world of antiques, finding sizable unique collections and learning the stories behind them.
The show is looking for leads and welcomes nominations of those who have large, private collections or accumulations of antiques that may spark interest for the show. American Pickers does not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or facilities open to the public.
To make a nomination, call (646) 493-2184 or send contact information and photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com.
Peru schools will have grief counselors on hand for students and staff Monday following the death of a student in a Friday car crash.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says a single vehicle crash happened about 7 p.m. Friday on Logansport Road east of 48th Street. Deputies responded with the New Waverly Fire Department, Cass County Emergency Management, Logansport Police, the county coroner and Cass County Emeregency Medical Services.
A 2011 Kia Sportage went off the roadway and struck a guard rail and several trees. The rail pierced the vehicle’s engine compartment and exited the roof.
The driver, Michael Bates, 53, of Peru, suffered minor injuries was taken to Logansport Memorial by a friend. A passenger, Aiden Bates, 12, of Peru, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the road was wet and slushy at the time of the accident. Impaired driving is not believed to be a factor.
The crash remains under investigation.
After some days that left us thinking of spring we get the reminder that winter isn’t over.
Not just yet.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from noon (11 a.m. CST) to midnight (11 p.m. CST) today.
The warning states that heavy snow is expected over a region spanning from northern Indiana to southwest Michigan to northwest Ohio. Total accumulations of 4 – 8 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches are possible.
Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
At the height of the storm snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour.
Curious community members met Thursday evening at the Rochester Lion's Club for the 'Meet the Rochester City Candidates Night,' held by the Fulton County Women's Republican Club.
The event was open to the public and hosted by speaker Kasey Hensley, who introduced each candidate before giving them each ten minutes to speak.
Among those attending the event were the candidates for City Council at Large, starting with incumbent City Council member Bob Cannedy, current City Council President Brian Goodman and Marvin Davis, Amy Roe, who is running for Precinct 2, as well as the unopposed candidate for Precinct 3, Brian Fitzwater, who currently serves as a Rochester City Council Member.
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Finishing up the event with the candidates running for Mayor, the current Rochester City Mayor Ted Denton spoke on why he thought another four years in office would be beneficial for the town. Denton prided himself on being a professional manager before a politician, creating a team that would get the job done for the city he loves. For the past seven years, Denton said he's overseen the completion of over 60 projects, with another 20 in process, 11 of which is nearly complete already.
New to politics and running against Denton, Trent Odell, owner of Odell Lumber, took the podium to introduce himself and his background as a farmer, business owner, pastor, coach and more.
Odell believes he has what it takes to bring change and new energy to Rochester.
Having a passion for helping others and learning new things, Odell plans on channeling this enthusiasm for growth and expansion in the community.
Woodlawn Hospital’s Medical Records department is on the move.
The offices will be fully relocating from inside the hospital to 710 State Road 25 in Rochester. The move will take place on March 13.
To accommodate the move, the office will be closed on March 10 and stay closed until they reopen in their new location on March13.
“We are excited about our new location and we will continue to serve the community just at another place,” Deb Van Zant, Director of Medical Records at Woodlawn Hospital, stated.
Those needing medical records should request them several days before the closure time.
A bill authored by State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) that would address a need for protection and privacy from electronic tracking devices passed out of the Senate unanimously today.
Senate Bill 161 would create penalties for those using a device to track an individual without their knowledge with the purpose to commit a crime. This includes placing a tracking device on one's person or property. There are exceptions to this legislation for individuals who place a tracking device on their own property, family members, law enforcement officers lawfully engaged in the officer's duties, someone who has a tracking device as a condition of parole or probation, and vehicle manufacturers.
The penalty will increase if the victim has a protective order against the person placing the tracking device and provides a sentence enhancement if someone uses a tracking device to commit or facilitate a felony.
"This bill is trying to thread the needle between tracking a person with the intent of protecting them, such as a younger or older family member, and prosecuting those who use these tracking devices to inflict harm to the people they are tracking," said Crider. "There are many things to consider in a piece of legislation like this, and it is important that we consider every angle in order to help protect the people of Indiana, as well as those trying to keep their loved ones safe."
