Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 127, Number 2, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 8 January 2004 — Page 6

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• Advance News • Thursday, January 8, 2004

2003 Year in Review

Continued from front semi-state competition. •Carly Beer was approved to take on the mid-year teaching position of English 9 and 10. •John Leavitt was honored for his 16 years of service to the Nappanee Parks and Recreation Department. ■ »Nappanee Ford’s sixth annual MDA Lockup for “Jerry’s Kids” helped raise over $20,000 for the charity. •The soil under the existing gym at North Wood Middle School was found to be poor during a test by Soil Testing, Inc. of Fort Wayne, causing some to worry about construction delays. ' •Ground was broken at the end of February for the new facility of John’s Auto Spa, formerly John’s Auto Detailing, located on U.S. East in Nappanee. MARCH •Graber's Carpet Studio of Nappanee celebrated its 10 year anniversary with an open house on March 1. •Brian DeCraene was named postmaster at the Nappanee Post Office, after serving as a supervisor at the Goshen Post Office for four years. • The North Wood Middle School eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. was cancelled due to the high terrorist alert and the growing threat of war. •The first bank robbery in the history of Nappanee took place March sat 12:15 p.m.. The suspect approached the teller and advised her he had a bomb, and he would detonate it if she did not give him her money. The teller did not give the suspect any money, and he fled the bank. No weapons or explosives were displayed during the incident, and no one was injured. •Jenny Philley, a fourth grader in Mrs. Sheets’ Nappanee Elementary class, received a letter from a soldier Sergeant Major Robert Fast 111 in reponse to her Valentine card. She and her fellow classmates sent homemade Valentine cards to some of the servicement stationed in Texas. •Local third graders went through a five-week Junior Achievement program entitled “Our City,” which included many hands on activities such as visiting the mayor’s office. •Scott Sheets, actively involved in the First Church of God, Nappanee, followed his calling and took a missions trip to various countries in the mideast. •Stephanie Leksich, a North Wood High School junior, took part in the Presidential Classroom Media & Democracy Program March 8-15 in Washington, D.C. •Approximately 1,100 students performed for family and friends during the Wa-Nee Music Festival. The concert, entitled, “It’s a Musical World,” was the first music event of this size for Wa-Nee, combining the talent of a large number of band and choir students and their directors. •Robert M. Wilson of the Wilson Group in Nappanee received the National Quality Award for doing a quality sales job to benefit of the industry and the public. •Cosmic Kid versed Shark Boy in South Bend. Shark Boy won by pin fall in a match that almost went up to the 20 minute time limit. Cosmic Kid moved up to the next level in his career. APRIL •Jay Olson was hired as Wa-Nee’s athletic director. •Nappanee’s new firing range became up and running in April. The four-stall range allows officers to test their skills with firearms such as shotguns and pistols up to 45 magnum, but no automatic weapons. •Two Wa-Nee schools have earned the Four Star School Award from the state Wakarusa Elementary School and Nappanee Elementary School. To be designated as a Four Star School, the school must be fully accredited and perform in the top 25 percent of all the schools in the sate in each of the following areas: student attendance rates, mathematics proficiency scores, English/language arts proficiency scores, and the percent of students passing both English/language arts and mathematics. •An amendment o the Nappanee Police Department policy was approved, allowing officers to drive take-home cars in a 10 mile radius of the city instead of five. This will help officers in Wakarusa as well as cover for officers when events are going on at the middle school. •Dr. James R. and Sylvia Miller were named Grand Marshalls for the 2003 Maple Syrup Festival, and were honored at the Maple Syrup Festival Grand Marshall reception. •The Nappanee Rotary Club sponsored a seven-day Carnival cruise to raise money for the Little Paws Playground project. •Lake City Bank of Nappanee made a SI,OOO donation to the Little Paws Playground Project, pushing the total amount raised so far to over SIOO,OOO. •North Wood senior Eric Brumbaugh was among the top scholar-athletes in the area, and was honored at the 29th annu-

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PHOTO BY KYUE CARTER Nappanee made regional news in May when North Wood's Caleb Shaw won the Michiana Star Search. Fellow North Wood High School students Carrie Rivera and McKayela Collins also made It to the ’Elite Eight.'

