WETLAND WATERS TRIUMPH NEAR SOUTH WHITLEY

Wetlands are ecological marvels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s definition, wetlands are lands where saturation with water is the dominant factor determining the nature of soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil and on its surface. They serve many purposes: as filters for water, as recreational areas, and as places to conduct wildlife observation.

In the past, wetlands were mostly considered to be wastelands. As the United States was settled and people moved west, swamps and marshes were obstructions along the way. Many were drained to be replaced by farmland, railroads, and road construction.

In past decades, farmers have tried in vain to drain, plow, and plant wetlands, yet the wetlands ultimately won. For years, as I drove Highway 14 from Fort Wayne to South Whitley and back again, I watched in fascination as a wetland just east of South Whitley fought back. In early years – in the 1960s and 1970s – the area was drained and planted with crops. But, in wet springs, the water slowly crept back. Each season, depending on the weather, either the wetland won or the farmer won.

Wetland east of South Whitley once farmland

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Eventually, over the years, the farmer gave up, and the wetland slowly rose to reclaim the area which had been taken from it. I always feel a sense of joy when I drive along Highway 14 and look to the north, and I see a large, shallow “lake” where once farmland had been. The wetland is home to many animals and aquatic life, but one of my favorite inhabitants is not a living creature – it is a dead tree with branches stripped of leaves and life.

It stands in stark contrast to the skyline and to the water surrounding its trunk. It is a reminder of the faraway past when the land was farmed and trees dotted the landscape. But just as the farmer lost his battle to work the land, the tree lost its struggle to survive in the soggy waters of the wetland.

Wetland east of South Whitley on Highway 14

LONG THOMPSON SURGES AHEAD OF SCHELLINGER

A recent SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WHAS-TV Louisville KY and WCPO-TV Cincinnati OH shows Jill Long Thompson surging ahead of Jim Schellinger in the Democratic race for governor. With three weeks to go to the Indiana Democratic gubernatorial primary, Long Thompson has picked up momentum and now leads Schellinger by eight points.

The poll places Long Thompson at 46% and Schellinger at 38%. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll released two weeks ago, Long Thompson is up 7, Schellinger is down 3. Long Thompson, who represented Indiana’s 4th Congressional District from 1988 through 1994, has made inroads among men, where Indianapolis architect Schellinger had led by 21, now leads by 5.

Among women, Long Thompson previously had led by 13, but now leads by 20. In greater Indianapolis, Schellinger had led by 9, but now leads by 3. In Southern Indiana, Schellinger had led by 22, and now is tied. Among white voters, Schellinger had led by 3, now trails by 5. The winner of the primary will face incumbent Republican Governor Mitch Daniels.

With Schellinger’s money and backing, he has had a difficult time in grabbing the attention of Hoosier voters. While Schellinger continues to outspend Long Thompson, she continues to draw more support.