The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper

12/24/2025

LETTERS to SANTA

First Graders from
Blackford Primary School

Margaret Buettner's First Grade Class

Dear Santa, My name is Beckham and I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Malachi play at the gym. For Christmas I would love to get new toys. What I need most for Christmas is new jackets. I would like to give Malachi a new Optimus toy. Merry Christmas, Beckham

Dear Santa, My name is Jaxon and I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped many people when they fell down at gym. For Christmas I would love to get a drone that always works and is not hard for 6 year olds . What I need most for Christmas is a new pair of shoes and an xbox . I would like to give my sisters makeup. Merry Christmas, Jaxon

Dear Santa, My name is Carson and I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Malachi with a drawing. For Christmas I would love to get a Labubu. What I need most for Christmas is a water bottle. I would like to give a Labubu to Beckham and Rhett. Merry Christmas, Carson

Dear Santa, My name is Delilah. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped people when they fall down. For Christmas I would love to get a skateboard and a cotton candy machine. What I need most for Christmas is a pretty dress. I would like to give Raegan a matching cotton candy machine. Merry Christmas, Delilah

Dear Santa, My name is Aubrey. I am 8 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped mom clean the house. For Christmas I would love to get a talking Stitch. What I need most for Christmas is another coat. I would like to give a special necklace to my sister. Merry Christmas, Aubrey

Dear Santa, My name is Nora. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom clean the dishes. For Christmas I would love to get a K Pop Demon Hunter outfit. What I need most for Christmas is some more shoes. I would like to give a bracelet to a girl. Merry Christmas, Nora

Dear Santa, My name is Jase. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped someone when they fell, and helped my mom and dad clean. For Christmas I would love to get a toy panda. What I need most for Christmas is a drum set. I would like to give Aubrey some beads for a bracelet. Merry Christmas, Jase

Dear Santa, My name is Lyncoln. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom clean. For Christmas I would love to get a Labubu. What I need most for Christmas is a cat backpack, I would like to give toys to some people. Merry Christmas, Lyncoln

Dear Santa, My name is Salice. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped people when they get hurt. For Christmas I would love to get a star. Toy stars. What I need most for Christmas is chapstick for my backpack. I would like to give Hadley a little ninja that always farts. Merry Christmas, Salice

Dear Santa, My name is Ada. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped people in Kindergarten. For Christmas I would love to get my family. A Family picture, What I need most for Christmas is for my friends to visit me. I would like to give my family a big hug with everyone. Merry Christmas, Ada

Dear Santa, My name is Maverick. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom get stuff like food. For Christmas I would love to get a Nintendo Switch 2. What I need most for Christmas is. I would like to give a wheelchair to my mom. Merry Christmas, Maverick

Dear Santa, My name is Hadley.I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my parents and teachers clean. For Christmas I would love to get an our generation Christmas set. What I need most for Christmas is a new chapstick. I would like to give my mom cleaning stuff. Merry Christmas, Hadley

Dear Santa, My name is Beau. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped stand up for a friend getting bullied. For Christmas I would love to get a computer, What I need most for Christmas is a water bottle. I would like to give Raegan a Barbie. Merry Christmas, Beau

Dear Santa, My name is Rhett. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my family cook. For Christmas I would love to get construction trucks. What I need most for Christmas is a water bottle. I would like to give Pokemon cards to Maverick, Jaxson W, and Jaxon B. Merry Christmas, Rhett

Dear Santa, My name is Raegan. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped people when they get hurt. For Christmas I would love to get a Barbie Dream house. What I need most for Christmas is a new dress. I would like to give Maverick a Nintendo Switch 2. Merry Christmas, Raegan

Dear Santa, My name is Taylor. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mommy take care of my sister and puppy, For Christmas I would love to get earplugs. What I need most for Christmas is dog toys to keep in my and my sisters room. I would like to give an angel for my grandma. Merry Christmas, Taylor

Dear Santa, My name is Jaxson, I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom with the baby. For Christmas I would love to get a VR headset. What I need most for Christmas is my dad. I would like to give Rhett a Pokemon card. Merry Christmas, Jaxson