PHOTO BY HOLLY HELLER Nappanee comm'unity members, educators, volunteers, and business leaders were honored by the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce during the annual dinner Friday night. Pictured from left are; Nicole and Nathan Wiggins, co-Citizens of the Year winners; Evidene and Arden Graber, co-Retailers of the Year winners; Linda Yoder, Harold Hoffer Memorial Award winner; Tom Allen, Educator of the Year; and (seated) Freeman Borkholder, owner of Borkholder Corporation, Industry of the Year winner. > The dinner's theme was teamwork-related ’‘common-unity" following the trend of 2003. Tricia Sloma from WNDU was the guest speaker.

al Moose Krause Scholar-Athlete Dinner at South Bend’s St. Hedwig’s Hall. •Jenkins Automotive earned the prestigious Five-Star Excellence Award from NAPA for 2002. •Bethany Ramer was named 2003 Maple Syrup Festival Queen, with Calley Tucker being named first runner-up and and Whitney Frantz second runner-up. •North Wood High School’s yearbook, the “Logue,” took top honors in the the annual Indiana High School Press Association’s Hoosier star compeition, earning the IHSPA’s highest honor the Hoosier Star for Division I. •Reigning over North Wood High School’s Prom April 26 were the following: Queen Jessica Slabaugh, King Brent Paulus, Princess Amanda Gunn, and Prince Andrew Raber. MAY •The Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and honored the follwing community members: Freeman Borkholder Borkholder Corporation (Industry of the Year); Arden and Evidene Graber Graber’s Carpet Studio (Retailer of the Year); Tom Allen North Wood High School (Educator of the Year); Linda Yoder Nappanee Public Library (Harold Hoffer Memorial and Nathan and Nicole Wiggins (Citizens of the Year). Tricia Sloma of WNDU was the guest speaker, and the dinner’s theme was of teamwork “common-unity.” •Gale Gerber reported to the Common Council that the city’s water met and/or exceeded quality standards. •Clerk-treasurer Kim Ingle was accepted into the Master Municipal Clerk Academy Program of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (HMC). •Donald A. Miller was voted winnner of the primary race for the at-large seat in the Nappanee Common Council, and Phil Klotz won Wakarusa’ primary. •The Nappanee Chamber of Commerce presented its Beautification Award to Fred’s Flowers for the first quarter, where the focus was on interiors. •A raid on Hunter’s Hideaway and Family Dining and Pub brought the discovery and subsequent seizure of illegal gambling machines that the establishment had been previously ordered to remove. •The Nappanee Early Bird Kiwanis club recognized Brandee Brovont as its choice for the 2003 North Wood High School graduating senior scholarship award, which is valued at SI,OOO. •Local talents Jessica Flores and Sue Huhman teamed up to create a children’s book. “Berle, the Black Squirrel of the North,” was written by Huhman and illustrated by Flores. The

Community

book contains a message about not judging people based on outward appearances. •Police officers and community members gathered together at the Nappanee Police Department’s front lawn for a memorial service to honor fallen officers, specifically Philip Hochstetler and Brant “Butch” Nine. Similar memorial services took place all over the country during that week, National Police Week, a time for all citizens to reflect on police officers’ great dedication and sacrifice for their communities. •Guadalupe (Wally) Peralez was recognized for his care and hard work at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa when he received an Award of Excellence from the Indiana Health Care Association. •The North Wood High School Science Academic Team placed first among Class 2 schools in the Senior Division Academic Super Bowl at Pike High School in Indianapolis. •North Wood High School’s 2003 commencement excercises included speaches from Brandie Lengacher and Brandon Gamer. They were chosen following an, audition beforesty?, dents, teachers, and school administrators. Also honored were the Class of 2003 Valedictorian Brooke Bates and Salutatorian Peter Rummel. •Nappanee’s Caleb Shaw was named winner of the Michiana Star Search. Fellow North Wood High School students Carrie Rivera and McKayela Collins also made it to the “Elite Eight.” •May 22 marked the last day of work for Ron Keiser, who retired from ADM after 39 years and received an engraved watch, a painting, and a letter from the president of the company. JUNE •Jill Enright and Linda Yoder co-sponsored “Trek’n the USA,” a summer exercise incentive program. •Dr. John Foster and Dr. Danielle Russo joined Dr. Miller and Dr. Abel at the Wakarusa Medical Clinic. •A major water leak was found under the Jackson St. railroad crossing in a survey. The leak was the major source of Nappanee’s unaccounted water. •Nappanee resident Carl Yoder had his old tree stump turned into Uncle Sam as a tribute to veterans. The patriotic carving is located on the 4th of July parade route. •Wakarusa received a $450,000 grant from the Community Focus Fund, awarded by Lt. Governor Joe Keman for use in the downtown revitalization project. •Beloved local Max Bigler was awarded the 2003 Senior Sentinel Award from the Elkhart County Council on aging for his caring volunteerism. Bigler, who drives the Elder Haus van, was nominated by Elder Haus director Connie Fink for his cheerfulness and positive attitude. •Celebrity horse races were held at the Nappanee’s Trottingbred Harness Race track. Participants include Scott Engbrecht of Bashor Children’s Home in Goshen; North Wood High School girls’ track coach Melanie Whitman; NWHS boys’ basketball coach Dan Gunn; NWHS band director Barry Houser; and NWHS industrial arts instructor Steve Shively. •The first of four Farmers’ and Children’s markets was held on June 14 in the Leadership Park parking lot. The market was a project of the Nappanee Leadership Academy. •Fem-N-Fit, a women’s fitness center, was opened by Lori Dill and Nicky Reynolds on North Main Street in Nappanee. The center provides a circuit training workout set to upbeat music. •Seven gardens were on display for Nappanee’s Garden Walk on June 21. •The Nappanee street department used a briquet method to help control mosquitos over the summer in a concentrated effort to avoid any cases of West Nile. •The Nappanee community pulled together in an incredible way to achieve the inconcievable task of building a 80 by 200 ft. playground in just five days. Volunteers perservered in both the rain and the heat, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., to give of themselves in a very touching and commendable way. Young and old alike helped out in this shining example of teamwork.

The last half of the Year in Review will appear in next week’s Advance News

Wottee School lunch menus Milk is available with all meals. WOODVIEW ELEM. FRIDAY, JAN. 9 Sack lunch sub sandwich, celery w/peanut butter, juice bar or grapes, cookie MONDAY, JAN. 12 Smoky links, pancakes, tri-tators, juice or peaches TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Sausage stuffed crust pizza, peas and carrots, pineapple or jello WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Hamburger sandwich, cheese slice, pickle spear, mandarin oranges or banana THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Spaghetti, green beans, breadstick, peach cobbler or applesauce NAPPANEE ELEM. FRIDAY, JAN. 9 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, w/gravy, roll, mandarin oranges or mixed fruit MONDAY, JAN. 12 Smoky links, pancakes, tri-tators, juice or peaches TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Hamburger sandwich, cheese slice, pickle spear, mandarin oranges or banana WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Sausage stuffed crust pizza, peas and carrots, pineapple or jello THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Spaghetti, green beans, breadstick, peach cobbler or applesauce WAKARUSA ELEM. FRIDAY, JAN. 9 Shaved turkey sandwich, potato wedges, orange slices, pears, cookie MONDAY, JAN. 12 Smoky links, pancakes, tri-tators, juice, peaches TUESDAY, JAN. 13 Hamburger sandwich, cheese slice, pickle spear, mandarin oranges, banana WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 Sausage stuffed crust pizza, peas and carrots, pineapple, jello THURSDAY, JAN. 15 Spaghetti, green beans, breadstick, peach cobbler, applesauce i •'"Xj* . •■••• ii.’.ij'jAdid 'mu ,r . NWMSvr FRIDAY! JAN. 9 choose one: stuffed crust cheese pizza, BBQ chicken sandwich, chef salad; choose two: tossed salad, potato wedges, peaches, applesauce, fresh fruit MONDAY, JAN. 12 choose one: corn dog, hot ham and cheese sandwich, chef salad; choose two; tossed salad, french fries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, fresh fruit TUESDAY, JAN. 13 choose one: macaroni and cheese w/smoked sausage, chicken patty sandwich, chef salad; choose two: tossed salad, peas, apple crisp, tropical fruit, fresh fruit WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 choose one: chicken nuggets, panther burger, chef salad; choose two: tossed salad, baked beans, applesauce, mixed fruit, fresh fruit THURSDAY, JAN. 15 choose one: meat loaf w/mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey croissant, chef salad; choose two:tossed salad, cole slaw, tapioca pudding, peaches, fresh fruit NWHS FRIDAY, JAN. 9 choose one: pepperoni pizza, hot shaved turkey sandwich, cold sub sandwich, salad bar, yogurt; choose two: tossed salad, corn, raw veggies w/dip, coleslaw, applesauce, mixed fruit, fresh fruit MONDAY, JAN. 12— choose one: vegetable beef soup, tenderloin sandwich, cold ham and cheese sandwich, salad bar, yogurt; choose two: tossed salad, tri-taters, raw veggies w/dip, applesauce, cheese, peaches, fresh fruit TUESDAY, JAN. 13 choose one: sausage gravy w/biscuits, grilled chicken sandwich, cold ham and cheese sandwich, salad bar, yogurt; choose two: tossed salad, green beans, pears, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, fresh fruit WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 choose one: baked potato bar, taco salad, cold ham and cheese sandwich, yogurt; choose two: raspberry jello, fresh fruit THURSDAY, JAN. 15 - choose one: french toast sticks w/smolries, meatball sub sandwich, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, salad bar, yogurt; choose two; tossed salad, potato wedges, raw veggies w/dip, cole slaw, pineapple, smoothies, fresh fruit