A new Churubusco Police car definitely catches attention when officers are out cruising and patrolling the town.

The 2010 Dodge Charger was purchased at the beginning of the year via a government awarded bid from Fletcher Chrysler in Franklin, Ind., and went into service around the first of March.

If you’re old enough to remember the boxy squad cars of yesteryear, then you definitely remember seeing the first squad car that looked like something out of a science fiction movie. This addition to the fleet is no different and raised some eyebrows and questions about the car.

One of the reasons the Charger was purchased was because the Ford Crown Victoria – that much of the public has become accustomed to seeing as a police car – will no longer be produced in 2011. Price was also a consideration – the Crown Vic would have been $22,000 without any options, while the Charger price came in at $21,200 with some options.

The most critical option was the the extra air bag system installed in the car, according to Town Marshal Chad Fulkerson.

“Obviously we have to drive at high rates of speed sometimes and I want to make sure extra safety features were installed in the car in the event of an accident to protect my officers.” Fulkerson said.

“Some people may or may not like the black rims on the car, but that was a cost saving measure, as well,” Fulkerson said. Many of the other options are simply aesthetic and not the thrills and frills one might believe are an “option,” he added.

By Holly Eggelston

As a general rule, I’m not one to post it all over the internet when I’m having relationship problems, but I feel that the situation warrants it this time.

Four months ago I made a pretty serious commitment. It has since been brought to my attention that I entered into the agreement under false pretenses. I went into this for the long haul, or at least the next 15-20 years. I never thought this would happen to me. What do I do? Do I stand up to the promises I made? We were going to travel the country together. I wanted to travel down the road of life with you.

Just four short months ago our relationship seemed to be so full of hope, with promises of safety and security; longevity and real-life, old-fashioned quality. Now this happens. I really honestly didn’t see this coming.

I feel so foolish, so taken advantage of. I trusted your reputation, the things you promised me. Now, when I look at you, I feel like I never really knew you at all.

Holly Eggelston & her fiance

I was jealous of my best friend and her new relationship. For the sake of anonymity we’ll call her new trophy GXP. He is a deep-voiced, strong, fast moving hunk with tons of power in his frame. I told myself you were the better choice because you were smart, safe. You would protect my children. You would provide reliability and security for many years after GXP has moved on. You might not be quite as good looking, but you aren’t ugly. I thought I would learn to appreciate your style as our relationship grew and my love for you became stronger.

But all that is gone.

I was blinded by your promise to be low maintenance and not drink very much. You have lost my trust forever. I made the wrong choice. You were the wrong choice. But I made a commitment. What do I do?

I want to go back to my ex. He was older than you, and very cold. Sometimes he would start to slip, but I could throw him into gear and he would put everything he had into getting straight again, for me. We had fun together. He didn’t yell at me for everything I did. If I didn’t want to fasten my seat belt, he didn’t even notice. He drank way too much and got hot, but he never did anything like you. He never would have hurt me on purpose. But he was destroyed when I traded him in for you. Poison ran through his veins and he died inside. Because of me. Because of you.

So now I’m scared and I’m stuck with you. I’m committed to your erratic behavior. I’m promised to you, even when you go too fast and try to hurt me. Its like you get stuck in go-mode and things just start to spin out of control.

I will stand by you, but only because I made a promise and I never brake a promise. But you need to get help. If the experts can’t figure out how to fix your problem I will leave you. I will not wait around until you really hurt me.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Nov. 7, 2009) – The wind was more than brisk – it was bitterly cold – but that didn’t stop people from across the state from showing up Saturday afternoon to commemorate the 239th anniversary of the only known Revolutionary War battle fought in Whitley County in 1780.

Bundled in winter coats and hats and gloves, the crowd – which included a large number of Children of the American Revolution (CAR) – watched as the Anthony Halberstadt Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Chapter and Colonel Augustin de la Balme Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter conducted the ceremony.

