Carla Waters
Verified- Regional Editor, Kankakee Valley Publishing Company, Monticello Herald Journal
- Regional Editor, Kankakee Valley Publishing Company, Rensselaer Republican
- Managing Editor, Iroquois County Time-Republic
Watseka
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Articles by Carla Waters
T&D Metal Products celebrates 75 years
T&D Metal Products celebrated 75 years with a party in Watseka’s Legion Park. The Aug. 14 event included activities for people of all ages including music, bingo, bounce houses and food trucks. The opening ceremony included words from guest of honor Roger Dittrich, former president of T&D Metal Products and D&D NAPA, Watseka Mayor Benny Marcier, Shane Dittrich, chairman of the board of Iroquois Industrial Group, and Jerry Cooper, chief executive officer of Iroquois Industrial Group.
In support of veterans
From the breakfast in the morning to the music in the evening, the 14th Annual Goodstock Music Festival kept the major goal at the forefront. Supporting veterans. The event was conducted at Foster Park in Goodland Aug. 15. It featured the Goodstock Motorcycle Ride, which also supported veterans. Goodstock raises funds for the Jasper Newton Foundation’s Veterans Assistance Fund. That fund helps veterans in Newton and Jasper counties.
Area residents recovering from storms on Aug. 11
The Fountain and Warren counties area is still recovering from storms last week. The National Weather Service at Indianapolis issued updated flood warning information for the Wabash River Aug. 16. The warning is in effect utility 9:30 p.m. EDT Aug. 20. As of Sunday, the Wabash River at Lafayette was at 19.3 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. The highest stage during the previous 24 hours was 19..5 feet.
Area residents recovering from storms on Aug. 12
The Fountain and Warren counties area is still recovering from storms last week. The National Weather Service at Indianapolis issued updated flood warning information for the Wabash River Aug. 16. The warning is in effect utility 9:30 p.m. EDT Aug. 20. As of Sunday, the Wabash River at Lafayette was at 19.3 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. The Highest stage during the previous 24 hours was 19..5 feet.
2026 Covington Apple Fest Queen, Junior Miss to be crowned Aug. 29
Contestants for 2026 Covington Apple Fest Queen and Junior Miss will compete Aug. 29 for those crowns. The pageants, directed by Amy Thompson, Covington Apple Fest chairperson and Covington Business Association secretary will be at 3 p.m. EDT Aug. 29 at the First Baptist Church in Covington. The pageants are sponsored by the Covington Business Association. The 2025 Junior Miss Delilah Burke will crown the new Junior Miss. The 2025 Apple Fest Queen, Alexis Myers, will crown the new queen.
Watseka Family Festival set for Aug. 27-29 in Legion Park
The Watseka Family Festival is two weeks away and the weekend is packed with activities. The event is Aug. 27-29 in Legion Park. Activities begin at 4 on Aug. 27 with the FFA selling pork chop sandwiches until 8 p.m. and Inflatable Fun happening until 9 p.m. Local group A Natural High will perform from 5-6:30 p.m. and an All Faith Service will be from 6:30-7 p.m. Faith on Fire will perform from 7-9 p.m. The festivities b begin at 4 p.m. again on August.
Local man earns Mr. Indiana title in bodybuildng
A local resident recently earned the title Mr. Indiana. Marquest Douglass competed in the 2026 NPC Premier Muscle & Indiana State Champions in Muncie on Aug. 1. It was there he won the Overall Men’s Physique championship, for which he earned the Mr. Indiana title. “The Indiana State Championships are limited to Indiana competitors, making this an especially meaningful title for me as a local resident,” he said.
Local man earns Mr. Indiana title in bodybuildng
A local resident recently earned the title Mr. Indiana. Marquest Douglass competed in the 2026 NPC Premier Muscle & Indiana State Champions in Muncie on Aug. 1. It was there he won the Overall Men’s Physique championship, for which he earned the Mr. Indiana title. “The Indiana State Championships are limited to Indiana competitors, making this an especially meaningful title for me as a local resident,” he said.
