On Feb. 6, the Beauchamp & McSpadden Board of Directors named W. Parker Beauchamp as the company’s new president. Parker is a fourth- generation family member of the Wabash-head quartered insurance firm. The business was founded in 1872, and was purchased in 1927 by Parker’s great- grandfather, Ward Beauchamp. Ward’s son, Bob Beauchamp, Sr., joined his father at work in 1938, followed by Bob’s eldest son, Robert W. Beauchamp, in 1963. 

The public is invited to fireworks shows at six Indiana state park and reservoir properties to celebrate Independence Day.

Indiana Dunes State Park will have fireworks on July 2 around 9 p.m. CDT.

Monroe Lake in Bloomington, Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon) Lake in Rockville, Patoka Lake in Birdseye, Pokagon State Park in Angola and Versailles State Park in Versailles will host fireworks on July 6 around 10 p.m. EDT.

Wabash-Miami Home Health Care and Hospice will provide a free grief support group from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on July 1 and July 15.  The meeting will be held in the conference room next to the cafeteria at Wabash County Hospital.

Happy Days Preschool of Bachelor Creek Church of Christ announced it is accepting registration for the 2013-2014 school year. 

YMCA Announces Free July 4th Entertainment

God's Country Band will perform at the Field of Dreams, Morrett Sports Complex, on July 4 from 8-10 p.m.  The band will perform a mix of old time rock and roll, classic country, original gospel from their new album, and a patriotic salute beginning at approximately 9:40 p.m. and concluding with the National Anthem immediately before the fireworks display.

by Emily Armentrout

Local farmer, Nathan Vrooman, has been farming since he was old enough to drive a tractor with his father, Jack. Farming may not be a fast paced job, but his love of drag racing has him going speeds upwards of 165 miles per hour.

Growing up on the family farm, Vrooman started helping his dad. Whether it be planting and harvesting crops or taking care of the hogs, farming has always been a part of Vrooman's life. Racing became a part of Vrooman's life in 1979 when he decided to fix up his first car, a 1968 Chevell.

The Wabash Carnegie Public Library invites families to see Geoff Akin’s Bubble Wonders, coming to the Honeywell Center Gym on June 26 at 10 a.m.  This free show is certain to capture the attention of children of all ages. Come learn all about the art and science of bubbles!

Manchester Main Street is extremely grateful for all the wonderful community support that helped make last weekend’s first-ever Eel River Arts Festival a huge success. The June 14- 15 event, showcasing North Manchester’s innovative cooks, talented entertainers and amazing artisans, would not have been possible without the partnership of the Town of North Manchester, Manchester Garden Club, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and The Firehouse.

The Eel River Gardens, located at the intersection of Main and Market Streets in the heart of downtown, was beautifully transformed into a festive venue for creativity, imagination and fun. What better way to highlight our town than to view it against the backdrop of North Manchester’s new historic streetscape and overlooking the Eel River?