Shopping Guide News of Fulton County

Shopping Guide News of Fulton County A weekly publication featuring news and information from Fulton County and the surrounding areas. The largest circulation publication in Fulton County.
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Classmates and family of the late Carl David Johnson gathered at Rochester High School at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, ...
10/05/2025

Classmates and family of the late Carl David Johnson gathered at Rochester High School at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to honor the Vietnam War soldier with a commemorative flag.

Johnson, a 1970 Rochester High graduate, was killed in action on Feb. 11, 1972, while serving with the U.S. Army’s 359th Transportation Company.

The flag, donated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1343 and the John Michael Shirley Memorial Fund, was presented by VFW Post Commander Kurt Nichols in memory of Johnson, who was driving a military transport loaded with fuel when he was killed in Vietnam.

Classmate Paul Shirley, who lives in Albuquerque, coordinated the tribute but was unable to attend due to illness, with classmate Joanna Janna helping orchestrate the event hands-on.

Shirley’s efforts were described as selfless by classmates present at the ceremony.

“Paul is a wonderful person,” said Janna. “He remembers people and he wants to honor and remember them.”

Shirley served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years and is recognized by classmates as someone who consistently acts to honor veterans and friends.

Johnson was born June 10, 1951, in Watervliet, Mich., to George and Dorothea Johnson. He was the third son and sixth child in his family. After relocating to Indiana, he attended Rochester schools and graduated in 1970.

On Aug. 1, 1970, he married Karen S. Holloway and became stepfather to her daughter, Deanna Kay. While serving in Vietnam, his daughter Kimberly Sue was born. He is survived by three grandchildren.

Johnson’s name is listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 02W, Line 105, in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

During the ceremony, two Rochester High School Eagle Scouts from Troop No. 219 — sophomore Joshua Desonia and senior Andrew Shull — helped lower and fold the school’s flag, a task normally performed by RCSC Head Custodian Dawn Mappin.

RHS Principal Oscar Haughs noted the importance of connecting current generations with the legacy of those who served.

The flag presentation is part of ongoing efforts by the Rochester High alumni and the VFW Post No. 1343 to honor local veterans.

“This flag represents more than just cloth,” said Janna, “It represents Carl’s life, his service, and the connections he made with all of us.”

The ceremony concluded as the flag was raised to full staff on the high school’s flagpole.

By Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

10/04/2025

The 33rd annual Chili Cook-Off and 29th annual Red Hot Car Show will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in downtown Rochester.

Kasey Lee, Fulton County’s assessor, has spent more than 20 years in the community, raising her family and building a ca...
10/04/2025

Kasey Lee, Fulton County’s assessor, has spent more than 20 years in the community, raising her family and building a career focused on serving residents.

Lee, who also serves as president of the Fulton County Women’s Republican Club and works with federal bills through the National Association of Counties, is recognized for her efforts to make local government accessible.

This year, she was honored by NACO for her mobile office initiative, which brings county services directly to residents, assisting with property questions, permits, and homestead credits.

She was also named District Representative of the Year for the Northwest District by the Indiana County Assessors Association.

“I try to come to the people instead of them having to come to me,” Lee said. “We’re always looking for ways to help residents navigate government and understand their property.”

Born and raised in Fulton County, Lee returned as an adult to raise her children.

She said the county’s sense of community and family ties have kept her here.

Both her children have remained connected to the area — her daughter works in local dairy farming, while her son is employed in county government and is working toward a career in law enforcement.

Lee also has a grandchild on the way in December and enjoys the role of “Mimi” in her family.

Outside of her official duties, Lee enjoys traveling, particularly to Michigan, where she collects beach glass and explores antiques.

She also volunteers locally, including with the Shop With A Cop program for Fulton County, where she helps children during the holiday season while dressing as an elf, and with the Emergency Management Agency, assisting with storm assessments and event safety.

Lee lives in a rural part of the county with her husband, Marty Lee, a lifelong Fulton County resident, and their dogs.

She says living in the country provides a peaceful environment, though she sometimes misses the convenience of town living, like making it to the grocery store for a small forgotten item.

Her approach to her work as an assessor involves not just administrative duties but also problem-solving and helping residents understand complex property laws.

“People come in frustrated or upset, but often leave with more understanding of their situation,” she said.

She noted that the county has no control over state-mandated property valuations, which can lead to confusion when tax bills rise due to higher property assessments.

Despite the challenges, Lee said she finds fulfillment in assisting residents, often identifying exemptions or opportunities they may not have known about, including disability tax exemptions and other relief programs.

For Lee, community service extends beyond her job.

“I’ve met so many good people here who’ve pulled me into different ways to help,” she said.

From volunteering at local events to mentoring the next generation, Lee’s dedication to Fulton County residents is both professional and personal.

By Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

10/03/2025

🏈 GAME DAY...
Caston Comets 🆚 Triton Trojans
Week VII of IHSAA football is here..
The Triton (Bourbon, IN) varsity football team has a home conference game vs. Caston (Fulton, IN)
And you won't want to miss it!
Back your boys to victory, or stream it online at bit.ly/IHSAA-tv2025
Game Date: On Friday, October 3 | Kick-off 7p.
Tickets will be sold at the school gate!!

