abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Rolling Prairie, IN

Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Door Prairie Barn gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Rolling Prairie, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”

Jill W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”

Sowana H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”

Angelnique T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”

Deniva J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”

Alexis E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”

Doninique W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”

Candace
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”

Amy L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”

Amy L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”

Jazzmine .
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”

Kaitlyn S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”

Falon S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”

Stephanie S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best care is amazing!”

Patti V.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”

Monique B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”

Michelle P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”

Linda M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”

Stacy F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”

Wendy O.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”

JerelCDBErep C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”

Natalie C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They really help people when they need it”

Caroline
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”

Gary M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”

Melissa E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They were my mother's caretakers up until we moved away to seek life saving treatment. It was hard for them at times, because sometimes the homecare aides sometimes called off last minute. One time something came up missing, and the owner personally delivered a replacement. They're not perfect but they try their best.”

LaVon T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Rolling Prairie, IN?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Rolling Prairie, IN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Rolling Prairie, IN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Rolling Prairie, IN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Soldiers Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Jennie Rae's or visit Rolling Prairie, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Rolling Prairie, IN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Rolling Prairie, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Rolling Prairie, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Rolling Prairie, IN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Rolling Prairie, IN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Plum Creek Supportive Living
  • Rolling Meadows Health & Rehabilitation Center
  • Prairie Lakes Health Campus
  • Rolling Prairie Mobile Home Pk
  • Timber Creek Village Assisted Living of Shelbyville
  • Prairie Village Nursing & Rehabilitation
Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Rolling Prairie, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Rolling Prairie, IN

Latest News in Rolling Prairie, IN

New Prairie Votes to Keep Controversial Titles in Library

(New Carlisle, IN) - Last week New Prairie’s school board tackled the thorny topic of age-appropriate books in school libraries.On Monday, January 8th over two dozen people attended a public hearing as the board considered a petition to remove six books from the middle school library. These are the works called into question: Empire of Storms and Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Rethinking Norm...

(New Carlisle, IN) - Last week New Prairie’s school board tackled the thorny topic of age-appropriate books in school libraries.

On Monday, January 8th over two dozen people attended a public hearing as the board considered a petition to remove six books from the middle school library. These are the works called into question: Empire of Storms and Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas, The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Rethinking Normal by Katie Rain Hill, and Tilt by Ellen Hopkins. Portions of their content contain foul (R-rated) language, substance abuse, violence, and graphic sexuality.

Some call it book banning. Others say weeding, or removing certain titles that are no longer relevant or useful, is a necessary process in libraries. Heather Oake, who brought the petition, says it’s just common sense and common decency. “We’re not banning books,” she said. “It’s [about being] age-appropriate. And if you want your child to have that kind of a book, you can buy it for them outside of school.”

At the meeting Oake read aloud passages from the books describing sexual acts in graphic detail. Only a couple of parents, besides Oake, spoke out against the books. Most people in attendance were in favor of keeping them on the shelves. At least ten people spoke in favor of what they consider “free speech.”

One of them was Jamie Talboom, grandmother of five New Prairie students. “Removing or banning books is a slippery slope to government censorship and the erosion of our country’s commitment to freedom of expression,” she told board members.

According to another speaker, Tom Pietrzak, not everyone’s values and literary standards are the same. “What we heard tonight may be a bit shocking; I’m not going to tell you that it shouldn’t be. But at the same time, time my opinion of what is shocking versus your opinion… may be different.” He stressed the importance of getting kids interested in reading. “Is it shocking? Yeah, sure it is. But at the same time, fostering the will and the want to read—you can’t do a better thing for your child.”

Sid Shroyer, a former New Prairie English teacher and member of the committee that reviewed the books, talked about Nazi Germany, book burning, and classic authors such as Mark Twain, Jack London, and Ernest Hemingway, whose books have been banned over the years. “The goal of book-banning,” he said, “is the numbing of the senses, seeking to destroy individuality and stifle curiosity.”

A committee of seven appointed New Prairie community members reviewed the books in question and made their recommendation to keep them in the middle school. The board agreed unanimously, with an exception. One title, The Infinite Moment of Us, by the suggestion of Superintendent Dr. Paul White, will be moved to the high school due to its graphic nature.

Oake said after the meeting that she felt there would have been less support for the books if the matter had been debated in December as originally planned. “I got a call the same day saying they were postponing it,” said Oak. “I personally believe that gave them time to get a lot of people to come.” She felt as though the matter should have been resolved last month, but was intentionally postponed.

Meetings like this one may become more common due to a new state law passed in May requiring public and charter schools to make public a list of their library books. New Prairie’s middle school library, as of May, reported 13,497 books in their collection. The new law also requires that schools offer a procedure for objecting to a book’s place in the collection if it can be deemed both “offensive” and “harmful to minors.”

At last week’s meeting, an attorney for the school district was present to read Indiana’s statutes on what is “obscene” and “harmful.” But the definitions are vague, and it ultimately comes down to community members to draw the line. When asked what would constitute a reason to remove a book, Superintendent White did not specify, saying the district would continue to rely on publisher recommendations and guidelines set by the American Library Association.

