Blank Road News Today

John Mart Blank, a first-generation American citizen born Aug. 28, 1857, in Cole County, was raised by parents who had emigrated from Germany. He grew up on their Millbrook area farm with his twin brother, Roe, along with six other siblings.

Schramm Farms & Orchards in Harrison City — with its popular pumpkin patch, maze and fruits and vegetables for sale in its market — is closing at the end of the month after 40 years in business, the owner said Wednesday. “Everybody gets to retire. I’ve been working 8½ days