The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce staff and board of directors presented the Double I award to Rochester Ford owners John Ringle and Debbie and Monte Hoffman on August 26.

The Double I award is presented to an organization that invests in and improves its location or organization, thus improving the quality of life in Fulton County and surrounding areas. Rochester Ford was nominated for and received this award upon the completion of their sales lot expansion and installation of two electric vehicle charging stations.

Co-owner Debbie Hoffman proudly noted that all work was done by local businesses, including chamber members E&B paving and Newby Services.

Three dilapidated buildings along Main Street were demolished to create space for the new lot with a capacity of over 80 vehicles and two electric vehicle charging stations, which are available to customers.

Chamber Director Jillian Smith thanked the Rochester Ford owners for their investment and contribution to beautifying historic Downtown Rochester.

Rochester Ford is located at 119 East 4^th Street, Rochester. They are open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 8am-2pm.

Pictured left to right:

Jillian Smith, Chamber Director

Steve Searles, Chamber Ambassador with CORE Mechanical Services

Adam Packer, Chamber Ambassador with Team Pride

John Ringle, Co-Owner

Bob Cannedy, Chamber Board of Directors

Debbie Hoffman, Co-Owner

Cory Good, Chamber Board of Directors

Monte Hoffman, Co-Owner

Julie Shriver, Chamber Ambassador with Beacon Credit Union

Tiffany Futrell, FEDCO Director

Jim McFadden, Chamber Board of Directors

TJ Garner, Chamber Board of Directors

Delays and Cancellations Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Schools

Culver Community Schools 2-hour delay

Rochester Community Schools CLOSED

Longstanding Fulton County farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to local legislators.

"Farming takes a lot of knowledge, hard work and dedication to one's craft," said State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen). "There are many long days and nights for families on the farm, and it's great to see their commitment being recognized with this award."

Located in Fulton County, these farms were presented Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Burton Farm, in operation since 1919, received the centennial award
• The Wagoner-Tobey-Eizinger Farm,  in operation since 1920, received the centennial award

• The Walsh Farm,  in operation since 1898, received the centennial award

These farm families were among more than 100 awardees recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

"Farmers have always been, and continue to be, a key part of Indiana’s rich history and economic success," said State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport). "Our community is fortunate to have so many families keeping the Hoosier farming tradition alive and thriving."

Farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial Hoosier Homestead awards.

"Operating for a century requires perseverance and a true commitment for supporting our communities," said State Sen. Stacey Donato (R-Logansport). "These families have shown true dedication to serving Hoosiers for over 100 years, and I congratulate them on their outstanding achievement."

Each year, two awards ceremonies are held in the spring and summer commemorating the achievements of farm families across the state. Since its inception in 1976, more than 5,800 farms received the designation of Hoosier Homestead.  

The Fulton County Community Foundation is currently accepting Women’s Giving Circle video grant applications.

Video applications are easy to do and provide organizations the opportunity to personalize their request, communicate their passion, and include project team members. Applications are due September 26 and grantees will be chosen by Women’s Giving Circle members at the October 18 annual meeting.

Over the last 11 years, the Women’s Giving Circle has granted over $70,000 to Fulton County charitable organizations.

If you are interested in applying for a grant and/or becoming a member, please visit the Fulton Countypage at www.nicf.org.

If you use State Road 218 in Miami and Cass counties, you'll have to use a detour for an upcoming culvert replacement.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces the closure of State Road 218 between Bunker Hill and Walton.

Crews will replace a culvert between Warhawk Avenue and W 600 S. Work is scheduled to begin on or after August 23, with work expected to wrap up by the end of September. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

During construction, drivers should use the posted detour of U.S. 31, State Road 18 and U.S. 35, or seek an alternate route.

Beacon Credit Union recently donated $1,000 to the Rochester Downtown
Partnership. These funds will be used to support events and improvement projects in downtown Rochester.

“We appreciate all that the Downtown Partnership does to bring life to our downtown.” stated Erica Rude, Rochester Main St. Manager. “We always look forward to being a part of the events they have planned throughout the year.”

Rochester Downtown Partnership is a 501c3 nonprofit Indiana Main Street organization. They are a committed group of community members focused on creating a positive atmosphere for the city of Rochester. They strive to stimulate
economic development, enhance the quality of life and support the preservation of Rochester.

Pictured are Erica Rude, Rochester Main St. Member Center Manager; Lance Nelson, Katlyn Lee, Christine Walsh, and Harry Webb from Rochester Downtown Partnership; and Julie Shriver, Rochester Rouch Place Dr. Member Center
Manager.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the horrible explosion in Evansville, Indiana on August 10 that killed three people and damaged about 40 homes.

