Thursday, December 24, 2020 The Commercial Review Portland, Indiana 47371 www.thecr.com $1 Jay County shifts to orange RAY COONEY “The numbers have been are second during the pandem - The Commercial Review dropping locally here in Jay ic only to the 684 it recorded Two days before Christmas, the County and in the state as far last month. (The next highest “red” designation is gone. as the cases per 100,000 and the was 221 in October.) Jay County shifted to “orange” Reduction in positivity rate leads positivity … which is a good The county still has the high - (high risk for spread of coron - thing,” said Jay County Health est positivity rate in the area at avirus) in Indiana State Depart - to drop from highest level of risk Department environmentalist 13.7% Wednesday, ahead of ment of Health’s weekly update and administrator Heath Butz. Wells County (13.1 percent). of its county metrics Wednesday. “I’m happy to see that. Hopeful - “We still have a lot of cases The county had first moved ly we can maintain that trend.” throughout the state of Indi - into red (severe risk) on Nov. 25, That said, the numbers ana and in Jay County,” said the day before Thanksgiving. It Jay County remained above the based on Sunday numbers, with remain high. Butz. “While the cases have remained there for the next four weekly cases threshold this week changes announced on Wednes - Jay County’s average cases dropped, they’re still high. weeks, consistently posting num - with 366 per 100,000 residents. But days.) per day have dropped to 9.14 There are still a lot of cases in bers well above the thresholds of its positivity rate dipped to 13.6% It was one of 68 counties in the over the last seven days and 16 our community and surround - 200 weekly cases of COVID-19 per for an average score of 2.5 on a state that came in with an orange in December, down from 22.8 ing. We still need to do our dili - 100,000 residents and a 15% posi - three-point scale for an orange rating this week. The other 24 during November. But its 353 gence …” tivity rate. rating. (The county metrics are were red. cases of COVID-19 in December See Orange page 2 Ludy leaving bench Superior Court judge looks back Seasonal at 12 years scene A nativity scene By RILEY EUBANKS shines brightly The Commercial Review Wednesday evening For the first time in 12 in a yard at the years, Jay Superior Court southeast corner of will have a new judge. Race and Morton Judge Max Ludy has heard his last jury trial as streets in Portland. It superior court’s judge was a windy evening and will relinquish the that was expected to bench next week to lead to more windy Judge-elect and longtime conditions today. public defender Gail Temperatures are Dues. expected to dip Is he ready for retire - tonight with the ment? “Yes and no. I’ve possibility of some worked for a long time,” snow in the evening. said Ludy, 67, adding that part of him wants to con - tinue to work but that he’s satisfied of his 43 combined years practic - ing law as an attorney and running Jay Superior Court. “I have a lot of respect for Judge Ludy,” said Jay Circuit Court Judge The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney Brian Hutchison. “He’s been helpful to me … and I hope I’ve been helpful to him.” Ludy called his last year as judge “especially difficult” because of the Time for a change ongoing coronavirus pan - demic, which has caused nothing short of a sched - Watson leaving county engineer post for BLN after 32 years uling fiasco with post - By BAILEY CLINE Former commissioner Walt ponement of jury trials The Commercial Review Rogers asked him to sign a four- and social distancing Dan Watson is ready for a year contract, Watson said, and requirements in his change. the rest is history. courtroom. He’s packed most of his belong - “I never dreamed I would have “I told (Dues) this is ings from the office; he’s briefed the opportunity to be an engineer worst time in the world to the highway superintendent. And in Jay County,” he said, adding become a judge,” Ludy now, the Jay County engineer that he didn’t expect to stay in the said. resigning after more than 30 same position for so long. “It was She’ll inherit a court years in his position has got a just the right time, and the right that won’t be able to con - new job. place.” duct a jury trial until at “This will be something differ - When he started, bridges were least March because of ent,” said Watson on Monday. his main concern. Many were in coronavirus restrictions “I’ve done this for 32 years, and bad shape or closed. Out of 165 from the Indiana it’s like, wow, I’m actually taking bridges, he estimates about 100 Supreme Court. the big step and moving on.” were replaced. Ludy chose not to con - By Wednesday, he was beaming After bridges, he worked on duct any jury trials in the like a kid on Christmas morning installing large culverts, doing midst of the pandemic as he finished his work at the Jay sign and road inventories, prior to the Indiana County Highway Department expanding the waste manage - Supreme Court order ear - garage. The Commercial Review/Bailey Cline ment landfill, and reviewing road lier this month. He said He starts in January as a proj - asset management plans. he’s fine with leaving the ect coordinator for Beam, Longest Jay County engineer Dan Watson has worked for the Watson worked with Jay Coun - court when thinking and Neff, one of the largest engi - county for more than 30 years. He will be starting as a project ty Sheriff’s Department in the about the risk of con - neering firms in Indiana. He’ll be coordinator in January for Beam, Longest and Neff, one of the 1990s to renumber all roads, cre - tracting COVID-19 while working from home and checking largest engineering firms in Indiana. ating a central grid system. He running Superior Court. in with seven or eight different also inspected wind turbines and He reflected on when he counties regularly. projects for wind farm develop - became took over Superi - Watson, 59, wanted something 2016. He’s also a current board of versity (now Trine University) in ment in the county. or Court after longtime to do for the next five or six years works member. Angola. Watson graduated from In the last couple of years, Wat - Judge Joel Roberts before he retires, he said. His fam - “Dan Watson is … an important college in 1983 with a bachelor’s son applied for and received retired in 2008, saying, “I ily plans to stay in Dunkirk at piece of our puzzle here in degree in civil engineering and about $2.5 million in Community just kind of fell into it” least until his son, Jaiden, gradu - Dunkirk,” said Mayor Jack Rob - started working for Indiana Crossings grants from INDOT for because there were so few ates high school in two years. He’s bins. Department of Transportation in reconstructing Como and Mt. options in Jay County to been actively involved in the city The son of a Dunkirk native, Indianapolis. He received his engi - Pleasant roads and Boundary replace him. for years, having previously Watson graduated from Delta High neer’s license in 1987 and started Pike. See Ludy page 5 served as its mayor from 2013 to School and attended Tri-State Uni - working for Jay County in ’89. See Change page 5

Deaths Weather In review Coming up

Jay County had a high tem - perature of 34 degrees There will be no newspaper Saturday — Portland busi - Wednesday. Friday in observance of the ness going strong after 75 Today’s forecast calls for a Christmas holiday. years. Richard Hull , 88, Fort high of 27 with winds at 15 to The Commercial Review Recovery 25 miles per hour. The Christ - will publish an afternoon edi - Wednesday — Results Details on page 2 mas Eve low will dip to 14 with tion Saturday with delivery from the JCHS boys basketball flurries and snow showers expected no later than 4 p.m. team at the Holiday Hoops possible. We will resume our regular Tourney. See page 2 for an extended publishing scheduled Tuesday. outlook. The Commercial Review Page 2 Local/Indiana Thursday, December 24, 2020 Obituaries Richard Hull for those with a connec - tion to our coverage area Richard D. Hull, 88, free of charge. They Fort Recovery, died include the name, city of Wednesday at his home. residence, birth/death Arrangements are date and time/date/loca - pending at Brockman- tion of services. Boeckman Funeral There is a charge for Home, Fort Recovery. obituaries, which are •••••••••• accepted only from funer - The Commercial Review al homes or mortuary publishes death notices services. CR almanac

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday 12/25 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/29

The Commercial Review/Riley Eubanks 20/17 36/27 45/29 33/19 31/24 Christmas Warmer Warmer Cooler Mostly Day will be and sunny under mostly with a 30% sunny with a Retirement recognition cooler with a with tempera - cloudy skies chance of 40% chance El Camino Real hosted a ceremonial lunch Wednesday for Portland Police Department, projected high tures project - with a 30% snow. Other - of snow in of 20 ed to peak chance of pre - wise mostly the evening. which recognized its soon-to-be retired officers. Pictured above, from right, chief Nathan Springer is degrees. No above freez - cipitation at cloudy. snow is pro - ing. night. presented his retirement plaque by Mayor John Boggs Boggs and assistant chief Josh Stephenson. jected. Below, from left, Paula Bonvillian holds a plaque commemorating her 14 years as communications chief next to former police chief Bart Darby, Boggs and Springer. Lotteries

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Cooper Farms W h e a t ...... 6 .2 3 Fort Recovery Jan. wheat ...... 6.28 Corn ...... 4.50 Orange ... Jan. corn ...... 4.50 Central States Feb. corn ...... 4.50 Montpelier Continued from page 1 our guard up, especially Wheat ...... 6.28 Corn ...... 4.43 That diligence includes with the upcoming holi - Jan. corn ...... 4.45 wearing a mask, social days,” she said. “When POET Biorefining Beans ...... 12.54 distancing, washing you get into gatherings Portland Jan. beans ...... 12.54 hands and avoiding large that you’re more likely to Corn ...... 4.60 Wheat ...... 6.13 gatherings. let your guard down at, Jan. corn ...... 4.56 Jan. wheat ...... 6.18 Butz noted that those there’s risk there that you Feb. corn ...... 4.54 measures are especially could get COVID.” March corn ...... 4.54 Sunrise important to keep in mind Coronavirus is mainly St. Anthony during the Christmas and spread through respirato - The Andersons Corn ...... 4.56 New Year’s Day holidays. ry droplets or small parti - Richland Township Jan. corn ...... 4.56 “The safest thing you cles from an infected per - Corn ...... 4.48 Beans ...... 12.48 can do is have Christmas son coughing, sneezing, Jan. corn ...... 4.48 Jan. beans ...... 12.45 with your immediate talking or breathing. The Beans ...... 12.69 Wheat ...... 5.83 household,” he added. “If Centers for Disease Con - Jan. beans ...... 12.69 Jan. wheat ...... 