Issuu

WEST NOBLE’S BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM REMAINS UNBEATEN. MORE ON PAGE 6.

The

Advance An edition of THE NEWS SUN

Christmas disrupted by house fire

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26, 2013

Leader

75 cents Ligonier, Indiana, USA On the web at: kpcnews.com Vol. 129, No. 52

SECOND PLACE IN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CONTEST

West Noble teacher and family safely escape burning home LIGONIER — A Ligonier family is counting their blessings after they were able to safely escape a fire in their home on Christmas morning. The fire did extensive damage to the home of Joe and Christy Hofmeister, but there were no injuries. Firefighters were called to the two-story home at the corner of Main and West Union streets at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to Ligonier fire chief Jeremy Weaver. The family lost many of their belongings and Christmas gifts.

They are staying with friends. The fire was contained to the back portion of the home. Christy Hofmeister is a teacher for the West Noble School Corp. Word spread quickly throughout the area of the fire, with offers of help pouring in for the family. The couple has two young sons. All four members of the family were home when the fire was discovered but were able to safely escape. A cause for the blaze has not yet been determined and the investigation will continue today.

State hands out report cards to local schools Reactions mixed to grades FROM STAFF REPORTS Local schools received their report cards from the state Friday, but school leaders did not greet them as holiday presents. Instead, several superintendents questioned the validity of the school grades, which are based heavily on ISTEP+ testing that was marred by technical problems last spring. “By resolution, our school board has denounced the system as invalid, along with several other districts,” said a news release from Risa Herber, superintendent of Lakeland schools in LaGrange County. “With the ISTEP/CTB McGraw Hill testing integrity and fiasco this spring, we question how much better our grades could have been had we experienced a quality testing platform,” said Ann Linson, superintendent of East Noble schools. At the West Noble School Corp., regardless of the problems with ISTEP, etc., the grades released by the state this week showed progress for the most part and one downward slip. West Noble received two C’s and two B’s. Last year, West Noble’s four school buildings had two C’s, a D and a B. West Noble Primary School and West Noble Middle School both went up one grade, according to the state. The primary school went from a C to a B. The middle school rose its D grade last year to a C this year. The high school stayed level with a C again, the same grade earned in both 2012 and 2011. “The high school just missed getting a B this year by a fraction of a point,” West Noble superintendent Dr. Dennis VanDuyne said Friday. “The most notable is the

improvement we see at the middle school. The entire staff has worked very hard to improve their grade over the last two years,” VanDuyne said. In 2011 the middle school received an F from the state. In 2012 that was raised to a D and this year it went to a C. “I think we have a great community and great schools,” VanDuyne said. “Certainly there are areas in which we want to improve and there are areas that we excel at, which are not measured by the state grade-card formula. “But regardless of that, we will continue to work to help West Noble students succeed.” West Noble has approximately 2,500 students its four school buildings. The East Noble district received A grades for three of its elementary schools — Avilla, North Side and South Side. Linson said she is pleased that nearly all the corporation’s schools are showing growth and receiving top grades when looking at the historical grades assigned to each school. Central Noble Community School Corp. Superintendent Chris Daughtry said his district is happy about the improvements it made, but still has room to grow. “Elementaries we were obviously very pleased with,” Daughtry said. Both Albion and Wolf Lake elementary got A’s. Central Noble High School repeated its C grade. Central Noble Middle School moved up from an F in 2012 to a D this year. Daughtry said the percentage of middle school students passing the ISTEP+ test greatly improved this year, but their grades didn’t grow as much as hoped, which lowered the school’s grade.

The Advance Leader P.O. Box 30 Ligonier, IN 46767 Phone: 894-3102 • Fax: 894-3102

Lauren Bishop

The Ligonier home of Angie and Jimmy McDonald claimed second place in the house-lighting contest sponsored this year by the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce. First place was won by Shannon and Heidi Clark and third place was won by the home of Billie SanMiguel of Ligonier. More photos will be in next week’s newspaper.

Local woman injured in buggy crash on U.S. 20 SHIPSHEWANA — Emergency responders rescued a woman from a creek after a car-buggy collision on U.S. 20 Monday night, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department said. A 2005 Pontiac Sunfire driven by Rachel Skaggs of Ligonier was traveling west near the 9500 West block of U.S. 20 when, for an unknown reason, a horse and buggy traveling east abruptly crossed the center line of U.S. 20. The car struck the horse broadside, lost control and traveled across U.S. 20 into a ditch on the south side of the road, crashing through a fence and field. The car jumped a creek and hit the ravine head-on,

dropping 10 feet into a creek bed. Skaggs was trapped in the vehicle, waist deep in water, when first responders arrived. Firefighters cut her out of the vehicle, and a Samaritan helicopter flew her to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne to be treated for possible fractures to her ankle, wrist and cervical area, along with facial injuries. None of the injuries are thought to be life threatening. Late Monday night, the Parkview staff advised that Skaggs was in stable condition, police said. The buggy flipped onto its side after the collision. Its three passengers were Lyle, Sara and Joel Yoder of LaGrange. Sara and Joel Yoder were transported to

Parkview LaGrange Hospital to be evaluated because Joel is an infant and Sara was complaining of pain from whiplash. They were released from the hospital later Monday night. Their horse was killed in the collision. Police said neither alcohol nor drugs is believed to be a factor in the crash. U.S. 20 was closed in the area for approximately three hours while emergency personnel worked at the scene. The LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by the Topeka Police Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, Shipshewana Fire Department, Parkview EMS and Parkview Samaritan helicopter.

