Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 112, Number 28, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 20 July 1994 — Page 1

Vol. 112 Issue 28

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Collect cans Persons who wish to share their aluminum cans for recycling are invited to take them to the office at Meadows Mobile Home Park. The cans are sold, and the funds collected are used to purchase food items for persons needing assistance from The Sanctuary. Your sharing is very much appreciated. 100th birthday Anna Counts, a resident at LuAnn Nursing Home, will celebrate her 100th birthday, Thursday, July 28, with a 2p.m. party scheduled at the nursing home. She welcomes visitors and cards from family and friends. Park Board The Nappanee Board of Parks and Recreation will meet in regular session, Wednesday, August 10, 4:30p.m., at the Emergency Services Building, W. Lincoln St. Meetings are open to the public. Common Council The Common Council of the City of Nappanee will meet in regular session, Monday, August 1, 7p.m., in the council chambers of the Nappanee Municipal Center, W. Lincoln St. Meetings are open to the public. School Board The Wa-Nee Board of School Trustees will meet in regular session, Monday, August 8, in the school administration office, 1300 N. Main St., Nappanee. Meeting are open to the public. Shots given The Elkhart County Health Department will offer free immunizations at the First Church of God, 72036 CR7, Nappanee, Tuesday, August 2, 9:30-11:30a.m. and 12-2p.m. Please enter at the northeast rear door. EMS projects The Nappanee EMS Department will sponsor its annual bake sale and car wash, Saturday, August 6, 9a.m.-3p.m., at the EMS Building, W. Lincoln St. Your patronage is appreciated. Board of Works The City of Nappanee Board of Public Works and Safety will meet in regular session, Monday, July 25, 3:30p.m., in the council chambers at the Nappanee Municipal Center, W. Lincoln St Meetings are open to the public. Library trustees meet The Board of Trustees of the Nappanee Public Library will meet in regular session Wednesday, July 27, 7:30p.m.. The public is invited to attend. Meeting change Let’s Face It-A Cancer Support Group, will meet August 2, 7p.m., at Dunlap United Methodist Church, Highway 33. The group did not meet in July due to the July 4 holiday. Persons needing to talk to someone before the next meeting are encouraged to call the American Cancer Society office, 262-0069, and speak to Marilyn. Advance-News office hours The office of the Nappanee Advance-News is open Monday through Friday, 9ajn.-4:3opjn. The office is located at 158 W. Market SL, Nappanee (P.O. Box 230), IN. 46550. Telephone 219-773-3127. FAX to Plymouth office, attention Advance-News, 219-936-3844. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday, with news and photos accepted until Monday noon for that week’s publication.

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TOP WINNERS-Ashley Hamsher and her brother Austin placed first and second, respectively, in the Build Nappanee Contest sponsored by the library. Ashley won a Nintendo Game Boy for her blue ribbon model of the pavilion at West

Study budget worksheets

By Barb Keiser Editor Examination of the 1995 budget worksheets occupied much of the Nappanee Common Council’s time at Monday evening’s regular session. Council members were led through the budget process by Clerk-Treasurer Kim Ingle, who stated that the worksheet outlined proposed expenditures only. Members were invited to discuss and/or question specific items by department, in preparation for the August 1 presentation of figures in ordinance form. * The first reading, which will also include a proposed tax levy, will take place at that session, with second reading set for August 15, and final passage anticipated at the August 29 special meeting set for that purpose only. Major increases in the proposed budget include appropriations of $40,000 for a new fire department rescue truck, $25,116 for the newlybudgeted Youth & Family Services program, $20,000 as the first installment of a six-year appropriation for a new ambulance (replaces 1988 ambulance now in service), $76,671 increase in the police department, including funds for a new police car (to replace ’B9 model), increase of $32,181 in the street department, primarily for increased funds to repair and/or replace local roads, and $87,624 in increased funds for the Parks & Recreation Department. Dr. Joe Baumgartner, president of the park board, was present to explain his department’s budget increase proposals. He stated that die addition of the newly-renovated park pavilion, four-diamond ball complex, additional help and golf course expenses, in additon to possible expenditures for maintenance and programming at the nature center are all factors relating to the increased monetary needs. An estimated SIO,OOO was added to the budget to provide for purchase of tables and chairs for both the pavilion and nature center, as well as other needed equipment. Jeff Kem, Street Dept. Supt, outlined the need for replacementnot just repairs-for several local streets. In the past, funds from street repair allotments have been used for sidewalk replacement and the new tree-planting program. The time has come to build up the repair funds again, to offset increased cost of materials for keeping local streets in suitable condition. Other additions in most departments reflected salary increases, materials expenses, equipment repair and replacement, insurance costs, and utilities usage. Ingle estimated that when final figures are ready, the proposed b idget may reflect an approximate increase of 10% over the 1994 budget. She also emphasized, however, that the assessed valuation is up approximately 8%, so “we should have a pretty decent budget.” In other business, council members were unanimous in their approval on third and final reading of the 1995 city salary ordinance, and in their approval of payment of claims against the city, amounting to $59,993.46. Mayor Kenneth Wallers reported that the city had received a donation of two small parcels of land located directly behind The House Across the Street and the Bolyard Building. The donation, from United'Telephone, will allow the city to move its recycling center off the parking lot near the train depot, in order for that area to be improved as proposed by

