The Jorgensen Family YMCA is hosting a shopping trip to Chicago, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 22.

A charter bus will drop off visitors in the heart of Chicago. Spend the day Christmas shopping, touring museums or just browsing with a friend. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This popular holiday trip is filling up quickly so don’t delay!

The pick up/drop off location is the Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10313 Aboite Center Rd, located in Indian Trails Park. The bus will leave at approximately 6:45 a.m. and will returned at approximately 10 p.m.

Cost is $40 for members, $80 for non-members.

Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago during the Thanksgiving weekend holiday lighting ceremony.

To sign up, stop by the Jorgensen Family YMCA Membership desk, or call Nikki Surbaugh, Youth and Family Program Director at the Jorgensen Family YMCA, at (260) 432-8953 or email nikki_surbaugh@fwymca.org.

Water Tower Place Mall on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

The Churubusco/Smith Twp. Fire Department will be hosting a fire prevention program starring The Kasey Program - an exciting and educational program that teaches children fire and life safety skills.

Churubusco Fire Department members and The Kasey Program will be at the Churubusco Elementary School Thursday, Nov. 13, from 1–2 p.m. and will be presenting a check with funds donated by local organizations to help the program.

Kasey is a black Labrador retriever who has been trained to demonstrate life saving skills. Kasey and her partner, firefighter/paramedic Jeff Owens, travel the country bringing their life saving message to all that will listen.

Owens, a firefighter/paramedic for more than 20 years, developed the program in 1994 and has watched the program grow from less than 100 programs annually, teaching less than 3,000 people, to now scheduling approximately 400 programs and reaching more than 400,000 people annually.

The Kasey Program is sponsored by Koorsen Fire and Security, with their corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. Koorsen Fire and Security has built its business on providing safe environments to work and live in and wants to be a major player in protecting young people from injuries that are preventable.

During the program Kasey will demonstrate to the students how to:

• Stop, drop and roll;
• Feel a door to see if it’s hot before opening it;
• Knowing two ways out of every room;
• Telling an adult when finding matches and lighters;
• Crawling under smoke to escape;
• Call 9-1-1 during an emergency, and;
• Designate a meeting place outside the students’ home.

*Update*

If you can not attend but want to donate, please make checks payable to Jonathan Shepler Benefit Account and send to Woodforest National Bank, 10105 Lima Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 4681

A fundraiser for Jonathon Shepler will be held Nov. 9, beginning at noon at the Elk’s Lodge, 4935 Hilligas Rd., Fort Wayne.

Jonathon is the son of Jodi and Andy Shepler and has a brother, Blake. Jodi Shepler is the daughter of Deb Gump, longtime resident of Churubusco.

Jonathon

Jonathan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in March of 2006. This disease is one of the nine types of Muscular Dystrophy, which are a group of genetic, degenerative diseases that primarily affect voluntary muscles.

The progression of DMD is rapid and will eventually affect all voluntary muscles, as well as the heart and breathing muscles, making survival rare beyond the early 30’s, according to his parents.

Even with this disease Jonathan is positive and very upbeat he never complains - he only asks questions, his mother said.

Jonathan also enjoys  watching and playing sports - whatever is in season at the time -  especially the Indianapolis Colts and the Fort Wayne Komets, as those are his favorite teams. He loves to draw, go camping, swimming, spending time with his family and playing with his brother, Blake.

Currently Jonathan uses an walker to get around, his parents said, but will eventually need a wheelchair. They are hopeful that the benefit for Jonathon will help them buy the van that they are in need of to safely transport their son. They also hope to raise awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Cost of the event is $2.50 per person. Raffle tickets will be
$1 each or 6 for $5. Bowling tickets will be $2 per person (shoes included).

Come out, join the party, have a great time and help Jonathon at the same time.

The Churubusco Annual Senior Fish Fry will be Saturday, Nov. 8, from 4-7 p.m. in the school cafeteris.

Bring the family and enjoy all-you-can-eat fish with several side dishes and beverages included.

Carry outs also will be available.

Adult presale tickets for the dinner are $8.50 or $9 at the door. Child presale tickets are $4.25 or $4.50 at the door. Children age 5 and under are free.

Contact the school at 693-2131 or any senior student to obtain presale tickets.

Radio station Star 88.3’s tenth Annual Adoption Celebration will be Sunday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m.

The event is hosted by Parkview Family YMCA, 10001 Dawsons Creek Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Special guest will be national comedian and ventriloquist, David Pendleton.

This is a free event open to the public to help celebrate adoptive families and individuals considering adoption.

A love offering will be taken to benefit the Lutheran Social Services adoption agency.

