Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 89, Number 40, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 31 March 1966 — Page 1
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Sale Os Electric Plant Should Reduce City's Taxes
If the electric department of the Nappanee Utilities Company is sold to Northern Indiana Public Service, the City would receive $1,401,496.00 from NIPSCO. In addition, after paying off its indebtedness, the City would be able to keep the cash funds of the electric department. Thus the total which
the City would realize from the sale, counting inventories, and the receipts from the sale of its coal pile, would amount to over $1,600,000. It has been estimated that improvement of the City’s water system, including an iron removal plant, would cost $400,000. This would leave the City of Nappanee over one million dollars. Present government bond interest rates are 5%, so the City could invest the million and receive an annual income of $50,000. If the City of Nappanee doesn’t sell its light plant, it will have to seek financing either privately or by a bond issue to pay for tihe water improvements. Experts on the present financial situation are quick to point out that this is a bad time to have to buck a tight money situation, and, if $400,000 is readily available for such, purposes, the amount of interest saved would be enormous. The Nappanee Utilities Company has given money to the City at various times and in varying amounts. Last year Mayor Robert Sinclair asked for and got $30,000 from the Utilities Company, which was turned over to the City this month. Mayor Robert Sinclair has pointed out that this $30,000 results in a reduction of the City’s tax levy of about 40 cents. He bases this on the fact that," based on present assessed valuation, every 10 cents of tax levy raises $7,000 in revenue .for the City. Based then on the Mayor’s arithmetic, the annual revenue from the million dollar investment would result in a reduction of the City tax rate of 70 cents. In addition to the annual income from the principal from the sale, the City of Nappanee could expect additional revenues from Northern Indiana Public Service. NIPSCO’s tax bill for their property having to do with the gas operation will be $8,210 this year. It is estimated that NIPSCO’s additional tax from the ownership of the electric plant would be $40,000 this year, one quarter of it or SIO,OOO going directly to the City of Nappanee. Dean Mitchell, president and chairman of the board of Northern Indiana Public Service has stated publically that, if his company is successful in purchasing Nappanee’s light plant, the sub station necessary would be built within the city limits of Nappanee. Thus Nappanee would gain the tax advantage from this property. EASTER CANTATA A mixed chorus from the Bethany Church of the Brethren will present a cantata, “Behold The King”, on Palm Sunday evening, April 3,j}t 7 p.m. at the church. The cantata is under the direction of Mrs. Arthur Gall. The public is invited to attend. The Congo River crosses the equator twice.
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ESTABLISHED 1879
Kurt Stump Wins Gold Palm At Court Os Honor At the Troop 33 Court of Honor on March 23, Eagle Scout Kurt Stump received an Eagle Gold Palm Award for meeting the requirements for 10 merit badges in addition to the 21 required for the Eagle Rank. The Eagle Gold Palm Award is very unique since it takes quite a bit of effort to become proficient in 10 merit badges after attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Kurt is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Stump. Several other boys received their advancement awards for their accomplishments since the last Court of Honor. Rick Dallas was inducted into the Troop as a Tenderfoot Scout. Mike Sehmucker, Dennis Berger and Mike Cleveland received their Second Class Scout Awards. The three scouts recognized for advancing to the rank of Star Scout were Jack Situtzman, Norb Hossler and Greg Frick Jack Stutzman also received an award for three years of perfect attendance at troop meetings. Os course, the highlight of the evening was the awarding of Eagle Scout to Tom Black, Dick Kaufman and Bill Kaufman. These three new Eagle Scouts make a total of nine boys who have attained this rank during the time Jade Anmantnrat served as Scoutmaster of Troop 33. New Dance Band Is Formed In This Area There is anew dance band in Nappanee. The Karavelles made their first appearance in Coldwater, Michigan, last Saturday night. They played before 300 teen agers at the town’s youth center. Their manager, James E. Stackhouse of Etna Green, happily reported that they walked out with a contract for.a reappearance for June 4. The local band group has been recently organized and consists of Danny Allen, Bremen, bass guitar, Denny Cobb, Nappanee, drummer, Jioe Mast, R 1, Nappanee organist, Rick Meister, Bremen, lead guitar, Don Segraves, Nappanee, singer and m.e., and Ray Stutzman, Bourbon, rhythm guitar. The boys have been practicing for quite a while, have purchased sharp looking jackets. Recently they were practicing at the Nappanee Legion Hall and drew quite a crowd. PAPER DRIVE The GAA will have a paper drive starting at 8 ajm. on Saturday, April 9. Anyone having papers to be picked up may Call 773-4677 or 773-3760.