Man burned in Bear Lake house fire BEAR LAKE — A man suffered burns and one of his cats died in a fire at his Bear Lake home Monday, according to county authorities. James “Jim” Krock, who lives in the residence at 1905 S. Fourth St. on Bear Lake in rural Albion,

was in fair condition Tuesday at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, the hospital’s community relations department said. Firefighters were called to the house at 11:44 a.m. Monday, Noble County E-911 dispatch said. Krock, who lives alone,

already had escaped the blaze, but his two cats still were inside the house. Flames were visible from the home. The first firefighters arrived at 11:52 a.m., dispatch records said. Noble Township Fire Department took charge at the scene.

FUNDRAISER AIDS WEST NOBLE SCHOOL TEAMS, CLUBS

Photo Contributed

One of the most popular fundraisers in the West Noble area is sponsored by the Burnworth Zollars auto dealership on U.S.. 6 in Ligonier. Working with Ford Motor Co., Burnworth Zollars hosts “Drive One 4UR School” events twice a year to raise funds for West Noble school clubs, teams and other groups. The one held this past fall raised $4,800 which was recently presented to school officials by BZ employees Ken Cook and Jason Metz (on the left), to Rhonda Cunningham and principal Greg Baker from West Noble High School. There were 240 test drives done on the one day, with each one paying the school $20 from Burnworth Zollars and Ford. Over the past several years, these fundraisers have raised $35,000 for local students. Dates for the spring 2014 DriveOne will be announced soon.

Looking Forward to Serving You in 2014!

414 S. Cavin St., Ligonier 894-7161 ligoniertelephone.com

PAGE 2

The Advance Leader

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

ROTARY HOSTS KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

John Brickey Sr. LIGONIER — John Brickey Sr., 57, of Ligonier died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at his home. Funeral services were held Friday at Ligonier Evangelical Church, 1911 Lincolnway South, Ligonier. Burial was in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service at the church Memorial contributions are to the family in care of Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767.

What is the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language? Here’s a hint. It has a Christmas theme. In 1897 New York City coroner’s assistant Dr. Philip O’Hanlon was asked by his eight-year-old daughter Virginia O’Hanlon if Santa Claus really existed. Her father suggested she write to The Sun newspaper assuring her “if you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Virginia wrote the following letter: “Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in the Sun it’s so. Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?” One of the paper’s editors, Francis Pharcellan Church, wrote an editorial response. The paper did not give the editorial a prominent place, but its message was very moving to many people who read it. Virginia O’Hanlon, who passed away in 1971, gave the original letter to a granddaughter who pasted it in a scrapbook. The letter was believed to have been lost in a fire, but it was discovered. If you follow “The Antique Roadshow” on PBS like me, you may remember the scrapbook with the original letter was authenticated on the show 15 years ago by appraiser Kathleen Guzman for $20,000 to $30,000. Here is Church’s editorial: “VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well nor believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart a baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, not even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”

Obituary Policy

Photo Contributed

Members of the Ligonier Rotary Club are shown at their recent Christmas dinner held in honor of the children from the Head Start program that meets at Ligonier United Methodist Church. Rotary members, from the left, Dr. Robert Stone, Lura Stone and Rev. Byron Kaiser were among several club members who helped out at the annual event. A party for the kids and their families was also hosted this month by the Rotary.

ALBION — Operation Round Up issued 15 grants to 14 agencies in its last grant cycle, and is readying to accept applications for more. The grantees from the October distribution of the Noble REMC Operation Round Up Trust were: • St. Mary of the Assumption School, Avilla, $1,500, books • Noble Township Fire Department, $900, Wild Land firefighting tools • LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department Co. Inc., $1,000, turnout gear coat and pants • Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, $2,000, processing donated meat • Kendallville Public Library, $1,000, technology equipment

• West Noble Food Pantry, $1,000, food • Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, $300, summer reading camp • East Noble Middle School, $600, defibrillator • Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra Inc., $1,000, Holiday Pops concert • West Noble Elementary, $1,000, Walking Club incentives • LEAP of Noble County Inc., $1,500, technical upgrade • Albion Elementary School, $735, special event • Albion Elementary School, $1,000, Boomerang Backpack program • Central Noble School Corp., $1,000, strength and conditioning project equipment

• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, $1,000, project distribution program supplies Nearly 85 percent of Noble REMC membership allowed their bills to be rounded up each month to the nearest dollar. Since the beginning of the program in 2002, more than $525,000 has been given back into local communities. The Noble REMC Operation Round Up Trust Fund is accepting grant applications until Jan. 9 for the next grant cycle. Operation Round Up is an ongoing charitable fundraising program benefiting area nonprofit community organizations, projects and events. Nonprofit community based organizations

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AT WEST NOBLE PRIMARY

Asian carp may enter Great Lakes The report said there is no sign of an immediate threat of Asian carp traveling through the canal, which links the Mississippi River watershed to the Great Lakes. “There is no evidence that Asian carp are bypassing the barriers. Nor is there any indication that Asian carp are in the vicinity of the barriers,” it said.

The Advance Leader does not charge for death notices that include notice of calling hours, date and time of funeral and burial, and memorial information. An extended obituary, which includes survivors, biographical information and a photo, is available for a charge. Contact editor Bob Buttgen for more information at: bbuttgen@ kpcmedia.com.