There will be many agencies present with adoption information.

For more information go to www.fwymca.org or www.star883.com.

Churubusco trick or treat hours are Friday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Residents who are at home (and not at the sectional football game!) are asked to turn on their front porch light for trick or treaters.

The Churubusco Smith Twp. Fire Department also is hosting a Halloween bonfire Friday night with hot dogs and plenty of treats for trick or treaters at the fire station on Line Street.

The Colonel Augustin De La Balme Memorial Commemoration ceremony - an educational as well as historical event - will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in Whitley County.

The ceremony will take place at the only Revolutionary War site in northern Indiana, 7175 E De La Balme Rd., Columbia City, near the Allen/Whitley County line along the Eel River. A memorial marker locates the site.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event jointly sponsored by the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution, Fort Wayne and Colonel De La Balme Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Columbia City. Participating will be State presidents of both organizations and members of the Indiana SAR Color Guard, American Legion Honor Guard of Fremont, and a member of the Miami Indian tribe of Indiana.

This Revolutionary War Battle site was an Indian victory over Col Augustin De La Balme and his men which occurred at this site on Nov 5, 1780. The men were massacred by Chief Little Turtle and his warriors who were sympathetic to the British Crown in retaliation for the earlier murders of Indians at Kekionga, now known as Fort Wayne.

Directions to the site:From US 30 and State Rd 9, turn east on 30, Turn north on West Co Line Rd, Turn west on Old Trail Rd, Turn north on De La Balme Rd.

Article and photos contributed.

Photos from last year’s commencement ceremony contributed by Martha and Roger Barnhart.

This year the Churubusco PTO is trying something different - a “Trunk or Treat” night. This event will replace the Safe Trick or Treat held in years past.

The Halloween event will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6-8 p.m. in the school’s parking lot.

Volunteers are needed and PTO members are encouraging parents to line up their vehicles along the sidewalk in front of the school, dress in costume and pass out treats from their trunks.

The event was held in the hallways of the school in years past, and PTO members said they would like to try something different this year.

Churubusco students will be released Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22 and 23 at 11 a.m. and all day Friday, Oct. 24 for Fall Break.

Churubusco Elementary School classroom fall parties will be held Friday, Oct. 31.

Students from Center Stage Elite, a competitive dance company in the Churubusco and Albion areas, are planning a barbecue chicken fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. until all the chicken is sold.

The fundraiser will take place at Tractor Supply Company in Columbia City. Dancers and staff will be selling barbecue chicken halves and sandwiches.

Proceeds raised from the sale will help offset costs associated with competing out of state this year.

(Photo, story contributed)

Dr. Nick Yphantides, author of “My Big Fat Greek Diet,” will be the featured speaker on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon at the Southeast Family YMCA, 5125 Werling Drive, Fort Wayne. 

Dr. Nick Yphantides

Dr. Nick traveled cross-country in an RV named “U.S.S. Spirit of Reduction” and began his “Take a Swing at Weight Loss Tour.” Dr. Nick visited all 30 Major League Baseball Stadiums while traveling to all 50 states. He worked out at neighborhood YMCA centers and dropped 270 pounds.

Join this group and hear Dr. Nick’s inspirational story of losing weight and gaining confidence. The event is free and open to the public.

Arrive in comfortable clothes for a group exercise class that will follow the presentation. RSVP today at membership services at the Southeast Family YMCA or call 447-4567.

A “Boo-Rific” Halloween Magic Show will be held  Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10313 Aboite Center Road, near Indian Trails, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Don Miller, from Family Time Entertainment is back with an all new amazing magic show including objects floating in the air.

While being entertained, kids will learn about how to have a safe Halloween, jack-o-lantern fire safety and safe candy eating. It will be great fun for families of all ages.

Cost of the event is $30 per family for Y members and $50 per family for non-members. 

Call Nikki Surbaugh, Youth & Family Program Director at the Jorgensen Family YMCA at 432-8953 for more information.

The third annual Rebecca’s Love 5K Walk/Run is slated for Sunday, October 26, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Whitley County Family YMCA.

Registration will begin at 12 p.m. in the YMCA pavilion near the soccer fields at 950 East Van Buren Street. Participants are invited to preregister by sending a free will donation to: Rebecca Hollenbaugh, 305 South Main Street, South Whitley, IN 46787. Checks should be made payable to Rebecca Hollenbaugh/Love Run.

According to Hollenbaugh, this year’s free will offerings will support the Colton Easterday family.

Easterday is a 10-year-old fourth grade student at the South Whitley Elementary School. Born with a bad pulmonary valve in his heart, he underwent heart surgery as a newborn … for more go to our Whitley News Network partner Talk of the Town.

