Deanna Gualtieri has had a love for baking since childhood. She's making that passion into a career with her upcoming business.

Gualtieri's Bakery is at 420 East 9th Street, Rochester.

Gualtieri has humble beginnings that started in her own kitchen, baking for family and friends. When people began asking to buy some of her extra baked goods, Gualtieri was soon inspired to try selling some of her items at the Rochester Farmers Market.

The idea customers enjoying her products, and coming back for more, started a new passion in Gualtieri.

Gualtieri made a big leap when finally deciding to have her own storefront in Rochester. With building construction still finishing up at the bakery, Gualtieri hopes to have everything open by the end of January. 

Gualtieri says she plans on having the full-service bakery open Tuesday to Saturday.

Gualtieri encourages those wanting to keep up with the business updates by visiting the Gualtieri's Bakery Facebook page. 

The Culver Town Council approved on third reading an ordinance to increase golf cart registration rates from $40 annually to $100 annually beginning in 2024. 

Without any additional discussion, the ordinance passed with three yes votes, Bill Cleavenger, Bill Githens, and Rich West.   Bill Hamm abstained. Sally Ricciardi was absent from the meeting.   

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the owner of Ringer’s Golf Carts in Culver, Rod Ringer, gave his thoughts on the council’s decision.  He told them, “I had a big, long speech but I think it is just falling on deaf ears.”    

He went on to say his business registered 40 golf carts last year and he and his wife both spoke during the public hearing expressing their concern about a large increase in registration fees and the impact on their small business in Culver.  He said the new fees will cost them $4,000 next year for their permits.

Ringer said their business is going to have to make changes next year due to the increase.  He said they have donated and donated and donated to the community, the town, the parks department, the police department, and to Town Councilman Bill Githens for the parade. 

Ringer said, “You just pushed this through. Sally was the only one in there against this.  Everybody else voted for the increase on these permits.  I understand a little bit of a permit increase.  Two years ago, it was a 50% increase.”   

Ringer went on to say, “I don’t think you guys take into consideration at all about our golf cart business. I just want to thank you again for sticking the knife in our back a little deeper.” 

Bill Githens replied that he paid for the golf cart when he used it in the parade.  

The Times Theater created another doorway for community events and gatherings with its recent opening of Char-Bell Studio.

Char-Bell Studio, 616 Main Street, is a small, but important piece of the community. The small space in front of the theater has been used for many things including a sports and trading card shop, record store, art gallery and more. A labor of love, the empty space got a makeover during the summer, thanks to the many volunteers, donations, and a grant from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. 

The Times Theater Inc President Julie Shambarger says plans are already in the works for the space to host Tai Chi classes, art events, live music, adult board game nights and more. 

Shambarger said Char-Bell Studio's name was chosen to honor The Times Theater history. The theater originally opened in 1924 under the name 'The Char-Bell' before changing to The Times Theater in 1944.

Shambarger hopes the space provides the same energy and life in the community as the theater has done for the past century. 

For those wanting to check out the new space, Char-Bell Studio will be hosting Storytime with Santa on Saturday, from 3:15 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. 

(Photo used courtesy of The Times Theater Inc.) 

Calls from scammers to homes and businesses posing as NIPSCO employees are on the rise—an issue impacting many energy companies around the United States.

With this uptick in scams, NIPSCO is warning customers to be aware of scammers that might attempt to target them by impersonating a NIPSCO employee. 

Recent and common reports from NIPSCO residential and business customers state that they have received calls, emails and/or texts from people claiming to be NIPSCO employees and demanding payment to avoid their service being disconnected. However, the company wants to emphasize that NIPSCO does not call and demand immediate payment via a prepaid card. Also, the official web site of the utility company is NIPSCO.com – be vigilant for any imposter sites.

If customers are unsure of their account status, they may log into their account at myaccount.NIPSCO.com or contact NIPSCO’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-464-7726. Additionally, customers should NOT call any number they are given.

Additional tips for customers to avoid potential scams

• Call NIPSCO – If you are unsure about a phone call, email, program, offer or person claiming to be affiliated with NIPSCO, call the company’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-464-7726.
• Guard your personal information – Never give personal information, including your NIPSCO account number, social security number and/or banking information to unconfirmed sources. NIPSCO only ask for a social security number when establishing new service or verifying a customer's identity.
• Know your payment options – NIPSCO will never ask for a pre-paid debit card or money gram as a payment method. To more easily spot a potential scam, learn more about NIPSCO payment options at Nipsco.com/bills-and-payments.
• Never agree to meet in person – Some scammers ask customers to meet them in person to make payments with cash or prepaid cards, which you should avoid.

What to do if someone visits your home or business

• Ask to see ID – NIPSCO employees and contractors carry photo ID badges and will gladly show you upon request.
• Use caution with cash – NIPSCO employees do not collect cash payments nor deliver cash refunds or rebates to customers. Refrain from sending cash through the mail to prevent loss or theft.

The City of Rochester Water Department will be making emergency repairs to repair a leak on West 9th Street between Clay and Jay Streets on Tuesday, beginning at 8:00 A.M.

Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day. This should only impact the residents in this immediate area, however, there may be some effects noticed just outside the area.

This may cause some or all the following: No water or very low pressure, discolored or cloudy water. The water is safe to consume. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understading.

If you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at 574-223-3412.

Two people were arrested after leading an Indiana State Police trooper on a pursuit in Fulton and Marshall counties.

About 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Trooper Jarod Sheetz was patrolling on US 31 in Fulton County when he located a Toyota passenger vehicle that was previously reported to be traveling northbound on US 31 without a rear tire. The trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the juvenile driver fled at high speeds and led Sheetz on a pursuit through Fulton and Marshall counties reaching speeds of 104 mph.

The pursuit continued north on US 31 to 13th Road in Marshall County where deputies had tire deflation devices set up across the roadway. The Toyota struck the devices, deflating two tires. The driver ultimately lost control of the Toyota and crashed into the median near US 31 and the Lincoln Highway overpass.

The juvenile driver along with a passenger, Emmanuel Luna, 18, from Michigan, were taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were sustained from the crash.

Further investigation revealed the juvenile did not have a license. A subsequent search of the Toyota revealed a handgun that was reported stolen in Michigan.

Luna was incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail and the juvenile was released to a parent. Due to the driver of the vehicle being a juvenile, the name will not be released.

Preliminary charges for the juvenile include:

Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle- Level 6 Felony

Theft of a Firearm- Level 5 Felony

Reckless Driving in a Highway Work Zone- A Misdemeanor

Reckless Driving- C Misdemeanor

Operator Never Licensed- C Misdemeanor

Luna is charged with Level 5 Felony -  Theft of a Firearm.

Indiana State Police was assisted by officers with the Indiana State Police - Bremen Post, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Marshall County Sheriff's Department, Plymouth Police Department, Argos Police Department, and Lyons Towing.

Two men were confirmed killed in last Wednesday's small plane crash in Shelby County.

Bloomington restaurateur Nathan Finney, president and founder of Finney Hospitality Group and owner of Social Cantina and The Tap with multiple locations including Mishawaka, among other restaurant establishments was killed in the crash about 4:45 p.m.

Finney had recently purchased the plane and was learning to fly with Warren Bruhl, a chiropractor and a commercial pilot.

The flight originated from Monroe County Airport in Bloomington, Indiana.

The Cirrus SR22 crashed in a cornfield. Initial reports indicated one fatality. But later that evening, a second was confirmed.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. A report is expected to be published in approximately 30 days.

The holidays are a time filled with memories, gatherings and time with family. For those grieving a loved one, however, the holiday season and memories of what once was can be one of the hardest times of the year.

Over the summer, The Recovery Cafe Fulton County, 715 Main Street, Rochester, teamed up with long-time grief support coach Terri Curnutt to create a Grief Support Group. Curnutt said the group meets every Monday at 6 p.m. and is open to anyone healing from grief or loss. 

Prior to starting the Grief Support Group with the Recovery Cafe, Curnutt started the Angel Mommas in Tipton seven years ago. Curnutt soon found that the group not only gained popularity from other grieving mothers, it helped her cope with her own grief over the death of her son, as well. 

Curnutt said she is striving to provide a listening ear for support and ideas on ways to cope for her groups during this holiday season. 

Curnutt encourages anyone struggling with grief to join their group. 

The Culver Town Council to hold a third reading of an ordinance involving golf carts.

That will be one agenda item when the council meets on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Culver Town Hall.  The meeting is open to the public and also streamed on the town’s website at www.townofculver.org. 

The agenda lists the third reading of an ordinance regulating the use of golf carts within the corporate limits of Culver.  The ordinance increases the annual registration rate from $40 to $100. 

Council members will also hear the first reading of a 2024 Salary Ordinance and consider the 2024 Holiday Calendar. 

