By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A man suspected in the death of a LaFontaine man earlier this year will have a change of plea hearing in late January in Wabash Circuit Court.

The man, Corey Kelch, 23, Marion, is charged with murder and robbery in connection with the April 25 death and robbery of Jordan Richards, LaFontaine.

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

For nearly 43 years, Bob Land has worn the badge of either the Indiana State Police or the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department.

That chapter of his life will come to a close on Dec. 31, when his second term as Wabash County Sheriff expires. By statute, he is prohibited from seeking a third consecutive term in office.

“I’m two months shy of 43 years (in law enforcement),” he told The Paper of Wabash County during an interview in his office at the Wabash County Jail. “I started at the ISP academy in February of 1976.”

By The Paper staff

Longtime music educator and FAME Festival director Judy Ward is stepping in as the interim director for Vocal Impact Youth Choirs for the January – March 2019. 

Ward’s musical impact on our community spans multiple generations.  She retired after 40 years as an elementary music teacher for Wabash City Schools and continues to be active on the Wabash County music scene, directing third to sixth grade VPA Summer Theatre, serving on the board of Wabash Area Community Theater and the Wabash Unit of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Association, as music director at the Wabash Christian Church, and accompanying numerous county school music performances among many other activities.

By The Paper staff

NORTH MANCHESTER -- Jan Roland was honored on Dec. 20 during Visit Wabash County’s end of the year board meeting, which took place at Manchester University. 

Roland, who served as Visit Wabash County’s board president during 2018 was presented with a Distinguished Leadership Award for her level of service and dedication to the organization.

By Josh Sigler
and
Joseph Slacian
news@thepaperofwabash.com

Superintendent Jason Callahan took the time to publicly acknowledge outgoing members Liz Hobbs and Bill konyha for their service to the board at Monday’s Wabash City Schools school board meeting.

Callahan thanked them both for the work they’ve done for Wabash City Schools.

“In both cases, I know that the end of their tenure as board members does not mean that their work for our kids and our city will end,” Callahan said.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Elaine Martin has always been interested in the legal system. That makes it understandable that most of her adult life she’s been employed most of her adult life within the system.

For the last 24 years she’s worked at the Wabash County Clerk’s office, the last eight years as clerk. Her time in the office is quickly ending. Her last day in the position is Dec. 31. State statute prohibits her from seeking a third term.

“I’ve always loved the legal area,” she told The Paper of Wabash County. “I can remember as a young girl at the age of 4 watching ‘Perry Mason.’ There was something about that courtroom.

“Isn’t there something odd about being that young and loving to watch ‘Perry Mason’? I love that kind of stuff and I’ve always been drawn to courtroom drama, detective shows, anything like that. It seems funny that I ended up working around the legal field.”
 

Big R manager Bryan Parish shakes hands with Vernon Health and Rehabilitation business office manager Shannon Gidley Tuesday morning, while activities coordinator Jasmine Grace looks on. Vernon Health officials accepted a toy donation with $2,000 from Big R. Photo by Josh Sigler

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Led by manager Bryan Parish, the local Big R store is always looking for ways to give back to the community.

During the holidays, Big R looks to donate toys to a local entity in need. Parish said that Vernon Health and Rehabilitation, the recipient, was an easy choice this year.

“We want to do whatever we can do to help the community,” Parish said. “Vernon (Health and Rehab) came to mind because I’ve had individuals who have been a part of it or resided in it. They’ve always been wonderful people. So, when it came time to decide who we were going to participate with, Vernon came to mind.”

Big R donated $2,000 worth of toys to Vernon Health and Rehabilitation to help with Christmas gifts.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A Wabash High School graduate and distinguished alumnus of Indiana University has endowed a professorship in honor of a WHS English teacher who stretched his intellectual limits and always encouraged him to be true to himself.

IU alumnus George P. Smith II has made a $500,000 estate gift to the university to establish the Martha Biggerstaff Jones Professorship in British Literature. The professorship will be awarded to a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of English and will supplement the recipient's salary, provide research assistance, and fulfill other requirements of an active scholar and teacher.