Work Begun on Removing Huge Logjam

                                                                                                                    Photo by Rachel Jenkins
                    Employees of CRI Construction of Larwell, IN, pose beside a pile of logs removed from Wildcat Creek.  Left to right: Ron Schug, Brian Gibson, Moke Wallen, Pete Lampkins, Jeremiah Wittwer, Jeff Campbell

Submitted by Garry Hill,
local river paddler
   Contractors hired by the Indiana Dept of Transportation (INDOT) are working to remove a huge Logjam in Wildcat Creek near the Village of Jerome.   This Logjam has been blocking the flow of the Creek for many years, growing larger with every flood.
   The Logjam creates a huge danger for anyone traveling the Creek by Canoe or Kayak.  The impoundment above the Jam also creates unnatural conditions for streambank vegetation, killing trees and causing erosion for at least a mile upstream.  Floods are also creating new Creek channels that by-pass the jam.  One new channel is attempting to by-pass the Jerome Bridge, and dig thru the County Road.
   The process of removing the logs is muddy, wet, and ugly.  In addition, INDOT's plan includes stabilizing the Streambanks and remodeling the channels to protect the bridge and roadway.  When finished, the area below the Jerome Bridge will look like a battlefield for a while.  But Nature will return quickly, and in a few years very little of the work will still be visible.

Exhibit on Early Farming

   The Greentown Historical Society has a new exhibit highlighting the pioneer's progress in farming practices of Eastern Howard County.  Included in the current exhibit are antique farm tools, aerial pictures of farmsteads, plat maps, agriculture business histories and miniature farmstead models.
   The exhibit, 'Agriculture Through the Years' will run through June 24, 2012 at the History Center, 103 E. Main St., Greentown, IN.  Hours are Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays  1:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Appointments during holidays can be arranged by calling 628-3565.  Schools and Home School visits are welcome.  Call 628-3800 for arrangements for school visits.
Program on Agriculture in China
     On Sunday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. local farmer and businessman, Denny Maple, will present a program at the Historical Society Annex, 101 E. Main St., Greentown, concerning his recent Agriculture Tour to China.
   Included will be pictures and information concerning China's farming customs and progress in adapting modern technology.  The group he toured with visited 5 provinces and 4,500 miles, meeting each day with leading Chinese agricultural leaders.  They traveled through the forested area and observed the modern architecture of the cities with time spent at a street fair.  The public is invited to attend this informative presentation.  The facility is handicap accessible.
   

obituary - Jenkins

Fred Jenkins

Feb. 2, 1937 - Mar. 3, 2012

   Frederick Howard Jenkins, 75, Greentown, left his earthly home for an eternal one at 2:15 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Century Villa Health Care in Greentown. 
   He was born February 2, 1937, in Delphi, Indiana, the son of Howard G. and Irene (Golden) Jenkins.  He married Rachel Louisa Jordan on January 29, 1961, in Meridian Street Christian Church, Greentown.
   He was a 1955 graduate of Eastern High School and
attended Purdue University.  He was employed for a time by Continental Steel and the Marion-Chronicle Tribune.  
   Beginning 1964, he was a professional photographer, co-owning Jenkins Studio with his wife.  He was President of the Professional Photographers of Indiana 1975-76.  He obtained the degree of Master Photographer, awarded by the Professional Photographers of America.  He had formerly been a member of the Greentown Lions Club.  He was a member of South Side Christian Church in Kokomo and appreciated the beliefs and practices of many religions.  In lieu of military service, he served his country as a Conscientious Objector 1960-62, working in Home Hospital in Lafayette. 
   He enjoyed his milk goats and sharing cheese made from their milk.  He learned several heritage crafts, including black-smithing, wood working, spinning and weaving.  In all things, he willingly shared his knowledge and leaves behind many people who learned to spin or weave from him.
   Fred is survived by his wife, Rachel; son Mark Jenkins and
wife Lisa of Goldsmith; daughter Sarah Cotton of Greentown; daughter Heather Jenkins and husband Rick Mouser of Tipton, and son-in-
law, Michael Altman.  He is also survived by granddaughter Abby Altman and grandson Eric Altman and step-grandchildren, Kim Reecer, Courtney Reecer, Rick Mouser and wife Brandi, Micah Mouser and wife Rayna, and Nicholas Mouser and wife Stephanie, and seven step-great grandchildren.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, 3 brothers-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, and several cousins. 
   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Jenkins.
   Memorial contributions in Fred’s name may be made to Heifer International, P.O. Box 1692, Merrifield, VA 22116-1692 or online at www.heifer.org. or Greentown Historical Society, P.O. Box 313, Greentown, IN 46936.
   Visitation for the family was held March 11.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.
   Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com