Culver Town Council members will receive an update on the Dunes project.

It's been nearly three months since Joey Cisneros opened Joey's Private Barber Studio inside of The Spa.

Priding himself on providing style with designs and crisp clean haircuts and shaves to clients, Cisneros, 19, discovered his niche for hair early in life, playing around with styles on himself and friends during his sophomore year in high school.

After barber shops closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Cisneros' hobby of messing around with his friends hair soon turned into a passion. 

Cisneros  was already familiar with the area when he became a licensed barber officially last summer. A connection from a former client led him to his current location in at The Spa in Rochester.

Now having between 40 to 60 clients each week, it was a move Cisneros is glad he took. 

Living in Fort Wayne for a year while he attending barber school, Cisneros hoped to bring an urban style close to the community he grew up in. Striving to keep up with the latest trends, while keeping it clean and classy, Cisneros said while he was growing up in Akron, the closest barber shop he could go to get a similiar cut was in Warsaw.  

Joey's Private Barber Studio is open by appointment on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Appointments can be made by messaging the Joey's Private Barber Studio Facebook page, or by calling or texting Cisneros at 574-201-1082. 

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Competitive Science of Reading Grant.

Nearly $15 million was awarded to 72 school corporations, serving over 65,000 students in kindergarten through third grade, to support the implementation of evidence-based practices aligned with science of reading.

 “In Indiana, we have set an aggressive goal: that 95% of third graders are able to read by 2027,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “This is not only urgent for individual students because of the longitudinal impact of being able to read by the end of third grade, but can also have a long-term impact on Indiana’s economy and throughout our society. To help achieve this goal, we encourage every community to act with urgency to implement evidence-based practices aligned with science of reading. Congratulations to the recipients of this grant, and thank you for being a part of the solution."

Among area school corporations to receive grants:

Rochester Communnity School Corporation to benefit 483 students, $150, 657

Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation to benefirt 484 students, $147,900

Successful applications incorporated one or more of the following elements in their proposals:

• Placing one full-time literacy instructional coach in each school serving kindergarten through third grade for the purposes of training and supporting teachers and administrators to align instruction to science of reading;
• Providing support to teachers and administrators pursuing professional development in science of reading;
• Increasing instructional time for students in kindergarten through third grade identified as struggling readers; and
• Purchasing core and supplemental curricular materials aligned to science of reading.

The Competitive Science of Reading Grant is one of numerous tactical solutions made possible through Indiana’s $170 million investment – in partnership with the Lilly Endowment – toward literacy and particularly, science of reading. Science of reading is a body of scientifically-based research that integrates instructional practices with efforts focused around phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary

As a part of its Opt-Outside Day program, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free admission for all state parks the day after Thanksgiving. 

According to a release from the DNR, all Indiana State Park properties will be free and open to the public on November 24. Along with the 24 state parks, other properties in the area will be participating including  Lieber State Recreation (SRA); Raccoon, Deam Lake, and Starve Hollow SRAs; Brookville, Hardy, Mississinewa, Monroe, Patoka, and Salamonie lakes, and the two off-road state recreation areas, Redbird and Interlake.
“There’s nothing like going for a hike the day after Thanksgiving to work off the turkey and fixings from the day before,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “The benefits of opting outside go beyond the quality memories created with family or the mental perks of spending time in nature. Hoosiers can also win fun prizes that will keep them connected with Indiana DNR year-round.”

Those who chose to join in on Opt Outside Day will be entered into drawings for prizes like 2024 DNR annual entrance passes, Outdoor Indiana subscriptions, Smokey Bear materials, gift cards, and DNR-staff-led outdoor experiences. 

To get involved and participate, people can do one, two, or all three of the following to improve their chances of winning prizes:

1. Share your photos | Post photos of your adventures at Indiana State Park properties on DNR social media. When posting photos, use the hashtag and tag the DNR or the property you are visiting in your post.
2. Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt | Download and complete the form at the Opt Outside webpage and email it to DNR to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes and experiences.
3. Check-in at a DNR State Park property with the Indiana State Nature Passport | Checking in at any DNR State Park property listed in the Indiana State Nature Passport Program or completing the Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt and entering the special Nature Passport Scavenger Hunt PIN will enter you in a drawing for a 2024 annual entrance pass and an Outdoor Indiana magazine subscription. The special PIN for the scavenger hunt will be posted in the same location as each property’s usual Nature Passport PIN.

For more information on DNR activities, visit the DNR’s homepage.

A Westfield man has been charged for his role in releasing photo evidence from the Delphi murder trial to the internet.

Mitchell Westerman, 41, was arrested for Conversion. Indiana State Police mas the arrest on Wednesday.

The investigation began in October of 2023 when the Indiana State Police - Lafayette District Criminal Investigation Division received information that evidence was released from the ongoing criminal court proceeding. During the investigation, detectives determined that Westerman improperly obtained evidence involving the court proceeding of State v. Richard Allen and subsequently released it.

In November, a special prosecutor from Bartholomew County was assigned to review the case. On Tuesday, Special Prosecutor Lindsey Holden-Kay filed charges in Johnson County Superior Court 3, and an arrest warrant was issued for Westerman. On Wednesday, Westerman was transported to Johnson County Jail.

Westerman once worked with Richard Allen defense attorney Andrew Baldwin.  According to court documents, Westerman admitted to taking photos of evidence

related to the slayings of Libby German and Abby Williams in Delphi in February of 2017. Westerman says Baldwin was not aware that he did it.

Westerman then shared the photos with a man from Fishers who placed them on the internet. After the Fishers man was questioned about the case, he committed suicide.

Special Judge Fran Gull removed Baldwin and attorney Brad Rozzi from the case. Both have appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court to be reinstated as Richard Allen's defense team.

Allen's trial was scheduled to begin in January.  Now, it's scheduled for the fall of 2024.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter.

Per President Biden’s orders, flags will be lowered as a mark of respect to honor her legacy.

Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 25 until sunset on Nov. 29. Gov. Holcomb is requesting residents and businesses to lower their flags.

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Marshall County Police investigated a fatal crash at the intersection of U.S. 31 and State Road 110 on Tuesday afternoon.

The Marshall County Central Dispatch Center was advised of a two-vehicle collision between a passenger car and a semi-tractor trailer.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze was driven by Phyllis Schoonover, 95, of Culver.  The semi-tractor trailer, a 2020 Volvo was driven by Mark Baker, 54, of Anderson, Indiana.

The investigation determined that tSchoonover failed to yield as she traveled west, through the intersection into southbound traffic. Schoonover died in the crash.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Department was assisted by several agencies including the Argos Police Department, Argos Fire Department, Argos EMS, Fulton County Sheriff's Department, Rochester Fire Department, Lutheran EMS, Marshall County Coroner's Office, and Reichert & Knepp Towing Agencies.

A fatal fire occurred at a Medaryville home Tuesday morning.

Just before 2:30 a.m., the Medaryville Fire Department was called to a fire at a residence at 201 South Jefferson Street.

As emergency crews arrived they were notified that a juvenile was still inside the residence. Emergency perosnnel did everything possible to extinguish the fully engulfed structure but were unable to get to the juvenile in the home.

An adult and the other children were out of the home and were checked out at the scene by Pulaski EMS. 

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified and the investigation of cause is ongoing.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Medaryville Fire Department, Francesville Fire Department, Pulaski Emergency Medical Services, and Pulaski County Coroner’s Office were on the scene Tuesday.

Funerals and death tend to be a topic many people avoid discussing.

For Jon Frain, a third generation mortician and co-business owner of Frain Mortuary, the inevitability of death, and what comes after, is something he handles every day in the Pulaski County community. 

The family owned business strives to provide compassionate, quality service to meet the needs of families looking for funeral planning. Frain runs the business alongside his father, Dan Frain, and says the business has been in the community for over 150 years. More than 70 of those years have been under the Frain family. 

Wanting to advance the family business even further, after years of planning, the father-son duo opened Frain Crematory outside of Winamac. It's the first crematory to ever open in Pulaski County. 
The new crematory is an investment the Frain's made as a way to provide their families with a more personal service. Prior to their crematory, Frain said he was having to drive nearly 45 minutes to get cremation services for his business. 

The new facility is located north of Winamac on State Road 35, away from town and their three funeral homes in Winamac, Francesville and Medaryville. Despite Frain Crematory having the highest state-of-the-art equipment, Frain's respect for the community was the biggest reason for the facility's current location.  

Frain assures those in the community that Frain Crematory does not produce any pollutants, dangers or hazards to those even closest to the facility. 

Always showing love and appreciation to the Winamac community, Frain is thankful for the relationship he continues to have with local families in the area. 

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather. However, with more people on the roadways, there is greater potential for crashes.

That is why the the Indiana State Police is joining law enforcement agencies from across the state to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely. 

