Parkview Whitley Hospital invites the residents of Whitley County to a free educational workshop at the hospital to hear Stephen Brown, MD, of Fort Wayne Cardiology, discuss “Improving Cardiovascular Health for Men and Women.”

 The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, and will be held at Parkview Whitley Hospital, 353 N. Oak Street, Columbia City, in lower-level auditoriums A, B and C, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 Topics will include, among others, how to be nutritionally heart healthy and what procedures are available for detecting heart disease.

 Light refreshments will be provided and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call Parkview Whitley Hospital Community Relations at (260) 248-9400, or (800) 325-1338, Ext. 89400.

Celebrate the first weekend of spring with the new “Cabin Fever Craft Show,” to be held Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 4H Center in Columbia City.

Over 60 vendors of crafts, food and other items will be featured, making this a great opportunity to shop for gifts or a unique item for yourself!

A raffle benefitting the Whitley County Animal Shelter will be held as well.

A special raffle to benefit the Whitley County Animal Shelter will feature over 30 items.

Lunch will be available.

[Whitley County – March 4, 2010] On Wednesday March 3, a group of 20 individuals from around Whitley County met for their first official countywide chamber meeting.

The process of merging smaller area chambers has been a work in progress for several years, but really started to move forward in October, 2009, when a small group of business people met to decide how it all can come together.

Sharon Sallot of Sallot Ventures, a business-consulting firm from LaGrange, Indiana, led the “transition team” consisting of employees and business owners from South Whitley, Columbia City & Churubusco. Benefits of the county-wide chamber range from consolidated support for all businesses in the county, to greater networking capabilities and more volunteers to help support each and every community.

The following board officers were elected Wednesday evening:

• Chairman: Mike DeFreeuw, Northeastern REMC
• Vice Chair: Chris Tomlinson, Gonink: Web Design & Print
• Secretary: Darci Kessie, South Whitley Library
• Treasurer: June Keiser, J&J Insurance

The remaining board members are:

• Bob Koontz, Koontz Realty
• Melinda Woll, Edward Jones Investments
• Kim Balser, The Brownstone on State
• Carrie Hoffman, Huntington University EXCEL
• Randy Holler, Crossroads Bank
• Jim Horne, Parker Insurance Agency
• Steve Hostetler, CC Deli
• September McConnell, Whitley County Community Foundation
• Dave Smith, Star Financial Bank
• Jorell Tucker, Whitley County Solid Waste
• Jennifer Zartman-Romano, Columbia City – Talk of the Town

Although the board is in place and ready to move forward with the organization, there is still a large amount of work to be done and the organization encourages each and every business owner to take part in any way they can to help it succeed and grow.

Front Row, Left to Right: Chairman of the Board Mike DeFreeuw, Northeastern REMC; Vice Chairman Chris Tomlinson, Gonink: Web Design & print; Secretary Darci Kessie, South Whitley Library; Treasurer June Keiser, J&J insurance Solutions; Second Row, Left To Right: Steve Hostetler, CC Deli; Jennifer Zartman Romano, Talk of the Town; Kim Balser, Brownstone on State; Carrie Hoffman, Huntington University EXCEL; Third Row, Left To Right: Randy Holler, Crossroads Bank; Bob Koontz, Realtor & Hoosier Self Storage; September McConnell, Whitley County Community Foundation; Melinda Woll, Edward Jones Investments; Back Row, Left to Right: David Smith, STAR Financial Bank; Jim Horne, Parker Insurance Agency; Jorell Tucker, Whitley County Solid Waste

Seen at right is an artist’s rendering of Parkview Whitley Hospital’s Medical Office Building.

The Columbia City Plan Commission recently held a Development Plan Review in regards to the 53,400 square-foot building that will be located at the south and east of the new hospital.

There are several constants I see after twenty- two years of growing plants professionally.

