Marjorie Jean Hooker Whitehead

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February 12, 2020

CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA

Marjorie Jean (Hooker) Whitehead, 97, of Cape Coral, FL passed away at 3:07 p.m. EST on Monday, January 27, 2020, at Hope Healthcare in Cape Coral, FL.

Born in Seymour, Indiana, on July 28, 1922, Marjorie was the eldest of nine children of John Hollis and Ruby (Morris) Hooker. After graduating in 1940 from Miami Edison High School and earning a secretarial certificate from business school, Marjorie enjoyed working as a secretary at the Children’s Clinic in Coral Gables, FL, and other secretarial jobs throughout the years.

Marjorie met Thomas Young Whitehead in Miami following graduation, and they married on July 24, 1943, in Kansas City, MO, where he was first stationed in the U.S. Navy. When WWII ended, Tom and Marjorie moved to Waco, TX in 1946, while he earned his bachelor’s degree at Baylor University. In 1952, they moved back to Miami, FL to raise their children, her proudest accomplishment in life. From 1966-1973, Marjorie and family lived in Columbus, IN. However, for most of her long life, she resided in Miami and Boynton Beach, FL.

Over the years, Marjorie loved keeping in touch with her large family via letters and greeting cards. Family was always foremost in her heart.

Marjorie is survived by three of her four children, Karen J. Whitehead of Fort Wayne, IN, Susan (Gary) Lane of Cape Coral, FL, and Kenneth (Sharon) Whitehead of Enosburg Falls, VT; as well as her sister, Carol Lee (Kenneth) Hundley of Columbus, IN and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren, Brian (Kimberly) Lane of Killingworth, CT, Leah (Ezra) Oklan of Burlington, VT, Kelsie (Justin) Gregware of Cape Coral, FL, Jamin (Jamie) Whitehead of Franklin, VT; and her eight beloved great-grandchildren, Brianna Lane, Owen Adams, Eva and Ryah Whitehead, Ella and Isaiah Oklan, and Mia and Chloe Gregware.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her dear parents, her loving husband Tommy of 66 years on August 7, 2009, her son Ronald T. Keithe; brothers, Bobby, Gerald (Janice), Jack (Jeanne), William (Leah), and Ronald (Mary Jane) Hooker; and sisters, Ruth Ann (William) Meahan, and Ruby Jo (William Ellsworth) Solomon.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 18, at 12:30 p.m. at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home at 1029 Washington St, Columbus IN, with the Rev. Howard Boles officiating. Calling will be from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Columbus. Online condolences may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.

New United Way website launches

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

United Way of Bartholomew County launched a new website to connect people to local agencies and resources. Residents can visit searchuwbc.org to find information and support from a variety of resources in the community.

“When you are looking for the information you need to get help in Bartholomew County, you expect it right away. Through Search UWBC, you will quickly find the information you need — when you need it,” said Alicia Monroe, director of the Volunteer Action Center.

Since 2000, United Way has connected residents local resources through the 2-1-1 program. That is an information and referral service that connects people to resources via phone by simply dialing 2-1-1. In May 2019, Indiana 2-1-1 transitioned to a statewide system and the United Way of Bartholomew County call center was eliminated based on the state’s decision to consolidate.

Looking Back – February 12

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

Ed Miller, executive chef at Columbus Regional Hospital, put finishing touches on his double chocolate cherry torte at the Fifth Annual Taste of Chocolate at The Commons in 1995. From The Republic archives

2010

Trash collection crews began distributing 64-gallon Toters to Columbus residents who wanted to trade in their 96-gallon Toters.

1995

Columbus East girls’ basketball team defeated Jennings County 68-53 in the Columbus North Regional championship, advancing to the Seymour Semistate.

1970

A freedom shrine containing “28 of America’s most precious historical documents,” presented by Exchange Club of Columbus and Metropolitan Exchange Club, was dedicated in a public program at Southside Junior High School.

Around Town – February 12

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

Orchids to …

• Rebecca Smith for your book that will help young affected children, we knew early on how special and caring you were with your beautiful heart, from the Critzers.

• the awesome music teacher that has exposed students to the preforming arts; this is something they may never have gotten to experience.

• four more years with Trump.

• Sen. Mike Braun who voted for the Constitution to acquit the president who was not convicted of a crime.

• St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for the Valentine’s party at Silver Oaks, we had a real good time.

