A motorcycle rider went hours before he was discovered after being injured in a Cass County crash.

About 3:20 a.m. Monday, Cass County Central Dispatch received a call about a man kneeling on the roadway at State Road 25 and Old State Road 25. Deputies responded with the Clymer’s Fire Department and Cass County Emergency Medical Services.

Jeffrey Azbell, 57, of Peru, had been operating a 1998 Yamaha just before 10 p.m. Sunday. He swerved to avoid a deer and crashed into the ditch. Azbell wasn’t seen by passersby until he was able to crawl out of the ditch.

Azbell sustained serious injuries and was transported to Logansport Medical Hospital.

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A Miami County man has been sentenced on a federal child pornography charge.

James Rippy, 40, of Peru, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Rippy was sentenced to 348 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Rippy took photos and videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, he possessed other images of child pornography downloaded from the internet.

This case was investigated by United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Peru Police Department. 

The winner of May's Rochester mayoral primary, Trent Odell, announced the names of the two men he has chosen to serve on the city's Board of Public Works and Safety.

Odell appeared on GIANT fm WROI Monday.

Gary Hartwig

Brett Curnutt

The 2023 graduates of Bethel University's School of Nursing at Grace College boast a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the RN Boards exam.

This number surpasses the national average pass rate by 20%. 

“Our graduates have surpassed the national average by a considerable margin every year since the BSN program’s inception in 2020, and this is the third year we’ve had a 100% pass rate,” said Kristen Richmond, the coordinator of nursing at Grace College. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work of our 2023 graduates, and we are confident that they will make a tremendous impact for Christ in the field of nursing.”

Nursing students at Grace participate in the Grace College campus life and liberal arts courses while studying nursing with Bethel University nursing professors. These students have access to Grace’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab where they are able to practice their skills in a life-like environment. As a direct result of scenario-based learning and experienced faculty, employers that hire Grace BSN graduates report a 100% satisfaction rate.

“The 100% NCLEX pass rate exemplifies the level of excellence we strive for in the School of Science and Engineering at Grace College,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, dean of the School of Science and Engineering. “My wife is an RN at a local hospital, so I know firsthand that this program serves a critical need in our region. A huge congratulations are in order to the faculty, staff and students like Jeri who have worked hard to achieve this result.”

Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College is now accepting applicants. To learn more about the program, visit www.grace.edu/programs/nursing/. 

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The Indiana State Fair has enhanced its existing protocols involving safety. The changes include not allowing anyone under the age of 18 after 6 p.m. without a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone that is age 21 or older.

The following safety information which includes a list of items you cannot take onto the fairgrounds is listed on the Indiana State Fair's website.

NEW IN 2023! Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Fairgoers under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone (age 21+) to enter the Indiana State Fair starting at 6PM daily.

Each adult may chaperone up to six (6) individuals and must remain at the Fairgrounds while the minors they are chaperoning are still present.

Any minors under the age of 18 not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Any person entering may be asked to show a valid driver’s license, state identification card, or other government issued ID.

Does not apply to organized and ticketed group outings or those participating in competitions where existing chaperone procedures are in place.

NEW IN 2023! Bag Policy

While visiting the State Fair, all bags must be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. All bags are subject to search prior to entering the Fair.

All bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12” will need to be returned to a vehicle or home before entering the Fairgrounds.

Lockers are not available for those who arrive with oversized bags.

Any prohibited items will be confiscated by Public Safety and will not be returned.

PERMITTED:

All bags (clear, backpack, tote, camera) 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller will be permitted.

Fairgoers are NOT limited to the number of bags smaller than 9” x 10” x 12” that they bring in, and all bags will be searched.

Empty reusable bottles, cups, and souvenir cups will be permitted.

Any carry-in items for family care, such as diaper bags, water or snacks for children, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed.

Fairgoers are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home. We realize this policy will change the way you prepare to come to the Fair and appreciate your flexibility and patience.

UPDATED! Prohibited Items:

All guests entering through gates are subject to search. To ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable to the Indiana State Fair, the following items are not permitted at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center:

Aerosol Cans

Alcoholic Beverages

Banners, Signs, or flags on poles

Bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles

Foot powered or electric scooters (such as Bird, Lime, or Lyft scooter)

Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, or inline skates

UAV – drones

Animals such as pets and emotional support animals (service animals are allowed)

Balloons

Beach Balls

Commercial A/V Equipment

Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives

Glass Bottles

Hard-sided coolers

Illegal Substances (drugs, paraphernalia, etc.)

Bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12”

Lasers

Noisemakers

Sticks, Bats, Poles

Weapons, Firearms, Knives

The following items are ALLOWED at the State Fair:

Diaper bags of any size

Cameras for personal use (No photography for commercial or media use without proper media credentials)

Empty cups, water bottles, and camelback-style water packs

Lawn chairs/folding chairs (please remove chair from bag at security screening)

Sealed water bottles

Bags and soft sided coolers 9”x10”x12” or smaller

Strollers/wagons

Umbrellas

Code of Conduct

All fairgoers are expected to follow ALL safety policies and guest code of conduct, including:

Weapons are prohibited at the Indiana State Fair.

Visitors entering the Fairgrounds will be screened through metal detectors at entry gates.

If severe weather or an emergency affects the Indiana State Fair, please listen for public address announcements, and follow instructions from State Fair personnel and public safety officials.

There is a NO RUNNING policy while visiting the Indiana State Fair

Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.

Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner by public safety personnel

Guests who engage in running, fighting, throwing objects or any other violent or offensive action will be immediately ejected from the State Fairgrounds

Smoking, including alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor, is only permitted in designated smoking areas around the Fairgrounds

Service Animal Policy

The Indiana State Fair follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is one that is trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.

Due to the nature of some attractions at the State Fair, service animals are not permitted on rides or attractions, and may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.

ADA regulations state that the specific work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals according to the ADA. Therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted in the State Fair.

To report emergencies, a safety concern or request medical assistance while visiting the State Fairgrounds, please call 317-927-7520.

If you do not have access to a phone, stop any police officer or State Fair staff member, or visit one of the Indiana State Police Information Booths. Indiana State Police Information Booths are open all 18 days of the Fair, and are located across from the Administration Building, in the Communications Building, and just west of the Purdue Extension Building.

Indiana State Fair staff and Public Safety Officials have been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct, or prevent others from enjoying the Fair may be subject to ejection without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has extended the Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) forecast  through Friday, July 28, for all of Indiana.

Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) level.

IDEM is forecasting high ozone levels due to a significant increase in temperatures across the state and a continued air mass from Canadian wildfires in the following regions:

• Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Shelbyville, Richmond and all other cities within the area.
• North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
• Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
• Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
• Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
• Western/West Central Indiana, including the cities of: Crawfordsville, Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Lafayette, Newport, Monticello, Spencer, Sullivan, Terre Haute and all other cities within the area.

A state map including regions and affected counties is available at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

Note: IDEM forecasts are based, solely or in part, on data from air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the affected region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. 

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date.

IDEM encourages everyone to help improve air quality by making changes to daily habits on Air Quality Action Days. You can:

• Carpool or use public transportation.
• Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.
• Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time.
• Avoid using gas-powered equipment.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
• Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors;
• Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.

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It's been a long time coming for partners Jared Tyler, Andy Strasser, Corey Thomas, Chris Markley and Alyssa Ferro, the backbone of the newest brewery to hit Rochester, Tip A Canoe Brew, located at 527 1/2 N Main St. 

Having their official opening to the public this evening, Jared Tyler says all the blood, sweat and tears behind this passion project is finally paying off. 

Although the new brewery shares a building with Uncorked, their menu is completely seperate. From homemade pretzels, beer-cheese, in-house mustard, specialty hotdogs and more, Tyler said the idea was to keep the menu simple, yet high-quality and unique.

Open now Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Tyler said turning their dreams into a reality has been a surreal and rewarding experience.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has partnered once again with local health departments and other healthcare entities across the state to host summer back-to-school immunization clinics as part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year.

Now in its second year, the Start Smart campaign includes a map showing dates, times and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at https://startsmart.health.in.gov/. The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older. Families will not be charged at the site of the clinic but should provide insurance information if available.

“Routine immunizations are the best way to protect children from highly contagious diseases like measles, mumps and chicken pox and can help ensure every student has a healthy start to the school year,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “During last year’s back-to-school outreach, nearly 50 percent of children who were behind on their immunizations got caught up on at least one vaccine, giving them protection that can last a lifetime. We hope to see even greater success this year.”

IDOH is also mailing letters to parents of children whose state immunization records show they are behind on a required immunization. A list of immunizations required for school can be found here. 