10/03/2025

Free meal will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Rochester Grace Church, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester. Meals are served by Rochester Grace Chruch, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, and Mill Creek Missionary Church. All are welcome. Take-out is available.

The Democratic Party of Fulton County hosted its annual JFK Dinner Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds,...
10/03/2025

The Democratic Party of Fulton County hosted its annual JFK Dinner Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, bringing together party members, candidates, and residents to discuss elections, civic engagement, and local issues.

The event, orchestrated by Democratic Party President Joshua Zehner, ran from 3 p.m. to approximately 6 p.m., with dinner served by the Log House Restaurant of Argos.

Doors opened at 3 p.m. with drinks and conversation, followed by speeches and candidate introductions.

Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Joe Donnelly addressed the crowd at 4 p.m., emphasizing the importance of local organization and accountable leadership.

“If you are running for office, if you are serving in office, you can’t serve afraid. Because you work for the people of Fulton County. You work for the people of Indiana. Not for Donald Trump. Not for Governor Braun. Not for them. You work with them. But you work for the people here,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly recounted his time in Congress, explaining that his focus was always on local constituents.

He highlighted his efforts to protect jobs in Kokomo, saying, “Remember, in Kokomo, there were two congressmen. Two. Me and another fellow. Those (manufacturing) plants were going to live or die. 5,000 people worked there. And the other guy voted no. But you gave me the chance to be in office and support it.”

During the 2008-2009 auto industry crisis, Donnelly advocated for federal assistance to Chrysler, helping protect the Kokomo transmission plant and its roughly 5,000 jobs. His support for the bailout was pivotal in keeping the plant open and preserving the local workforce.

He also described his experience negotiating with the Obama administration to ensure that national policy worked for Indiana.

“I told the president, ‘I work for the people of Indiana, Mr. President. I work with you. But I work for them. And to get this passed, you need to put these things in.’ And it was not happening,” Donnelly said.

On the topic of elections and civic engagement, Donnelly stressed voter participation and local organizing.

“Every vote counts. Every vote makes a huge difference. So when we organize and we know who’s voting and we turn out our voters, we win. We win,” he said.

He noted that Indiana ranked No. 50 out of 50 in voter turnout during the 2022 midterm elections, emphasizing the need to engage residents who may feel disenfranchised.

Donnelly also addressed state-level issues, including property taxes, toll roads and infrastructure. He recalled fighting against toll roads in Indiana, stating, “If you’re driving in Indianapolis, you shouldn’t have to pay $5 to get down Highway 465. That’s wrong.”

Featured speaker Corinne Straight, a social media political commentator known for Plots and Politics on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, spoke at 4:30 p.m.

Straight focused on educating voters and demystifying politics, particularly for inactive voters.

She said, “Even inactive voters, that number is growing. And the conversations that we are going to have with people are going to be based around, why does your quality of life suck? It’s not any of the reasons you’ve been told. Here’s the real reason.”

Straight highlighted economic inequality and historical context, noting, “When Reagan took office in 1980 … Keep making rich people richer. And trickle-down economics … It’s never worked. People at the top keep the money.”

She compared historical household expenditures to today, saying, “If we look in the 1970s, the average American household … about 3% of our annual income went to health care. … Back in 1978, the average American paid about 15% for housing. Today, we’re looking at 40%. You had less than a quarter of your 1975 pie going to two necessities … You have more than half of your pie now going to those two necessities.”

Straight also emphasized historical activism, citing figures like John Lewis, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and W.E.B. Du Bois to illustrate the long-term commitment required for social change.

“If we get to plant a tree and keep planting trees and we never get to see those trees bear fruit … Does it mean it wasn’t worth it? To me, no,” she said.

She connected this to modern voter engagement, urging residents to run for office and participate at the local level.

At 5 p.m., candidates running for Fulton County offices were introduced. Dinner followed at 5:30 p.m., rounding out the evening.

President Zehner said the JFK Dinner serves as an opportunity to educate voters and encourage civic engagement.

“There are federal, state, county, towns, townships, school boards, and precinct chairs and vice chairs up for election next year. If you know anybody who would want to run, get in contact with me. We will get them on the ballot,” he said.

The annual dinner honors the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and encourages active participation in government, from local offices to national representation.

Text and photo by Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

10/02/2025

Lakeview Campground will have its fall festival from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Pumpkin painting, hayrides, bonfire, corn maze, trick-or-treating.

Community members gathered on the Fulton County Courthouse lawn Sunday afternoon, Sept. 28, for a prayer and worship ser...
10/02/2025

Community members gathered on the Fulton County Courthouse lawn Sunday afternoon, Sept. 28, for a prayer and worship service honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The vigil, held between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., was organized in less than a week by Evelyn “Evie” Pickens, a Rochester native, who said she felt called to host the event after learning of Kirk’s death.

