May 15, 2008 - 9:53:39 AM

Wabash County Election Results
08 May 2008 - ( Front Page )

The following are election results for the 2008 Primary from Wabash County only.
Complete state and district results were not available at press time.
(R) President
John McCain, 2,859 votes-69.82%
Ron Paul, 537 votes-13.11%
Mike Huckabee, 515 votes- 12.58%
Mitt Romney, 184 votes-4.49%
(D) President
Hillary Clinton, 2769 votes-56.93%
Barack Obama, 2095 votes-43.07%
(R) Governor
Mitch Daniels, 3163 votes
(D) Governor
Jill Long Thompson, 2739 votes-59.79%
Jim Schellinger, 1842 votes-40.21%
(R) State Rep 22nd District
William J. Ruppel, 2348 votes-56.71%
Michael B. Ridenour, 1386 votes-33.48%
William A. Dixon, 406 votes-9.81%
(D) State Rep 22nd District
Larry E. Rensberger, 2475 votes-60.38%
Allen Dunnagan, 1624 votes-39.62% ....Read More

TC Hears Affects Of Pool Closure On Community
08 May 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Town Council and the Park and Recreation Board got a first look at how the closing of the pool complex is affecting residents during a joint meeting April 30.
The community pool and fitness center was closed April 17 after engineers starting a long list of repairs on the 40-year-old building found significant and potentially dangerous roof corrosion.
Town Council President Chris Garber commented on the response since the closing, saying, “When we are without a pool it really starts showing us how important it is to our community. We’ve seen many offers of help, which shows our true community spirit.”
Several residents who have used the hydroaerobics class at the pool for many years shared how important the pool is to their health.
They have since formed a car pool and are traveling to pools in other communities.
Resident Gracie Pinson said, “I used to serve on the Park Board, and I know what you are facing. You should know that when I first moved here many years ago, the pool was one thing I looked for in a community. It’s a valuable, under-used asset.”
The closing of the pool has made the future of swimming as a sport at Manchester Community Schools uncertain.
MCS Athletic Director Kyle Wieland said, “We’re not ready to suspend the program, but ultimately if the community decides against a new facility, that would probably end the program right there.” ....Read More

Town Now Has Medicare Home Car Agency
08 May 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
North Manchester now has a Medicare home care agency, which will offer services to residents that wish to stay in their homes yet have health issues that limit their independence.
Peabody Retirement Community Director & CEO Jeffrey Brasie requested that Home Health Care Solutions Inc. (HHCS) provide services in the community.
“Within a 23 mile radius of Peabody, there is not a Medicare home care provider; it’s a disservice to the county of Wabash. Currently, Medicare homes service come from Ft. Wayne, Peru, and the Warsaw region,” Brasie said.
HHCS, lead by Mahmood Iqbal, recently leased space downtown at 118 Walnut Street and has been setting up its office space.
The company conducts Medicare home care services within the Indianapolis and Detroit, Michigan metropolitan areas.
Mahmood said, “We are delighted to enter the North Manchester and surrounding region, where we know our dedicated and meticulous services will be needed.”
He added, “We are in the process of refurbishing our office and identifying qualified employees.”
Mahmood said that they would be hiring home health aides, LPNs, social workers, therapists, and a dietician to serve local residents. ....Read More

Pool Closes Indefinitely
24 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Park and Recreation Department closed the community pool and fitness room April 16 after the discovery of significant and potentially dangerous roof corrosion.
The decision was made upon the recommendation of the architectural and engineering consultants who had just started work on a few of the most urgent repairs.
It is unlikely the facility will reopen within the next three months.
“MSKTD & Associates Inc. of Fort Wayne told town officials April 16 that the 40-year-old roof is ‘no longer structurally stable’ and the pool was immediately closed,” P&R Director Kathy Staton said in a prepared statement.
The corrosion of the roof at one corner in particular has been identified as urgently in need of examination for some time, but the full extent of the problem could not be determined until engineers took a closer look.
Staton said, “While MSKTD had detected corrosion in the trusses in its initial assessment, it was not until engineers had probed behind the plaster into the corner supports that the danger was discovered.”
She continued, “All four corners of the pool roof are dangerously corroded, the firm reported in urging the closing.” ....Read More