• Nia at Art’s Cleaners on California Street for being so courteous and helpful with my dry cleaning.

• Dr. Pankratz and his entire office staff for reassuring me and making me feel comfortable yesterday with excellent care, from Cheryl.

• all the people who realize Indiana educators have received the lowest pay raises for the last 18 years on average in the United States.

• parents of the fifth and sixth grade basketball team at CCS for the gift card.

• Kim Thompson and Janie Starkes for winning awards at Menard’s annual meeting.

• President Trump for the 225,000 more jobs added in January.

Onions to …

• the person that called a long-time employee disgusting for asking for his receipt.

• the local company that misled customers about the alcohol content in its product, proving money over customers.

• anyone feeling entitled enough to think they didn’t have to pay for items and could come back whenever they felt like it to pay — business doesn’t work that way.

• anyone gullible enough to think a business should let you leave with items until you return the next day.

• people who complain about reading the onions about the “federally elected official” because we’re going to have four more years of them.

• people complaining about parking; try a one-way street with no driveways.

• all who think anything is “free.”

• the elected official who thinks everyone, even those that haven’t served in the military, should get the GI Bill.

• people who want free stuff.

• the federal elected official and anyone else who thinks that he is anything but full of hate and un-American interest.

• anyone who would believe the federal elected official is a decent, stable, knowledgeable, intelligent person who cares about anyone but himself.

• teachers who are teaching children to be afraid of guns.

• state elected official whose comments to a group of schoolchildren show he is out of touch with reality and unfit to serve.

• those who want to advance their own party instead of promoting what is best for all races and people.

• school officials who bribe students with candy.

• the state elected official who puts forth he was carrying a gun and talking about children being slaughtered while answering a question from a 12-year-old student.

• the local pastor who not only gave a one-sided presentation but also labeled traditionalists as anti-gay; it’s not the person, it’s the lifestyle.

• those who don’t know the federal employees were transferred, not fired, for trying to undermine the president’s foreign policy initiatives.

• the proposed school referendum.

• the basketball coach who did not start all the seniors on senior night at the basketball game, from a disappointed grandparent.

Happy Birthday to …

• Griffin Martin from your family.

• Betty Good from your family and Donna.

• Lance Kitterman from your family and Donna.

• Gwen Collins, from Skyler, Layla, Mom, Retha, Aunt Jan, Aunt Becky, Uncle Ron, Dylan, and the rest of the family.

• Angie Morgan, from Pastor Marvin Brown and Trinity Baptist Church.

• Norm on No. 18, from Mike.

• Trevor on No. 20, from Mike.

• Tracey Westerkamm, from Brenda and family.

Happy Anniversary to …

• Dave and Pam Dailey from your family and Donna.

• ANOTHER beautiful morning

Regional Hospital, Police – February 12

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

JENNINGS COUNTY

Arrests

Sunday

Patrick Spears, 23, of Columbus, out-of-county warrant, 3:30 a.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, no bond.

Fire, medic runs

Sunday

6:57 a.m. — Medical emergency in the 2000 block of Crestwood Drive.

Incidents

Sunday

12:21 a.m. — Disturbance in the area of Hoosier Street.

Local Police, Fire – February 12

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following information was summarized from the records of city, county and state police, fire, and hospital agencies.

Arrests

Saturday

Karen M. Gomez, 43, of 1825 Vinewood Drive, Columbus, driving while suspended prior, 4:55 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Stacey R. Phillips, 44, of 903 Chestnut St. — 5, Columbus, possession of methamphetamine, 8:09 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, released on $7,500 bond.

Abad M. Zelaya-Morales, 28, of 611 Garden St. — 5, Columbus, operating without a license-prior, 9:18 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Jason L. Dunbar, 40, of 1952 McKinley Ave., Columbus, public intoxication, 9:20 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Sunday

Brittney C. L. Landrem, 27, of 404 Glendale Drive, Columbus, possession of marijuana, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, public intoxication, possession of paraphernalia, 12:33 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $12,000 bond.

Tori K. Adams, 32, of 205 10th St., Elizabethtown, two counts of theft-receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, legend drug injection devices, possession of paraphernalia, driving while suspended prior, 2:01 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $131,000 bond.

Rockford A. Mobley, 37, of Morgantown, residential entry, 4:47 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $7,500 bond.

Niki Linville, 26, of 8441 West Raintree Drive South, Columbus, burglary, 7:26 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $15,000 bond.