Between October 21 and 23, the Indiana Coalition for Public Libraries will sponsor a series of public library focus groups in six communities around the state - North Vernon, Plainfield, Vincennes, Fort Wayne, Merrillville, and Nappanee.

While the focus groups will not be conducted in Whitley County, local library leaders are hopeful local residents will bring this community’s issues to the forefront at the meetings being held elsewhere … For more go to our Whitley News network partner, Talk of the Town.

Article Provided 

A car wash to help fund a mission trip will be held this Saturday, Oct. 11, at Egolf’s IGA parking lot on South Main Street in Churubusco from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no charge, but free will donations will be accepted to help send a local college student to Vietnam.

Jyssica Schutz and Adrienne Root, right, are shown together on their last mission trip.

Adrienne Irene Root, 21, is a junior at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. She hopes to travel to Vietnam with Teen Mania Ministries (Global Expeditions) June 14-July 10, 2009, with a group from ONU, including her college roommate and friend, Jyssica Schutz.

“This group is a non-profit organization geared towards equipping youth for reaching the world for Jesus,” Root said. “This group is made up of people from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico.”

Root said she will be teaching vacation bible school in the orphanages in Vietnam, including dramas and skits, as well as doing street evangelism.

The trip will cost about $4,000 per person and Root plans to raise the money through various fundraisers including Saturday’s car wash.

“I chose (as well as my friend) to go on this trip because I have a love for children and in Vietnam we will be working with children,” Root said. “Also, we felt that God was calling us to share his gospel with the world.”

Stop by Egolf’s IGA Saturday and help Adrianne with her calling - and leave with a shiny, clean car.

On Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. residents of Whitley County are invited to the Whitley County Historical Museum on West Jefferson Street in Columbia City to become reacquainted with these vintage art forms - while enjoying some live music and food.

According to the museum’s assistant director Angela Maley, several local artisans have confirmed their attendance at the event, including Cathy Mowry, Day Davidson, Laura Bobay, Ray Ranier, Tonya Brown, Laura Hull, Dani Tippmann, Sue Lester and Marilyn Copeland to name a few.

During the event, visitors can watch the creation of corn husk dolls, soap making, needle tatting, fly tying, crocheting, chair caning, beading, creation of cattail mats, sewing of period clothing and painting. Activities will continue throughout the day.

Musicians will perform on the porch of the Whitley County Historical Museum in the afternoon, featuring a mixture of old timey, bluegrass music.

The Whitley County Historical Society will have pulled pork sandwiches, chips and soda meals available. Free will offerings will be accepted.

Admission to the event is free and open to the community.

Two Churubusco teens will compete for the crown of Junior Miss at the 44th annual presentation Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Newell Rice Auditorium at Columbia City High School.

Meghan Huesenbeck, daughter of Lynn and Mari Huelsenbeck of Avilla, and Amanda “Paige” Hunsberger, daughter of  Scott and Paula Hunsberger of Churubusco. Both girls are students at Churubusco High School and both will sing for the talent portion of the program.

Admission is $10 and tickets are available at the door.

Amanda Paige Hunsberger

Seats are reserved for the contestant’s immediate family. The remainder of the seats in the auditorium are not reserved.

Other contestants include:

Kara Mawhorter, daughter of Michael and Rita Mawhorter and a student at Columbia City High School, will sing.

Amber Lecklider, daughter of Daniel and Stacie Lecklider and a student at Columbia City High School, will dance.

Meghan Huelsenbeck

Abby Pettigrew, daughter of David and Cindy Pettigrew, and a student at Whitko High School, will play the piano.

Emily Yoder, daughter of Brad and Linda Yoder and a student at Columbia City High School, will sing. 

Julie Wilkinson, daughter of Rex and Debra Wilkinson and a student at Whitko High School, will perform a comedy skit.

Natalie Aker, daughter of Reuben and Marie Aker and a student at Columbia City High School, will perform an instrumental solo. 

Alexandra Sideris, daughter of  Peter and Teresa Sideris and a Columbia City High School, will sing.

Kara Mawhorter

American Junior Miss is a college scholarship program for high school young women. Since 1958, AJM has helped more than 700,000 young women obtain education and scholarship opportunities through the program.

The 51st AJM National Finals took place on June 26, 27 and 28 in Mobile, Ala. More than $150,000 in cash scholarships, millions in college granted scholarships and the title of AJM 2008 were up for grabs as 50 of the nation’s top young women traveled to Mobile to participate.

Lindsey Brinton of Utah won the title and more than $54,000 in cash scholarships.

Lindsey Brinton, America Junior Miss 2008.

