Fulton County Sheriff Travis Heishman presented Brianna Yarber and Jacob Sayger with a scholarship on behalf of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association in the amount of $750 each.

Yarber and Sayger were recently selected along with 38 other individuals throughout the state to be awarded $750 scholarships for the next academic year.

Yarber has been an employee of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer for the last year. She will be starting her senior year at Trine University in the fall. Her law enforcement career will begin after completing the ILEA academy in the Spring of 2025.

Sayger is a senior at Maconaquah High School and plans to attend Indiana University Kokomo in the fall. Upon completion of his post-secondary education he expressed interested in working for the Indiana State Police.

State Road 10 will close in Marshall County between Filbert Road and Fir Road on or after Monday, May 20.

The closure will run through late September for a bridge replacement project over Deer Creek.

Official detour will follow State Road 331, U.S. 30 and U.S. 31.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the Peace Officers Memorial and Police Officer Week.

Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset in Indiana on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Gov. Holcomb is asking Indiana businesses and residents to lower their flags as well.

State Road 110 in Marshall County will close for approximately 10 days between Nutmeg Road and Muckshaw Road on or after Monday, May 20.

A project there is for a bridge thin deck overlay over Eddy Creek.

Official detour will follow U.S. 31, State Road 10 and State Road 17.

Looking for garage sales?  

Look no further than the Town of Akron this Saturday

Maps are available this week at Lake City Bank in Akron and at the Akron Town Hall.

The City of Rochester Redevelopment Commission will meet in special session to discuss the proposed purchase of McDonald Drive in Rochester, and the work proposal for the impaired building at 130 E. 8^th Street in Rochester. 

The meeting will be held Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the City Building Complex.

Indiana’s first Free Fishing Day of the year is May 12.

On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish on the state's public waters, so it’s the perfect time to bring your family and friends along and have some fun outdoors.

All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply. Find a fishing location near you using the Where To Fish map.

The National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger(R) Food Drive will be held on Saturday.

The letter carrier food drive, which began in 1993, is the country's largest single-day food drive.

Each year, the Stamp Out Hunger drive is held on the second Saturday in May. Letter carriers in cities and towns across the United States collect donations of non-perishable food items left by residents near their mailboxes before that day's mail delivery.

One in eight Americans, including millions of children, elderly and veterans, are unsure where their next meal will come from. The timing of the letter carrier food drive is significant--by spring, food pantries are largely depleted of winter holiday food donations, and school lunch programs are about to close for the summer.

Anyone wishing to participate should place a bag of non-perishable food items by your mailbox this Saturday.  

State Road 14 will closed between C.R. 1100 W and State Road 17.

Approximately one mile closures will continue westward sequentially until the scheduled pipe replacements have been completed. Resurfacing of the entire roadway will follow.

While local access will be maintained, through traffic should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow U.S. 35, State Road 10 and State Road 17.

No appointments necessary for vaccines at Wednesday's Fulton County Community Health Fair.

Adults and Children are eligible and it doesn’t matter if you have insurance or not. 

Wednesday's event in the Community Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds runs from 4 - 7 p.m. It features health screenings, vaccines, community resources, giveaways and more.

Voting centers for Tuesday's May primary will be open until 6 p.m.

All Fulton County registered voters may vote Tuesday at any of the vote center locations:

Rochester West Vote Center - Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W 3rd St., Rochester

Rochester East Vote Center - Community Resource Center, 625 Pontiac St, Rochester

Fulton County East Vote Center - Akron Community Building, 815 E Rural St., Akron

Fulton County South Vote Center - Fulton Community Building, 204 E Dunn St., Fulton 

Fulton County North Vote Center - Fulton County Historical Museum, 37 E 375 N, Rochester

Fulton County West Vote Center - Kewanna Fire Station, 404 Toner St, Kewanna

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service per President Joe Biden.

Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset in Indiana on Sunday. Gov. Holcomb is asking Indiana businesses and residents to lower their flags as well.

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in May throughout Indiana’s Second District.

