Toby Stigdon, a Seymour native who now lives in Columbus, moments before starting a 200-mile Kayaking for Cancer paddle on the East Fork White River with the aim of raising money for the Schneck Foundation to benefit cancer patients.
Lew Freedman | The Tribune
Kayaking for Cancer II
Thumbs up to Seymour native Toby Stigdon and Greg Foley of Seymour, who wrapped up a 200-mile trek Friday along the East Fork Fork White River between Columbus and Petersburg in Pike County. The purpose of the journey, which started Sept. 2 in downtown Columbus, is to raise funds for the Schneck Foundation in Seymour to benefit cancer patients. Following a terminal cancer diagnosis of partially differentiated thyroid, Stigdon organized Kayaking for Cancer in 2022, and he and some others paddled 73 miles from Columbus to Sparksville on the river, raising about $28,000.
River friendly farmer
Thumbs up to Seymour’s Brian Thompson, who was one of 42 Hoosier farmers to receive the 2023 Indiana River Family Farmer award on Aug. 9 during the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. The award, presented annually by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, honors farmers statewide for the implementation of conservation practices that protect the state’s natural resources, specifically waterways and soil health.
Above and beyond
Thumbs up to Dale Schmelzle and Katie Masters with The Thirsty Sportsman in Crothersville, who received a certificate of appreciation for excellence in community service from the Crothersville Town Council during a meeting Tuesday at the town hall. The purpose of the award is to recognize a local resident, club, organization or business that is an outstanding citizen and goes above and beyond to give back to the community to help make Crothersville a great place to live. The bar and restaurant was recognized for taking pride in helping the community by sponsoring the annual Ride for a Cure and a memorial ride and supporting Crothersville Community Schools, the school’s athletic department, Crothersville FFA and the Crothersville Youth League.
Champion linemen
Thumbs up to the Jackson County REMC lineman team of Jarren Brown, Travis Mull and Ethan Stidham for winning the team portion of the Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo on Aug. 24 and 25 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville. The team received two trophies — one made by a local guy that they will get to keep in-house and another one that’s a traveling trophy they will keep for the next year and then pass on to the 2024 winner. Their winning efforts were celebrated Aug. 30 with cake and ice cream at the company’s headquarters in Brownstown.