5.71 you’re going to do any - trol and Prevention thing beyond that, try to reports that it may be pos - come up with a modified sible those particles and BERNE, IN Today in history way of doing it that’s droplets remain suspend - going to reduce risk where ed in the air for an Now Seeking: you can spread people unknown period of time On Dec. 26, 2004 , County man wanted on Evening General Maintenance Worker out.” and travel beyond 6 feet, The Evening General Maintenance Worker at Swiss Village more than 230,000 peo - charges of larceny in State officials had especially indoors. ple, mostly in southern Jay County, escaped shared much the same CDC guidelines encour - will be responsible for general cleaning and performing Asia, were killed by a from custody after being message during a press age wearing a mask and preventative and minor maintenance throughout the Swiss 100-foot-high tsunami taken to his grandmoth - conference Tuesday, with avoiding close contact Village community. This position will be 40 hours/week, triggered by a 9.1-magni - er’s home to visit his tude earthquake mother. There was a $50 Indiana Gov. Eric Hol - when around others and Monday – Friday, 2:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M. with minimal beneath the Indian reward for his capture. comb referring to an frequent hand washing weekend hours required. Seeking candidates with good work Ocean. In 1941 , during World “abnormally” high rate of and surface cleaning as habits, the ability to efficiently use materials and equipment, In 1776 , British forces War II, Winston virus spread. ways to prevent the spread State Health Commis - of COVID-19. and committed to following procedures and policies. This suffered a major defeat Churchill became the position is eligible for benefits including health, dental, vision, in the Battle of Trenton first British prime min - sioner Dr. Kristina Box The virus causes a during the Revolution - ister to address a joint said the recent decline in range of symptoms, which and life insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and 403(b) retirement ary War. meeting of the U.S. Con - hospitalizations was can appear two to 14 days plan participation. In 1799 , former Presi - gress. encouraging but remained after exposure. Older Apply online at www.swissvillage.org or send Resume to: “much higher than we adults and those with pre- dent George Washington In 1980 , Iranian tele - Taylor Lehman, VP of Human Resources was eulogized by Col. vision footage was would be comfortable with existing health problems going forward.” are susceptible to more Swiss Village, 1350 W. Main St. Berne, IN 46711 Henry Lee as “first in broadcast in the United Or email: [email protected] war, first in peace and States, showing a dozen “We still need to keep severe illnesses. first in the hearts of his of the American countrymen.” hostages sending mes - In 1908 , Jack Johnson sages to their families. became the first In 1994 , French com - Caucus African-American boxer mandos stormed a to win the world heavy - hijacked Air France jet - raises weight championship as liner on the ground in he defeated Canadian Marseille, killing four concerns Tommy Burns in Syd - Algerian hijackers and Post-Tribune (Merrillville) ney, Australia. freeing 170 hostages. The Indiana Black Leg - In 1917 , during World In 1996 , 6-year-old islative Caucus has raised War I, President beauty queen JonBenet concerns about Gov. Eric Woodrow Wilson issued Ramsey was found beat - Holcomb’s 2021 agenda a proclamation authoriz - en and strangled in the because it does not address ing the government to basement of her family’s racial justice. take over operation of home in Boulder, Col - During the 2021 session, the nation’s railroads. orado. (To date, the slay - the IBLC will focus on a jus - In 1920 , Halford ing remains unsolved.) tice reform agenda that Johnson, a Randolph —AP and The CR covers five pillars: save lives, hold accountable, empower communities, Citizen’s calendar change culture and improve transparency, according to a news release. Monday Board of Works, city IBLC lawmakers will pro - 9 a.m. — Jay County building, 131 S. Main pose ideas such as increas - Commissioners, com - St. ing protections for protest - missioners’ room, 7 p.m. — Dunkirk ers, establishing more fre - courthouse, 120 N. City Council, city build - quent audits on public safe - Court St., Portland. ing, 131 S. Main St. ty funds, funding police 3:30 p.m. — Jay Coun - body and dash cameras, ty Solid Waste Manage - Wednesday reducing law enforcement ment District, 5948 W. 5 p.m. — Dunkirk in schools and studying Indiana 67, Portland. Park Board, city build - racism as a public health 6 p.m. — Dunkirk ing, 131 S. Main St. crisis, according to a release. The Commercial Review Thursday, December 24, 2020 Family Page 3 It’s Christmas time in Pennville A Pennville church will host a It’s tree time special Christmas Eve service. The 16th annual Fort Festival of Pennville United Methodist Taking Trees is ongoing at the Fort Recovery Church will have a candlelight Public Library until Wednesday dur - vigil at 7 p.m. tonight. The service Note ing its regular business hours and will include a special story and fea - features Christmas trees and wreaths ture a performance of “O Holy decorated by Fort businesses, organi - Night.” zations and families. Votes are being taken for the There are three different light favorite, and whichever display Bluffton lights shows: one on Mondays through secures the most votes will be Ouabache State Park in Bluffton Thursdays, another for the week - crowned with the 2020 “People’s is hosting its annual Wonderland end and a special edition on Christ - Choice Award.” of Lights show nightly from 6 to 9 mas Eve. Each show will take place The library is open weekly from 10 p.m. through the end of the year. at the park’s Fire Tower Plaza. a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday and Admission to the drive-thru For more information, email Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on event costs $5 and features a syn - [email protected] or Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fri - chronized light show and over 40 call Ouabache State Park at 260-824- day and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. displays throughout the route. 0926. It is closed on Thursday and Sunday. 74% of Americans are too fat By LINDA SEARING But more than 40% of and leukemia. Higher especially men. The per - Special to The Washington Post people who are overweight BMIs pose the greater risk. centage of adults who About 74% of adults in and 10% of those who are Obesity also has been iden - today are considered obese the United States are over - obese do not perceive them - tified as a major risk factor is more than triple the Photo provided weight, according to the selves to be overweight, for developing severe com - amount the CDC reported Centers for Disease Con - according to an analysis of plications from COVID-19, decades ago: 43% today vs. trol and Prevention. That the CDC data published in the disease caused by the 13% in 1962. To delay or Five generations includes nearly 43% who Annals of Internal Medi - novel coronavirus, for peo - prevent some of the risks Five generations of the Phillips are obese, meaning they cine. People who are over - ple of all ages, including linked to obesity, health have a body mass index weight or obese based on children. experts generally recom - family gathered for a picture. In the back row (BMI) — a measurement of their BMI face an array of The CDC data show that mend as a first step losing 5 are Elasha Lennartz, 49, and Ed Phillips, 70. body fatness based on potential health issues, 16% of U.S. youths, ages 2 to 10% of your weight (10 to In the front is Richard Glen Phillips, 97, and weight and height — of 30 including being more like - to 19, are overweight and 20 pounds for someone who Casey Lennartz, 30, holding Hank Lennartz, or higher. An additional 31 ly to develop heart disease, an additional 19% are weighs 200) via a change in who is two months old. percent are considered Type 2 diabetes, digestive obese. For adults, the high - eating habits and an overweight, with a BMI of problems, osteoarthritis, est rates of obesity are increase in physical activi - 25 to 29.9. breast cancer, colon cancer among middle-aged people, ty. Mom mad after friend reports her daughter DEAR ABBY: I have recently tell her why. Do you think this is a someone else, whose name is on Yes, I do. As you stated, this found out that someone I thought good idea? — FURIOUS IN my child's birth certificate. happened before his marriage was a good friend is the person FLORIDA Fast-forward 30 years. We are to his late wife, and your (and who snitched and got my daugh - Dear DEAR FURIOUS: I don't now back in each other's lives. I his) son should not be regard - ter in serious trouble at school. blame you for being upset, but told my son about his biological ed as a shameful secret. How - Our daughters attended the same Abby an eighth-grader bringing father, and they are getting to ever, I cannot make this deci - preschool, middle school and alcohol to a school celebration know each other. Allen has chil - sion FOR Allen, and neither high school. Although they were is wrong on many levels. I do dren from his marriage, which should you. If he isn't strong friends, the friendship was more NOT advise putting anything lasted about 25 years. His wife is enough to stand up and stand between us moms. in writing. Convey your mes - now deceased. by his first child, then you Before middle school gradua - from one of the teachers that this sage and get the answer you Allen's two other children and should reconsider your rela - tion, the students had an outing "friend" is the person who turned want by doing it directly, face his parents and extended family tionship with him. at the beach. Some of the girls, her in. to face. know nothing about our son. He's •••••••••• my daughter included, decided to Why didn't she come to me and •••••••••• afraid to tell them, although it Dear Abby is written by Abigail bring vodka and orange juice. A tell me? I almost feel like she DEAR ABBY: Thirty years ago, was before they were born and Van Buren, also known as Jeanne few days later, my daughter was wanted my daughter to get in I dated a guy I'll call Allen. We had before he was married. Do you Phillips, and was founded by her called to the principal's office trouble. I have run into her a cou - a child together. Our relationship think he should tell everyone? — mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact where she was thoroughly repri - ple of times and have been cold ended when I found out I was SECRET KEEPER IN CALIFOR - Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com manded. Any awards she was to and distant, but I want to con - pregnant. He married a woman NIA or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA receive were rescinded. I learned front her. I was going to write and he chose over me. I later married DEAR SECRET KEEPER: 90069. Community Calendar Notices will appear in Church, 204 E. Arch St. in PING PONG — Will be Community Calendar as Portland. Come early for a played from 9 a.m. to noon space is available. To sub - meal. For more informa - each Monday at Jay Com - mit an item, email tion, call Kevin Culy at munity Center. [email protected]. (260) 251-2843. WEST JAY COMMUNI - TY CENTER GROUP — Today Saturday Doors open at 10:30 a.m. CELEBRATE RECOV - ALCOHOLICS ANONY - Bingo will begin at 11 a.m. ERY — A 12-step Christian MOUS — Will meet at 10 Euchre begins at 1 p.m. recovery program meets at a.m. upstairs at True Value There is a $1 donation for 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. each Hardware, Meridian center’s expenses. For Thursday at A Second Street, Portland. For more more information, call Chance At Life Ministries, information, call (260) 729- (765) 768-1544. 