BIZ BUZZ: Mental Health Association director retiring

Aug. 22--The executive director of the Cass County Mental Health Association is retiring at the end of August.

Karen Waldron, who has led the organization since late 1996, will be stepping down as of Aug. 31, according to MHA secretary Kim Waldron.

Karen Waldron had been involved as a volunteer with MHA for several years before filling former director Mary Lou Kesling, who held the position for 18 years, according to news archives.

"I'm proud of a couple things," Karen Waldron said. "My biggest accomplishment was being able to express my love to the people with mental illness in this community that need help."

The association serves as a payee for up to 80 clients each month, Karen Waldron said, meaning the association helps those clients manage their finances. Karen Waldron said the organization also assists numerous other walk-ins seeking help with a variety of needs.

After Karen Waldron steps down, she said the organization would still be accepting donations of toiletries, food and clothing for clients as well as prizes to be given away at bingo fundraisers.

She pointed to the organization's recent move to offices at 700 North St. as the best change she's overseen during her tenure.

"We love it here," Karen Waldron said of the new building, which was at one time a bait shop before undergoing remodels. "And the people that come here love it. It's not confining, it's open."

The public is invited to a farewell open house for Karen Waldron from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Aug. 31 at the MHA offices, according to Kim Waldron.

Kim Waldron said Karen Waldron's successor will start Sept. 1. Jennifer Newcom is a Brookston resident with extensive nonprofit experience, Kim Waldron said. "I believe that she'll succeed with her knowledge and history."

Newcom's most recent position was with The Oasis Institute based in St. Louis, Missouri. She has a master's degree in business administration from Drake University.

In her retirement, Karen Waldron said she plans to seek part-time work. "I just want to make sure I can have a hamburger a couple times a week," she said, with a laugh.

MHA office hours vary, but staff is generally on site 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, Karen Waldron said. The association phone number is 574-722-3984.

PURDUE SURVEY: FARMLAND VALUES DECLINING in indiana

A new Purdue University survey indicates Indiana's farmland values fell over the past year after a decade-long climb.

Results released this month from the Purdue Land Value and Cash Rent Survey indicated prices for top-quality Indiana farmland fell 5.1 percent to an average $9,266 per acre in 2015. Prices for average-quality farmland fell 3.8 percent, according to a press release from the university.

Cash rents also fell statewide by smaller margins.

Land values in the north region, which covers 14 counties including Cass, Pulaski and Fulton, declined 3.2 percent for top-quality farmland and 3.8 percent for average land, the report states. Top quality farmland went for an average $9,537 per acre in the region.

Analysts had expected prices to fall somewhat, Purdue indicated, and attributed the decline to factors like lower crops prices and potential for higher interest rates.

Nearly half of those surveyed also said they expected the value of their farmland to continue declining over the next five years.

More than 200 farm managers, appraisers and other agribusiness professionals were interviewed for the survey, the press release indicated.

Reach Sarah Einselen at sarah.einselen@pharostribune.com, 574-732-5151 or on Twitter @PharosSME

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