obituary - Hensley

Betty Jean Hensley

Feb. 18, 1933 - Mar. 7, 2012

   Betty Jean (Swanson) Hensley, 79, Greentown, left this earthly home to be welcomed into her Heavenly home at 4:34 p.m. Wednesday March 7, 2012 at St. Joseph’s hospital surrounded by her family both in spirit and in person.   Betty was born on February 18, 1933 in St. Andrews Bay, Florida to Clayton Louise Craft.  She was raised by her Grandparents, Len and Leta Hudson.
   Betty attended the Bay County (FL) school systems.  She car-hopped during her summer breaks and after school in the Panama City Florida area.  It was during this time that she stole the heart of a certain young Air Force boy from Greentown, Indiana. Lawrence Hensley.  They were married on May 24, 1954 in Panama City.  They returned to Greentown following Lawrence’s discharge from the Air Force.  Lawrence passed away in December of 2009.
   Betty became a farmer’s wife, a daughter-in-law and a mother, grandmother and finally a great grandmother and fantastic cook, all of which she loved being known as up until she drew her final breath.  She worked briefly out of the house for the cafeterias at Howard Community Hospital and also Szabos  cafeteria at Chrysler.  She retired from working outside the house in 1980.She was always the “scalloped potato supplier” to any dinners that Lawrence and his co-workers decided to have at work at Chrysler.
   She was a member of the Christian Church.  She had just finished her goal of re-reading her Bible from Genesis to The Revelation before her 79th birthday.
   Betty is survived by her children, Leta Gayle Hensley of Kokomo and  Edgar Lawrence Hensley of Tomball, Texas,  grandchildren Anthony (Debbie) Emery of Greentown and Jennifer Nicole Hensley of Kokomo.  She is also survived by three great granddaughters, and a great grandson.  Also surviving are Hubert “Pete” (Annette) Jansenius, South Carolina, who she helped to raise and Arthur (Annette) Jansenius of Florida and a sister Annette Montain also of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her mother, two uncles and a brother, Raymond Jansenius, a sister Martha Collins and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edgar and Zella Hensley.
   Funeral services were at Jerome Christian Church 9535 E 100 S Greentown Monday, March 12 with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.  Hasler & Stout Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.haslerstout.com

obituary - Kirkpatrick

Wilda K. Kirkpatrick

Nov. 14, 1928 - Feb. 29, 2012

   Wilda K. Kirkpatrick, 83, Greentown, died at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at Century Villa Healthcare in Greentown. She was born Nov. 14, 1928, in Howard County to Von and Verna (Swan) Gentis. On Feb. 25, 1948, in Indianapolis, she married Robert Kirkpatrick and he preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 2008
   Mrs. Kirkpatrick had been a homemaker and farm wife. She graduated from Union Township High School, and was a member of the former Antioch Christian Church. She attended First United Methodist Church, and was a member of the Swayzee Order of the Eastern Star, Willing Workers Antique Society and she was a member of the Red Hat Society of Braden Castle in Braden, Fla. She enjoyed cooking.
   Survivors include a son, Bryan (Susan) Kirkpatrick, Greentown; a daughter, Janet (Stan) Middlesworth, Greentown; five grandchildren, Rev. Laura Kirkpatrick McMasters (Daniel), Pulsiki, Tenn., Andrea Kirkpatrick, Remington, Jenna Kirkpatrick, Ann Arbor, Mich., Father Kevin Middlesworth (Karen), Wheaton, Ill., and Brooke Middlesworth and fiance Josh Chapman, Muncie; four great-grandchildren, Sophie McMasster, Phinehas Middlesworth, Julian Middlesworth and Oliver Middlesworth; a sister in law, Maxine Gentis, Marion; aunts Joan Spurgeon and Esther Shelley; and several nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Rex Gentis; and three grandchildren, Shawna Middlesworth, Amber Middlesworth and Matthew J. Kirkpatrick.
   Funeral services were Monday, March 5, at First United Methodist Church, 127 S. Meridian St., Greentown, with Rev. Michael Goodspeed officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.
   Memorial contributions may be made to the Greentown First United Methodist Church Building Fund and/or Gideons International. Arrangements were handled by Hasler-Stout Funeral Home Greentown. Online Condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com

