Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 126, Number 3, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 15 January 2003 — Page 1

Advance News Serving Nappanee & Wakarusa

Vbl, 126 Issue 3

0^ W%e LIFE UNE SCREENINGS Life Line Screening will offer lour health screenings using noninvnsive ultrasound to assess the risk of stroke ami vascular disease on Jan, 23 at the First Brethren Church in Nuppunee. Life Line Screening will also offer a hone density screening for men and women, which assesses the risk of osteoporosis Anyone interested in the screenings must register at least 24 hours in advance by calling 800-407-4557, Ttsts are S4O each. DUCKS UNUMTTED The Wu-Nee Chapter of Ducks Unlimited's Annual Banquet w ill he held Feb. 22 at Nelson's Golden Glo in Wnkurusn. Tickets are S3O per person and SSO per couple, Contact J.J. Mast. 7735949 or Dan Ramirez. 862-4281 for more information. HILLBILLY HOT DOGS The Pillar of Fire church located at 26358 US 6. Nappanee. is having a Hillbilly Hot Dog sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Jan. 25. Funds mised will benefit the Youth Department of the church and go into the building fund. ACCOUNT AVAILABLE The Family Christian Development Center has set up an account ut Like City Bunk for the Nappanee tire victims rtf Dec. 23. Donations may he made at any Luke City brunch or cun be sent directly to the Fumily Christian Development Center at P.O. Box 227 Nappanee, IN 46550. BASEBALL CHIU SUPPER The NWHS Baseball Team will sponsor its 27th annuul chili supper on Friday. Jan. 24 before the Goshen-NorthWood varsity basketball game. Tickets for the ull-you-cun-cat supper are $5 for adults, $3 for students uiul free for prc-schohl children. ÜBRARY BOARD The Board of Trustees of the Nuppunee Public Lihrury will meet in regulur session on Thursday, Jun. 23 ut 7 u.m, ut 157 N. Main St. The public is invited to attend. GIRL SCOUTS The Indiana Lukelund Girl Scout Council Bounl of Directors will meet Monday, Jun. 28 ut 7 p.m. in the service center locuted ut 2400 Elkhart Rd. Indiana Lakeland Council serves 2,5(X) Girl Scouts in Noble, Whitley, Kosciusko und Elkhart counties. LULLABABIES LAP-SIT The Nuppanee Public Library will continue its lap-sit program in the new yeur for infants ages 923 months and their care-givers. Lullabuhies will meet each Tuesday, Jan. 7 through Jari. 21 from 10-10:30a.m. The meetings will give babies and cure-givers the chance to interact together with songs, finger pluys, rhymes und more. Pick up u Storytime Guide at the library for a complete schedule of Lullubabies programs throughout 2003. For more information or to register, call the library at 773-7919. MOMS IN TOUCH Moms In Touch is a group of mothers who meet to pray for our children und our school*. A group of moms from the WaNcc School District meets each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall at the Wakarusu Missionary Church, 202 W. Waterford St. F<w further information. please contact Jenny Bcrkcy. 831-6512. DIAL-A-STORY Discover the wisdom of a thirsty old crow in "The Crow and the Pitcher.” this week’s featured Diul-A-Story on the Nappanee Public Library Information Line. To hear the story dial (574) 773-7920, and then press I. The free storytelling service is available on a 24-hour basis, and is just (me 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. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Mayor gives state of the city address

► "Choosing ihe right mih" By Mindy AM Staff Reporter NAPPANKK Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson gave his eighth state of the city address during the meeting of the City of Nappanee Common Council Monday. Jan. 6. The following is Ihe mayor's address to the City of Nuppanee. “As we begin this new year, we will, as we do every year, look back, judge our successes, evaluate our

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PHOTO BY JUUE FERRARO Demolition begins Demolition has begun on the old section of North Wood Middle School, with the windows being removed prior to the wrecking ball completing the project.

Council hears yearend reports

► Nappanee Counci meets By Mindy AM Staff Reporter NAPPANEE During the Monday, Jun. 6 meeting, he Nuppunee Common Council heard department heud reports for the month of December and for all of 2002. EMS EMS Director Jim Sumpter reported that there were 45 calls recorded in December and 627 calls to date. Calls included 22 udvunce life support: 23 basic life support: 5 cardiac related; 17 medical related: 8 motor vehicle accidents: 6 responses with the fire department und 16 medic intercepts (4 with Elkhart Fire Department and 12 with TriCounty Ambulance). 52 patients were treuted in December and 606 to dute. 29 were Nuppunee residents; 9 were rural city and 14 were outside of the urea. FIRE Fire Chief Brian Huff reported 18 calls for December und 148 for 2002. During December there were 5 motor vehicle uccidents: a (rush fire and dumpster fire; a search for a lost subject; 4 alarms; u trailer fire; a fire in a dust collector; a carbon monoxide call; a chimney fire: und an apartment fire.