Local groups received REMC grants

Merry Christmas everyone.

DETROIT (AP) — Schools of small fish are capable of crossing an electrical barrier designed to keep Asian carp from using the Chicago ship canal to enter the Great Lakes, according to a new research report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There is no evidence that Asian carp are bypassing the barriers, which were established to prevent billions of dollars in potential damage to the Great Lakes fisheries, according to the report released by the Army Corps’ Chicago office. But the research shows that passing vessels can pull the fish past the barriers while also causing fluctuations in the electrical field, the report said. It was released Friday. “Initial findings indicate that vessel-induced residual flows can trap fish and transport them beyond the electrical barriers, and that certain barge configurations may impact barrier electric field strength,” the report said. “Additionally, the preliminary … findings identified the potential for small fish (between 2-4 inches in length) to pass the barrier array in large groups, or schools.” The Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have conducted both laboratory and field experiments to “assess the potential impacts of barge tows traversing the electrical dispersal barrier system” in the canal.

OBITUARIES

Photo Contributed

Brian Shepherd, principal at West Noble Primary School, visited all of his school’s classrooms during special presentations of music programs for the Christmas holidays. These students are from Mrs. Tammi Hick’s first-grade class at the school.

in Noble, DeKalb and adjoining counties in which Noble REMC serves are eligible to apply. Applications are available at the REMC office in Albion or downloaded at nobleremc. com.

Black Pine looks for support in contest ALBION — Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is competing for votes in the Jump for Joy video contest sponsored by 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union and Young & Free Indiana, according to a press release. Voting is already under way and continues until Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. Kellie Adkins, a longtime volunteer at Black Pine, produced the video to honor Black Pine. To support the sanctuary, follow the link and vote for “Kellie Adkins” in the list of videos competing. Each vote helps Black Pine increase its chance of winning the $3,000 top prize. This money would go to help fund on the ongoing care of the animals. “There is nothing you have to sign up for, and it’s just one vote per email address during the duration of the contest,” a press release said. To vote, go to youngfreeindiana.com/ jump-for-joy

Good government could have prevented borrowing long term GUEST COMMENTARY BY DAVID PENTICUFF Like too many others, my community and its associated agencies, plus the county’s redevelopment commission, continue to borrow money to pay off previously borrowed money in an attempt to stay ahead of default, a richly deserved default. It is beyond parody. Fiction writers would have such a story rejected on the face of its incredulity. Someone, someplace in local government surely has the fortitude to say we are wrecking ourselves financially — to the point that taxes will be absorbingly high for our grandchildren, who, in the middle of the century, will still be paying off misspent bond

issues that never created the projects that they were imposed on taxpayers to create. In fiction —at least the believable kind — someone gets fired, demoted or in trouble with the law for actions such as this. The citizens who expose officials seeking self gain through the malpractice of their public service are vindicated. Well, this is the real world. Instead, the redevelopment commission votes unanimously to pledge public funds to repay two new sets of bonds, whose proceeds will pay off three Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN). These are a type of short-term loan intended to be repaid through the proceeds of development.

My county took out a total of more than $9 million in such notes in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to jump-start various projects, many of which failed to launch. Because they failed to get off the ground, tax revenue from those projects never materialized and the money to pay off the BANs doesn’t exist. So, holding our nose and borrowing long-term was likely the only viable choice to avoid default — though a modicum of good government would have prevented such a breakdown. Exactly how much of the money was spent remains an open question since the records for many expenditures are unavailable at this writing. We do know that a politically connected relative got at least some of the

money to help create a park downtown and the contract for work on refurbishing an old YMCA there into a boutique hotel, a project never finished. And because the transaction has not been completed, details on the two long-term bond issues, including their amount, the interest rates or the repayment schedule, have not yet been released. (A city consultant anticipated a mid-December closing date.) Our city development director says each of the three bond anticipation notes will come due in January or February. To summarize, at the end of 2012 my county’s outstanding debts totaled $31.3 million, with the three bond anticipation notes comprising $9.2 million, or

about 30 percent, according to the latest state audit. To repay this, our redevelopment commission members approved a resolution that pledges tax increment financing (TIF) revenue to pay “all principal and interest” on two new revenue bonds. TIF revenue is a type of property-tax revenue that can be diverted from local governments — in this case, my county — to fund development. That’s yet more money going to keep my city out of the poor house rather than to create economic growth. David Penticuff is editor of the Marion Chronicle-Tribune. A version of this article was published as an editorial Dec. 8.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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Brittany Moore on stage at Ligonier’s Fatboyz for New Year’s Eve

Photo Contributed

Here’s a contrast in styles for a visit with Santa. Jubilee Speichere, on the left, seems pretty happy while her sister, Ramona, on the right, could be a tad happier.

Sarah Schroeder proves you’re never too old to visit Santa. She had a chance to meet with him recently at the Cromwell library.

NOVEMBER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Photo Contributed

At West Noble High School, these young men and women were chosed as the “Students of the Month” for November by their teachers. In the front, from left, are Chelsea McLaughlin-Academic Achievement; Josselin EstradaWorld Language; Paloma Armijo-Science; Jessica Strieby-Career Tech; Beth Wigent-Business; and Kayla Pena-Math. In the back, from left, are Carlos Medina-Fine Arts; Sam Hagen-Language Arts; and Steven Reyes-Health. Not pictured: Michael Segovia-Social Studies.

