Bonnie Ingraham gets the first look at a sign honoring her late husband, Bruce. Photo by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Bonnie Ingraham was the first to see it Saturday morning. Moments later, the rest of those at a fundraising breakfast sponsored by the Wabash County Fair Board were able to see it.

It was a sign dedicating the former girl’s building at the Wabash County Fairgrounds in honor of the late Bruce Ingraham, a longtime volunteer and treasurer on the board.

Earlier this year the board, with the help of Randall Construction, remodeled the building, upgraded its heating and cooling system, restrooms and more. Saturday’s breakfast was also a chance for the public to see the improvements firsthand.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Reed Farms was honored Tuesday night, March 19, during the ninth annual Salute to Agriculture dinner at the Heartland REMC community room.

Mike and Jay Reed accepted the 2018 Farm Family of the Year award on behalf of the five generations that have worked on the farm since it was formed in 1928. Ralph and Greg Dawes, the 2017 award recipients, presented the award to the Reeds.

“Dad and I are here to pass off the torch,” Greg Dawes said. “Congratulations to the Reed Family Farm and everyone involved with it, and best wishes in the future.”
 

Dave Vandermark removes a portion of the facade of the former Plummer Law Office. Photo by Joseph Slacian

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The south side of West Canal Street will soon have a new look, thanks in part to Vandermark and Duffey Enterprises.

The firm, which is refurbishing the Bradley Building, now owns the three buildings immediately to the west of the Bradley Building.

On Tuesday, March 19, workers for Vandermark Construction began removing the existing façade of the former Plummer law office building to expose the old façade.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The Wabash Board of Public Works and Safety gave approval Thursday, April 21, to a proposal from Randall Miller & Associates for engineering design services on the Wedcor Avenue construction project.

The board also authorized Mayor Scott Long to sign the contract from Randall Miller when it is prepared. Work is expected to cost $33,525.
 

Northfield alum Dr. Shawn K. Ahlfield smiles while delivering remarks to students during the MSD of Wabash County's Academic Recognition Banquet on March 12. Photo by Josh Sigler

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Northfield product Dr. Shawn K. Ahlfield was the guest speaker at the MSD of Wabash County’s Academic Recognition Banquet on March 12 in Legacy Hall at the Honeywell Center.

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Tim Drake had the honor of introducing Ahlfeld, a 1997 graduate of Northfield High School.
Ahlfeld was born and raised in Wabash County and was the valedictorian of his class at Northfield.

He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Indiana University Bloomington in 2001, and received his Doctorate of Medicine from Indiana School of Medicine in 2005.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Members of the Wabash City Schools school board heard presentations from EMCOR and Barton Coe Vilamaa on potential projects the schools may undergo in the future at the Monday, March 18, meeting in the Wabash High School library.

With the aging of some HVAC equipment and the increase in student enrollment, Superintendent Jason Callahan said it’s become necessary to look at replacing equipment and possibly expanding the buildings in the school corporation.
 

The 2019 Wabash High School Kathy Swan Award winners, as announced at the March 18 school board meeting, include Jacob Thompson, Bryson Zapata, Dani Lee and Chassity Honeycutt. Also a winner, but, not pictured, is Aaron Nickerson. Photo by Josh Sigler

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Wabash City Schools handed out the high school version of its Kathy Swan Awards at the Monday, March 18 school board meeting, held at Wabash High School.

Every year, the school corporation recognizes students at every grade level with the award. Superintendent Jason Callahan described Swan as someone who cared tremendously about students, especially hard-working students who don’t always get the recognition. Swan was lost years ago in a plane crash.

The students who receive these awards don’t apply for the award. Yet, they are chosen by members of the faculty.

“Students who are studying really hard know that they may end up being the valedictorian,” Principal Kyle Wieland said. “People who practice really hard want to win a sectional. They know what this goal is in mind. This is completely different than that. This is something that students don’t even know they are kind of competing for.”
 

Youngsters conduct an experiment during the 2018 SPARK Club program over spring break. Photo provided. 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Wabash County 4-H SPARK Clubs have activities planned for members and non-members alike during the week of spring break.

There will be two tracts to the event, one for youth in third to seventh grades, and the other for those in eighth to 12th grades, according to Angela Christopher, Wabash County Extension Educator – 4-H Youth Development.

The tract for the younger youth will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 1-5 at the Wabash County Heartland REMC community room. The cost is $15 per day or $50 for the week.