Community Feels Shake of Earthquake
24 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Last Friday started out a bit differently when a rare Midwest earthquake shook awake many North Manchester residents at approximately 5:40 a.m.
The earthquake was a magnitude 5.2 and centered 204 miles away in West Salem, Illinois, about 40 miles north of Evansville, Indiana.
Classified as “moderate” at ground zero, the quake did little damage but was widely felt as far west as Kansas, and from Georgia to upper Michigan.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the event was a reminder that earthquakes do happen in the Midwest.
The Friday morning event occurred in the Wabash fault, which is a northern extension of the New Madrid fault that shook the Midwest in 1968 with a magnitude 5.3 earthquake.
Seismologist Harley Benz said, “Earthquakes in the central U.S. are infrequent, but not unexpected.”
He added that earthquakes in the Midwest are felt over greater distances than in California because the older, more rigid bedrock east of the Mississippi is a better conductor.
In North Manchester, Town Marshal Dave Young said that dispatch remained quiet through the morning and there were no reports of damage. ....Read More

KenapocoMocha Coffee Shop To Open
24 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The KenapocoMocha Coffee Shop, operating with Well Grounded, LLC (55 investors), is set to open its doors to the community on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 a.m.
“The community is very excited, and we are all so glad the time is finally near,” said Debbie Chinworth.
“There is no way to count up the volunteer hours that have been put into this project since February of 2007, but it’s well into the thousands,” added Jim Chinworth.
The coffee shop is being opened with the intent of giving the community another unique option within North Manchester. “We aren’t trying to be in direct competition with anyone. If people come in here looking for a big meal, we’ll send them somewhere else,” said J. Chinworth.
KenapocoMocha has been designed for people of all ages and is a place for the community to gather before and after events. They will offer coffee, baked goods (muffins, scones, fresh breads, and cookies), soup, and desserts. The baked goods will be made from scratch on site by barista Zach Hawkins (licensed in food service).
“And our coffee is roasted in Ft. Wayne, so it will be very fresh,” Hawkins said. ....Read More

Council Approves PER For New Water Treatment Plant
10 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Town Council approved a preliminary engineering report (PER) for a new water treatment plant at its April 2 meeting.
The consulting firm Municipal Civil Corporation, West Lafayette, completed the basic floor plan for the new facility, which is estimated to cost $3.5 million.
The state-mandated long term control plan included building the new facility, which will replace the aged structure currently in use.
Council approved plans to apply for a state revolving fund loan, which would fund the project with an interest rate between 2.9 and 3.7 percent.
Representative Ken Smith presented the plans, which show the facility will process 940 gallons per minute and will be built with the potential for additional filters and softeners.
The facility will be located at S.R. 114 and Sycamore Street, and will be designed to match the surrounding buildings using split face brick.
The PER will be submitted to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for review and approval. ....Read More

Town Spring Clean-Up Begins April 28
10 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )

•Regulations for Spring Clean-Up
General Ordinance No. 4, 2001. An ordinance regulating the handling, location, accumulation, and storage of disposable waste; establishing supplemental regulations for annual Spring Clean-Up; and fixing penalties for violations.
Items placed for disposal shall not be placed at the curb or other pick-up location earlier than ten (10) days prior to the date Spring Clean-Up begins. Items not accepted for pick-ups shall be moved and relocated out of public view from any street or alley and shall be screened from view by the occupants of all neighboring properties not later than fourteen (14) days after Spring Clean-Up commences.
The weight of any one container or item shall be 80 lbs. or less, except for furniture, mattresses, appliances, air conditioners, and water heaters. All doors, drawers, and shelving must be removed from refrigerators and freezers.
All yard leaves and garden waste must be bagged or in containers.
No tree limbs larger than 10” in diameter. All stumps and roots must be removed from trees and brush. All trees and brush must be separated from Spring Clean-Up pile.
All building material shall be no longer than 4’ wide by 8’ long. All poles, posts, and railroad ties must be less than 4’ in length.
No LP tanks, household garbage, batteries, paints, petroleum products (gas, oil, grease, etc.), household hazardous chemicals, tires with rims, tractor tires, and fluorescent bulbs will be accepted.
Town crews will only be picking up trash piles 4’ wide by 8’ long. Any more than that will be left behind.