Out for a walk
It will soon be a year since Watseka Walks was born. The group meets weekly and walks around the community. “We launched it Nov. 1, 2025. That was a Saturday. Tuesday of that week I went to the city council to make them aware that this little walking group was going to kick off that Saturday at Lakeview Park. We had it set up that we were all going to met up at the brand new fitness court. We wanted to draw attention to the fitness court and then go for a walk.
Onarga man killed in Gilman work accident
An Onarga man was killed in a work accident at Incobrasa in Gilman Aug. 3. Iroquois County Coroner Bill Cheatum said his office responded after being called to the site. Adrian Moreno Munoz, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene after he apparently fell from the top of one of the freight cars. The initial call went to I-COMM dispatch about 7:30 a.m. for a person who fell from a freight car. Cheatum said a crew was filling train cars with feed at the plant and six or seven cars had been filled.
54th annual Earl Park Fall Festival planned for Sept. 4-7
The 54th annual Earl Park Fall Festival will be Sept. 4-7. The events begin with the opening flag raising at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 4. A fish fry will follow at the Cardinal Roost that will be served by the Fowler Rotary from 5:30-8 p.m. Bluegrass music will be on the stage with Chris Morel at 7 p.m. and Daily and the Bear at 8 p.m. Breakfast at the Cardinal Roost will kick off Sept. 5 events from 7-11 a.m. The men’s softball tournament lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the ball diamond.
Crowd celebrates in Downtown Monticello for Summer Nights Finale: Red, White and Tuness
Downtown Monticello was filled with people July 31 as hey celebrated the first Summer Nights Finale: Red, White and Tunes. Enjoy White County and Streets of Monticello Association partnered for the event, which included live music, food and celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Season 19 winner of America’s Got Talent, Richard Goodall, performed for the crowd. Also performing was local band, ROADiO.
54h annual Earl Park Fall Festival planned for Sept. 4-7
The 54th annual Earl Park Fall Festival will be Sept. 4-7. The events begin with the opening flag raising at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 4. A fish fry will follow at the Cardinal Roost that will be served by the Fowler Rotary from 5:30-8 p.m. Bluegrass music will be on the stage with Chris Morel at 7 p.m. and Daily and the Bear at 8 p.m. Breakfast at the Cardinal Roost will kick off Sept. 5 events from 7-11 a.m. The men’s softball tournament lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the ball diamond.
New Watseka mural expected to be completed by Harvest Daze
A new mural is coming to Watseka and you can help if you wish to do so. Watseka Community Renewal conducted a survey, offering three possible mural designs. Option two was the winner. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit members announced the winning entry at the July 25 Watseka Farmers Market. Group member Helen Gerber spoke about the project that day. She said the mural will be at 203 E. Walnut, which is near the corner of Walnut and Fourth, next to the vacant lot.
Goodstock - Operation Restoring Hope set for Aug. 15
Goodstock — Operation Restoring Hope Music Festival will be Aug. 15. This is the 14th year for the event in Goodland’s Foster Park. It is a veteran fundraising concert benefitting the Jasper Newton Veteran’s Assistance Fund. The live music event will include three acts this year. The event will be rain or shine, according to organizers.
Polk earns Ultimate Showman title
Kenzie Polk is White County’s Ultimate Showman. She and seven others took part in the event on the last day of the fair. The event includes a representative from each of the barns at the fair and the participants must show animals from each of those barns. Polk was the rabbit representative.
Delphi Main Street to present Old Settlers
Delphi Main Street will present the 171st Old Settlers Aug. 6-8. The event will include live entertainment, food, carnival rides, local vendors and more. Festivities will be from 5-10 p.m. August. 6 with Dan’s Fish Fry being served from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Live music will be at 7 p.m. by Samuel Harness. Aug. 7 the events will take place from 5-10 p.m. There will be a carnival, food and vendors. Live music by Grace Scott Band will be at 7 p.m. Aug.
