Election Filings Updated; Ice Rink Latest; Northenor Finishes Her Bucket List
July 24, 2020 at 8:21 p.m.
By David [email protected]
As of Friday morning, those who have filed for school boards with Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts Ann Torpy were Aaron Zolman for Tippecanoe Valley District 1; Adam Heckaman, Tippecanoe Valley District 2; Matt Deuel, Warsaw School Board, District 6; Randy Polston, Warsaw District 4; and Elizabeth “Elle” Turley, Warsaw, District 3. Filing for school board elections in Indiana ends at noon Aug. 21.
The Democrats who have filed in Torpy’s office to fill ballot vacancies from the primary include Travis McConnell, middle district county commissioner; Noemi Ponce, county council at-large; Itanya Coon-Kauffman, county council at-large; and Lori Roe, county council at-large. The Republicans who won in the GOP primary for those seats include Cary Groninger, commissioner; and Sue Ann Mitchell, Joni Truex and Kathy Groninger for county council at-large.
The list will be updated weekly if there are additions. The election is Nov. 3.
ICE, ICE, BABY UPDATE – This past week’s guest at the weekly COVID-19 press conference at Warsaw City Hall was K21 Health Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad.
When asked for an update about an ice rink coming to Kosciusko County – which had nothing whatsoever to do with the coronavirus but inquiring minds wanted to know – he obliged.
First, he reminded everyone that K21 made a $1 million pledge to help bring an ice rink to the county. To keep the ice rink centrally located within the county, the location was to be either in Warsaw or Winona Lake.
“Both have been working on plans. I know Warsaw is still working on plans. We have just recently received plans from Winona Lake, so again, both communities have interest in that. We would love to see that come to fruition, obviously, for the benefit of our county. So there’s progress there, but really in kind of the clarification planning phase and then, again most recently, Winona Lake has put together a plan for our board to take a look at,” Haddad said.
‘MAGICAL’ BUCKET LIST – There was one last item to cross off her bucket list, and on Tuesday Jean Northenor did that.
While she has been riding horses since she was 3 years old, she hadn’t been on one for some time. A Tennessee Walker named Ginger at Magical Meadows, 3386 E. CR 525N, Warsaw, helped her cross that bucket list item off the list.
“Once a horse person, always a horse person,” she said.
Northenor said she rode for about 1-1/2 hours and also left impressed with the work that Magical Meadows and founder Tammy Stackhouse does.
“The dedication they have is amazing,” Northenor said.
According to www.themagicalmeadows.org, “Magical Meadows was created out of a love for horses and a belief that getting away from the noise and busyness of our everyday lives to connect with the natural world has the power to heal. We exist to provide a natural space for those with physical, mental or emotional challenges, along with their families, to experience the healing power of horses. Therapeutic Horseback Riding has multiple benefits for our clients. Through connecting with a horse, our clients can experience physical, mental and social healing.”
SHARP-DRESSED MAN – Another appearance by Community Corrections Director Barry Andrew before the Kosciusko County commissioners Tuesday provided a few chuckles over his wardrobe.
It began when Commissioner Brad Jackson told Andrew that he liked his shirt. A bright yellow dress shirt.
“Doesn’t my wife do a good job?” Andrew replied. “She got me new pants, too.” He then recalled that his soccer coach used to say, “You look good, you feel good, you play good,” and added, “So hopefully I look good today, at least one of the three.”
MASKS MANDATORY MONDAY – On Wednesday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced masks would be mandated in the state beginning Monday.
Here are some of the email statements we received about it since then.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar: “Too many Indiana companies, employees and their families are in their fifth month of financial turmoil. That will not change and our economy will not be on the full road to recovery until some certainty is brought to this uncontrolled pandemic. The wearing of masks is a proven strategy for protecting others and enhancing our health – both physical and economic. Governor Holcomb’s order is a necessary step at this time in continuing to reopen Indiana safely.”
Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) said, in part: "I wholeheartedly agree with the governor's new mandate for mask wearing across the state. Medical professionals have, for some time, called for mask mandates as cases rise across the state and country. Just as we must wear seat belts to protect ourselves while driving, we must now wear a face covering to ensure we can keep all Hoosiers safe.”
We ran this statement from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer – who supports the mask mandate – in a story Thursday, but we’re repeating it here in case you missed it the first time: “Wearing a face coverings inside public spaces or outside where social distancing is not possible protects yourself and those around you. With the importance of a safe return to school and to avoid moving ‘backwards’ in our efforts to get through this, I ask that we all comply with the governor’s mandate,” said Thallemer. “From day one, our state has utilized public health data to support its response to all phases of this pandemic. The science is clear that the use of face coverings is easy and very effective.”