One of those things is if you let grass grow up to the trunk of your tree you will ding it with a lawn mower and cause a garish wound that gets worse with time. If you do not do that you will weed whip the bark right off the base of the trunk of the tree and kill it quickly.

Human nature being what it is overcomes common sense and instead of pulling that grass with your hand, cutting with lawn shears, etc you try and get as close as you can with dangerous machinery inevitably injuring your tree.

Anyone with a brain would not do this to a dog, cat, child, their mom – so why a tree? It’s a living thing too.

Often times people think a tree, bush, or perennial should be torture proof and sustain all kinds of injury and still perform perfectly. Do the Colts players pull that one off? No they do not!

That brings us to the solution to this problem the mulch ring. The mulch ring is a ring 3-5’ across with mulch no more than 2” deep. I use pine bark mulch and generally regard most other mulch products as less than desirable.  I do not use weed barrier. I place 8-10 sheets of newspaper (no glossy pages) for my weed barrier on the ground before I put my mulch down. This is a great way to keep 80% of new weeds down the first year.

The bottom line is this ring creates a psychological barrier against the mower and weed whipper. You do not generally weed whip or mow mulch.

Landscapes need to be functional and be thought out to a greater degree by the masses. Too often I see people make mediocre efforts in growing things and expect incredible results. Does this work in the gym?

Columnist, mom and former educator Amy Jagger will be the keynote speaker for the Whitley County Literacy Council’s annual meeting on March 8.

The public is invited to attend the 23rd annual dinner which will be held at the Eagles Nest Event Center, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

Jagger describes herself as “a recovering perfectionist, a current professional football lover, and finds great joy in writing down the thoughts that are always swirling around in her head”. Jagger keeps busy as a current substitute teacher/high school musical director and also works part-time at her church in children’s ministry. She is a former elementary teacher. She and her husband, Chad, have two young children.

The title of Jagger’s speech is: “If Words Are So Important, Why Am I Ordering by Number?”

You must register for the event no later than March 4 by calling 244-5037.

Peabody Public Library has announced the following upcoming events:

Peabody Public Library March events for the Adult Department

CC TATTER TOTS

Join us on every Monday of March at 5:30 PM and learn to create beautiful lace patterns using the needle technique. There is a $13.00 fee for first time participation only; subsequent classes are free. Registration is required.

BEADING CLASS

This class will meet on Wednesday, March 3rd at 6:00 PM. The project and fee are yet to be determined. Please contact Laura for more details. Registration is required.

BYO BEADS

Join your friends to share ideas and finish your incomplete projects on Wednesday, March 10th from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM. This is a FREE program.

DARK CITY MOVIE NIGHT

Drop by the library on Saturday, March 13th at 7:00 PM for this month’s movie, “The Hitch-Hiker” , starring Edmond O’Brien and William Talman. Popcorn and soda will be available. This is a FREE program.

MODERN/CLASSICS BOOK GROUP

This month’s title is “”Candide,” the classic satire by the French Enlightenment author Voltaire. We will be meeting on Tuesday, March 17th at noon. This is a FREE program.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL

Join the staff in celebrating all things Irish on Wednesday, March 17th. We will be providing fun, games, refreshments, and an Irish jig contest. We will be joined by harpist Devon Haupt for traditional and popular Irish tunes at 1:00 PM. This is a FREE program.

CHLOE’S SEWING CIRCLE

Beginning Thursday, March 18th, you can learn various quilting techniques to create blankets, pillows, and clothing. Call ahead for a list of supplies you may want to bring. This class runs from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Registration is required.

JUST THE FACTS BOOK GROUP

This month’s title is “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”. We will be meeting at 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 18th. This is a FREE program.

FRIENDS MOVIE NIGHT

Come in on Saturday, February 27th at 7:00 PM for this month’s screen gem, “Chariots of Fire”, starring Ben Cross and Ian Holm. Popcorn and soda will be available. This is a FREE program.