Science Olympiad Team 10th In State
10 Apr 2008 - ( Front Page )


The twenty-six best Science Olympiad teams in the state gathered at Indiana University, Bloomington on March 29 for the State Science Olympiad competition. Manchester, who received one of the two “at large” invitations after finishing fourth in their region, surprised much of the competition by finishing in tenth place. “Our region had a strong showing, finishing first, seventh, tenth, and eleventh in the state. That just goes to show you how tough it is to get out of our regional,” noted Sue Gnagy, head coach of the team. “This is a very special group of students. Many of them did not know each other before the year began, but have become great friends through this experience. It was a privilege to work with each and every one of them!”
Students receiving medals at state included:
3rd place
Claire Brumbaugh-Smith and Hannah Sharfman – Disease Detective
Alex Sharfman and Tom Naragon – Ecology
Andy and Alex Sharfman – Science Word
5th place
Anthony Heagy and Emily Grant – Balloon Launched Glider
Tom Naragon and Claire Brumbaugh-Smith – Oceanography
Students finishing in the top half of the state included:
8th place
Payton Sorg and Calvin Barnett – Simple Machines
Amy Ihnen and Claire Brumbaugh-Smith – Microbe Mission
9th place
Darien Rodriguez and Veronica Caudill – Science Crime Busters
10th place
Kieron Clark and Jake Caliguiri – Shock Value
12th place
Andy Sharfman and Payton Sorg – Crave the Wave
Tom Naragon and Payton Sorg – Reach for the Stars
Amy Ihnen, Claire Brumbaugh-Smith, Jake Caliguiri, and Kieron Clark – Pentathlon
13th place
Calvin Barnett and Erika McKinley – Rocks & Minerals

Graduation Moved Back To June 6
27 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Manchester High School graduation ceremony has been moved back to Friday, June 6.
The MCS school board approved the decision to move the commencement ceremony back from May 30 and to add several days to the end of the year to make up for the number of days missed during the school year due to bad weather.
The last day for students this year will be June 3, and it will be a full day.
The board heard from Business Manager Steve Shumaker during its March 18 meeting, who reported that Manchester’s assessed valuation for 2008 is up $10 million to $373 million.
“We had no idea what it was going to come in as, but in today’s environment, it came as good news,” Shumaker reported.
He added that the increase would likely mean the final rate would be lower than the advertised rate once the state certifies the 2008 budget; however whether it is higher or lower than last year’s rate has yet to be seen.
In other news, the board approved a donation of $150 from the HF Group to the MHS Dance Club, to put towards the club t-shirts.
A donation of $100 from Gamma Phi Chapter, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, was approved to support the Manchester Junior High art department.
The board approved a request from Brandon Baker to start having a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FAC) meeting each Friday morning before school at MJSHS.
Several personnel were approved, including the employment of Tim McLaughlin as girls’ tennis coach and Deborah Feilan as JV softball coach at MJSHS.
Also approved:
- Heather Boggs as media center aide at MJSHS and Janelle Walters as part time cook at MES.
- Jennifer Robinson as JV assistant softball coach, Jacelle Stevens as volunteer assistant softball coach, and Karla Coble as assistant track coach at MJSHS.
- Resignations of Kyle Wieland as head swim coach and Ryan Evans as assistant track coach at MJSHS.
- An overnight field trip request from Sue Gnagy to take the Science Olmpiad Team to Indiana University, March 28 through 29, to compete in the State Science Olympiad Tournament.