Dear Santa, My name is Jacob. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Jaxson pick up his Pokemon cards. For Christmas I would love to get a computer chair and hire people to make me a secret game room.What I need most for Christmas is new shoes. I would like to give a VR headset for me, Maverick, Rhett, and Jaxon. Merry Christmas, Jacob

Dear Santa, My name is Annabeth. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom put my clothes up. For Christmas I would love to get a Nintendo Switch. What I need most for Christmas is new clothes. I would like to give a gift to Nora because she is my friend. Merry Christmas, Annabeth

Dear Santa, My name is Malachi and I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped people when they fall down. For Christmas I would love to get legos and a flushie. What I need most for Christmas is a new sketchbook. I would like to give a picture to my friends. Merry Christmas, Malachi

12/24/2025

LETTERS to SANTA

First Graders from
Blackford Primary School

Julia Hiatt's First Grade Class

Dear Santa, My name is Emmy. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my little brother pick up his toys. For Christmas I would love to get jewelry, a new puppy, and a new kitten. What I need the most for Christmas is a new pair of shoes. I would like to give everyone holiday cheer. Merry Christmas! From: Emmy B.

Dear Santa, My name is Paisley. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom clean the house. For Christmas I would love to get a blanket, an American Girl doll, and a dog. What I need the most for Christmas is new clothes. I would like to give everyone a Christmas present. Merry Christmas! From: Paisley C.

Dear Santa, My name is Aniyah. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Grandma wrap up presents for everyone. For Christmas I would love to get a fishing rod, a PS5, and a yo-yo. What I need the most for Christmas is a big family Christmas party. I would like to give everyone presents. Merry Christmas! From: Aniyah C.

Dear Santa, My name is Amya. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom by taking care of my little brother. For Christmas I would love to get a Hello Kitty pants, a Stitch stuffy, and a Hello Kitty Stuffy. What I need the most for Christmas is a new puppy. I would like to give everyone a kitten. Merry Christmas! From: Amya H.

Dear Santa, My name is Lilah. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped mom to make Harlowś birthday cake. For Christmas I would love to get a kitten, a puppy, and a monkey. What I need the most for Christmas is a new kitten backpack. I would like to give every homeless person a meal. Merry Christmas! From: Lilah H.

Dear Santa, My name is McKenna. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom with my little brother and sister. For Christmas I would love to get a KPop Demon Hunter toy, icicle lights, and jewelry. What I need the most for Christmas are new pajamas. I would like to give everyone a Christmas Present! Merry Christmas! From: McKenna H.

Dear Santa, My name is Emma. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my family fluff our Christmas tree. For Christmas, I would love to get a barn that is 2 feet tall, a doctormobile for my sister, and a movie gift card. What I need the most for Christmas is a barn for all my stuffies. I would like to give some people books that I made. Merry Christmas! From: Emma H.

Dear Santa, My name is Julian. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Mrs. Hiatt because by running errands to the office for her. For Christmas I would love to get a Pie Face Game, a new pillow, and a pit bull puppy. What I need the most for Christmas is a dog. I would like to give my brother and sister a gift. Merry Christmas! From: Julian J.

Dear Santa, My name is Aubree. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my dad cook. For Christmas I would love to get KPOP Demon Hunters plushies and new shoes. What I need the most for Christmas are some new clothes. I would like to give everyone a present. Merry Christmas! From : Aubree L.

Dear Santa, My name is Rayah. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my younger brother by making him laugh. For Christmas I would love to get jewelry, KPOP Demon Plushie, and a KPOP toy. What I need the most for Christmas are new pajamas. I would like to give every homeless person a home. Merry Christmas! From: Rayah L.

Dear Santa, My name is Caleb. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom and dad by cleaning my room and the barn. For Christmas I would love to get a PS5, Nintendo Switch, and a phone. What I need the most for Christmas is a phone. I would like to give presents to kids that are in the hospital. Merry Christmas! From: Caleb M.