White did say that the high school has a new certified librarian who has been tasked with being more hands-on with K-8 library development. “I think a focus on certain books being a better selection at the high school as opposed to the middle school level will continue to be reviewed and considered,” he said.

New Prairie Middle, Rolling Prairie Elementary designated as 'Heart Safe Schools'

BREAKING: Niles, Brandywine school districts both on lockdownClosings and DelaysFirst Alert WeatherUpdated: 7 minutes ago...

BREAKING: Niles, Brandywine school districts both on lockdown

Closings and Delays

First Alert Weather

Updated: 7 minutes ago

$50K Powerball ticket drawn in Fort Wayne expires Monday

Updated: 2 hours ago

A $50,000 Powerball ticket was purchased at Stop on the Way 10 in Fort Wayne.

Traffic on US-20 Bypass at standstill

Updated: 5 hours ago

This is the current look at the eastbound lanes of the Bypass between Michigan and Ironwood.

First Alert Weather

Updated: 7 hours ago

Notre Dame women tabbed 2-seed in NCAA Tournament

Updated: 14 hours ago

The Irish will play No. 15 seed Kent State in the first round at Purcell Pavilion.

First Alert Weather: Flurries Continue Tomorrow, Cold Wind Chills Tonight

Updated: 18 hours ago

News

First Alert Weather

Sports

16 Aware

Contests

Community

Michiana Eats

Extra

[email protected] - (574)-284-3000

Privacy Policy

FCC Applications

Advertising

Digital Marketing

EEO Statememt

Closed Captioning/Audio Description

At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Click here to learn more about our approach to artificial intelligence.

La Porte Co. favorite Junction City Restaurant considers closing after construction

When you put good food and originality together, you get Junction City Restaurant in Rolling Prairie. When you put a construction site next to it for 2 1/2 weeks, then you have a big problem."You have to make to make too many U-turns. You have to turn back into traffic and trucks, RV pullers are not going to want to do that," Junction City Restaurant owner Hiram Mitchell said.Mitchell has owned Junction City at 5636 Highway 20 for 25 years.Since the Indiana Department of Transportation began construction to Hig...

When you put good food and originality together, you get Junction City Restaurant in Rolling Prairie. When you put a construction site next to it for 2 1/2 weeks, then you have a big problem.

"You have to make to make too many U-turns. You have to turn back into traffic and trucks, RV pullers are not going to want to do that," Junction City Restaurant owner Hiram Mitchell said.

Mitchell has owned Junction City at 5636 Highway 20 for 25 years.

Since the Indiana Department of Transportation began construction to Highway 20 to help decrease crashes in the area, Mitchell's customers have been cut in half, and so has his staff.

"It's heartbreaking. They've all become family to me. Got to tell them they can't come to work. 'I can't pay you. There's no business,'" Mitchell said.

Savannah Richie has works as a waitress at Junction City for one year. She says she loves her job and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

"I need this. So, if this business goes under, then I'm going to have to go someplace else, and I don't really want to because I worked here for a year. I love this place," Richie said.

With blockage to the westbound lanes and no sign of the interstate opening back up until November, longtime customers like Huberd Coghill are worried Junction City won't be there at the end.

"I remember a lot of years and this a good ma-and-pa place to eat and they're going by the wayside," he said.

INDOT says the construction project should be no surprise, as they have been planning this out and have stated it publicly for years.

"When we're putting together a project like this over the course of several years, we make every effort to work with businesses and residents. They're often impacted by our project," INDOT Media Relations Director Adam Parkhouse said.

INDOT also says it is aware of the inconvenience it is for drivers to get to the restaurant. At the completion of the project, there will be dedicated turn lanes for both eastbound and westbound lanes leading into the restaurant.

INDOT also plans to add an overhead sign on Highway 20 to notify drivers Junction City Restaurant is ahead.

For now, temporary signs will be installed to assist drivers toward the restaurant until construction is complete.

"My goal was just to give a good plate of food to anybody who comes in here, and that's been taken away from me," Mitchell said.

Mitchell says he hopes his good food and unique restaurant will help give them the business they need to remain open.

Rat Problems in Rolling Prairie

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - Forget cicadas; In Rolling Prairie, it's a rat invasion they're worried about this summer. Many Rolling Prairie area residents have reported large rats, in the dozens or more, making themselves at home.The rodent onslaught isn’t exactly of Biblical proportions, but it is a problem. Amanda Runion is spearheading an effort to report the vermin activity to the county. She says the health department identified the pests as Norway rats, which can be sixteen inches long from head to tail. Runion started noticin...

(Rolling Prairie, IN) - Forget cicadas; In Rolling Prairie, it's a rat invasion they're worried about this summer. Many Rolling Prairie area residents have reported large rats, in the dozens or more, making themselves at home.