The need for this bill was brought to the attention of legislators by a constituent who was brutally attacked by an ex-boyfriend. He had tracked her via one of these devices and violated a protective order as she attempted to flee and relocate to a safe area. This is a real-life example of the situations this bill tries to penalize and address. SB 161 would allow victims of this kind of crime to have a course of action to prosecute bad actors who intend to use tracking devices to commit a criminal act.
The concepts in SB 161 were offered by multiple senators who worked together to come up with the current version of the bill. SB 161 is a combination of these ideas, and discussions will continue in order to keep improving the legislation.
SB 161 will now be considered by the House of Representatives.
The Outlet Youth Center on Monday hosted their 4th Annual Bra Day at Rochester High School.
This year’s Bra Day was sponsored by I Support The Girls and Rochester Iron and Metal. I Support The Girls supplied all products that were given out for free to any high school female. The funds from Rochester Iron and Metal were used to later purchase bra sizes that had run out that students didn’t get to take home.
The Outlet will make another delivery of bras and other needs after spring break.
This year, I Support The Girls provided The Outlet with brand new bras, underwear, socks, shape-wear, and makeup. The Outlet then supplemented these supplies with feminine hygiene products.
A new addition to the program in 2023, The Outlet invited Lindsey Brubaker who is an independent bra fitter with Essential Body Wear. Before girls were able to pick out their free products, Brubaker helped explain to them the importance of wearing a supportive bra, how to know when you need a new bra, and what a good bra should feel like. She then offered her services in measuring any girl who wanted to be measured for their bra size.
“Having Lindsay there was incredibly invaluable to us. Many girls have never been sized for a bra or have never tried one on,” said Assistant Director Taylor Showley.
Brubaker also came with a stock of her own bras to give out to girls.
“To watch young girl’s eyes light up when they are being professionally fitted, having someone to ask questions to, and for them to tell how comfortable they feel in their new bra totally makes my entire year. It’s why I do what I do. When girls are comfortable, they are set up to feel confident!”
This program was started out of recognition of basic needs among the youth in the community, something The Outlet is all too familiar with.
“We have a hygiene pantry in our building for our students. Once we had made a connection with I Support The Girls, it was a no brainer to spill this program in the schools,” said Executive Director Patience Hisey.
The Outlet has seen rewarding results and has been able to grow the program every year. School Counselor, Tara Seuferer, mentioned, “People don’t understand the impact this day is for our students. I love that The Outlet made the girls feel comfortable enough. The girls are leaving with confidence. These are such basic needs that not everyone gets.”
The Outlet hopes to offer this program for both Tippecanoe Valley and Caston High Schools in the coming years but will need more funding to make this happen.
Taylor Showley mentioned their goal in looking toward the future,
“Our goal moving forward is to involve more of the community. We are not lying when we say this is our favorite day of the year. It’s truly a fun and uplifting event for all who participate. We want to share it with our community, and get the women in our community involved in this amazing program.”
The Outlet would like to extend a special thank you to Rochester Iron & Metal, Lindsay Brubaker, I Support The Girls, and National Honors Society students for volunteering their time in helping set up the event.
If you are interested in participating as a volunteer or a sponsor for this yearly event, please contact The Outlet at 574-224-5437 or email taylor@theoutletyouthcenter.og.
In a related story, The Outlet Youth Center held its 2nd Annual RMS Boys Hygiene Day. 5th-7th graders were supplied with free full sized bottles of shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, a toothbrush, and a pair of socks.
Since the RHS Bra Day has been so successful, The Outlet made the decision to supply boys with basic hygiene items as well. The age group most in need of these items are middle school boys.
Seth Manns from Boar’s Head Barbershop gave a brief presentation of the importance of self care for your image.
He told the students, “When you get up in the morning and take time to take care of yourself, you set yourself to have a good day and face the challenges set before you.”
Brad Hisey then gave a brief explanation and presentation over all The Outlet Youth Center has to offer.
Patience Hisey, Executive Director said, “Being the best version of ourselves includes self-care and feeling good. We are honored to provide RMS students with hygiene items to help them feel their very best.”