Dear Santa, My name is Lorraine. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom when her back was hurt. For Christmas I would love to get roller blades, necklace, and pipe cleaners. What I need the most for Christmas are roller blades. I would like to give everyone a handprint ornament. Merry Christmas! From: Lorraine M

Dear Santa, My name is Jaxon. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom at home. For Christmas I would love to get a golden switch and Vbucks. What I need the most for Christmas are new skins. I want them all. I would like to give my mom some flowers and a break. Merry Christmas! From: Jaxon M.

Dear Santa, My name is Lily. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped clean my parents room. For Christmas I would love to get a unicorn stuffie, a phone, and a tablet. What I need the most for Christmas are KPOP Demon Hunterś poster for my room. I would like to give my baby brother a toy. Merry Christmas! From: Lily M.

Dear Santa, My name is Malakai. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom and dad. For Christmas I would love to get Legos, a cow, and a lamb. What I need the most for Christmas is a cow. I would like to give everyone a present. Merry Christmas! From: Malakai P.

Dear Santa, My name is Presleigh. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my dad mow the lawn. For Christmas I would love to get a kitten, a puppy, and a necklace. What I need the most for Christmas are new clothes. I would like to give gifts to kids in the hospital. Merry Christmas! From: Presleigh P.

Dear Santa, My name is Kailend. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom clean the house. For Christmas I would love to get a yo-yo, a trampoline, and a Transformer toy. What I need the most for Christmas are a yo-yo. I would like to give food to all the homeless people. Merry Christmas! From: Kailend R.

Dear Santa, My name is Conner. I am 6 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my grandma by doing chores. For Christmas I would love to get a t.v., Transformer toy, and a jet. What I need the most for Christmas are Christmas Cards. I would like to give toys to kids in the hospital. Merry Christmas! From: Conner S.

Dear Santa, My name is Ellie. I am 7 years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Taylor go grocery shopping. For Christmas I would love to get a KPOP Demon Hunter, art kit, and LED lights. What I need the most for Christmas is an art kit. I would like to give my baby brother a toy. Merry Christmas! From: Ellie W.

12/24/2025

LETTERS to SANTA

First Graders from
Blackford Primary School

Amanda Wolfe's First Grade Class

Dear Santa, My name is Isebell. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my brother go down his slide. For Christmas, I would love to get slime. What I need the most for Christmas is a new blanket. I would like to give my brother a big monster truck. Merry Christmas, Isebell Holloway

Dear Santa, My name is Everleigh. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mommy with my baby sister. For Christmas, I would love to get Barbies. What I need the most for Christmas is a Labubu. I would like to give Damien a new Minecraft toy. Merry Christmas, Everleigh Rose Smith

Dear Santa, My name is Boston. I am six and a half years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped the elves. For Christmas, I would love to get a Labubu. I would like to give Malachi a Minecraft Lego set. Merry Christmas, Boston Smith

Dear Santa, My name is Charley. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom bring groceries inside. For Christmas, I would love to get a Labubu. What I need the most for Christmas is a cleaning set. I would like to give my mom some Grinch socks. Merry Christmas, Charley Grider

Dear Santa, My name is Kennedy. I am six years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Audrey H. For Christmas, I would love to get stuffies. What I need the most for Christmas is sticky notes. I would like to give my family pictures and figures of anime characters. Merry Christmas, Kennedy Cline

Dear Santa, My name is Ayden. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my grandma clean. For Christmas, I would love to get some suction cup shoes. What I need the most for Christmas is a workout machine. I would like to give my mom a microwave. Merry Christmas, Ayden Lechien

Dear Santa, My name is Memphis. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Ayden on his bottom on the swing. For Christmas, I would love to get toy katanas. What I need the most for Christmas is a Labubu. I would like to give Liam a new soccer ball. Merry Christmas, Memphis Rogers

Dear Santa, My name is Allen. I am six years old. I have been good this year. I have helped my dad clean the living room. For Christmas, I would love to get some games. What I need the most for Christmas is a Minecraft air hockey set. I would like to give my mom a new stuffy. Merry Christmas, Allen Wheeler