228 S. Meridian St. in Port - 2532. PREGNANCY CARE land. For more informa - CENTER — Free pregnan - tion, call Brenda Eads at Monday cy testing with ongoing support during and after (260) 726-9625 or Dave Keen PORTLAND BREAK - pregnancy. The center is at (260) 251-8792. FAST OPTIMISTS — Will located at 216 S. Meridian A BETTER LIFE – BRI - meet at 7 a.m. for breakfast St., Portland. Hours are 1 ANNA’S HOPE — A faith- at Richards Restaurant. to 5 p.m. Monday through based recovery group for BRYANT AREA COM - Friday. For more informa - all kinds of addictions, MUNITY CENTER — tion or to schedule an will meet from 6:30 to 8 Walking from 9 to 10 a.m. appointment, call (260) 726- p.m. each Thursday at every Monday, Wednesday 8636. Walk-ins accepted. Asbury United Methodist and Friday. BREAD OF LIFE COM - MUNITY FAMILY MEAL — Will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Asbury Unit - ed Methodist Church, 204 Sudoku E. Arch St. in Portland. Everyone is welcome. TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS) — Will meet for weigh-in at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting at 6 p.m., in the fellowship hall at Evangelical Methodist Church, 930 W. Main St., Portland. New members welcome. For more infor - mation, call (260) 726-5312. NARCOTICS ANONY - MOUS — Will meet at 6 p.m. each Monday at A Second Chance At Life Ministries, 228 S. Meridian St. in Portland. For more information, call Brenda Eads at (260) 726-9625 or Dave Keen at (260) 251-8792. Tuesday BRYANT COMMUNITY CENTER EUCHRE — Will Wednesday’s Solution be played at 1 p.m. each Tuesday. The public is wel - come. The objective is to fill a THE LANDING — A 12- nine-by nine grid so that each column, each row, and step program for those in each of the nine three-by- sixth through 12th grade three boxes (also called will meet at 5:55 p.m. each blocks or regions) contains Tuesday at 2nd Chance at the digits from 1 to 9 only Life Ministries, 228 S. one time each. Meridian St., Portland. For more information, call (260) 703-0777 or (260) 726- 5273. The Commercial Review Page 4 Opinion Thursday, December 24, 2020 Let’s pass the motorsports act To the editor: I respectfully request that Congress pass the Letters to Recognizing the Protec - tion of Motorsports Act, H.R. 5434/S. 2602, in 2020. the Editor The bipartisan RPM Act protects the right to con - vert an automobile or motorcycle into a racecar ed for the Clean Air Act used exclusively at the (CAA) to apply to motor track. vehicles modified for Modifying a vehicle competition use only. into a racecar is an inte - However, the EPA main - gral part of America's tains that CAA requires automotive heritage. converted vehicles driven Many types of racing, exclusively on the track including NASCAR, were to remain emissions-com - founded on the premise pliant. that street vehicles, The RPM Act clarifies including motorcycles, that transforming motor can be converted into ded - vehicles into racecars icated race vehicles. Rac - used exclusively for com - ing events are an econom - petition does not violate ic driver for many com - the CAA. It is imperative munities and a source of that Congress passes the affordable family-friend - RPM Act to provide long- ly entertainment for mil - term certainty to racers lions, with participants and motorsports parts that range from profes - businesses. sionals to novices using Sincerely, converted race vehicles. Dustin Alig Congress never intend - Fort Recovery Gaming became a Meaning may be personal By KAY COLLIER Christmas tradition MCLAUGHLIN By BAILEY CLINE Special To The Washington Post The Commercial Review My friend Bob was a jour - Kay Collier ... the Tomorrow is Christmas. And nalist before answering God’s this year, I’m not counting On the call to the priesthood. McLaughlin memorable down the hours until I open my Fortunately, he brought the presents. Line skills of his first calling into line came Earlier this month I rattled the second, as was clear to the after a vivid off a few household items I staff of the Episcopal newspa - could use to both my parents per he edited. there that local artisans had description and boyfriend Justin — a bet - “Staff” is a fancy word for painted intricate designs of Phil ter vacuum, a new blender, The game allowed players to the four of us who sat around a “where only the pigeons would nicer silverware. All things own virtual puppies. You could kitchen table at our portable see.” climbing steep, that would be useful, but none give them food, water and electric typewriters while Bob This image, lodged some - narrow steps catch the gleam the same as treats, play, give baths, go on wrote the best headlines ever where in my memory bank, the gifts I asked for as a kid. walks and compete in obedi - for whatever the rest of us pro - has come soaring out as the to the very top Then again, I guess I am ence and agility contests. duced. holiday season of the coron - of a bell tower pumped to use a vacuum that It was — to put it simply — Over months and years, we avirus pandemic approaches actually has decent suction so really cool. came to know each other pret - with its social distancing man - and finding my house isn’t brimming with Myles and I quickly became ty well, talking, writing, laying dates. pet hair. I’m also thrilled to big Nintendo fans. We played out pages at the borrowed If government guidelines there that have decent utensils that don’t games from the “Pokémon,” office of a neighboring weekly. are followed, there will be no local artisans look like I drove over them “The Legend of Zelda” and One of the things we all knew large family gatherings, no with my car. “Super Mario” franchises, about Bob was that he wrote holiday parties. had painted You know you’ve reached among other titles. It became his sermons the same way he No drop-in visitors. intricate adulthood when these kinds of something we did together on had written articles as a So conversations have aris - things excite you. Saturday mornings and lazy reporter for the local paper — en about whether we will both - designs But it’s different. I’m not summer days. er to decorate. on cut sheets of newsprint, rushing downstairs on Christ - When I started driving, we double-spaced with proper “Is it worth the effort?” “It ‘where only mas morning to rip open a took trips to GameStop and margins. will only be me.” “It will just the pigeons dozen presents wrapped just local gaming stores for hot Those cut sheets of be the two of us.” deals on new and vintage con - newsprint became collectors’ Each time the question would see.’ for me. This year, I’m excited to give gifts. soles or cartridges. items among those of us who comes up, I want to shout, When Justin was living in wanted to preserve his words “Only the pigeons! Only the Maybe that’s also something that comes with adulthood. Fort Wayne, he convinced me for future reference. pigeons!” to get a Playstation 4 and play Since we can’t physically get I tried to find gifts that best The other thing about Bob online with him. While being — he wasn’t a particularly gift - into church to hang posters, I ent on lavish displays of suited each person in the fami - miles apart, we played titles ed preacher, as preachers go. want to post it on every Zoom Christmas lights, picture-per - ly, but it’s the kids’ presents like “Minecraft,” a sandbox Bob was more of a storyteller. whiteboard. fect mantels with stockings that are the most fun. Justin’s Regardless of the pulpit, in However my friend Bob hung just so, or whether the little sister, 5-year-old Emma, adventure, and “Elder Scrolls tiny chapel or cathedral, he completed the story, this is my tree is the Charlie Brown is getting a stuffed animal and Online,” a multiplayer role- simply told stories, with some takeaway. It doesn’t have to go kind or aspiring toward Rock - some art stencils from us playing game. It helped keep us of their most unforgettable into your memory bank if it efeller Center. because she loves to draw. And connected despite the distance. lines dropped over the edge of encourages whatever effort I, the artisan, climb what - then Justin’s little brothers My family played “Animal the pulpit so casually you you are willing to make to dec - ever symbolic steep and nar - and my not-so-little brother, Crossing: City Folk,” a Ninten - might wonder if he really just orate for the pigeons. For you. row steps define my life this Myles, are receiving video do Wii game, after we discov - said what you thought you For the coming of the Christ Christmas with paintbrush games. ered it in the present pile heard. child. You and I are the arti - in hand and joy in my heart to Every year I buy Myles under the tree. For months, it So people listened. sans of our lives. celebrate that no pandemic something gaming-related for became a regular conversation They really listened. The canvas we have been can stop his coming or the Christmas and his birthday. It subject at the dinner table. They might have said they given this Advent is not a light he brings into the world. would be odd to buy him any - Gaming isn’t about wasting were listening to the stories, smooth one, primed for an I will “paint” because I am thing else, honestly, because hours in front of a screen. It’s but underneath, they were artist’s brush. beloved by him and worthy of he’s been a hardcore gamer for about the experience and who hungry for those over-the- It is more like I envision the the beauty of the season, at least 10 years. you have that experience with. edge-of-the-pulpit lines that rough walls we might find as whether it is a single candle, a A wide-eyed Myles told And there’s also no feeling sometimes got turned into we ascend the steep and nar - tree full of treasured orna - Santa Claus in 2010 he wanted like unwrapping a brand new handmade posters — “Hug a row steps of a bell tower today, ments or a Nativity scene a Nintendo DS Lite for Christ - game on Christmas morning leper,” “Dog in the snow - arriving at the top exhausted whose empty manger awaits mas. And Old Saint Nick deliv - and rushing to the television to storm” — plastered on the and out of breath — not so his arrival. You, the artisan, ered. We visited our grandpar - start playing. It’s like receiv - hallways of a church or two. much inspired as isolated and climb your own steep and ents that fateful evening, and ing hours of entertainment So it was with the pigeons. discouraged. narrow steps to create the lo and behold, there was a red bundled in a small package. That sermon, as I recall But the babe did not come intricate designs that illumi - and black handheld device As an adult, I still love the (having failed to locate the cut into a perfect world that night nate life and persistence and waiting for Myles under the gaming community, but I’m no sheets of newsprint contain - in Bethlehem, nor does his hope. tree. longer asking for games from ing the actual words), was arrival this year depend on We are also, in these dark - Kris Kringle thought it was my family. Adults have this about his friend Phil, an Amer - perfection, the coming of vac - est nights of the pandemic, “only fair” I got one, too — a incredible resource called pay - ican priest who was serving in cines or absolute compliance the pigeons, witnesses to checks … when they’re not all Guatemala. with face masks and social dis - beauty, awaiting once more shiny pink model. While the bulk of the story tancing. He will come despite the return of the light. Third grader Myles was spent on bills. is no longer with me, the mem - it all — the perfect gift in the •••••••••• thrilled. But me, a sixth grader Still, I have a feeling Myles orable line came after a vivid midst of the uncertainty and McLaughlin is a leadership who thought I was cool stuff, will gift me something related description of Phil climbing brokenness that is Advent consultant, author and retired well, I was less than to gaming for Christmas. And I steep, narrow steps to the very 2020. religious journalist from Ken - impressed. know Justin has a copy of the top of a bell tower and finding His coming is not depend - tucky. That is, until I plugged in my newest “Zelda” game sitting first cartridge — “Ninten - under the tree for me. dogs.” It’s our tradition, after all. The Commercial Review HUGH N. RONALD (1911-1983), Publisher Emeritus

