Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 125, Number 52, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 25 December 2002 — Page 1

Advance N ews Serving Nappanee & Wakarusa

Vol. 125 Issue 52

HOLIDAY HOURS The Advance News will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. CLASS OF 1944 The Nappanee High School Class of 1944 will meet for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 2 at the Country Table. BORDEN WASTE Borden Waste-Away Service. Inc. will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 to observe Christmas and New Year’s Day. The collection service will be delayed one day for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday routes only. Questions? Call 1-800-386-3313, ext 553. ÜBRARY HOURS The Nappanee Public Library will be closed all day on Christmas. Regular hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., resume on Thursday, Dec. 26. The library will also close at noon on New Year’s Eve and will be closed New Year’s Day. Videos and DVDs checked out on Monday. Dec. 30, will be due for return on Thursday, Jan. 2. Limits will be increased to six over the holiday. Questions? Call 773-7919. 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. 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.ni. in the fellowship hall at the Wakarusa Missionary Church, 202 W. Waterford St. For further information, please contact Jenny Berkey, 831-6512. GIFT CERTIFICATES The Elkhart County 4-H Fair office is offering gift certificates for gate admission and wristband vouchers for die 2003 fair. Gift certificates are available through July of 2003. Pre-sale gate admission price is $4 and wristband vouchers are sl2 each. For more information, call the fair office at 574-533-FAIR (3247). RECYCLING BINS The recycling drop-off stations for Nappanee are located in the parking lot of Martin’s Super Market (east end). In Wakarusa, a drop-off station is located on CR 103. The stations, which accept cardboard, newspaper, glass, plastic, aluminum and tin, are monitored by the Elkhart County Solid Waste Management. Questions may be directed to Timothy Neese, 574-293-2269. DIAL-A-STORY Two children visit Santa’s workshop in their dreams in “The Visit to Santa Claus Land,” this week’s featured Dial-A-Story on the Nappanee Public Library Information Line. To hear the story dial (574) 773-7920, and then press 1. The free storytelling service is available on a 24-hour basis, and is just one of the options on the library's information line. The story changes each Monday, to give a maximum number of children a chance to hear the tale. OPEN DOOR HELPS If you need emergency food, clothing, of temporary help with yourWPSCO bill, contact Open Door between 9 and 11 a.m., Monday through Friday. Open Door is located at 201 S. Main St.. Nappanee and may be reached by calling 773-3820. BOARD OF WORKS The City of Nappanee Board of Public Works and Safety meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the Nappanee Municipal Building on West Lincoln Street. Meetings are open to the public. Sm Around town, Pag* 6

Mayor Thompson to run for third term

► Officials announce CANDDACY By Mindy Abd Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson announced during a press conference Monday. Dec. 16, that he will seek a third term as the r of Nappanee. Following is a statement from Mayor Thompson, outlining his goals and achievements for the city of Nappanee. “Eight years ago, when elected, we set forth some goals for Nappanee. We discussed what we wanted and didn't want and put together a new master plan for Nappanee. “We have worked with our department heads, we have depended on .the clerk’s office for fiscal guidance, and listened to our citizens as we went along our journey. Four years ago we renewed our

i

PHOTO BY JULIE FERRARO A piece of Santa for everyone Mrs. Schuller's T-l class watches as Gail Zimmerman takes the first cut into the 65-pound chocolate Santa she donated to Wakarusa Elementary School. Zimmerman won the Santa In a drawing held at Park Pharmacy. Once the chocolate was cut up, each of the students from the entire school got to have a piece as part of their lunch.

Karate class prepares for trip to Japan

► Students going to Japan n March By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE The Wado-Kai Karate class is preparing to go to Japan for the annual Wado-Kai tournament in March. This will be the first trip to Japan for the students and the second time for Jim Hitchcock, head instructor and fourth degree black belt, and his wife, who made the trip in March of 2000. “At that time we really didn't have the time to plan a trip for the class,” Hitchcock said. “TTiis trip has been in the works for about six months now.” Wado-Kai is a traditional style of karate which was founded by Master Hironori Otsuka in 1938. Hitchcock is the chairman of Michiana Wado-Kai, which consists of three schools—two in Michigan and one in Nappanee. “I still try to teach the traditional way that I was taught,” said Hitchcock. Mr. Kengo Sugiura, the chairman of all Wado-Kai karate, appointed Hitchcock as chairman in 1999. The Nappanee school was started in 1999 with three students and

PLU 3718

efforts and set new goals. As I ask for your support, we look forward to completing some of these projects and giving directions to our future leaders. • “Some of the projects to see through completion are restoration of the depot, the Main Street Suites project; the Heritage Farm project; phase II of the pathway project; the Coppes site redevelopment project; the south side fire station and Elder Haus van storage; the combined sewer overflow separation and the well field/soccer field project “Implementation of a paramedic service and a full-time drug officer within the police department are a couple of examples of my support for our emetgency services. “Recent pay raises for all volunteers and upgrades of equipment for all three emergency departments are examples of our ongoing support for our clerk, council and mayor’s office. “Some of my proudest moments over my two terms have been the extension of streets, sewer and

PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL Students in the Nappanee karate class are pictured above, from left: (frontO Lavon Lehman, Jim Hitchcock, Kenny Knigga 11, Luke Lehman and Wendell Mast; (middle) Ken Knigga. Cory Langley, Brian Burkholder, and Mark Schmucker; and (back) Phil Hershberger, Rick Deavers and Bruce Hochstetter.

has grown to 12. Hitchcock said that many students have started but lack the dedication to stick with it. “I would like to see more young people get interested. It is pretty well documented that young people

Wednesday, December 25,2002

water to Pleasant Acres, phase I of the pathway project, helping to bring the Boys and Girls Club to Nappanee, helping to create two senior living communities within Nappanee. assisting in development of a new industrial park and encouraging the development of quality housing developments in and around Nappanee. “I have enjoyed working with many elected officials to help us achieve our goals. We have been fortunate to bring many grant dollars to Nappanee to help accomplish and complete some of our biggest projects. “The most rewarding part of being mayor is to see how the efforts of volunteers, boards and commissions, while separately working on their goals, when put together as a team make and continue to guide Nappanee as a great small city in which to live. "Four years ago, former Mayor Robert Callander encouraged me to be a three term mayor like himself. I announce my intentions to follow

actually perform better in school when they take martial arts,” said Hitchcock. “They learn self confidence, have better concentration and learn respect,” be added, “women should

his lead. “I pledge to the citizens of Nappanee to continue my full-time efforts to this part-time job. I will work faithfully for all of Nappanee and its future. “I continue to pledge to be progressive

Mayor Larry Thompson

but conservative with our tax dollars. I will continue to look for state and federal programs and funds to achieve our goals. “I ask for your support as I seek my third term as your mayor. I hope you. the citizens, share my excitement and love for this community. "With your support and teamwork we can continue to be what Time Magazine said we were. “A great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Bond refinanced to lower interest

Bond refinanced

► COUNOL APPROVES REFINANCE By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE The City of Nappanee Common Council approved the refinancing of the 1994 water utility bond during their meeting Monday, Dec. 16 meeting. Jeff Rowe with H.J. Umbaugh & Associates was at the meeting to discuss the bond issue. The bond, which was used for plant work and the water tower in 1994, will be refinanced to lower the interest rate and save money for the City of Nappanee. $930,000 will be refinanced, not borrowed, and will be due in 2010. “There is no reason why we wouldn’t want to do this,” said Mayor Larry Thompson. “It’s saving us money.” In other business, the appropriation transfers were approved on the second reading, the rules suspended and then passed on the third reading. This process gives the city an opportunity to move money around at the end of the year for things that need to be done. The council also adopted the code of ordinance on the second reading. Mayor Larry Thompson gave the following proclamation for Dean B. Geyer for serving the city for 20 years as the Nappanee Parks and Recreation director. “WHEREAS, Dean B. Geyer

also learn self-defense. You constantly read and hear of women becpming victims. People need to learn to protect themselves.” Hitchcock also expressed that karate teaches self-defense and

50c

INGLE TO RUN AGAIN Clerk-Treasurer Kim Ingle also announced her candidacy to run for a sixth term Monday night. Her statement follows. “It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Nappanee through two decades. Nappanee continues to grow and prosper and I am honored to be a small part of that. “I am dedicated to continuing the efficient, conscientious and caring service the Clerk-treasurer’s office renders to the citizens of Nappanee. I anticipate a bright future for the city and its citizens. “As fiscal officer of the city I am proud of the many capital projects and improvements in services that have been made in our city, with relatively little change in our tax rate. There are many challenges ahead of us with tax restructuring taking effect in this next budget-year. “There are still many unanswered questions at the state and county levSee Mayor, Pago 2

served this community as Nappanee Parks and Recreation Director from 1965-1985; and “WHEREAS, He proved to be capable, honest, energetic and a trustworthy official, devoting himself unselfishly to the duties of his office; and .... : “WHEREAS, during the twenty years as director, many worthwhile projects were accomplished, including the building of the Nappanee Golf Course, major upgrades to the basketball, tennis and little league complexes; and “WHEREAS, His death on December 14, 2002 leaves this City mourning the loss of a man of courage and devotion. We extend to his family our sincere sympathy in their hour of deep bereavement. "BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that as a mark of respect, the flag at Derksen Farm located within our parks system shall be displayed at half staff for the period of seven days from this date. “IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Caused the Seal of Office of the Mayor of the City of Nappanee to be affixed this 16th day of December. Two Thousand Two. Larry L. Thompson, Mayor.” The flag flew at half staff from Dec. 16 to 22. Mayor Larry Thompson will give his state of the city address at the next council meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6 in the Nappanee Municipal Building. The meeting is open to the public.

awareness of potentially dangerous situation and bow to avoid diem. The class will be leaving on March 13. On March 13, the class will spend the day at the Yamaha Do Jo school and then spend all day at the annual tournament on the 16th. One of the main goals of the trip is to give the students some experience with karate and other students from other countries, according to Hitchcock. He wants to educate them on where it was originated and said it , would be great to represent this school if they did well over there. Wendell Mast, Nappanee, is one of the students going on the trip and said that he is excited about going. He said that karate helps him build his self confidence, will help him defend himself and said it's good exercise. Tve always wanted to take it when 1 was younger,” said Mast The students who are going to Japan for the Wado-Kai annual tournament are: Lavon Lehman, Luke Lehman. Ken Knigga, Kenny Knigga D, Rick Deavers, Wendell Mast, Lavon Miller and Jim Hitchcock and his wife and another instructor from Michigan. Karate classes are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at the Borkholder Dutch Village Event building. Cost is $5 per class.

574-773-3127