“Partners across the state are coming together to make it easier than ever to ensure that your child is protected from preventable illnesses before the start of school,” Dr. Weaver said. “I encourage every parent of a school-age child to check their child’s vaccine status today and to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider or take advantage of these convenient opportunities in their communities.”

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After a long battle over how the City of Rochester handles their leaf pick-up the Rochester City Council finally made the decision to repeal the yard waste / leaf pickup ordinance that was established in 2014. 

Complaints on the ordinanace were first launched earlier this year. Concerned citizens brought strong emotions and packed the March city council meeting. The leaf ordinance had loosely defined when the city would pick up leaves, so long as they were not raked by a lawn care company. At the March meeting, Lake Manitou resident Sarah Wild shared her views after learning about the ordinance in the fall of 2022 when the city refused to pick up her leaves because she had hired a lawn care company to do the raking. 

Worried about the task at hand, and not wanting to overwhelm city employees with extra work, a modification for the ordinance was tabled several times before council members settled on the repeal during the July Rochester City Council meeting. 

During fall leaf pickup, the Rochester Street Department operates debris loading machines. Due to the age of the machines and the dusty conditions they operate in, it's often difficult to keep all four machines on the streets at all times. Keeping employees and enough heavy equipment operators has also been a recent problem.

Instead of having leaf pick up available any day a week to city residents, the city council agreed that the best way to ensure city employees will not be overwhelmed is by having designated set times for leaf pick up in sections across Rochester. 

A policy has yet to be set on the matter. 

High temperatures are expected throughout much of the Indiana region in the next few days. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The American Red Cross offers steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.

• Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Take frequent breaks and use a buddy system when working outdoors.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.
   

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat Exhaustion
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heaving sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet clothes or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
 

Risk Factors
Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S. More than 600 people in this country die every year from heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness, including adults over 65, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants and children, and athletes. Some may take medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse. People with heart disease, poor blood circulation, obesity and mental illness are also at risk for getting sick if the temperatures climb.

For additional extreme heat safety tips, please click here. You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App to receive full weather alerts in Spanish as well as English to track conditions with six different weather overlays. More information here.

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Plans are in the works for construction at the Putman Bailbonds building in Rochester.

The building at 130 E. 8th Street has severe structural damage from the shifting foundation. 

Although the issue feels too close for comfort to owner of Putt's Bar and Grill, business neighbor Monica Smith says for now the bar will remain open. 

Smith said business has been sluggish since safety measures were put in place around the corner lot. From bar patrons to curious community members, Smith is often asked about the status of Putt's Bar and Grill. 

As a Plan B, Smith says her catering permit will help her through if plans change, allowing her to serve both food beverages at other venues if needed.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Thursday, July 27, for all of Indiana.

Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) level.

IDEM is forecasting high ozone levels due to a significant increase in temperatures across the state and a continued air mass from Canadian wildfires in the following regions:

• Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond, Shelbyville and all other cities within the area.
• North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
• Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
• Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
• Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
• Western/West Central Indiana, including the cities of: Crawfordsville, Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Lafayette, Newport, Monticello, Spencer, Sullivan, Terre Haute and all other cities within the area.

A state map including regions and affected counties is available at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. 

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified date.

IDEM encourages everyone to help improve air quality by making changes to daily habits on Air Quality Action Days. You can:

• Carpool or use public transportation.
• Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.
• Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time.
• Avoid using gas-powered equipment.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
• Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors;
• Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.

About Ozone:
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations. 

Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, or lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.
To learn more about PM2.5 and ozone, or to sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

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A heat advisory has been announced by the National Weather Service.

That advisory is in place through Friday night as heat index values are expected to reach 106-110, especially in the southwestern portions of the northern Indiana area. Also, locations near Lake Michigan may stay somewhat cooler however the humidity levels will remain elevated.

Be a good neighbor and check-in on the elderly or infirm to make sure they are coping well with the heat. Also, be sure to keep pets and livestock cool and well hydrated during this heat spell.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location

There is also an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms present Wednesday afternoon into the late evening. Main threats would be strong wind gusts but hail will also be possible.

According to the National Weather Service the best chances for severe thunderstorms should remain north of U.S. Highway 30.

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The Indiana Court of Appeals has unanimously rejected the request to shorten the 70-year prison term given to a LaPorte County man, who was sentenced last year for torturing his four-year-old son, Judah Morgan, to death in 2021. 

On November 29, 2022, Alan D. Morgan, 30, plead guilty to murder, level 5 felony battery, and level 6 felony resisting law enforcement. According to court documents, the guilty plea came after a series of 2021 crimes, including leading police on a 119 mph chase after beating and killing Judah Morgan in the family's home outside of Hamlet. 

Court records show prosecutors dismissed additional pending charges in exchange for a guilty plea that included operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a controlled substance, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, neglect of a dependent and cruelty to an animal. 

Morgan was sentenced by LaPorte Circuit Judge Thomas Alevizos the three remaining charges of 63 years for murder, five years for battery and two years for resisting law enforcement. Records state all are to be served consecutively, for a total prison term of 70 years. 

In his appeal, Morgan claimed the trial court abused its discretion because he felt his sentence was inappropriate, especially given his guilty plea and relative lack of prior criminal back ground. 

The appeals judge disagreed. According to court documents, Appeals Judge Terry Crone of South Bend described Morgan as "truly one of the worst offenders, who was quite fortunate that the trial court did not impose the maximum possible sentence under the circumstances."

Morgan can still ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider adjusting his prison term. Without an adjustment, according to the Department of Correction, Morgan's earliest possible release from incarceration is Oct. 8, 2073, assuming good behavior. 

The child's mother, Mary Yoder, 27, is set to go on trial Sept. 25 in LaPorte County. Yoder has been charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a level 1 felony; neglect of a dependent involving cruel confinement, a level 5 felony; and several misdemeanors, according to court records.

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An artist from Peru, Indiana, Terry Burkeybyle,spent the past few days working on his newest project, a hobby fueled by passion, in front of Dr. Frank Choate's home.

Choate's home is the former Sandhill Church, 5532 N Old Hyw 31, near Rochester. 

Burkeybyle says he started experimenting with woodcarving nine years ago, but didn't get into chainsaw work until about five years ago.

Whenever Burkeybyle finds the time, he tries to share his passion with the community. He said each piece typically takes around 12 hours.

Keeping up his love for art is something that has always kept him going. 

Those interested in contacting Burkeybyle for their own creative piece can do so by calling him at 248-561-4234. 

An overwhelming vote to retain the Rochester Manitou Moose Lodge 1107 was accepted Monday.

Now, the getting back to normal can begin for the lodge that had been closed after Moose International removed President Grant Downs and the remaining board members stepped down a few weeks ago.

A large crowd turned out for the Monday meeting called by Moose International. Early on, by a simple show of hands vote, it was determined that the lodge members wished to retain the charter.  From there, it was a question-and-answer and discussion about what led to the meeting and how to make the lodge better.

Moose International leaders explained that one of the leading factors to the recent change was unsanctioned events, most notably, the wrestling events held at the lodge the last two years.  They noted insurance did not cover such events and had someone been injured it could have resulted in a damaging lawsuit.

A new board is now in place with elections for the board slated to be held in April.

Serving in the following offices:

President: Matt Nard

Vice-President: Buddy Pollock

Treasurer: Josh Durkes

Chaplain: Rob Ruff

Trustees:  Tyler Denniston, Shane Reffitt, John Gartland

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted Air Quality Action Days (AQAD) for Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25 in parts of northern Indiana.

Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) level as indicated below.

IDEM is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM_2.5) due to smoke from Canadian wildfires in the following regions:

• North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
• Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.

In addition, ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range (Orange) on Monday and Tuesday in North Central Indiana and Northwest Indiana.

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Indiana’s unemployment rate in June stands at 3.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for June stands at 3.6%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate held at 63.6% for June, remaining above the national rate of 62.6%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,428,806 – an increase of 2,906 from the previous month.

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 3,100 jobs over the last month, but still resulted in a gain of 58,900 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s June private employment stands at 2,832,100.

Industries that experienced job increases in June included construction, which increased by 3,800 jobs over the month, and private educational and health services, which increased by 900 jobs during the month.

As of July 17, there were 115,930 open job posting throughout the state. In June, 15,287 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 meeting Monday night will detail the next step for the Rochester Moose Lodge 1107.

Earlier this month, Moose International closed the Rochester lodge. The move prompted a letter from now-past President Grant Downs to social media:

https://fultoncountypost.com/wroi-news/697518/rochester-moose-lodge-closed-in-wake-of-decisions-by-moose-international

A postcard mailer notified members and the community to a special town hall meeting scheduled for Monday.  Signed by Territory Manager Jesse Germany, the card indicated that a special membership meeting will take place at the lodge and a vote shall be held that decides whether or not to retain the charter. If the lodge votes to retain the carter and reorganize, a board of officers will be appointed to serve until April 30, 2024.  The card says the board would, "profitably operate the lodge in compliance with the General Lawsof The Moose."