Hamburger Helper Grant May Put Finishing Touches On Thomas Marshall Home
27 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The Thomas Marshall home, which received Historic Landmark status last fall, is nearing completion and a possible grant from Hamburger Helper could add the finishing touches to the project.
Hamburger Helper is lending a helping hand to worthy causes across America, and a group from North Manchester submitted a request for $8,500 to buy time-appropriate furniture and for the construction of an heirloom garden.
There are guidelines that the project had to meet to be eligible to receive funds, and now that those have been met and the grant request has been posted online, it’s partly up to the community to make it happen. According to the web page, “The awards are based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within the community.” As well, Hamburger Helper takes into consideration the number of people who visit the site and post comments, backing up the validity of the project within the community. ....Read More

Tulip Festival's 10th Anniversary Upcoming
27 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

With well over 8,000 bulbs ready to burst into the spring season, Peabody Retirement Community is preparing to celebrate their annual Tulip Festival on Saturday, April 26th. The event, in its tenth year, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In years past,over 500 people attended the Festival. The Festival originally started as a small ice cream social for Peabody residents and blossomed into a regional event.
According to Mary Richey, Tulip Festival Committee Chair, “The main entrance of Peabody’s 32 acre campus will offer entertainment including Huntington’s The Company Singers, Auburn’s Dixielanders, The Manchester High School Jazz Band and gospel singer, Debbie Roth.
She went on to add, “A variety of food and refreshments will be offered by local vendors. Near the food vendor area will be a large, covered seating area.” ....Read More

Malone Acquitted Of 2005 Murder Charges
20 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The retrial of Jacob Malone in the Wabash Circuit Court ended with an acquittal March 7, making him a free man after two and a half years behind bars.
He had been convicted of the 2005 murder of North Manchester resident Leo Rodriguez and sentenced to 60 years, but the Indiana Court of Appeals had ruled his first trial a mistrial.
The appeals court had ruled that he should have been allowed to present an alibi in defense, which had been denied in the first trial on the grounds that he hadn’t filed the necessary paperwork.
Malone had maintained that he was home with his girlfriend the night of the murder, and apparently had wanted her to testify to that effect.
In the apparent burglary-turned-murder, Malone and five others from Peru were arrested in October 2005, three months after Rodriguez was found bludgeoned to death in his mobile home.
The four others plea-bargained and testified that Malone had accompanied them to the residence and had struck Rodriguez in the back of the head with a baseball bat. They are still serving their sentences. ....Read More

Miss Betsy Works Final Days At Pre-School
20 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Many youth in North Manchester may remember their first classroom teacher as a woman they called “Miss Betsy” when they were a mere three years old.
At the Sycamore Preschool, Betsy Keffaber has taught for the past nine years, gently introducing youngsters to workings of the classroom.
She and her husband, Kerry, will soon be relocating to Indianapolis, and will take with them many fond memories of the years in the community where they raised their three children and where she taught many others.
“It has been a great opportunity for me to come and work with the children each day.
It’s pretty precious to work with little ones and to see them change and progress and grow throughout the year,” she said.
Judy Dils took Keffaber’s place earlier this month at the preschool, which is a ministry of the North Manchester United Methodist Church.
Fellow teacher and program director Vicki Ferringer said, “We’re really going to miss her, and we wish them well. The kids have all loved her very much.”
Keffaber recalled her favorite times, saying, “As they got to know me and became comfortable in the classroom, they’d start to have so much fun. When we were sitting in a circle singing songs, I could look around and each one was singing right with me and having a great time. They’d have big smiles and their eyes shined.” ....Read More