obituary - Stahl

Philip H. Stahl

Aug. 18, 1929 - March 1, 2012

   Philip H. Stahl, 82, Greentown, died at 8:46 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Century Villa Health Care in Greentown. He was born Aug. 18, 1929, in Howard County, the son of Francis F. “Dutch” and Violet (Lamb) Stahl.
   Philip was a 1947 graduate of Greentown High School, and a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph College, Rensselaer. He was a retired revenue officer for the Internal Revenue Service. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and past grand knight from 1989 to 1990 in Bradenton, Fla. He was also a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and the Elks Lodge. He served his country as corporal in the U.S. Army.
   Philip is survived by his son, Michael F. Stahl and his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Toni L. Jones and her husband, Bill; a sister, Helen Hickman; four grandchildren, Ryan Jones, Amanda Stairs and her husband, Nathan, Taylor O’Connell and her husband, Daniel, and Brittney Stahl; one great-grandchild, Marshall O’Connell.
   A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, March 5, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 S. 200 West, Kokomo, with the Rev. Fr. Joshua Bennett officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown with military honors provided by the American Legion.
   Memorial contributions in Philip’s name may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.hasler- stout.com. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown assisted the family with arrangements.

obituary - Stahl

Philip H. Stahl

Aug. 18, 1929 - March 1, 2012

   Philip H. Stahl, 82, Greentown, died at 8:46 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Century Villa Health Care in Greentown. He was born Aug. 18, 1929, in Howard County, the son of Francis F. “Dutch” and Violet (Lamb) Stahl.
   Philip was a 1947 graduate of Greentown High School, and a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph College, Rensselaer. He was a retired revenue officer for the Internal Revenue Service. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and past grand knight from 1989 to 1990 in Bradenton, Fla. He was also a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and the Elks Lodge. He served his country as corporal in the U.S. Army.
   Philip is survived by his son, Michael F. Stahl and his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Toni L. Jones and her husband, Bill; a sister, Helen Hickman; four grandchildren, Ryan Jones, Amanda Stairs and her husband, Nathan, Taylor O’Connell and her husband, Daniel, and Brittney Stahl; one great-grandchild, Marshall O’Connell.
   A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, March 5, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 S. 200 West, Kokomo, with the Rev. Fr. Joshua Bennett officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown with military honors provided by the American Legion.
   Memorial contributions in Philip’s name may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.hasler- stout.com. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown assisted the family with arrangements.

obituary - Julius

Conni Sue Julius

 Mar. 14, 1948 - Mar. 3, 2012

   Conni Sue (Click) Julius, 63, Greentown, passed away at 11:24 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012, at St. Joseph Hospital and Healthcare. She was born March 14, 1948, in Frankfort, to James Earl Click and Jean (Turner) Click. On Aug. 28, 1993, in Kempton, she married Ronald L. “Ron” Julius, and he survives.
   Conni graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1966 and then attended Vincennes University. She had worked at Delco-Delphi and retired in 2001 after 30 years of service. Conni loved volleyball and enjoyed Las Vegas, playing the slots, traveling and camping in their RV. She loved her grandkids and spending time with them.
   Survivors are husband Ronald “Ron” Julius, Greentown; daughter, Tamara (Jason) Shepard, Kokomo; son, Michael (Hannah) Julius, en route to Jakarta, Indonesia; grandchildren, Zachary and Alexis Shepard; brother, James (Virginia) Click, Scircleville; sister, Debbie (Author) Faulkner, Scircleville; brother, Jeff Click, Kokomo; father and mother-in-law, William “Bill” and Mary Lou Julius, Greentown; niece and nephews, Erick Click, Joshua Click, Gabe Faulkner, Austin Faulkner, Jesse Click, Cara Click; and several special aunts, uncles, great-nieces and great-nephews and many dear friends.
   She was preceded in death by her parents.
   Funeral services were Wednesday, March 7, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, with Pastor Michael Goodspeed officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.
   Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com