Mobile office hours will allow for Congressman Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with casework questions: 

Cass County

Thursday, May 16, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Walton-Tipton Library

110 N Main Street
Walton, IN 46994

Elkhart County

Wednesday, May 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET

Nappanee City Hall
300 W Lincoln Street
Nappanee, IN 46550

Thursday, May 9, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Goshen Chamber of Commerce

232 S Main Street

Goshen, IN 46526

Fulton County

Rochester District Office – Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. ET; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

709 Main Street

Rochester, IN 46975

Thursday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Akron Clerk’s Office

206 W Rochester Street

Akron, IN 46910

Kosciusko County

Thursday, May 9, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

Etna Green Town Hall

106 S Walnut Street

Etna Green, IN 46524

Tuesday, May 28, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Warsaw City Hall

102 S Buffalo Street

Warsaw, IN 46580

La Porte County

Monday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET)

La Porte Parks and Recreation Department

250 Pine Lake Ave.

La Porte, IN 46350

Monday, May 20, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET)

Hanna Public Library 

108 E West Street

Hanna, IN 46340

Marshall County

Thursday, May 9, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Bremen Town Hall 

111 S. Center St.

Bremen, IN 46506

Monday, May 13, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Plymouth City Town Hall (Mayor’s Office on the Second Floor)

124 N Michigan Street

Plymouth, IN 46563

Miami County

Friday, May 3, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

Peru City Hall (Conference Room on the Second Floor)

35 S Broadway

Peru, IN 46970

Thursday, May 16, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

Bunker Hill Utility Office

101 W Broadway

Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Pulaski County

Monday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET

Pulaski County CDC/Economic Development (Board Room)

623 W Eleventh Street

Winamac, IN 46996

Monday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Medaryville Town Hall

409 E Main Street

Medaryville, IN 47957

Starke County

Monday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET)

Starke County Courthouse

53 E Washington Street

Knox, IN 46534

Monday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET)

North Judson Town Hall

310 Lane Street

North Judson, IN 46366

St. Joseph County

Mishawaka District Office - Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

2410 Grape Road, Suite 2A

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Wednesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

North Liberty Town Hall

300 S. Main Street 

North Liberty, IN 46554

Wabash County

Friday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

North Manchester Public Library

405 N Market Street

North Manchester, IN 46962

Thursday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Wabash City Hall

202 S Wabash Street

Wabash, IN 46992

Indiana Beach is introducing The All American Triple Loop Roller Coaster.

This Schwarzkopf triple looping masterpiece offers speeds up to 53.4 mph and gravity-defying forces of 5.6 G's,

Scheduled for debut on Opening Day at Indiana Beach Amusement Park on May 11, The All American Triple Loop is set to redefine thrill-seeking adventures for park guests. A special VIP preview night on Friday, May 10, exclusively for 2024 Season Pass holders, will allow enthusiasts to enjoy the loops and twists of this thrilling coaster before anyone else.

In a collaborative effort with the Boys & Girls Club of America, Indiana Beach will auction off the inaugural rides on The All American Triple Loop, offering participants a chance to be part of the coaster's historic first runs. For details on participating or supporting this charity initiative, visit indianabeach.com/boysandgirlsclubs.

The All American Triple Loop adds to Indiana Beach's lineup of attractions, including seven roller coasters, a full water park, and over 50 rides and attractions.

State Road 16 in Cass County will close between C.R. 1050 W and C.R. 900 W on or after Monday, April 29 through late May for a bridge deck overlay project.

The official detour will follow State Road 119, State Road 39, U.S. 24 and U.S. 35.

INDOT had previously announced that this project would begin in early April.

With the coming of warmer weather, off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts are eager to ride. Indiana Conservation Officers reminds the public to operate ORVs responsibly.

remember to follow these safety rules:

• Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet. All riders under 18 years of age are required by law to wear a helmet while operating an ORV. Goggles, long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots are also recommended.
• Never operate or ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never carry a passenger on an ORV designated for one occupant, and don’t ride with more than one passenger on an ORV specifically designed for two occupants.
• Children should only ride ORVs if they meet the minimum age designated by the manufacturer of that ORV.
• Riders younger than 14 years of age are required to be supervised by an adult at all times when riding an ORV.
• ORVs are primarily designed to be operated off-road and should be operated at a speed where the operator can control the ORV and stop in time to avoid a collision.
• On side-by-side style ORVs, in addition to helmets and other safety equipment, seat belts should be worn by the operator and any passengers.