NAPPANEE ADVANCE-NEWS
Coppes Strikers Back To Work Just as quickly as a picket line had formed around Coppes, Inc. on March 16, it disappeared Monday evening. Local 3138, cognizant of the fact that they had jumped the gun in not waiting a full 30 days cooling off period after notifying management of their intentention to strike, sent a telegram to Coppes Monday of their intention of coming back to work. Because it would take some time to notify all the membership of the union, it was decided to call a meeting Tuesday at the Union headquarters and <to report to work at Coppes Wednesday. On Tuesday a meeting was” called in South Bend with representatives of management and the Union and the federal mediator.
Asa result of the Tuesday night meeting, a meeting of the Union membership was called Wednesday morning. At the recommendation of the Union Committee the membership voted overwhelmingly to accept the newly revised contract with two stipulations. The first was that the Union Committee and the stewards be reinstated with full status. Secondly, the Union demanded that all existing law suits against them be dropped. The employees were back at work at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The contract, when signed, will be a three year one. Citizens Committee Files 2 School Board Candidates The Wa-Nee Citizens Committee filed two last minute candidates to run in the election for Wa-Nee School Board. - Wayne Harter of R 1, Wakarusa, will oppose Lyle Yoder, the incumbent in Locke Township. Paul Hartman, R 3, Goshen, will run against Russell Wenger, the incumbent, in Harrison Township. Although neither is a candidate of the Citizens Committee, there are now two people running for the School Board from Union Township. Kenneth Smith, the incumbent, wiH.be opposed by Dr. Daniel Schneider, Nappanee chiropractor. The other School Board members are not up for election at this time. They are Dr. Robert Abel from Olive, Dr. Forest Kendall and Dale Christner, the atlarge members, and Richard Berger from Scott-Jefferson. Easter Egg Hunt April 9 There will be prizes for everyone when the Jaycees host the community children at the annual 'Easter egg hunt at Stauffer Park on Saturday, April 9. The hunt will begin at 10 am. There will be two divisions of children with corresponding prizes for each group. One group will be kindergarten and under and the other will be for first through the fourth grade. Gold and silver eggs will be hidden for each group and prizes awarded to the finders. .-
NAPPANEE, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1966
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Rotary Elects New Officers At a recent meeting, the Nappanee Rotary Club elected new officers. Don Guckenberger was elected president to succeed Dave McGrew, the first president of the newly organized club. Ron Teleschow was elected vice Paul Dougherty secretary, and Delbert Fox treasurer. The officers will assume office in July. SPECIAL SERVICES The First Mennonite Church will present special services starting Monday evening, April 4, through Thursday, April 7. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Monday, April 4, is Lenten service with the pastor speaking on “The Cry of Rejection”; Tuesday, April 5, “The Cry of Weak Faith”; Wednesday, April 6, “The Cry of Faith” and Thursday, April 7, “The Cry of Testimony.” The public is invited to attend these services.