JACK RONALD RAY COONEY The Commercial Review is published daily except “Were it left for me to decide whether we should Sundays, Mondays and four holidays (New Year’s Day, President Editor and publisher have government without newspapers or newspapers Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas) by The without government I should not hesitate to prefer the Graphic Printing Co. Inc., 309 W. Main St., Portland, latter.” – Thomas Jefferson Indiana 47371. Periodical postage paid (USPS 125820) at TONIA HARDY BRIAN DODD Portland, Indiana. Postmaster: Send address changes to Business manager Production manager The Commercial Review, 309 W. Main St., P.O. Box 1049, Subscription rates: City delivery and Internet-only Portland, Indiana 47371 or call (260) 726-8141. pay at the office rates: 13 weeks – $32; six months – VOLUME 148–NUMBER 170 $60; one year – $108. Motor route pay at the office We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24, 2020 rates: 13 weeks – $39; six months – $68; one year – 700 words or fewer, signed and include a phone number $125; Mail: 13 weeks – $47; six months – $77; one for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit year – $135. letters for content and clarity. Email letters to Home delivery problems: [email protected]. www.thecr.com Call (260) 251-9588 The Commercial Review Thursday, December 24, 2020 Local/Nation Page 5 Santa sounded the alarm Hoffman was early advocate of ho-ho-ho holiday safety By BRITTANY SHAMMAS tember, the group’s usually The Washington Post cheery mailers carried refer - Art Hoffman broke out the ences to “fear-mongering” and Santa suit early this year. “attempts to influence, manipu - It was April, his Louisville late, dissuade, and intimidate neighborhood quiet in the shock others.” of the first coronavirus lock - One board member described downs. He strolled from house to seeing “our President sweat house holding up a sign: “Hello candy canes.” Hoffman, who had and Love from Santa.” He waved argued forcefully for calling off at the delighted kids — always the convention, wondered huffi - from a distance Santa Claus does - ly if the fearmongering bit was n’t usually keep. aimed at him. The pandemic was warping All the divisiveness of the pan - everyone’s sense of time, but that demic — even the Santa commu - wasn’t the only reason for Hoff - nity wasn’t exempt from it. man’s out-of-season appearance. “We’re like America,” Hoff - Even then, he was growing con - man said. “We’re as fractured vinced that a typical Christmas and as split. The difference is would be unlikely in 2020. He had that we’re Santa Claus. We’re been performing as Santa for 45 supposed to be above all this. But years, but he had also spent years we can’t be, because we’re working in public health. And he human beings.” feared the worst was yet to come. The legend of Santa Claus, as “SANTA GOES VIRAL,” Hoff - any good Christmas performer man, 73, titled a message on the can tell you, dates back more social network Nextdoor on April For the Washington Post/Michael Blackshire than a thousand years. But the 2, around the same time he business of Santa has perhaps reached for the red suit with Art Hoffman has visited children and families for four decades as Santa. Hoffman never been bigger. white trim. Concerned that spearheaded a months-long mission to sound the alarm about what he considered a looming The scores who wear bespoke everyone’s favorite holiday visi - Christmas crisis — a campaign that became part of a bitter brawl inside the sprawling red suits are part of a thriving tor could spread more than just community of professional and volunteer Santas. subculture complete with its cheer, he implored his neighbors own lingo, customs and even to plan ahead for a “revamped” oaths. There are department holiday. “Santa wants you to tined to be upended by the virus. Within the International were fighting with each other, store Santas, Hollywood Santas think ‘outside the chimney’ as it Santas are greeting children Brotherhood of Real Bearded mostly in a private Facebook and performing Santas. were,” he wrote. through plastic bubbles, behind Santas (IBRBS), factions broke group. There are elves and Santa’s So began Hoffman’s months- plexiglass dividers and, of out among the 2,000 or so Mr. and “I saw some posts even yester - helpers and Mrs. Clauses, who in long mission to sound the alarm course, via Zoom. Mrs. Clauses who were allowed to day — ‘How dare you think that recent years have come into their about what he considered a loom - Yet for months, as Americans join as full-fledged members fol - you can go out and do a regular own as solo performers. ing Christmas crisis — a cam - held out hope things might be bet - lowing a 2016 vote. As the group’s family photo shoot?’” said Most take on the job after paign that became part of a bitter ter by Easter, then Memorial Day, president, Stephen Arnold, tells Arnold, a.k.a. “Fabled Santa,” of retirement from a huge range of brawl inside the sprawling com - then summertime, then fall, Hoff - it, some members thought the Knoxville, Tenn., adding that careers, drawn to the promise of munity of professional and vol - man’s position was a controver - virus wasn’t a big deal. Others “everybody has their own opin - making children’s days and soak - unteer Santas. sial one. A Christmas without thought it was serious but man - ion, and they’re not shy about it ing up the Christmas spirit. By now it has become obvious kids on Santa’s lap seemed ageable with the proper precau - in many cases.” “This is more of a calling,” said that the most wonderful time of unthinkable to many. tions. A third camp thought just At one point, after debate Robert Seutter, or “Santa True,” the year — like every other time Including more than a few San - going outside constituted a life- raged over whether to cancel a of West Lake Village, Calif. of this dreary, lost year — is des - tas. threatening risk. All of them sold-out Claus convention in Sep - See Santa page 7

Jay Superior Court Judge Max Ludy spent years at this desk, but he will no longer beginning in January, when judge-elect Gail Dues is sworn into office. Ludy, who said he is partially ready for retirement, has served as Superior Court judge for 12 years and has 43 years of law experience in Jay County.

Portland Police Department is accepting applications until The Commercial Review/Riley Eubanks 5:00pm on January 1, 2021 Ludy ... for the following positions: Continued from page 1 His biggest advice for Dues is to serve as a special or senior judge if Full Time Police Officer ($45K a year), Ludy ran unopposed in every get ready to work a lot. needed. election until Dues successfully “It’s a seven-day-a-week job,” In retirement he said he plans to Fulltime Dispatcher ($19.77 per hour), challenged him in the Republican Ludy said. build furniture for his sons’ “empty primary in June. She ran unop - He won’t go back to practicing houses.” Ludy is the only member Part Time Dispatcher, Part time Code posed in the general election. law as an attorney but said he will of his family with a law degree. Enforcement officer and Reserve Police Officer.

Change ... Full Time Police officers must be at least 21 years old Continued from page 1 rience in the county. Coun - which council voted 4-3 to Watson decided after the but less than 36 years old and posses a high school Former commissioner ty auditor Anna Culy said not increase his salary. meeting that it was time to diploma or GED equivalent. Dispatchers must be at Milo Miller started work - she’s not sure what she’ll He asked for an $18,000 move on to something least 18 years old. Code Enforcement Officers must be ing alongside Watson in miss most, but she’ll realize raise before the 2021 budget new. at least 18 years old. Reserve Police Officers must be at 1991. He cited communica - it when he’s gone. was finalized, citing an He still loves his job, he tion and responsibility as “I probably won’t even extra $20,000 the state now said, and he’s made many least 21 years old. two of Watson’s key skills. know … until I need to ask provides to all counties connections over the years “If he saw something a question and I don’t know with licensed engineers. who he’ll miss. Applications can be picked up in person at the Portland that needed to be done, he who to ask,” she said. Council eventually voted But, “I won’t miss get - Police Department or downloaded from the City of would come to us,” Miller Watson confirmed his not to give Watson the raise ting up at 5 o’clock in the Portland website. said. year-end resignation in following a recommenda - morning to make sure the Others celebrated Wat - November following a Jay tion made by the personnel snow plows are out,” Wat - The City of Portland is an EOC - Equal Opportunity Employer son’s knowledge and expe - County Council meeting in committee. son added. The Commercial Review Page 6 Church Thursday, December 24, 2020