Nappanee, Indiana 46550 Wednesday, July 20, 1994

Side Park. Austin won a 3-D puzzle for his replica of the log cabin, also located at West Side Park. Rich and Deanna Hamsher are the parents of the prize-winning artists. (AN photo by Merrie Chapman)

the Development Commission and Main & Market Street studies. The donation became effective Monday, July 19, as outlined by the Development Commission, with council members expressing their appreciation. The Board of Public Works and Safety will officially accept the donation at its next session. The area will then be blacktopped, in preparation for use as the recycling station, easily accessible to local residents. Ingle reported that fire depart-

Citizens support Duncan

By Merrie Chapman Stuff Writer Over a dozen citizens attended the July 13, Board of Parks and Recreation meeting, to support Park Superintendent Alan Duncan. One citizen stood to ask the board to “resolve this problem with Alan Duncan,” and hoped that it was done “in a way so that he can stay.” , Dr. Jim Zimmerman spoke, first as President of the Nappanee Tree Board, when he said, “I need Alan’s help in planting trees.” Zimmerman expanded his thoughts, inquiring as to who employed Duncan, the city or the park board. Members explained that Alan was appointed by the mayor but answered to them. Dale Christner asked if a contract

Patriotism viewed through foreign eyes

By Merrie Chapman Stuff Writer Ruzena Cema, native of the Czech Republic, visited Nappanee, July 6, on her way to Aimes, lowa, for the national Presbyterian Women’s Meeting. Cema and 10 other women were invited to the annual conference as part of an exchange program titled “Journey of Hope,” which began last year with a group of American women visiting Europe. Ruzena and her fellow travelers were welcomed to the United States, June 27, in New York City. The group stayed in a home owned by a Methodist Church and learned of the American ways of life. They also visited Harlem to visit a rehabilitation facility and were treated to a special choir performance given by children there. Ruzena said the groups sounded “very energetic” and were “very exciting.” Next, the women traveled to Pennsylvania. At one point, Cema says they were returning from an activity when her hostess took a wrong turn in Philadelphia and they ended up in a poor section. Ruzena remembers being shocked by the conditions. The buildings were in ruins, and in her opinion, “not fit far animals to live (in).” She was appalled to see that people were living in the area. Cerna says people in her country “would not be allowed to live in those conditions.” The Czeck Republic would tear down those buildings and the people would live in better structures. Perhaps Americans could leam from their example. From Philadelphia, the visitors headed for Washington D.C., for the Fourth of July. She was in awe of the beautiful buildings and landscapings, and happy that the public was allowed to sit on the White House lawn. Ruzena was impressed by the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the many veterans who marched in the

ment personnel are scheduled for special driving instruction Wednesday and Thursday, July 20-21. She also stated that the 1993 city audit had been completed by c»me tax commissioners, and “we were perfect!” The next regular session of the council will take place Monday, August 1, 7p.m., in the council chambers of the Nappanee Municipal Center, W. Lincoln St Meetings are open to the public.

was involved with Duncan’s employment. Clerk/Treasuer Kim Ingle pointed out that there was no contract because the superintendent was a city employee. Dr. Zimmerman stood a second time to say, “I have worked on a lot of boards in my time, and 1 know that after you have served on a board for awhile everyone begins to think ‘l’m running the show. He continued, “I hope that doesn’t happen here,” and pleaded for each member to support a man like Alan, “who does all the work.” Zimmerman sited many limes that he has seen Duncan in working early mornings or after hours into the late nights. The doctor ended by asking “that the board keep the best interest of the

parade. She was surprised to see that the “state (United States) appreciates all the people who served and died in this war” because the U.S. was not victorious. Cema says her country chooses not to honor the dead from fallen causes but she is glad that we have not forgotten our heroes. After watching the fireworks from Mt. Vernon, the group took a plane to Chicago and traveled to individual homes. Ruzena was the guest of Wayne and Janet McCuen, 1307 Pickwick Court, for a day. She was picked up by a Lucille Brown, Flora, the following morning, July 7, and the K began the last leg of the trip to a. During Cema’s visit, her hosts took her to visit two local fanners. Ruzena’s interest stems from necessity. In her country, citizens are just begining to gain back the farmlands and other property that were taken from their families over 40 years ago by the communistic rule. As the people make the transition from various walks of life, to utilizing the fertile soils and caring for livestock, they are looking for instructions and guidance. One idea that will travel home with Ruzena is that of recycling newspaper by shredding it for animal bedding. She is eager to share that and many other new findings with her sister, who works for an agricultural magazine. Back home, Cema serves as the secretary of the Ecumenical Council of the Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian Women’s Meeting was held July 13-18. Afterward, Ruzena and one of her traveling companions went lo Minniapolis, Minnesota. They will head home by plane, July 21. Awaiting her return are husbtnd Milos and daughter Jana, who majors in physical chemistry and will finish her university studies in September.