"This holiday season, we expect to see a lot of traffic on the roads. Please make smart decisions by not mixing drinking and driving,” said Devon McDonald, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Be proactive and plan for a sober driver."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving and fatal crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2021, 190 people throughout the nation died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the holiday travel period ranging from the day before Thanksgiving to the Monday following Thanksgiving. 

NHTSA data shows there are more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol usage, and excessive driving speed. 

The issue is made worse by Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday.” On that day, there is an increase in overconsumption of alcohol.  

From November 2017 to November 2021, 137 drivers nationwide were involved in fatal alcohol-impaired crashes on the night before Thanksgiving. In 2021 alone, 36 drivers in fatal crashes were alcohol impaired. The Indiana State Police reminds people that impaired driving is a matter of life and death. Officers will be on the roads on high alert for impaired drivers. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to get home safely by designating a sober driver or by using public transportation or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. 

A Starke County Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop Sunday evening in the area of State Road 10 and 1075 West that resulted in two arrests on meth charges.

During the course of the traffic stop, the two occupants of the vehicle were identified as Dustin Gilbert and Roxanna Gentz. Gilbert who was the driver of the vehicle, admitted to his license being suspended. Both occupants were instructed to getout of the vehicle.

While Gilbert exited the vehicle, a deputy observed a glass pipe, commonly used for inhaling methamphetamine, under the driver seat.

Both Gilbert and Gentz were taken into custody at that time. A search of the vehicle was conducted. A straw containing a white residue was located under the passenger seat.

While the deputies were transporting both individuals to the Starke County Justice Center, Genmtz admitted to having illegal narcotics inside of a body cavity. She was transported to Northwest Health Starke Hospital to have the article removed. The article was identified as a clear bag containing 33.55 grams of a white crystal-like substance that later field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Both were arrested and booked on the preliminary charges including:

Felony Level 2 Dealing in Methamphetamine

Felony Level 3 Possession of Methamphetamine

A Misdemeanor Possession of Paraphernalia

A Misdemeanor Driving while suspended with a Prior Conviction

Indiana’s unemployment rate in October stands at 3.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for October stands at 3.9%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 63.3% for October, remaining above the national rate of 62.7%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs.  

Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,421,751 - a decrease of 4,455 from the previous month.

"Indiana's labor market continues to show strength for both workers and employers," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "Though the state set a private employment record, employers still need to fill many more critical jobs. Economic trends are favorable and we encourage Hoosiers considering re-entering the workforce to take advantage of this worker-friendly economic climate."

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,400 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 47,100 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's October private employment stands at 2,858,300, which is a new private employment peak. Industries that experienced job increases in October included:

• Construction (+2,500)
• Private Educational and Health Services (+2,400)
• Leisure and Hospitality (+1,900)
• Financial Activities (+1,600)
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+400)

As of Nov. 16, there were 105,860 open job postings throughout the state. In October, 14,801 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

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

When you stop by participating businesses between November 25 and December 10, have an employee stamp your passport with a sticker. Each sticker is one entry, and you may earn up to ten entries per sheet. Turn in your passport at the Chamber office by December 13 at 5:00 p.m. to be entered to win one of ten $25 Chamber Dollars or the grand prize, $250 in Chamber Dollars.

Winners will be announced on December 15.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Small Business Season, please contact the Chamber at (574) 224-2666 or kellie@fultoncountychamber.com.

The Culver Town Council approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment pertaining to the golf cart registration fee. 

The ordinance amendment increases the golf cart registration fee from $60 annually to $100.  This year, the town has registered 641 golf carts.

Last month the Culver Town Council conducted a public hearing on the ordinance with several speaking in opposition to the increase in the fee.  When asked why they felt it was necessary to increase the registration fee, the council said with so many golf carts they need to increase police patrols to keep the town’s streets safe for all modes of transportation.  It was stated that the number of calls about golf cart issues has increased.  The additional fees will help the General Fund in providing additional police presence.   

Several citizens said they felt like the town was punishing the wrong ones.  They said maybe increasing the penalties for violators was a better idea than increasing the registration fee for those who follow the rules.

The Culver Town Council approved the ordinance amendment on the second reading with a 4-to-1 vote. 

Sally Riccardi voted against the increase.  She was supportive of a small increase, like $10.

The Culver Town Council will consider the final reading of the ordinance amendment at their next meeting on November 28.   

Dave Click, of Peru, won the rolling jackpot for the Hoosier Lottery's $5 Lightning Cash Fast Play game.

Click purchased the winning ticket at Peru Pantry located at 286 W. Main St. in Peru. He said he is still in disbelief about his win. He examined the ticket while in the store and was shocked to see 22 lightning bolt symbols on it, meaning Click won the rolling jackpot of $588,054!

Click immediately called his wife. She was half asleep and thought he was playing a joke on her. However, when Click said he wasn't kidding about the ticket, she was in disbelief as well. Even after it was confirmed, Click kept asking his wife, "Do you really think I won?"

Fast Play offers instant fun with a variety of play styles including rolling jackpots, match style games, crosswords and more. Fast Play rolling jackpot games continue to grow with every ticket purchased. The Lightning Cash jackpot started at $15,000 and grew to $588,054.

Additional Fast Play games with rolling jackpots include the $20 Blazing Hot 7s and $10 Extreme Green.

In their attempt to capture the history of Rochester, the Rochester Downtown Partnership is hosting an event at the Char-Bell Studio next to The Times Theater on Monday.

Chad Hisey, Rochester Downtown Partnership Volunteer Design Committee Chairman/ Executive Board Member, says the 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. event is about bringing back memories of the past about businesses in downtown Rochester. 

The fourth event from their 'Gathering of History' series, the Rochester Downtown Partnership encourages all stories, no matter how big or how small, that center around Rochester's history, and the businesses that once were considered community gatherings and staples of the town. 

The Fulton County Community Foundation granted $15,000 to the Times Theaterto be used for donation matching dollars.

Funds generated will assist the historic venue in continuing to operate as a site for live music, movies, and community events. After years of restoration, the theater has found new life and is a hub for activity in downtown Rochester.

Since reopening last February, the theater has welcomed nearly 7,000 people through their doors for events and shows such as live music by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band Southern Accents and local band Acoustic Voodoo Garden. In addition to regularly played movies, the theater holds a monthly senior movie day and Saturday morning matinees. Upcoming events include weekly sponsored (free admission) Christmas movies throughoutDecember and a Bluegrass Festival planned for January 13.

Double your donation and impact through this matching opportunity. Contact the theater by calling 574-223-8463 or email thetimestheaterinc@gmail.com.

Unnecessary Extras is into its second week of being officially open.

Unnecessary Extras, 723 Main St in Rochester, has been blossoming with business, providing a little something for everyone by combining antiques, golf, and arts and crafts into one place. 

Owner Lisa Fellers was raised in Indianapolis, but had always wanted to raise her own family in a small town, says the success of the business so far feels like a dream come true. 

Wanting to have hands-on activities in her shop, this Saturday Unnecessary Extras has teamed up with Nubiano's Pizza to bring food, drink and creativity to the shop from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Dine and Craft Date Night event. 

Registration for their event and other events to come in the future, can be found on their website at https://www.unnecessaryextras.com/book-online. Saturday's Dine and Craft is includes a meal from three choices, and working together as a group to learn new techniques and art by refurbishing furniture and household items. 

Meal options are spaghetti, bread stick and a side salad; a sandwich, side salad and two cheesecake squares; or a large salad with two cheesecake squares. 

Although the event is called 'date night', Fellers says the occasion doesn't need to be a romantic one. Fellers encouraged anyone wanting to get out with family members or friends to also join. Single participants are also welcome. 

Fellers said the Dine and Craft date night is the first of many planned for Unnecessary Extras future. Wanting to bring more gatherings and activities to downtown Rochester, Fellers hopes to provide at least one craft event each month in 2024. 

Credit card fraud continues to be a lucrative business for thieves all over the world. 

Tactics used by fraudsters to get your credit card information continue to evolve as technology advances.  Fraudsters often utilize gas pumps as locations to install card skimming equipment used to steal credit and debit card information from unsuspecting victims.

A recent traffic stop by an Indiana State Police Trooper on the Toll Road led to the discovery of card-skimming devices.  On November 7, the trooper stopped a vehicle for a moving violation in Elkhart County.  During the traffic stop, it was discovered that the vehicle had been stolen. Items suspected of being used for credit card skimming were in the vehicle as well as gift cards to load the stolen credit card information onto were also located.  Both juvenile occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.  Evidence gathered by troopers suggests that this group has been active in northwest Indiana and locally.

Tactics used by fraudsters continually change but there are some tips you can use to keep yourself safe the next time you fill up your vehicle.

· Pay inside.