BESTSELLER READERS BOOK GROUP

We are meeting on Monday, March 29th at 5:30 PM. This month’s book is “Killer Angels” by Jeff Shaara. This is a FREE program.

BESTSELLER READERS BOOK GROUP

On Tuesday, March 30th we will be meeting at Northside Grill at noon. This month’s book is “Killer Angels” by Jeff Shaara. This is a FREE program.

Peabody Public Library March Events for the Children’s Department

Preschool Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and Thursdays at 4:00 PM. Story Time theme for March 2 and 4 is “The Cat in the Hat”, March 9 and 11 is “It’s Pajama Time”, March 16 and 18 is “Going Green”, March 23 and 25 is “Spring Things” and March 30 and April 1 is “Easter Surprises.” Join us for stories, songs, finger plays and a craft.

Toddler Time meets in the Children’s Department at 10:30 AM on Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23. This easy-going group is designed for parents and their children under age three.

Joni Walker Art Classes * Thursdays, March 11 and 25, at 4:00 PM. Sign up at the Children’s Services Desk, call the Children’s Department, or register online. Fee is $2 per person per class to cover the cost of materials. Ages 5 and up. Limit of 30 students.

Cooking 101 * Monday, March 8 at 4:00 PM. Kids can learn cooking basics and create tasty treats. This month we will be preparing recipes with apples. For grades 3-12. Sign-up requested. Limit of 20 students.

Craft Saturdays * Saturdays, March 13. Come anytime between 10 AM and 4 PM to do a “green” craft. All ages are welcome.

Cre8tive Kids Art * Wednesday, March 17. This is a new series of classes for three different ages. Each month we will be teaching a different craft technique. This month learn about beading and make a beading project to take home with you. Wednesday, March 17 at 4:00 for grades K-2 and 5:00 for grades 3-5. Sign-up requested.

Musik Garten * Friday, March 19 at 9:30. Mrs. Felger will play music and sing songs with the children and parents to improve their growth and development. For ages 18 months to 3 years. Sign-up requested. Limit of 25.

PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest * Are you a budding author or artist? Submit youroriginal story for the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest (formerly Reading Rainbow) Open to children in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Pick up a copy of the rules and entry form in the Children’s department. Entries are due March 24 and everyone is welcome to attend the award ceremony on March 31.

While the snow falls, members of the Columbia City Farmer’s Market are busy planning for another successful season.

Market members (from left) Chris Lilly, Nick Hiss and Tiffany Herron recently met at BrewHa to finalize a vendor contract and other details for the market, which officially opens on Saturday, May 8 from 8 to noon around the courthouse.

Article Contributed

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — The students of Faith Christian Academy have identified with the victims of the earthquake in a big way. 

At the beginning of the school year, the students and staff chose Haiti as their mission project for the year.

Jean Graham, the first and second grade teacher, and her husband, had just returned from a three-year trip to Haiti.

Following the earthquake, the children’s have opened their hearts even more to plight of the people living in  their selected country-of-study for 2009-10.

“My husband was asked to go back and spend a week in Haiti after the earthquake,” Graham said.  “The amount of devastation is beyond what we can imagine.”

In April, the Grahams will be going back to Haiti, and the students of FCA will be having a special sale to raise money for Haitians.

The sale will be held during the annual Faith Christian Academy Fish & Tenderloin Fry Saturday, Feb. 27 from 4-7 p.m. at the 4-H Center, Columbia City. 

The money raised from the students’ “Pennies for the Poor” bake/craft/rummage sale will be donated to the CSI Clinic in Haiti.  This project helps the poorest to be able to receive medicine. 

“We hope everyone will come to the fish fry, and also buy some items from the students sale,” said school administrator, Larry Schmoekel. “We want to encourage the students in their philanthropic efforts and support their plans to help the people of Haiti.”

From our partner in the Whitley News Network, Talk of the Town (visit their original article here):

Citizens of Whitley County have a reason to be proud as Whitley County is among the top 10 healthiest counties in Indiana, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Whitley County ranked 7th out of all 92 counties with Hancock County being ranked 1st.