School to begin in Warren County Aug. 11
MSD of Warren County is gearing up for the new school year. With registration at each building ending July 31, the district has announced lots of information to parents about the new year. Students at all schools will need to pay for meals this year. Breakfast will be $2.25 and lunch will be $2.75. All families are encouraged to fill out the free and reduced meal application when registering for school. The first teacher day is Aug. 10 and first student day is Aug. 11.
Alivia Porter is Iroquois County Master Showman
Alivia Porter is the Iroquois County Fair Master Showman. Evan Harpster is the reserve Master Showman. They and seven others competed in the event the morning of July 17 at the fairgrounds. That included Kempton DeOrnellas, who is from Ford County. He is the Ford County beef barn showman and Master Showman Overall for Ford County. Both the Ford Master Showman of Showmen and Iroquois Master Showman of Showmen will represent their respective county at the state fair in August.
Making commodities creative
Corn, soybeans and wheat are used in a variety of ways. Ross Kindig of Brook found a way to turn them into an art project that also celebrates the U.S.A. “I just thought it would be cool to make a collage-style image out of colored kernels. I was originally going to just use corn, but then I thought soybeans and wheat would add just a different texture and make it look cooler than just corn kernels. The America 250 logo seemed like a fitting thing to make this year,” he said.
Jillian Norris crowned Miss White County
Jillian Norris is the 2026 Miss White County 4-H Fair Queen.She was crowned on opening day of the fair, July 18. This is the 65th anniversary of the Miss White County Queen Pageant. First runner up and Miss Congeniality is Kinsey Felker. Second runner up is Clara Wamsley. Ella Schneider was named Junior Miss White County. Also selected at the pageant that night were Mallory Brown as Little Miss and Anders Haselby as Little Mister.
South Newton grad earns Newton County Fair Purchase Award for charcoal art
The Purchase Award at the Newton County Pun’kin Vine Fair Domestic Arts Building went to Forest Nyberg. Dr. Loretta Wernert made the purchase of Nyberg’s charcoal drawing of a cat. “I’ve been on a little bit of a kick this summer of drawing cats,” he said, noting that this piece of artwork was not of a specific feline. He said leading up to the fair he worked on some practice pieces.
Kynnedi Kanosky named Miss Iroquois County Fair
The Iroquois County Fair kicked off with a queen contest that saw Kynnedi Kanosky of Gilman crowned as Miss Iroquois County Fair. She is the daughter of Chris and Kasey Kanosky and a 2023 graduate of Iroquois West High School. She is attending Illinois State University and studying early childhood education. Taylor Bright of Watseka is the first runner up. She is the daughter of Sara Baker and Thomas Bright.
Dyer crowned Miss Newton County Fair
Macyn Dyer was crowned Miss Newton County Fair July 13. Emma Wagoner is first runner-up and Kayleigh Burton is second runner-up. Jr. Miss Newton County is Lexy Howell. First runner-up is Luvia Fryer, who is also Miss Congeniality. Dyer, from Goodland, is 18 and will be a freshman at Ball State University, where she will study speech language pathology. She is a 10-year 4-H member, qualified three times for the cross country regional, and was class of 2026 vice president.
Warren County Public Pool hosts grand opening
After several years of hard work and collaboration, the Warren County Public Pool officially opened July 11. The community celebrated with a day-long event that highlighted the many people who helped make the effort possible. Vickie Strickler, Director of Summer Parks Program / Pool/ Manager, said the event was “a packed house”. “We are beyond thankful for the overwhelming support our community showed at the Grand Opening of the Warren County Public Pool,” she said.
Kentland Federal Savings and Loan Association closed by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Banking officials say no money was lost by customers as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency permanently closed Kentland Federal Savings and Loan Association of Kentland July 10. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as receiver, according to information in a press release July 10, which is the same day of the closure.
Many activities organized to celebrate July 4 in Watseka
Watseka conducted a big July 4 celebration with activities all day long. The City of Watseka parade conducted by the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce had more than 60 entires.
Theme Nights part of Fountain County Fair
From Fountain County Night Out July 10 to the closing day of the fair on July 16 fairgoers will have many activities to enjoy. 4-H and FFA youths have worked hard on their projects this year and that hard work will show during the week. There are several theme nights, starting with the July 10 Fountain County Night out. This is sponsored by the Fountain County Sheriff’s Office and is designed to bring law enforcement and the community together.