· Use tap-to-pay function. This keeps your card out of potential card-skimming devices. 

· Use a credit card instead of a debit card. This keeps your funds safe if compromised since a debit card is linked directly to your bank account.

· Cover the keypad when entering your zip code or PIN. Fraudsters often use a pinhole camera to capture this information.

· Check the reader and keypad for overlays that capture your card information.

· Look to see that the security tape is not broken on the pump in the area of the card reader, suggesting skimming equipment may be inside the machine.

The Indiana State Police suggest you regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and report anything suspicious to your bank and to law enforcement.  

As part of National Rural Health Day Woodlawn Health announced it has been recognized with a 2023 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Outcomes.

Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/or Patient Perspective.

“Our mission at Woodlawn Health is to provide excellent healthcare services to our community by highly skilled staff. As we continue to earn the right to care for our community, we are honored to be recognized!” Paula McKinney DNP RN, Vice President of Patient Care Service and Chief Nursing Officer for Woodlawn Health, stated.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health nationwide to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

 “Wherever we go in rural America, we witness first-hand the commitment, determination, and compassion with which rural hospitals serve their communities. Rural healthcare truly is mission-driven,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“This National Rural Health Day, let us recognize the efforts of this year’s Performance Leadership Award winners and all those driven to deliver high-quality care throughout rural communities.”

Due to dry weather conditions, more than 25 counties put burn bans into effect to prevent the spread of fires and protect life and property. 

Marshall County, as of Wednesday, was the lone county with a burn ban in the northern third of Indiana. 

County leaders consider several factors when making the decision to issue a burn ban. 

1. Soil conditions
2. Relative humidity 
3. Wind speeds 

Southern Indiana is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while much of the northern part of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, thus indicating a higher risk of the unintentional spread of a fire. 

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps an updated list of the burn bans which can be viewed on the Statewide Burn Ban Status Map. This map will be updated when counties decide to lift the bans.

Burn bans can include outdoor burning, campfires and open flame activities.

Relief could be on the way this week. Temperatures are supposed to drop into the 50s for weekend highs. Plus, Indiana has rain chances going into the weekend and chances of thunderstorms starting the next work week.

The Indiana County Commissioners (ICC) Association, in partnership with several other local government stakeholders, provided testimony to the Indiana General Assembly’s Funding Indiana’s Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow (FIRSST) Task Force at its Nov. 15 meeting.

Public testimony was taken as the Task Force works to identify barriers to sustainable state and local infrastructure funding and crafts solutions for improving the current funding mechanism.

“As state lawmakers begin this important discussion around infrastructure funding, we know, as an association of local government officials, that we need to be at the table sharing our uniquely valuable perspectives,” said ICC President and Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “As the gas tax becomes a less reliable revenue source for the state and economic challenges impact counties’ abilities to maintain, improve, and grow their local infrastructure networks, county commissioners across Indiana are closely watching the outcomes of this Task Force’s work.”

The FIRSST Task Force was created in 2016 to analyze state and local infrastructure conditions and funding mechanisms in order to identify shortfalls and opportunities for improvements. In 2017, the Indiana General Assembly adopted the recommendations of the Task Force, an overhaul of state and local infrastructure funding, in House Bill 1002. Since then, however, additional factors impacting infrastructure revenue created in HB 1002—such as record inflation, workforce shortages, enhanced vehicle mileage efficiency, and increased electric vehicle use—has led to concerns from state and local leaders that the current funding mechanism will not keep pace with the needs of the state’s comprehensive infrastructure network.

Therefore, the FIRSST Task Force reconvened for the first time since 2017 this year on Sept. 28 to hear from a variety of stakeholders, including the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), regarding barriers to sustainably funding Indiana’s infrastructure assets. Montgomery County Commissioner John Frey, who serves on the FIRSST Task Force, provided comments to the Task Force at the September meeting, expressing his anticipation to work with his fellow members to find meaningful solutions.

“Personally, I am excited to share specific road and bridge needs at the local level, particularly highlighting the unique challenges faced by Indiana counties, and developing a long-term funding plan that will secure the future of Indiana's local infrastructure,” Frey stated. “As long as I serve as a member of this Task Force, my top priority will be ensuring that Indiana communities remain safe, prosperous, and connected as a result of our efforts.”

Stephanie Yager, ICC’s Executive Director, is urging lawmakers and stakeholders to consider the needs of local units of governments when crafting solutions. “The key takeaway from our testimony today is that Indiana’s county officials have been responsible stewards of infrastructure investment dollars and that all Hoosiers will benefit from continued investments to maintain, improve, and grow local infrastructure networks,” Yager stated. “All trips begin and end on local roads, and with profound impacts on Hoosiers’ safety and quality of life, we have a responsibility to ensure that funding solutions will provide reliable support for local roads and bridges.”

The Task Force is expected to meet several times through 2024 to craft legislative proposals for consideration in the 2025 Budget Session. ICC will be closely monitoring the Task Force’s discussions in anticipation of legislative recommendations and will continue advocating for Hoosier counties throughout the process.

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After Carlos Orduno tragically lost his life in a car accident in Akron on November 10, the Orduno family was thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and loss that still feels like a bad dream.

Losing their oldest son, Carlos, just three days before his 19th birthday was something his parents, Juan Carlos and Ivonne Orduno, never imagined they'd ever to have to deal with, both mentally and financially. 

When the time came to plan the boy's funeral, however, the kindness of a helpful community member gave the Orduno's a glimmer of hope and light during the family's darkest hour. 

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support since the tragedy, it wasn't until after losing Carlos that the Orduno's realized how much of an impact their son had made to those outside of their close-knit family.

The amount of people who continue to reach out to the Orduno's with love, support and stories of Carlos still surprise the Orduno family as the days pass. Despite going through every parents worst nightmare, the Ordunos said the kindness given by the Rochester community has been both mindblowing and extremely helpful. 

Carlos' funeral and headstone is now being paid for, a blessing the Orduno family wants to share with others. The extra donations the family received are now being given to help support the Rochester High School wrestling team.

The 2023 Rochester graduate was especially proud of his accomplishments as a wrestler. His senior year was highlighted by being a Three Rivers Conference champion and sectional runner-up. He had also ascended to IHSAA Semistate. Carlos had currently been serving as a volunteer coach at North Miami High School, where he went by Coach Orduno to students. 

A scholarship is in the process of being created, in memory of Carlos for other RHS wrestler's college education. The Orduno family hopes the scholarship will not only keep the memory of Carlos alive for years to come, but also help other students achieve their dreams and goals in the future. 

A box will also be set up for donations towards the RHS Wrestling Team during his viewing this Friday, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Good Family Funeral Home in Rochester. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made in Carlos's name to the RHS Wrestling Team, 1 Zebra Lane, Rochester, IN, 46975. 

Younger brother, Marcos Orduno, 15, refelected about how much of an influence Carlos had made on his life. 

Since Carlos's passing, the Orduno family continues to discover more about how much of an impact he had made to those who had experienced the positivity, encouragement and kindness Carlos gave to others. 

Older sister Evelin Dittman reflected on how Carlos had been the heart of their family. Although his living presence in the family has been lost, Dittman said the memory of her little brother will be lessons that will live on forever. 

Hoosiers will find some relief when it comes to purchasing ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving market basket survey shows that Hoosier shoppers can expect to spend approximately 10% less at the grocery store than in 2022. According to this year’s pricing survey, Hoosiers are paying an average of $54.64 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.46 per person. Indiana’s market basket price also is approximately 11% lower, 66 cents less, than the U.S. average price of $6.12 per person.

According to INFB Chief Economist Todd Davis, the main driver of the decrease is the lower cost of the turkey. This year, shoppers can expect to pay approximately $1.38 per pound for a whole turkey, or $22.11 for a 16-pound bird, which is a decrease of about 21% from 2022. This is largely due to the dramatic reduction in avian influenza cases and a recovery of the turkey population in the United States, specifically the Midwest, which produces the most turkeys.

“The Midwest region had the least expensive market basket at an average price of $58.66,” said Dr. Davis. “Three out of the five top turkey-producing states are located in the Midwest, with Indiana ranking fourth. The concentration of turkey production in this region provides lower processing and marketing costs, which gets the turkey from the farm to the hands of the consumer efficiently.”

Even though there has been a decrease in the cost of a Thanksgiving meal since last year, Hoosiers are paying 28% more than they were four years ago, which mirrors the U.S. average cost. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the food-at-home consumer price index from January through October 2023, a measure of price changes at the grocery store, increased 4.9% year-over-year. For perspective, food-at home annual costs for 2022 increased 11.4%.