Timbercrest Celebrates 40 Years In Community
13 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
On March 12, the Brethren affiliated Timbercrest Senior Living Community will celebrate 40 years of existence in North Manchester. The facility opened in Mexico, Indiana in 1889, and has been serving older adults since then. “Throughout our 40 years in North Manchester, our priority of providing quality care to older adults has never changed,” said Director of Development Anne Myers.
In the early 1950’s, it became apparent that the current facility in Mexico was outdated and had raised some concern by the State Board of Health. By 1960, the possibility of opening a new home in North Manchester was being explored, and in 1963, the authorization was given to establish Timbercrest at its current location.
There were numerous factors that led to the move to North Manchester. Among them were the cultural advantages of being near Manchester College, the fact that North Manchester was near the center of three districts, and the area was not over industrialized. Administrator at the time, Orville Sherman, was instrumental in the move. “He really was the transitional person who had the dream,” said Myers. ....Read More

Council Looks At Idea Of New Pool Facility
13 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Town Council took the problem of the aging pool facility in a new direction last Wednesday when President Chris Garber urged council to look at the feasibility of building a new structure.
Council had just heard a proposal from Park & Rec. Board president Anne Myers, who was standing in for Parks Director Kathy Staton, on how they would use $360,000 to start on the long list of repairs.
At the February 13 joint meeting between the council and the board, council had backed off approving a bond in the amount of $1.2 million, and had agreed on $360,000 for the immediate repairs, and had asked the P & R board to compile a list.
The P & R board chose several items, including the whirlpool and one corner of the building in particular.
Myers commented on the corner, saying, “Inside the building, we can see cracks, and outside the bricks are popping out and bulging. We won’t have a good idea of what needs to be repaired until we get into that corner, but it may not be structurally sound.” ....Read More

Kern Awarded Teacher Creativity Grant
13 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Manchester High School teacher Debra Kern will be taking a chapter from her own lecture this summer, reclaiming her creativity and getting back to her roots as a painter.
Kern was awarded a Teacher Creativity Fellowship Grant through the Lilly Foundation to travel to Italy and France and to paint under the tutelage of a professional instructor.
She is the second teacher from Manchester Community Schools to receive the $8,000 grant, which is given every year to around 120 Indiana teachers to pursue subjects that will provide personal renewal.
Kern wrote in her grant application, “I always challenge my students to try something new, something that will enhance the way they perceive their everyday surroundings, or give them a greater appreciation for life.”
She continued, “I recently discovered the need for my own personal renewal. At the conclusion of my lecture on creativity, a fifteen-year old student asked what I had done recently to increase my own creativeness and individuality. I was, frankly, at a loss.” ....Read More

Two Vying For School Board: Tony Miller
07 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Tony Miller will be one of two candidates running for the Manchester School Board, Town District, in the May 6 primary.
Miller said he decided to pursue his first run for public office when the current occupant of the seat, Todd Speicher, announced that he would not be seeking a fourth term.
A long-time resident of North Manchester, Miller has been the I.T. Manager at The HF Group for the past nine years.
He has served on the Manchester Recreation Association (MRA) board of directors and the Town Forum Steering committee.
Miller has also been active with Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts, outdoor youth ministries through Zion Lutheran Church, and the membership committee through the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
He and his wife, Carol, have three sons, Nicholas, a sophomore at Tri State University, Nathan, a junior at Manchester Junior Senior High School, and Bradley, a sixth grader at Laketon Elementary School. ....Read More

Two Vying For School Board: Carol Johnson
07 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Carol Johnson is running against Tony Miller for the Manchester School Board’s town district seat in the upcoming primary.
Her first run for public office, she hopes to serve on the board that oversees the school system she knows very well as a parent.
She and her husband, Joe, run Johnson Carpentry Service, Inc. and have four children, ages 12 to 22.
“We’ve had children in MCS for 17 years now, and I’ve always made it a point to know what’s going on in my kids’ schools. I feel this is a way I can give back to my community and contribute to education, which is a subject I have always been interested in,” she said.
Johnson grew up in southern Indiana and graduated from Washington High School in 1981. She earned a degree in elementary education from Purdue University and married soon after.
The Johnsons moved to the North Manchester area 21 years ago and into town 13 years ago. ....Read More