The postcard says that all qualified members desiring to hold office shoudl attend.

The Territory Manager, Regional Manager and State Liasion are expected to attend the meeting, answer questions and assist the lodge.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

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A Fulton County deputy was honored for his life saving effort at a statewide conference.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office reported through social media that recently at the 93rd Annual Indiana Sheriff's Association Conference held in French Lick, Deputy Derek Halterman of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office was presented with the ISA Life Saving Award.

This award, established in 2009, is given annually to office personnel who has performed a life saving act in the fulfillment of his or her duties, dedicated to the purpose or improving our society through professional and ethical law enforcement. Deputy Halterman was nominated for this award for his lifesaving efforts in November 2022.

On November 15, 2022, Fulton County emergency personnel were dispatched to the 5000 block of S SR 25 on a report of a baby not breathing. Personnel were advised the parents were on their way to the hospital with the 1-month-old infant because he had been sick when they noticed he had stopped breathing. They pulled over to the side of the road and called 911.

While out on patrol, 15-year veteran Deputy Derek Halterman responded to this call and arrived within three minutes of being dispatched. Deputy Halterman immediately took the infant from the parents and checked him for life. After confirming the infant was not breathing and without a pulse, he began CPR. Deputy Halterman continued CPR until the medics arrived some six minutes later.

The infant was taken to the hospital and later that day transferred to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. He was treated at Riley Hospital for eight days before being released home to his parents.

The infant survived and is doing remarkably well. Speaking with the infant’s father he stated, “your deputy knew as soon as he got there, we didn’t know what we were doing (with CPR). He took him, began working, and we were instantly relieved. He knew exactly what he was doing.” The actions of Deputy Halterman on November 15, 2022 are nothing short of remarkable and lifesaving.

“I recognized Deputy Halterman’s quick intervention and determination to save the life of another and wanted to highlight his exceptional actions. His lifesaving efforts were extraordinary, and he is well deserving of this award,” stated Sheriff Travis Heishman.

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An investigation covering thefts in multiple counties ended with arrests in Hebron Thursday.

About 7 a.m., the Indiana State Police SWAT executed several search warrants on a residence in Hebron.  The search warrants were the result of an extensive investigation lead by LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department Captain Andy Hynek and Indiana State Trooper Jace Haddon, but it included numerous other law enforcement agencies across northwest and central Indiana.

The investigation encompassed a crime spree that spanned several counties and local jurisdictions to include Logansport Police, Kouts Police, Newton County Sheriff’s Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, LaPorte County Sherriff’s Office, Hebron Police Department, Monon Police Department, Francesville Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department,  and the Michigan City Police Department, LaPorte County Prosecutor, Jasper County Prosecutor, Cass County Prosecutor, and the Indiana State Police.

The crime spree included several ATM thefts in northern Indiana, as well as the theft of a motorcycle that occurred this week at the Harley Davidson Shop of Michigan City. Three arrests were made and two of those were a result of the investigation. The third arrest was a subject in the residence that happened to have a non-related warrant for a different offense.

Indiana State Police report that due to the vast area where these crimes took place, the investigation required an extensive coordinated effort to result in the arrests. The Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division Lowell Post was contacted to help coordinate and orchestrate the warrant service.  

Branden L. Tweedy, 23, and Blake A. Freeman Tweedy, 41, both of Hebron, are both charged with burglary - Level 5 Felony and theft where value of property is between $750 and $50,000 - Level 6 Felony.

Devin B. Tweedy, 19, of Hebron, was charged with failure to appear for operating without ever receiving a license.

"The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office thanks all of the agencies for their hard work in bringing this crime spree to a stop this morning. Multi-jurisdictional investigations can sometimes be tricky, this investigation went well as everyone was focused on bringing these criminals to justice," LaPorte County Sheriff Ron Heeg.

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A Rochester man was sentenced in federal court following a guilty plea for theft of firearms.

Justin Overholser, 40, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after pleading guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. The sentence was announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Overholser was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, in September 2021, Overholser broke into the store of a federal firearms licensee and stole 11 firearms and several boxes of ammunition. He caused over $2,000 in damage and left the store with firearms valued at over $10,000.00.  Overholser later sold the stolen guns for drugs and money.

Last year, 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.

Overholser 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and the Logansport Police Department. 

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A Peru man was sentenced to two-and-a-half years on Thursday in the 2022 accidental shooting that killed his girlfriend.

Maconaquah High School student Hanna Cox, 18, was killed in the incident. Jeremiah Smith entered a guilty plea to one count of pointing a firearm at another, a Level 6 felony, after taking a plea deal that dropped two other charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. 

On February 24, 2022, police arrived at a residential area near Grissom Air Reserve Base and found Cox in a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite first responders attempting life-saving measures, Cox eventually died at the scene. 

Prior to the shooting, Cox had gone to Smith's home to return his headphones. Smith stated that's when he got into her car to show her a handgun he believed to be unloaded and not working. Smith detailed to police that he was just 'playing' when he pointed and was surprised it went off. After the incident, Snith said he threw the gun and magazine under a bush, which officers later located. 

At the time of the shooting Smith was also senior at Maconaquah High School. 

Smith is expected to serve a year at the Miami County Jail and 1.5 years of probation from his sentence.

Court documents also stated that Smith will obtain his GED and complete 200 hours of community service at the Kokomo Urban Outreach as part of his sentence. 

A Rochester man was recently charged with two level counts of child molesting.

Dekota Allen Fromme, 27, was accused in two seperate criminal cases for allegedly molesting two children. Both are Level 4 felonies.

According to court documents, the Rochester Police Department received a report of child molestation in March of this year. A child stated there had been several cases of inappropriate touching by Fromme. The child also stated the occurance had happened about four years ago. 

Fromme denied the allegation when later interviewed by police, telling officers he was surprised that allegation even happened. 

A report from a second child was made in April. The second child to come forward detailed three different instances where Fromme had touched the child innappropriately.

Fromme continues to deny molesting either child.

On July 17, Fromme was booked into the Fulton County Jail. 

Sidewalks on an Apache Drive project in Rochester will have to wait after unexpected costs have driven that portion of the project beyond expectations.

Fulton County Commissioner Rick Ranstead says the sidewalk issue has, at least for now, delayed that portion of the job.

So, time to look ahead to the road project itself, then analyze what can be done to add in the related sidewalk.

Ranstead also notes efforts are underway for grant work for storms sewers in the Nyona Lake area.

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This summer, the Indiana State Police is teaming up with other Indiana law enforcement agencies to keep drivers and passengers safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.

Through the end of the month, law enforcement officers in your community will be on high alert for speeding vehicles while participating in the Speeding Slows You Down campaign, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Not only is speeding illegal, it's also deadly. In 2021, speeding killed 252 people in Indiana, accounting for more than one-quarter of all crash fatalities. Tragically, there was a dramatic increase (15%) in speeding-related crash fatalities from 2021-2022.

Preliminary data shows that in 2022, speeding killed 290 people in Indiana, with nearly 300 fatalities projected in 2023. The Indiana State Police wants to remind drivers that, no matter how seasoned you are as a driver, ultimately, Speeding Slows You Down.

Like impaired driving, speeding can have deadly consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash. "Speed limit signs are not suggestions; they are the law," said Indiana State Police Lieutenant TJ Zeiser.

According to data from ICJI, more people crash while speeding on local roads than on highways. In 2022, 77% of all speeding-related traffic crashes on Indiana roads occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Drivers in neighborhoods, school zones, or secondary roads should be especially aware of this campaign and their speed. For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.

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Republican candidate running for Rochester clerk-treasurer Beth Stocking is standing her ground despite Fulton County Democrats recently public outcry for her to drop from the upcoming election.

Democrats shined a spotlight on Stocking, after discovering she had fell victim to a scam involving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Fulton County Democrat Party stated that "the actions of Beth Stocking detailed in the Rochester and Baltimore police reports show a stunning lack of judgement from someone who wishes to be the city's top financial officer. The best thing Ms.Stocking can do for the people of the city is to step out of the race immediately." 

Fulton County Republican Party Chair Mike Canada said the party is standing by Stocking, who had been open about the scam and FBI investigation prior to the information being leaked to the media. Since the investigation began during the summer of 2022, Stocking has taken full responsibility and continues to cooperate with investigators.

Both Stocking and Canada agreed it doesn't take away her qualifications for the job if she is to be elected as Rochester clerk-treasurer. 

