Tribune-News

07/23/2025

LARWILL – Whitko Community School Board of Trustees named two principals and a data specialist / head basketball coach Monday, July 21, 2025: JD Maurer, Whitko Junior High School Principal, Caleb Logan, Pierceton Elementary School Principal and Drew Benedict, PowerSchool administrator and head varsity boys basketball coach.

Dr. Amy Korus highlighted Maurer’s and Logan’s change in positions during Monday’s meeting. She said, “When we talked about moving some administrators around and filling some gaps, knowing we needed to make some cuts this year, everyone jumped in with little questioning to do what the district needs. Thank you, to both of you for taking your roles.”

Maurer, of Fort Wayne, is changing positions from Whitko Junior Senior High School Assistant Principal to take the junior high head administrator position for sixth through eighth grades. He replaced Jon Baker as assistant principal in the fall of 2021, having been hired as a physical education teacher at the high school for the 2021-2022 school year. He also taught business classes at Whitko in 2018-2019.

He graduated from Angola High School in 1999, graduating with 606 career points in track and field, a school record he still holds. He attended Trine University on a full scholarship for football and track, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2003. In 2015 he earned a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

He has held a number of retail and commercial business management positions, and has since returned to education. He has coached high school football, track and field and strength and conditioning.

"I have always admired and respected the hard work and dedication of our staff, which of course, includes our talented middle school team,” he said. “I hope to bring a sense of identity to Whitko Junior High, and provide our students with a rigorous learning environment, accountability to rules and practices, and a safe, enjoyable atmosphere to flourish and grow as young adults and future leaders.

Logan is changing positions from Director of Alternative Services and assistant director of the Whitko Career Academy to Pierceton Elementary School Principal. He replaces Christy Haupert who resigned earlier this month. He is the boys junior varsity basketball coach, too. He was second assistant principal at WJSHS when he was initially hired in the fall of 2023.

Logan was an alternative education lead teacher for West Noble High School and an English and business teacher at Westview Junior Senior High School. He has a master’s degree from Western Governors University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.

He and his family live in Syracuse.

“I am excited to join the Pierceton Elementary community as principal. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff, supportive families, and incredible students as we continue to build a positive and engaging learning environment, Logan said.

Drew Benedict was hired as the school district’s data specialist and as boys varsity basketball head coach. He replaces Pam Baker, who retired, as data specialist and Robert Warrick, who resigned, as basketball coach.

He most recently was Director of Operations at Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Knoxville, Tenn., since 2021; Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, from 2019 to 2020 and Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach at Huntington University from May 2016 to May 2019.

He earned a master’s degree from Huntington University in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree, also from Huntington University in 2017.

At Monday’s meeting, Benedict said, “I want to thank Dr. Korus; Barry Singrey, the athletic director; Mr. Buchanan, the IT director, and the board. I am extremely grateful, extremely honored and very excited to get started. Whitley County is my home. I'm from this area, I know how important high school athletics are and how impactful they are. So I’m very excited to immerse myself in the Whitko community, the school corporation and the athletic department. I can’t wait to get started. Go, Wildcats.”