obituary - Vallosia

Joseph D. Vallosia


April 6, 1938 - Feb. 28, 2012

  
   Joseph D. “Danny” Vallosia, 73, Greentown, died at 7:26 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at his home. He was born April 6, 1938, in Vigo County, the son of Joseph D. and Anna (McKillip) Vallosia. On Sept. 20, 1957, in Greentown, he married Connie J. Vallosia, who preceded him in death July 11, 2011.
   Danny was employed by Kingston Products for 24 years. He went on to work for K-mart Automotive, Hulces Supermarket and Eastern Elementary School.
   He loved gardening, watching Indiana University basketball, Cubs baseball, Notre Dame football and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. Danny coached little league in the 1960s and ’70s and softball in the early 1980s.
   He was a 20-year member of the Greentown Special Police.
   Survivors include his five children, Debbie Hainlen (Len), Greentown, Danny Vallosia, Greentown, Kim Sprague (John), Walled Lake, Mich., Dennis Vallosia, Greentown, Tami Mann, Greentown; seven grandchildren, Jason Towne, Kayla Vallosia and her fiance, Jonathan Harris, Eric Hainlen, Brandon Hainlen and fiance, Kourtney Cox, Christopher Sprague, Erik Mann and Sara Mann.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two children, Kenneth Vallosia and Kandie Vallosia.
   Funeral services were Friday, March 2, at Hasler and Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, with Pastor Lynn Coleman officiating. Private burial will be at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.
   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout. com.J

Obituary - Hudson

Donald L. Hudson

March 2, 1919 - Feb. 28, 2012

   Donald L. Hudson, 92, Greentown, died 1:28 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Howard Regional Health System. He was born March 2, 1919, in Shirley, to Hobart H. And Ruth (Johnson) Hudson. On Sept. 20, 1942, in Laramie, Wyo., he married Lyla Jean (Craig) Hudson, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 27, 2005.
   Mr. Hudson owned and operated Hudson’s Fine Foods. He opened his first store in
November 1945 and continued working there until he retired on May 20, 1980.
   He graduated from Green-town High School in 1937.
   Mr. Hudson served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 25, 1941, until Nov. 9, 1945.
   He belonged to the Masonic Lodge.
   Don enjoyed boating on his pontoon, fishing and also watching Colts football.
   He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lunsford, Greentown; sisters, Mary Lou and Bill Julius, Greentown, and Helen Greene, Kokomo, and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister, Wynema Crites; and brothers, Landon Hudson and Robert Hudson.
   Services were Saturday, March 3, at Hasler and Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, with Pastor Michael Goodspeed officiating. Burial followed the service in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greentown.
   Online condolences can be made at www.hasler-stout.com.

Flash Backs

Flash Backs
Gleaned from the Howard County News

March 1952

Purchases Business

   Full ownership of the Hamburger Inn passed to Merl Ross this week with purchase of Maurice Peyton’s share in the partnership, according to an announcement by the two men.
   The eating establishment was originally purchased by Ross in 1942.  Peyton joined him in December of 1942.
   Peyton said he had no plans for the immediate future.

Civic Center Employs Program Supervisor

   At their meeting Tuesday night, the Civic Center Board voted to secure the services of Calvin Kistler as supervisor of the Youth program at the Civic Center.
   Mr. Kistler, who met with the Board, discussed plans for the future.  During the month of March, he will observe the present program.  Then starting in April, he will direct activities each Friday and Saturday night for the youths of the community.
   A teacher in the Eastern High School and leader of the local Boy Scout organization, Mr. Kistler is well qualified to direct a program which will be both entertaining and instructive.

Just Before Deadline

   A recent story about a place named Punkeydoodles Corner has turned up some information on other strange names.  Punkeydoodles Corners is the center of a controversy in Ontario, Canada, where several counties are fighting for the honor of listing it within their borders.
   Publication of this story sent National Geographic Magazine researchers scurrying into their files to find a counterpart for Punkeydoodles Corners in the United States.  Not that it’s important, but the researchers wondered if there was any such name gracing an American community.
   Several lulu’s were found, including a place called Delirium Tremens.  There was another named Mugfuzzle Flat, but the daddy of all seems to be owned by a town in Wales, England, which is Lianfairwllwyngyilgoerychwyrndrobwillantysiliogogoch.  The editor suggests the people in that town in Wales refer to their city as “that town.”
*****
   Mark Mast inadvertently became an electrical “conductor” this week while installing an electric range.  As he was shoving it into position