The Lawrence D. Bell Museum/Mentone Historical Museum will host the 12th annual Rotors Over Mentone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11. Photo provided by Tim Croy.

News Release 

MENTONE — The Lawrence D. Bell Museum/Mentone Historical Museum will host the 12th annual Rotors Over Mentone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The theme for this year’s event is “Honor our Heroes” (including fire, police, EMS, doctors, nurses, educators and military) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s speaker will be Phil Smith, who will speak about essential/frontline workers who put their own health at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the anniversary of 9/11.

“We are asking that any veterans or frontline workers come and be recognized for their service,” Mentone Council Member Tim Croy said. “It’s our way of saying thank you for their acts of kindness and service no matter how small.”

According to Croy, the big draw is when the American Huey 369 flies in. Those wishing to ride on the Huey can purchase a membership for $100 to be eligible to ride. Cleveland Helicopter Service will also be offering rides for a smaller fee.

Both museums will be open and food will be available. The opening ceremony will be performed by the American Legion and members of the Tippecanoe Valley High School Band.

“We have also been working on a genealogy area at the museum,” Croy said. “A big part of getting this started was the late Linda Cochran, who was a board member. We referred to her as our local historian. She will be missed by many.”

If any residents have old obituaries tucked away, the Lawrence D. Bell Museum/Mentone Historical Museum is interested in having them. A Mentone Historical Museum Fund has been started to help support programs, projects and other initiatives at the museum that celebrate, preserve and provide education about the history of Mentone. Donations to the fund can be made online at www.kcfoundation.org/donate

For more information, call (574) 267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market St., Warsaw. Your donation is tax deductible.

The museum is at 210 S. Oak St., Mentone, on Sept. 11. For those flying in, the frequency is 123.025 call sign “Bell Operations” – N 41° 10′ 17″  W 86° 02′ 33″.