Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 125, Number 50, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 11 December 2002 — Page 1

Advance News Serving Nappanee & Wakamsa *

Vol. 125 Issue 50

CHRISTMAS PLAY Everyone is invited to a Christmas play, “A Mouse's Tale” at Nappanee United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 15 during the 9 a.m. worship service. The Christmas story will be narrated by Granny Mouse and told by the animals in the stable Christmas night. The church is located at 301 E. Market St. Questions? Call 7734183. HOLIDAY SERVICE On Sunday, Dec. 22, Wakamsa Missionary Church on West Waterford Street will celebrate Christmas with special services. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. an evening service will take place at 8:30 pm. Senior Pastor Dwight Weber invites the community to join in worship during the holidays. BLOODMOBJLE An American Cross Bloodmobile will be held from 1-7 p.m. on Tuesday. Dec. 17 at Marantha Chapel, 9636 W. Hepton Rd., Nappanee. Call 1-800-860-8611 ext. 620 to schedule a blood donation appointment and arrange for transportation. LIBRARY HOURS The Nappanee Public Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. The library will close at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and will be closed all day on Christmas. Regular hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., resume on Thursday, Dec. 26. AMERICAN GIRLS A holiday tradition has returned to the Nappanee Public Library Children’s Department the American Girls Club will meet to decorate their own gingerbread houses on Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. Girls in grades 3-5 will meet on Tuesday, and those in grades Tl-2 will meet on Wednesday. Register by calling 574-773-7919 before Saturday, Dec. 14. WAKY PLATES, BOOKS Wakarusa's Sesquicentennial plates and photo books are on sale for S2O each (or two for $35) at the Town Hall, Shear Adventure or by calling Dr. Abel at 862-2050. The plates feature a list of important historical events and dates in Wakarusa’s history. BIG BUCKS AUCTION The Boys and Girls Club of Nappanee is accepting donations of new, or very gently used, items that can be auctioned to club members at the annual Big Bucks auction Dec. 19. Children accumulate Big Bucks through the year and can then bid on items that are available at the auction. Donations can be made prior to Dec. 16. REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS Woodlawn Nature Center will host a live reptiles and amphibians program on Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. Learn the difference between reptiles and amphibians and see them up close. Cost for non-members is $3 per person. To register, call 574-264-0525 or e-mail [email protected]. The program is brought in part by Genesis of Elkhart. PINE CONE BASKETS On Saturday, join the Elkhart County Parks and Recreation Department and a naturalist to create your own pine cone basket. The cost is $3 per basket, payable at the program or in advance at the Elkhart County Parks office. Registrations must be made by 4 p.m. Thursday, by calling 574-535-6458. Meet in the Oxßow County Park’s Oxßow Haus Shelter at 9:30 a.m. Bring needle nose pliers. MOMS IN TOUCH Moms In Touch is a group of mothers who meet to pray for our children and our schools. A group of moms from the WaNee School District meets each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall at the Wakarusa Missionary Church, 202 W. Waterford St. Questions? Call Jenny Berkey, 831-6512. See Wa-Nee, Page 6

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Studio leases third floor of central school

► Debartmbstt HEADS GIVE REPORTS By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Lee Ann Stewart Dance School will occupy the third floor of the central school building beginning Jan. 1. The lease, which lasts through July 2005, was approved by the Nappanee Common Council during their Dec. 2 meeting. The studio is being moved due to the new senior housing in which crews began construction on Dec. 5. In other business, the council approved appropriation transfers on the first reading, and the code of

Hepler retires after 43 years of service

► Barber to retire in Nappanee By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE —Bob Hepler, owner of Hepler’s Barber Shop, 158 S. Main St., is retiring after 43 years of service. Hepler began his business on May 1, 1959 after graduating from barber school in 1956. His first customer was Harold Klotz and has had many customers since. He reminisced about talking with former barber, Hap Hossler about their barber shops. "I have lots of good memories of Nappanee and the people," Hepler said. Though many people ask him if he will go to Florida after he retires, Hepler plans to stay in Nappanee and said his only trips to Florida will be to visit his son. Hepler said that this couldn't have been a better time to retire, as a gentleman from Michigan is interested in buying the shop. He will be assisted by his son, who is currently attending barber school. The name and the “old fashion"

Holiday hustle and bustle is here

► Lots to do for SCHOOL KIDS By Julie Ferraro Correspondent WAKARUSA While students at Wakarusa Elementary and North Wood Middle Schools may be itching for the arrival of Dec. 20, the last day of classes before the two-week holiday break, there is much happening between now and then to get them into the holiday spirit At Wakarusa Elementary, a large decorated Christmas tree near the main entrance isn’t the resting place for holiday gifts, but for donations to the school’s food drive. The drive runs through Dec. 19 and, on Dec. 20, food parcels will be delivered to seven or eight deserving families in the Wa-Nee area. Students are encouraged to bring all they can for this worthy cause. On Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. the elementary students will present their Christmas program at North Wood High School’s Auditorium in Nappanee. All the classes are preparing for the event, as they are for the “Christmas Sing,” which happens on Dec. 20 during the school day. Steye Dahlgren, the music minister at Wakarusa Missionary

Man wins SBOO

► Burnwokth and Nunemaker win By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Ralph C. Bumworth of Nappanee won SBOO through the Christmas Bucks promotion sponsored by The Papers Inc. His name was drawn from the box at Park Pharmacy in Nappanee on Nov. 25. His name was drawn out of 10 to share with

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ordinances for the City of Nappanee was also approved on first reading. The department heads gave their monthly reports during the meeting. FIRE Fire Chief Brian Huff reported that they had a bam fire; two carbon monoxide detector calls; a grass fire; a field fire; two motor vehicle accidents; a chimney fire and a motorcycle accident. He also said that the department will begin training on the ladder truck Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14. E-One will provide the training. EMS EMS Director Jim Sumpter reported that there were 35 calls recorded in November and 579 calls

atmosphere will remain the same according to Hepler. Dave Lender, who has worked with Bob since February of 1958 and Phil Butler, who has worked with them for three years, will also stay. Hepler said that this will be the first Saturday that he won’t be getting up to go to work, except when he took a vacation. “1 felt this was the thing to do,” Hepler said. “I have no regrets.” ** I have lots of good memories of Nappanee and the people. 77 dod rtepier Oner, Ifrjpr s Briar 3q? After cutting about three generations of hair, he hopes that the new owner will have as good of time as he had. “We appreciate the business that the Nappanee people always brought to us,” Hepler said.

** I really thank the Lord for that. ** Eryl Bumworth Wife cf feljri, SBOO wimar

to date. During November there were 20 advanced life support; nine basic life support; four cardiac related: 14 medical related; 10 trauma related; three motor vehicle accidents: four responses with the fire department and 14 medic intercepts. There were 33 patients treated in November and 546 patients treated to date. Seventeen patients were Nappanee residents; five rural city and 11 outside the area. The department added Larry Thompson and Wayne Scheumann as drivers. POLICE Police Chief Mike Anglin reported that there were 63 “9-1-1” calls; 77 traffic arrests; 95 warning tickets

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PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL Bob Hepler, owner of Hepler's Barber Shop, puts down his clippers for the last time as he retires after 43 years of service to the Nappanee community.

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issued; 16 parking tickets issued; 17 accidents investigated; 43 vehicle lockouts; one DWI and four total drug related arrests for November. STREET Street Superintendent reported that on Nov. 25. signage was permanently placed for the four-way stop intersection at Oakland Ave. (C.R. 7) and Woodview Dr. (C.R. 52). which was a joint agreement with Elkhart County and the City of Nappanee. The department also attended the Northeast Indiana Storm Water Summit on Nov. 13 in New Haven and salted and sanded streets due to an overnight snow on Nov. 29 and 30. They are still continuing leaf pickup.