Area churches are listed Faith Community Mary Help River of Life with location, pastor and 9560 W. 200 South, of Christians 722 W. Main St., Portland phone number, services and Dunkirk 403 Sharpsburg Road, Fort Susan Hathaway website or email address. Joe Schmit Recovery (260) 729-1095 All services are Sunday, (260) 251-5254 Rev. Ned Brown Services: 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise indicated. Services: 10 a.m. (419) 375-4153 Services: 4:30 p.m. Satur - The ROCK This Area Asbury United Family Worship Center day, 9:30 a.m. 1605 N. Meridian St., Por - Methodist 200 E. Elder St., Portland tland This Area Church page is 204 E. Arch St., Portland Ronald Willis Mount Tabor Matt Ransom Church page is made possible Joe Boggs (260) 726-4844 United Methodist (260) 726-7474 (260) 726-8464 Services: 11 a.m., 7:30 p.m. 216 W. Pleasant St., Services: 9 and 11 a.m. made possible through Services: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Wednesday Dunkirk [email protected] through the courtesy of asburyministries.org thefamilyworshipcenter.org John Retter (765) 768-7273 Salamonia the courtesy of the following Banner Christian Fellowship Baptist Services: 9 a.m. Church of Christ the following sponsors! Assembly of God 289 S. 200 West 3900 S. 600 East 1217 W. Votaw St., Port - Hugh Kelly Mount Zion Bruce Phillips sponsors! land (260) 726-8873 United Methodist (260) 335-2017 Michael Burk Services: 10 a.m. County roads 600 East and Services: 9 a.m. (260) 726-4282 pastorkelly@fbc-port - 200 North Services: 10:30 a.m. land.com Rev. Darrell Borders Second Chance (260) 726-4786 at Life Ministries Matt’s Garage Bellefountain First American Baptist Services: 9 a.m. United Methodist 228 S. Meridian St., Port - 427 S. Main St., Dunkirk land 440 S. 600 East Dan Coffman New Beginnings Dave Keen (260) 251-8792 Gordon Jackson (765) 768-7157 Holiness Church Services: 9 a.m. Mike Eads (260) 703-0733 Services: 10:40 a.m., 5 p.m. of Blaine Services: 10:30 a.m. 205 W. Union St. 4017 W. 200 South Bethel United First Church of Christ Randy Smith Portland, IN 47371 Methodist St. James Lutheran 1049 Union City Road, Fort (260) 251-2406 County road 600 East, Indiana 167, 4 miles north Recovery Services: 10 a.m., 6 p.m. 260-726-8761 of Dunkirk south of county road 400 David J. Nicholson nbholiness.com South Call us today! Scott McClain (419) 375-2860 Services: 10:45 a.m. Robin Owen Services: 10:30 a.m. New Covenant Services: 10:30 a.m. fccftrecovery.org Fellowship [email protected] Williamson, Bluff Point Friends 1238 W. 450 South 80 E. 650 South First Community Chuck Myers St. Joseph Catholic Spencer & Penrod Services: 10 a.m. Baptist (260) 251-0063 Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. 1689 St. Joe Road, Fort 341 S. Meridian St., Red - Services: 10:30 a.m. Recovery Funeral Homes, Inc. key Rev. Ned Brown Todd & Rob Penrod Boundary St. Paul Everett Bilbrey Jr. New Life Ministries Corner of Treaty Line Services: 7:30 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. 415 S. Helen St., Portland “Serving As We Road and county road 300 Would Be Served” East Dr. Kay Fairchild St. Mary’ s Catholic Ava Gannon First Free Will Baptist (260) 755-6354 346 S. Broad St., Dunkirk From 2 Convenient Locations (260) 726-2373 12369 W. 600 South, Services: 4 p.m. Rev. Kevin Hurley PORTLAND (260) 726-7111 Services: 9:30 a.m. Dunkirk drkayfairchild.com Services: 5 p.m. Saturday, Marion Donathan 5:30 p.m. Thursday PENNVILLE (260) 731-8811 Bryant Wesleyan Sunday school: 10 a.m. New Mt. Pleasant 209 S. Hendricks St. Services: 10:50 a.m., 6 p.m., United Methodist St. Paul Catholic Paul VanCise 6 p.m. Wednesday 5905 S. Como Road 517 Meiring Road, Fort (260) 997-6231 Tim Wallace Recovery Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. First Presbyterian (765) 499-7838 Rev. Ned Brown bryantwesleyanchurch.com 402 N. Ship St., Portland Services: 10:30 a.m. Services: 8:30 a.m. Sun - Rev. M. Rex Espiritu day Calvary United (260) 726-8462 Noble Congregational Methodist Services: 9 a.m. Christian St. Peter Catholic Sunday school: 10:15 a.m. 1964 N. 800 East Mellissa Hall 301 N. Main St., Dunkirk 1477 Philothea Road, Fort Susan Durovey-Antrim firstpcportland.org Aaron Huey Recovery 217 E. Pearl St. 260-729-5200 Services: 10:30 a.m. (765) 499-0368 Rev. Ned Brown Portland, IN Call me for your Services: 10 a.m. Fort Recovery Church Services: 10 a.m. Sunday Promotional Pens • Pencils susan.duroveyantrim@in of the Nazarene Oak Grove (260) 726-2833 Business Gifts • Calendars umc.org 401 E. Boundary St., Fort United Methodist Sugar Grove Nazarene Recovery 829 S. Indiana 1 County roads 400 North Christ Chapel Rev. Ron Reynolds Tricia Williams and 550 West MAY 105 S. Elm St., Fort Recov - (419) 375-4680 (765) 730-3770 Rev. Dan Sickels FINANCIAL ery Services: 10:30 a.m. Services: 10:30 a.m. (260) 731-4733 GROUP, INC. Quentin Elsea [email protected] Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 LIFE • HEALTH (419) 733-1469 Pennville Friends p.m. (the 2nd and 4th Sun - INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL christchapelfr.com Fort Recovery Maple Street and Indiana EMPLOYEE BENEFITS day at Pennville Park) MEDICARE United Methodist 1, Pennville SUPPLEMENTS Church of Christ 309 E. Boundary St., Fort Dee Hartman Sugar Grove ANNUITIES (Southside) Recovery Services: 10:30 a.m. United Methodist JEFF HALL Rev. Allan Brown your hometown agent 1209 S. Shank St., Port - County roads 600 South land (419) 678-2071 Pennville United for over 25 years and 1150 West, Dunkirk (260) 729-5200 Bob Graham Services: 9 a.m. Methodist Scott McClain (260) 726-7777 111 W. Main Street 190 W. Main St., Pennville Services: 9 a.m. Portland, IN Services: 10:20 a.m., 6:30 Full Gospel Gary Newton p.m. Lighthouse Tabernacle (765) 669-1070 Temple Baptist 468 E. Washington St., Services: 10:30 a.m. Indiana 167, between Church of Jesus Christ Dunkirk Dunkirk and Albany of Latter-Day Saints Robert Thomas Pleasant Hill Collins Glenn 1865 S. Indiana 167, (765) 348-4620 9945 N. 800 East, Union Dunkirk (765) 768-7708 Complete Septic Services: 9:30 a.m., 6:30 City Services: 11 a.m. and 6 Andrew Stevens Systems p.m., 6:30 p.m. Thursday Bruce Bryan p.m., 7 p.m. Wednesday (765) 768-6969 (765) 964-3664 Backhoe • Dozer Services: 10 a.m. Geneva First Services: 9 a.m., 6 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Hauling • Trenching Great Food, United Methodist mypleasanthillchurch.org 301 N. Wayne St., Fort Drain Cleaning Church of 100 W. Line St., Geneva No Bull! Recovery the Living God Barry McCune Portland First 1805 N US Highway 27 Robin Owen 1204 W. Votaw Portland (Miracle Missions) (260) 368-7655 Church of Nazarene Portland, IN 47371-9014 (419) 375-4498 (260) 726-9647 8472 S. 800 East, Union Services: 9:30 a.m. 920 S. Shank St., Portland p 260.726.2230 City Services: 9 a.m. (contem - f 260.729.5026 Stephen Hundley porary service, fourth Sun - Services: 10:30 a.m. Geneva Nazarene (260) 726-8040 Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. day) Baird-Freeman 225 Decatur St., Geneva Services: 10:45 a.m. [email protected] Behind every project is a Brenda Haddix Church of God Funeral Home (260) 346-2172 Portland Friends Trinity United of Prophecy Services: 10 a.m., 6 p.m. 226 E. Main St., Portland Portland True Value 797 N. Creagor Ave., Por - Sunday school: 9 a.m. Herb Hummel Methodist tland Prayer meeting: 7 p.m. (260) 729-7393 323 S. Meridian St., Por - Shop Local  e Teeter Family Nanette Weesner Wednesday Services: 10 a.m. tland Save Time • Save Money (260) 766-9334 Sunday school: 9:15 a.m. Darrell Weaver (260) 726-8391 Services: 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Gilead Church friendscare4others.net 221 N. Meridian St Services: 10:30 a.m. (260) 726-6263 [email protected] County road 650 North, Sunday school: 9 a.m. 1100 N. Meridian St. Portland, IN 47371 one-quarter mile east of Bal - Praise Chapel portlandtrinity.com (260) 726-7171 Church of the Brethren bec Church of God Portland, IN Floral and Chicago Services: 10:30 a.m. 4527 E. 1000 North (Jay- avenues, Portland Randolph county line) Union Chapel Kevin McClung Hickory Grove Rev. David Parry 6200 N. 375 West, Bryant (260) 729-7295 Church of the Brethren (765) 584-7045 Rev. Michael Morgan (352) 425-5914 Services: 10 a.m. Indiana 1 and Indiana 26 Services: 10:30 a.m. Services: 10:20 a.m., 6 p.m. Earl Doll Church of (260) 731-4477 Redeemer Lutheran the Living God Services: 10:30 a.m. Malin and Elm streets, Union Chapel Church South Broad Street, Bryant of the Nazarene Dunkirk High Street Martin Bornhoeft County road 900 North (260) 726-9345 Rev. Theodore Wagoner (Jay-Wells county line) 115 E. Main St. United Methodist (260) 997-6787 Services: 7 p.m., 7 p.m. 435 High St., Geneva Services: 9 a.m. Fred Stevens Friday Portland, IN Rev. Joseph Hampton Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. (260) 368-7233 Redkey Faith www.portins.com Collett Nazarene Services: 9 a.m. Ministries Walnut Corner 450 South, 1 mile west of 9811 W. Indiana 67, south - County roads 200 North U.S. 27 and 500 West Billy Stanton Holy Trinity Catholic west of Redkey 7321 E. Indiana 67, Bryant Rev. Craig and Robin Steve Rogers (260) 251-2403 (260) 251-1113 Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Fr. Peter Logsdon Cotherman Services: 8:30 a.m., 4:30 (765) 369-2920 Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Cornerstone Baptist p.m. Saturday Services: 10 a.m. *X\7UHVVOHU churchofthemostholytrin - RedkeyFaith.org Westchester 211 E. Main St., Portland United Methodist 2ZQHU Wayne Ward ity.com 4487 E. 400 North (260) 726-7714 Redkey First Christian Services: 10 a.m. Hopewell of Union and Malin streets, Randy Fennig 186 (260) 726-6311 3RUWODQG,1 Life Ministries Redkey Dunkirk Nazarene County road 200 South, 2 Jeff Hammers Services: 10:35 a.m.    226 E. Center St., Dunkirk miles east of Indiana 1 (765) 468-6172 Tom Fett Rev. Ruth Funk Services: 10:30 a.m. West Walnut /LFHQVHG‡%RQGHG‡,QVXUHG (765) 768-6199 (260) 251-8581 Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. Church of Christ Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. 204 W. Walnut St., Port - Redkey United land Evangelical Methodist Immaculate Methodist Gil Alicea 930 W. Main St., Portland Conception Catholic 122 W. Main St., Redkey (260) 726-4691 Steve Arnold 506 E. Walnut St., Portland Lori McIntosh Services: 10 a.m. Used Auto and (260) 251-0970 Fr. Peter Logsdon (765) 369-2085 westwalnutchurchofchrist.org Mon-SatMon Sat 10am-6pm Truck Parts Services: 10:20 a.m., 6 p.m. (260) 726-7055 Services: 10:30 a.m. Sun 1pm-6pm www.williamsautopartsinc.com Services: 6:30 p.m. Satur - Zion Evangelical 1127 S. Detroit Ave. Fairview United day, 10:30 a.m. Sunday Redkey Church Lutheran Church 260-766-4030 Portland, IN 47371 Methodist/Jay County of the Nazarene Darrell Borders 2875 E. 200 South Kingsley Full Gospel 801 W. High St. 218 E. High St., Portland (260) 726-8001 Gordon Jackson 4030 S. 700 East, Dunkirk Robert Farris (260) 726-8832 500 S. Meridian St. Lay leader: Beth Stephen Stuart Phillips (765) 369-2676 zionlutheranportland@g Portland, IN All inventory online (260) 726-9184 Services: 9:30 a.m. and 6 Services: 10:30 a.m., 6 mail.com Services: 10:15 a.m. p.m., 7 p.m. Wednesday p.m., 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Services: 10:30 a.m. The Commercial Review Thursday, December 24, 2020 Local/Nation Page 7 Santa ... Continued from page 5 ing. In one unusual gambit, he children won’t even be allowed to said. “Santa lives at the North assured USA Today that the “The symbology and the power strapped a skeleton to the back of sit on our knees.” Pole. He’s not in America.” Santa who circles the globe to of the role is iconic.” a tandem bike to raise awareness As coronavirus cases cropped Hoffman eventually dropped deliver presents on Christmas It’s generally a merry bunch. of tobacco deaths. He also wrote up across the country this spring, his membership. has “a lot of good innate immuni - The Santas trade beard-bleach - what he proudly calls the world’s Hoffman saw his prediction com - With a pandemic raging and ty.” ing tips, ask after each other’s first antismoking novel. (It is ing true. He collected the “outside Americans sharply divided over But in at least one case, Hoff - Mrs. Clauses, host training ses - also, in all likelihood, the world’s the chimney” ideas dreamed up how to respond, it wouldn’t be the man’s Santa-is-a-vector warning sions on ho-ho-ho-ing and com - only antismoking novel.) by his neighbors: Santa taking a only time politics seeped in. Anx - seems to have proven prophetic: pare custom belts. Regional San - These days Hoffman is retired, sleigh ride through neighbor - iety was running high — some Officials in a rural Georgia com - tas have social outings — some - leaving more time for appear - hoods, chatting with kids on