“Even though the rate of inflation is not as extreme as last year, the cumulative effect of food inflation is still very much present,” continued Dr. Davis. “This includes the collective impact of labor, fuel, packaging and transportation costs, all of which are costs beyond the farm gate.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, just 14 cents of every retail food dollar can be attributed to farm production, after accounting for input costs. Using this figure, the farmer’s share of this $54.64 market basket would be less than $8. The rest is for food processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale and retail distribution, and food service preparation.

Additionally, droughts over the last few years have affected crops’ ability to grow, which drives up prices, in addition to high supply costs.

“It’s been a difficult few years for farmers in terms of high input costs and getting what we need to produce food, fuel and fiber for the world,” said Isabella Chism, INFB 2^nd vice president. “And the amount farmers are being paid hasn’t covered the increase of their input expenses.

“But Hoosier farmers continue to find ways to streamline their operations and decrease costs of production, and we are glad to see that this Thanksgiving will be a bit more affordable for consumers compared to last year.”

The total market basket price of $54.64 includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, a carrot and celery veggie tray, whole milk, cranberries, whipping cream, ingredients for pumpkin pie and miscellaneous baking items.

Over half of the items in the market basket are less expensive for Hoosiers than last year, most notably the turkey, whipping cream and cranberries. There were some items that increased in price. The largest percentage price increase was for pumpkin pie filling mix and frozen peas.

Only pumpkin pie filling, sweet potatoes, a veggie tray and cranberries are more expensive in Indiana this year than they are nationally. All other items on the shopping list came in equal to or less than the national average, most notably the turkey, whole milk and pie shells.

The INFB Thanksgiving market basket survey was conducted in early November by volunteer shoppers across the state who collected prices on specific food items from one of their local grocery stores. Volunteer shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals. Indiana’s survey was completed in conjunction with a national survey administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

More details about AFBF’s national Thanksgiving market basket results can be found here.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) continues to seek feedback into U.S. 30 and U.S. 31 corridor plans.

INDOT says it's devised 55 possible solutions called the "Universe of Alternatives".

To narrow down the 55 solutions, public feedback will be accepted until December 22. 

You can view a full list of the Universe of Alternatives is available online at ProPEL US 30 and US 31.

INDOT is determined to narrow down the 55 possible solutions. 

INDOT will publish a final Universe of Alternatives report on the respective ProPEL US 30 and US 31 websites. 

Studies include: U.S. 30 from Valparaiso to the Indiana/Ohio state line, excluding I-69 and I-469 around Fort Wayne, as well as U.S. 31 between Hamilton County and Plymouth, excluding the Kokomo bypass. Counties within the study area include Allen, Fulton, Hamilton, Howard, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Miami, Porter, Starke, Tipton and Whitley Counties.

A pursuit began when an Indiana State trooper attempted to stop a Cadillac Escalade truck on Interstate 70 near the 114-mile marker for an equipment violation.

When the trooper initiated a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit started in Henry County and continued along I-70 into Hancock County. At that time, a Hancock County deputy was able to get ahead of the fleeing vehicle and attempted to deploy stop sticks. Despite the success of the stop sticks in deflating both passenger-side tires, the driver continued to flee. Eventually, both its passenger side tires came off, and the driver continued driving on the rims.

Several Pendleton and Indianapolis troopers assisted in the pursuit as it continued west on I-70. At the 87.7 mm westbound the truck lost its axles and became immobilized. The male driver, identified as Robert Workman, 51, of Akron, barricaded himself in the vehicle for a short time before he fled on foot. Police de-escalated the situation by utilizing both a Pepper ball gun and a Taser deployment and took Workman into custody without further incident.

A female passenger,  Jennifer Workman, 48, of Indianapolis, complied with verbal commands given by police. Police took her into custody without further incident.

Upon searching the vehicle, troopers located methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Further investigation determined that Workman had three active warrants in three separate counties.

Police transported Robert Workman to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.

Charges include:

Robert Workman 

• Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle - Level 5 Felony.

• Possession of Methamphetamine e- Level 6 Felony.

• Resisting Law Enforcement - Class A Misdemeanor.

• Driving while Suspended Prior - Class A Misdemeanor.

• Criminal Recklessness - Class B Misdemeanor.

• Reckless Driving - Class C Misdemeanor.

• Possession of Paraphernalia-C Class C Misdemeanor.

Jennifer Workman 

• Possession of Methamphetamine - Level 6 Felony.

• Possession of Paraphernalia - Class C Misdemeanor.

Assisting in the incident were Pendleton troopers, several troopers from the ISP Indianapolis District, the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, Affordable Towing, and the Indianapolis Fire Department.

The Fulton County Community Foundation is launching their annual Giving Tuesday Campaign leading up to the November 28 event.

Thanks to a matching opportunity offered through Lilly Endowment Inc, all gifts to our community funds will be matched $2 for every $1 donated. That means a $100 gift would garner a $200 match and result in total contribution of $300.

Additionally, there is a $1 for $1 match opportunity for up to $10,000 for the Fulton County Parks Department and $15,000 for The Outlet Youth Center. Giving Tuesday is an international day of celebration for local and global nonprofits that work year-round serving their communities.

This year’s celebration will be from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the foundation’s office (227 E Ninth St, Rochester), and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Learn more at www.nicf.org or call 574-223-2227.

Jimmie Tyler has years of service to his country and decades of service to his Rochester community.

Mayor Ted Denton announced this week that Tyler is the Citizen of the Year.

Mayor Denton presented the plaque to Tyler at Rochester City Hall on Wednesday.

Jimmie Tyler described the emotion when he was given the news.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Small Business Season!

Again this year, the Chamber is launching a program to support small business. Check out the Chamber’s Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/ShopSmallINFultonCounty. Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small businesses.

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jillian Smith shares, “Small business is the backbone of our economy. 64% of our new jobs in the US come from small business. When people spend their dollars locally, more money stays local. On average, for every $100 spent locally, $68 of that stays here.”

“By implementing Small Business Season, we hope to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small businesses this holiday. In addition to our wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need our support. Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects our area and quality of life.”

In addition to increased marketing efforts, the Chamber is planning a Fulton County Shop Small Passport Program November 25 – December 10. Shoppers will be invited to patron participating businesses for their chance to win Chamber Dollars. The Chamber is encouraging all businesses to participate in its efforts to raise awareness of how supporting small business improves the quality of life for the entire community. “All businesses need one another. There’s a symbiotic relationship. But small business is the most endangered because many small businesses don’t operate with large cash reserves. When costs skyrocket, they feel it,” says Smith.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce is challenging everyone in the area to support small business this holiday season.

About Small Business Season
Small Business Season™ is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting not just a local business, but our neighbors and friends. Small businesses support our community by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events. 

Elected officials across the state must do more to support residents of Indiana who want to quit using tobacco products, say cancer patients, survivors, and advocates who are marking the American Cancer Society’s 48^th annual Great American Smokeout® this Thursday.

The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who use tobacco to create a plan to quit.

Not only does the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) want to help people quit, but it also wants to help Indiana’s youth never start. The recent coverage around Indiana’s e-cigarette epidemic highlighted the toll e-cigarettes are having on Hoosiers. ACS CAN, for several years, has made recommendations for reducing all tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, in the state.

“If lawmakers want to improve Hoosier health and reduce e-cigarette use, a significant tax increase on all tobacco products and an investment of a portion of the tax revenue into tobacco prevention and cessation programs is one of the most effective ways to do that,” said Allie Kast, government relations director, ACS CAN. “The low price of tobacco products makes it easy for youth to start and to keep adults addicted. We can protect kids, save lives, and help our state generate revenue by increasing the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack with a parallel tax on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.”

Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death, and smoking is linked to at least 12 types of cancers, including lung, liver and colorectal cancers. Each year, more than 11,000 Hoosiers die from a smoking-related disease and over 11,000 kids try cigarettes for the first time.

“The Great American Smokeout is not just an opportunity for people who use tobacco to set a plan to quit. It’s also a clear wake-up call for lawmakers to say it’s time for Indiana to stand up to Big Tobacco,” said Kast. “For too long, Indiana has allowed the tobacco industry to addict people to deadly, cancer-causing products. It’s time to say, ‘enough is enough.’ Our residents deserve better.”  

Free resources on quitting tobacco can be found at QuitNowIndiana.com or through the American Cancer Society’s cessation program, Empowered to Quit. 

Two children were rescued from the Tippecanoe River Saturday morning.

Indiana Department of Natural Resource officers responded just before 11 a.m. after the Pulaski County dispatch center received a 911 call about two children, ages 1 and 5, in tjhe river.

By the time officers arrived family members had pulled the children from the water after hearing calls for help.

No reason was given as to how the children ended up in the water.

The children and two adults were transported to Pulaski Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Indiana DNR says that the 1-year-old was transported to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis in critical condition. 

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Fulton County Republicans celebrated two victories with the two city contested races in Rochester.