OUR MONEY'S WORTH It is time for the Wa-Nee teachers to negotiate again with the School Board about salary schedules. Certainly most taxpayers recognize the need of the teachers, and most parents are eager that the best available teachers are attracted to our school system. But, since the teachers discard any plan which remotely resembles a merit system, and base salary schedules solely on the years of service and the amount of education, these teachers have an added responsibility to maintain the quality of their own work. There are many dedicated teachers in our school system. There are many who in their field are exceptionally fine, and we're lucky to have them. But there are some, as in any other profession, who are just going through the motions of doing a job. Admittedly salaries of teachers should be high enough to compensate for the education needed for their jobs and should constantly be reviewed to make up for rising costs of living. On the other hand, tremendous strides have been made in bringing teacher salaries up to where they should be. Since we've been in Nappanee, we've seen each teacher's individual income rise steadily. But, since teachers in Indiana choose to-look at this whole problem as a labor-management situation, then, as in an industry, management should be entitled to expect proportionate rising work standards. The nation is in need of highly educated, highly trained young people. We just want to be sure that the young people from Nappanee are the best educated young* people in the United States. Is that too big an
Susan McMurray Named Miss Posture Queen i * , Susan McMurray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen McMurray, was named Miss Posture Queen at the pageant at the B&B Saturday. She was crowned by Jacqueline Fletcher, last year’s Posture Queen. She received a plaque for her essay on “Why Good Posture Is Necessary”. First runner-up was Susie Pontious, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pontious. Miss McMurray now attends Ball State University. Miss Pontious was .last year’s Homecoming Queen and is a senior at Nappanee High School. The girls were judged on posture, physical fitness, poise, personality, and knowledge of posture. Dr. Dan Schneider, chiropractor in Nappanee, was sponsor of the pageant and acted as master of ceremonies. Mrs. Ronald Keister acted as hostess, and Mrs. James Miller read the essays of the contestants. Teri Robinson and the Girls Trio from the high school furnished the music. The contestants modeled clothes from the House Across The Street, and Mrs. Gilbert Masterson narrated the fashion show. Another guest was Mrs. Richard Pleteher, who as the former Susan Templeton, was the 1963 Miss Posture Queen.
Good Friday Services At Methodist Church The Annual Nappanee Good Friday Services will be held April 8 in the Methodist., Church from 1 to ‘3 p.m. The theme this year sgdU. 'be “The Words To The Cross” presented by the following ministers: Rev. Jack McGlasson, Rev. Ross Noffsinger, Rev. Leonard Metzker, Rev. Darrell Prichard and Rev. William Anderson. There will also be several special music numbers. It is hoped that as many business places as possible will close during this two hour period as possible. The complete program will be published in next week’s Advance-News. WCTU The WCTU will meet Friday, April 8, in the parlor room of the Methodist Church following the Good Friday services.
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MUTSCHLER SHOWROOMS To accomodate the people who weren't able to inspect the new Mutschler showrooms, the management is going to have another open’ house this weekend from 2 to 8 on Saturday and on Sunday. Everyone is welcome. % J. Byron Hayes Visits Nappanee J. Byron Hayes, a Democratic candidate for United States Congressman from the new 4th District, was in Nappanee Monday. He spoke to a meeting sponsored by the Democratic Women’s Cluib. Earlier he held a press conference at the B&B. Mr. Hayes is a graduate of Notre Dame. After 4 years in the Army in World War H, he returned to Notre Dame for his law degree. He has a private law practice in Allen County and has been prosecuting attorney. Mr. Hayes was optimistic about the chances of the Democrats in the newly formed 4th District to which Elkhart County has been added. He said that he has sensed anew spirit of determination within the Party. He said that incumbent E. Ross Adair represents -only a very conservative element and that he has done nothing as Congressman. In answer to questions from the press, Hayes said that the present United States committment-in Vietnam must be honored. He said that the growing split between Russia and Red China is significant. On domestic affairs, he said that he didn’t believe that there was an inflationary trend at present. He said that he would favor raising of taxes if it is felt necessary. Hayes said that he believed that some of the President’s anti-pover-ty program will undoubtedly have to be cut as long as we have increasing committments in Vietnam. Although Hayes doesn’t believe that Article 14 B of the TaftHartley Law will be repealed, he feels it should be and then rewritten. Gold Crown Lanes To Be Expanded Ground will be broken any minute for the new addition to the Gold Crown Bowling Lanes. This will provide for four more lanes, a larger office space, a bigger pro shop, and anew billiard room. In addition there will be enlarged parking area, and the house and building next door will be moved. Included in the plans will be an improved restaurant area. The new improvements also will feature new cluster ball returns, all new lockers, and additional rest room facilities. Forest Stahly is doing the enlarging of the building and the parking area, and Red Weber, owner, will do all the equipment and fixtures. Mr. Weber said that the new addition will be completed in time for the new bowling season. The Lanes are owned by Nappanee Enterprises, Inc., of which Mr. Weber is president and Mrs. Weber secretary-treasurer.