The deadline for nominated candidates to file a notice of withdrawl was Monday, July 17, at noon. 

Stocking thanked her supporters and the community for her decision on moving forward. Stocking said, although she felt foolish for falling in a scam, it's something that she has learned from to make her stronger in the future.

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Local businesswoman, entrepreneur and restauranteer, Maggie Doran, 83, of Rochester, passed away on Sunday at Chase Nursing and Rehab Center of Logansport.

Doran made Rochester her home in January of 1969, coming from LaPorte. While in LaPorte she worked as a private secretary for ten years. In Rochester she was the owner of the Covey's Cove Pet Store and several local eateries including Maggies, Margaritas, The Main Street Tavern and the Chicken Coop.  

The full obituary can be seen at the following link:

https://fultoncountypost.com/obituaries/698428/maggie-doran-83-of-rochester

Her memberships include The Cross Church, Busy Bells Extension Homemakers Club, Red Hat Society, the Moose, Eagles and the Women's Auxiliary of the Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars .

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter & Education through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 227 E. 9^th St., Rochester, IN 46975.  

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Fulton County Community Corrections is looking for Alie Schultz.

According to the social media post by Fulton County Community Corrections, Schultz, 24, is wanted on felony escape charges after she cut off her GPS monitoring device on July 16.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department at 574-223-2819; Rochester Police Department at 574-223-3313; or the Fulton County Community Corrections at 574-223-4345.

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The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office says they remain unclear as to what led to a truck crossing the center line in what is now a double-fatality.

Pulaski County deputies, EMS and the Winamac Fire Department responded to the Friday crash where they discovered Corey Sanders, 25, of Rensselaer, dead at the scene.  Meanwhile, Cowen Kumler, 16, of Rochester, was flown by helicopter to South Bend Memorial Trauma Center. The Sheriff’s Office noted in a Monday press releases that they were informed by South Bend Memorial that the juvenile in the crash had died of his injuries after two days on life support.

Pulaski County says a witness to the crash provided a statement that a pickup driven by Kumler had crossed the center line of the roadway and ran head-on into a cargo van driven by Sanders.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office with the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating.

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Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday for a Rochester man who died from injuries sustained in a Friday crash.

Robert “Bobby” David Tuttle, 27, of Rochester, passed away Saturday at Lutheran Hospital of Ft. Wayne following complications from a car accident.

The two-vehicle collision and fire resulted in Tuttle being flown from the scene of a Friday..

Just after 9 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the accident at US 31 and West 3^rd Street. A 1997 Ford truck operated by  Tuttle was traveling west on 3^rd Street and crossed into the median. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office says Tuttle began to cross the southbound lanes when he was struck by a 2015 Chevrolet truck operated by Devon Cox, 20, of Indianapolis. The impact caused the Ford to roll over several times and down an embankment where it caught fire.

Tuttle was flown from the scene to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne by Samaritan Helicopter with life threatening injuries.

Cox was not injured.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office sent out a special thank you to several motorists who stopped to assist and several employees of Brake and Spring of Rochester for assisting to remove Tuttle from his vehicle and render first aid.

Funeral services for Robert Tuttle can be found at the following link:  https://fultoncountypost.com/obituaries/698223/robert-bobby-david-tuttle-27-of-rochester

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An area hospital has has been recognized as a Top Hospital for Nurse Communication by Becker's.

Northwest Health-Starke in Knox was named one of the top 10 hospitals in Indiana and one of the top 364 hospitals in the nation for their communication with patients.    

Becker's has compiled a list of the best hospitals for nurse communication in each state using Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data from CMS.

CMS shares 10 HCAHPS star ratings based on publicly reported HCAHPS measures. The nurse communication star rating combines data from three HCAHPS survey questions and summarizes how well patients feel that their nurses explained things clearly, listened carefully to the patient, and treated the patient with courtesy and respect.

The star rating is based on survey data collected from hospital patients from July 2021 through June 2022. The figures are from CMS' Provider Data Catalog and were released April 26. 

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One man is dead after crashing his motorcycle Friday night in Kosciusko County.

The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Kosciusko County Road 750 North and 750 West. According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's office, Benjamin Stogsdill, 36, of Nappanee, drove through the stop sign at the intersection and off the road.  He hit trees and an embankment. 

Stogsdillwas pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Kosciusko County FACT Team.

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A criminal charge has been filed against a Starke County man for one count of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Level 1 Felony.

The charge stems from an investigation completed by detectives with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. It was filed against David Rudd, 20, of Knox,. On May 25, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of a deceased 19-year-old male that was believed to be an overdose. Upon arriving, detectives identified Camden Combs as the decedent. Drug paraphernalia was located in the area of where Combs was found.

The Starke County Coroner’s Office later provided a final autopsy and toxicology report. Toxicology revealed that Camden Combs tested positive for a lethal dose of controlled substances, to include fentanyl and methamphetamine, at the time of his death.

During the course of the investigation, detectives found evidence of communications and currency exchanges between Camden Combs and David Rudd around the time of Combs’ death. Additional interviews were conducted which corroborates the evidence that was found.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of David Rudd, who is currently incarcerated in another county on an unrelated charge. The Starke Circuit Court has set of bond for David Rudd in the amount of $100,000 cash.

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is extending Sunday's statewide Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) through Monday.

IDEM is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM_2.5) in the air for Sunday and Monday, July 16-17, in the following regions:

• Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area.
• North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
• Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
• Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
• Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
• Western/West Central Indiana, including the cities of: Crawfordsville, Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Lafayette, Newport, Monticello, Spencer, Sullivan, Terre Haute and all other cities within the area.

Smoke and particulate matter will be moving into the state on Sunday raising particulate levels to unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG).

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Smoke and particulate matter will be moving into the state on Sunday raising particulate levels to unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG). The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is issuing an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air for Sunday, July 16, in the following regions:

• Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area.
• North Central Indiana, including the cities of: Elkhart, Goshen, Knox, Logansport, Plymouth, Peru, Rochester, South Bend, Warsaw, Winamac and all other cities within the area.
• Northeast Indiana, including the cities of: Angola, Auburn, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Hartford, Huntington City, LaGrange, Marion, Portland, Wabash and all other cities within the area.
• Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities within the area.
• Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
• Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
• Western/West Central Indiana, including the cities of: Crawfordsville, Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Lafayette, Newport, Monticello, Spencer, Sullivan, Terre Haute and all other cities within the area.

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A two-vehicle collision and fire resulted in one person being flown from the scene of a Fulton County accident Friday morning.

Just after 9 a.m., the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the accident at US 31 and West 3^rd Street. A 1997 Ford truck operated by Robert Tuttle, 27, of Rochester, was traveling west on 3^rd Street and crossed into the median. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office says Tuttle began to cross the southbound lanes when he was struck by a 2015 Chevrolet truck operated by Devon Cox, 20, of Indianapolis. The impact caused the Ford to roll over several times and down an embankment where it caught fire.

Tuttle was flown from the scene to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne by Samaritan Helicopter with life threatening injuries.

Cox was not injured.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office sends out a special thank you to several motorists who stopped to assist and several employees of Brake and Spring of Rochester for assisting to remove Tuttle from his vehicle and render first aid.

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The Ford Meter Box Company Inc., an Indiana-based manufacturer of waterworks products, announced plans today to expand operations in Wabash, creating up to 126 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2027. 

“Across Indiana, entrepreneurs like Edwin Ford have created a significant and lasting impact on the state’s economy and communities – more evidence of the importance of entrepreneurship and its lasting impact on Indiana’s economy,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers.

Ford Meter Box, which was incorporated in Wabash in 1911, will invest $250-300 million to expand its Indiana operations, designing and constructing a new 300,000-square-foot facility that will substantially increase the production of brass products while allowing room for future production lines. The new facility, which will be located adjacent to Ford Meter Box’s current operations, will allow the company to meet increased demand for water, wastewater, civil and industrial applications across the U.S. The company plans to break ground on the multi-year project later this year. 

“This is the largest expansion in the company’s history,” said Steve Ford, president of Ford Meter Box. “The new facility will complement existing manufacturing operations at the firm’s Manchester Avenue location in Wabash. Parts of our present foundry will remain in production, and parts will be repurposed to better utilize space.”

The Ford Meter Box Company, founded by Edwin Ford, has been serving the waterworks industry since 1898. The company is dedicated to producing well-designed and thoroughly tested products, manufactured with the finest raw materials, and supported by conscientious and professional employees in the waterworks industry. The company, which has manufacturing operations in Wabash and Pell City, Alabama, employs more than 600 associates in Indiana. 

