The Pulaski County Fair will go on in spite of the soggy conditions at the fairgrounds. Purdue Extension Pulaski County officials will decide Wednesday where events and activities will take place but stress the fair will not be cancelled. Continue reading →
Extension educators from around the state gathered in Indianapolis late last week to learn about the damage recent rains are causing to area fields.
It’s estimated that Indiana’s crops have lost $300-million in value due to the amount of rainfall in certain portions of the state. Northern sections of Indiana have been impacted more heavily than other areas. Continue reading →
Same-sex couples can now marry nationwide, but marriage license applications in Starke, Pulaski, and Marshall County will remain unchanged.
The Supreme Court declared in a 5-4 decision on Friday that same-sex couples have a right under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution to wed. According to the syllabus from the majority opinion, same-sex couples must now have their marriages from neighboring state governments recognized by the state in which they currently reside.
Fireworks detonated during holiday celebrations can have an effect on individuals afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to one Clinically Licensed Social Worker.
Richard Voorhees is affiliated with Pulaski Memorial Hospital. He says former and active military members who have been in combat situations are particularly susceptible to the noise on Independence Day. Continue reading →
Independence Day is Saturday, but many Hoosiers are getting an early start on their celebrations. Consumer fireworks can legally be discharged June 29 – July 3 from 9 a.m. until two hours after sunset. That cutoff time is extended to midnight on the 4th. From July 5 – 9 they can again be set off until two hours after sunset. Local ordinances may be more restrictive, so check before lighting the fuse. Continue reading →
July 1st can often mark the implementation of new laws in the Hoosier State.
Changes were recently made to “novice driver laws.” According to information from AAA, teenagers who complete a driver’s education course can get their probationary license at age “16 and 90 days.”
According to a survey recently conducted by the American Red Cross, more than 40 percent of regular donors will be traveling during the weeks prior to and following Independence Day. This is an indicator that these people will be less likely to donate. The American Red Cross is urging all eligible individuals to step up and help out to avoid a summer shortage. Continue reading →
Information and photos provided by Purdue Extension Pulaski County
We would like to recognize the following members who have completed ten years of 4-H which shows characteristics of commitment, effort and support that will enable them to succeed in life and become the leaders of tomorrow. We hope 4-H has helped prepare them for their futures. We also congratulate and recognize those members who are in their last eligible year of 4-H for their achievements and wish them the best as they, and the 10 year members, join the ranks of the 4-H alumni.
Ten Year Members
Melissa Bailey
Melissa Bailey, daughter of Glenn and Dawn Bailey, is a member of the Monroe Happy Hoosiers 4-H Club. She plans to attend the University of Indianapolis and study physical therapy and exercise science. Her favorite memories of 4-H are participating in battle of the barns and taking care of animals. Melissa’s most embarrassing moment of 4-H was when her pig relieved itself right into her boot while she was standing behind her. Her favorite project is sewing because it allows her to express herself through fashion. Her advice for the younger 4-H members is don’t procrastinate!
Dalton Button, son of Jason and Monica Potthoff, is a member of the Indian Creek Indians 4-H Club. He plans to attend Marian University to study engineering. The funniest and most embarrassing memory in 4-H for Jason is when he got ran over by a pig. His favorite project is swine because he likes pigs. His advice for younger 4-H members is that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute for your projects. Responsibility is one of the many skills acquired through 4-H that Jason will continue to use in the future.
Kayleen Button
Kayleen Button, daughter of Melvin and Karen Button, is a member of the Beaver Township 4-H Club. Her future plans are to go out west and pursue a career in horse training. Some of Kayleen’s hobbies are riding and training horses, hunting mushrooms, and fishing. Her favorite memories of 4-H were the days spent at the fair with her family. Her best advice for the younger 4-H members is to always start your projects early and only take the things you enjoy doing. Knowing how to start a plan and to follow through with it is one skill that Kayleen has acquired through 4-H and will use in the future.
