The father charged with killing his 10-year-old son has died from injuries received following an exchange of gunfire with Wabash Police officers.

The father, William Sendelbach, 32, died Saturday at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, where he had been since the Oct. 8 incident, Wabash County Prosecutor William Hartley Jr. said during a press conference Monday morning, Oct. 26, in front of the Wabash County Judicial Annex.

Sendelbach had been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder in relation to the incident at 429 E. Maple St. Hartley also asked the court to consider a sentence of life without parole against Sendelbach. Since he has died, the criminal case will come to an end.

“Because the criminal case is over, that’s one thing,” Hartley said. “The pain and the torment that Sarah Sendelbach is going through is not going to cease. She’s going to continue to suffer from this, so we’re asking the community to really support her and her family. We’re hoping the community comes and really helps her through this process.”

Hartley, who was joined by officials from the Indiana State Police, the Wabash Police Department and his staff, also discussed several matters related to the case.

He grew up in LaFontaine, Ind., a state known for its love for basketball.

His favorite sports team was the Pittsburgh Pirates, a baseball team 369 miles away.

He never played the game of ice hockey in high school (Southwood), college (Manchester University, Miami of Ohio, Bowling Green) or professionally.

However, Mike “Doc” Emrick went on to broadcast more than 3,750 hockey games over a 47-year professional career.

On Monday, Oct. 19, he retired. On Tuesday, Oct. 20, his autobiography, “Off Mike: How a Kid from Basketball-Crazy Indiana Became America’s NHL Voice,” was released.

In between growing up in LaFontaine and retiring to his home in St. Clair, MI, Emrick worked for CBS, ABC, Fox, ESPN, TNT and NBC, covered 22 Stanley Cup Finals, 45 Stanley Cup Playoffs game sevens, six Olympics, 14 NHL All-Star Games and 19 NHL Winter Classics and Stadium Series games.

For his outstanding contributions to the game, Emrick, 74, was the first broadcaster inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011. That was also the first year he won the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality – Play-by-Play. He went on to win the award seven more times (2014-2020).

The Metropolitan School District of Wabash County board met to conduct business on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

During this meeting, donations were accepted totaling $1,524. The 2021 Budget was officially approved, along with the Bus Replacement Plan, the Capital Projects Plan, and Resolution for Appropriations and Tax Rates.

Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, Superintendent, Mike Keaffaber presented some updates to the board and guests. 

According to Keaffaber, COVID-19 continues to present challenges but also opportunities. Sixty-five percent of MSD students have returned to in-person learning.

The father of 10-year-old Kayden Sendelbach is now facing charges in connection with the boy’s death.

William Sendelbach is facing one count of murder for allegedly stabbing the boy during a domestic disturbance at the family’s East Maple Street home on Thursday, Oct. 8. He also is facing two counts of attempted murder after he allegedly fired a shotgun at two individuals, including a Wabash Police officer.

Nick Palmer, Wabash native and Wabash High School graduate has become somewhat of a staple in Wabash County the past two years when it comes to food offerings at festivals, get-togethers and other events.

Palmer, who works full time at Ford Meter Box was looking for something to fill his free time and after some thought, decided that starting a hot dog stand would be a great way to spend his time and make some extra money.

“I really didn’t know what to expect but I had some friends and family who thought the idea would do well in Wabash, so I just kind of went with it,” said Palmer. “We learned things by messing up quite a bit, but I think we have progressed slowly since this thing started.”

Up until recently, Nick’s Dog Cart was mainly selling during downtown Wabash First Fridays, at Chapman’s Brewhouse and catering to parties and wedding receptions with his mobile cart.

The new Hampton Inn was dedicated Friday afternoon during a brief ceremony in the lobby of the new 91-room facility.

Suresh Patel of Rahee Hospitality, and Mayor Scott Long cut the ribbon while other representatives from the corporation and Grow Wabash County looked on.

“Wabash is a shining star in the state that used to be a well-kept secret but not so much anymore,” Long said before the ribbon cutting. “We’ve got more people coming to Wabash to visit, shop and see what we have here to offer.

“This new amenity … adds to our offerings for lodging as people explore our community for the many arts and recreational activities we have available.”

He said city officials look forward to growing the relationship they have had with Rahee Hospitality over the past 20 years, since they opened the Holiday Inn Express.

“Congratulations on the opening of this beautiful hotel,” the mayor continued, “and thank you for your continued investment in our community.

“The City of Wabash and Grow Wabash County are only a phone call away when you’re ready to expand again.”

Debra Hardin, most recent owner of Rock City Café in downtown Wabash, has made the decision to close the doors after many years of working at and then owning the restaurant.

The café was bought by Debra’s late husband, Thomas Hardin in 1975, with Debra becoming owner in November of 2010.

She told The Paper of Wabash County that the restaurant was one of the most important things in her life because that is where she met Thomas.

Debra was a senior in high school when she applied for a job at Rock City Café and began working for her future husband.

“He fired me and then we didn’t see each other for a few years,” she said. “We ran into each other and we went out on our first date and I asked him one time why he fired me and he said, ‘I don’t know Debbie, probably that smart mouth of yours,’” she said through a laugh. “I said, ‘Well then why’d you hire me back? I still got it!’”

When the building housing the café was bought to renovate into the affordable senior housing units, Rock City Lofts, Debra continued to lease the café space.

This year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s organized by the Alzheimer’s Association looked a little different for the residents of Autumn Ridge Rehabilitation Centre in Wabash.

Residents normally would participate in the larger walk in Fort Wayne, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the residents held a walk in the parking lot.