“I am elated that Ford Meter Box has chosen to expand their business in Wabash,” said Wabash Mayor Scott A. Long. “We’ve worked hard with the team at Grow Wabash County to create an environment to attract new jobs and growth in our community, and we are excited that we can partner with our largest, homegrown employer to expand right here. This is an incredible way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Ford Meter Box company.”

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Ford Meter Box of up to $1.2 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants. The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $350,000 in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and investments are made. The city of Wabash offered additional incentives, and Duke Energy approved incentives to offset a portion of the energy costs. 

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In the next step of its electric generation transition to a more balanced and
reliable mix to serve customers, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI),  announced that its first two Indiana-based solar projects – Indiana Crossroads and Dunns Bridge I Solar – are online and operating, producing more cost-effective, cleaner energy for homes and businesses across Indiana.

“The addition of our first solar parks to our electric generating portfolio represent meaningful investments in the state of Indiana and a direct benefit to our customers,” said Mike Hooper, NIPSCO President. “These completed projects are a crucial step in advancing our long-term energy transition plan, providing sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy now and into the future.”

Indiana Crossroads Solar is a 200-megawatt (MW) facility located in White County, Ind., which was developed and constructed by EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA). Indiana Crossroads Solar will be a major economic boon to the state and to White County bringing $2.6 million in Economic Development Agreement funds that are available for the county to use for priority projects and
other special projects. The solar park is also expected to contribute more than $42 million in property tax payments over the 35-year life of the project, helping to reduce the property tax burden on other families and businesses in White County.
Dunns Bridge I Solar is a 265 MW facility located in Jasper County, Ind. near NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer Generating Station, which is expected to be retired in 2025. This facility is the first of a two-part solar project. Dunns Bridge II, located in Jasper and Starke counties and currently under construction, is expected to produce 435 MW of solar paired with 75 MW of battery storage. Dunns Bridge I & II are expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue
for Jasper and Starke counties over the life of the facility. Learn more about Dunns Bridge I & II at www.DunnsBridgeSolar.com.
Both the Dunns Bridge I and Indiana Crossroads solar projects are partially funded through tax equity investments. By using a tax equity investor that is currently able to utilize the tax benefits more efficiently, along with utilizing tax benefits afforded under the Inflation Reduction Act, NIPSCO is able to provide electricity to customers at a lower cost versus traditional ownership of
the projects. NIPSCO evaluates the most efficient use of tax benefits on a project-by-project basis.
NIPSCO’s electric generation transition toward a more balanced and reliable portfolio* – including its plans to retire all its remaining coal-fired units – is driven by real-world data and economics
derived from Indiana’s Integrated Resource Plan process and subsequent request for proposals (RFPs). NIPSCO has also performed ongoing analysis of current market conditions and changes in market rules, which support NIPSCO’s current generation transition path. The company plans to be coal-free by 2028, driving a reduction in carbon emissions by more than 90% by 2030, compared to a 2005 baseline.
As previously announced, NIPSCO is working with developers on other wind, solar and battery storage projects in various stages of development. For those projects not already approved, NIPSCO has requested to add those projects to its supply portfolio in filings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).

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State Comptroller Tera Klutz, CPA confirmed that the State of Indiana closed the 2023 fiscal year with $2.9 billion in state reserves.

“Indiana’s reserves of $2.9 billion are once again within the healthy range of 10-15% of our fiscal year 2024 budget,” said Comptroller Klutz. “We have prudently managed State resources to ensure appropriate reserves are available to weather any economic shifts that may come."

The State of Indiana began fiscal year 2023 with more than $6 billion in reserve balances. The General Assembly contributed $2.5 billion to the pension stabilization fund and increased the 2023 budget over $3 billion for other one-time expenditures.

“Indiana’s strong fiscal leadership continues to serve all Hoosier residents and businesses well,” Comptroller Klutz continued. “We have just completed another very productive year with taxpayer refunds and historic investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and economic development.”

In addition, the State collected approximately $21.1 billion in general revenues, which was $25 million (0.1%) more than expected and $133 million (0.6%) less than the State collected in 2022.

“Gov. Holcomb and the General Assembly have made substantial investments in critical areas such as public health, education and workforce while paying our long-term obligations,” said Office of Management and Budget Director Cris Johnston. “We continue to maintain a reputation of being a fiscally minded state that meets the needs of all Hoosiers.”

The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Close-Out Statement, ending on June 30, 2023, is prepared by the State Budget Agency.

“Closing the state fiscal year with a healthy reserve offers financial security if the state faces unexpected economic stress,” said State Budget Agency Director Zac Jackson. “We accomplish this year after year by spending less than the state is projected to take in, even taking into account income tax rate reductions.”

Click here to view the full report.

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Calling all history buffs, longtime locals and anyone with a love for the history of Rochester, the Rochester Downtown Partnership is looking for your stories to be a part of a panel discussion project at The Times Theater on August 27.

Following the panel discussion, stay tuned for a captivating walk tour through Rochester's historic downtown, as it breathes back life into the stories of what once was.

Organized by Rochester Downtown Partnership's Chad Hisey, the idea of the walking tour, discussion panels and podcast was to not only highlight the vibrant past of Rochester, but also what is still here today. 

Exploring businesses and their specific histories, QR codes along the tour route will assist in the storytelling. Learning history and untold stories of Rochester, Hisey continues to be surprised by the the crowd Rochester used to attract in the mid 1900's. From famous people like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, to big name bands and entertainment, Hisey says at one point Rochester was the place to be. 

Anyone interested in contributing to the highlights of Rochester history can contact Hisey at 574-201-8857.

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180 days.

More or less, six months for Fulton County to determine the future of ambulance service.

It was thought the time frame was longer as the county had launched into an information gathering initiative with the help of a consultant, Ritter Services. Meetings with the public were intended to help county officials make decisions with the looming end for the current contract.

But the timeline changed with a meeting this week with Lutheran EMS. Fulton County Commissioner Rick Ranstead explains.

Ranstead said county leaders wanted to get the word out immediately.

So, what now?  Ranstead says they will continue with scheduled public meetings and the process currently in play. But it will accelerate.

And Ranstead notes that he wants good input from the public at upcoming meetings.

Commissioners wanted to reassure county residents that ambulance service will be available.

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A Miami County man was arrested in Bartholomew County on drug-related charges including the sale of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl.

The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team in the south central Indiana county began investigating Antoine D. Ford35, of Bunker Hill, after suspecting that he was dealing drugs in the community. Ford has a lengthy and violent criminal history and was released from prison in May, police say

Columbus police noticed a vehicle that Ford was riding in commit several traffic violations and stopped the vehicle. A police dog alerted to drugs in the vehicle and Ford was found to be carrying methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He also had a baggie containing 11 counterfeit Oxycodone pills packaged as if for sale.

Ford told police that he had recently taken narcotics and while he was being taken to the hospital, he passed out and had to be revived with Narcan. After being checked out at Columbus Regional Hospital he was arrested on preliminary charges of dealing in a narcotic drug as well as for possessing a narcotic drug, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

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Woodlawn Health announced the Fulton County Medical Clinic will be moving from their downtown Rochester location on July 14.

During the move, the clinic will be closed, and they will reopen at their new location on the campus of Woodlawn Health, 1432 E. 9 th St. Rochester, on July 18.
“We are excited to finally be moving into our new building as we continue to care for our community!” Brad Rogers, COO of Woodlawn Health said.

If anyone has questions, please call (574) 223-4337.

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The Rochester Moose Lodge has closed.

At least, for the moment.

In what can only be described as a developing story, President Grant Downs posted the following letter to social media Tuesday evening explaining moves by Moose International that have had immediate impact on Rochester Moose Lodge 1107 and its leadership.

More details anticipated as this story unfolds.

Greetings Fellow Moose Members-

I never imagined I would be sending this one final email, but here we are. On Monday night, Moose International terminated me effective immediately. The Board of Officers resigned as a result. Despite what is going around, I was not made aware of any deficiencies in my performance by anyone involved in Moose International. There were no letters sent, no emails sent, no phone calls or verbal warnings. If anything was brought to my attention, it would have been addressed. Our territory manager always praised my performance, as well as the performance of our Board of Officers. Every meeting ended with "you guys are doing awesome, keep doing what you're doing". After last night, it is clear that things were not as we were led to believe.

I stand behind my, and the board's, performance over the last 4 years. We made multiple upgrades, both indoors and out. We had some fantastic events and, admittedly, some that may have fallen flat. Our finances are very strong. I promise we would not have had to close in two years, despite what some from International might claim. We gained and lost three kitchen's in the time I was there. Some paid their donations, others didn't, but we prospered both with and without them. We prospered during the Covid nightmare, when other lodges struggled. We prospered when we had One Eyed Jacks, we prospered when we had Knucklez, and we were still prospering when all we had were volunteers to cook. 1107 is the cream of the crop as far as Lodges go, and I hope it continues that way.