Kevin Burton, 48, of 203 Elm St., Hope, operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .15% or more, 9:37 a.m., by the Hope Police Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Whitney D. Mitchell, 34, of 8471 West County Road 450S, Columbus, two Bartholomew County warrants, 12:33 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $65,000 bond.

Tyler D. Downs, 30, of 2727 Perry Drive, Columbus, domestic battery-prior or presence of minor, 1:00 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $7,500 bond.

Emmalea N. Johnson, 19, of 5460 West Lowell Road, Columbus, Bartholomew County warrant, 2:23 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $5,000 bond.

Fire, medic runs

Sunday

12:40 p.m. — Possible overdose or poison in the 300 block of Smith Street.

1:13 p.m. — Possible overdose or poison in the 1100 block of Seventh Street.

4:01 p.m. — Possible overdose or poison in the 1100 block of Seventh Street.

8:30 p.m. — Person injured in a fall in the 7400-200 block of North County Road 825E.

Incidents

Sunday

2:55 a.m. — Shooting in the 6200 block of East County Road 450N.

4:28 a.m. — Theft in the 3400-100 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike.

9:12 a.m. — Mischief vandalism in the 3400 block of West Jonathan Moore Pike.

10:03 a.m. — Battery in the 2700 block of Perry Drive.

11:15 a.m. — Property damage in the 1400 block of Jonesville Road.

11:49 a.m. — Property-damage accident in the 700 block of Whitfield Drive.

11:56 a.m. — Disturbance in the 10300-100 block of North U.S. 31.

12:06 p.m. — Personal injury accident at the intersection of 25th Street and Eastwood Drive.

12:21 p.m. — Mischief vandalism in the 16200 block of East County Road 265N.

12:26 p.m. — Theft in the 1700 block of Franklin Street.

12:41 p.m. — Battery reported to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.

12:49 p.m. — Accident near the 71 mile marker of North I-65.

12:57 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 17100 block of East County Road 300S.

12:58 p.m. — Property-damage accident near the 61 mile marker of North I-65.

12:58 p.m. — Slide off at the intersection of East State Road 46 and South County Road 525E.

1:08 p.m. — Personal injury accident near the 75 mile marker of South I-65.

1:35 p.m. — Theft in the 1600 block of Central Avenue.

2:05 p.m. — Accident near the 72 mile marker of North I-65.

3:46 p.m. — Child abuse or neglect in the 1800 block of North National Road.

4:16 p.m. –Shoplifting in the 2900 block of North National Road.

5:15 p.m. — Disturbance in the 6100 block of West County Road 700S.

7:02 p.m. — Shoplifting in the 2900 block of North National Road.

8:37 p.m. — Threats in the 2900 block of Lake Stream Drive.

9:02 p.m. — Property damage in the 15200 block of North U.S. 31.

9:50 p.m. — Disturbance in the 5600 block of East County Road 700N.

11:35 p.m. — Disturbance in the 3100 block of Flintwood Drive.

MORE THAN 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT ‘KATY KEENE’

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

The CW offers viewers a second chance to sample the pilot episode of “Katy Keene” (9 p.m., r, TV-14). This “Riverdale” spinoff stars Lucy Hale (“Pretty Little Liars”) in the title role as the granddaughter of an ambitious seamstress, whose lifelong dream is to work in a fantasy department store, groveling before the management and begging to be made a personal shopper for demanding, icy and insolent rich people.

Seriously, who does that? Who are these people? Has anybody ever met a human being vaguely resembling Katy Keene?

I guess I shouldn’t even view or review shows like “Katy Keene” because they are, after all, aimed at teenage girls, a demographic I only dimly understand. But if “Katy” is aimed at teenagers, it seems to have missed by a decade or three.

In many ways, the series is virtually a checklist of TV cliches and pop trends I despise. Let us count the ways: It begins with a Carrie Bradshaw-like (1) voice-over (2) accompanied by a throbbing, auto-tuned (3) anthem about living in New York, a city no mere mortal can afford. We see Katy and her entourage walking in a slow-motion clip focused on feet encased in high heels (4). When did this trite and overused foot-fetish gimmick become a must for shows about style (5)?

Things really get wretched when Katy gets to her department store job (6). She enters like a princess (7) wearing a cape (8), no less. The obsequious staff (9) welcomes her as if she were the first lady. It turns out she’s a glorified intern (10).