The study took into account a variety of factors including premature death, population health conditions, smoking adults, teen pregnancies, health behaviors, binge drinking, clinical health care, inadequate social support, unemployment, poverty, air pollution, homicide rates, college degrees and more.

Parkview Whitley Hospital chief operations officer John Meister said “This snapshot view gives us feedback that we’re on the right track to improve the health outcomes and quality of life in Whitley County for all citizens.”

To view the full report and learn more about how the study was conducted, click here.

Columbia City attorney David Heritier has announced his plans to pursue the Whitley County Superior Court judge’s seat.

A lifetime resident of Whitley County with roots nearly 200 years deep in this community, Heritier attended two years at Culver Military Academy and graduated in 1963 from Columbia City High School where he was vice president of his senior class.

Following graduation, Heritier served extensively in the military. With the US Army, he participated in several tours of duty for special operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

In 1977, he graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law with his juris doctorate. He returned to Columbia City to open his legal practice. Heritier has practiced law here since the late 1970s, opening an office in downtown Columbia City in the early 1980s.

In 1978, Heritier was elected as the first full-time judge for Whitley County in a Noble-Whitley County split court. He served in that role until 1982. That judgeship later became what is known today as the Whitley County Superior Court Judge’s seat.

Married to his wife, Joanne, for 40 years, the Heritiers are the parents of sons Christian (Cathy) Heritier and David Heritier of Columbia City and a daughter, Claudia Braman, of Greenwood. They also have five grandchildren.

Heritier enjoys many hobbies, including outdoor sports, golf and history. For eleven years, he operated the community fireworks program. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a past commander of the American Legion. Two years ago, Heritier was the grand marshal of the Old Settlers Day Parade. He is a founding elder of Trinity Presbyterian Church and is the president of the Eagle Glen Property Owners Association. He is an original member of the Tree Board.

Having practiced law for close to 34 years, he’s specialized primarily in family law and criminal defense.

“I do a little bit of everything because this is a small community,” Heritier said of his practice.

Professionally, he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Heritier feels that a judge is the representative of the people and having spent his life here, he feels he is of the people.

“I love the people around here,” Heritier said. “I’ve lived here all my life and my family has been here almost 200 years. I like the small town, conservative values.”

To learn more about David Heritier, visit his Facebook page and become a fan of his campaign.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind.  (Feb. 2010) - The Annual Faith Christian Academy Fish Fry & Tenderloin super supper will be Saturday, Feb. 27.

According to Larry Schmoekel, administrator of FCA,  “This will again be at the Whitley County 4-H Center – and of course, it will be all you can eat!”

The fish will be prepared by Gaerte’s Famous Fish, and will be served from 4-7 p.m.

Cost of advanced tickets is $ 8 for adults, $3.50 for youth ages 4-12, and children 3 and under eat free. Call the school at 260-248-4872,  or contact any FCA student for pre-event tickets.  Tickets also are available at Trier Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, CC Deli, Star Insurance on Van Buren, Bravo Baskets & Gifts, and in Churubusco at the Mountaintop Coffeehouse.

Tickets at the door will be $ 8.50 for adults and $4 for youth.

Carry-outs will be available.

“We ran out last year, so get your tickets early,” Schmoekel said.

HUNTINGTON, IN—Huntington University’s EXCEL Adult Degree Programs will hold an informational meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 20, at the Columbia City site on 220 Frontage Road.

This free-of-charge event is open to anyone interested in the possibility of pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree through the EXCEL program. Carrie Hoffman, admissions consultant, will be on hand to answer questions.

EXCEL offers evening and online classes tailored to the schedule of working adults. Onsite classes are held one night per week, one subject at a time. Classes last five to eight weeks and lead to an associate degree in organizational management or Christian ministry or bachelor’s degrees in accounting, business administration, human resource management, not-for-profit leadership or nursing.