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Wa-Nee faces increasing budget

By Merrie Chapman Staff Writer Wa-Nee School Board members met, July 18, to review, among other things, the 1995 budget. Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Finances, Phil Lehman, outlined the budget for board members. In the general fund the anticipated rate in Elkhart County is 15 cents more than the adopted rate for 1994 ($2.39). Kosciusko residents may see a 12 cent increase to $2.73. The advertised rates will be slightly higher at $3.22. The capital projects fund will decrease its demand by 24 cents. The debt service will rise 33 cents while the transportation fund increases by only five cents. The special education and pre-school department will remain the same. The total result will mean a 29 cent increase to Elkhart County taxpayers and 26 cents for those in Kosciusko County. New board member Jim Hartman expressed concern over the increasing amount of financial responsibility being shifted from the state level to the individual school corporations. Hartman, Randy Moyer, also new to the board, president Larry Thompson and Superintendent Jerry Lelle recently attended the Indiana School Boards Association Summer Institute. Hartman learned about the tax shift through siminars hosted at the institute. Mr. Lehman confirmed that the tax shift does put additional finan-

city and its residents in mind.” President Joe Baumgartner thanked the citizens for their show of support and comments. He stated that nothing had been settled and there had been no official resignation or other decisions made in regards to Duncan’s future employment. In other matters the board voted to close the restrooms at the Little League Diamond except during games. The decision followed lengthy discussions in which the board learned that the bathrooms were suffering from vandelism outside of game hours. Facilities on the other end of the park were also discussed. Kim Ingle reminded th board that the restrooms by the softball diamond were on the city’s list to be renovated according to ADA compliance. Acting on her suggestion, the board decided to maintain the restrooms until the city had completed their project. Afterwards the board will decide, what, if any, additional work needs done. More speed bumps will be added throughout Stauffer Park to deter speeders. Cut speed bumps will begin at the west entrance and continue east past the Little League diamonds to Miriam Street. Two speed bumps will also be installed along the path to the

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OPEN HOME-Wayne and Janet McCuen (back) recent*, opened their home to Ruzena Cema (front), native of the Czech: Republic. The fotelQn visitor stopped m Nappanee on IwnrayJ* Aimes. lowa, tor the national Presbyterian Witten* Meeting Her. trip to the United States is part of an exchange program throughithec church, titled "Journey of Hope ‘ See related article for deteße. (AN: photo by Merrie Chapman)

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cial burdens on the school corporations. to raise more funds through taxes. Lehman also said that the need to advertise at higher tax rates is a safety precaution. Schools who do not raise the amount determined by the state as necessary face heavy fines-some total in the millions. Hartman suggested inviting state representatives to a school board meeting, and allowing them to explain to local tax payers their reasoning for these procedures. While other board members voiced support of the idea, no immediate plans to host state officials were made. The outlined 1995 budget was approved and will face its final reading and adoption, August 22. Members accepted the $16,788 Gifted and Talented Education Grant for the upcoming school year. The program covers grades two through six. Julie Rogers was made a full-time language arts instructor at NorthWood High School. In addition, Rogers has an extensive thespian background and will be working with the drama department A public hearing on the additional appropriations in the construction fund was held. No citizen input was recorded and the matter was approved. The next school board meeting & scheduled Monday, August 8i 7:30p.m., Wa-Nee Administration Building 1300 North Main Street! Nappanee. '

golf course club house. The sportsplex advisory committee will schedule a meeting before the end of the month to compensate for the cancelation of the July 9 session because it fell on the Fourth of July holiday week. The committee normally meets the second Saturday of each month, 6:30a.m., at the Nappanee Municipal Building. Members include Fred Hockert and Barney S louder, representing the park board, Steve Reed and Scou Beiler, Little League, Bob Waters, Devon Miller and Ron Summers, Softball League. Members of the park board meet the second Wednesday of each month, 4:30p.m., in the Nappanee EMS meeting room. West Lincoln Street. Meetings are open to the public. Art festival The annual Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival is set for Thursday through Sunday,' - August 11-14, at the histone farm, located west of Nappanee, on US6. The festival offers a variety of quality crafts and art from persons around the country, as well as concessions and entertainment throughout the four-day event