Duane Truss (center) receives his 55-year 4-H Volunteer Tenure Award from Dr. Jason Henderson (from left), Dr. Renee McKee, Caitlyn Tuholski and Todd Uhl. Photo provided

By Joseph Slacian

To say the 4-H program has been a constant in Duane Truss’ life would be an understatement.

A 10-year 4-H member as a youth, Truss has spent the last 55 years as leader of the Lucky Horseshoe 4-H Club in the Somerset and Waltz Township area..

He was one of 401 individuals honored on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Indiana State Fair for their tenure as a 4-H leader.

Imogene Knight watches as children prepare to board the bus at Manchester Elementary School. Photo by David Fenker

By David Fenker

NORTH MANCHESTER — After more than 30 years and more than one million miles of driving a school bus, Imogene Knight has added one more experience to her long list: helping to write a children’s book.

The Manchester Community Schools (MCS) transportation director recently finished an 18-month collaboration with New York City-based children’s author Kate McMullan on a book titled “I’m Smart”, the ninth book in a series that anthropomorphizes large vehicles (and two dinosaurs) to teach children about their role in society.

Lagro Town Board President Richard Monce (center) cuts the ribbon to mark the grand re-opening of Canal, Main and Webster streets in Lagro. Joining in the dedication were Council member Jim Curless, Utility Superintendent Scott Siders, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski representative Christopher Lee (second, from right) and State Sen. Andy Zay. Photo by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian

Local, state and federal representatives celebrated the grand re-opening of Canal Street, Main Street and Webster Street in Lagro.

The improvements were made possible through new funding provided by the Indiana General Assembly. In 2016, state lawmakers created the Community Crossings grant program. During its inaugural year, the program provided nearly $86 million in road funding to Indiana’s cities and towns. Locally, Lagro received $22,782.50.

Wabash Police Officer Cody R. Palmer (top) receives the oath of office from Mayor Scott Long. Long also gave the oath of office to Wabash Police Officer Michael P. Castro. Photos by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian

Two probationary Wabash Police officers were promoted to First Class patrolmen when the Wabash City Council met on Monday night, Aug. 14.

Officers Cody R. Palmer and Michael P. Castro received their oaths of office from Mayor Scott Long, as family, friends, fellow officers and others looked on.

Shawnte Frieden stands by the welcome desk at White Stone. Photo by Emma Rausch

By Emma Rausch

White Stone, a new massage therapy spa located in Wabash, is now offering locals pain relief and relaxation.

Roann native Shawnté Frieden opened the business at 999 Manchester Ave. in May, taking over the former location of the Body Connection.

“My massage technique is therapy and relaxation together,” Frieden told The Paper of Wabash County. “My belief is the muscles are going to heal better when they’re in a relaxed state. So I try to blend them in together because I find that it is more beneficial.”

Charley Creek Inn was recently recognized by HotelsCombined as the best Small City Hotel in the state of Indiana. The firm ranks hotels in all 50 states, as well as elsewhere around the world. Photo provided

By Joseph Slacian

Charley Creek Inn was named the best Small City Hotel in Indiana in the HotelsCombined annual Recognition of Excellence award program.

HotelsCombined is an Australian-based hotel meta-search company. It recently completed an extensive survey covering different types of accommodations within the United States. This survey is based on gathering data from millions of guest reviews, and translating them to an official Recognition of Excellence.