Attica provides annual drinking waters quality report
The City of Attica has provided the annual drinking water quality report to the public. The report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report, highlights Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. “This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water,” reads the report. Those who have questions are asked to contact Eric Swank, director of Public Works at 765-299-6215.
She's Golden!
A Watseka teen has earned the highest award possible in Girl Scouts. Sophie Deem recently earned the Gold Award. She is a member of Girl Scout Troop 2925. Only 5.2 percent of eligible Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award. according to information from Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. There are 20,000 Girl Scouts in the GSCI council, and 11 earned the Gold Award in 2026. To complete the Gold Award criteria takes at least 80 hours of work.
Swiss exchange student enjoyed time in Watseka
A foreign exchange student from Switzerland recently reflected on her time in Watseka. Nora Lang attended Watseka Community High School for one year. She came in August and left in early June. In Switzerland students graduate at 15. She said she didn’t want to start a job right away and wasn’t ready to go to college yet. In looking at the exchange program, she felt that was the next step that was right for her.
Local governments slated for Community Crossings funds
Local governments are slated for Community Crossings matching infrastructure grants from the State of Indiana. Gov. Mike Braun’s office announced June 30 that more than $84 million were awarded to 147 cities, towns and counties. Locally, those awards are going to (additional awards for FY 2026): Kentland — $136,648, Mount Ayr, $292,964, Otterbein, $132,877.18 and Remington, $229,974.40.
Fountain County Fair slated for July 10-16
The 2026 Fountain County 4-H Fair will be July 10-16. There are a number of 4-H events happening July 10, including the poultry show at 8 a.m., the rocket launch at 8:30 a.m. and the rabbit show at 1:30 p.m. The Fountain county Sheriff’s Night Out event will be from 5-8 pm. July 11 will see the dairy cattle show at 9 a.m., the dairy goat show at 11 a.m. and the model tractor pull judging from noon to 4 .m.
Covington native awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by governor
A Covington native says he was humbled and honored to receive a prestigious state award recently. Chuck Jones also carries his Fountain County roots with him. Jones was recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Mike Braun June 19. This is the highest honor that can be awarded to an individual by the Indiana governor and it is a way to highlight the contributions that individual has made to the state.
North Newton honors retirees, purchases playground equipment
Two North Newton School Corporation retirees were honored at the June 17 board meeting. Annie Rowland and Karen Misiora were recognized for more than 30 years of service. “We wish you all the best in retirement. For over three decades you have shaped generations of students, inspired countless young minds and left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. Your dedication, patience and possession for education have made an immeasurable difference in ours school community.
Public invited to celebrate football in Pine Village
The Pine Village Football Festival will be June 27. The day begins with a community breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at the Pine Village Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 on South Main Street.
South Newton students earn Hoosier FFA Degree
South Newton High School FFA Chapter recently announced that five members earned the highest degree awarded by the Indiana FFA Association — the Hoosier FFA Degree. Sophie DiRuzza, Grayson Harton, Hannah Snodgrass, Kayleigh Burton and Trinity Barracks earned that degree.
Morocco EF-0 tornado confirmed by National Weather Service from June 11 storms
The National Weather Service announced June 19 confirmation of another tornado in Newton County during the June 11 storms. The EF-0 tornado was confirmed near Morocco and had peak winds estimated at 85 miles per hour, according to information from the NWS. This puts the number of tornadoes confirmed in the NWS Chicago office area of responsibility at 21. The storms and tornadoes occurred June 11 from northern and central Illinois into northwest Indiana. Also announced June 19 was Gov.
June 11 storms produced at least four tornadoes in Iroquois County
As the area braced for another round of storms, weather officials have said that at least four tornadoes hit the Iroquois County area last week. After surveying was done by local officials and the National Weather Service of the damage done by the June 11 storms, the first three tornadoes were confirmed.