Wakarusa to apply for Community Focus Fund grant

► COUNOL MfflS FOR FIRST TIME M 2003 Bv Julia Ferraro staff Reporter WAKARUSA A SM<X).<XX> revitalization project for downtown Wakarusa may become a reality in 2003. During the Tuesday, Jan. 7 meeting of the Wakarusa Town Council, Robert Murphy and Phyllis Greener of R.P. Murphy and Associates made a presentation regarding the Community Focus Fund grant which the (own will be applying for in April 2003. The total grant will be for S4SO.(XX), with Wakarusa matching this amoum. The SOOO,OOO revitalization project will cover infrastructure improvements in the four-block downtown area of Wakarusa. According to Greener, the grant will enable the installation of "new.

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failures aud set the pathway tor the new year First, we should again thank our citizens who make this city such a timepiece lor us to enjoy. When citizens become involved as volunteers is when Nappanee really starts to beeome a special place. When volunteers become leaders is when you have direction and insight that is nccevsary to continue the heritage of Nappanee Tonight let us look ahead to 2003First and for the last time I hope we can complete the Depot Restoration project, phase II of the pedestrian pathway should he engi-

During 2002 tl\e department responded to 11 carbon monoxide calls; II structure fires; 15 smoke investigations; 17 fire alarms; It) cur fires; 5 trash fires; 2 fuel leaks: 2 rescues; 4 gas leaks; 5 chimney fires: 10 field fires; 43 motor vehicle accidents; 8 vehicle accidents with extrication and 5 mutual aid culls. Tlte following ure township calls that department responded to. Union (city), 45; Union (rural). 29; Locke (city). 26: Luekc (rural). 8: Jefferson. 2; Scoff. 14; Bremen. 2; Etna Green. 1: Milford. I und Wakarusa. 1. POLICE Police Chief Mike Anglin reported 590 culls for service in December. There were also 74-911 calls; 55 truffle arrests; 56 warning tickets issued; 27 parking tickets issued; 11 accidents investigated; 2 personal injury accidents; 46 vehicle lockouts and 7 vehicle identification checks. There were ulso 2 DWIs ami 3 drug related arrests. STREET Street Superintendent Sam Adams reported that the department picked up approximately 200 Christmas trees in December. They ulso recycled them by chipping them und will offer free chips to the public in the spring. The department ulso salt and sanded, cleaned the sewer main in the 600 block of E. Walnut St., cleaned off catch basins and picked up brush and yard waste as needed. During 2(X)2 the street depart-

more and better lighting, handicapped accessiblcjgntrances to businesses. and a storm drainage system," Other improvements will be having the sidewalks and streets redone in the downtown area, and providing adequate crosswalks. From the preliminary grant application, which Greener presented to the council, it became dear Wakarusa has mude a vast number of improvements to the town over the past/tvc years. Improvements in the water and sanitary sewer systems, the park system, and street improvements total nearly S2,(XX),(XX). The purchase of the Town Hall, a new tire fnrck and construction of a new maintenance building were other goals which have been fulfilled. This downtown revitalization project is seen as the “next priority." In public comment. Sandra ()wens of Shear Adventure in Wakarusa. summed it up well, "There is a definite need for this project."

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neered and hopefully constructed and phase II of our West Side Industrial Park will he planned, annexed and hopefully in use. It s important hr remember how vital our industrial base is. not only to our city, hut to tire schools, library aud parks system We must continue to parttter w ith developer, and existing factory owners so that expansion space is av ailable to (Item We must work rat both tlte east and west skies to encourage expansion in Nappanee We must position ourselves to help these business leaders in every way and w ith every tool available to us, We must continue to look at

ment plowed snow 28 times: sanded streets 39 times: swept city streets and uptown area 27 times; repaired and maintained equipment us needed; conducted the spring und fall odd size trash pick up throughout the city and completed the 2002 strcet/nlley resurfacing project: restriped curbs and parking lots. They also placed ultosid briquettes in cutch basins; participated in all parades und festivals for traffic control and clean up; inspected 41 new sewer connects; participated in the telephone book recycling program sponsored by the Elkhart County Solid Waste Management; worked with INDOT und CSX ruilroud on the installation of cross gates at the Jackson St: und Nappanee St. crossings; installed four-way stop signs ut (he Woodvlew Dr. (C.R. 52) and Oakland Ave. (C.R. 7) intersection and purchased a new 2(X)2 pickup truck, replacing a 1992 truck. During the summer months, they repaired asphalt, picked up brush and trash and mowed roadsides und neglected lots. They ulso implemented the sign/post replacement program for 2(X)2. 2.8(H) cubic yards of leaves were collected, which were then land applied for mulch compost. ELDER HAUS Elder Hans Director Connie Fink reported 140 newsletters and calendars mailed in December along with 190 visits and 465 taxi calls. SEE COUNCIL ON PAGE 2