Dear Santa, My name is Maisie. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped mop. For Christmas, I would love to get a Labubu. What I need the most for Christmas is a hot tub. I would like to give my family a giant beanbag. Merry Christmas, Maisie Fox

Dear Santa, My name is Grayson. I have helped my mom and my Mamaw clean. For Christmas, I would love to get Minecraft. What I need the most for Christmas is pillows. I would like to give Chris some pillows. Merry Christmas, Grayson Whiteley

Dear Santa, My name is Jessa. I am six years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my cousin Deacon when he fell down. For Christmas, I would love to get a robot dinosaur. What I need the most for Christmas is a baby bunny. I would like to give my cousin Bishop an iPhone 20. Merry Christmas, Jessa Mitchell

Dear Santa, My name is Audrey. I am six years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom. For Christmas, I would love to get Among Us plushies. What I need most for Christmas is a jungle gym. I would like to give my sister an Among Us plushie. Merry Christmas, Audrey Hicks

Dear Santa, My name is Kiara. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped all of my friends pick up crayons. For Christmas, I would love to get an iPhone. What I need the most for Christmas is clothes. I would like to give my mimi a new phone. Merry Christmas, Kiara Tarr

Dear Santa, My name is Knox. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Caleb feel better when he is sad. For Christmas, I would love to get Roblox. What I need the most for Christmas is an iPhone 17. I would like to give Caleb a gold chain. Merry Christmas, Knox Barnes

Dear Santa, My name is Audrey. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped Mimi clean her home. For Christmas, I would love to get Roblox. What I need the most for Christmas is my family. I would like to give Sami an iPhone 15. Merry Christmas, Audrey Shields

Dear Santa, My name is Felix. I am seven years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom get a toy. I love you Santa. For Christmas, I would love to get my mom some apples. What I need the most for Christmas is an RC car for me. I would like to give my mom a present. I love you Santa. Merry Christmas, Felix Matos-Gonzalez

Dear Santa, My name is Gabriella. I am six years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my mom and my dad and my grandma. For Christmas, I would love to get roller skates. What I need the most for Christmas is roller skates. I would like to give Angel a Stitch stuffed animal. Merry Christmas, Gabriella Wisell

Dear Santa, My name is Jacob. I am six years old. I have been nice this year. I have helped my sister when she fell off of her bike. For Christmas, I would love to get a whole bunch of stuff. What I need the most for Christmas is a four wheeler. I would like to give my dad a four wheeler, too. Merry Christmas, Jacob Cummins

12/24/2025

Blackford's varsity boys basketball team won over Cowan, 63-50, on Saturday night, Dec. 20. - Photos by Chris Landis

12/23/2025

Blackford's junior varsity boys basketball team won over Elwood, 47-24, on Friday night, Dec. 19. - Photos by Chris Landis

12/23/2025

Blackford's varsity boys basketball team won over Elwood, 66-38, on Friday night, Dec. 19. - Photos by Chris Landis

12/22/2025

Robert Lincoln Harris, 53
He is the brother of Christi Harris, of Montpelier

Robert Lincoln Harris, 53, of Pennville, died quietly in his sleep at The Waters of Dunkirk on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Born in Marion on January 25, 1972, to William Keith and Roberta Lee (Edgington) Harris, he grew up the youngest of 10 children.
Lincoln attended Pennville Elementary and Jay County High School, Portland.
He loved music and all sports, especially football, cheering on the Indiana Hoosiers and his beloved Steelers.
Diagnosed with Type I Diabetes as a teenager, Lincoln experienced years of health struggles, including Gastroparesis that kept him ill for many years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta (Bobbi) Harris, nephew, Travis Horton, and grandparents, Basil and Nellie Harris and Robert and Helen Edgington.
Lincoln is survived by his two sons, Noah Harris and Breckin Harris; father, William (Bill) Harris Sr.; siblings, Christi Harris, of Montpelier, Bill Harris Jr (Cheri), of Pennville, Connie Brumbaugh, of Pennville, Jeff Harris, of Pennville, Andy Harris Sr. (Regina), Dunkirk, Wes (Lisa) Harris, of Bryant, Tom (Priscilla) Harris, of Canfield, Ohio, Alison (Rex) Mahon, of Dunkirk, and Andrea (David) Newton, of Vicksburg, Mich.; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A celebration of life will be conducted for Lincoln in the Spring of 2026.
Arrangements entrusted to Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home, 208 N. Commerce St., Portland.

