Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 135, Number 40, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 5 October 2017 — Page 1

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yOar^iee CHANNEL INNER ELF WAKARUSA Christmas will be here before we know it. Join the Wakarusa Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. to make ornaments and get in the festive spirit. There will be several different styles to choose from, and even some Christmas cards to color. Each participant will leave the workshop with at least one created ornament, and ideas for others to make on their own. Materials will be supplied; pre-registration is required to attend this event. Call 574-862-2465 to sign up, ages high school and up. BINGO BENEFIT WAKARUSA Members of the American Legion Post #307 of Wakarusa are sponsoring a Bingo Night on Friday, Oct. 6 beginning at 7 p.m. The proceeds will benefit the Mary and Dale Reynolds Memorial. Join in an evening of fun and refreshments at the facility, located at 114 W. Waterford Street in downtown Wakarusa. SCOUTS TREATS NAPPANEE The Nappanee Cub Scouts will be participating in their annual popcorn fundraiser, with several places in Nappanee offering opportunities to purchase these popular snacks. The Scouts will be at Tractor Supply this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. until noon. They will be situated at two locations the following Saturday, on Oct. 14. In conjunction with "Second Saturday" activities in Nappanee, the Scouts will be at the Downtown Pavilion from 9-2 p.m., as well as Lake City Bank from 9 a.m. until noon. Purchases can also be made online at www.trailsend.com/ scout / INI7NERX. LEARN ABOUT 4-H GOSHEN The Discover 4-H Open House is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Elkhart County Community Building, which is located at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. The Elkhart County 4-H program offers hands-on learning experiences in over 70 subject areas. Enrollment is now open, and will continue until Jan. 15. Students in third grade and above can sign up for sls, while youngsters in grades K-2 can participate in Mini 4-H, which is free of charge. For more information, call the Purdue Extension Elkhart See Around, Page A 3 la 6*97113M80241»0

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Wa-Nee student totals continue to rise

By Amy Lant-Wenger Editor NAPPANEE As far as enrollment trends go, the Wa-Nee Community Schools district is off to a very promising start. Details pertaining to the number of students now attending the various schools were discussed at a brief session of the Board of School Trustees, held on

Celebrating success in Wakarusa

By Amy Lant-Wenger Editor WAKARUSA As anyone who has ever attended the annual Wakarusa Chamber banquet can attest to, there is never a shortage of laughter and reminiscing. This year's celebration, held on Monday, September 26 at Nelson's Banquet Hall, was no exception. However, it was also very easy to notice a hint of bittersweet in the air. The affairs of the evening included the announcement of three establishments being chosen for the "Business of the Year" honors. They included Alliance Marketing, Grandma's Pantry, and Kindig and Sloat. Grandma's Pantry has been part of the WaKarusa business landscape since 2002, when Paul and Anna Martin started up their store in a Waterford Street building that had formerly housed Glen's Tire. When the space became too small for their growing business, they built their new store on Keystone Drive, just north of Wakarusa. Having this new facility also enabled them to add a bakery to their growing list of features. Kindig and Sloat traces its origins back to 1946, when Joe Kindig began practicing law in Nappanee. Loren Sloat became a part of the institution in 1973, and the business was henceforth known as Kindig and Sloat. Today, the firm provides legal counsel to the Town of Wakarusa as well as the City of Nappanee, as well as numerous businesses, farmers, and individuals throughout the Wa-Nee region. Joe Sabo, former Superintendent for Wa-Nee Community Schools, was

Inspiration: Go forth and be blessed

By Amy Lant-Wenger Editor NAPPANEE Sometimes, a soul seeks solace. And a heart needs mending. And a body craves renewal. All the various ways to restore one's faith by spending time with a higher power, it is hoped to be found in a new prayer meadow situated in the Nappanee countryside. The new prayer meadow came from inspiration by the First Church of God, which serves as an entrance point of sorts to the nine acres of wildflowers and open fields directly to the east of the church. Pastor Sam Bennett says, "It's a place for not only our church, but for anyone who needs to spend some time away, to spend time with God." The serene space, resplendent with nature's quietude, was formerly a com maze, and was also farmed out for many years. It became the desire of the church to see the property be utilized for something more meaningful that the entire community could be touched by, Bennett explains. Now the

Elder Hails helps with two operational vans

By Merrie Chatman Correspondent NAPPANEE - In August, Nappanee Elder Haus received a second van to help transport seniors and the disabled as needed. That month, both vans helped a combined total of 628 people journey within city limits to visit the Elder Haus, attend doctor visits, shop at grocery as well as seek other needed locations.