To all the volunteers who helped us, I want to say one final thank you. Thank you to the buck burger crews and the others who helped in the kitchen. Thank you to the outdoor clean up crews and the ones who helped with the marquee. Thank you to the ones who sprayed weeds and the ones who pulled them. Thank you to the ones who planted flowers and the ones who watered them. The success we have had is a direct testament to your efforts. Thank You.

To the Board, Thank you for mentoring me in the beginning, helping me lead through the middle, and standing by me in the end. We all poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the Lodge. I know a vast majority appreciate your efforts, and I feel confident speaking for a majority of the membership when I say "THANK YOU"

To the Employees, Thank you for being the best group of bartenders this town has. Thanks for showing me the ropes of being a bartender. Thanks for being a friend. I'll miss all of ya and wish you nothing but the best for the future.

To the future board and admin- I wish you the best and nothing but growth and good times.

To those who wanted me and the former board gone, and toasted and cheered our demise, you got your wish. Now is the time to step up, I hope you can continue the lodge down the path of success we have it on. It's all on you now. Mark Tyler left it in a better place then he found it. I firmly believe I left it in a better place than I found it. I hope the next person can do the same.

I've spent over 30 years of my life in the lodge, ran around as a toddler (and won a costume contest as a little devil), volunteered in the kitchen with my dad when I was a teen, became a member on my 21st birthday, and became a Fellow last year. I never would have imagined this would be the way I would be treated in the end, but that's ok, maybe it was time to move on anyways.

I was told when I took over the average term of an admin is two years. I made it four, chalk it up as a win I guess.

One final time-

Your friend in MOOOOOOSEDOM,

Grant Downs

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A woman held against her will sparked a response from law enforcement in Rochester Tuesday morning.

Just before 10 a.m., Fulton County deputies received the initial report of the incident in the 900 block of Monticello Road. The female was able to escape and informed law enforcement that the male acquaintance inside was armed with a firearm.  She also explained that she had been battered by the man later identified as Franklin Hibshman, 34, of Mentone. Hibshman refused deputies orders to exit the residence.

Assistance was requested from the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT). Shortly after their arrival, Hibshman came out peacefully and was taken into custody.

Hibshman was taken to the Fulton County Detention Center on charges of Criminal Confinement, Level 3 felony; Intimidation, Level 6 felony; Domestic Battery, A misdemeanor and an active warrant out of Whitley County for Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were Rochester Police, Indiana State Police, ISP ERT, Lutheran EMS and the Fulton County EMA.

Monticello Road was closed for about three hours during the incident.

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The Peru Police Department has taken an increased number of calls of break-ins, attempted break-ins and thefts that have been directed towards Kia branded automobiles.

The department is actively working several cases at this time involving these incidents.

Officials say a car without an engine immobilizer is easier to steal, which is why Highway Loss Data Institute reports that Hyundai and Kia cars made between 2015-2019 are being stolen at nearly twice the rate of cars produced by all other manufacturers.

As a precaution, Peru Police encourage the public to, if possible, park their vehicle in the garage or a well lit driveway. They also encourage the public to utilize cameras on their property, if possible.

If you have any questions pertaining to the Kia related break-ins, please contact Lt. Pitner at cpitner@perupd.org .

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A Pulaski County woman was sentenced in federal court for distributing methamphetamine.

Laci Lindsey, 49, of Winamac, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty to distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson.

Lindsey was sentenced to 80 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, between May 2021 and April 2022, Lindsey sold methamphetamine multiple times in an amount totaling approximately 295 grams.  A search of her residence resulted in the recovery of more methamphetamine, a scale, drug ledger, packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group and the DEA North Central Laboratory. 

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Farm Aid 2023 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agrarian experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson, Allison Russell, The String Cheese Incident, and Particle Kid.

The festival will highlight the work of family farmers to address climate change through regenerative, organic and sustainable farming practices. Farm Aid will showcase these innovative climate champions on the Farm Aid stage and throughout the event. As farmers and farm and food advocates converge from across the country for the annual festival, Farm Aid will host additional pre-festival events to spotlight their work. 

This is the third Farm Aid concert that has taken place in Indiana, and the second in Noblesville. Farm Aid IV took place at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis in 1990, and Farm Aid 2001: A Concert for America was held in Noblesville just weeks after the terrorist attacks of 2001.

“Family farmers have the solutions to some of our toughest challenges,” said Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “As we face a changing climate, farmers in Indiana, across the Midwest and all over the country are farming in ways that create more resilient farms to build healthy soils and protect our water.”

Across the state, climate change has already had a considerable impact. In the coming years, climate change will shift the state to two extremes: hotter, drier summers and wetter winters and springs, creating more urgency for on-farm production practices that care for the soil and water. Indiana has the most polluted rivers and streams of any state, and almost all of Indiana's lakes and reservoirs sampled in a recent study are unfit for drinking water. One of the main culprits is manure run-off from large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations. Many family farmers in Indiana are national leaders in implementing farming practices to mitigate climate change, including cover cropping, rotating crops, reducing soil tillage, integrating livestock and crop production, raising pastured livestock, and improving soil and water management.

“We are honored and excited to bring the Farm Aid experience back to Indiana. My home state holds deep meaning for me and for the generations of family farmers who have dedicated their lives to caring for the Earth and bringing us good food,” said Farm Aid Co-Founder John Mellencamp.

Indiana is the eighth largest farming state in the nation, generating $31.2 billion annually. Every 10 jobs directly related to Indiana agriculture support an additional eight jobs in the state. Home to 56,649 farms with an average farm size of 264 acres, there are more than 94,000 farmers in Indiana. More than 80% of land in Indiana is devoted to farms, forests and woodland. While its top crops are corn and soybeans, Hoosier farmers grow more than 30 major fruits and vegetables each year, including melons, pumpkins and mint.

Farm Aid festival attendees experience a full day of music and the taste of local flavors with Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Concessions®, which offer a diverse, fresh menu with ingredients that are produced by family farmers using ecological practices with a fair price paid to the farmers. Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village features hands-on activities engaging festivalgoers with exhibits about soil, water, energy, food and farming. Festivalgoers can hear farmers and artists inform and inspire on the FarmYard Stage and celebrate the know- how and diversity of cultures of agriculture in the HOMEGROWN Skills tent.

Ticket prices range from $75 to $315 and will be available for purchase at LiveNation.com. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 12, at www.farmaid.org/tickets.

For event updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@FarmAid), Facebook (facebook.com/farmaid) and Instagram (instagram.com/farmaid), and visit farmaid.org/festival. Festivalgoers are encouraged to use the hashtags #FarmAid2023 and #Road2FarmAid to join the conversation on social media around this year’s festival.

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Republican candidate for Rochester Clerk-Treasurer Beth Stocking will not be dropping out of the race despite the Fulton County Democrat Party calling for her to do so.

Fulton County Democratic Party Chair Josh Zehner reached out to local media last week about a scam involving a large sum of money, putting Stocking in the spotlight.

The Fulton County Democrat party is now concerned that the scam proves Stocking should not be in charge of the city's finances. The Fulton County Democrat Party made a statement in the email, "The actions of Beth Stocking detailed in the Rochester and Baltimore police reports show a stunning lack of judgement from someone who wishes to be the city’s top financial officer. The best thing Ms. Stocking can do for the people of the city is to step out of this race immediately."

Fulton County Republican Party Chair Mike Canada says this spotlight on Stocking is purely political. He says the smear will not change Stocking's position as a candidate for Rochester Clerk-Treasurer.

According to police documents, Stocking stated that she was made aware that her bank account had been the victim of fraud in March 2022.  Police documents revealed that on October 21, 2022, Stocking made an official report to the Rochester Police Department. After investigating the case, Rochester Police forwarded the theft to the Baltimore Police Department in Maryland, who had primary jurisdiction over the case.

Upon further investigation, Baltimore County Police documents revealed that on August 10, 2022, police had been made aware of a fraud involving $84,788 being swindled from the company Zentech Manufacturers. According to Zentech employee Malini Ramnath, the company had been working with Dexter Research, when Ramnath received an email with payment instructions and bank account information for an order of raw materials. The large amount of money had been sent and processed on March 14, 2022. On April 19, 2022, Zentech Manufacturers received an email from Dexter Research stating the company had not received the payment. 

Copies of the emails, payment transactions and interactions between Zentech Dallas, LLC and Dexter Research from February 24, 2022, to May 13, 2022, were given to police for the investigation. A subpoena was issued to J.P. Morgan Chase for account holder information in September 2022, revealing Stocking had opened the account on January 15, 2022. 