Lane Button
Lane Button, son of Todd Button and Brenda Walters, is a member of Horse & Pony 4-H Club.He really enjoys the contesting aspect of horse and pony. He received the Joe Krulik Award in 2009.
Dalton Daily
Dalton Daily, son of Bob and Kate Daily, is a member of the Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. His future plans are to attend Purdue University and study to become a history teacher. Dalton’s hobbies are running, disc golf, 4-H, occasionally play game win real money and music. His favorite memory of 4-H is winning Jr. Showmanship two years in a row. Swine is his favorite project because the level of competition makes it rewarding. Rising to the challenge of all the hard work in 4-H will allow him to meet the challenge of hard work in all areas of life.
Caylin Duffy
Caylin Duffy, daughter of Sandy Hurd, is a member of the Harrison Hustlers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Ivy Tech in Lafayette and major in business management. Playing “kemps” in the tack pen and winning 4-H Royalty are some of her favorite memories. The funniest thing that has happened to Caylin is when she let her pig out and it started running up and down the aisles. Some advice for the younger 4-H members is to take as many projects as possible, but don’t procrastinate.
Parker Fox
Parker Fox, son of Angie and Darrell Fox, is a member of the Indian Creek Indians 4-H Club. While in 4-H, he has completed projects such as swine, beef starter calf, shooting sports, dairy starter calf, and woodworking.
Nicole Heims
Nicole Heims, daughter of Jeffrey and Rhonda Heims, is a member of the Monroe Happy Hoosiers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Ivy Tech to study business management and criminal justice. Then, she plans to proceed to the police academy to become a state trooper. Swine is her favorite project because it allows you to be at the fair every day with people you know. Some of her memories include accidently feeding a goat a hot wing and a certain button down shirt while barrel racing her horse Annie. Some advice for the younger 4-H members is that 4-H is a great way to get to know your community and to learn responsibility.
Trevor Hopkins
Trevor Hopkins, son of Johnny Hopkins and Vickie Grigsby, is a member of the Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. His plan for the future is to attend college to pursue a career in law enforcement. His favorite project is poultry because they have great personalities among other things. The funniest thing that has happened to him in 4-H is when his rooster started doing the bopping dance for the judge. Some advice for the younger 4-H members is that every problem has a solution, just keep working on it and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Brent Keller, son of Bob and Jenny Keller, is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. His future plans are to continue working and possibly attend college for diesel mechanics at a later time. His favorite project is swine because he likes working with them and getting them ready for show day. The funniest thing that happened in 4-H is when his pig got in the show ring and went nuts, running all over the arena. One of his favorite memories of 4-H is when the fair gets started and the milkshake stand opens. Brent’s advice to younger 4-H members is to really get involved. You will learn a lot about responsibility, meet new people, and it is a lot of fun.
Jaylen Kruger
Jaylen Kruger, daughter of Gary and Tish Kruger, is a member of the Beaver Township 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in Lafayette. Her favorite memory of 4-H was winning Supreme Champion heifer. The funniest thing that happened to Jaylen was when she was at the wash racks, she accidently turned on the wrong faucet and the hose shot up and soaked her. Her favorite project is cake decorating because you can add lots of creative stuff to the cake. Her advice to younger 4-H member is do not procrastinate and give yourself plenty of time to complete your projects.
Emily Newman
Emily Newman, daughter of David and Jean Newman, is a member of the Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend the University of Evansville and major in Archaeology. Her favorite project is foods because she loves to cook and some of the recipes are challenging. The most embarrassing thing that happened to her was tripping in a puddle at the fair. Some skills that Emily has acquired through 4-H that she will continue to use in the future are cooking and the determination to finish a project to the best of her ability.
Mary Pierce
Mary Pierce, daughter of Jim and Peggy Pierce, is a member of the Salem Superstars 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall and major in Music Therapy. Her favorite project is poultry because you get to witness the whole process from an egg to a beautiful chicken. Mary’s funniest memory in 4-H was trying to get her pig to the wash rack and it kept turning around and running past her and her dad. Her advice to the younger 4-H members is that winning isn’t everything. The plaque or the trophy looks nice for a while, but it is the memories and people that mean the most.
Thomas Putt
Thomas Putt, son of Mike and Donna Putt, is a member of the Salem Superstars 4-H Club. His plans for the future are to attend Purdue while studying technology and farm with his dad. Some of his hobbies are hunting, playing the guitar, and diesel trucks. The best parts of 4-H according to Thomas are fitting steers, milkshakes, and food in general. The funniest and the most embarrassing moment was losing his cow in the ring. Some advice for the younger 4-H members is to not bite off more than you can chew. One of his greatest honors received was Reserve Grand Champion in Electric.
Taylor Tripenfeldas
Taylor Tripenfeldas, daughter of John and Colleen Tripenfeldas, is a member of the Monroe Happy Hoosiers 4-H Club. In the future she would like to attend Indiana University- Kokomo and major in Elementary Education. Her favorite project is crafts because she can demonstrate her creativity. Tipping over the canoe at 4-H camp was Taylor’s funniest and most embarrassing moment of 4-H. Her advice to the younger members of 4-H would be that procrastination is not your best friend. The greatest honors she has received were all the Grand Champions on projects that went down to state and earned a blue.
Donna Zehner
Donna Zehner, daughter of Greg and Mary Zehner, is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. She plans to attend Alverno College. The hobbies she enjoys the most are playing basketball, being outdoors, and working. Her favorite project is sewing because this allows her to make cute outfits with stunning fabrics at a reasonable price. Some advice for the younger 4-H members is to take as many projects as possible because you never know how much fun a project can be. Her greatest honor she has received has been being a part of the 4-H Royalty Court. Being organized is one of the skills she has learned from 4-H that she will continue to use throughout life.
Other Last Year Members
Olivia Boisselier
Olivia Boisselier, daughter of John and Beverly Boisselier, is a 3rd year member of the Monroe 49’ers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Indiana University and major in pre-medicine. Her favorite project is gift wrapping because it reminds her of Christmas. Most embarrassing moment for Olivia was when she tried to leave a meeting early, she tripped and landed on her face. Her favorite memory of 4-H was being on the 4-H Council for Jr. Leaders. Best advice to younger 4-H members is that when you get involved, go for the leadership side of 4-H. Come up with service projects and give 110%.
Stephaie Crist
Stephanie Crist, daughter of Sandy and Keith Crist, is a 6th year member of the Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. Her plans for the future are to major in nursing at Ancilla and play golf. The funniest thing she remembers the most about 4-H is when her dog drug her around the obstacle course. Her favorite project is dogs because she enjoys seeing her dog’s progress with behavior at home and when competing. Stephanie has learned a lot about hard work and responsibility while in 4-H.
Zachary Davis
Zachary Davis, son of Terry and Christina Davis, is a 6th year member of the Cass White Post Lucky Clovers 4-H Club. He will be attending college to study agricultural engineering and then pursue an agricultural pilot’s license. His favorite memory of 4-H was the club’s Christmas parties where they would play musical gift exchange. His funniest memory was in small engines when the emergency shut off didn’t work, so everyone started to panictill the spark plugs were pulled. Aerospace is Zachary’s favorite project because he gets to build an extremely complex model. Paying attention to details and dates so as not to miss something important is a skill that he has acquired from 4-H that he will continue to use throughout his life.
Mackenzie Howard
Mackenzie Howard, daughter of Tom and Ann Howard, is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. She will be attending Indiana University Kokomo to study radiology and ultrasound. The funniest thing that happen in 4-H was when she saw a pig eating a pack of cigarettes. One of the most embarrassing moments is when she dropped her phone into a water bucket. Her favorite project is swine because it is a way for her and her brother to bond. The best advice to the younger 4-H members is to do your best and work hard, it will eventually pay off. Some skills that have been acquired through 4-H are patience, working with others, and the desire to never give up.
Taelor McClure
Taelor McClure, daughter of Jennifer Flores and Jim McClure, is a 4th year member of the Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend IPFW and major in Early Childhood Education with a minor in special education. Her favorite project is showing cows. Emily’s funniest and most embarrassing moment is when her cow got loose and they found him tied up at the other end of the barn. Some things that she has learned from 4-H are time management and responsibility. One of her greatest honors is receiving Grand Champion in a dairy steer starter calf class.
Ryker Redweik
Ryker Redweik, son of Karla and Daniel Kreamer, is a member of the Harrison Hustlers 4-H Club. His plans for the future are to continue working and attend college at a later time. His hobbies include swimming, being outdoors, and playing video games. His fondest memories of 4-H include all the group events that he attended. His favorite project is photography because his mom is a photographer and by working with her, he now has a better understanding of it. The greatest honor in received was Grand Champion in shooting sports. Some advice that he is leaving with the younger 4-H members is that you shouldn’t procrastinate.
Amber Thompson
Amber Thompson, daughter of Liz McClure and Jim Thompson, is a 5th year member of the Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. Her future plans are to attend Purdue University and study veterinary medicine. One of her funniest memories of 4-H is when a pig ran through her legs taking her for a ride. Her favorite project is any that deals with animals because she loves them. Advice to younger 4-H members is that it is not all about the competition. Have fun and make friends. Time management and leadership are the skills that Amber has learned throughout 4-H that she will continue to use.
Information and photos provided by Purdue Extension Pulaski County
This year 12 Pulaski County 4-H’ers are vying for the 4-H Royalty and Court. Winners are chosen based on their 4-H achievements, an essay and a personal interview with judges from outside our county. The achievement program will take place Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. and is open to the public.
Caleb Bucinski is the son of Joseph and Laura Bucinski and is a member of the Harrison Hustlers and the Junior Leaders 4-H Clubs. He has just completed his junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is his 9th year in 4-H. He has been on the 4-H Royalty Court and has earned the Fred Hintzman electric award and a Junior Leader letter. His favorite project is swine because it teaches kids about responsibility, perseverance, and time and money management. His advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Push yourself to your limits. A lot of the time you may fail, but this only teaches you and pushes you to work harder in 4-H and in all aspects of life.” His future plans are to pursue a career in Cardiothoracic by attending Purdue for his undergraduate and then attend I.U. for medical schooling.
Regan Culp
Regan Culp is the daughter of Dan and Melissa Culp and is a member of the Salem Super Stars 4-H Club. She has just completed her sophomore year at West Central High School and this is her 8th year in 4-H. She has won Grand Champion with her barrow and steer, was a 2014 Public Speaking State Qualifier, and also was a Qualifier in 2013 and 2014 in the State Fair Sewing Fashion Review. Her favorite project is definitely beef because it has allowed her to gain out-of-county experiences and to become a board director of the Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association. Regan’s advice to younger 4-H’ers is “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if you want to participate in a project, but don’t have the knowledge or resources to complete it. Anything is possible!” Her future plans are to finish high school and then attend Purdue University to major in animal science.
Dustin Field
Dustin Field is the son of Darrin and Dana Field and is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. He has just completed his junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is his 9th year in 4-H. His favorite project is the farm toy scene because you get to create model farms with toys you have. You can create some incredible scenes whether it’s a replica of your farm or what you wish your farm looked like. His advice to younger 4-H’ers is “Don’t wait until the last minute to do your projects and do them with the best of your ability.” His future plans are to attend a two year college for a degree in Agriculture and then to own and operate his own farm.
Brittany Fox
Brittany Fox is the daughter of Angela Fox and is a member of the Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. She has just completed her junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 9th year of 4-H. She was on the 2014 4-H Royalty Court and has earned Champion Junior Goat Showman and Champion Junior Sheep Showman. Her favorite project is goats because her cousin helps her walk them, which gives her a chance to teach him all that she knows. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is “Don’t wait until the last minute to work on projects and don’t expect others to do them for you.” Her future plans are to attend Indiana University in Bloomington and focus on the animal conservation part of marine biology.
Trevor Hopkins
Trevor Hopkins is the son of Johnny Hopkins and Vickie Grigsby and is a member of the Franklin Farmers 4-H Club. He had just completed his senior year at Culver Community High School and this is his 10th year in 4-H. He has received Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in poultry, rabbits, crafts, herbs, garden, flowers, posters, and showmanship. He also had several State Fair entries. His favorite project is poultry because they are so colorful, easy to raise, plus fun to see what colors you create for the following year’s show, and there is never a dull moment. Trevor’s advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Learn from your mistakes, don’t give up, keep trying and try new things. Experiment till you find what works for you and your projects. This will work in adult projects later in life.” His future plans are to attend college, play football, get a job, and to eventually settle down and start a family.
Salena Leman
Salena Leman is the daughter of Scott and Kathy Leman and is a member of the Salem Superstars 4-H Club. She has just completed her junior year at West Central High School and this is her 9th year of 4-H. She has received Grand Champion in woodworking and dairy finished steer, Reserve Grand Champion in dairy starter calf, best record book in dairy finished steer and starter calf, and also Junior Achiever. Her favorite project is dairy beef starter calves because she gets to watch them grow up, right before her eyes. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is that “Time management is key! Also if you have animals, work with them every day!” Her future plans are to attend Tricoci University of Beauty Culture and eventually open her own hair salon.
Emily Newman
Emily Newman is the daughter of David and Jean Newman and is the member of the Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. She has just completed her senior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 10th year in 4-H. She has received Grand Champion in foods. Her favorite project is foods because she loves to cook and some recipes are challenging to make. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is “Don’t be afraid to try different projects.” Her future plans are to attend the University of Evansville to major in Archaeology.
Peyton Newman
Peyton Newman is the daughter of Art and Melissa Newman and is a member of Indian Creek Indians 4-H Club. She has just completed her freshman year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 7th year in 4-H. She has won many awards in dairy and consumer clothing. Her favorite project is showing dairy beef and heifers because she loves the interaction with her animals including everything from walking, feeding, and washing. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Make new friends, enjoy the moment and learn from the experience. Ribbons fade and trophies tarnish, but the life lessons you gain from 4-H stay with you for a lifetime.” Her future plans are to attend Purdue University and study vet science.
Rachel Ploss
Rachel Ploss is the daughter of Tony and Patti Ploss and is a member of the Monroe 76’ers 4-H Club. She has just completed her freshman year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 7th year in 4-H. She has earned Spot Gilt Champion 3 times, Grand Champion Market pair in 2012, and is recently the recipient of a Junior Leaders award. Her favorite project is hogs because she gets to share it with her dad. He helps her to work hard and do better each year. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Do as many projects as they can. The experience is phenomenal and different with each one, but most importantly, have FUN!” Her future plans are to attend college and to travel.
Madison Ruff
Madison Ruff is the daughter of Jim and Sheila Ruff and is a member of Van Buren 4-Leafers 4-H Club. She has just completed her junior year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 9th year in 4-H. She is a 4th year Junior Achiever, was a member of the 2014 4-H Royal Court and has awards with swine. Her favorite project is swine because everyone in her family pitches in, including her grandparents. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Enjoy everything about 4-H, it goes by fast!” Her future plans are to attend college to be an Occupational Therapist.
Andriana Smith
Andriana Smith is the daughter of Doug and Amy Smith and is a member of Indian Creek and Paw Prints 4-H Clubs. She has just completed her freshman year at Winamac Community High School and this is her 7th year in 4-H. Awards she has received in 4-H are Junior Achiever, color guard, Junior Leader MVP, Leaders Choice Award for Paw Prints Dog Club, multiple grand champion, reserve grand champion, and state fair entries for various projects. Her favorite project is dogs because she gets to help the younger 4-H’ers learn and grow throughout their 4-H career. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is to “Be creative and have fun doing your projects! Do your best and don’t procrastinate and it will make things a lot easier.” Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in Agriculture and Spanish.
Donna Zehner
Donna Zehner is the daughter of Greg and Mary Zehner and is a member of Tippecanoe Industrious 4-H Club. She has just completed her senior year at Culver Community High School and this is her 10th year in 4-H. She has been a part of the 4-H Court and has received Champion and Reserve Champions in various projects such as collections, recycling, sewing, genealogy, microwave cooking, baking with a box. Her favorite project is sewing because she can make cute clothes out of stunning fabrics at a low cost. Her advice to younger 4-H’ers is “Take as many projects as possible because you never know how much fun a project can be, unless you try it.” Her future plans are to play basketball at Alverno College in Wisconsin while majoring in Biology, and to eventually become a medical examiner.
Starke County government office will be closed for a few hours today so employees can pay their respects to a colleague. The commissioners have authorized the closure from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. so staff members can attend county sanitarian Chris Dalton’s funeral. He died last Thursday of a sudden heart attack. Visitation for Dalton is this morning from 9 until 11 a.m. at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox, followed by the funeral at 11. The courthouse and annex will reopen at 1 p.m.
The National Weather Service has once again extended the flood warning for the Tippecanoe River near Ora. As of 2 p.m. yesterday the river was at 11.7 feet and steady. Flood stage is 12 feet. Continue reading →
A recent three-day saturation patrol on U.S. 31 by six police departments in north central Indiana resulted in 30 criminal arrests on 82 different drug-related charges. Last week’s unannounced patrols were dubbed “Operation Blue Wave.” Officials say the goal was to catch and arrest people who use Indiana’s roadways to transport and distribute illegal narcotics. Continue reading →
Farmers are reminded to make sure their hay is adequately dry before putting it into the barn for storage, as wet hay increases the risk of a fire. Purdue Extension forage specialist Keith Johnson says the moisture content of hay for storage should be no higher than 20 percent. That’s because heat-tolerant microorganisms can develop in hay bales and raise their temperature. If it gets higher than 150 degrees, farmers should take apart the bales or stacks and let air circulate. Johnson says fire becomes very likely if the temperature hits 200 degrees. He adds this year’s wet conditions make the risk of fire even greater. Continue reading →
As the month of June comes to a close, motorists should be aware that we are approaching one of the highest gas price months out of the year. Senior Petroleum Analyst with GasBuddy.com Patrick DeHaan said to expect July prices to be higher than the yearly average due to several factors including higher demand during summer months and various blends of summer gasoline that cost more to produce. Continue reading →
An exchange of ideas has led to the development of ideas for what could be a new hospital in Knox.
A committee of about 12 individuals, consisting of staff from IU Health Starke and their architects, has been putting their thoughts to paper for a future hospital. The committee presented their ideas on Friday to gathered staff. Continue reading →
Several Starke County charities are benefiting from grant money from the Starke United Fund. These type of grants are made possible through a partnership with Starke United and the Starke County Community Foundation. There was $20,000 available that was split up among the various local organizations. Continue reading →
Hoosiers are encouraged to know their HIV status. This is the 20th annual National HIV Testing Day through an antibody test or hiv rapid test. State health officials say the recent HIV outbreak in southeastern Indiana underscores the need for testing in order to help yourself and others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six people are living with HIV and are not aware of it. As a result they are not getting the treatment they need to stay healthy and may unknowingly pass the virus along to others. HIV can spread when someone who is infected has sex or shares needles with someone who does not have the virus.
Indiana Conservation Officers will be on the lookout for people drinking and boating this weekend on Indiana waterways. They are taking part in a national Operation Dry Water weekend enforcement campaign. The effort focuses on deterring boaters from operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Continue reading →