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Brittany Moore has been playing music in the West Noble area for several years following her graduation from high school in 2007. Tuesday night she’ll perform at Fatboyz on Lincolnway West in Ligonier. with the club’s owner, Rob Dotson. “I met Rob when I worked at Avalon Village as a cook and dietary manager. Rob is a fantastic business owner and knows his customers personally, and he’s also quite a singer,” Moore said. “I want to thank

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Have a Happy New Year!

him for this opportunity.” Other people, including Cromwell’s Jon Ness and Shiloh’s Mike Stoner, have encouraged Moore over the years, she said. “Without these people and their support, words, wisdom, experience, I would not be who I am today.”

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All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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and taxpayers. bbraley@kpcmedia.com “Somebody has to make ALBION — A proposed up those gaps, and it’s all the rest of us,” she said. change in the Indiana tax Also Monday, the code could remove 10 commissioners: percent of Noble County • learned that the county government’s general fund employee health clinic saved budget, the Noble County the county $337,969 in Board of Commissioners 2013. learned Monday. By using the We Care The Indiana General clinic, the county and Assembly is considering employees saved money a proposal to do away on insurance payments for with the business personal medical costs, Knafel said. property tax, Noble County Most of the savings came Auditor Jackie Knafel said on prescriptions, with other Monday. expenses including office Knafel calculated that visits comprising the rest of business personal property the savings. tax accounts for about About 80 percent of the $922,000 of the county’s $9 million general fund budget. county’s employees used the clinic in 2013, Knafel said. Including money from The clinic is a joint outside the general fund, the impact of the change would effort of the county and the Central Noble Community be closer to $1.1 million, School Corp., serving both she said. The figures are only those agencies’ employees and their families. for Noble County govern• approved a service ment, and do not include contract to pay a $16,909 cities, towns, schools, annual fee to Frontier North libraries and other taxing units that would be affected. Inc. for equipment and software maintenance on the Commissioner Chad county’s Solarcom E-911 Kline said he and other commissioners have spoken system. The $128,000 system to state legislators, telling was installed 14 months them they oppose such ago, said Noble County a change because of the E-911 executive director impact it would have on Mitch Fiandt. The service budgets. contract will provide Knafel explained that, comprehensive monitoring under Indiana law, the and maintenance of all change’s impact would be spread among other taxes aspects of the system. BY BOB BRALEY

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STUFF

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LIGONIER — A local woman with a talented singing voice will be taking an item off her Christmas wish list when she headlines the entertainment on New Year’s Eve at a local bar and restaurant. Brittany Moore, a 2007 graduate of West Noble High School, is scheduled to play on New Year’s Eve at Fatboyz in Ligonier. Moore comes from a family with a rich history in music. Her parents are Bob and Stephanie Jacobs from Cromwell and her brotherin-law is Travis Gow, a well-known professional musician. “My parents have always made music a part of living,” she said this week. “My dad, Bob Jacobs, has played music for as long as I can remember. He is by far the best musician my ears have ever heard.” At West Noble, she sang in the choir and was a member of “Bravo,” the a capella group, for all four years. Her dad taught her to play guitar when she was 16 and she remembers receiving her first acoustic guitar as a graduation gift. “I started writing my own songs only a month into learning how to play. Since then, I have played at open-mic nights in Warsaw, opened for Allan and Ashcraft and played with Travis Gow at Strawberry Daze,” she said. Moore started picking up more stage experience and tried karaoke at Fatboyz

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The Advance Leader

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Many examples of God’s love and grace

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(Publication No. USPS 313-220)

P.O. Box 30 • Ligonier, IN 46767 Phone: 260-894-3102 • Fax: 260-894-3102

Publisher: Terry Housholder General Manager and Editor: Robert Buttgen The Advance Leader, est. 1975, is a consolidation of The Cromwell Advance, est. 1912, and The Ligonier Leader, est. 1880. Entered at Post Office, Ligonier, as periodicals postage paid. Published by KPC Media Group Inc. at 102 N. Main St., Kendallville, IN 46755 on Thursdays

Web site: kpcnews.com e-mail: leader@kpcmedia.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES 52 weeks $34.00 Out-of-State: $37.00 per year POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Advance Leader, P.O. Box 30, Ligonier, IN 46767

Local police news Guns, TV, money stolen

hours later. Damage was estimated at $5,001-$10,000.

WAWAKA — Someone broke into a home in the 5300 block of West U.S. 6, Wawaka, and stole guns, a TV and money, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department said. The burglary was reported Monday, Dec. 15, at 4:58 p.m.