12/22/2025

Alicia A. Williams, 81
She worked for Trauring Motors, Hartford City

Alicia A. Williams, 81, of Hartford City, passed away early Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2025, at her home, from complications of a recent stroke.
Born in Muncie on April 1, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Treva (Roberts) DePoy.
Alicia was a 1962 graduate of Pennville High School.
She continued her education in mathematics at Ball State University, Muncie, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees.
Alicia married L. Ray Williams in Hartford City on November 14, 1964. They celebrated nearly 43 years of marriage prior to his passing on July 16, 2007.
She worked for Trauring Motors, Hartford City, years ago in the bookkeeping department.
Alicia had formerly attended Eden Church, Muncie.
She also was active in raising awareness for domestic violence.
Alicia enjoyed boating, watching and attending Cincinnati Bengals games, tending to her roses and her various sewing projects.
Her family she leaves behind include daughter, Casey (Derek) Bonewit, and their children, Lonnie Bonewit , Leland Bonewit, Bentley Bonewit, Henry Walda and Nathan Walda; son, Alex (Jessica) Williams; daughter, Sydney Hendricks, and her children, Marcus and Josephine; sister, Rhonda (Roger) Sills; brother, Lowell (Rhonda) DePoy, and their children, Brian and Chad; niece, Robin (Brett) Surfus; great-nieces, Rylie and Brynna.
In addition to her parents and husband, Alicia also is preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer J. Cameron, on January 17, 2001, and her nephew, Aaron Sills.
A private viewing and gathering was conducted by Alicia’s family the weekend of Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.
Burial followed at Twin Hills Cemetery, Pennville.
Online condolences may be sent to Alicia’s family at www.WatersFunerals.com

12/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NGxC1zv2o/

🎉 Congratulations on 15 Years of Service! 🎉

The Hartford City Police Department proudly congratulates Lieutenant Daniel Johnson on 15 years of dedicated service. Reaching this milestone is a tremendous accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more proud to have Lt. Johnson representing our department.

Thank you, Lt. Johnson, for your commitment, leadership, and continued dedication to serving our community. Your service is truly appreciated! 👮‍♂️💙

12/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CnSEKJUUx/

12/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bun2NZR3e/

12/20/2025

Sherry L. Foss, 63
She is the mother of Jamie (Amber) Foss, of Bluffton, Josh (Anita) Foss, of Celina, Ohio, and Jennifer Dankson, of Montpelier

Sherry L. Foss, 63, of Bluffton, passed away on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 18, 2025, at her residence.
She was born in Bluffton on October 1, 1962, to James A. and Patricia J. (Miller) Foss.
Sherry was preceded in death by her mother. Her father survives in Berne.
A 1980 graduate of Bluffton High School, she was a hairstylist in Bluffton for many years, having owned and operated her own beauty salons.
Sherry was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and also loved Fort Wayne’s rock station, 98.9 The Bear.
In addition to her father, she is survived by two sons, Jamie (Amber) Foss, of Bluffton, and Josh (Anita) Foss, of Celina, Ohio; a daughter, Jennifer Dankson, of Montpelier; three sisters, Abby Foss, Rita Foss and Sara Watson, all of Bluffton; along with 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Visitation will be on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home, 3220 E. State Rd. 124, Bluffton, followed immediately by a funeral service at 2 p.m.
Pastor Billy Stanton will officiate.
Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery, Bluffton.
Memorial contributions in memory of Sherry may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.
Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Bluffton, has been entrusted with the arrangements.