EXCEL also offers the Gateway Program through which adults can take continuing education classes for personal enrichment or toward the completion of a college degree.

EXCEL classes are held in Huntington, Columbia City and Wabash and online.

For more information about the EXCEL program, log on to www.hu-excel.com, e-mail excel@huntington.edu, or call (260) 244-4350 or (800) 600-4888.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Feb. 2010) — The Whitley County Democrats will meet Monday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Snippers Salon, 1040 Depoy Dr., Columbia City.

Andy Tuholski from Repower America will be the guest speaker. Anyone who has an interest is welcome to attend.

For more information or to RSVP, call Scott Allison at 260-609-6168.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Feb. 2010) - The Peabody Public Library would like to present the First Annual Library Teen Idol Competition! This competition mimics the popular television show American Idol. The theme for this year’s competition is Get up and Sing!

The Library Teen Idol Competition will be open for all teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19.

To register for the competition, visit the children’s department, pick up your packet, and get signed up. All registration forms and paperwork must be completed and returned no later than March 15, 2010.

The first call out meeting will take place Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 5 p.m. at the Park Terrace office which is located at 10 Park Terrace Blvd, Columbia City.  All meetings and auditions will take place at the Park Terrace Office for this year’s competition.

The winner of the concert not only gets their name in the library’s newsletter but also will get their chance in the spotlight by performing in the Summer Sounds of the City, Summer Concert Series, presented by the Peabody Public Library.

Get your octaves in tune and your singing voice touched up and Get up and Sing!

For more information, visit the children’s department or call Beth Seaton at 260-244-5541 or email her at beth@peabody.whitleynet.org.

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Jan. 2010) — Parents with children who will be five years old on or before August 1 are invited to Faith Christian Academy for Kindergarten Roundup Friday, March 5 from 11–1.

The kindergarten roundup will take each child through a series of activities found in a typical day – including lunch.

For more information, or to register, call 260-248-4872.

Faith Christian Academy is a non-denominational Christian School which has been educating the youth of Whitley County for 16 years. The school is located at 1550 East S.R. 205 –  just east of the intersection of US 30 and S.R. 205.

Camp Whitley has announced the dates and fees for this season.

Boys ages 7-9 will attend June 20-26, boys 10-11 will attend June 27-July 3, and boys ages 12-14 will attend July 4-10.

Girls ages 7-9 will attend July 25-31, girls 10-11 will attend July 18-24, and girls ages 12-14 will attend July 11-17.

Fees are $285 for the fun-filled week.

For more information about Camp Whitley, visit www.campwhitley.com.

For more on this story, visit Jennifer Zartman Romano’s article with our partner in the Whitley News Network, Talk of the Town at http://www.talkofthetownwc.com/.

Thumbs Up…

…To the Hornes – Stan and Doris – who brought the Fire & Ice Festival to Whitley County, Indiana!

I remember, years ago, talking to Stan and Doris and they talked about a similar festival in Michigan that they attended and participated in every year. They said they would like to bring the same kind of event to our county.

They did – and what a popular event it has turned out to be.

They still continue to help chair the event and it’s become an event many people look forward to year after year. Thanks Stan and Doris, and to the many others who help organize this winter festival.

-Viv Sade & family, Churubusco

Stan and Doris (red and light blue coats) with Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck receiving the Mayor's Proclamation of the 2010 Fire & Ice Festival.

The Fire and Ice Festival continues today and the sculptures will be on display around the Whitley County Courthouse in Columbia City – until they melt! Check out our video (below)  of the ice carvers at work.

Savannah, 7, poses as an Eskimo at the 2010 Fire & Ice Festival in Columbia City.

A carver prepares to sculpt a pig.

Amelia, 2.

A carver sculpts GFS (Gordon Food Service) into the ice block.

A hair dryer with a stream of "ice" wind made an eye-catching sculpture.