For Beth Stocking, Rochester's next clerk-treasurer, the win came as a welcoming surprise. Stocking said the hardest part is behind her now that she's able to put the election in the past. 

On Tuesday, Stocking received a total of 364 votes, narrowly defeating incumbent Shoda Beehler by 15 votes.

Prior to Election Day, early vote totals had showed Democrat incumbent Shoda D. Beehler leading Stocking 136 to 122. Things took a turn on Tuesday, however, when Stocking edged out the win after including mail-invotes, receiving 21 VBM to Beehler's 19. Stocking had gained 221 votes, giving her the win against Beehler's 194. 

Stocking said that now the election is over she's able to focus on learning the ropes and being prepared for 2024. 

An early Friday morning accident resulted in the death of a Rochester man.

Just before 5 a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the intersection of E. Rochester and Slaybaugh St. in Akron on a report of a single vehicle crash. The preliminary crash investigation by Deputy Abbi Miller of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office revealed a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner operated by Carlos Orduno, 18, of Rochester, traveling east on Rochester St. in Akron. For unknown reasons, the vehicle exited the north side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Orduno was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was found unresponsive when emergency personnel arrived. Despite lifesaving measures, Orduno was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Orduno was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and it is believed speed was a factor.

Assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Rochester Police Department, Henry Township Fire Department, Lutheran EMS, and the Fulton County Corners Office.

The crash remains under investigation.

A Fulton County traffic stop ended with an arrest involving methamphetamine.

About 2 a.m. Thursday, Deputy James Dulin with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the area of River Dr. and Maple Lane, on a vehicle for a traffic infraction. During the stop, the deputy  used his K9 partner, Agi, to conduct a free air search on the outside of the vehicle. Agi indicated to the possible presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.

Deputy Dulin performed a search of the vehicle and located a large amount of a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. This substance had a presumptive weight of 21.4 grams.

As a result, Jason Poor, 48, of Plymouth, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), a Level 4 Felony.

Rural communities continue to face hazards associated with working in and around grain structures.

In 2022 alone, there were at least 42 grain entrapments – the highest number in over a decade – resulting in 15 fatalities. To help prevent tragic accidents and deaths, Nationwide and its partners are providing life-saving grain rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments across rural America through its 2023 Grain Bin Safety campaign.

In partnership with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), Nationwide and its partners have now supplied grain rescue equipment and training to 332 first responders across 32 states to help prepare them when local grain entrapments occur.

The Poland Volunteer Fire Department, Lakeville Fire Department and LaPaz-North Township Volunteer Fire Department are among this year’s list of winners who were awarded a grain rescue tube and training. 

After receiving thousands of nominations in the 2023 Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, an annual component of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety advocacy campaign, the insurer and its partners are proud to have awarded grain rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office Det / Sgt Matt Utter recently announced the office had collected over 375 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction during the nationwide prescription “Take-Back” in October 2023.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the initiative to help prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

Medications are collected year long at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in the Drug Free Fulton County collection box located in the lobby. The box provides residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medication.

A public meeting this week shed more light on the future of ambulance service in Fulton County.

But discussion, questions and evaluation are still being had before a decision is made.

The Fulton County Commissioners, Fulton County Council, and EMS Review committee met Monday at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Detention Center to discuss the current bids for EMS service.  There currently are two EMS services which are being considered, Lutheran EMS and Heartland EMS. 

The meeting was led by Barry Ritter of Ritter Services, consultants the county hired to help with the procesRitter began by reviewing the bids that each EMS service provided to the committee.  Heartland EMS bid $1,350,00 for each year, totaling $5.4 million for the 4-year contract.  Lutheran EMS bid zero dollars for 2024, $400,000 for 2025, $420,000 for 2026 and $421,000 for 2027. 

Fulton County has asked in the RFP for three ambulances to be placed in Fulton County and both EMS services bidding do have that in their contract. 

During the public meeting Ritter Services also showed slides of pros and cons that the committee came developed for each bidder that they call the 'SWOT', Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.

There were two county residents in the audience that spoke about the cost difference between the two companies, and they do not want their taxes raised to pay for this. 

There were also some questions and comments from the council. 

The commissioners will be making their recommendation to the county council ahead of their next meeting which will be held on November 21.

There is still time for residents to contact commissioners or council members and voice their opinions.

County commissioner Rick Ranstead spoke about the meeting on GIANT fm WROI with Randy Wynn.

Christmas in the Park is returning to Logansport's Spencer Park for the seventh year of holiday fun that includes a drive-thru light show and music.

The event runs November 24 -  January 1.

With Christmas season just around the corner, preparations have already began, with some of the larger displays being installed at the start of this week.

A press release by Logansport Parks & Recreation Department administrator Jan Fawley announced that Spencer Park's entrance from High Street closed to vehicle traffic on Monday. The entrance will now remain closed through the holidays, and until the lighting décor is removed.

Daytime park visitors are asked to park their vehicles on the north side of High Street, or near the lower pavilion. Park staff are trying to keep restrooms open at Spencer Park opened up as long as possible. When temperatures drop to freezing, however, staff will have to close restrooms and waterlines. 

The Logansport Parks Department also requests that park users please stay away from the Christmas décor in the park, and that daytime walkers stay on the sidewalk or roadway. Guy-wires and other electrical wires set up in the grass could potentially pose danger. 

The event is open to the public with free admission to visitors. The parks department said the event relies heavily on donations and have placed donation boxes at the beginning and the end of the display.

Questions may be directed to Fawley at 574-753-6969 or e mail parksadministrator@cityoflogansport.org.

Cass County law enforcement is investigating a theft from an ATM and its  connection to a stolen truck.

About 4 a.m. Tuesday, Cass County Central Dispatch received a call of a possible ATM theft from the Lewis Cass School Administration building in Walton. The ATM is owned by Horizon Bank of Michigan City.

An unoccupied white pickup was found running next to the ATM on the south side of the school administration building. The Fprd F-350 flatbed had been stolen from American Tool Time in Logansport the day before. At the time, the theft had not been reported by the owner.

An unknown amount of money was stolen from the ATM. Parts of the ATM were found scattered on the streets of Walton as the suspects fled. Evidence at the scene indicates the theft and damage occurred at 2:34 a.m. Tuesday.

Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office along with Walton and Logansport Police are investigating.

Anyone with information or video from surveillance cameras is asked to call the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 574-753-7800.

Republican Beth Stocking claimed an election victory Tuesday in the race for City of Rochester clerk-treasurer.

Stocking defeated Democrat incumbent Shoda Beehler by 15 votes, 364-349.

In Rochester's other contested race, Republican incumbent John Garrett defeated Democrat Joshua Zehner, 198-70.

Two people were arrested Friday after leading an ISP Trooper on a pursuit in Miami, Fulton, and Marshall counties. 

Just after 9:30 p.m. Friday, Trooper Kegan Kern was patrolling on US 31 in Miami County when he observed a 2018 Dodge Durango with an expired registration that came back for a different vehicle. The driver was later identified as Marion McGrew, 19, from Indianapolis.

McGrew fled at high speed and led Kern on a pursuit through Miami, Fulton, and Marshall countIES, reaching speeds of approximately 115 mph. McGrew was passing vehicles on the right shoulder while momentarily turning off the vehicle headlights.

The pursuit continued north on US 31 to Sweetgum Road in Marshall County, where deputies had tire deflation devices set up across the roadway. McGrew traveled off the road to avoid striking the devices. He continued northbound on US 31 until turning west onto 9A road. McGrew continued onto King Rd., where he traveled through a red light at the intersection of US 30. Indiana State Police terminated the pursuit at that point. Fulton and Marshall County deputies continued.

Moments later, ISP was advised the Dodge had crashed into a field. McGrew and a passenger, Pierre Robinson, 19, of Mishawaka, were taken into custody without incident.

No injuries were sustained from the crash. 

Further investigation revealed McGrew did not have a license, and the Dodge was reported stolen from Chicago. A subsequent search of the Dodge revealed multiple firearms and suspected marijuana.

McGrew had two active felony warrants out of Iowa. Both were incarcerated at the Miami County Jail.  

As a result of the pursuit and ensuing investigation, both are preliminary charged as follows:

Marion McGrew, 19

1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle- Level 5 Felony
2. Theft of a Vehicle- Level 5 Felony
3. Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun Level- 5 Felony
4. Aggressive Driving- A Misdemeanor
5. Operator Never Licensed- A Misdemeanor
6. Reckless Driving- C Misdemeanor

Pierre Robinson, 19

1. Theft of a Vehicle- Level 5 Felony
2. Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm- Level 5 Felony
3. Possession of Marijuana- C Misdemeanor

Kern was assisted by officers with the Indiana State Police Peru Post, Indiana State Police Bremen Post, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Marshall County Sheriff's Office, Bremen Police Department, Marshall County EMS, and Lyons Towing. 

