Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 126, Number 4, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 29 January 2003 — Page 1

Advance News

Vol. 126 Issue 4

PARKS OFFER FUN The Elkhart County Parks Department is offering a winter photo workshop on Sunday, Feb. 9 with nature photographer, Lyman Hug. The workshop will begin indoors where there will be a discussion of such topics as lighting, shadows and the true color of snow. The group will then head outdoors to capture the beauty of the park in winter. Bring your 35mm or digital camera and meet at the Oxßow Haus Shelter in Oxßow County Park at 1 p.m. MAPLE SYRUP PARADE The annual Maple Syrup Festival parade will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. If interested in participating this year, please contact the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce at 862-4344 or Tom Roeder at 862-2245 for information and a parade entry form. The registration deadline is April 4. DUCKS UNLiMTTED The Wa-Nee Chapter of Ducks Unlimited’s Annual Banquet will be held Feb. 22 at Nelson’s Golden Glo in Wakarusa. Tickets are S3O per person and SSO per couple. Contact JJ. Mast, 7735949 or Dan Ramirez, 862-4281 for more information. 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 VjaNee 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. DIAL-A-STORY A town learns too late that a piper should be paid for his talents in “The Pied Piper,” this week's featured Dial-A-Story on the Nappanee Public Library Information Line. To hear the story dial 574-773-7920 then press 1. The free storytelling service is available on a 24-hour basis. The story changes on Monday each week. CRAFTS FOR KIDS Make a “love”ly Valentine’s Day craft at the Nappanep Public Library’s next Crafts for Kids day on Saturday, Feb. 1. Supplies for this make-and-take craft will be available in the children’s room. Questions? Call 773-7919. POETRY CLUB The Nappanee Public Library Poetry Club will meet on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. The club, under leadership of Susie Russell, meets the first Sunday of each month October through May at the library. Participants read and critique original works, study various authors and styles of poetry, and explore opportunities for getting works published. For more information, call the library at 773-7919. NEW OFFICE HOURS The Advance News is now open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. and otherwise by appointment. WEBSITE Check it out the Advance News is online at www.pilot.cnhiindiana.com. Just click on the Advance News header for the latest Wa-Nee news. 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. LICENSE BRANCH The Nappanee License Branch, located at 219 W. Market St., is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to, 12:30 p.m. and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To place an item in Around WfaNee, submit it in writing {fax, email or in person) to the Advance News by noon on the Friday prior to desired publication date.

Council accepts joint resolution with county

►Council may OWN REAL ESTATE By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE The Nappanee Common Council approved a joint resolution of Elkhart County and the City of Nappanee to acquire real estate known as the Coppes Building during their meeting Monday, Jan. 20. The city must pay Elkhart County SIBO,OOO in back taxes on the property within 120 days or the county will take ownership. The county will sign a certificate of

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PHOTO PROVIDED Family and Christian Development Center recently added a new roof, thanks to a $14,000 grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation. Other donated improvements include handicap railing by Loren "Digger" Graber, a sign and awning from Graycraft Signs Pius, a sign design by Jeff Virgil of Quality Restoration and yard work by Henry and Edna Hochstetler.

Grant funds new roof

► FCDC MAKES IMPROVEMENTS By Mindy Abel Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Family Christian Development Center received a new roof recently thanks to a $14,000 grant from the Elkhart County Community Foundation. The former roof had been there for over 30 years, and the original building is approximately 100 years old. “An obvious and needed repair.

Chamber sets goals for 2003

► Board members ELECTED FOR 2003 Staff Reporter NAPPANEE Updating the chamber website and continuing to develop a health insurance program for its membership are major goals for the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce in 2003. The chamber will also open a second Welcome Center at the Nappanee Public Library to take President: Linda Yoder Vice Presidents: Brad Baum Dianne Debelak Secretary-Treasurer: David Bowers advantage of the library's additional business hours. In addition, a special committee has been established to work with local media outlets to promote North Wood sporting events. The chamber also plans to work with area chambers to develop new programs and opportunities to help make “Nappanee the Place to Be." New officers and directors have been elected to lead the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce in 2003.

Serving Nappanee & Wakarusa

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ownership to the city in which they will pay $ 100 in consideration of the agreement. If the city is unsuccessful in obtaining a tax deed, the county will refund the SIOO to the city. “It’s going to fall down in our laps if someone doesn’t take charge of it,” said Mayor Larry Thompson. The real estate contains most or all of the front building except the east side and all but a chunk of the new part, according to City Attorney Brian Hoffer. NORTHWOOD SPORTS ON CABLE? In other business, a representative from Mediacom was on hand to

are very thankful to have this major upgrade ... completed. ** -Joan Andrews Executive Director Family Christian Development Center

we are very thankful to have this major upgrade to our facility completed,” said Executive Director Joan Andrews. Other recent improvements to the building include a handicap railing, donated by Polyvinyl Sales owner Loren “Digger” Graber. FCDC received a sign and

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PHOTO BY MINDY ABEL Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce has elected new officers for 2003. They are pictured above, from left: (front) Rick Jenkins, past president; Diane Debilak, vice president, Linda Yoder, president; and Brad Baum, vice president; and (back) Gary Fraelich, board member; Dale Tobias, board member; Dr. Michael Borger, board member; Shane Henry, director; G,avin Miller, director; and Liz Mullet, director.