This brings us to the most hateful fact of all. “Katy” is the umpteenth variation on “The Devil Wears Prada” (11). Though it wasn’t obvious at the time, that 2006 movie was a clear indication that this century (12) would be an awful one and that young people (in movies at least) would no longer scare their elders and challenge them with new ideas, but lust after the designer labels (13) that delighted their grandmothers. Like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (14), this show features a beautiful, vivacious young woman entombed in a crypt of curdled nostalgia (15). Worse, somebody else’s curdled nostalgia.

Having found 15 ways to hate “Katy Keene” in the first five minutes, I must say it did give me a renewed appreciation of FX’s “Pose.” That series is set in the demimonde of drag fashion balls, following a group of society’s outcasts who create audacious outfits out of materials they have scrounged, borrowed and stolen.

My dream show would have the gang from “Pose” invade Lacy’s department store where Katy Keene toils, pilfer every dress in sight and burn the place to the ground.

Now that’s entertainment!

— Reality series really reach “ripe” status when they invite former participants back to play for old times’ sake. This 40th season of “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) is nothing but nostalgia, as all 20 players are not merely former contestants, but past winners.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

— A fateful misdiagnosis on “Chicago Med” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

— Leah Remini joins the judges on “Masked Singer” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

— “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-G, check local listings) celebrates “Wild Florida.”

— An epidemic of gas leaks on “Chicago Fire” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

— Will Arnett hosts “Lego Masters” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

— “NOVA” (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings) focuses on dogs.

— A man suspected of killing a homeless victim may be linked to many cold cases on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

— Dex investigates a suspicious wedding on “Stumptown” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

CULT CHOICE

A Harvard man posing as a homeless man (William Powell) becomes a wise butler for a scatter-brained Park Avenue socialite (Carole Lombard) in the 1936 screwball comedy “My Man Godfrey” (10 p.m., TCM).

SERIES NOTES

Grade inflation on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14) … Archie ponders life after graduation on “Riverdale” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) … Cupid’s arrow on “Schooled” (8:30 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) … A family trip to Paris on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) … A Valentine’s Day potluck on “Single Parents” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14) … Murder is bigger in Texas on “Criminal Minds” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

Tom Papa appears on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) … Jimmy Fallon welcomes Ryan Seacrest, Zoe Kravitz and Jhene Aiko on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Will Ferrell sits down on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Edie Falco, Adam Pally, Andrew Zimmern, Jose Andres and Elijah Wood visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC).

DNA match creates cousin confusion

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

Dear Amy: A relative contacted me on an ancestry site after learning that we were cousins.

We had no knowledge of each other and excitedly exchanged information about ourselves and our families. Eventually, though, she wanted specific names of male relatives who, presumably, might be her birth father.

She was not adopted and was raised by two parents (presumably, the father who raised her didn’t know he was not her biological father).

At that point I explained that I did not feel comfortable giving names and asked if she could speak with her mother about this, however uncomfortable that might be.

I truly felt I’d gone as far as I could, ethically speaking.

After declining to provide names of family members, I never heard from her again, which grieves me.

Now I’m left wondering: In this age of DNA discoveries, what are our obligations to family members, whether they be known or hidden? What is ethical here?

— Curious Cousin

Dear Curious: You could force this issue into the open by saying to your relatives: “I have been contacted by a previously unknown cousin through a DNA site. She is eager to reach out to other family members. If you are interested in communicating with her, let me know and I will give you her contact information.”

I’m not advocating for this approach, but it is an option that offers your relatives the same choice you have faced.

You could also reach out to your cousin again in order to stay in touch, without changing your own choice about disclosure.

Dear Amy: My co-workers all have children or grandchildren. My husband and I never had children (medical issues).

Most of my friends and co-workers were determined to get out of school, get married and have a baby! Me? I wanted to travel and do things I wanted to do before I got married. And I did!

Having a baby was never on my radar. Oh, I figured I would want a baby one day, but it wasn’t a priority.

I’m the type of person where I see dogs that are around me before I see the cute baby. And, please, don’t show me a video of your kid learning to run or dancing. No thanks!

My problem is that when my friends talk about babysitting their grandchildren (which I think they do too often — they can’t seem to say no to their kids!) my eyes tend to glaze over, and I zone out.

At work when co-workers start talking about their kids or grandkids, I have the same reaction. Usually I just go back to my office.

What is wrong with me? Why don’t I like kids?

— M

Dear M: I don’t know why you don’t like kids. I don’t assume that you actually dislike human children, but that you are bored by a topic that you don’t see as relatable.

Perhaps if you pretended that children were dogs, you could at least feign an interest in them. Maybe not.

There is a high likelihood that I wouldn’t be overly interested in your photos from your most recent travel adventure. But if you showed these photos to me, I would politely engage with you, because your travels and your pooches are important to you.

Friendship and collegiality confer a certain amount of benign politeness. You might not be overly interested in a friend or colleague’s golf game, her kids’ soccer score, or her grandbaby’s first steps, but a nod and a smile are all that is required; then you can go back to your office.

Dear Amy: Thank you, thank you for your response to “Tightrope Walker,” whose co-worker had survived a suicide attempt.

Yes, after a crisis, it is such a relief to interact with people in a “normal” capacity. Not directly addressing the crisis isn’t being in denial. It is demonstrating that you see the survivor as more than their illness.

— Been There

Dear Been There: Re-entry is so hard after a personal crisis. Thank you for your wisdom.

Letter: Some thoughts on Mitt Romney

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

From: James Brown

Morgantown

May I express a brief opinion of Mitt Romney? Hopefully, it won’t be like in church when someone asks to say a few words and they go on and on.

He ran for President and did not fight back against all the things the Democrats accused him of, and he lost. He made a bid to be Secretary of State under President Trump, and he lost. He ran for the U.S. Senate in Utah and would have lost except President Trump went to Utah and campaigned for him, so he won.

The Senate listened to the House’s impeachment of President Trump, and all the Republicans voted to acquit President Trump except one. It was Mitt Romney, and he lost again, 52-1. He blames his religious commitment that is better and stronger than the other senators. He also asked his wife, children, and grandchildren if they were OK with his decision.

Now to the real issue of his decision. How come he did not ask the people in Utah? Aren’t they the ones he is supposed to represent?

Letter: Open your hearts to thought that hope is real

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Staff Reports

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February 12, 2020

STOCK - Typing, Letter, Letter to the Editor — Laptop

From: John Brooks

Columbus

As Benedictine Oblates, when we made our final Obligation in the Archabbey church, we made three promises before the Archabbot, all the Saints, all the assembled and God, stability of heart, fidelity to the spirit of the monastic life and obedience to the will of God. Each of us, while forming in our mother’s womb, receive from God, our creator, an ember from his heart that ignites a fire to light our way on our journey of life.

We begin our journey as our lungs fill with the precious air of life and we take our first breath and cry to the world announcing we have arrived as a child of God to do his work, welcomed into God’s family by our baptism, our hearts filled with God’s unconditional love, understanding, forgiveness and compassion.

We are called to transcend the world’s way and journey to reignite the fire in the hearts of those whose hearts have become cold, dark and distant. The light from the fire of our hearts, fed by acts of kindness, caring, understanding, forgiveness, compassion and love, guide those from the depths of despair not by pulling them up but by taking them by the hand and walking beside them towards the light of salvation, our stable hearts firmly settled on a foundation of sacrifice of self, service to others and putting others needs before our own should serve as a model for others. A beacon of light, hope and faith.

Being a beacon of light, hope and faith for me involves being an Oblate, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a coworker, a member of my local parish, a member of my local community and a volunteer. I volunteer at the local hospital, local food pantry and local homeless shelter. With a stable heart founded firmly on a foundation of love, kindness, caring, forgiveness, understanding and compassion, I engage those often overlooked, forgotten and shunned by society, a subset of human society desperately seeking acceptance, assistance and guidance in our complex dark cold self-centered world.

Becoming a stable force in a very unstable world involves more than just words. It involves being present in action and deed, standing side by side and engaging those in need with a caring kind forgiving servants heart day after day. Sometimes it is the smallest acts of kindness and caring that reap the greatest rewards — a smile of friendship, a warm handshake, a friendly face or a kind word. Showing others by our actions there is at least one person in their lives who cares about them and their journey of life. Planting the seeds of love, understanding, forgiveness and acceptance. Clearing away the weeds and noise of life to uncover the hope and faith that each of holds deep in our hearts. Opening our hearts to the possibility that the hope is real; the faith is genuine, and we are not alone on our journey — a journey out of the darkness and into the light of salvation.