Some will be seeking to make donations to help the victims and their families. We encourage potential donors to be aware of the different circumstances that often emerge in tragedy-related philanthropy and offer the following tips.

Crowdfunding advice

Crowdfunding has become so popular that it is not unusual for fundraising to start within hours after a tragedy has occurred. Please keep in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting and managing postings after a tragedy, others might not. If unsure, review the posting procedures described on the crowdfunding site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics. 

Does the appeal respect victims and their families?

Charitable organizations or crowdfunding postings raising funds should get permission from the families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them. Don’t assume there is an official connection if photos are displayed.

How will donations be used?

Be cautious about vague appeals that don’t identify the intended use of funds. For example, is money being collected for funeral expenses, reconstruction or other family needs? Also, unless told otherwise, donors will assume that collected funds quickly collected after a tragedy will be distributed or spent just as quickly.

Tax Deductibility

Contributions that are donor-restricted to help a specific individual/family are not deductible in the U.S. as charitable donations, even if the recipient organization is a charity. See IRS Publication 526, page 7, for more information on this subject.  

Review recent announcements to avoid duplication of effort.

Be mindful of public announcements that identify assistance being provided to victim families to help avoid donating to duplicative efforts.

Check out charities with Give.org.

As always, we remind donors to check out charities by visiting BBB’s Give.org to verify if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

Aug. 11 is officially “811 Day,” and as residents continue summer yard projects, Duke Energy wants to remind everyone to call 811 before digging to prevent potential personal injury and avoid electric outages.

“Keeping our customers safe and protecting our underground utility infrastructure are top priorities,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Even simple digging jobs can cause serious injuries and disrupt vital utility services to communities, so it is important to call 811 to prevent unnecessary and potentially dangerous situations and outages in our communities.”

The national “811 Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can make a free call to have underground utility lines clearly marked. Contractors, homeowners, business owners and anyone preparing for a digging project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. The local utilities will then send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV and others) with stakes, flags or paint.

From January to June 2022, Duke Energy reported nearly 260 cuts to its underground electric lines in Indiana.

“Our best defense is awareness and ongoing education to call 811 before you dig,” added Pinegar. “We are committed to sharing this message with our customers and communities to avoid these accidents.”

For a video that shows how to use 811, click here. For additional information about 811, visit Call 811 Before You Dig. To get in touch with the 811 center in your state, dial 811 or visit Call811.com.

The Manitou Moose Family Fun Center 1107 had the lot sealed and stripped by LCB Enterprises of Rochester.

 Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is kicking off a series of classes in August that will prepare graduates to move directly into jobs in the supply chain and logistics field. The part-time Supply Chain Management program is also geared to benefit current employees interested in moving up in their careers.

“Thanks to Indiana’s central location and access to global markets, supply chain and logistics are two of the state’s biggest industries,” said Laura Hapner, interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “With the news filled with ‘supply chain issues’ – cargo ships filling harbors, orders being delayed, prices rising, the leadership of Ivy Tech Kokomo is excited to offer a program that can prepare people in our area to help meet the challenges.”

She noted the 21-credit-hour program is covered under Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program, which pays the cost of tuition and fees for qualifying students who seek an Ivy Tech certificate in Supply Chain Management. The program addresses the movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, analysis and finished goods. Students are able to study and get familiar with the high technologies and information systems used to track goods and increase efficiencies in distribution.

Registration is now open for the first eight-week course in the program, Introduction to Logistics, which will begin Aug. 25. The course will include face-to-face instruction on Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus Thursday evenings for eight weeks blended with online work each week. Along with three college credits, students who successfully complete this class will earn two nationally recognized industry certifications issued through the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council – the Certified Logistics Assistant and the Certified Logistics Technician. The second eight-week course, Logistics Quality and Lean Manufacturing, begins in October.

“We have outlined a part-time program that can be completed one course at a time over seven eight-week sessions,” Hapner said. These include courses in Microsoft Excel, procurement, and supply chain and operations management, along with a logistics internship.

“Along the way, students earn additional industry certifications in Microsoft Office Excel and Certified Procurement Operations Specialist,” she said. “Those who follow the planned pathway will graduate in December 2024 with an Ivy Tech certificate in Supply Chain Management. These credentials can be very valuable to current employees who want to move up in the field as well.”