Doris Horne of Churubusco (light blue coat), one of the chairs of the Fire & Ice Festival, talks with a visitor at the festival Saturday.

Marlina poses next to her creation - a snowman holding a sign that says "Will work for freezer space." Very clever!

Stan Horne of Churubusco, second from right, instructs a carver at the Fire & Ice Festival in Columbia City. Horne, and his wife, Doris, were the original founders of the Whitley County winter festival.

The Peabody Public Library has announced the following events for the month of February:

ADULT PROGRAMS

CC TATTER TOTS
Mondays February 1, 8, 15 & 22
5:30 PM
Learn to create beautiful lace patterns
using the needle technique.
$13 fee for first time participation only.
Subsequent classes are free.
Registration is required.

BEADING WITH LAURA
Wednesday, February 3
6:00 PM
Create a lanyard from which to hang
keys, name badges, etc.
Contact Laura for pricing information.
Registration is required.

BYO BEADS
Wednesday, February 10
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A room will be available for
you to work on your projects.
This is a FREE program.

DARK CITY MOVIE NIGHT
Saturday, February 13 7 PM
This month’s screen gem is
“Scarlet Street” starring
Edward G. Robinson.
Popcorn & soda available.
This is a FREE program.

MODERN/CLASSICS BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, February 16
Noon
This month’s title is
“Three Men in a Boat”
by Jerome K. Jerome.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
This is a FREE program.

JUST THE FACTS BOOK GROUP
Thursday, February 18
6:00 PM
This month’s selection is
“The Boy Who
Harnessed the Wind”
by William Kamkwamba.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
This is a FREE program.

BEST SELLERS BOOK GROUP
Monday, February 22
6:00 PM
This months book is
“The Time Traveler’s Wife”
by Audrey Niffenegger.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
This is a FREE program.

BROWN BAG BEST SELLERS BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, February 23
11:30 AM at Northside Grill
This months book is
“The Time Traveler’s Wife”
by Audrey Niffenegger.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
This is a FREE program.

FRIENDS MOVIE NIGHT
Saturday, February 27
7:00 PM
The movie for the month is
“An Affair to Remember”
starring Cary Grant.
Popcorn & soda available.
This is a FREE program.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Preschool Story Time meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and Thursdays at 4:00 PM. Story Time theme for February 2 and 4 is To See or Not To See His Shadow, February 9 and 11 is Hearts-a-Flutter, February 16 and 18 is Teeth, Teeth, Teeth and February 23 and 25 is Lets Make Music. Join us for stories, songs, finger plays and a craft.

Toddler Time meets in the Childrens Department at 10:30 AM on Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23. This easy-going group is designed for parents and their children under age three.

Candle Making – Wednesday, February 10 at 4:00 PM. Looking for a great gift idea for that special Valentine? Come make a unique candle with Kathy. For grades 3 and up. Sign-up requested. Limit of 15 students.

Joni Walker Art Classes – Thursdays, February 11 and 25, at 4:00 PM. Sign up at the Childrens Services Desk, call the Childrens Department, or register online. Fee is $2 per person per class to cover the cost of materials. Ages 5 and up. Limit of 30 students.

Craft Saturdays – Saturdays, February 13. Come anytime between 10 AM and 4 PM to do a Valentines Day craft. All ages are welcome.

Cooking 101 – Monday, February 15 at 4:00 PM. Kids can learn cooking basics and create tasty treats. This month we will be preparing several different kinds of sandwiches. For grades 3-12. Sign-up requested. Limit of 20 students.

Family Winter Reading Program – Register your family for this years Winter Reading Reading Wonderland. Each week one family will win a prize basket by reporting the amount of books the family has read that week. The Family Winter Reading program ends February 27.

Young Adult Winter Reading Program – Middle school and high school students will have their own Winter Reading Program this year. Each week they can register to win a prize basket by reporting the amount of books they have read that week. The Young Adult Winter Reading Program ends February 27.