Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 126, Number 2, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 8 January 2003 — Page 1

Advance News

Vbl. 126 Issue 2

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ÜBRARY BOARD The Board of Trustees of the Nappanee Public Library will meet in regular session on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 a.m. at 157 N. Main St. The public is invited to attend. GIRL SCOUTS The Indiana Lakeland Girl Scout Council Board of Directors will meet Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the service center located at 2400 Elkhart Rd. Indiana Lakeland Council serves 2,500 Girl Scouts in Noble, Whitley, Kosciusko and Elkhart counties. INTROINTERNET Interested in a basic introduction to the Internet? Nappanee Public Library offers a class for those unfamiliar with surfing the web on the second Monday of each month. This month's session will be held on Jan. 13, 7 p.m. at the library. Several ways to search for information on the Internet will be demonstrated. For more information, call 773-7919. LUUABABIES LAP-SIT The Nappanee Public Library will continue its lap-sit program in the new year for infants ages 923 months and their care-givers. Lullababies will meet each TUesday, Jan. 7 through Jan. 21 from 10-10:30 a.m. The meetings will give babies and care-givers the chance to interact together with songs, finger plays, rhymes and more. Pick up a Storytime Guide at the library for a complete schedule of Lullababies programs throughout 2003. For more information or to register, call the library at 773-7919. POETRY CLUB The Nappanee Public Library poetry club will meet on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. The poetry club, under the leadership of Susie Russell, meets the first Sunday of every month October through May at the library. Participants read and critique original works, study various authors and styles of poetry, and explore opportunities for gening works published. For more information, call the library at 773-7919. 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. For further information, please contact Jenny Berkey, 831-6512. 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 Discover the wisdom of a thirsty old crow in "The Crow and the Pitcher,” 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, or temporary help with your NIPSCO 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 und 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, Page 5

2002 was year for community growth

► Community saw GROWTH IN 2002 By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter WA-NEE A new year has begun and many changes have occurred throughout 2002. Nappanee has seen progress and development, and Wakarusa celebrated its 150th anniversary. JANUARY The City of Nappanee Board of Public Works and Safety purchased the well fields in the southern 30 acres of the Elmer Krou Farm on the city's north side. The location will allow a number of new wells to serve Nappanee and will be developed into a soccer field. Mayor Larry Thompson’s state of the city address focused on the future of Nappanee and working with all levels of government to help solve the financial problems affecting all Hoosiers. He also mentioned the renovation of the railroad depot and working with the chamber of commerce and redevelopment commission in the dedication of main street, down-

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Members of the Wakarusa Town Council met on December 30 to handle some end-of-year business. From left to right: Town Manager Tom Roeder, Councilman Phil Klotz, Councilwoman Laurelyn Street, Council President Ron Barkey.

Council approves contract

► Humane Society MAKES CHANGE By Julie Ferraro Staff Reporter WAKARUSA meeting held Dec. 30, the Wakarusa Town Council discussed the contract with the Humane Society of Elkhart County. The existing contract expired Dec. 31. Wakarusa’s proposal to pay the Humane Society $2,000 for the 12month period of 2003 merited a counter-proposal from the Humane Society in the amount of $ 1,967 for eight months of the year. What will transpire regarding additional expense for the remaining four months of 2003 will need to be addressed by the council in August. That the Humane Society’s calculation of services rendered to the Town of Wakarusa was inflated

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PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL New equipment Kim Nine of the Nappanee Street Department uses new equipment that chips Christmas trees and shoots the remains into the back of a street department truck, which pulls the chipper. This Is the first year that the department has had the opportunity to chip the trees and make the tree pickup easier.

Serving Nappanee & Wakarusa

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town and beyond. Wakarusa began the celebration of its 150th anniversary by holding activities throughout the year. The school board was also busy with construction of the new middle school. FEBRUARY - The Nappanee EMS hired three new recruits as the first full-time paramedics joining EMS Director Jim Sumpter, Steve Heckathom and Monte Rowers. All of the full-time EMTs are taking the paramedic courses. The Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner meeting at Amish Acres recognizing people who have helped make Nappanee a better place to live. Included in the recognitions was Dana Hollar, who received the Citizen of the Year award for 2001. A master plan was introduced to the city by the redevelopment commission. which would focus on certain features in Nappanee including market trends, public amenities and solutions, the Coppes Heritage Museum, the development and strengthening of signage and public space ordinances. Nappanee’s audience, and funding.