A special thank you to Steve Moore Agency for their donation towards this event and to The Boar’s Head Barbershop and The Fulton County Community Foundation for helping set up and distribute these items.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today 2nd -generation farmer Don Lamb, from Lebanon, Indiana, will become the new executive director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
“Don is not only a 2nd-generation farmer, but also a successful agribusinessman and understands the significant and leading role the ag industry plays in Indiana,” said Gov. Holcomb. “In looking for a new executive director for the Indiana Department of Agriculture, it was important to find someone who would be a strong steward of our land and all that it produces. Don truly cares about the Hoosier ag community and securing Indiana’s place as a global leader in the agricultural industry for generations to come.”
Lamb is the co-owner and operator of Lamb Farms Inc., along with his brother and father. The farm produces popcorn, corn, soybeans and wheat. The family also owns AgRecycle, a composting and recycling business, and Lamb Farms Agronomy, which provides soil management and crop production products to surrounding farms.
“Indiana is now the 8th-ranked agricultural product producing state in the country, this industry contributes more than $35 billion dollar to our economy,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Don engrained himself in the agricultural community at an early age, not just focusing on his own operation. He has the leadership skills to not only lead the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, but to the state’s ag industry into the future. I look forward to working with him.”
Lamb is a member of the Advisory Council for the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation. Lamb will be stepping down as Vice President of the Boone County Council and policy chair of his local Farm Bureau Board to assume his position with the ISDA.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity from Gov. Holcomb and Lt. Gov. Crouch,” said Lamb. “I have worked in the agriculture industry for my whole life and this is the only job I would take off the farm. I am excited to work with the great team at ISDA and to become an even better advocate for this industry I love.”
Lamb graduated from Purdue University in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. He was named the Agricultural Professional of the Year in 2014 by the Boone County Chamber of Commerce.
Lamb will begin in his new role on March 13.
Two residents of the town of Mexico in Miami County were found Tuesday deceased in their residence.
Just before 2 p.m., the Miami County Central Dispatch Center received a 911 call about discovery of the bodies at 3652 North Pleasant Drive.
Deputies along with the Denver Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services from Dukes Memorial Hospital and the Miami County Coroner responded to the scene.
The homeowners and the family dog were confirmed dead inside the residence.
The Miami County Sheriff's Office and Miami County Coroner are conducting the death investigation. As of this report, they indicate that there is no evidence of foul play.
A final determination of actual cause and manner of death is pending further investigation.
The Indiana State Police has received several concerns from citizens reporting an apparent phone scam.
ISP receives numerous reports of phone scams each year, but this particular scam involves using the ISP General Headquarters phone number.
The scammer is using a Caller ID showing “Indiana State Police” with “317-232-8248”. The scammer then identifies him/herself as an Indiana State Police Trooper and tells them they have drug charges pending in Texas. The scammer then threatens the citizen with arrest if a payment is not made. The ISP would NEVER call and ask for or demand any sort of payment for any reason whatsoever.
The ISP would like to remind all citizens that phone scammers are persuasive, convincing, and technically savvy. Scammers will often play on your emotions and fears in order to get your personal information and money.
The easiest way to protect yourself from being scammed over the phone is to either ignore unsolicited calls from unknown callers or just hang up when something doesn’t seem right. If you feel as though you have been a victim of a phone scam, immediately report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and alert your bank as soon as possible so the payment can be stopped.
As a reminder, never give out personal information such as date of birth, social security number, or bank/credit card numbers. Many of these scammers want you to make a hasty decision and may pressure you to get your money or personal information. Be aware that transactions made by prepaid card or wire transfer are nearly impossible to recover once sent.
Logansport Financial Corp. announced today that the Board of Directors has approved a Special Dividend of $2.50 per share to its shareholders of record on April 3, 2023.
This special dividend will be paid to shareholders on May 3.
According to Chad Higgins, President of the Corporation, “The board is excited to reward its loyal shareholders with this special dividend. This dividend is a result of the hard work and dedication of the employees of Logansport Savings Bank throughout the unprecedented challenges of the last few years.”
Logansport Financial Corp. (OTCBB: “LOGN.OB”), an Indiana corporation, is the holding company for Logansport Savings Bank, a State Commercial Bank located in Logansport, Indiana.
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