The amount of daylight gets shorter each day and temperatures are dropping. The winter season is coming and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is taking part in Winter Weather Preparedness Week to remind Hoosiers to act now to avoid surprises.

Hoosiers know Indiana has diverse winter weather. Average winter high temperatures range from the lower 30s in northern Indiana, up to the mid-40s in southern counties. Annual snowfall averages from 10 to 15 inches over far southwest Indiana to more than 70 inches in some areas near Lake Michigan according to the National Weather Service.

Throughout Winter Weather Preparedness Week, IDHS will provide valuable tips and guidance to help people prepare for the cold months ahead.

Top tips:

• Travel safe: Stay informed about road conditions and have an emergency kit ready in your vehicle.
• Create an emergency kit: Assemble a kit for your household, including food, water, blankets, flashlights and other essential items.
• Bundle up outside: Understand the risks of cold weather exposure and take precautions to protect your family's health.
• Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with weather forecasts, advisories and emergency alerts to make informed decisions.

"Winter Weather Preparedness Week is an opportunity for all residents to get ready and ensure their safety and well-being during the colder months,” said IDHS Executive Director Joel Thacker.

A woman was shot through her driver’s door in Cass County early Sunday morning.

About 1:45 a.m., Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call for a car that was stopped in the 1900 block of Michigan Avenue in Logansport with a woman with a gunshot wound.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says Brianna Baker, 29, of Twelve Mile, was driving on State Road 25 when a vehicle pulled alongside and fired rounds from a firearm into her driver’s side door.

Baker was transported to Logansport Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“This is an active investigation on the isolated incident involving several police agencies. There is not a continued threat to the public,” stated Sheriff Ed Schroder.

No further information is being released as of this report.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Scott Turney at 574-753-7800.

Assisting agencies included the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, Walton Police, Indiana State Police, Logansport Police and Cass County Emergency Medical Services.

After a busy weekend with their grand opening in downtown Rochester, Unnecessary Extras is a dream that's became a reality for owners Lisa and Brad Fellers.

Brad was raised in Rochester. Moving in 2020 from Indianapolis, Lisa got a glimpse of the small-town life she had always envisioned raising her family in. When her husband recently sold his former business The Golf School of Indiana Inc, the couple decided to start something completely different by combining their passion for antiques, golf, and arts and crafts into one place. With entrepreneurship in the Feller's blood, it wasn't long until things began to fall into place. 

More than just your average antique store, Unnecessary Extras also has a craft room for kids and adults alike, where they plan on doing craft events with local artists in the future.

Adding to the extra, Fellers said her husband is also bringing his passion for golf and teaching to the store. 

Fellers says she's excited to be apart of the community and has high hopes for the future. 

Hours for the store are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The U.S. Department of Justice announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.

Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state and local law enforcement.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders nationwide, awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).

The COPS grants announced include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide.

Among the grant recipients, Logansport Community Schools through the COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program.

Through this funding, U.S. Attorney’s Offices for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana are pleased to announce that the Department’s COPS Office awarded a total of $6,689,417.00 to combat violent crime and maintain public safety in the state. 

Lastly, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General announced that the Justice Department will host a Violent Crime Reduction Summit December 11-13, in Indianapolis. The summit, organized by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance will bring together 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including community and law enforcement representatives from Project Safe Neighborhoods and the more than 50 jurisdictions that have participated in the National Public Safety Partnership.

“We are excited to announce this important Justice Department funding to help make our communities safer, and to host the Department’s 2023 Violent Crime Reduction Summit right here in Indianapolis,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I welcome the many dedicated community and law enforcement leaders from across the country to our wonderful city as we work together to reduce violent crime. The work done at this summit will help make our communities safer by sharing interventions and strategies to prevent violence and hold violent criminals accountable.”

“These grants will help departments, in my District and throughout the State, address a myriad of issues that undermine public safety, such as violence in schools, illicit methamphetamine activities, and a shortage of law enforcement officers.” Said Clifford D. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. “These grants also exhibit yet another way the Department of Justice provides support to our public safety partners.”

“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1,700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”

NIPSCO has become aware of a scam where customers are being contacted directly or finding through online searches an imposter website for an entity calling itself “NIPSCO Energy.”

The phone number the scammers are currently operating under is an 888 number. It is not a NIPSCO utility number or affiliated in any way with NIPSCO.

NIPSCO’s official web address is NIPSCO.com, and the customer care center phone number is 1-800-4-NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726). 

NIPSCO will never call directly to ask for account or payment information or demand payment through a pre-paid card. Customers are asked to not share account information with anyone unless sure it is NIPSCO.

If unsure about a phone call, email, program, offer, or person claiming to be affiliated with NIPSCO, please call the customer care team at 1-800-464-7726.

There will be a meeting tonight (Monday) at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office to review EMS contracts.

The meeting will include a combination meeting of Commissioners, County Council and Ambulance Review Committee. 

Tonight's meeting is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m.

It's been over a month since the Kewanna Post Office closed its doors after OSHA had deemed the building at 203 E Main Street unsafe.

Prior to the close, residents of Kewanna only had access to their mail from PO boxes. Although rural residents of Kewanna continue to get street delivery of their mail, the only option to receive mail for those living in town is by picking it up at the Rochester Post Office. That's 17 miles away. 

For people like Charlie Rude, Kewanna Union Township Public Library Director, the closing of the post office has been a costly hassle. Attending the Kewanna Town Council meeting on Thursday, Rude explained how the library was now spending around $100 a month extra just to pick up their mail in Rochester.

As the town continues to be stuck in limbo over the fate of their post office, Rude says the costs are adding up and only hurting the residents of Kewanna. 

Rude says he continues to update Indiana Congressman Rudy Yakym. He says after a month, the town of Kewanna deserves some answers.

Rude requested town council members to help him speed things along by petitioning for a resolution to the issue, something Kewanna Town Council president Doran Collins agreed with.

After discussion, and a motion in favor to support the idea during Thursday's meeting, attorney Andrew Perkins agreed to write a formal resolution to send as the official community response to figure out the next step in getting Kewanna residents mail delivered, whether it be with Kewanna having its own post office or not. 

Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced cities, towns, and counties receiving portions of the $91.5 million awarded through the Community Crossings matching grant program, a component of Governor Holcomb's Next Level Roads program.

"Community Crossings continues to provide opportunities for Indiana local communities, large and small, to make connectivity and safety road improvements for Hoosier families and our visitors," Gov. Holcomb said. "The importance of this matching grant program is immediately obvious as we take our award-winning statewide infrastructure network to the next level."

Among area communities receiving funding:

Argos, $802,731.03

Bunker Hill, $73,217.76

Culver, $203,452.50

Kewanna, $78,256.50

Knox, $386,981.25

Pulaski County, $501,746.25

Starke County, $195,549.75

Wabash, $236,379.74

Wabash County, $868,501.98

Kosciusko County, $855,949.50

Peru, $487,675.00

Communities submitted applications for funding during a highly competitive call for projects in July. Funding for Community Crossings comes from the state’s local road and bridge matching grant fund. The Community Crossings initiative has provided nearly $1.5 billion in state matching funds for local road improvement projects since 2016.

"It's encouraging to see continued dedication and commitment to transportation infrastructure at the local level," INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith said. "Seeing the completed projects from this program is a reward in itself and a win for the state."

State legislators identified long-term funding for Community Crossings as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017. 

188 communities received matching funds in the 2023 fall call for projects.

The next call for projects will open in January.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Rick Brown has retired after 38 years of service to the citizens of Indiana.

Sgt. Brown is a native of Antioch, Illinois, and attended Antioch High School, where he graduated in 1978. Brown then joined the United States Air Force (305th Security Police Squadron), where he served until 1982, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he attended Ivy Tech Community College, where he studied electronics.

In 1985, he was selected to attend the 43rd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. After 18 weeks of arduous training, Brown was appointed on November 10, 1985, and was assigned to the Peru District. While at the Peru District, Brown advanced his education by studying technical vehicle dynamics, crash reconstruction 1 and 2, and articulated vehicles at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute. Brown also attended the University of Louisville, where he focused on command officer development.

During his career, Brown has served as:

-Tactical Intervention Platoon Member (Riot Team)

-Field Training Officer (FTO)

-Field Training Officer Coordinator (FTOC)

-North Zone Crash Reconstruction Team Leader (Lafayette, Peru)

-Corporal (1995-2000)

-Sergeant (2000-2023)

Brown has received numerous awards throughout his career, two of which he is incredibly proud. Brown was recognized as the 2004 American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (locally and regionally). Brown was also recognized by the Indiana State Police last month for reaching 1,000,000 safe driving miles.