The rodent onslaught isn’t exactly of Biblical proportions, but it is a problem. Amanda Runion is spearheading an effort to report the vermin activity to the county. She says the health department identified the pests as Norway rats, which can be sixteen inches long from head to tail. Runion started noticing the large pests a few weeks ago. Others say the rats have been around since March or longer. One resident who lives on State Road 2 south of town claims to have caught nearly 50 rats, while another in-town resident says she has spent hundreds of dollars having them professionally trapped.

Some residents blame the municipal sewer system that recently went through town, but county officials say that isn’t likely. County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski says he investigated that possibility. "I talked to the Sewer Board about it. They said absolutely not. The sewer line's got absolutely nothing to do with the rat problem. Period."

Others link the problem to a couple of recently demolished grain silos. Steve Mrozinski, with the LaPorte County Co-op, says the county health department visited their facility Thursday and found no rats. The Co-op, Mrozinski says, has not stored grain for over six years, nor has it dismantled any silos.

Commissioner Mrozinski offers a different theory. He thinks garbage and debris left by county residents in yards and roadways are inviting a pest problem. In addition, he has received numerous complaints about untidy properties. "There's a lot of people here that are in need of a wake-up call from code enforcement," Mrozinski says. "Maybe that's got something to do with the rats. I don't know." Mrozinski has been outspoken in recent years about enforcing stricter property maintenance standards in the county.

Whatever the cause, Mrozinski says they’ll get to the bottom of the problem as more information is collected. "We're going to find out what's going on; we'll get to a conclusion because you don't want rats. That's not a good thing."

For now, county health officials need a tally of rat sightings. Runion has created a form to collect data and turn it over to the health department next Friday.

For the survey tracking vermin activity in Rolling Prairie, follow this link:

https://forms.gle/Be874vUx3NN2tMCH9. Your identity does not have to be disclosed, as long as general information about the problem can be collected.

Call to the Hall was worth the wait for George Oudhuis

GREEN BAY – The fourth time was the charm for George Oudhuis.The 63-year-old native of Rolling Prairie, Ind., was announced as the 23rd inductee into the Packers Fan Hall of Fame on Wednesday. It was the fourth time Oudhuis had been among the 10 finalists for the annual award.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President/CEO Mark Murphy surprised Oudhuis with the news over a Zoom call, in lieu of the formal ceremony inside the Packers media auditorium.Three times Oudhuis sat among those finalists at Lambeau Field and did...

GREEN BAY – The fourth time was the charm for George Oudhuis.

The 63-year-old native of Rolling Prairie, Ind., was announced as the 23rd inductee into the Packers Fan Hall of Fame on Wednesday. It was the fourth time Oudhuis had been among the 10 finalists for the annual award.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President/CEO Mark Murphy surprised Oudhuis with the news over a Zoom call, in lieu of the formal ceremony inside the Packers media auditorium.

Three times Oudhuis sat among those finalists at Lambeau Field and didn't hear his name get called. All those emotions rushed to the surface after Murphy informed him of his induction.

"I got choked up for a minute because it means so much to me," said Oudhuis from his home in Indiana. "It's something that I dreamed of and it's not just me; it's everybody that associates with me.

"Everybody has supported me so well. I had relatives in Europe who were voting for me over there. I had friends in France and Holland and Germany. It's completely amazing."

A devoted Packers fan since the age of 9, Oudhuis has collected Packers memorabilia for decades – from his original Ray Nitschke jersey to a litany of signed footballs and helmets. Nearly every autograph in his possession has come from in-person signings over the last 50 years.

While Oudhuis joked there isn't much available space on the walls inside his home, he does have a spot reserved for his Fan Hall of Fame plaque next to the key to the City of Green Bay Oudhuis received after helping unveil the street sign honoring Donald Driver Way in 2013.

"When you follow a team from when you're a little kid until today, I got to meet a lot of the older players and stuff," said Oudhuis, holding his plaque. "It's just been a fantastic ride. To get there three times and finally the fourth time, I'm just truly blessed and honored to have this in my hands right now."

Oudhuis has never lived in Wisconsin but developed a deep bond with the area. Despite the close calls, Oudhuis appreciated being able to come up three times to Lambeau Field to take part in the Fan Hall of Fame finalist festivities.

Even when he came up short a few times, Oudhuis' close friends and family continued to nominate him every year for the honor until he finally received this year's honor.

For his induction, Oudhuis will receive four club seats to a 2021 Packers home game; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2021 Packers away game, including game tickets, air fare and hotel accommodations; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus.

Most importantly, his name will be permanently displayed inside the Packers Hall of Fame.

"My parents are in heaven but I hope they're smiling down on me right now, knowing our names are going to go on that wall in Lambeau Field so years from now people can go and see it, and it's there," Oudhuis said. "It's completely amazing."

This year's other finalists included Jane Rietmann from Merrimac, Wis., Fred Ihlenfeldt Sr. from Kewaunee, Wis., Jeff Padon from Severn, Md., Ken Trinkner from De Pere, Wis., Leo DeGroot from West Bend, Wis., Patrick (Pat) Suplicki from Stevens Point, Wis., Bob Parker from Green Bay, Gene C. Lasch from Shawano, Wis., and Jeanne Beardsley from Ellsworth, Wis.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.