Hapner said Todd Baker, a global strategic sourcing/supply chain executive with nearly 30 years in the field, has been hired to teach the courses and help build the program. A group of area employers will serve as an advisory board.

“Added value for students in this program is instruction from veterans in supply chain management and the opportunity to meet and work with potential employers as they move through classes,” she said. Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Master of Engineering Management degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Hapner also noted that the certificate is part of a full program of “stackable” credits. Graduates of the certificate program can go on to earn technical certificates and associate degrees in Supply Chain Management/Logistics at Ivy Tech and can then continue into bachelor degree programs at colleges and universities.

For more information on the program, including a three-minute video describing the variety of jobs in the industry, go to Ivy Tech Supply Chain Management page at ivytech.edu/supply-chain/ . For information on registering for classes, contact Ivy Tech Kokomo Enrollment Services at 765-459-0561 or email Kokomo-enrollment@ivytech.edu.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags in the State of Indiana to be flown at half-staff in honor of U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski, who passed Wednesday.

Flags should be flown at half-staff immediately until the date of her burial.

Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags.

Please remember that all pickup times are approximate.   We ask that students be ready and at the bus stop 10-15 minutes early. 

Route 04 AM

7481 N 50 W                  6:46A.M

7702 N 250 W                6:51A.M

7640 N 450 W                6:57A.M

2987 W 700 N                7:01A.M

1539 W 700 N                7:04A.M

1237 W 650 N                7:06A.M

6330 N 100 W                7:07A.M

643 W 550 N                  7:10A.M

5071 N 400 W                7:17A.M

5137 Beaman Ln           7:20A.M

4540 N 500 W                7:21A.M

2255 W 450 N                7:26A.M

1040 W 375 N                7:29A.M

610 W 375 N                  7:30A.M

307 W 375 N                  7:32A.M

Clay St & W 5th St         7:38A.M

Fulton Ave & W 6th St   7:40A.M

Fulton Ave & W 11th St 7:42A.M

Route 06 AM

433 E 18th St                 6:58A.M

703?737 Man?Chester Dr      6:59A.M

1400 Mitchell Dr             7:01A.M

1804 West Side Rd        7:03A.M

Jackson Blvd & Lakeshore Dr        7:05A.M

1241 ? 1307 Lakeshore Dr    7:06A.M

911 Arthur St                  7:08A.M

Jackson Blvd & Rochester Blvd     7:10A.M

Jackson Blvd & Washington St      7:12A.M

Hill St & Jackson Blvd   7:14A.M

E 10th St & Wabash Ave      7:15A.M

E 10th St & Park St        7:16A.M

Lincolnway & Rochester Blvd         7:20A.M

Clover St & Washington St   7:22A.M

Clover St & Court St      7:23A.M

Clover St & Spear St     7:24A.M

Audubon Ave & E 16th St      7:27A.M

College Ave & E 14th St        7:30A.M

Route 08 AM

259 E 600 N                   6:38A.M

INDIANA AVE                6:48A.M

6854 Main St                  7:06A.M

6772 Walnut St              7:07A.M

6699 N 250 E                 7:10A.M

6173 N 250 E                 7:12A.M

2797 E 500 N                 7:14A.M

855 E 550 N                   7:18A.M

Jefferson St & W 6th St 7:28A.M

Jefferson St & 8th          7:30A.M

Jefferson St & W 10th St       7:31A.M

E 11th St & Madison St 7:35A.M

618 W 12th St                7:40A.M

Route 09 AM

E 13th St & Madison St 7:08A.M

E 13th St & Elm St         7:10A.M

E 11th St & Elm St         7:14A.M

E 6th St & Ohio St          7:17A.M

5th St & Clayton St        7:18A.M

705 E 4th St                   7:20A.M

Clayton St & E 2nd St    7:23A.M

E 4th St & Ohio St          7:25A.M

300 E 4th St                   7:26A.M

Route 10 AM

3427 N 500 E                 6:45A.M

5956 Ft Wayne Rd        6:52A.M

E State Road 14 & Oakhill Dr         7:00A.M

5579 E 75 S                   7:06A.M

3958 Country Club Dr S 7:14A.M

1267 S 400 E                 7:16A.M

1125 S 400 E                 7:18A.M

Bessmore Park Rd & Gregory Farms Vlg         7:21A.M

2126 Boulevard St         7:25A.M

Pearal St & State Rd 14 7:26A.M

NorthGate Circle Apartments 7:28A.M

Route 18 AM

1711?1719 N Old US Hwy 31         6:55A.M

1999 N Old US Hwy 31 6:56A.M

1960 Petty Dr                 6:58A.M

2020 N State Rd 25       7:00A.M

2502 E 200 N                 7:01A.M

2436 E 200 N                 7:03A.M

2020 E 200 N                 7:05A.M

1640 E 200 N                 7:06A.M

2027 N Old US Hwy 31 7:08A.M

2298 E 300 N                 7:11A.M

3127 E 300 N                 7:13A.M

972 E 375 N                   7:18A.M

2687 White Tail Dr         7:22A.M

Jefferson St & W 3rd St 7:25A.M

Jefferson St & W 4th St 7:28A.M

E 6th St & Madison St   7:30A.M

3rd & Madison               7:32A.M

Route 20 AM

1987 W 50 N                  6:35A.M

2668 N 400 W                6:42A.M

2727 N 400 W                6:43A.M

N 500 W & Trails End Rd      6:49A.M

4264 McCarty Ln           6:53A.M

3099 N 300 W                7:00A.M

2821 N 300 W                7:01A.M

1912 N 300 W                7:03A.M

1043 N Prairiewood Dr  7:09A.M

1325 W 6th St                7:11A.M

978 W 6th St                  7:12A.M

519 W 8th St                  7:14A.M

Fulton Ave & W 8th St   7:15A.M

787 W 8th St                  7:17A.M

1136 W 9th St                7:19A.M

1165 W 9th St                7:21A.M

788 W 9th St                  7:22A.M

1100 Park Rd                 7:24A.M

1210 Park Rd                 7:25A.M

Cardinal Cir & Lakeview Bnd 7:28A.M

Sweetgum Rd & Tater Ln      7:30A.M

Fortna Dr & S Elizabeth Ave 7:33A.M

Route 22 AM

304 N State Rd 25         6:55A.M

391 W 375 S                  7:08A.M

3537 S 75 W                  7:10A.M

3061 E 300 S                 7:19A.M

3022 E 300 S                 7:20A.M

S Apple Tree Ln & Sycamore Dr    7:23A.M

2135 Liberty Rd             7:26A.M

Southway 31 & Westwood Ln        7:29A.M

506 Mitchell Dr               7:31A.M

Route 23 AM

2309 Meisers Dr            7:02A.M

2798 Wabash Ave         7:05A.M

1502 Elm St                    7:09A.M

E 16th St & Madison St 7:13A.M

1088 W 18th St              7:16A.M

Cherry Tree Ln & Sunset Ln 7:17A.M

Monarch Ln & Sunset Ln      7:19A.M

Ravencrest Ln & Sunset Ln  7:21A.M

Maplewood Ln & Ravencrest Ln    7:22A.M

Heritage Dr & Ravencrest Ln 7:23A.M

Heritage Dr & Maplewood Ln 7:27A.M

Cherry Tree Ln & Heritage Dr         7:28A.M

774 Parkway Ln             7:30A.M

Parkway Ln & Sunset Ln       7:31A.M

Route 26 AM

Phillips St                        6:22A.M

9081 W 100 N                6:28A.M

283 N 850 W                  6:31A.M

1180 N 700 W                6:37A.M

6648 W 200 N                6:40A.M

5378 W 250 N                6:44A.M

1674 N 600 W                6:48A.M

5950 W 100 S                6:59A.M

864 S 300 W                  7:06A.M

2167 W State Rd 14      7:10A.M

501 W 50 N                    7:14A.M

1044 S Meridian Rd       7:18A.M

1412 Jefferson St          7:25A.M

Jefferson St & W 13th St       7:27A.M

Route 27 AM

4139 N 375 W                7:02A.M

1760 W Olson Rd          7:09A.M

OLSON RD & ADELE DR     7:10A.M

1863 W Olson Rd          7:12A.M

1841 W Olson Rd          7:13A.M

1659 W Olson Rd          7:15A.M

Buskirk Dr E & W Olson Rd  7:16A.M

335 Riverwood Acres Dr       7:20A.M

2894 Forrest Ln             7:21A.M

300 Riverwood Acres Dr       7:23A.M

220 Riverwood Acres Dr       7:24A.M

3135 Evergreen St         7:25A.M

297 Oak St                     7:26A.M

302 Oak St                     7:27A.M

316 Oak St                     7:28A.M

Reed Ln & W Olson Rd 7:30A.M

Meridian Rd & Coral Dr 7:35A.M

1010 W 3rd St                7:37A.M

Fulton Ave & W 3rd St   7:39A.M

412 W 4th St                  7:41A.M