-- The final gram application will be presented to the council al the March 4 meeting, and will be sent to the Indinna Department of Commerce by the April deadline. A ** There Is a definite need for this project. ** Sandra Owens Shear Adventure copy of the preliminary application is available for ptiblic perusal at the Town Clerk's office. * CONTRACTS A contract for services provided by the Wakarusa Fire Department was approved, but a vote on the contract for ambulance service was

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ways to improve our infrastructure to accommodate grow th new and improved streets, continued expan shut ami extension of out utilities, amt separation of our sewers ami storm W ater. Fmeigency services I ire: in 2tX)3 we will see a south side station to accommodate a lire truck This year we added our first ladder truck to our department With some creative use of our EDIT funds, we were able hr accomplish this witlHHtt significantly impacting out cumulative funds for future fire truck replacement. Under Chief Huff we will look lor 2003 hr he a great year.

Jenkins will run for another council term

► Fales decides not TO RENEW TERM By Mindy Abe! Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Nappanee Common Council member Phil Jenkins will.he running for another term, while member Bill Fales will not. Jenkins is running for the thitxl district council seal. “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the great citizens of Nappanee for the past five years," said Jenkins, "As a lifelong resident of Nappanee. with a grow ing family. I am committed to ensuring fiscally responsible quality improvements for all families and Individuals." Jenkins said he is inspired by the efforts and accomplishments of the past and Is excited about the teamwork that is Instrumental in completing current projects and initiatives. “I ant optimistic about creating and implementing future goals and visions together with the citizens of Nappanee." said Jenkins. Fales has made the decision not to run for the at-large council position for the 2004-08 term. “This decision was not an easy one. Our city's administration is excellent and as a council, we have accomplished many of our goals since 1996. He noted that the city has been fortunate to be in an excellent fiscal

Maple Syrup Festival moved to April 25-26

► Chamber plans MAJOR EVENT By Julie Ferraro Staff Reporter WAKARUSA The 98 members of the Wakarusu Chamber of Commerce know 1 the advantages of working together to build community. As the town continues to thrive through its various businesses, etxtperative events continue to tukc place, and visitors still find marvelous treasures of all kinds - in the shops and the people! The Chamber's major event of the yeur is the Maple Syrup Festival, Inking place this year on April 25 and 26. Business people and numcrSEE FESTIVAL ON PAGE 2

delayed until Ilk 1 Feb. 4 meeting, to allow for further research into how paramedic intercept charges arc billed and paid. The council awarded a contract to DI.Z of Indiana, 1.1 .C to provide an engineering proposal for the development of a Stream Reach Characterization and F.valuation Report, which is required by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and must be submitted bv May I Another contract was awarded to Marbach, Brady and Weaver of Blkhart to provide engineering services in regard to the construction of an extension of Industrial Drive south to Nelson's Parkway. SPRING FUNG Sandra Owens addressed the Council regarding plans for a Wakarusa "Spring f ling" Sidewalk Sale, which would take place the weekend of March 2X ami 2 l > That last weekend of March is

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EMS: in 2003 we will see the implementation of our Paramedic services It is important that we maintain and control our own destiny as we meet theye changes and challenges Ixw ourJfiMS Paramedjc"istudents, Jim Sumpter, Monte Flowers. Steve Heckathom. Connie Stouder, Eric Tltonuon and Ty Chupp ate to he commended fisr their sacrifices they also must tttake during this training period. NPD: in 2003 we will see the installation of our indoor firing range. This will complete the 1990 SEE MAYOR ON RAGE 2

condition due to the partnership with the mayor, the city clerk, a progressive city council and a vety competent team of city workers. “I have truly enjoyed this opportunity to serve the people of Nappanee for the past seven years,’’ said Fales. Fales said that being on the council has let him sec and learn about the complex operation of the city. He felt in onJer for Nappanee and its citizens to grow, he would **Thls decision was not an easy one. ** - Bill Fobs Nappanee Common Council member provide this opportunity for others Is* serve. “As more citizens are afforded this knowledge, there are more people w ho can share ideas for the betterment of Nappanee. New people bring new ideas to city government.” Fales said. “I have enjoyed my years as a council member and will continue to serve Nuppanee on the council through 2003 “ He has served the Union 70 precinct for many years und plans on continuing to serve this capacity.

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PHOTO BY JUUE FERRARO Kerri Yoder of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce organizes the information about the Maple Syrup Festival.

traditionally reserved for the Maple Syrup Festival, but this year, the festival has been moved to later in the spring. Spring Fling is seen as an offering for any visitors to the town who may not have heard of the Festival date change. Area businesses, restaurants, and others will be encouraged to promote activities that weekend. The Wakarusa Historical Society will also be open that weekend. Further details will be forthcoming, according to Owens. NEW HOUSING Additional discussion was held regarding a new housing development starting to the west of Wakarusa, the plans for which would be presented to the Blkhart County Planning Commission on Jan. 4 Council members approve of the development, with Baurelyn Street confirming, "We need more housing badly