To learn more about ORV safety visit offroad-ed.com/indiana and register for a comprehensive online off-road recreational vehicle course.

The Indiana State Police will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their 26th “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative.

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of unwanted prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for pill and liquid medications. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles or sharps of any kind will not be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

As in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post.

The Indiana State Police Peru Post will host their collection site from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on April 27. The Peru Post is located at 1451 N. Eel River Cemetery Road, Peru.

Please help keep officers safe by ensuring no needles or sharps are included in your contents at drop-off.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development congratulates Jobs for America's Graduates Indiana students for accolades garnished through their efforts at the 2024 National JAG Career Development Conference.

The National CDC is the pinnacle experience for JAG youth across the country to demonstrate their professional skills, explore career options, connect with employers and create pathways for their future. Top students from the JAG Indiana state CDC, which took place in March, traveled to compete.

Award Winning JAG Indiana students Include:

4th - Prepared Speaking: Gunnar Crispin, Tippecanoe Valley High School

At the National CDC, students from approximately 38 states compete in events that highlight the employability skills they have learned through the program. This year's national competition took place April 18-20 in St. Louis, Missouri.

"Through JAG Indiana, we at DWD see the educational and professional impact the program has on students," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "Their recognition and accomplishments on the national stage are encouraging votes of confidence in our expansion efforts. The students’ success is a reminder of why Governor Holcomb committed to doubling the number of JAG students to 11,000 by the end of his term. JAG hones students’ innate talents and abilities, enabling them to make a long-term positive impact on workforce throughout the state of Indiana."

DWD is expanding JAG with the goal of impacting 11,000 Indiana students through 250 programs annually and looking to launch programs at more middle and high schools as well as some universities by the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. Currently, JAG Indiana is over 60% of the way toward completing its goal.

Schools interested in JAG expansion are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/jag to learn more.

First Federal Savings Bank has been honored as a Five Star Member of the Indiana Bankers Association.

The award was presented on April 17, by Rod Lasley IBA COO, in recognition of First Federal Savings Bank’s Association involvement throughout 2023.

The Five Star Member designation recognizes those IBA-member banks that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the Association in five areas: political awareness, issues advocacy, life-long learning, IBA volunteerism and Preferred Service Provider utilization.

“We very much appreciate the dedication of First Federal Savings Bank and as a Five Star Member bank,” said Amber Van Til, IBA president and CEO. “Our Association is strong, thanks to our supportive members who strive to grow stronger communities.”

The Indiana Bankers Association supports Indiana banking through issues analysis, professional education, and products and services that enhance member banks’ ability to serve their communities.

Photo: Displaying First Federal Savings Bank’s Five Star Member award from the Indiana Bankers Association are (from left): Evan Gottschalk, First Federal Savings Bank CEO & President,Rod Lasley, Indiana Banker’s Association COO and Amanda Morris-Feldman, First Federal Savings Bank CFO.

Motorists Encouraged to Exercise Caution with Increasing Farm Equipment on the Roadways

As Indiana’s planting season quickly approaches, the Indiana State Police emphasizes the importance of cautious driving and heightened awareness when encountering farm equipment on the roads. With farmers preparing to work their fields, large agricultural machinery will soon become a common sight along rural routes and highways.

The presence of farm equipment on roadways poses unique challenges for both drivers and operators. These machines are often large, slow-moving, and may obstruct visibility. Therefore, it is imperative for all road users to remain vigilant and patient.

To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, the Indiana State Police offer the following tips:

1. Stay alert: Keep a lookout for slow-moving farm equipment, especially on rural roads. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

2. Maintain a safe distance: Keep a safe distance when following farm equipment. These vehicles may need to make sudden stops or turns.

3. Pass with caution: If you need to pass farm equipment, do so with extreme caution. Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so, ensuring there is enough room to maneuver safely.