Dr. Lisa Hatcher, MD, president of the Indiana State Medical Association, said: “The Indiana State Medical Association applauds Gov. Holcomb’s courageous leadership to require face masks for all Hoosiers throughout the state. This mandate is a necessary step to reverse the rising trend of COVID-19 and protect Indiana’s health care system from further strain. Face masks are a proven and effective tool to prevent transmission of the coronavirus and will allow Hoosiers to more safely visit their doctors for the preventive and ongoing care needed to stay healthy.”
While Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill agreed Wednesday night that, “Scientists tell us that wearing face masks is an effective means of helping prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” he also said, “The wisdom of wearing masks – or of laws requiring such measures – is not the issue here. Rather, the issue is whether we are following the proper and constitutional processes for enacting laws and whether we are respecting the distinct roles of each branch of state government.”
In a statement Thursday, Republican nominee for attorney general Todd Rokita said, in part, "Our laws did not anticipate the situation we have today and it has raised valid concerns about individual liberty while protecting public health. Our Emergency Disaster Law, like those in other states, was written with short-term incidents like floods, explosions, contamination spills, localized health endangerment, or even acts of terrorism in mind. The word ‘temporary’ exists repeatedly within this law. ... I look forward to our General Assembly clarifying this law, and if I am attorney general our governor, senators and representatives can count on my support working with them to reform the law, maximizing individual liberty while protecting the public."
Rokita beat Hill during the GOP state convention to become the attorney general nominee Nov. 3.
Democratic nominee for Indiana attorney general Jonathan Weinzapfel issued the following statement reacting to Hill’s advisory opinion opposing Indiana’s mask mandate (in part): “With the growing number of coronavirus cases across the state, I believe that Governor Holcomb made the right call. Wearing a mask is essential to stopping the spread and keeping Hoosier families safe, especially our kids as they prepare to return to school. ... Under Indiana law, the governor clearly has the authority during a public health emergency to institute a statewide mask requirement and I would gladly defend it in court. Curtis Hill’s position on this mask order should come as no surprise. This isn’t the first time he has played politics during the pandemic. ... The future of our state is at stake and I hope my Republican opponent and elected leaders from both parties join me in standing by this order.”
According to the Associated Press, on Thursday, Holcomb responded to Hill by stating he believed he had the necessary authority and wasn't worried about the mask order being challenged in court.
As of Friday morning, those who have filed for school boards with Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts Ann Torpy were Aaron Zolman for Tippecanoe Valley District 1; Adam Heckaman, Tippecanoe Valley District 2; Matt Deuel, Warsaw School Board, District 6; Randy Polston, Warsaw District 4; and Elizabeth “Elle” Turley, Warsaw, District 3. Filing for school board elections in Indiana ends at noon Aug. 21.
The Democrats who have filed in Torpy’s office to fill ballot vacancies from the primary include Travis McConnell, middle district county commissioner; Noemi Ponce, county council at-large; Itanya Coon-Kauffman, county council at-large; and Lori Roe, county council at-large. The Republicans who won in the GOP primary for those seats include Cary Groninger, commissioner; and Sue Ann Mitchell, Joni Truex and Kathy Groninger for county council at-large.
The list will be updated weekly if there are additions. The election is Nov. 3.
ICE, ICE, BABY UPDATE – This past week’s guest at the weekly COVID-19 press conference at Warsaw City Hall was K21 Health Foundation President and CEO Rich Haddad.
When asked for an update about an ice rink coming to Kosciusko County – which had nothing whatsoever to do with the coronavirus but inquiring minds wanted to know – he obliged.
First, he reminded everyone that K21 made a $1 million pledge to help bring an ice rink to the county. To keep the ice rink centrally located within the county, the location was to be either in Warsaw or Winona Lake.
“Both have been working on plans. I know Warsaw is still working on plans. We have just recently received plans from Winona Lake, so again, both communities have interest in that. We would love to see that come to fruition, obviously, for the benefit of our county. So there’s progress there, but really in kind of the clarification planning phase and then, again most recently, Winona Lake has put together a plan for our board to take a look at,” Haddad said.
‘MAGICAL’ BUCKET LIST – There was one last item to cross off her bucket list, and on Tuesday Jean Northenor did that.
While she has been riding horses since she was 3 years old, she hadn’t been on one for some time. A Tennessee Walker named Ginger at Magical Meadows, 3386 E. CR 525N, Warsaw, helped her cross that bucket list item off the list.
“Once a horse person, always a horse person,” she said.
Northenor said she rode for about 1-1/2 hours and also left impressed with the work that Magical Meadows and founder Tammy Stackhouse does.