SPORTS Panthers pound Chargers Page A 5

Monday, Sept. 25. During the meeting, it was revealed that as of September 15, the total number of all registered Wa-Nee district scholars stands at 3056. That total reflects all of the students encompassed at Nappanee, Wakarusa, and Woodview Elementary Schools, North Wood Middle School and North Wood

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Photo by Deb Shively The following individuals and businesses were honored at the annual Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce banquet on Monday, September 26. From left to right, Pastor Joel Gentz, Bethel Missionary Church, 'Friend of the Chamber;" Paul and Anna Martin, founders of Grandma's Pantry and Loren Sloat of Kindig and Sloat, all recipients of "Business of the Year," and Joe Sabo, former superintendent of Wa-Nee Community Schools, "Educator of the Year." Representatives from Alliance Marketing, another 'Business of the Year" honoree, were unable to attend.

christened the "Educator of the Year." Sabo's long reign in the leadership role for the district ended with his retirement just this past summer. The revelation of this year's venerable "Friend of the Chamber" award was preceded by a brief musical interlude, in which the song written specifically for the occasion provided snippets of clues about the recipient. Eventually, it was announced that a very surprised Pastor Joel Gentz of Bethel Missionary Church was the one being feted for his

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land is serving a higher purpose, in more ways than one. Many walking paths are carved out into the tall grasses, meandering through and along many directions. Bennett says that the field was publicly dedicated just a few weeks ago, and will eventually be in bloom with more than 100 different kinds of

Between Aug. 1-31, the newest van transported 59 people under the age of 60, and 451 individuals age 60 and above. It also recorded assisting 61 disabled people that month. VAN TRANSPORT Nappanee. Elder Haus offers seniors age 55 and older van services are offered within Nappanee City Limits, from 9 a.m. until 4 pjn., Monday through See Vans, Page A 2

High School, as well as ECSEC and the Bashor Children's Home. Of the three elementary schools, Nappanee posted the smallest overall student body, at 396. Second grade had the lowest number at 59, with the fourth graders having the largest number, at 71. Woodview Elementary currently has 469 students, with the largest

Photos by Amy Lant-Wenger and First Church of God wildflowers. There are a few benches placed about the meadow, with words of wisdom and hope painted by Bennett's wife. In the near future, he says, they hope to incorporate plaques with edifying passages from Scripture. As to the field's purpose, Bennett says, "Let this be a place where people can find rest and peace."

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Photo by Merrie Chapman Nappanee residents, ages 55 and older, are invited to use van services for transport from their home or the Nappanee Elder Haus Senior Center to anywhere within city limits as needed. Assistance is provided to ensure riders can attend appointments, venture to voting poles, go grocery shopping, visit the post office, do banking; etc. Currently there are two Elder Haus vans available and handicap accessibility is provided. There is no charge for the program. . *.». i -v ...... .. • " o

unwavering support, and for consistently asking the question, "What else can we do?" The evening also served as a sentimental coda to the long tenure of Nadine Lengacher as the president of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce. In a presentation that was equal parts humorous and heartfelt, emcee Ed Kinney shared family stories and career highlights before a tearful Lengacher, who gracefully thanked the crowd for the years of encouragement.

COMMUNTY Merrie’s Musings Page A 4

class being the third graders at 85. Yet the smallest class wasn't too far behind, as the fifth graders have 72 students. Wakarusa Elementary topped the primary list with 513 total students. The sth graders are just shy of triple digits, coming in with a total of 96 See Totals, Page A 3

2018 city budget moves forward By Merrie Chatman Correspondent NAPPANEE Common Council members met Oct. 2 to host a public hearing on the proposed 2018 budget for the City of Nappanee. Only one member, Jacob Dermott, was absent from the meeting. Immediately following the hearing the council passed the measure on second reading. Outlined in the salary ordinance is a total budget registering at $8,889,270.67 a 9.5 percent decrease from the 2017 budget. Despite the overall decrease, recent increases in assessed property values could result in Nappanee residents still paying more in taxes. "Our tax rate will not change," said Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins. "People are still going to pay like they did this year. What went up was the assessed values of all the properties. So if your assessed property value increased then you will be paying more based on that, but our percentage the way they pay this —has not changed." The City of Nappanee does not determine the assessed property values. BRUSH/LEAVES Street Superintendent Brent Warren sent out a message to Nappanee residents, asking everyone to separate brush from leaf piles. As the annual leaf pickup season begins, Warren warned residents that piles of leaves containing brush will not be removed. The city will conduct brush pickups separate from leaf removal services. WRITE-OFFS APPROVED Council members approved writing off $1,061.42 in city-issued checks that have been outstanding for at least a year but still are not cashed. MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Nappanee Common Council members meet tire first and third Mondays of each month, 7 p.m., inside Nappanee Municipal Center,, 300 W. Lincoln St Meetings are open to the public.