Church, will be coming over to the elementary school to lead the singing for this school-wide event. Students from all grade levels who play musical instruments, or are willing to stand up and recite a poem, or sing a solo will be involved as well. Also, the Wakarusa Elementary staff will be featured doing their own song. For the older students at North Wood Middle School, the choir and band concerts took place during the past week, but there are still some activities on the horizon. Yearbooks are being ordered until Dec. 13 for $ 12.50 each. The boys’ basketball team has a full schedule, playing Heritage (B-team) and Schmucker (A-Team) on Dec. 12, Milford on Dec. 16, and Bremen (A) and Concord (B) on Dec. 17. The last game before Christmas break will be a home game when the A-Team goes up against Tippy Valley. PHOTO BY JUUE FERRARO Wakarusa Elementary School's main entrance is adorned wilh a Christmas tree, under which donations to their food drive continue to grow. The food drive runs until Dec. 19.

the jackpot of $2,000 in Christmas Bucks. Eryl Bumworth. Ralph's wife, said that they were surprised and thankful to get the prize. "I really thank the Lord for that” said Eryl. TTie Bumworths are planning on traveling home with their family for the first time in 10 years to be together for Christmas. They will use the money to buy gifts for them to enjoy. Edie Reed of Nappanee, received second place in the contest, winning SSOO. Her entry was drawn from the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Warsaw. The fourth place winner was Shirley Nunemaker of Wakarusa, who entered at Liz’s Furniture Shoppe in Nappanee and won $l5O.

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ELDER HAUS Elder Haus Director Connie Fink reported that 140 calendars were mailed; 271 visits were made and there were 436 taxi calls. Special programs included a health fair with flu shots, sugar screening, blood pressure and cholesterol tests provided by the Elkhart County Health Department, in which 33 seniors participated. The group also went on a mystery trip to Extravagant Grace in Middlebury for lunch and shopping at the Essenhaus. The council will meet Monday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., in the Nappanee Municipal Building on West Lincoln Street. Meetings are open to the public.

Motorists ignoring stop sign ► Chief concerned ABOUT NEW STOP Staff Report NAPPANEE —Motorists are failing to stop at the new four-way stop at Woodview Drive and Oakland Avenue, according to a report given by Police Chief Mike Anglin at the Nov. 25 Nappanee Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting. “Old habits are hard to break,” Anglin said. "But the intersection is clearly marked.” Anglin noted that motorists must pay closer attention to the warning leading into the intersection, two new stop signs, and the four-sided stop signs at rest in the middle of the crossing. SECOND FIRE STATION In other matters, Board members agreed to offer $50,000 toward the Mike Schmucker home at 398 Wabash Avenue. The property is being sought to establish a second fire station for Nappanee. MAIN STREET MANOR The Board voted to drop cost of connection fees for Main Street Manor. The developer will still pay a SIOO inspection fee but will not be responsible for the $4,200 in connection fees. Main Street Manor is currently being developed into senior housing at the former Central Elementary School. It will house 22 apartments for seniors. Approximately SIO,OOO will be budgeted to Family Christian Development Center to be used toward homeowner programming projects in 2003. Family Christian Development Center is responsible for organizing grant funding to support Main Street Manor. OTHER MATTERS •The Board voted to support the family services coordinator for WaNee Schools through a $3,000 financial commitment. This will be used as a match to the $2,000 paid by the Wakarusa community. •Boys’ and Girls’ Club will be given $95,000 in 2003 as determined by the Board of Works. •An interlocal agreement with Elkhart County for services of a building inspector was also approved. Under the agreement the City of Nappanee will offer a fee of $5,500 for services in 2003. •An agreement totaling $68,206 was approved for Redevelopment Commission Director Larry Andrews. •A rough draft of drawing plans for the new police firing range was reviewed and approved. Two plans for installing the firing range around the current ventilation system were presented. Cost of the project ranges between $3,200 and $14,000. •An additional $3,780.11 was approved for movement of the Network Rack and DAD-RMS Systems. This will be done as the ventilation routing inside the developing firing range is established. •Curb cuts and a new entrance to the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce parking ‘lot were approved. •Jeffrey Mayshack is the newest member of the Nappanee Police Reserves. Nick Kline and Wayne Scheumann now serve as drivers for the Nappanee Emergency Medical Services Department.

574-773-3127