“I just really love our town and our community, and I felt like this was something that would benefit us,” Pickens said. “Even if people don’t understand why some in our nation are grieving, there’s no reason to treat anyone badly over it.”

Pickens, a 2020 home-school graduate now enrolled in Liberty University’s online law school, said she turned first to her father, Brian Goodman, Rochester City Council president, for assistance.

“The only benefit for me was my dad knew maybe you should check with the commissioners first,” Pickens said.

Goodman connected her with the Fulton County commissioners, who called a special meeting on Friday, Sept. 26 to approve use of the courthouse lawn.

Pickens met on Wednesday, Sept. 24 with Pastor Howard and the worship team from Church of the Heartland, who agreed to provide music and assist in planning the order of service.

“They helped guide me on the best way to structure this so it would be effective, powerful and meaningful for everybody who came,” she said.

Goodman opened the vigil with a welcome and a prayer. He thanked the Heartland worship team and noted that a county honeybee hive relocation was occurring on the east side of the courthouse, asking attendees to avoid that area.

“Lord, we lift every person here and pray for blessings on them,” Goodman prayed. “We pray for unity in this community, in this state, in this nation.” The Heartland worship team led music, with QR codes posted around the lawn linking to song lyrics so attendees could follow along.

Pickens addressed the crowd with remarks about national events and faith, sharing a passage from 2 Kings 6 that she said brought comfort after hearing of Kirk’s assassination.

“Even when it feels like this evil, this heavy darkness is winning, this passage is a reminder that we are not alone,” she said. “God is real. He is in charge. Evil will never win.”

Pickens urged attendees to take an explicit stand on faith.

“The best way we as a country, as a nation, as a community can honor Charlie Kirk is to take rest in the arms of our savior, Jesus Christ,” she said.

Pickens, who described herself as “plainly … a Christian” and “a believer,” said anyone who wants to hold a similar event would need to contact the county commissioners and request a meeting.

She noted that her father’s position on the city council helped her understand who to approach, but said the application and approval were still her responsibility.

She credited family members for their help. Her sister photographed the event, and Goodman offered logistical support.

“Family effort,” Pickens said. “I really appreciate everybody who stepped up to help me do it.”

Pickens said the quick approval process shows how other residents can organize similar events.

“Contact the county building, see about how to get in touch with the commissioners’ office, and talk to them,” Pickens said.

“If it’s something they want to entertain, they’ll schedule a meeting about it.”

The phrase “entertain” reflects the commissioners’ decision-making over events on the courthouse grounds. County commissioners decide which requests to place on their agenda and whether to approve public uses of county property.

The service concluded with small prayer circles across the courthouse lawn.

Text and photos by Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

The Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 31st annual Duane Hackworth Golf Outing on Sunday, Sept. 21, at ...
10/01/2025

The Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 31st annual Duane Hackworth Golf Outing on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Round Barn Golf Club in Rochester.

The charity tournament teed off at 1 p.m. and featured a four-person scramble format.

The annual event honored the late Duane Hackworth, a longtime community member and supporter of the fire department.

Proceeds from the outing benefited the department, which relies on fundraising and community support to maintain equipment and training for its volunteers.

Over three decades, the outing grew into one of the department’s primary fundraising traditions, drawing golfers from across Fulton County and surrounding areas.

Players also competed for unique prizes. This year’s trophies were hand-carved by local craftsman Hop Carver, who shared photos of the finished pieces on social media.

The custom-made awards added a personal touch to the outing and highlighted the involvement of community partners.

The four-person scramble format kept play fast-paced and competitive while allowing golfers of all skill levels to participate.

Past tournaments have seen both seasoned golfers and beginners team up for an afternoon of camaraderie on the course.

The Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department, based in Akron, provides fire and emergency response service for the township and surrounding areas.

With a staff primarily composed of volunteers, the department relies heavily on events such as the golf outing to fund upgrades to protective gear, trucks and training resources.

The golf outing continued a tradition that began more than three decades ago as a way to honor Hackworth’s contributions and ensure the department remains well-equipped to serve the community.

By Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer. Photo curtesy of Hop Craver's page.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

Residents and visitors enjoyed picturesque views around Fulton County this week, with several popular local sights highl...
09/30/2025

Residents and visitors enjoyed picturesque views around Fulton County this week, with several popular local sights highlighted in recent photographs.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the trails at Prairie Edge Nature Park, off North US 31, were bathed in the colors of sunset, offering a tranquil scene for fishermen and nature enthusiasts.

The following morning, Thursday, Sept. 18, the Round Barn Golf Club welcomed the sunrise, illuminating the iconic barn and historic wooden carving out front of the golf course.

Also on Sept. 18, sunrise over the Rochester Courthouse provided a clear view of the memorial river rocks and the commemorative plaque marking the Trail of Courage, a historical site recognized within the community.

Each location offered residents and visitors alike a chance to capture the county’s natural beauty and local heritage through photography.

Text and photos by Libby Hubbard, Staff Writer.
https://www.shoppingguidenews.com/

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