Covington Fourth of July celebration to begin June 29
The 66th annual Covington Fourth of July Festival will kick off June 29 and runs through July 4. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. June 29 with the opening ceremonies that lead into the 7 p.m. pageant night, which includes the Sparkler Pageant, Firecracker Pageant and Queen Pageant.
Illiana area cleans up after storms, possible tornado
Cleanup is continuing in the Illiana area after storms went through the evening of June 11. By the morning of June 12 power was being restored in many locations, but others were still without power, including Newton and Benton counties in Indiana and Iroquois County in Illinois. In Morocco, the police department posted that they had spoken with NIPSCO officials. " I just spoke with a NIPSCO employee in town.
Illiana area cleans up after storms, possible tornado
Cleanup is continuing in the Illiana area after storms went through the evening of June 11. By the morning of June 12 power was being restored in many locations, but others were still without power, including Iroquois County in Illinois and Newton and Benton counties in Indiana.
Updated: Illiana area cleans up after storms, possible tornado
As cleanup continued earlier this week in the Illiana area, including in Newton County, storms were threatening more severe weather mid-week. Several communities around the county were hit by severe weather June 11 and many people were without power. Newton County Emergency Management Agency officials said on June 14 that they had been working with the National Weather Service to survey storm damage in the county.
Cooling centers established in Iroquois County
As the summer heat climbs, local officials are urging people of cooling center locations in the county. There are seven communities with at least one designated cooling center, according to information from Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency Director Scott Anderson. The cooling centers will operated during the normal business hours of each site.
Watseka approves raises, other financial matters
The Watseka City Council approved several financial matters at the May 26 full council meeting. Among those were pay increases for department heads and non-union employees. The pay increase for Police Chief Eric Starkey and Deputy Police Chief Mark Harris was 7 percent and retroactive to May 1. After the meeting, Mayor Benny Marcier said this was in line with the police union contract. Harris also received a one percent longevity pay retroactive to May 1.
From Hawai'i to the Heartland - album release party conducted for Brook man's music
The Harvest Hangout in Goodland was filled with music lovers recently for the album release party of Jerry Medeiros of Brook. Melodies and Rhythms is available on all streaming platforms and is filled with original songs and covers. “I was just going to go and record songs I had recorded just for my family,” he said. “When I got to the studio and started recording the songs, my producer said ‘it would be a shame if you don’t share this with the world’.
Memorial Day service conducted by Watseka American Legion Post 23
Watseka American Legion Post 23 presented a Memorial Day service May 25 at Legion Park. The event included Earl Kroll singing “The Star Spangled Banner”, Pastor Brent Zastrow for opening and closing prayers, Mayor Benny Marcier with opening remarks and Mike Monroe as the keynote speaker. Commander Rick Ziebart welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “It’s a very special day of remembrance for all of those who have fallen in defending this great nation,” Ziebart said.
Heeren, Morris named Times-Republic Students of Year
The Times-Republic Students of the Year for 2026 are Lydia Heeren and Austin Morris. Each year the newspaper collaborates with the school teachers who help select the honored students. This year’s honorees are accomplished, thoughtful and community-minded. Lydia Heeren is the daughter of Josh and Erin Heeren. She was drum major for the WCHS Marching Warriors, was involved in jazz band and also Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club and FCCLA.
Goodland's Harvest Hangout Play Café honored
The Harvest Hangout Play Café in Goodland was celebrated May 26 when the Indiana Small Business Development Center in Indianapolis was on hand to present the Main Street Business of the Year Award. Jon Myers, vice president of Small Business and State Director of Indiana Small Business Development Center, spoke about owners Zahira Montoya and Mirahida Kindig and the café.
Morocco celebrates with Beaver Fest Original
There was no shortage of things to do in Morocco this Memorial Day weekend as the community celebrated with Beaver Fest. From the May 22 opening day with town wide garage sales, to the final event on May 25 with the American Legion Post 146 Memorial service at Recher Park, the town was bustling with activity. Food vendors reported selling out of some offerings. This year’s parade was led by grand marshal Mike McClatchey, a lifelong resident of Morocco. He served on the town board for 16 years.
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