Investigators would soon find that more businesses were also wiring money to Stocking's account, resulting in $250, 793 deposited in March 2022. Police reports noted that by April 6, 2022, the account balance was $0.00. 
Investigators also found that the account was being utilized for day-to-day purchases in and around the area of the Rochester, Indiana region. After a search on the national law enforcement database, investigators were unable to locate a police report filed by Stocking in reference to her being made the victim of fraud. 

Stocking was contacted by Baltimore County Police Department's Financial and Cyber Crime Team Detective John Pundt via phone and interviewed on October 20, 2022.

According to reports from the interview, Stocking stated that the money deposited into her account was done by a friend that she was in a relationship with, and that she was an accountant. When questioned about why she allowed the deposit to made into her personal account instead of a business account, Stocking stated to investigators that she had still been in the process of obtaining her business license and legalities to open such account. 

Stocking told investigators that due to her friend being in the military and overseas, she had never met him in person, but communicated daily via email. Detectives requested Stocking provide copies of said communications and directions given from her friend, and instructed Stocking to make a police report with local  jurisdiction. 

Stocking was placed on notice of her activity as a 'money mule,' despite the detective on the case not considering Stocking as a knowing suspect in the theft. Detective Pundt informed Stocking that the $84,788 wire transfer she recieved was determined to be part of a fraud scheme. 

Fulton County Republican Chair Mike Canada said that Stocking being victimized from this scam is part of her private life and not her professional life.

While Stocking has taken full responsibility and continues to cooperate with investigators, Canada says the scam taught Stocking a valuable lesson. Unlikely to fall for something like this again, Canada says, if anything, Stocking will be more hypervigilant to suspected scamming activity in the future. 

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Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced 216 addresses will gain access to high-speed broadband as a result of $898,075 awarded in the sixth round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.

ICP helps Hoosier residents and business owners, often in rural areas, obtain access to reliable broadband by assisting internet providers with the expense of extending its services to underserved locations of Indiana.

“Access to broadband has a direct connection to the quality-of-life in Indiana communities,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I am pleased that we can help bring reliable internet connection to Hoosiers across the state, especially those in rural areas.”

Many of the addresses will be connected through the Miami-Cass REMC who received $278, 400 to hook up 58 addresses.

Of the 216 addresses funded in ICP’s round six, 208 are households and eight are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching over $2.1 million for a total investment of more than $3 million. To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.

“Reliable broadband access has become increasingly important in today’s world,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “The Indiana Connectivity Program continues to bridge the gap by giving 216 homes and businesses access to high-speed internet. Service providers are more likely to bid on clusters of addresses through the program rather than standalone locations. For this reason, I encourage those applying to tell their neighbors and community members about ICP.”

The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis. Hoosiers and business owners lacking internet connectivity can communicate their interest by entering their address and information into the Next Level Connections portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband. Submitting location information into the Next Level Connections Broadband portal does not guarantee extension of service.

Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date.

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Officials are warning residents of a new scam aimed at targeting bank accounts and scammers say it is coming from the Internal Revenue Service. 

The scam mailer arrives in a cardboard envelope from a deliver service with a letter inside featuring an IRS masthead and the wording "in relation to your unclaimed refund." 

The letter goes on to request detailed information that identity thieves can use to file a tax refund or access other financial information. 

In a news release, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel urged residents exercise caution. 

"This is just the latest in the long string of attempts by identity thieves posing as the IRS in hopes of tricking people into providing valuable personal information to steal identities and money, including tax refunds," Werfel said. 

In addition, officials warn of red flags throughout the letter, including poor wording and punctuation, as well as incorrect contact information for the IRS. 

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The Fulton County 4-H Fair opens its week-long run this Saturday.

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The Indiana State Fair unveiled new must-have items to try at this year’s State Fair.

Fairgoers wait annually for the announcement of new Fair Food Favorites and this year’s items won’t disappoint! In addition to these new tasty treats, fairgoers can also expect the classic must have selections across a wide variety of 140+ different food stands.

The 2023 Indiana State Fair returns July 28 - August 20 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).

BBQ Pig Wings (Offered by Indiana Pork)

The BBQ bone-in pork wing comes from the bottom of the ham and consists of tender, dark meat that is full of delicious flavors! There is a single small bone running through the center with a small handle sticking out – it’s pork without a fork!

Bratchos (Offered by Urick Concessions)

Tortilla Chips topped with a sizzling Bratwurst, creamy hatch queso, zesty jalapeños, fire roasted salsa, and a dollop of Sour Cream. It's the ultimate fiesta on a plate that will leave you craving more with every crunchy bite.

Buffalo Pork-n-Mac (Offered by Nitro Hog BBQ)

A bowl of homemade mac-n-cheese with pulled pork, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing drizzled on top.

Cherry Lemonade Twister (Offered by Twisted Drinks and Food)

A fresh squeezed lemonade with cherry syrup and maraschino cherries added to make for the perfect summertime drink!

Cherry ShakeUp (Offered by Hi & Mighty)

Eat, drink and be cherry! Keep it bright and Cardinal red with a citrus refresher made to shake it up for celebrations big & small. In partnership with Ball State University... Chirp Chirp Cherry!

Chocolate Glazed Popcorn (Offered by Olde Tyme Poppin Korn)

Popped the old fashion way, but with a tasty chocolate glaze and a hint of salt.

Cinnamon Crunch Corn (Offered by Fairlivin Concessions)

Shredded sweet corn on the cob in butter, topped with a cinnamon toast crunch and a cream cheese icing.

Deep Fried Corn on a Stick (Offered by Cantina Louies by Meatball Factory)

A 6 inch ear of corn on a stick seasoned then dipped into a buttermilk and egg mixture and then rolled into a flour corn meal with spice, then placed in the fryer until it is a golden brown and topped off with mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. A little Cholula hot sauce pack is handed out with each one to enhance the flavor and give it a good kick!

Deep Fried Sandwich Cookie Ale (Offered by Sun King Brewery & Spirits)

Deep-Fried Sandwich Cookies is an Oatmeal Milk Porter made with oats, lactose, chocolate malt, and 300lbs of chocolate sandwich cookies.

Elote Street Corn Pizza (Offered by DG Concession) 

Signature crust topped with a mixed base of mozzarella and cotija cheese, corn, jalapeños, a drizzle of chipotle mayo, a sprinkle of tajin, and crushed ranch tortilla chips for added crunch.

Flaming Hot Cheeto Corn in a Cup (Offered by Wilson Concessions)

Corn, nacho cheese, Flaming Hot Cheetos, and tajin served in a cup.

Gimme S’more Bourbon Shake (Offered by Urick Concessions)

A summer staple, but as a boozy milkshake with the help of Hotel Tango's Shmallow Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon. Creamy vanilla ice cream, milk, and Shmallow Bourbon blended together and topped with the classic s'mores essentials.

Hoosier Burger Mango (Offered by Black Leaf Vegan, LLC)

Born in the Hoosier State, this one of a kind plant-based burger patty submerged in our unique Black Leaf sauce (teriyaki bbq), topped with fresh mango salsa and vegan cheddar cheese on a buttery brioche bun is the best of what Indiana has to offer.

Indiana Hardwood Nachos (Offered by Twisted Drinks and Food)

Nacho chips layered with queso cheese, homemade Indiana street corn and then drizzled with Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce to top it off!

Italian Melt (Offered by American Dairy Association Indiana Inc.)

Provolone and basil pesto on sourdough, served with marinara sauce for dipping.

Lemon Drop Drizzle (Offered by R&W Concessions)

5 mini sponge cakes with lemon icing dipped in funnel cake batter, deep fried to a golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with vanilla icing. Ooey Gooey Deliciousness!

Nutellaphant Ear (Offered by Urick Concessions)

A whimsical twist on a State Fair favorite! Fried dough generously slathered with velvety Nutella, and topped with strawberries and bananas. A final sprinkle of powdered sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness and nostalgia meets pure delight in every bite!

Pepperoni Pizza Pretzel (Offered by Wilson Concessions)

A jumbo pretzel with pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

S’mores Funnel Cake (Offered by LT Concessions LLC)

Funnel Cake with marshmallow drizzle, Hershey's Chocolate and graham cracker crumble.

Sirloin Tip Fries (Offered by SW Concessions)

A base of curly fries cooked to a golden brown and topped with cheese, Sirloin Tips, and of course A1 steak sauce.

Smoked Bologna Burnt Ends (Offered by Red Frazier Bison)

Smoked bologna burnt ends served with pickles and mustard.

Spicy Sweet Chili Walking Taco (Offered by Georgia’s Kitchen)

Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream.