Stolen vehicle wrecked

Stolen vehicle found wrecked LIGONIER — A stolen sport-utility vehicle was found wrecked in the 1200 block of Burns Road, Ligonier, last Thursday, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department said. The 2003 Isuzu Rodeo was westbound on Burns Road when the driver left the road for an unknown reason. The SUV struck several fence posts. The driver left the scene. The crash is believed to have taken place between 9 p.m. Thursday and 2:30 a.m. Friday. The SUV was reported stolen about 18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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In my message on Sunday Morning, I preached about Joseph’s experience with discovering that his wife to-be was with child and the possible decision process he might have went through, to decide what to do next, and how to go about making the situation right as far as the Lord’s approval was concerned. On rare occasions I will do a message in first person, taking on the persona of the person involved which in this case of course. I became Joseph. I tried to tell the story of his experience putting myself into his mind and shoes and taking into consideration the Jewish law. This involves putting away our western culture and ideas and taking on his. I enjoy doing this kind of thing as I enjoy good drama, and love doing it. As a rule, it takes a bit more prep time, but the end product can be worth it to get a point across. I have been half down with a cold and cough for about two weeks, and with the cough and the sometimes raspy

voice I was in doubt if I could pull it off, but I gave it the “old college try” as they called it. Perhaps FROM THE the most WINDOW revealing on OF MY comment it all came STUDY from Johnie, my darling wife. Around Rev. John Lutton the dinner table with Bo, Julie, Bobo, Brooke, Becky, and Lapita, she took advantage of a silent period to share her thoughts. “We had a visitor this morning,” she observed. “It was Joseph, Mary’s husband, and he shared his heart and thoughts with us.” She continued, “I know it was really Joseph, because my husband has been coughing all morning, and Joseph did not cough or wheeze one time!” The people in my church are accustomed to me doing first-person presentations

•

from time to time, so it was not really anything new to them. In the process I learned some things about Joseph that really impress me. First, Joseph was a man who, like his wife Mary, loved the Lord very much. Being a man of God was his very highest priority in life. This comes out not only in his decision process, but in the way he carries out his life on a day to day basis. Secondly, he listened to the Lord when He tried to speak to him, in the dream. I know for a personal fact, Jack, that the Lord also would like to communicate to us also but I’m afraid we do not give him a fair chance to speak. One passage in the Old Testament says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Give him speaking time in your prayers. After the message of the Lord came through that told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, informing him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, to name him Jesus, and that he would save his people from their sins.

In the growing up process, I can see Jesus going to the synagogue to learn, following Joseph to his carpenter shop and sitting around the family circle evenings sharing, praying and growing in grace. During the years our children were home, we read Scriptures, Bible stories, sang songs, prayed, and shared our experiences and thoughts with each other. I suspect today that nightly routine, which we did not break, was perhaps one of the most important things we did in their growing up process. I had some wonderful examples of God’s love and grace to bless my life from my teen years right on up to today! Joseph is one guy I appreciated meeting this weekend, as he has challenged me to want to be an even better person, for Christ. Rev. Lutton is senior pastor at the Ligonier Church of the Nazarene. He can be reached by email at john.lutton@gmail.com.

LOCAL RUNNERS DOMINATE IN FORT WAYNE 5K RACE

LIGONIER — Someone wrecked a vehicle near the site from which it was stolen, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department said. The vehicle was stolen from the vicinity of C.R. 625N and South Townline Road, Ligonier, at about 3 a.m. of last Thursday. It was found wrecked nearby at 7:24 p.m. Thursday. The vehicle was a total loss. The crash also damaged property and a fence.

Vehicle egged LIGONIER — Someone smashed eggs on a vehicle on S.R. 5 near the West Noble schools complex, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department said. The criminal mischief was reported last Thursday at 9:46 p.m. and was believed to have taken place at about 6:30 p.m.

Photo Contributed

Ligonier runners dominated “The Gift 5k” run held in Fort Wayne this week. The race was won by two West Noble teachers: Elias Rojas (15:59) and Kirstin Hegelein (18:39). Also, West Noble Primary School principal Brian Shepherd (17:27) and West Noble teacher and cross country coach Chuck Schlemmer (18:38) won the masters, and grand masters,

Church Directory CROMWELL CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 111 W. Orange St., Cromwell. 260-856-2610. Sunday School 8:45 a.m., Worship 9:30 a.m. Sister Elsie Fregeau, Interim Pastor Visitors Welcome! CROMWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Corner of Orange and Water streets. Rev. Dave Boesenberg. Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m. INDIAN VILLAGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2-1/2 miles south of Cromwell on S.R. 5. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Coffee Time - After Worship Service Pastor Rachel Bales-Case, 856-5553 ROCK CHURCH LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER Interdenominational 9564 E 1050 N Turkey Creek Rd., Lake Wawasee Sunday Celebration Service 10 a.m. Candlelight Meditation 1st Sunday 6:32 p.m. Information on classes, Call 260-856-4003/856-2002 THE RED ZONE 9358 E. Wizard of Oz Way (Enchanted Hills Playhouse) Web site: therz.com; Phone 260-856-2914 Worship Service: Saturday Nights 7 p.m. Worship Service: Sunday Mornings 10 a.m.

KIMMELL BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH 900 W, Kimmell; Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday Eve. Service 7 p.m. Rev. Richard Rensner KIMMELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2861 N. Hitler St., Kimmell, 894-0649 Rev. Rachel Bales-Case. Sunday Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m., Bible Zone Kids Club Wednesday 5:45 p.m. Handicap Accessible SPARTA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (Old Congregational) U.S. 33 South of Kimmell. Sunday School 9 a.m., Coffee Hour 10 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m. Rev. Wray McCalester, 636-7005.

LIGONIER APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH OF GOD 317 Pigeon Rd Wednesday 7 p.m. Sat., 7 p.m. Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday Eve. 6:30 p.m. Rev. Joseph Lee Brickey. 894-4711.

BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF LIGONIER 204 W. Sixth St. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m. BURR OAK CHURCH 11010 West 1100 North, Ligonier, 260-642-4813 Sunday School 9 a.m., Church 10 a.m. CENTRO EVANGELISTIC EBENEEZER Rev. Pedro Tomao and Rev. Lois Tomayo 1998 U.S. 6 West, Ligonier, 260-241-5054 Services held on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Thursday at 6 p.m.; 260-894-7768 LIGONIER CHURCH OF CHRIST Corner of 9025 N and 860 W, 260-894-4847 Sunday Bible school 9:30 a.m., Eve. Worship 6 p.m., Wednesday Bible study & youth program 6 p.m. LIGONIER CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE College and Martin streets, 260-894-3277 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Wed., Bible study 7 p.m Rev. John V. Lutton, Pastor LIGONIER EVANGELICAL CHURCH U.S. 33 South, 260-894-4853 Sunday School 9 a.m., Morning Worship 10 a.m., Small Groups 6 p.m., Wednesday Youth Mtg. 7 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Rev. Troy Diersing LIGONIER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 407 S. Cavin St. Rev. Stan Wilson Sunday Worship, 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Sanctuary is open for prayer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; 260-894-3869 or 894-3800 LIGONIER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 466 S. Townline Road, 894-3765. Pastor Byron Kaiser Youth Leader Cody Cripe Secretary Carrie Hartman Ofﬁce Hours, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mon., - Fri Traditional Worship at the Mount 9 a.m., Sunday School at the Mount 10 a.m., Contemporary Worship at the Crosswalk 10:30 a.m. ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 300 Ravine Park Dr. (Turn west at Marathon Station) Church Ofﬁce: Monday-Friday 9-3, 260-894-4946 Mass times: Saturday 6:30 p.m. - in English, Sunday 10:15 a.m. - in English, Misa Para Domingo a las 12:30 p.m. y 2 p.m. - En Espanol, Confessions after Mass. Father Wilson Corzo

respectfully. The race raises funds to purchase Christmas gifts for area kids, and was sponsored by Toenges Shoes. Shown above are the top 5 winners, from the left, Connie Gordon, female masters winner (25:33), Rojas, Brian Ingman of Toenges Shoes, Hegelein, Shepherd and Schlemmer.

SHILO BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Jim Shepherd 709 N. Johnson St., Ligonier. Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Services held on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m., Wednesday Bible study at 4:30 p.m. 260-221-0003 STONE’S HILL COMMUNITY CHURCH U.S. 33, South, Ligonier, 894-7528 Sunday Worship 10 a.m. (Jr. Church and Nursery available at both worship times), Celebrate Recovery meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Cornerstone Cafe’ Sunday 9:15 a.m., Wednesday Children’s Ministry 6:30 p.m., Youth Cafe and Game Room open at 6 p.m., Wednesday Youth Ministry 7 p.m., Wednesday Parent Ministry 6:30 p.m., Pastor Joey Nelson STRONG TOWER WORSHIP CENTER 203 S. Main St., 260-221-3063 Service Time: 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Youth Service: Wednesday, 6 p.m. TEMPLO BETEL Asamieas de Dios 502 Diamond Lake Road, 260-894-7674 Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sunday Eve Worship 6:30 p.m. TRINITY ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1288 W. Union, 260-894-4665 Sunday School 9:15 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Champions for Christ Kids, 6:15 p.m. Game room opens at 5:30 p.m. Pastor Cory Kirkham TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH L.C.M.S. Fourth and Martin streets, 260-894-3667 Sunday Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School and Bible class 10:15 a.m.

TOPEKA FIRST BAPTIST 104 North Main Street. 260-593-2111 or 260-350-2740. Church School 9 a.m., Morning Worship 10 a.m. Rev. Mark Campbell, Pastor.

WAWAKA WAWAKA CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship 9 a.m. WAWAKA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Sunday School 10:30 a.m., Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

OTHERS BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH S.R. 9 South, Albion Fr. Joachim (Jim) Quadros, Pastor Masses: Saturday 4:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., Monday & Wednesday 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 7:30 a.m. CLINTON BRICK MENNONITE CHURCH 4 miles north of Millersburg on S.R. 13 Sunday School 9 a.m., Morning Worship 10 a.m. Ron Kennel, Pastor COSPERVILLE BAPTIST 8851 N 250 W (between Wawaka and Rome City), 761-2321. Jim Barnes, pastor. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday Worship & Youth Group 7 p.m. www.cospervillebc.com MILLERSBURG CHURCH OF CHRIST 11851 C.R. 44, Millersburg Sunday Bible School 9 a.m.,Sunday Worship 10 a.m., Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. ORMAS BAPTIST 8962 N 300 W, Columbia City, 260-760-4678 Pastor Dr. Gordan Rankin Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Evening Service 6 p.m., Wednesday Prayer 7 p.m. RICHVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Sunday School 9 a.m., Worship 10 a.m. Pastor Carol Knox SALEM COMMUNITY MISSIONARY C.R. 325 S (1/4 mile southeast of Wilmot). Pastor John T. Morgan. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Wednesday Prayer 7 p.m.

MAPLE GROVE CHURCH Non-denominational; Pastor Barry St. Clair. Sunday worship 10 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m. 806 S. Main St., Topeka. 260-593-2844.

Attention Ministers: Please send corrections, additions or changes for this listing to: The Advance Leader, P.O. Box 30, Ligonier, IN 46767; e-mail: leader@kpcnews.net; fax: 894-3102 This church directory is sponsored by the following business establishments of the community and The Advance Leader.