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Mayor Debates Utilities Sale With Widmoyer A large crowd of business and community leaders turned out to hear Mayor Robert Sinclair and Councilman David Widmoyer debate the utilities sale at Kiwanis Monday. . Widmoyer urged leaders of the community to do everything they could do to support the sale of the electric department. He said that the time is now. Without the sale, he said, there would be a limitation on Nappanee’s further business and industrial expansion. Widmoyer said that the Utilities Company had originally set its goal for 1972 as the time when the plant would have to be eliminated. They; built up their profits to the salability of the plant. The period of expansion, he said, has brought the original goal of 197$ right up to today. Widmoyer pointed out that the sale of the plant would give enough money so that the water improvements could be made and so that the City would still have $1,200,000 which would give the City interest of $60,000 annually. The sale would, said Widmoyer, bring lower electric rates to the resident consumers. If we keep the plant, there would be an increasing labor Hrobiem to attract employee, to the plant. “You can't compete with the Mg boys,” Widmoyer stated, in such items as the buying of coal or the needed technological help. Mayor Sinclair said that the Council and the Utilities Board didn’t know enough about the Utilities to sell the plant. He said that the editor of the AdvanceNews had failed in his job of putting all the facts before the people. The Mayor said that the 1965 profit of $106,000 was a good one. He pointed out that, as generation of power increased, so should the profits, making the value to NIP<SCO in later yeans even more. The Mayor pointed out that NIPSCO wanted this plant badly. He said that if profits could be made by NIPSCO from this area, then Nappanee should be able to realize the same profits. He called the Utilities Board and the Council to task for accepting NIPSCO’s first offer, which he maintained was too low.
Mayor Sinclair said that he had talked to mayors in towns who L.night their power wholesale, and that they had all reported good profits from this move. He said he was not in favor of keeping the present plant, but would favor buying power from NIPSCO and keeping our lines. Mayor Sinclair said he doubted Mr. L. J. Burnham's figures in last week’s paper about the cost of producing power here. He also said that nobody really knows how much it would cost to fix up Nappanee’s lines to distribute power which would be purchased wholesale. The Mayor said that he also doubted that the City could expect substantial taxes from NIPSCO’s property here. (Mayor Sinclair said that if the plant is sold, the cost of billing the sewage charges, now done by Nappanee Utilities, and the establishment of a communication sys-
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tern, now maintained by the Utilities, would have to be assumed by the City. The Mayor said he couldn’t understand why NIPSCO would be taking the two water storage tanks in the deal, and he said that he understood that' NEPSCO would have to use the lines of Indiana and Michigan from Turkey Creek if they were to buy the plant. There was a question period and several businessmen asked questions of both Widmoyer and the Mayor. State Aviation Expert Visits Nappanee Monday A group of businessmen in Nappanee have been investigating the possibility of starting an aircraft landing strip in Nappanee and have made arrangements for enough land for a strip north of the railroad tracks back of the new Power Manufacturing Plant east of Nappanee. On Monday, Mr. William Lloyd from the Indiana Aeronautics Commission met with Gordon McCormick and Walter Lawmaster, two proposnents of the air strip. He said that State approval could be obtained and suggested that a non profit corporation be set up with a Nappanee Aviation Board. He said that th ere was state money available for this purpose at 2% for industrial development. The group has been considering a runway of about 3,(XX) feet, suitable for small aircraft and business planes to land here. Mr. Lloyd said that several cities who have started airstrips and have had success at attracting new industries because of it. He said that some cities that didn’t have airstrips lost industries for that reason.
It is the thinking of the group working on establishing an airstrip that the land would be purchased or leased and the runway built, and then the whole thing would be turned over to Nappanee as a municipal airport. At a recent meeting of the Common Council, tentative approval of such an idea was informally given by Council members Who encouraged further study of the plan. Jaycees Plan Community Easter Sunrise Service The Nappanee Jaycees, in cooperation with the Ministerial Association, will sponsor the Easter Sunrise Service, beginning at 6 a.m. Easter morning at the high school. Dr. Ray Pannabecker will be the speaker. Further information will appear in next week's Advance-News. RUMMAGE SALE The Women’s Association of the Presbyterian Church will have their annual rummage sale on Saturday, April 2, at 9 a m. The sale will be held at the VFW Hall. All donations should be brought to the hall on Thursday and Friday before the sale.