Santas worried about finances, munity said this week that a times in “casual Santa” attire. ances as “Santa Art” at hospitals, FaceTime, posing for photos from others about health. After all, Santa Claus performer had tested But the Santa world isn’t schools, churches and homes. outside a window. being older and heavier is practi - positive for the virus days after always nice. Asked about the dif - And he has grown into the He emailed IBRBS leaders, cally in the job description, as is visiting — partly maskless — ference between the IBRBS and a Santa look: He joined the IBRBS pressing them to cancel the Sep - close contact with children. with dozens of children. rival group, the Fraternal Order after getting the real beard down, tember convention that was sup - A lot of Santas “were very con - “It’s discouraging,” Hoffman of Real Bearded Santas (FORBS), although as his wife, Martha, posed to draw 600 Santas to an cerned there’d be nothing” this said of the Georgia news. “I’m “Fabled Santa” Arnold paused. points out, “He’s not a big, fat Atlanta hotel. This time, more year, Arnold said. Others seemed still trying to get through the sea - “How much of the history,” he happy one.” wouldn’t mean merrier. to be “intimidating people to not son with a happy face because I’m asked, “do you know of the Santa He’s more of a tall and slender If the group went ahead with participate in Christmas at all.” Santa, but it’s discouraging. The Wars and everything?” Santa. When the kids ask about the event, Hoffman wrote, he There were angry emails and line that everybody’s been using By that, the IBRBS president this, he has a ready reply: Mrs. worried “that one or more of our social media comments about the lately, which is ‘it didn’t have to be meant a 2009 power struggle that Claus makes sure he eats right. members will be taking that conference, which had been post - this bad,’ is something I think tore apart an earlier Santa organ - For Hoffman, so many years ‘final sleigh ride’ before the poned to September from April in about every day.” ization, the Amalgamated Order doubling as Saint Nick means it Christmas season is even con - hopes the situation would Plenty of other Santas have of Real Bearded Santas. Santas can be hard to break character. cluded.’” improve. Complicating things, mostly kept visits to online, jury- pointed fingers at Santas, sling - “Sometimes I may fall back As for who he felt bore respon - the Santas had an pricey contract rigging basement studios and ing allegations of profiteering into my Santa role,” he told a sibility for the growing U.S. case - with the hotel. Zooming into living rooms near and conduct not befitting of Kris reporter. And then: “Ho ho ho!” load, Hoffman didn’t shy from By July, with the pandemic still and far. Pat Lense, or “Cincy Kringle. In the end, the group This year wasn’t the first that saying. President Donald Trump, not under control, the organiza - Santa,” saw his visits go up 220%. was no more, and others, like Hoffman publicly fretted about he wrote, was prioritizing the tion rescheduled the conference At Santa’s age (around 1,750 years FORBS and IBRBS, rose in its germs. In a 2015 column in the economy over people’s lives and to 2022. old), “that’s a lot of work,” he place. IBRBS newsletter headlined failing to demonstrate strong Hoffman, convinced the event joked. Hoffman’s time in this unusual “Golden Halo vs. Patient Zero,” leadership. might be “a mini Sturgis Motor - A self-described “old fart,” fraternity dates to the mid-1970s. Hoffman had asked: “Am I the He added that he had reread cycle Rally” that could send Hoffman hasn’t joined Lense and Back then, he wore a fake beard, only mall Santa who worries the organization’s “Santa Claus superspreading Santas across the the other Santas on Zoom. Actu - making him what the real beard- more these days about the ‘Haz - Oath” and noted: “Unless you country, breathed a sigh of relief. ally, he hasn’t even set up an obsessed industry would call a mat of the Lap?’” have ignored the past three years The question of what would account. “designer bearded” or “theatri - Around that time, a measles of his presidency, it’s pretty safe happen at Christmas, though, He turned down indoor Santa cally bearded” Santa. A photo outbreak had started in Disney - to say he wouldn’t make much of remained. Would Santa Claus sessions and has just a handful of from the era shows him grinning land and spread in California a Santa Claus.” still come to town? outdoor visits — where he’ll wear behind a mass of white curls, his and beyond. Alarmed, Hoffman IBRBS leaders responded that The answer became clear over a mask and face shield — on the own dark hair peeking out. called for Santas to use hand san - Santas felt strongly on both sides, the fall: “Almost all of us,” Arnold calendar. Normally, this would be When he wasn’t Saint itizer and urged parents to keep adding that they were doing said, “are seeing that no one his busiest time of the year and Nicholas, he was a public health sick children home. everything they could to make wants to have a year without he would be packing a lunch for educator at entities such as the “In the years to come,” he sure the convention was safe. Christmas.” days full of back-to-back appear - New Mexico Department of wrote, in an oddly prescient part, “Our policy in the general With a wink, some officials ances. Health, trying to wake Ameri - “I can actually envision ‘Photos Santa community is don’t be declared Santa an essential work - Santas have a rule against mak - cans up to the importance of seat With Santa’ morphing into political, don’t politicize Santa,” er. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s ing promises. But maybe next belts and the dangers of smok - ‘Photo shop with Santa’ where Arnold, the IBRBS president, top infectious-disease expert, Christmas. Portland City Court Judge Donald Gillespie tion; Matthew R. Jinks, Strahan, Muncie, driving $160.50; Amy D. Thornbury, Gibbs, Redkey, speeding 78 plate violation, insurance Fined and sentenced Muncie, driving while sus - while suspended. Ridgeville, speeding 43 mph mph in a 55 mph zone, $171; violation; Misty R. Smith, Jasmine D. Seeley, Mont - pended; Thomas R. Jor - in a 30 mph zone, $148.50; S. Kipp A. Haffner, Portland, Portland, accumulation of pelier, insurance violation, dan, Indianapolis, license Waivers M. Grieshop, Fort Recovery, seat belt violation, $25. rubbish. $160.50, Allen M. Huey, violation, driving while Gary D. Johnson, Appel - deer hunting with bait, Pennville, speeding 76 suspended; Nathan R. ton, Wisconsin, driving off $160; Taylor L. LeMaster, Dismissed Under advisement mph in a 55 mph zone, Lechleidner, Harlan, Dunkirk truck route, Berne, speeding 75 mph in Misty D. Thornburg, Bobby A. South, Port - $171; Thomas A. Paul, speeding 48 mph in a 30 $160.50; Diane Stromblad, a 55 mph zone, $171; Hartford City, driving while land, Tennessee, failure to Portland, speeding 35 mph mph zone; Joseph Love III, Coldwater, Ohio, speeding Macaulay S. Counts, All - suspended; William L. obey signs; Avinash in a 30 mph, $140.50; Muncie, speeding 81 mph 53 mph in a 40 mph zone, ston, Massachusetts, speed - Likens, Dunkirk, license Shinde, Rowland Heights, Homat Nalla, Metairie, in a 55 mph zone; Zayne D. $148.50; Hannah E. Rhamy, ing 50 mph in a 40 mph plate violation; Thomas A. California, failure to obey Louisana, failure to obey Turner, Muncie, speeding Montpelier, speeding 40 zone, $145; Nicholas L. Paul, Portland, license signs. signs, $160.50. 97 mph in a 55 mph zone; mph in a 30 mph zone, Leyton D. Wellbaum, Indi - $145.50; Eric J. Young, Red - Trial scheduled anapolis, speeding 56 mph key, speeding 57 mph in a 40 James A. Jones, Win - in a 40 mph zone, Austin L. mph zone, $152.20; Steven chester, failure to obey Forrester, Hartford City, McDowell, Portland, seat signs, Jan. 6, Aaron M. speeding 33 mph in a 20 belt violation, $25; Amy L. Dunmoyer, Portland, driv - mph zone in Dunkirk; Jef - Jennings, St. Louis, Mis - ing while suspended, Feb. frey A. Roberts, Ridgeville, souri, speeding 72 mph in a 3; Brendan Reed, Portland, driving while suspended; 55 mph zone, $152. 50; This HHoliday Seaeason... speeding 65 mph in a 55 Brandon M. Beltz, Port - Randy L. Hampshire, Port - mph zone, Jan. 6; Mayann land, speeding 42 mph in a land, seat belt violation, Cortez, Redkey, license 30 mph zone; Christopher $25; Julie A. Vanaman, Indi - violation, Jan. 6; Ronnie R. Martin, Portland, speed - anapolis, speeding 70 mph shoop LOCCALCAL Link, Burlington, Iowa, ing 72 mph in a 55 mph in a 55 mph zone, $151; failure to obey signs, Jan. zone; Brenton A. Matson, Samantha L. Morgan, Port - 6; Amanda L. Oliver, disregarding stop sign; land, speeding 71 mph in a Lauren Nelson, Fort 55 mph zone, $151.50; Justin eaat LOCCALCAL Dunkirk, driving while suspended (two counts), Wayne, speeding 40 mph in L. Underhill, Muncie, speeding 41 mph in a 20 a 30 mph zone; Pamela D. license plate violation, mph zone in Dunkirk, Jan. reaadLOCCALCAL 6; Leah N. Fravel, Port - land, license violation, license plate violation, Local businessesinesses and restaurants need your Jan. 6; Jerry Losey, support mmore than ever this holidayday season. Dunkirk, possession of paraphernalia, Jan. 6; And they’vethey ve comec up with creative ways for you to Joseph H. Honeycutt, BERNE, IN shop safely through delivery, pickupp and online. Parker City, driving while suspended, Feb. 3; Denny Now Seeking: W. Marlow, Steelville, Mis - Skilled Trades Maintenance Worker Find all the infformation you need to make the most souri, failure to obey of your holiddays in your local newspaperpaper. In print signs, Jan. 6; Dale E. The Skilled Trades Maintenance Worker will be responsible Catron, Losantville, fail - for installation, operation, and upkeep of equipment and and online you’ll find the best shoppingpping deals, ure to obey signs, Jan. 6; systems throughout the Swiss Village community. This position ideas on what to do with your family and the latest Rocio Esparza Salas, Port - will be 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm with news to help you celebrate safely this season. land, license violation, rotating on-call requirements. Qualified candidates must have insurance violation, Jan. 6; Erica L. Glass, Dunkirk, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical experience. speeding 45 mph in a 30 Education or a certification in HVAC is preferred. Seeking SUUPPORT LOCCALAAL mph zone. candidates with good work habits, the ability to efficiently use materials and equipment, and committed to following policies SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPSPAPER Failed to appear and procedures. This position is eligible for benefits including Erica L. Glass, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), SUUBSCRIBE TODAYAY Losantville, speeding 45 and 403(b) retirement plan participation. mph in a 30 mph zone; Apply online at www.swissvillage.org or send Resume to: Didier O. Interiano, Port - Taylor Lehman, VP of Human Resources land, speeding 51 mph in a Swiss Village, 1350 W. Main St. Berne, IN 46711 TThe Commerciaal Review 35 mph zone, license viola - Or email: [email protected] Call or email to subscribee to your local newspaper for as little ass $10/month. Gift Subscriptions ((2260) 726-8141 • business@[email protected] Support your local newspaper with the holiday gift that keeps on giving!