was a cause of concern to Town Manger Tom Roeder. He sees where that organization might be lumping all pick-ups made in outlying areas those using the Wakarusa zip code in with the town's needs. Roeder also stated he had requested the error in the contract Roeder was faxed by Paul Dean, an attorney from Barnes and Thornburg representing the Humane Society, listing the "Township of Wakarusa" instead of the "Town of Wakarusa." be corrected. Similar errors occurred in contracts provided to other towns in Elkhart County, it was noted. The ’measure was approved following this discussion. TRANSFER OF FUNDS The council approved end-of-year transfers of funds and the annual bond payment. A portion of the monies transferred will go toward the local

Wednesday, January 8

In February, the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner meeting where people received awards for helping to make Nappanee a better place to be. Front, from left: Steve Champlin, Dianne Debilek, Beverly Fales, Penny Huffer; back: Denise Woody, Dennis Martin and Dana Hollar.

Nappanee was put on the map again, as Good Housekeeping featured the city in a travel special entitled "Roads to the Past —Main Street USA, Route 66, and Other

PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL

baseball program, to enable them to finish the current project at the baseball diamond. SNOWY SIDEWALKS Problems with the clearing of sidewalks following the Christmas Eve snowfall were addressed. Roeder explained that the holiday caused some confusion in the process, but .the matter had been resolved so future snowfalls will merit immediate attention. BOND REFINANCING? Laurelyn Street suggested it might be wise, with the continuing drop in interest rates, to check into the possibility of refinancing any current bonds the town currently holds. The matter will he brought up again at the regular Town Council meeting on Jan. 7. along with the swearing in of new Town Council members and election of officers.

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All-American Ventures." Don Miller of the Nappanee Police Department retired after 32 years of service to the Nappanee community. A dinner was held in

Chambers receive tourism funding

► Wa-Nee earns county Hinds By Stacey Creasy cnhi News Service ELKHART The Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce will receive a $4,165 grant as part of the 2003 Tourism Promotion Fund from the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau, a matching grant program. The Nappanee chamber will use the grant money for various programs and events in the community. The grants are awarded to provide assistance to qualified not-for-profit organizations to initiate and develop marketing strategies and promotional prbject to draw visitors from outside Eikhart Countv.

Downtown revitalization in plans for Waky, 2003

► Wakarusa to APPLY FOR GRANT By Julie Ferraro Staff Reporter WAKARUSA— While Town Manager Tom Roeder was in his office on Dec. 30. he cleared out files from 2002 to puflnto storage, and reviewed the year past, and the year to come. "Economically, the town is in pretty good shape." he summarized. He also remarked that a number of businesses are in pretty good shape, as well. * Plans for 2003 include applying for a Community Focus Fund grant in the spring, from the Indiana Department of Commerce. This would allow for continued revitalization of the four-block downtown area. Roeder indicated that work would involve replacing the side-

Three area companies earn training grants

p> Monaco earns TWO GRANTS INDIANAPOLIS Lt. Governor Joe Keman announced recently that three north central Indiana companies have been awarded a total of $403,200 from the Indiana Department of Commerce's Skills Enhancement Fund to train 2.518 new and existing employees. "To remain competitive,, companies must not only improve the performance of its products - but also

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FILE PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL

honor of Miller and his dedication to the department. See 2002, Page 2

In addition to the Nappanee Chamber receiving grant money, the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce will collect a check for $1,803.50 and Loveway, Inc., which benefits people across the county, will receive $847.95. “Tourism significantly contributes to the economic vitality of Elkhart County,” said Diana Lawson, director of Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors coming into our community bring dollars that create revenue for local businesses, provide jobs and generate taxes."o The bureau handed out more than $40,000, to 13 agencies across the county to promote tourism. Since the program’s inception, the bureau has awarded more than $500,000 to various agencies and organizations.

walks, installing new lighting on thd streets and planting trees. The streets in that area would also see new pavement. "We also plan to continue to develop our 25 acre park," Roeder added. Town manager since 1988, Roeder who previous to that time

operated two small businesses in Wakarusa —’ "enjoys the business; aspect" of his position. a nice smalH community.? There are lots! of good businesses here.” - '

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Tom Roeder

Indeed, with a number of restaurants. retail shops, banks, churches and a car dealership in the community. the town looks to thrive into the new year.

its workforce," said Keman. who leads the state's economic development efforts. "All across Indiana, businesses are investing in their workers, in new equipment and new technology - just like these three companies are. At Commerce, we're pleased to partner with and support their efforts through these grants." MONACO COACH Monaco Coach Corp. of Wakarusa has been awarded a $206,000 grant to provide training for MX) new workers and 1.581 existing employees following the See Grants, Page 2