“The dedication they have is amazing,” Northenor said.
According to www.themagicalmeadows.org, “Magical Meadows was created out of a love for horses and a belief that getting away from the noise and busyness of our everyday lives to connect with the natural world has the power to heal. We exist to provide a natural space for those with physical, mental or emotional challenges, along with their families, to experience the healing power of horses. Therapeutic Horseback Riding has multiple benefits for our clients. Through connecting with a horse, our clients can experience physical, mental and social healing.”
SHARP-DRESSED MAN – Another appearance by Community Corrections Director Barry Andrew before the Kosciusko County commissioners Tuesday provided a few chuckles over his wardrobe.
It began when Commissioner Brad Jackson told Andrew that he liked his shirt. A bright yellow dress shirt.
“Doesn’t my wife do a good job?” Andrew replied. “She got me new pants, too.” He then recalled that his soccer coach used to say, “You look good, you feel good, you play good,” and added, “So hopefully I look good today, at least one of the three.”
MASKS MANDATORY MONDAY – On Wednesday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced masks would be mandated in the state beginning Monday.
Here are some of the email statements we received about it since then.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar: “Too many Indiana companies, employees and their families are in their fifth month of financial turmoil. That will not change and our economy will not be on the full road to recovery until some certainty is brought to this uncontrolled pandemic. The wearing of masks is a proven strategy for protecting others and enhancing our health – both physical and economic. Governor Holcomb’s order is a necessary step at this time in continuing to reopen Indiana safely.”
Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) said, in part: "I wholeheartedly agree with the governor's new mandate for mask wearing across the state. Medical professionals have, for some time, called for mask mandates as cases rise across the state and country. Just as we must wear seat belts to protect ourselves while driving, we must now wear a face covering to ensure we can keep all Hoosiers safe.”
We ran this statement from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer – who supports the mask mandate – in a story Thursday, but we’re repeating it here in case you missed it the first time: “Wearing a face coverings inside public spaces or outside where social distancing is not possible protects yourself and those around you. With the importance of a safe return to school and to avoid moving ‘backwards’ in our efforts to get through this, I ask that we all comply with the governor’s mandate,” said Thallemer. “From day one, our state has utilized public health data to support its response to all phases of this pandemic. The science is clear that the use of face coverings is easy and very effective.”
Dr. Lisa Hatcher, MD, president of the Indiana State Medical Association, said: “The Indiana State Medical Association applauds Gov. Holcomb’s courageous leadership to require face masks for all Hoosiers throughout the state. This mandate is a necessary step to reverse the rising trend of COVID-19 and protect Indiana’s health care system from further strain. Face masks are a proven and effective tool to prevent transmission of the coronavirus and will allow Hoosiers to more safely visit their doctors for the preventive and ongoing care needed to stay healthy.”
While Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill agreed Wednesday night that, “Scientists tell us that wearing face masks is an effective means of helping prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” he also said, “The wisdom of wearing masks – or of laws requiring such measures – is not the issue here. Rather, the issue is whether we are following the proper and constitutional processes for enacting laws and whether we are respecting the distinct roles of each branch of state government.”
In a statement Thursday, Republican nominee for attorney general Todd Rokita said, in part, "Our laws did not anticipate the situation we have today and it has raised valid concerns about individual liberty while protecting public health. Our Emergency Disaster Law, like those in other states, was written with short-term incidents like floods, explosions, contamination spills, localized health endangerment, or even acts of terrorism in mind. The word ‘temporary’ exists repeatedly within this law. ... I look forward to our General Assembly clarifying this law, and if I am attorney general our governor, senators and representatives can count on my support working with them to reform the law, maximizing individual liberty while protecting the public."
Rokita beat Hill during the GOP state convention to become the attorney general nominee Nov. 3.
Democratic nominee for Indiana attorney general Jonathan Weinzapfel issued the following statement reacting to Hill’s advisory opinion opposing Indiana’s mask mandate (in part): “With the growing number of coronavirus cases across the state, I believe that Governor Holcomb made the right call. Wearing a mask is essential to stopping the spread and keeping Hoosier families safe, especially our kids as they prepare to return to school. ... Under Indiana law, the governor clearly has the authority during a public health emergency to institute a statewide mask requirement and I would gladly defend it in court. Curtis Hill’s position on this mask order should come as no surprise. This isn’t the first time he has played politics during the pandemic. ... The future of our state is at stake and I hope my Republican opponent and elected leaders from both parties join me in standing by this order.”
According to the Associated Press, on Thursday, Holcomb responded to Hill by stating he believed he had the necessary authority and wasn't worried about the mask order being challenged in court.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092