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Baughman, Monday - Friday: 6:00 p.m. Deceased Saturday Morning: 8:00 a.m. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Notice is hereby given that The­Commercial­Review James D. Baughman and Jackie 309­West­Main­St.,­Portland. E. Baughman were, on the 21st Front­Office­Hours:­8­a.m.­-­4­p.m. day of December, 2020, ap- pointed Personal Representa- Circulation­Department­Hours:­ tives of the estate of Jackie G. 10:30­am­-­5:00­p.m. Baughman deceased, who died on December 7, 2020. All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the Clerk of this m Contract h Court within three (3) months o Bridge p from the date of the first publi- cation of this notice, or within By Steve Becker nine (9) months after the dece- dent’s death, whichever is ear- lier, or the claims will be for- ever barred. Dated at Portland, Indiana, this 21st day of December, 2020. Jon Eads Clerk of the Circuit Court, For Jay County, Indiana HINKLE, RACSTER & SCHEMENAUR 121 W. 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PublicSTATE OF NoticeINDIANA JAY COUNTY, SS: IN THE JAY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 38C01-2012-EU-000034 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA LOWE Deceased ESTATE NOTICE OF UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION Notice is hereby given that Cyn- thia Shepherd was on the 18th day of December 2020 ap- pointed Personal Representa- tive of the Estate of Linda Lowe, deceased, who died on May 21 2018, and was authorized to ad- minister said estate Without court supervision. All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the Clerk of this Court within three (3) months from the date of the first publi- cation of this notice, or within nine (9) months after the Dece- dent’s death, whichever is ear- lier, or the claims will be for- ever barred. Dated at Portland, Indiana. this day of December, 2020. Jon Eads CLERK, JAY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Dave’s BEASLEY GILKISON LLP Out Mark A. 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Medicare Drug Plans [email protected] thecr.com Firewood available Medicare Advantage Senior Life Insurance 260-418-9492 or­call 765-509-1956 (765) 546-8801 260-726-8141 The Commercial Review Page 10 Sports Thursday, December 24, 2020 Tiny Bible college becomes Generals By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Columnist ATLANTA — Carver College has become college Paul basketball’s equivalent of Newberry the Washington Generals, barnstorming from city to city, playing games almost every night, enduring one enormous beating after another. a 35-point setback to Appalachian State 105, Charleston Southern. Carver 23. More typical was their Wofford 111, Carver 37. most recent outing, a 111- Georgia Southern 92, 34 blowout at Florida Carver 27. International on Monday Yet there’s one big differ - night. ence between the Cougars Then again, they and that hapless foil of the must’ve been exhausted. Harlem Globetrotters. The Cougars were playing Carver always takes the for the fourth straight court expecting to win, night, and the seventh time even though there’s virtu - in eight days, shuttling in ally no chance of that hap - two school vans over a vast pening unless the other expanses of the South team fails to show up. stretching from Lynch - “I don’t have that mind - burg, Virginia, to Miami, set,” says the team’s eter - Florida. nally optimistic coach, At least they’ve got a few The Commercial Review/Chris Schanz Bryan Spencer. “This is days off over the Christ - competitive sports, man. mas holiday. Cameron Gage of Jay County High School works to turn Norwell’s Stuart McCabe during their It’s about winning. It’s The Cougars’ next game 152-pound match during the Jay County Super Duals on Wednesday at JCHS. Gage pinned McCabe in about competing. I never is Sunday at Jacksonville go into a contest expecting State of the Ohio Valley 65 seconds, helping the Patriots beat the Knights 54-28 and go 4-0 on the day to push their streak of Conference. consecutive dual match wins to 22. to lose.” But Spencer is also a Chances are, it will be realist. another mammoth loss. He’s coaching at a minis - “I go in understanding cule, historically Black the odds we’re against,” Bible college — enroll - Spencer says. “But the les - ment: roughly 60 students sons we’re getting are Jay’s streak hits 22 — located in a former Sev - totally invaluable. And I really believe — I know — By CHRIS SCHANZ enth-day Adventist grade school on Atlanta’s west that if we can close the gap The Commercial Review side. in physical maturity, some Eric Myers was not pleased with Most Atlantans have of these scores you’re see - the way his team came out of the gate ‘I thought we wrestled really well. never heard of Carver, ing, they’re gonna flip.” in a triple dual Saturday. Last Saturday I felt like we came out myself included — and He chuckled just a bit, They still went 3-0. I’ve lived here most of my adding a quick caveat. It’s not hard to imagine what might a little flat. We didn’t wrestle great. life. “I’m not saying we’re happen if they warmed up well I was really proud of our guys for “I hadn’t heard of it going to beat them by 60 or before the start of a dual tourna - either, honestly,” concedes 70 points,” Spencer inter - ment. They got four, much more con - making the adjustment and getting point guard Glenn Sims, jects. “But we truly believe vincing victories. who grew up in Atlanta. we can beat these teams Jay County High School’s ready to go first match. We weren’t In this most atypical of some day.” wrestling team ran its dual match quite as lethargic.’ seasons, tiny Carver has His players sure seem to winning streak to 22 Wednesday as it —Eric Myers, emerged as perhaps the be enjoying the ride. blazed through the competition in a most unique team of all — Granted, it’s no fun getting super dual it hosted against four Jay County wrestling coach the pandemic converging pulverized night after other schools. with the Cougars to pro - night, but most of the “I thought we wrestled really well,” duce a slate of hopeless games are being carried on said Myers, whose Class 2A No. 7 “We weren’t quite as lethargic.” Greenville (76-6) and Monroe Central games for a team that ESPN’s streaming service, Patriot squad continued its winning Jay County, which moves to 22-1 on (67-12). never loses hope. so friends and family are ways. “Last Saturday I felt like we the year, trounced Union City in the What led to the change in prepara - With NCAA Division I getting to see them play. came out a little flat. We didn’t wres - opener 72-12. tion? First, Myers said they had a bit teams facing cancellations “It’s really been a bless - tle great. I was really proud of our In the most contested dual of the of a “stern” talking to following Sat - on an almost daily basis ing in disguise,” Sims says. guys for making the adjustment and day, it topped Norwell 54-28 before urday’s dual. because of COVID-19 and “We’re getting to play a getting ready to go first match. two more lopsided wins against See Hits page 11 desperate to schedule as schedule that not many many games as possible, people get to play, especial - often with little notice, ly at our level.” Carver has stepped into This Bingo Long of a the void as a willing patsy. season has already pro - Arizona They collect a check and duced a trove of humorous gain what Spencer believes anecdotes. will be much-needed expo - Just the other day, hires sure, valuable experience Spencer couldn’t find the and a lifetime of memo - keys to one of the vans ries. before the team departed Fisch Never mind that the Atlanta for the 6 1/2-hour By RALPH D. RUSSO Cougars are members of drive to DeLand, Florida, AP College Football Writer not the NCAA but the to face Stetson. Arizona has hired New NCCAA — National Chris - Turns out, they were in England Patriots assistant tian College Athletic Asso - his bag all along, but the Jedd Fisch as its head ciation — a collection of delay in getting away coach. tiny schools that don’t have meant the team didn’t even The school announced anywhere close to the have time to check into its Wednesday that Fisch will resources needed to com - hotel before the game. The replace Kevin Sumlin, who pete against mid-majors Cougars drove straight to was fired earlier this month like Georgia State, Florida the arena (and were beaten after the Wildcats finished International and Liberty. 95-52 in one of their better the season winless. Spencer recognizes the showings). "We are tremendously unique position his school Sims chuckled at how excited to have Jedd Fisch is in, one that may never Spencer got a call while the come to Tucson to reinvigo - come around again. Even team was on its way to the rate our football program with the virus raging — next game, which resulted and lead us to champi - and, yes, it’s stricken some in the coach sheepishly onships," Arizona athletic of his players — he telling his players via director Dave Heeke said in believes it’s worth the risk. group text that he’d just a statement. "Jedd has a He’ll pick up the phone added more games to the unique ability to teach the for pretty much any team already brutal schedule. game of football effectively that calls, willingly send - “It’s kind of like a recur - to his players and to inspire ing his team into games ring joke,” Sims says. them with his passion. We that are roughly akin to “He’ll just throw in at the conducted a comprehensive the Christians vs the Lions last second, ‘OK, guys, national search with an in ancient Rome. we’ve got another game.’” impressive array of candi - The Cougars have Carver was founded in dates but in the end, Jedd is already played 15 times, all 1943, but the basketball exactly what our program of them on the road, losing program has only been needs right now and I can - every one by an average of around for about two not wait to partner with nearly 59 points. decades. him to move us forward." Their best showing was See Becoming page 11 Struggling Steelers in midst of historic collapse By JOSH DUBOW 13 games before losing the final three in AP Pro Football Writer the regular season. They recovered to win The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone from three in a row in the playoffs for the only dreams of matching the perfect 1972 Super Bowl title in franchise history. Miami Dolphins to searching for another With the loss in Week 13 to a Washington win. team that was 4-7 at the time and then this After winning their first 11 games for past week to a Cincinnati team that was 2- the first time in franchise history, the 10-1, the Steelers became the first team in Steelers were upset at home two weeks ago NFL history to lose multiple games when against Washington. That was followed by entering with at least 11 wins and playing a loss at