STAR OF THE WEST

LIGONIER TELEPHONE CO., INC.

LIGONIER, INDIANA

894-7161

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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CHRISTMAS SURPRISE BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

BRUSHY PRAIRIE — Kim Harris thought she won a poinsettia in a Prairie Heights Schools’ staff Christmas breakfast lottery Friday, but instead, she ended up with the best gift ever. A Prairie Heights High School math teacher, Harris won a rigged lottery, as Superintendent Alan Middleton drew her name. Because of that, Harris had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap in front of all her colleagues. Only she didn’t know who had donned the red Santa suit and beard. As Harris sat on Santa’s lap telling him what she wanted for Christmas, she said, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men. I have a long list.” Topping the list with a gift she already had received, Harris told Santa, “My son is safely on U.S. soil from Afghanistan.” At that, Santa removed his beard, and Harris realized it was her son, U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Harris, who came home early from Afghanistan. Harris, who was short on words, hugged her son and wept. “This tops the list and couldn’t be a better Christmas,” Harris said later. Instead of going to pick her son up from his base, he was already back, and a plan worked on for months was put in motion. “I lied,” joked John

Harris, Kim’s husband and Ethan’s father. “He’s been hiding two days. We’re glad for all the troops, but now she figured it out.” Ethan’s family helped him remove his Santa suit to reveal his Army camouflage uniform. “We’ll do a combat Santa,” John Harris joked. As Ethan spoke to several news media reporters present, he said he finished his Afghanistan tour and was hiding at the house of his sister and brother-in-law. He said he was so excited Thursday night that he he couldn’t sleep, anticipating the joy he would bring his mother. “I was so excited he was on U.S. soil and he was supposed to have 10 days of debriefing. We have a surprise party planned for Monday,” Kim Harris said. But she got perhaps the ultimate surprise of them all. Ethan’s girlfriend, Brooke Moser, went to Fort Campbell, Ky., to bring him home. “We got back Tuesday and stayed at his sister’s house. He was really excited for it,” Moser said. The close-knit Prairie Heights staff and administration had worked overtime keeping the surprise a secret since at least September. “Kim’s husband, John Harris, had the idea,” said Hailey LeMaster, a Prairie Heights High School Spanish teacher. “The kids knew (Ethan) was in the

The Advance Leader

PAGE 5

Army soldier surprises mother States, but we said he had to be debriefed.” John Harris thanked the Prairie Heights staff, especially Christine Hammel and Stacy Smith, and all involved in making the special surprise a reality. “This is Christmas,” he said. “I have an awesome family.” The Harrises took in all the action, sharing in the moment between Kim and her son. Other family present included sister Courtney and brother-in-law Ryan Spencer and their daughter, Rylan, and brother Dain and sister-in-law Krystal. Ethan’s niece, Rylan, a toddler, met her uncle for the first time. But perhaps her shirt said it all: “My hero wears combat boots. I call him Uncle Ethan.” No word yet if Kim Harris also received her poinsettia, but it likely didn’t matter to her.

See the moment at kpcnews.com

PHOTOS BY PATRICK REDMOND

U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Harris gave his mother, Kim Harris, a Prairie Heights High School math teacher, quite the Christmas present Friday in coming home early from an Afghanistan tour.

Video of Spc. Ethan Harris surprising his mother, as well as interviews with Ethan and his parents, Kim and John Harris, is online at kpcnews. com. Scan the QR code to watch it on your tablet or smartphone.

State’s unemployment lower in November FROM STAFF REPORTS INDIANAPOLIS — The four counties of northeast Indiana saw their labor force numbers rise in November as the unemployment rate rose, said a report released Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The statewide unemploy-

Goshen man dies in wreck near Shipshe SHIPSHEWANA — A Goshen man was killed Wednesday, Dec. 18, when he drove through a stop sign and his pickup truck hit a passing dump truck, police said. Harvey S. Borntrager was pronounced dead at the scene. News reports said he was 72 years old. Medics and LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called at 6:20 a.m. to the intersection of U.S. 20 and C.R. 600W, southeast of Shipshewana. Investigators said Bontrager’s red 2006 Chevrolet truck was traveling southbound on C.R. 600W when he apparently disregarded the stop sign at U.S. 20, according to a news release from the sheriff’s department. Borntrager’s truck hit a white 1995 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Elmer J. Yoder of LaGrange and registered to JM Logistics of Ligonier. The sheriff’s department noted in the report that Yoder could not avoid the collision. Yoder was not injured. Indiana State Police investigated the crash. The sheriff’s department said it remains under investigation.

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ment declined in November, the DWD said, dropping 0.2 percentage points to 7.3 percent, lower than all neighboring states. Noble County’s unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points from October to 7.2 percent. Steuben County saw

a similar rise, with a November unemployment rate of 7.3 percent. “Today’s job numbers are welcome news to every Hoosier and are a testament to the hard-working people of our state and the businesses that power Indiana’s economy every day,” said Gov. Mike

Pence. “The continued downward trend in unemployment and the significant growth in private sector jobs demonstrate that Indiana’s economy is strong and growing stronger every day.” DeKalb, Noble and Steuben counties saw the number of people employed

in those counties rise for the month, but those numbers were offset by the labor force increases. DeKalb County’s unemployment rate rose from an October figure of 6.7 percent to 6.9 percent. Steuben County was tied for 36th in the state’s monthly

unemployment ranking of its 92 counties. LaGrange County’s unemployment rate rose from 5.9 percent in October to 6.4 percent in November. Allen County’s unemployment rate saw a 0.2 percentage point rise in November to 6.9 percent.

‘Letters From Dad’ program coming to area LIGONIER — A men’s fellowship group at Ligonier United Methodist Church is launching a new initiative to bring fathers and their children closer together. Ligonier United Methodist Church will host a kickoff barbecue event Jan. 16, 2014, to introduce “Letters from Dad” to the

community. It will take place in The CrossWalk facility of the church, 466 Townline Road, Ligonier, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. All are welcome. “Letters From Dad” is a national men’s ministry and open to men from all denominations in the area. The goal of “Letters from

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Dad” is to help fathers learn to leave a legacy by saying the things they’ve always wanted to say but just didn’t know how, said Greg Eash, one of the local organizers. “I love you,” “You’re the treasure of my life,” and, “I’ll always be there

communication, produced healed marriages and reconciled parent-child relationships, all through the “lost art of letter writing,” Eash said. For more information, contact Eash at 215-5606 or gosheneash1@msn.com.

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for you,” are things every child wants and needs to hear from their dad, a press release said. This program works to improve communication between fathers and children. “Letters from Dad” has helped to restore family

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LIGONIER SPORTS & RECREATION CENTER KENNEY PARK • 520 WEST UNION ST., LIGONIER • 2608947344

See us for all your party needs!

Have a Great 2014!

Ligonier Liquor Store 100 S. Cavin St., Ligonier, IN

260-894-4103

We’re Looking Forward to Serving You in 2014! Thanks for a Great Year!

PAGE 6

The Advance Leader

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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West Noble boys off to 5-0 start BY BOB BUTTGEN bbuttgen@kpcmedia.com

LIGONIER — West Noble’s basketball team accomplished more than one significant feat when the Chargers manhandled cross-county rival Central Noble, 79-50, in a Northeast Corner Conference boys game Friday night in the West Noble gym. Not only did the Chargers claim the mythical county championship while remaining undefeated on the season, they matched their season-high score, and power-forward Drew Schermerhorn hit his season high with 30 points. The Chargers moved to 5-0 on the season while Central Noble fell to 0-5. West Noble jumped out strong as Schermerhorn and Phil Miller combined for 15 of the Chargers’ points in the opening period. Miller ended the game strong also with a 19-point performance as West Noble led 24-11 after eight minutes.

Central Noble never folded and played tough for all four quarters. Brock Noe led the Cougars with 13 points while Joel Cochard and Cody McCoy had eight points each. Kaleb Smith and E.J. Andrews scored six points each for the Cougars. For Miller, the win was enjoyable, as it came in front of a packed gym with about 1,500 fans in attendance. “Central Noble always plays us tough,” Miller said after the contest. “We just came out and executed our offense and then executed our defense when we needed to. It always feels good to beat another Noble County team.” Kyler Warble came off the Charger bench and recorded 11 points. Brandon Evans added seven, Nik Risser had three; Waylon Richardson scored four points, Landon Stover three and Brandon Moser had just a pair of points but left his mark on the floor with a good defense and passing

TOM ATZ

Kyler Warble came off the bench to score 11 points for West Noble against Central Noble.

game for West Noble. While the Chargers remained undefeated, the Cougars were left still searching for their first win. Central Noble coach Brett Burrough took the loss in stride, and could see the fight that was in his team for the 32 minutes. “Our defense picked up intensity in the second half,” Burrough said, “and we started hitting some buckets, and that gave our guys some confidence. This is is a young team that has a lot to learn. But they never gave up.” West Noble recorded

seven three-point field goals and was 24-of-30 from the free-throw line. Schermerhorn had 12 free throws and two three-point field goals. Also making 3’s for the Chargers were Evans, Risser, Miller, Warble and Stover. Central Noble had three triples with Andrews hitting two and McCoy one. The Cougars were 11 of 19 from the charity stripe. West Noble coach Jim Best said he was impressed with the battle that Central Noble offered. “We knew coming in they (CN) were going to be

tough. They always play well over here. We knew they were going to keep coming at us,” Best said. “I was really happy with our play tonight. I was kind of worried with the long

and played really hard. Our full-court pressure paid off at the start. The boys did a nice job.” The Chargers are off until next year when they host Eastside at home on Jan. 3.

Charger girls walk past Central Noble LIGONIER — West Noble jumped out to a 19-4 lead after one period on the way to a 57-29 Northeast Corner Conference girls basketball victory. Senior Kelsie Peterson had a game-high 25 points to lead the Chargers. Also scoring for West Noble were Shawna Young (7 points), Paige Shearer (6), Taylor Fisher (6), Brooke Lutton (5), Kenzie Cox (3), Cara Groff (3) and Kylie Warble (2). Central Noble failed to have any scorer in double figures. The Cougars were led by nine points from Mikayla Stringfellow. Peterson is on track to score her 1,000th career point for the Chargers when West Noble travels to Prairie Heights this Saturday, Dec. 28, for an NECC contest.

layoff, as to if we would have our legs or not. The boys answered that question

TOM ATZ

West Noble’s Drew Schermerhorn flies toward the basket for some of his 23 points he scored against Central Noble last week.

Phil Miller notched 19 points for the Chargers in last week’s win over their Noble County rival, Central Noble.