The site is located at 7175 East de la Balme Road, near Old Trail Road, and is marked by a large stone and plaque bearing this inscription: “In memory of Col. Augustin de La Balme and his soldiers who were killed in battle with the Miami Indians under Little Turtle at this place November 5, 1780.”

Leading the ceremonies was Roger and Martha Barnhart of Churubusco. Both are longtime members and national officers in the SAR and DAR.

“Many lives were lost here, Roger Barnhart said. “We are here to honor and pay homage to the men who died here.

“We are here to remember our warriors and their families,” Martha Barnhart said. “Never forget. Never become complacent.”

The Indiana SAR Color Guard in their Revolutionary War uniforms performed the flag ceremony as well as the dedication of the wreaths. Members of the Fremont American Legion Post Color Guard also participated in commemorating the dead of both sides of the battle.

In addition to the Barnharts, several officers from various state chapters of SAR and DAR spoke and placed wreaths on the memorial. The Children of the American Revolution state vice president and local chapter president, Jacob Weaver, 16, of Shipshewana, also addressed the crowd.

“As a descendant, my birthright brings the responsibility to carry on the word, to never let people forget,” Weaver said.

Members of some of the state chapters of DAR and SAR attended the event, traveling from different cities including Kokomo, Indianapolis, Shipshewana, Angola, Muncie, Kendallville and Fremont.

Around the corner from the battle site is the former site of the Miami Trading Post and British Fort, and a separate nearby monument marks the last known home of Miami’s Chief Little Turtle. The British Trading Post became the home of Chief Little Turtle following the Treaty of Greenville.

Patriots vs British; Indians vs Indians

The bloody battle along the banks of the Eel River occurred when Colonel Augustin de La Balme and his troops were massacred by Chief Little Turtle and his warriors, who were sympathetic to the British crown.

With a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, La Balme, the former French Cavalry officer, came over a few months before Lafayette to assist in the American Revolution.

The Indians were literally up in arms about this intrusion and chose sides. The Indian tribes were split and fought against one another – some alongside the British and some alongside American Patriots. The Miami Indians aligned with the British, while other tribes from Northwest Ohio and parts of northern Indiana aligned themselves with the Colonies.

On, or about October, 27, 1780, after making his way from Canada to Detroit and then to northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, La Balme started out over the Eel River trail (the same trail Colonel John Hardin followed ten years later) to capture a second trading post. He had already captured, secured and left about 20 men guard the captured stores at Kekionga (Fort Wayne).

The Miami Indians destroyed Kekionga and killed the men guarding the trading post. They then attacked La Balme near the Eel River Trading Post. A few days later, surrounded by a large body of Indians under Little Turtle, La Balme negotiated with the white traders to leave the place and return all captured materials. He even offered his own supplies and equipment to the traders and the Indians. The Indians, however were determined to punish the intruders.

A few hundred yards from the trading post, La Balme was attacked by Miami warriors. La Balme and his men fortified themselves along the banks of the Eel River. They were attacked for several days before being completely defeated by an overwhelming Indian force.

LaBalme’s watch, double barreled gun, spurs, regimentals, and some papers are now housed in the British Military Museum.

Story, photos by Vivian Sade for buscovoice.com

CAR speaker Jacob Weaver looks over his speech before the ceremony.

Charlotte Blair

Martha Barnhart

Jacob Weaver

Steve Oberlin

CHURUBUSCO, IND. – Now is the time to register for many featured events at the 2009 Turtle Days Festival June 17-20 in Churubusco. A portion of proceeds from all Turtle Days events goes to the Churubusco Community Park.

For more information on these or any other Turtle Days event go to www.turtledays.com.

Car/Truck/Bike Show

The 5th annual Turtle Days Car, Truck & Bike Show will be held Saturday, June 20 (rain or shine) at Brady’s Auto Service, 9377 E. Commerce Dr., next to Farmer’s & Merchants Bank, off U.S. 33.