5-Month Investigation Leads To Arrest On Drug Charges
07 Mar 2008 - ( Front Page )

Sunday, at approximately 9:30 am, a five month criminal investigation by Indiana State Police First Sergeant Bob Land resulted in the arrest of two Wabash County residents. Donald R. Jenkins, 44, and his girlfriend Martha J. Jones, 40, both of 12219 North County Road 300 East, North Manchester, IN, were arrested on multiple felony charges and incarcerated in the Wabash County Jail. They are being held without bond until formal charges are filed by the Wabash County Prosecutor.
Officers from the Indiana State Police, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, North Manchester Police Department, and the Wabash County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant issued by the Wabash Circuit Court on the couple’s rural North Manchester home. During their search, officers found methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, a handgun, and items commonly associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Arrested and Charges;
Donald R. Jenkins, 44, 12219 N. C.R. 300 East, North Manchester, IN ....Read More

Council, Parks Make Progress After Joint Session
21 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
With the pool complex renovations once again at the front of the agenda, Town Council and the Parks and Recreation Board and Parks Director sat down February 13 to try and hammer out a plan to bring the facility up to date without straining the town’s finances.
While all agree that the building has urgent needs, the inclusion of two big ticket items has yet to be agreed upon and a route of funding has yet to be chosen.
At the beginning of the public meeting, council president Chris Garber asked for comments from the audience with the condition that the focus remain on the present and how to resolve the problems at the building.
Local resident Steve Sheets read from a written letter, saying that the problems at the pool complex should have been avoided.
“For years I have been as the voice of one crying in the wilderness pointing out most of the maintenance problems...” he said.
Sheets continued, but was cut off by Garber when he started to negatively comment on the director and the parks board he referred to as “complacent.”
Garber was backed by vice president Laura Rager, and they both said that however the pool complex got to its current condition, that it is now “water under the bridge.” ....Read More

Chief of Police Wins Leadership Award
21 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Cyndel Taylor
Chief of Police Dave Young of the North Manchester Police department was recently named the 2007 winner of the William Sudbury Leadership Award. The award is given out yearly to one of the graduates of the Police Executive Leadership Academy (PELA).
PELA training consists of four modules- Leadership Management, Human Resources, Communication Skills Development, and Organizational Skills and strategic Management- that must be completed within a two- year span. Young completed all four of the one- week sessions in only one year.
“I was actually quite surprised,” Young said of winning the award. He was unaware that he was even up for the award, as the facilitator at the Academy chooses the winner without notifying the candidates.
In order to be nominated for the award, the graduate must demonstrate an awareness of the need for continuous learning and exhibit commitment and courage to change things necessary to enhance leadership and organizational effectiveness. The graduate must also consistently walk the talk and model true leadership, support those in the profession who do likewise, and promote personal and organizational accountability toward achieving a clear organizational mission and vision.
According to PELA, Chief Young has demonstrated all of those requirements and “has worked to promote a better working environment within his department and in the community he serves. Again, not just in the community of North Manchester, but the community of professional Law Enforcement overall”
Originally a volunteer fireman in North Manchester, Young lists interacting with the people in the community as his favorite part of the job, and going to the leadership academy is only one more way that he can serve his community. ....Read More

Smith Sworn In As Town Council Member
07 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )


Jim Smith was sworn in as town council member, District II, on Tuesday, filling the spot left vacated by the departing Stan Escott.
Smith will take his spot on the council effective immediately. “My wife and I have been back since the end of May, and after having given this some thought, I decided to move forward,” said Smith.
Smith has both an extensive resume with North Manchester and also with politics.
He was the assistant principal and athletic director at Manchester High School from 1984-1987; was the principal at MHS from 1987-1993; and was the assistant superintendent of Manchester Community Schools from 1993-1998.
He then served as Superintendent of Oak Hill United School Corporation from 1998-2007.
While residing in North Manchester, Smith served on Wabash County Council from 1992-1998. He also has been a precinct committeeman and a delegate to the Indiana Republican Convention.
“I believe that my experiences in both my professional life and my political life have given me the ability to understand the workings of entities such as Town Council and have provided me with a successful background in creating and maintaining a vision for local government, public relations, employment relations, the budget process, and working with major projects, all of which I believe to be significant aspects of the business of a Town Council,” said Smith.
Smith has attended the last four council meetings to try to have some feeling of where they currently stand. “I’m just going to do a lot of listening, learning, and thinking for a while,” said Smith.
Council meets the first Wednesday of each month.

Beacon Holds Open House For Remodel
07 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Beacon Credit Union of North Manchester celebrated their grand reopening with an open house and ribbon cutting last week, following nearly a full year of construction.
“This branch has been treated so well by this community over the years, and we are very grateful to our members and staff for their patience during the process,” said Beacon President Bruce Ingraham.
“This project took a lot of give and take from both the staff and our members. It’s been dirty and it’s been noisy, but everyone has been very flexible. We want to say thank you to everyone involved,” Ingraham added. ....Read More

Key's Now Able To Offer Embroidery
07 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Key’s Gift and Photo Shop recently added another unique service to its store. Beginning immediately, Key’s has the capability to do embroidery. “The idea really came from things we have done at home, and from there, we just thought about all of the things that could be embroidered,” said store owner Scott Eberly.
Eberly said that with the embroidery machine, they can pretty much embroider anything. “We can do towels, hats, shirts, blankets, dog collars, you name it,” Eberly said.
They can embroider names or words on to items, but also have hundreds of designs that can be put on to things as well. “We can really offer some neat gift ideas,” said Eberly.
Items such as wedding towels with individual names on them, personalized golf towels with a name and design on it, or personalized Squire shirts, towels, chairs, or hats would make great gifts for many people.
“Our goal is to provide quality and fast service, and we will be very competitively priced,” said Eberly.
He indicated that many options will cost less than $10.
Key’s also plans on carrying items such as shirts, towels, blankets, and hats that can be purchased and then personalized with embroidery. “It’s going to be fun,” said Eberly. “People like to have their name on things. It gives an item a real unique, personal feel,” he added.

Parks and Rec To Look At Changes To Membership Plan
07 Feb 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Cyndel Taylor
The Parks and Recreation Board conditionally approved to change the family membership plan to feature more detailed requirements of grown children listed on the plan at their January 30 board meeting.
Any children claimed on the family plan who are over the age of 18 must meet three requirements: they must be claimed as dependants on tax forms, be a full time student, and be under the age of 21.
Another change states that family memberships are now limited to six members, with any additional members added for a fee of $15.
“We are doing it because people are abusing the policy” said Tracey Ihnen, Assistant to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
However, the board members expressed that they still want to make the facilities accessible to as many families as possible. ....Read More

Schlitts Named Citizens Of The Year
31 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Al and Ruth Ann Schlitt were named 2007 Citizens of the Year at the 64th annual dinner of the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
The couple, described as a “powerhouse” by presenter and last year’s winner Laura Rager, was chosen as individuals with a genuine love of the community.
“Together and separately, this couple has embraced the community through their church, their work, their ideals, and friends,” Rager said.
Their partnership began in Indianapolis in the early 1970s, where he was practicing law as a deputy attorney general and she was sharpening her writing craft working for a local gas company.
“An opportunity to partner with a local attorney brought them north, and it took very little time for them to plant their roots,” Rager continued.
In 1976 Ruth Ann was part of a local group that wrote the History of Wabash County and over the years, they have opened their home for the Holiday Homes Tour. ....Read More

Gun-Point Robbery Attempted At East End; Arrest Results
31 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

North Manchester police arrested an Illinois man early Saturday. