Unified Robotics is a STEM program designed for kids with and without disabilities to be able to compete together. On Saturday, students from schools all over Grant County came together to compete. 

Students work with their team to build and design a robot which they then use to complete missions and earn points. Lisa Graham, the Executive Director of the Grant County Special Education Cooperative, said the competition helps kids learn important life skills. 

“Critical thinking, having high expectations, working under pressure, being part of a team, those are all things we have to do, all of us,” Graham said. “Whether we’re in school, whether we’re adults, we all have to learn to work together and so this is a perfect example in a safe, fun environment.”

By completing missions, Graham said students can win medals and ribbons. Each team also decorates a table and can win a prize for best decorations at the end of the competition. 

This is the fifth year the competition has taken place. Graham said she has seen the engagement grow from parents and students each year and this year each team even handed out small gifts to opposing teams. 

“That’s cool too because you’re building friends, not just within your own group but within the bigger group and that’s cool,” Graham said. 

Taylor education and engineering students even help with the competition. Each team gets paired with an education and engineering student who are there to help and cheer their team on. 

Carrie Willoughby, a Taylor education major, said that even though she doesn’t know anything about robotics she enjoyed getting to see the kids’ excitement and getting to learn from them.

“I just think it’s really cool to be a part of so many schools from the community and just to learn more about their involvement and just the different type of programs they have for all types of kids,” Willoughby said. 

Parents and grandparents also got to learn more about their kids and the things they enjoy. Shelly Obenchain, a grandparent from North View Elementary, said she loved getting to see her grandson learn teamwork and do something he enjoys.

“It’s so exciting because I don’t get to see, with school and stuff, you don’t get to see what they do,” Obenchain said. “You hear about it, but to actually see them do it hands on, it just warms the grandmother’s heart.”

The exhibit shares the story of the Cornfield Classic race which was hosted in Marion in 1919 and 1920. It also looks at the Harley Davidson motorcycles of the time and how they came to be known as Hogs. 

During the 1920 race, the winner, Ray Weishaar, took his pet pig on a victory lap around the course. Weishaar was part of the Harley Davidson team which became known as the “Harley Hogs.”

“They started referring to Ray and the rest of his teammates as The Hogs, and then it kind of stuck for the Harley motorcycles,” Kelsey Winters, Head of Museum Services and Special Projects at the library, said. 

While the race didn’t continue after that year, Winters said the influence Marion had on the motorcycle industry still did. She said she hopes community members realize just how influential Marion was at the time.

“I think I’m hopeful that they’ll understand that Marion was a place on the map, like it was really influential and had a really far reach,” Winters said. “I mean this was a global event.”

The exhibit features a few 1920s motorcycles, a uniform and a variety of pictures from the race. Todd Armfield, an IMPS board member, said he’s excited to be able to educate the community about Marion’s history through these artifacts. 

“It’s our history as a city and a county,” Armfield said. “To bring that to light, that there was something bigger than what we are right now, and that became an international event for the county and brought in lots of revenue.”

Visitors had the opportunity on Friday night to go into the exhibit and get close to some of the artifacts. 

Ron Campbell, a visitor, said he found learning about Marion’s history interesting and hopes the younger generation will come visit the exhibit and become more involved with the museum. 

While Campbell doesn’t own his own motorcycle, he said that doesn’t stop him from wanting to learn more. 

“I always just like to go to motorcycle shows,” Campbell said. “I have a Corvette that I take around to shows and stuff, but there’s always motorcycles, and that’s what I kind of gravitate to sometimes.”

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“How Marion Works” is a podcast hosted by Layla Price-Bodkin, Supervisor of Marketing and Community Development for Marion. The first episode was released on Monday, Jan. 13 and focuses on the City Development Department. 

In each episode, Price-Bodkin said she will interview government leaders about their department in hopes of answering any questions the community might have.

“I think that whether you’ve lived in the community for a long time, or you’re new to the community, or maybe you’re just here for a short time, like you’re a student at a school, and you just want to understand how a community operates this can give you a sense of how Marion works, but really how a city in general operates,” Price-Bodkin said. 

The podcast’s first episode featured Deana Vice, Neighborhood Association Coordinator for Marion. Vice said throughout the podcast she and Price-Bodkin discussed a variety of topics such as traveling town halls, citywide cleanup and their own personal backgrounds.

While the main focus of the podcast is on what each department does, Vice said she also thinks it’s important for the community to know who their leaders are. 

“I can’t stress enough when someone has an issue, it’s important that they know who to take that issue to so that they can get the problem fixed as quickly as possible,” Vice said. “That’s what we are here for.”

Not only did she get to share what she does for work, Vice said she also got to share a bit about her personal interests. She said she hopes listeners will be able to get to know her as a person and not just a government official. 

“I think it’s important to remember the human element in all of this,” Vice said. “We are all people. We are all just people who are working and thriving, living together, trying to make the city a better place because we all live here.”

Episodes will air biweekly on Mondays. Episode two will be released on Jan. 27 and will focus on the Transportation Department.

With the 2024 election approaching, many citizens may be wondering where to cast their ballots. This document provides a list of polling centers in the Grant County area where people can make their voice heard.

The Grant County Rescue Mission’s annual Walk-A-Mile continued this year despite the snow and poor road conditions.

Each year, the GCRM hosts its annual Walk-A-Mile in which participants walk a mile to represent what those without proper housing or transportation face during the winter. 

Participants typically walk around downtown Marion, but due to roads still being cleared of snow, walkers were offered an alternate route through the YMCA or around the parking lot.

Jeremy Moore, spiritual coordinator for the GCRM, said that walking in the cold weather can give community members insight on the conditions that unhoused individuals are faced with during the winter season. 

“Snow is ok…it does make it important for people to understand when you’re homeless, it’s not just you’re always living on the streets. Sometimes you don’t have a permanent place to stay,” Moore said. “You’re going from house to house or you have to walk a mile and a half to a job or two miles to get resources from the community and these are the conditions you have to walk in.” 

Event coordinators, such as Moore, said the event was an opportunity for the community to get connected with the ministry.

One connection point was made through a display of backpacks for participants to take along on the walk. Each backpack contained a tag briefly explaining the story of an individual who has been impacted by the GCRM. 

Among the individuals who have been impacted by the ministry’s life change program is Ronald Collins III. 

“I just started the program. I just got released from jail a couple weeks ago. I was going through a bad situation in my life…and I finally asked for help and they put me in a life change program,” Collins said. “I’ve turned my whole life around now and everything’s going well for me.” 

Collins said he has been reunited with his children since participating in the life change program. He also said he plans to continue to be involved with the ministry after graduating from the program. 

Events such as Walk-a-Mile help raise money and support for the GCRM and the individuals who are impacted by the mission. 

“We’re really trying to invite people to have conversations with people, get to know people, and what their struggles are to really understand that each and every person, man or woman, has their own challenges in life,” Moore said. 

Joshua Gillespie, who is also part of the program at GCRM, said humans are meant to interact and have conversations with one another. He said this event and the interactions he has with others at the GCRM helps him to find himself and his purpose.

“We’re meant for each other,” Gillespie said. “We’re meant to communicate and we’re meant to be around each other. We’re meant to interact.”

COMING TOGETHER – Students, athletes, and faculty met at 10:30 a.m. to hear Dr. Keller begin her session on mental health in college. The session had so much turnout that there was attendees sitting on the floor. (Photo by Mya McNew)

OPINIONS MATTER – Indiana Wesleyan University track athletes sat in on Dr. Kellers “Mental Health in College Sports” session and debriefed about questions asked by Dr. Keller. They compared how they felt as an athlete in high school to an athlete in college and the big differences. (Photo by Mya McNew)

SPEAKING OUT – Merideth DeVries explained to Lydia Frecker and Maycie Porter her opinion on Vanderbilt lacrosse player, Cailin and her story. DeVries realized she related to Cailin’s story more than she thought. (Mya McNew)

REACHING OUT – Dr. Keller ended her discussion with resources and ways to reach out for athletes and students who struggle with their mental health. Keller mentioned the free therapy service IWU offers, Timely Care, that is always mobile and available. (Mya McNew)

Better than Book Bans

POWERED THROUGH MCCONN – Dr. Jones began her lecture by highlighting IWU’s coffee shop, McConn, and how she never goes without it. Jones has her special coffee order pictured with her. (Photo by Mya McNew)

SMALL DETAILS – Dr. McCracken began the session with the bible verse, Romans 12:2, which reminded listeners to begin with a faith-based mindset. Throughout the session, Jones and McCracken made connections with other bible verses like James 1:19-20. (Photo by Mya McNew)

HAVING A VOICE – Dr. McCracken read the book “Sulwe” and gave examples of race within books and how they affect elementary students. McCracken gave the book life by using his voice and reading like the attendees were elementary school students. (Photo by Mya McNew)

KEY DETAILS – Ellie Houtz took notes at the beginning of Dr. Jones and Dr. McCracken’s session to ensure she got all the details and important information. (Photo by Mya McNew)

Dr. John McCracken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, introduces the difficult topic of banned books within schools. McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, said he wants to discuss how we can bring truth into the classroom in a respectful and direct way. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Dr. Sarah Jones, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, addressed the removal of books. Jones, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, talked about why we should take action regarding the issue. Jones hopes that students will be moved into action. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Dr. John McCraken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, reads a book to students during the talk, “Better Than Book Bans.” McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, stated that this book had been challenged, but not banned. The book “Sulwe” follows an African American girl struggling with her dark complexion. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Dr. John McCraken, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, read a second book to students at the talk, “Better Than Book Bans.” McCraken, professor of teacher education at Indiana Wesleyan University, told listeners that this book had been challenged. The book “Freedom Summer” follows best friends, John Henry, who is African American and Joe, who is white. This book stresses the topic of racial injustice. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Accurate Scales and Information Integrity

MORNING MATHMATICS–IWU Students and community members heard from Mathematics Professor Mel Royer during a morning session of Tuesday’s Isaiah 1:17 Day. Royer lectured on dishonest scales, accurate scoring and how data can be manipulated for one’s personal gain. This lecture was a division-focused session for Mathematics and Engineering. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

KICKING THINGS OFF—Professor of Mathematics, Daniel Kiteck introduces Mel Royer, the first speaker for Accurate Scales and Information Integrity. While Kiteck was not a speaker at the event, he welcomed the audience and introduced both speakers. This event was one of many division-focused sessions at Indiana Wesleyan University’s Day of Common Learning. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

TIPPING THE SCALES—Professor of Mathematics, Mel Royer talked to students about how individual biases can lead to misinterpretation data. As part of his presentation, Royer showed many statistics from real-world social issues. “I would like to encourage more appreciation for the complexity of social problems,” said Royer. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings

COOL DRINKS FOR HOT TONGUES—IWU theater professor Dr. Steve Wood sets out bottles of Sprite and Minute Maid lemonade for Isaiah 1:17 Day’s Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event. Wood, along with Mike Miller of IGO and The Rev. Drew Morrell discussed racial issues while eating spicy wings. “It’s a time for everyone to celebrate, because everyone comes from somewhere,” said Miller. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

SPICY WINGS—Steve Wood and The Rev. Drew Morrell enjoy Garlic Parmesan wings provided by Wings Etc. These are the first wings the pair tasted during the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings session of IWU’s Isaiah 1:17 Day. Wood said, “I show my dominance over nature by eating it.” (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

SHARING THE SPICE—Freshman Andrew Scalf helps himself to some spicy wings provided by Wings Etc. The wings were part of the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event hosted by IWU theater professor Dr. Steve Wood. During the session, Wood, along with guests Mike Miller and The Rev. Drew Morrell discussed various topics including racial justice, Christianity and interracial relationships. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

HOT WINGS AND HOT TOPICS—Freshman Lucas Vargo ate spicy wings at the Hot Tongues and Spicy Wings event on Isaiah 1:17 Day. “I like to torture myself with spicy wings,” said Vargo. Students were encouraged to eat wings provided by Wings Etc. while listening to the panel of speakers. (Photo by Emily Bontrager)

Good Wings, Good Times – Mike Miller, a member Of Intercultural and Global offices shared spicy wings with Drew Morrell and Steve Wood. Miller discussed things like interracial relationships and how to go about them. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Wings and discussion – Students enjoyed a variety of spicy wings while attending Hot
Tongues and Spicy Topics Tuesday afternoon. Steve Wood hosted Drew Morrell and Mike Miller to discuss topics on race and biblical applications to one’s life. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Excited for Jesus – Drew Morrell preaches about living for God during Hot Tongues and Spicy Topics. Morrell said our lives now point to who we will become. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Latino Student Association Discussion

TAKING CHARGE – Mario Rangel, host for the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, took charge and asked the panel members the first question. Rangel facilitated the conversation throughout LSA’s event. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

SIGNIFICANT STORIES – Mario Rangel, host for the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, shared a personal story with the panel members. Rangel said he remembers making piñatas for his son’s birthday, and wishes similar pieces of culture were mainstream at Indiana Wesleyan University. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

POSITIVE OUTLOOK – Zina Teague, a panel member of the Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, discussed the topic of privilege. Teague, Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at Indiana Wesleyan University, said she recognizes her own blessings and privileges while understanding that everyone goes through different experiences in life. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

ADMIRABLE ADVICE – Marlem Romo, a panel member of the 2024 Latino Student Association Panel Discussion, shared advice with the audience. Romo, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, said it is important to explore and embrace your culture as well as others. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

PANELISTS PREP – The Latino Student Association invited six panelists to discuss their experiences as persons of color at a predominantly white nstitution. The panel took place in the Jones Banquet Hall this afternoon and included a mix of students and staff from a variety of backgrounds. (Photo by Jerah Winn)

Listening to the Lord: Replacing Social Media with Prayer

PATIENTLY WAITING – Students at Indiana Wesleyan University waited for the next session of Isaiah 1:17 day to begin. Emma Pettitt, a senior at IWU, presented the topic of replacing social media with prayer. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

SHARING RESEARCH – Emma Pettitt, the host of Listening to the Lord, shared the results of a survey conducted on Indiana Wesleyan University students detailing prayer and social media usage. Pettitt, a senior at IWU, said the survey results showed students wanted to get better at turning to prayer and limiting social media use. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

TYING IT TOGETHER – Erin Devers, a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, closed the session of Listening to the Lord with prayer. Emma Pettitt, host of the session and a student at IWU, said she welcomes anyone to join her in deleting social media and focusing on prayer. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

SETTING GOALS – Lilly Zander, an audience member of Listening to the Lord, looked at a handout from the session with a friend. Zander, a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University, said she looks forward to focusing on her prayer life. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

Mental Health in College Athletes

BREAKING IT DOWN – One session from the Isaiah 1:17 Day, Mental Health in College Athletes, raised awareness for poor mental health in both students and athletes alike. Students broke into small groups and discussed personal struggles throughout the session. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

JOINING IN – Indiana Wesleyan University students and faculty members alike joined the discussion of mental health. The Mental Health in College Athletes session fostered open conversation and community. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

RAISING AWARENESS – Nathan Reep, one of the hosts for the Mental Health in College Athletes session, guided the audience through a group discussion. Reep, a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, said it is important to speak up and begin taking steps toward getting better. (Photo by Faith Vander Laan)

Student Before Athlete – Section leader Nathan Reep shows a Ted Talk of Cailin Bracken talking about her battle with mental health. Bracken talked about how she had to battle mental health issues to rediscover her love of lacrosse. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Mental Health Matters – Students and faculty gather in the Recreation and Wellness Center to discuss mental health among college students. Nathan Reep led the discussion and said mental health resources are available in different fashions on campus. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Nowhere to Turn

Zach Aument led the 10:30 a.m. group meeting in the Century Dining Hall. Aument discussed what he calls “vocational imaginary” which means people only have a small amount of knowledge of what is available as a career based on life factors. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Underqualified – Zach Aument lectures on his discovery that employers are struggling to find qualified workers. Aument said this is partially due to less students getting degrees. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Restricted growth – Zach Aument, a first generation college student, lists several factors that he sees as preventing people from getting out of poverty. Aument said the list is evolving as well. Aument said when he was younger, climate would not have been on the list. (Photo by Lucas Vargo)

Speaking Truth in Love: Justice for the Pre-Born

Gabe Hooper, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, mingled with students before the start of the talk, “Speaking Truth in Love: Injustice for the Pre-Born.” Hooper, Vice President of the Students for Life club, wanted to connect with the students before the talk. It took place within IWU’s Student Center in the Jones Banquet Room from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This talk explained why many Americans believe abortions are necessary. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Beth Snyder, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, encourages students to care about the topic of abortion. Snyder, President of Students for Life club at Indiana Wesleyan University, said that abortion is a human rights issue. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Gabe Hooper, speaker for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, informs students why people defend abortions. Hooper, Vice President of Students for Life club at Indiana Wesleyan University, said that as a man he may never understand, but he will do everything to help. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Beth Snyder and Gabe Hooper, speakers for the 2024 Isaiah 1:17 Day, offer information for pregnancy centers within Marion, Indiana. Snyder and Hooper, both leaders of the Student for Life club, invite students to participate in a donation drive for mothers. (Photo by Kelsey Bratten)

Sanfoka Journey Through Grant County’s Racialized Past- Grant County Bus Tour

HAWKINS GIVES TOUR – Dr. Rusty Hawkins talks about the history of sundown towns in Grant County. Hawkins led the Racial Injustice Sankofa Tour through Grant County as part of the Day of Common Learning. (Photo by Jerah Winn)

SANKOFA TOUR IN MARION – Participants in the Racial Injustice Sankofa Tour through Grant County walk toward the Marion courthouse. The group of IWU students, alumni, and staff on the tour Tuesday morning walked from Marion’s former jail to the courthouse where a lynching occurred in 1930. (Photo by Jerah Winn)

OUTSIDE MARION COURTHOUSE – Dr. Rusty Hawkins tells a group of IWU students and staff about the 1930 lynching of two young Black men in Marion — Abram Smith and Thomas Shipp. The Sankofa Bus Tour made a stop at the site where the lynching occurred. (Photo by Jerah Winn)

HAWKINS’ CLOSING WORDS – After the Sankofa Bus Tour, Dr. Rusty Hawkins gives closing remarks in a classroom in Goodman Hall. The tour ended with some reflection on the effects Grant County’s racialized history has had on Indiana Wesleyan. (Photo by Jerah Winn)

On Jan. 27, college students across northern Indiana gathered in Upland for the monthly Unity Night.

The student-led gathering was hosted at Pierce Church with a night of worship, prayer and a message. In addition to the usual structure, the group also introduced its new discipleship groups. 

Discipleship groups began at 7 p.m. followed by the usual worship gathering at 8 p.m.

Evan Kenny is co-leader of the Unity worship team. Kenny said he has been able to connect with students from various schools since the birth of Unity in Oct. 2022.

“The thing I’ve seen the most from these events is a general community of students,” Kenny said. “I’ve just heard many stories of a lot of fellowship and connection…now we can go back to our campus and spread the word and continue diving into this.”

Students traveled from several campuses including Indiana Wesleyan University, Taylor University, Ball State University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Huntington University, and Anderson University.

Maddie Borchelt said she first heard about the Unity gatherings when she was in high school. She had a friend that was in college who had encouraged her to attend. 

“It’s the Church. It’s the Body of Christ. Even though we all are from different schools and different areas, we all come together to worship. That’s what’s super cool about it,” Borchelt said.

Now a sophomore at Taylor University, Borchelt said she has since started inviting her college-age friends. Last week, she messaged Elizabeth Lalonde from Purdue University Fort Wayne, who was able to attend her first Unity Night on Jan. 27.

“I love nights like this,” Lalonde said. “It makes you feel really good that other people around you are also Christians out there praising the Lord.”

The next gathering is set to take place on Feb. 24 with the location to be announced.