Registration will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. Pre registration fees are $10 per entry and $15 the day of the show. Awards will be presented at approximately 2 p.m. The car show is open to all makes, models and years.

Plaques will be awarded for Best Custom, Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Original, Best Street Rod, Best Truck and Best Bike. Awards for the top 30 or more are sponsored by area merchants and individuals.

There will be dash plaques and goodie bags for the first 50 entries. There also will be concessions available and door and raffle prizes.

The show is sponsored by the Turtle Days Association Car Show Committee. All entries are invited to join the Turtle Days parade at 6 p.m. that day.

For more information or to register call Diane Blessing at 260-693-3957 or Nancy Duggan at 260-693-9494.

To date, sponsors include Case’s Chevy Parts,1-800-Radiator of Fort Wayne,

Harmon’s Inc., BRC, Churubusco News & Printing, Shroyer’s True Value & Hardware Store, Magic Wand Restaurant, Baymont Inn, Busco One Stop, Churubusco Auto Electric, K & K Video, Lees Inn, Mountaintop Coffeehouse, Robert Love Trucking, Egolf’s IGA, Race Paint USA, Fort Wayne Clutch, Salesman Trucking, Stahl Racing Team, Zogs Rods, National Automotive, Sheets & Child’s Funeral Home, Vinyl Designs, Pride C Store, Tom Beezley & Son Auto Repair, Freedom First Real Estate, Ace Radiator, Hire’s Speed Shop, C & A Tool Engineering, Owens Laundry and Tanning, Keystone Concrete, Brady’s Auto Service, Churubusco Watch & Jewelry, Brevin’s Downtown Eatery and Summit Transmission.

Horseshoe/Cornhole Tournaments

Registered Trademark

The Turtle Days Horseshoe Tournament will kick off the festival week on Sunday, June 14, in the Churubusco Community Park between Diamond 1 and Diamond 2. Registration will be from 1:30-2 p.m. The tournament will begin at 2 p.m.

The Turtle Days Cornhole Tournament will be held Saturday, June 20, in the Mor For Less grocery store parking lot on Main Street. Registration will be from 9-10 a.m. and the tournament begins at 10 a.m.

There will be single eliminations for both the horseshoe and cornhole tournaments, as well as a $10 entry fee per game. There will be a 60 percent payout with 30 percent going to first place winners, 15 percent to second place, ten percent to third place and five percent to fourth place.

To register for either event, mail y

our name, address, email address and which tournament you are registering for – or download the form below or at turtledays.com – and mail to Turtle Days Festival, Atten: Tom Fletcher/Horseshoe Coordinator, P.O. Box 187, Churubusco, IN 46723.

Turtle Run 5K Walk/Run Road Race

The Turtle Run 5K Walk/Run Road Race will be held Saturday, June 20. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. in front of Churubusco High School. The race begins at 8 a.m.
Cost is $12 for pre-registration and $15 the day of the race. A multi-family discount will be applied to participating families of three or more at a cost of $10 each.

Preregistrations must be postmarked by June 6. Download the form below or go to turtledays.com to download the registration form and send it to: Youth For Christ, c/o Turtle Run 5K, 2825 Hilligas Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

Divisions and prizes will include male and female 12 and under; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+/walker; and top three overall.

All pre-registered entrants will receive a T-shirt and will be automatically registered for door prizes.

For more information call Jon Pelz (260) 433-6993.

Turtle Days BBQ Chicken Cook Off

Register now for the Turtle Days BBQ Chicken Cook Off Saturday, June 20, in the parking lot of Mor For Less and Brevin’s Downtown Lounge & Eatery in the 200 block of Main Street.

All cooks must be present for a meeting at 8:45 a.m. Judging will begin at 1 p.m.
All team members must furnish their own equipment and supplies. Only wood or charcoal pits will be allowed. All fires must be in containers and elevated off the ground.
Other BBQ cook off rules include: a minimum of three pounds of chicken; all meat must be thawed, raw and unseasoned at check-in; all meat will be cooked on site; sauces and/or seasonings may be added during cooking, but will not be allowed once cooking is completed.

Cooking will begin at 9 a.m.

For more information or to register call Mark Bianski at 260-610-0928 or Kirk Gray at 260-452-8903.

To register early send the chief cook’s name, along with team members’ names, a contact address and phone number to Churubusco Turtle Days Association, c/o BBQ Cook Off, P.O. Box 187, Churubusco, IN 46723 or go to www.turtledays.com and register.

Little Mr./Miss Royalty Contest

Young girls and boys between the ages of 5 and 13 from Smith-Green Township are invited to participate in the very first Turtle Days Royalty competition to be held during this year’s Turtle Days Festival.

Contestants will be introduced during opening night, Wednesday, June 17, of the Turtle Days. Winners will be decided through a point system based on the applicant’s answers as well as tickets sold. Little Master and Little Miss Turtle Days will be crowned later in the Turtle Days Festival. Winners also will help lead the Turtle Days parade Saturday, June 20, at 6 p.m..

Participants must fill out an application and send it in with a $10 entry fee postmarked no later than June 5 to: Turtle Days Association, P.O. Box 187, Churubusco, IN 46723 – Atten: Tracey Bultemeier.

For more information contact Tracey at 260-705-8950.

td-yfc-5k

2009 Churubusco Turtle Days BBQ Chicken Cook Off
Saturday June 20, 2009

Cook’s Meeting at 8:45 AM
Judging at 1:00 PM
200 Block South Main Street
Churubusco, IN

RULES
A $20.00 entry fee per team is required.
Cook’s meeting is mandatory. Judging containers will be distributed at this time.
It is the responsibility of the chief cook that all members abide by the rules of this event. Failure to comply may result in immediate
disqualification.
Decisions of the Judges are final.
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Teams must furnish all equipment and supplies required.
Wood or charcoal BBQ pits only. No gas or electric pits will be allowed. All fires must be in containers and elevated off the ground.
MEAT PREPARATION
A minimum of three (3) pounds of chicken is required.
All meats must be thawed, raw and unseasoned upon check in.
All meat will be cooked on site.
Cooking will start at 9:00 AM.
Meats may be cooked with sauces and/or seasonings but once cooking is complete additional sauces and/or seasonings cannot be
added.
For additional information contact -
Mark Bianski 260-610-0928 or Kirk Gray 260-452-8903
Early entries may be mailed to: Churubusco Turtle Days Assoc. PO Box 187, Churubusco, IN 46723
www.turtledays.com
ENTRY FORM
TEAM NAME _______________________________________ TEAM CONTACT PHONE NUMBER_____________________
CHIEF COOK __________________________
TEAM MEMBER #1 __________________________
TEAM MEMBER #2 __________________________

_____________________________________________________________

5th ANNUAL TURTLE DAYS CAR /TRUCK & BIKE SHOW

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2009 (RAIN OR SHINE)

BRADY’S AUTO SERVICE
9377 E. COMMERCE DRIVE (OFF OF U.S. 33 N.)
CHURUBUSCO, IN
Registration from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Pre-Registration fee: $10.00
$15 Day of Show
Awards presented at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Oscar with 2-year-old Maddox.

OPEN CAR SHOW
OPEN TO ALL MAKES, MODELS AND YEARS

Plaques for Best Custom, Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Original,
Best Street Rod, Best Truck, Best Bike.
Plaques for TOP 30 OR MORE
AWARDS: Sponsored by area merchants and individuals
Dash Plaques and goodie bags for 1st 50 entries
Door Prizes and Raffles Food & Drink Available
POP-UPS ALLOWED Vendors
Not responsible for loss, damage or accidents. No alcoholic beverages allowed.
Sponsored by the Turtle Days Association Car Show Committee
ALL ENTRIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE PARADE AFTER THE SHOW
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Diane Blessing (260) 693-3957 Nancy Duggan (260) 693-9494