Alexandra Sideris

Natalie Aker

Emily Yoder

Amber Lecklider

Julie Wilkinson

Abby Pettigrew

The Whitley County Kiwanis Club - in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church - will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4-7 p.m. to benefit the work of each.

 The dinner will be at First Presbyterian which is at the corner of Jackson and Chauncey streets in Columbia City.  Adult admission is $6; children under 12 are $4 each.

The special guest will be the man for whom the county seat is named, Christopher Columbus.

“As you can imagine, it took great effort and expense to get the great Admiral to Columbia City,” said Kiwanis representative, Barry Yeakle. “We hope many hungry spaghetti aficionados will come out to meet him.”

Residents of Whitley County are invited to unload any hazardous waste materials Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Whitley County Solid Waste Management District site, 701 S. Line St., Columbia City.

The free collection will be held from 8 a.m. until noon.

Items accepted include oil, unused paint and paint cans, batteries, tires and medications. There is a limit per family of four car tires, two truck tires and two farm equipment tires.

Any E-Waste (non-working electronics) and any unused/expired/unwanted medications will be accepted. There is a limit of no more than three CRT devices (televisions, computer monitors) per household. 

Items that WILL NOT be accepted include: commercial or industrial waste, explosives, asbestos, ammunition, fireworks, radioactive waste, smoke detectors or fire extinguishers or infectious biological waste.

Residents will need to show proof of Whitley County residency, such as a utility bill and/or driver’s license.

For more information on what will be accepted, call the SWMD director, Jorell Tucker, at 248-3132.

The Green Center Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Green Township Community Center at the corner of C.R. 300E and 300S in Noble County.

Enjoy all-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin with side dishes, as well as a country store, a kids’ game room and the grand opening of the Green Center Haunted House.

The Haunted House will make its debut Saturday and will be open every weekend through Halloween. The dates are Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and the 31 from 7-11 p.m. each night. Admission is $8.

Check this Web site on Oct. 4 for a spooky video preview of the Green Center Haunted House.

The 44th annual presentation of Junior Miss in Columbia City and Whitley County is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. in the Newell Rice Auditorium of Columbia City High School. Admission is $10 per person.

Nine contestants representing Whitley County’s three high schools will vie for the title of Whitley County Junior Miss 2009. The winner represents this community at the Indiana Junior Miss Program in Frankfort, Indiana, the first week of February 2009.

Story by Pamela Thompson 

The 4th annual Patriot Day golf outing will be held Sunday, Sept. 14, at Eel River Golf Course in Churubusco. The event is hosted by the Gilbert Davis Post 157 American Auxiliary in Churubusco.

The Florida scramble event is open to the public. A shot gun start will be at 8:30 a.m. 

Cost is $50 per person or $200 per team, which includes a golf cart. There is a $20 per team fee for SKINS. There will be a hog roast by the Sons of the American Legion for all players and volunteers after the outing at the Legion post, 115 S. Main St.

All proceeds will benefit local scholarships, care packages for the troops and the Military children’s home in Knightstown.

For more information on the golf outing or to register, call Max at 260-704-8354 or the Legion at 260-693-6263.

About Knightstown:

The following was written in 1938.

Children of veterans who saw service in the wars of the United States or in the regular army, navy, marine or nurse corps are cared for in a splendid institution, the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ flag_ribbon1 Children’s Home in Knightstown. The children must be under sixteen years of age, normally healthy, and destitute of means of support or education. The veteran must have been honorably discharged and a resident of Indiana. The home is located two mile south of Knightstown, its thirty brick and frame buildings occupy two hundred acres eighty-seven acres. Approximately one thousand children are cared for here. A regular grade and high school course is given the children, and, in addition, they are taught a useful trade in which they are interested. The school numbers among its alumni men and women who have become notably prominent and successful in the world of business and art. One graduate is chief of the promotional staff of the Bell Telephone Company in New York City; another has climbed the ladder of success in the theatre and is now an internationally known movie star. Several have become writers of fame and many have been successfully engaged in varied fields of commerce. In fact, it is an exception to hear of a former student of the school who has not made good. The staff of the school is carefully selected and only those of the greatest ability and highest degree of professional integrity are employed as teachers and attendants. This is done to insure the children of our war veterans an opportunity to grow into healthy, normal, happy, self-sustaining men and women. Children living in the Home are given an opportunity to improve their social welfare. Organizations like those in every school in the state are encouraged on the campus. Girl and Boy Scouts, student newspaper, inter-scholastic contests, 4-H Club, class organizations, athletic teams, and church organizations all contribute to the building of personality and character to the end that graduates are fitted for membership in an average community.