fellow AFC contender Buffalo before a humbling 27-17 defeat to last-place a team with four or fewer. Cincinnati on Monday night. The late-season collapse has opened the The last team to start 11-0 and then lose door for Cleveland to have a chance at win - three straight was the 1969 Rams in a 14- ning the division. If the Browns beat the game season. The losing skid carried over Jets on Sunday and the Steelers lose to to the playoffs with a 23-20 loss to Minneso - Indianapolis, the Week 17 showdown in ta, a fate the Steelers would obviously like Cleveland will be for the division title. The to avoid. Browns last won a division title in 1989, the Pittsburgh would prefer to follow the longest current drought in the league. path of the 2009 Saints, who won their first See Midst page 11 The Commercial Review Thursday, December 24, 2020 Sports Page 11 Becoming ... Continued from page 10 Spencer is getting several calls of an issue in a season where dence and psyche. But myself love playing. It doesn’t define It was the brainchild of the a day from schools that are the Cougars have yet to play a and our coaches think we’re who they are as men. He also late school president Robert eager to beef up their depleted home game and there’s hardly doing a very good job of keep - points out that life’s most valu - Crummie, who wanted to use schedules with last-minute any time for practicing. ing the guys motivated and ables lessons generally come the team as a religious out - games. Spencer does worry that the hungry and understanding of from adversity, not triumph. reach for young Black men. Every one that Carver plays enormity of the losses — 10 of the big picture that’s going If that’s the case, these guys “He called it his second- bolsters its bottom line, if not them by more than 60 points — on.” should do well in life. chance ministry,” Spencer its record. will take a toll on his young Indeed, the players seem to “The reason our guys play so says. “He was looking for guys The program is entirely self- team, which counts seven get it. hard on the court is nobody who could play basketball but supporting, with no money freshmen on its 11-man roster. “It’s not discouraging at all,” else would give them a maybe had gotten off on the coming out of the university’s He’s not as concerned about said Paul Hepburn, the team’s chance,” Spencer said. “Once wrong path. He just wanted to extremely tight budget. the virus, saying his team has tallest player, a 6-foot-9 native they get here, it’s family. It’s give them an opportunity to Spencer is the only paid coach, to get tested at least three of the Bahamas. love. It’s not just an experi - play the game they love, and though he does have two volun - times a week to ensure oppo - Really? Not at all? “We don’t ence, it’s true love. That’s what also give us the opportunity to teer assistants. The team’s nents that it’s not spreading look at it that way,” Hepburn they get at Carver College.’ reach them. We’re a Bible col - facilities are decrepit: a puny COVID-19 around the country. insists. Then he adds the most lege. We have a chance to reach gym with a parquet floor that “The scary part about doing Spencer is constantly important message of all. them spiritually.” desperately needs replacing, this,” Spencer says, “is reminding his players that bas - “It’s not the end of the world Now that the word is out, though that hasn’t been much destroying their mental confi - ketball is merely a game they when we lose.” Hits ... Midst ... Continued from page 10 Continued from page 10 Then they were more active and No matter who wins the crisp during warmups rather than AFC North, the champion just going through the motions. will be a team that missed Against Union City, eight Patri - the playoffs last season. ots received forfeits. In the six Every year since 1977, with other contested matches, they the exception of the strike- were 4-2, with Cameron Clark, shortened 1982 season that Cameron Gage, Blake Pruett and had no divisions, has fea - Bryce Wenk earning pins. tured a division winner In the second dual against team that missed the playoffs the state dual competitor Norwell, previous season. Ethan Reiley, Tony Wood, RJ Hes - On the other end of the kett, Ian Ruiz, Gage and Clark rat - spectrum is the New York tled off six consecutive pins for a Jets, who lost their first 13 commanding 36-0 lead. Norwell, games before stunning the which is also a sectional rival, won Los Angeles Rams, who the next three matches to make it came into the game with a 36-16. Later in the dual, the 9-4 record, with a 23-20 vic - Knights got back-to-back pins at tory. 220 and 285 pounds to make it 42- It marked just the third 28, but that’s as close as it got. time a team 0-13 or worse Against Greenville, Jay County broke through for its first received five forfeits and had win against a team with a seven pins, including six in the winning record. The Colts first period. Only one Patriot lost. (0-13) beat Tennessee (7-6) Jay County recorded three pins in 2011 and the Raiders (0- against Monroe Central, as well as 13) beat the Patriots (9-3-1) a 5-3 overtime victory by Wenk at The Commercial Review/Chris Schanz in 1962. 182 pounds. Wenk, a freshman, ROAD WARRIORS: trailed Hunter Page 3-0, rallied to Jay County High School freshman Bryce Wenk keeps hold of the left leg of Norwell’s With two weeks to play, tie the score in the third period Isaiah Brege while attempting to control the other during their 182-pound match of the Jay County home teams still have a los - and got a takedown in overtime Super Duals on Wednesday. Wenk lost by major decision, 11-2. ing record this season at for the win. 111-112-1. With many stadi - Cody Rowles (106) was one of ums having no fans four Patriots to go 4-0 on the day, Monroe Central’s Zach Martin in place match to 2020 JCHS gradu - ticipate in the meet but had to can - because of the coronavirus and he pushed his record to 22-0 on just 13 seconds for his team-lead - ate Mason Winner in the state cel. Instead, Jay County fielded a and others just having the season. ing 13th pin of the season. finals last year. reserve squad to make an even six small crowds, the advan - “Cody just keeps wrestling real - “RJ is just a pinning machine “He’s a testament to hard work teams for the dual tournament. tage of playing at home ly well,” Myers said, noting he right now,” Myers said. “He’s and positive attitude,” Myers said That Patriot team went 2-2, beat - has been nearly nonexist - pinned returning semi-state quali - wrestling really well and enjoying of Bravo. “He’s just improved so ing Monroe Central 34-33 on a ent. fier Cayden Smithley of Norwell himself.” much from being a middle school - tiebreaker and topping Union City The last time a season in 1:48. “Happy to get that win.” Junior Ramon Bravo, a 195- er up to junior year just through 48-29. It fell to Greenville 42-28 and finished with home teams Taye Curtis was also 4-0 at 113, pounder, went undefeated and hard work and determination.” Norwell 71-9. having a losing record and Reiley got four wins at 120 as pushed his season record to 20-1. Conner Specht (220), Ruiz (145), The Patriot teams did not came in 1968, when home well. Wood, the team’s 126- Bravo’s only loss this year was a Gage (152), Pruett (160) and Wenk square off against each other. teams in the NFL went 49- pounder, went undefeated. So did first-period fall Dec. 5 to Indi - were all 3-1 on the day. Heavy - Daniel Moore, a 106-pounder 59-4 (.454) and in the AFL Clark (132) and Heskett (138). anapolis Lutheran senior Hayden weight Peyton Bennett was 2-2 and freshman, was the lone Jay Coun - went 34-35-1 (.493). Heskett recorded the team’s Filipovich, who is ranked second Nate Paxson was 1-3 at 170 pounds. ty reserve wrestler to go undefeat - KEEPING IT: From fastest pin of the day, disposing of in the state and lost in the eighth- Wes-Del was scheduled to par - ed. Kyler Murray to Lamar Jackson to the recent emergence of Jalen Hurts and the return to the field Sports on tap of Marcus Mariota, quar - terbacks are having more Wednesday Fort Recovery — Girls basketball at State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks (ABC) work) Local schedule Jay County — Boys basketball in Holi - Mississinawa Valley – 6 p.m.; Junior high 4:30 p.m. — NFL Football: Minnesota 1 p.m. — Men’s College Basketball: success than ever running Monday day Hoops Tourney at Huntington North – boys basketball vs. Arcanum – 5 p.m. Vikings at New Orleans Saints (FOX/NFL Kentucky at Louisville (ESPN) the ball. Fort Recovery — Boys basketball vs. TBA Network) 2 p.m. — Men’s College Basketball: Quarterbacks have Delphos Jefferson – 6 p.m.; Junior high TV schedule 5 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Brooklyn Houston at UCF (ESPN2) boys basketball at Marion Local – 5 p.m.; Jan. 2 Today nets at Boston Celtics (ABC) 3:30 p.m. — College Football; rushed for 8,114 yards and Eighth grade girls basketball at Russia – Jay County — Wrestling in IHSWCA 3:30 p.m. — College Football: New 6 p.m. — Men’s College Basketball: SERVPRO First Responder Bowl – 111 touchdowns this sea - 6:15 p.m. state tournament at Allen County War Mexico Bowl – Hawaii vs. Houston (ESPN) Michigan at Nebraska (BTN) Louisiana vs. UTSA (ABC); LendingTree Memorial Coliseum – TBA; Girls basket - 8 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Dallas Mav - Bowl – Western Kentucky vs. Georgia son with two weeks to play, Tuesday ball vs. Heritage – noon; Boys basketball Friday ericks at Los Angeles Lakers (ABC/ESPN) State (ESPN) the most in a season on Jay County — Boys basketball vs. Lake vs. Muncie Central – 6 p.m. Noon — NBA Basketball: New Orleans 10:30 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Los 4 p.m. — Men’s College Basketball: record in NFL history. The Central in Holiday Hoops Tourney at Hunt - Fort Recovery — Boys basketball at Pelicans at Miami Heat (ESPN) Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets Gonzaga vs. Virginia (CBS) ington North – 10 a.m.; Boys basketball Lincolnview – 6 p.m. 2:30 p.m. — College Football: Camel - (ESPN) 4:30 p.m. — NFL Football: San Fran - previous high came in 2018 vs. Huntington North in Holiday Hoops lia Bowl – Marshall vs. Buffalo (ESPN) cisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (Amazon) when QBs had 8,086 yards Tourney – 2 p.m.; Girls basketball at York - Jan. 4 2:30 p.m. — Men’s College Basket - Saturday 7:30 p.m. — College Football; FBC town – 6 p.m. Jay County — Junior high girls basket - ball: Maryland at Purdue (FS1) 1 p.m. — NFL Football: Tampa Bay Mortgage Cure Bowl – Liberty vs Coastal rushing and the TD mark ball vs. Delta – 6 p.m. 2:30 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Golden Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (NFL Net - Carolina (ESPN) had been 80 set last season.

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