Street Corn Pizza (Offered by Swains Pizza on a Stick) 

Fresh dough made daily topped with a homemade white sauce, sprinkled with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, finished off with fire roasted corn, a generous dusting of chili lime seasoning and cilantro then baked to perfection.

The Dirty Dog (Offered by R&W Concessions) 

Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream.

The Hoosier Slam Dunk Caramel Apple Surprise (Offered by Jessop Candy Products) 

Cinnamon sugared apple slices with hot caramel sauce, nuts, sprinkles, optional mini chocolate chips or chocolate sauce, whipped cream, cherry and topped with cotton candy.

The Indiana Grown Burger (Offered by Red Frazier Bison) 

Red Frazier Bison Burger 1/4lb Patty, Rice’s Farm Quality Meats Bacon, Metal Honey Foods Burger Jam, Rising Creek Goat Cheese, Dillman Farm’s Bread & Butter Pickles, and Cornerstone Bread Pretzel Bun.

The Mac Daddy Empanada (Offered by Gobble Gobble) 

The newest twist on our Original Mac Daddy! The cheesy mac and cheese and the pulled BBQ Turkey combo stuffed in the empanada, is one you don't want to miss this year!

The Walking Burger (Offered by Indiana Ribeye) 

Regular or BBQ chips with a hamburger cut into bite sized pieces and a scoop of our cowboy beans, made right at our stand! Add a fork and you are ready to explore the rest of the fair!

Vanilla Dream Coffee Ice Cream Soda (Offered by Hooks Drug Store Museum and Soda Fountain) 

Vanilla flavored iced coffee topped with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and whipped topping.

 

Wicked Chicken N Waffles (Offered by Urick Concessions)  

An infinitely hot take on the classic chicken and waffles. The Wicked Chicken N Waffles features chicken tenders sandwiched between two waffles drenched in Mike's Hot Honey, and topped with crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

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A 4^th of July accident sent people to the hospital.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office says Amber L. Pittman, 37, of Rochester, was traveling eastbound near Etna Green on US 30, west of SR 19, in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. Pittman’s vehicle struck the rear of a 2022 Toyota Supra driven by Jesus E. Vargas De La Luz, 24, of Fort Wayne. Vargas De La Luz said he was stopped at a red light when the crash occurred.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office says Pittman suffered a head injury, was knocked unconscious and couldn’t remember the accident. She was transported to South Bend Memorial.

Vargas De La Luz and two passengers, ages 16 and 15, were taken to the hospital for complaints of pain.

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A Wabash man was flown for medical treatment from a Wednesday motorcycle-truck crash.

Just before 2 p.m., Wabash Police were notified of a crash involving a motorcycle and truck at the intersection of Wabash Street and Hill Street. The preliminary investigation shows that Donald R. Long, of Roann, was eastbound on Hill Street and failed to yield to a northbound motorcycle. The motorcyclist, Clayton O. Biddle, of Wabash, was immediately treated by Wabash Fire Department medics, transported to the Parkview Wabash Helipad, and flown to Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

At last report, Biddle was listed in critical condition.

The Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Wabash County EMA, and several citizens assisted Wabash City Police and Wabash Fire Department at the scene.

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Mark Rotering was on the lookout for a campground to buy and operate.  He didn't know the choice would become Lakeview Campground.

The campground is situated with Barr Lake in Fulton County at 7781 E 300 N.  Rotering said a deal to buy another property didn't work out.  With more searching, he came across Lakeview Campground.

Rotering once managed the Jellystone Campground at Plymouth.  He said owning and operating his own property was always in the plans even when he left the business for a few years.

Rotoring along with his wife, Heidi, and their children purchased the campground from Jim and Roberta Bever and family who owned the campground for 35 years.

Heidi works at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

Rot3ring says the current economy may keep immediate changes fairly small.

Rotering says he wants to spread word of the campground beyond just the knowledge of nearby customers.

Pulaski County deputies deployed a Taser to control and arrest a man in a domestic disturbance Monday.

Pulaski County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a complainant in Monterey. The complainant advised  that an unknown male subject had just shot their vehicle with a semiautomatic handgun. The complainant was inside of the vehicle during the shooting.

A few minutes later a second 911 call was received from a complainant in Monterey advising there was a male subject pointing a semiautomatic handgun at pedestrians in the area. This caller recognized the man as Kenneth Ketcham of Monterey.

Deputies quickly determined that no one was injured during the shooting of the occupied vehicle. They then made their way to Ketcham’s residence. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office says Ketcham came outside when they arrived. Deputies began giving commands to Ketcham but he didn't respond. Ketcham ignored the commands and continued walking to his truck where several rifles were laid out.

Prior to making it to his truck, deputies deployed a Taser resulting in Ketcham's incapacitation. Ketcham was placed into restraints and secured in a police vehicle.

The deputies then obtained a search warrant for Ketcham's residence. The subsequent search resulted in locating the semi-automatic handgun used in the crime.

Ketcham was transported to the Pulaski County Jail where he was booked into the jail on initial charges of Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm, Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon, and Pointing a Firearm.  All three are felony offenses.

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Last year saw a roughly 40 percent increase in the number of reported cases involving agricultural confined spaces, according to the 2022 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities recently released by the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

The annual, widely used summary documents the previous year’s frequency and causes of confined space and grain entrapment incidents in the agricultural industry and provides a historical analysis of agricultural confined space hazards.

The authors of the summary are Yuan-Hsin Cheng, agricultural safety and health researcher; Mahmoud Nour, postdoctoral researcher in Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Bill Field and Kingsly Ambrose, professors of agricultural and biological engineering; and Edward Sheldon, research associate, Agricultural Safety and Health Program. 

In 2022, the summary reported no fewer than 83 cases – 24 fatal and 59 nonfatal cases – involving agricultural confined spaces. This represents a 40.7% increase over the 59 cases in 2021. The authors explain that there are limitations in data collection as not every case may be reported. As a result, these numbers are approximate. 

In addition, of the total number of confinement cases, 42 grain-related entrapments represented a 44.8% increase over 2021. This was the highest number of reported grain entrapments in over a decade. According to the authors, grain entrapments are the most common type of agricultural confined space incident.

“In the summary, an issue we try to point out is the role of out-of-condition grain in grain entrapments,” Sheldon says. “Many entrapments result from someone entering a bin or structure to break loose clumped, spoiled grain. Keep the grain in good condition to eliminate the need to enter the bin.”

Of 41 non-grain-related cases, incidents involved livestock waste handling facilities, entanglements inside confined spaces, falls from confined space structures and grain dust explosions or fires.

Iowa reported the most agricultural confinement cases, at 24, and grain entrapment cases at nine. One female case was documented, which occurred inside a cotton module builder.

Sheldon says, “As shown in the annual summary, incidents involving confined spaces in agriculture continue to result in a significant number of injuries and fatalities in agricultural workplaces throughout the country.”

He adds, “We strongly encourage farmers and agribusiness employers to recognize the hazards presented by confined spaces such as grain bins, silos and manure storage facilities, and use best management practices and effective training programs to keep their families and employees safe.” 

Sheldon urges farmers and agribusiness employers to utilize the educational resources outlined in the summary, pointing them to other programs like Gearing Up for Safety, also from Purdue’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. This program offers a youth-oriented curriculum, also related to the hazards associated with agricultural confined spaces.

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At the backdrop of the Indiana War Memorial, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) launched a new initiative: 'Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana,' powered by Luke Family of Brands.

"The Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana initiative is a comprehensive program that encompasses war memorials, historical markers, museums and other distinctive locations that showcase the rich military history of the great state of Indiana," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "This initiative is creating a network of information and immersive opportunities that unites all regions of Indiana."                          

IDDC collaborated with various organizations across Indiana to promote the state's military history, including the Indiana National Guard, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana War Memorials and more. These partnerships demonstrate Indiana's collective dedication to preserving its military heritage.

The Military Monuments and Museums IN Indiana initiative has a dedicated microsite on VisitIndiana.com/military where people can learn about Indiana’s military history and numerous locations around the state that showcase it. The wide range of information on the microsite would not be possible without the statewide effort made by IDDC partners and Luke Family of Brands.

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An extended holiday weekend continues for many area communities through Tuesday, July 4.

Fireworks in Rochester are scheduled for dusk this evening from the Fulton County Airport.

Akron will host a day full of activities on Tuesday including a fireworks show to cap the holiday.

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Pulaski County authorities were able to quickly wrap up a burglary investigation Friday.

About 2:00 a.m., the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Marathon convenience store in Medaryville.  A suspect had already fled when officers arrived.  Entry had been gained by breaking a window. Merchandise had been stolen from the store.

The sheriff’s office release says a suspect was located within six hours. A juvenile, age 17, was arrested on a felony burglary charge.

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