Linda Yoder (director of the Nappanee Public Library) has been elected president; Brad Baum (general manager of John Mast Construction) vice president; Dianne Debelak (co-owner of the Homespun Country Inn) vice president and David .Bowers (retired businessman) secretary-treasurer. New directors elected to a three

Wednesday, January 29,2003

answer questions from the council and concerned citizens about their cable service. Esther Viles, representative of Mediacom discussed with the council the city’s community access channel and the possibility of providing air time to broadcast high school sports. Mayor Thompson also suggested getting the high school to video sports and other events to broadcast over the channel when the equipment is finally set up at city hall. Other concerns were brought to attention such as the I.U. and Pacer games that are no longer available on Mediacom channels. Viles said she would talk to

awning with funds from Graycraft Signs Plus of Warsaw. The design was donated by Jeff Virgil of Quality Restoration of Etna Green. Work on the new roof was done by Randy Yoder Construction Co. Yard work was donated by Henry and Edna Hochstetler of Nappanee.

year term oeginning Jan. 1 are Shane Henry (plant controller, Owen Coming); Gavin Miller (commercial loan officer, loike City Bank); and Liz Mullet (Liz’s Furniture Shoppe), elected to a second three year term. Continuing board members are Dale Tobias (salesperson for The Paper, Inc.); Gary Fraelich (owner.

Mediacom to get the community access channel improved and to work on the other issues. BLACKSTONE The petition from Fireside Homes. Inc. and ISIS. Inc. to annex the property of Blackstone Subdivision was approved by the council. Blackstone also extended services to the county roads in which the city hoped they would do. The city will help pay the extensions. Fire hydrants were also put in along with sewers. YEAR-END REPORT Police Chief Mike Anglin gave his

Round Barn Theatre season kicks off soon

► Round Barn ANNOUNCES SEASON OF SIX SHOWS NAPPANEE Nine months of repertory musical theatre begins again at Amish Acres Round Bam Theatre in Nappanee on April 22, with the opening night of Plain and Fancy in its national home. The perennial favorite, a story of life and love on an Amish farm, in its 17th season will be accompanied by The Secret Garden, Grease. Guys and Dolls, Singin’ in the Rain, and for the holidays. The Wizard of Oz, all chosen by last year’s season ticket subscribers and patrons. Round Bam Theatre auditions are currently being held in New York City, and local auditions take place Feb. 14-15. Artistic director Scott Saegesser and executive producer Richard Pletcher feel confident the season will live up to its nationwide reputation as the premier musical repertory regional theatre with top-notch actors and a talented technical crew committed to creating new and clever ways of presenting Broadway musical classics, movies, and books. Plain and Fancy began its historical run in the Locke Township Meeting House at Amish Acres in 1987 with four actors. Upon completion of the round barn’s milliondollar restoration project a decade ago, Joseph Stein's delightful musical moved to the state-of-the-art theatre in 1992. Its stage is dedicated to the author also known for Fiddler on the Roof. Zorba, and The Baker's Wife. Some 2,700 performances later before 250,000 patrons, the theatre's marquee production will run 100 times this year. On the heels of the opening of Plain and Fancy (April 22 - Nov. 1). are the following shows.

Nappanee Ford); Dr. Michael Borger (medical doctor. North Wood Physicians) and past president Rick Jenkins (owner. NAPA Auto Supply). For additional information contact Larry Andrews. Nappanee Chamber of Commerce Director, at 574-773-7812 or email at nappaneecofc @ kconl ine com.

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year-end report during the meeting. During 2002 there were 9.868 calls for service and 1,009 “9-1-1” calls. There were 1,291 traffic arrests, 1,557 warning tickets issued. 338 parking tickets issued. 216 accidents investigated, 20 personal injury accidents, one fatal accident. 490 vehicle lockouts and 141 vehicle identification checks. A total of 1,166 cases were worked, along with 35 DWlsand 78 total drug-related arrests. NEXT MEETING The council will meet Monday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m,, in the Nappanee Municipal Building, 300 W. Lincoln St. Meeting are open to the public.

THE SECRET GARDEN MAY 7-JUNE 15 The tear-jerker story of orphan Mary Lennox who upon discovering a secret garden that holds a love story from the past becomes transformed as she develops friendships and family ties and reawakens an English manor to its glory of days gone by. It’s an inspiring tale of the magic children spread through their strength, wit, and fortitude.

2003 Season: Plain and Fancy I The Secret Garden I Grease I Guys and Dolls * Singin' in the Rain I ThS,Wizard of Qz ■

GREASE JUNE 25 - AUGUST 10 Grease will light the stage just in time for summer vacation, and rev up the nostalgia meter for baby boomers. A high school love story, Danny and Sandy overcome teenage obstacles and become hopelessly devoted. It was 25 years ago that 'sos teen idol Frankie Avalon was cast as Teen Angel in the film version of Grease, singing what is perhaps the score’s funniest song, "Beauty School Dropout." GUYS AND DOLLS AUGUST 14 - SEPTEMBER 21 Opens one week after the 41st annual Amish Acres Arts and Crafts Festival. A fly-by-night gambler woos a Salvation Army lass, and a showgirl finally hooks the founder of "the oldest, established, permanent, floating crap game in New York." Songs include “Sit Down, You're Rockin’ The Boat,” “A CONTINUED FROM RAGE 1 Sewer, water proposals approved By Mindy Abel, Staff Reporter NAPPANEE The water and sewer main extension proposals for Mary’s Pastries were approved by the Nappanee Board of Public Works during their regular session Monday. Borkholders must allow an easement through their property in order to extend the utilities at Mary’s Pastries. "We will not do anything until this is clear and in writing," said Mayor Larry Thompson. A written easement is requested of Bork holder's. Jerry 's Excavating will be doing the work on the utilities when the easement has been specified. , The city will pay to oversize the lines while Mary's Pastries will pay the regular cost and be reimbursed for the amount to oversize. ClerkTreasurer Kim Ingle said that when the city gets the actual proposals they will calculate the cost of the sewer and water that is owed by Mary's Pastries. In other business the board: •Released a lien to Greg Buss for West Side Industrial Park, in which the Buss company will own the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

574-773-3127