4. Use signals: Signal your intentions early when approaching or passing farm equipment. This allows operators to anticipate your movements and adjust accordingly.

5. Be patient: Remember that farmers are working to feed our communities. Exercise patience and understanding, as delays caused by farm equipment are temporary.

6. Watch for turning vehicles: Farm equipment may need to make wide turns. Stay back and give them ample space to complete their maneuvers safely.

7. Obey traffic laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and passing zones. Avoid distractions and remain focused on the road.

A $250 reward is being offered to find out who is responsible for an act of vandalism.

The reward will be issued for information correctly identifying those responsible for intentionally breaking windows at Sonshine Preschool in Fulton.

You can send a message the preschool's Facebook page, or call / text 910-494-4890.

U.S. 35 will be reduced to one lane in Pulaski County between 15th St and C.R. 50 N in Winamac on or after Monday, April 15 through late May for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project at Quigley Marsh Ditch.

Traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic signals.

Kewanna Youth League announced registration for Youth Baseball is still open.

The league is accepting applications until April 15. You can pick up and drop off your application at the Kewanna Public Library.

For any inquiries or assistance, Email: kewannayouthleague@yahoo.com or call:

David Stangle, (574) 817-0653

Dawn Boehme, (574) 727-0357

Chelsea Miller, (808)354-7060

It's a campout that provides a safe haven for veterans to meet and bond with other veterans, so they can have a battle buddy to help them through crises.

It's a way to support veterans who have invisible wounds and let them know they matter and have a purpose. The campout is presented by U Matter 2 Inc. and this is our second All American Campout. We have special guests who offer services and advice to those in need. There are great activities, such as cornhole, horseshoes, games, camaraderie, and more, to help veterans meet others with common ground.

Several organizations will be in attendance, and dinner and breakfast will be served.

This event will take place on May 4 at 9 a.m. until May 5 at 2 p.m. The location is 18890 5th Rd., Plymouth 46563. This is primitive camping, and RV/campers are allowed and must have their own generator. The campout is free for veterans and one guest.

Please note that this is an adults-only event, and participants must be 21 years old and above. You must show DD-214 or Military ID to enter. Our mission is simple: Helping one veteran at a time! We are everyday people who want to make a change by helping our local veterans who are struggling in today's world. We want them to know they are not alone.

Registration is available at www.umatter2inc.org. If you have any questions, please contact Ruth Dilts, Public Relations Officer at 1-574-216-5041, or email um2pro@yahoo.com .

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in April throughout Indiana’s Second District.

Mobile office hours will allow for Congressman Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with casework questions: 

Cass County

Thursday, April 18

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Walton-Tipton Library

110 N Main Street
Walton, IN 46994

Thursday, April 11

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Goshen Chamber of Commerce

232 S Main Street

Goshen, IN 46526

Fulton County

Rochester District Office – Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. ET; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

709 Main Street

Rochester, IN 46975

Thursday, April 11

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Akron Clerk’s Office

206 W Rochester Street

Akron, IN 46910

Kosciusko County

Thursday, April 11

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

Etna Green Town Hall

106 S Walnut Street

Etna Green, IN 46524

Tuesday, April 23

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Warsaw City Hall

102 S Buffalo Street

Warsaw, IN 46580

La Porte County

Monday, April 15

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET)

Kingsford Heights Public Library

436 Evanston Road

Kingsford Heights, IN 46346

Marshall County

Thursday, April 11

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Argos Town Hall 

201 West Walnut St.

Argos, IN 46501 

Miami County

Thursday, April 18

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

Converse Library

108 S Jefferson Street

Converse, IN 46919

Pulaski County

Monday, April 15

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Medaryville Town Hall

409 E Main Street

Medaryville, IN 47957

Starke County

Monday, April 15

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET)

Hamlet Town Hall

10 S. Starke Street

Hamlet, IN 46532

St. Joseph County

Mishawaka District Office - Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

2410 Grape Road, Suite 2A

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Wabash County

Thursday, April 18

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Wabash City Hall

202 S Wabash Street

Wabash, IN 46992