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

06/06/2025

06/04/2025

SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko Community Schools graduated 85 students during a commencement program Friday, May 30, 2025 in the Whitko Junior Senior High School gymnasium.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Korus welcomed the families, relatives and friends of the graduating class members, reminding the students they were Wildcats now, would always be Wildcats and always welcome home.
Valedictorian Gwen Howard and Salutatorian Cassidy Skinner addressed their classmates and WJSHS Principal Jodie Clark wished them well in this new phase of their lives.
WJSHS assistant principal JD Maurer called the role of graduates as school board members Scott Werstler, Georgia Tenney, Micah Cokl, Lynn Studebaker and Deb Thomas assisted with the diplomas.
Each graduate also received a white rose, their class flower.
The 2025 graduating class members of Whitko Junior Senior High School are:
Kaylee Nicole Adkins -- Student Council member
Braxton Cole Akers
Carter Elkren Bradley
Hope Jo Bradley -- Academic Honors
Grady Jason Daniel Branning -- Academic Honors
Holly Roxanne Branning -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Olivia Ann Brincefield
Braxton Lee-Christopher Bromley
Amy Elaine Brown -- Academic Honors & Technical DiplomaNational Honor Society -- Student Council member
Addison Kohl Bumgardner -- Technical Honors Diploma
Dylan Lee Cassidy
Magdalynn Grace Clark -- Academic Honors-- Whitko Medallion -- Student Council member
Savannah Ann Clark
Zariah Marie Coffelt
Amber Rose Conley
Brooklyn Penelope Mae Cooley -- Technical Honors Diploma
Keaton Andrew Cornell -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Mikayla Oriel Craft
Aleeya Lillie Cramer
Madison Caroline Cripe -- Academic Honors -- Whitko Medallion
Jillian Mae Culp -- Technical Honors Diploma -- Student Council member
Keeli Patricia Dennis
Owen Riley Donnelly
Tessa Kay Eiler
Keagan Allen Elkins
Brennan Wayne Enyeart
Holly Marie Esterline
Trevor William Freel -- Academic Honors
Elizabeth Opal Gable
Adeline Rose Garr -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma -- Whitko Medallion-- Student Council member
Jaylen Darrell Gibson -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Easton Andrew Grable -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Gabriella Mae Griffith -- Technical Honors Diploma -- Student Council member
Riley Thomas Harman
Emerson Faye Harper -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Braisha Lynae Harrison -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Slade Alan Hathaway
Clifford Reece Hawkins
Kale Edward Hepler
Addison Sherie Holbrook
Guy Aiden Howard -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma -- Whitko Medallion
Gwen Ann Howard Valedictorian -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma -- Whitko Medallion
Logan Grace Howard
Isaac Wade Irwin -- Academic Honors -- Student Council member
Kyle Robert Jackson
Emily Joleen Jordan
Micah James King
Breyden James Kirkdorffer
Jayce David Lee
Peyton Marie Leon
Hannah Elizabeth Long -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma
Juan Alfonso Macias-Nino -- Academic Honors
Robert Christopher Menzie
Araceli Meyo-Tecualt
Kanyon Brody Michael
Kristopher Elec Ryan Miller
Caroline Lilian Mohr
Felipe Joseph Morales-Hernandez
John Phillip Morgan
Ethen Lee Morris
Dillon Dean Mort
Chaselynn Marie Neer -- Academic HonorsNational Honor Society-- Student Council member
Lily Ann Osborn
Traven Keith Ousley
Aliyah Nicole Patrick
Adriyanna Rae Phillips -- Student Council member
Michael Brandon Lee Prater
Nathan Dale Price
Carli Arlene Reeser
Annalise Catherine Rios -- Technical Honors Diploma-- Student Council member
Kohen Jason Schipper -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma -- Student Council member
Josephine Danielle Scott -- Technical Honors Diploma
Cassidy Sue Skinner – Salutatorian -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma -- Whitko Medallion – National Honor Society
Lillian Rashel Sleighter
Carle Jo Sroufe -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma-- Whitko Medallion – National Honor Society-- Student Council member
Hayley Jean Stevens
Autumn Elyse Studebaker
Hannah Nickole Thomas -- Academic Honors & Technical Diploma-- Whitko Medallion
Chloe Mae Thompson
Avery Ella Tucker
Destiny Jean Tuttle
Lucas James Wagner
Bailey Grace Wolfe -- Technical Honors Diploma-- Whitko Medallion-- Student Council member
Ella Kay Yarger
Hank William Yarger

05/29/2025

SOUTH WHITLEY – Four long-time Whitko Community Schools employees were honored at a retirement luncheon at Whitko Junior Senior High School Thursday, May 29, the district’s last staff day for the 2025-26 school year.
Larua Farlow was a high school AP / Dual Credit English teacher and media specialist, who worked for Whitko for 38 years.
Michael Hanback, a 32 year veteran, taught science and was a long-time golf coach.
Teressa Hall retired after 32 years as the high school administrative assistant and attendance officer.
Jean Kessie, who retired in February, was the high school guidance secretary. She was a 23 year Whitko employee.
At the end of year breakfast earlier in the day, retirees Tracy Rhodes, 42 years; LuAnn Dunlap, 34 years and Donna Sauer, 28 years, also were recognized.
“ As they close this chapter and begin a well-earned retirement, we offer our deepest gratitude for their years of service. Their influence will continue to be felt in the halls of our schools, in the hearts of our students, and in the spirit of our community. We wish each retiree happiness, health, and fulfillment in the years ahead,“ said Whitko superintendent Dr. Amy Korus.
Marking their 35th year at Whitko are Cindy Hatton, Randy Lemler and Tammy Wise; 25-years – Virginia Childs, Barbara Tucker and Laura Wheeler; 20-years – Michelle Badskey; 15-years – Stephanie Craig; 10-years – John Fullenkamp ; and five-years – Chris Benedict, Sandy Benedict, Chad Dahms, Jade Hollenbaugh, John Irwin, David Geske, Amanda Johnson, Molly Long, Brenda Selking and Carmen Sterling.

Retiring Whitko Junior Senior High School teachers and administrative staff were recognized by colleagues, families and friends during a luncheon at WJSHS Thursday, May 29. Above, from left, are science teacher Mike Hanback, guidance secretary Jean Kessie, administrative assistant Teressa Hall and English teacher Laura Farlow.

05/19/2025

SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko Jr./Sr. High School held a 2025 Senior Scholarships and Awards program Friday morning,.

04/23/2025

Buchanan named Whitko Director of Technology

LARWILL – Matt Buchanan was named Director of Technology for Whitko Community Schools at the Monday, April 21, 2025 school board meeting.

Buchanan, of Fort Wayne, begins employment with Whitko July 1. He is the Director of Technology at DeKalb County Central Schools, Waterloo, where he’s worked for the last four years. He was the data specialist and physics teacher for MSD of Steuben County nine years before becoming a member of DeKalb Central’s administration.

Dr. Amy Korus, Whitko’s superintendent, said, “Matt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, having started his career as a teacher and worked his way up to Central Office.”

Buchanan, who attended Monday’s school board meeting, said, “It’s nice to be here, coming from DeKalb Central. I’m anxious to jump in, assess where we’re at, where we’re doing very well and where we want to improve. I’m all about improvement and excited to sit down with staff members. My ultimate goal is to make sure teachers and students aren’t thinking about technology. They’re all focused on the classroom and the classroom’s activities.”

04/23/2025

Tyree named Whitko teacher, head coach

LARWILL – Whitko Community Schools’ school board members and staff welcomed Thomas Tyree as a physical education / health teacher and head football coach at Whitko Junior Senior High School. Tyree’s employment was approved by the school board members at their Monday, April 21, 2025 regular meeting.

Tyree, of Fort Wayne, said he has been excited about attending the school board meeting for two weeks. “I want to thank the school board and community and I look forward to meeting parents and the start of next year.”

Tyree replaces Brad Sprunger as head football coach. Sprunger resigned earlier this spring. Tyree comes to Whitko from Southwood Junior Senior High School, a fellow member of the Three Rivers Conference. The Knights, as well as the Wildcats, were 0-10 last season. Tyree was North Side’s defensive coordinator for three seasons.

Tyree attended Indiana Wesleyan University; has a master’s degree from Northcentral University and a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, where he also was a defensive back for the Cardinals. He graduated from Elmhurst High School.

“Whitko Athletics is excited to welcome Thomas Tyree as the next new leader of our football program,” said athletic director Barry Singrey. “Coach Tyree comes to Whitko with experience, energy and enthusiasm to continue building Whitko football. We look forward to working alongside him throughout the seasons to come.”

04/23/2025

Cliff Hawkins Gains Real-World Experience at Fox Products, Inc.

Press Release- South Whitley- Whitko High School senior Cliff Hawkins is putting his education into action through a hands-on Capstone experience at Fox Products, Inc., a respected musical instrument manufacturer located in South Whitley, Indiana. Cliff is gaining valuable real-world experience while contributing directly to the production of professional-grade instruments.

Cliff’s responsibilities at Fox Products include soldering, assembly, and precision work using a drill press and countersink to prepare key components. He also operates a belt sander to remove imperfections from keys and other parts, ensuring each instrument meets the company’s high standards. Once completed, Cliff helps prepare the finished instruments for shipment, knowing that his attention to detail plays a part in a musician's performance.

What makes Cliff’s journey especially meaningful is the strong connection between his job and his academic pathway. Cliff has completed three years as an engineering student and successfully fulfilled the Engineering Pathway at Whitko Career Academy. The skills he learned in class—such as technical drawing, problem-solving, tool safety, and precision measurement—have translated directly to his role at Fox Products.

Looking to the future, Cliff plans to enroll in a two-year postsecondary program in engineering technology. His experiences in the classroom and on the job have solidified his passion for the field and prepared him for the next step in his career journey.

Fox Products, known for crafting world-class bassoons and oboes, continues to support youth in the community by offering meaningful work-based learning opportunities. Cliff Hawkins’ story is a shining example of how career pathways and partnerships with local industry can prepare students for success beyond high school.

04/23/2025

Garage Sale rest stop available at library
Any long journey needs a rest stop, and shopping at all the garage sales during the annual South Whitley Garage Sale is a trip.
When you need a break from all the sales, stop by the library and take a breather. The auditorium will be open from 9 to 3:45 on Friday, April 25. Have a seat and enjoy a few minutes of rest and relaxation with cartoons playing on a loop all day. The restrooms, with baby-changing stations, as well as water fountains and a water-bottle filling station by the front entrance are available to all. You can enter the auditorium through the Maple or Columbia street doors, or through the main entrance.
While you’re here, take the opportunity to check the status of your library card, or sign up for a library card, and be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Staff members will be available in both the auditorium lobby and on the main floor of the library to assist you.
You can also check out our book sale located near the fireplace on the main floor. Books are 25 cents each. Please make your selections and pay at the front desk. The book sale runs Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 during library hours.
The library will be closed on Saturday, April 26.

03/13/2025

Fish Fry!!