Brown says he loved every minute of being a trooper and emphasized his gratitude to his family, who supported him throughout his 38 years with the Indiana State Police. His family includes a wife of 43 years, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Community members gathered at Kewanna Union Township Park Thursday, for a ribbon cutting that celebrated the Story Walk Project coming to Kewanna. 

Started by the Fulton County Leadership Academy with group members Andrea Stineback, Mindy Duckett, Hannah Bahney, Cora Alber and Gina Hierlmeier, the Story Walk leads readers from page to page in books with bilingual stations along the walking trail. Each station also features prompts to inspire conversation from the story, as well as physical activity. 

A FCLA group member who also happens to be the Fulton County Public Library Director, Andrea Stineback, said the project was something inspired by other story walks she had seen outside of Fulton County. Hoping to share their love of reading with the community in a unique, family-oriented way, Stineback said the project naturally came together. 

Members from the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, Winamac Coil Springs, Kewanna Union Township Library and students from Caston School Corporation were some of those in attendance for Thurday's ribbon cutting.

The group thanked the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, Fulton County Public Library and Kewanna Union Township Public Library and Winamac Coil Springs for making the Story Walk Project continue to spring to life. 

The Kewanna story walk is the second of four to be located in Fulton County, with two additional locations to be added in the near future in the communities of Leiter's Ford and Talma. 

The Indiana Department of Health encourages Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) after confirming the first two flu-related deaths of the 2023-24 season.

No additional information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.

Hundreds of Hoosiers become sick from influenza, and some cases are fatal. More than 270 Hoosiers died after contracting influenza during the 2022-23 flu season, which typically runs from October through May.

“Influenza can quickly become a serious, even life-threatening illness for some Hoosiers,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “While no two flu seasons are exactly alike, we always recommend getting an annual flu shot as soon as possible to provide the best protection against becoming seriously ill.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. The CDC also recommends early vaccination as it takes about two weeks for the antibodies which protect against flu to develop in the body and holiday season when families gather indoors is approaching.

People can also help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands thoroughly and frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, and staying home when sick. Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• Clean: Properly wash hands with warm, soapy water
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or disposable tissue
• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.

While anyone can get the flu, there are some people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people who are immunocompromised or who have chronic illness, and the elderly are most at risk for complications from flu. It is especially important for these individuals to receive an annual flu vaccine.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• fever of 100° Fahrenheit or higher
• cough
• sore throat
• headache
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• runny or stuffy nose

Flu season data is reflected on the IDOH influenza dashboard each week and will be updated on Fridays. Note that due to reporting timeframes, one death will be reflected on the Nov. 3 update and the second on Nov. 13. The dashboard also contains historical flu surveillance data, broken down by county, region, and age group. Click here to learn more about influenza or to view the CDC weekly flu report.

The Indiana Department of Health mobile vaccine team will be having a vaccine clinic in Winamac this Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4 at the Winamac Knights of Columbus, 340 E 50 N, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Pulaski County Health Department officials announced the new COVID-19 vaccine will be offered for free, as well as flu vaccines. The clinic will be providing the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for those 12 and older, and the pediatric Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5 to 11. 

Appointments can be made online at www.ourshot.in.gov, but walk-ins are also welcome. This clinic is for residents ages 5 to 65 years of age. All other individuals should seek assistance with their healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or local Health Department for availability. 

With Thanksgiving around the corner, 400 families who may need a little help with the groceries this year are still able to celebrate traditionally thanks to the turkey giveaway in Warsaw next Wednesday, November 8. 

The Turkeys On the Table drive-thru event will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E Smith St., Warsaw. This turkey giveaway is sponsored by Pleasant Grove United Methodist men's group, in cooperation with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. 

Among the men volunteering for Wednesday's event is David McCleary, former Indiana hunger relief representative for the Indiana Society of Saint Andrew, who worked with local hunger relief for 14 years before retiring in 2014. McCleary says the give away is a small part to the big picture of food insecurity in the area. 

McCleary said the rule is one turkey per family, and that they are known to have lines early despite not starting until 10 a.m. He suggests that those who are looking to get a turkey at the event not wait until the last minute to go. 

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced H.R. 6129, the Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing excessive red tape and helping streamline the federal permitting process.

This legislation would require the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish and present to Congress an annual report outlining National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project litigation, as well as its impact on the paperwork burden and wait times for infrastructure projects.

“Excessive litigation is all too often bogging down energy and critical infrastructure investments under of reams red tape, resulting in lengthy and costly delays for projects we need built today,” said Rep. Yakym. “By finding out where the current bottlenecks exist under NEPA, we can reform and streamline the federal permitting process so more projects get off the ground and built. I am proud to partner with Congressman Panetta on this important legislation so we can get America building again, reduce our reliance on foreign fuel, and deliver lower energy prices for our constituents.”

“The federal permitting process is often marred by overly bureaucratic restraints and delays that can hinder our ability to improve our infrastructure or implement clean energy projects to deal with climate change,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our straightforward, bipartisan legislation would require the Council on Environmental Quality to do an annual report about the efficiency and effectiveness of the permitting process. With that important information, Congress could better do its job to ensure that our laws are implemented, our infrastructure is built, and our efforts to reduce our carbon output are enhanced with the expeditious construction of clean energy projects."

Other groups supporting this legislation include the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Petroleum Institute, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Too often critical infrastructure projects are held up by NEPA reviews and the agencies involved are often less than forthcoming on the major obstacles to federal environmental approvals,” said Jimmy Christianson, Vice President of Government Relations for the Associated General Contractors of America. “Congressman Yakym’s bill will ensure transparency with this process by requiring the Council for Environmental Quality to report on these environmental reviews and the lawsuits associated with them. Enhanced accountability will help inform future efforts to reform the environmental review and permitting processes.”

“This bill builds on efforts to reform the NEPA permitting process, providing critical accountability mechanisms to track if recent reforms are meaningfully reducing costly, time-consuming permitting delays,” said Robin Rorick, Vice President of Midstream Policy for the American Petroleum Institute. “A transparent, timely and consistent permitting process is vital to expanding the development of all energy infrastructure, from natural gas and oil to wind and solar projects, and this legislation is an important step forward in advancing that goal."

“Our federal permitting process is broken and delaying badly needed investments in critical infrastructure," said Chad Whiteman, Vice President of Environment and Regulatory Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "The bipartisan 'Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act” introduced by Representatives Yakym and Panetta will help improve transparency concerning America's overly complex permitting process. Shining light on lengthy agency reviews and excessive litigation enables the public and investors to better understand exactly what is happening and will help identify the solutions necessary to take advantage of the unprecedented infrastructure funding opportunities that Congress has made available in recent years.”  

"The NAM applauds Congressman Yakym and Congressman Panetta for their bipartisan effort to address our out-of-date permitting laws and procedures that are restricting our country’s ability to compete globally," said Brandon Farris, Vice President of Domestic Policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. "Protracted legal battles make it more difficult for manufacturers to grow, hire and invest more in the United States. This legislation takes a key step toward identifying necessary further reforms to ensure that manufacturers can continue to drive our nation forward."

The Indiana Funeral Directors Association announced the appointment of Jim Weldy, owner of Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home in Plymouth to the Board of Directors of the association. 

Weldy will be the District 2 representative which covers St. Joseph, Marshall, Elkhart, Kosciusko, and Fulton counties in northern Indiana.

Weldy is a 1978 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. While serving families in funeral service in Illinois and Indiana for the past 45 years, he continues to serve on a Federal Disaster Weldy has responded to many mass fatalities, such as 9/11, Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti.  Weldy was also a police officer for 10 years serving Dwight, Manito, and Mason County in Illinois.  He served 13 years with the Havana Rural Fire Department in Illinois attaining the rank of Deputy Chief. 

Weldy and his wife have two children, Brian (Beth) Weldy of Urbana, Ill, and Jamie (Ryan) Beckwith of Plymouth and two grandsons, Ethan and Oliver. 

Jim Weldy and Terri purchased Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home in 2017.  

Calling all small business owners!

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to support local business on Small Business Saturday and the two weeks following by hosting a Shop Small Passport Program as a way to have fun and support the local economy.

The Chamber is currently looking for small businesses to participate in the program. Any Fulton County small business with a storefront is eligible to participate and Chamber membership is not required.

As a participating business, your business name will be included in the printed passports distributed to every Fulton County resident. You will receive recognition on our event website and in our Facebook group. You will also receive Small Business Season marketing materials and, of course, increased traffic and awareness!

If you own a small business in Fulton County and would like to learn more about the program, please contact Kellie Scobie or Jillian Smith at (574) 224-2666 or assistant@fultoncountychamber.com.

You may register to participate at https://business.fultoncountychamber.com/form/view/31267 by Monday, November 13 at 12:00 PM.

For more information, please visit www.fultoncountychamber.com/SmallBusinessSeason or www.facebook.com/groups/ShopSmallINFultonCounty.

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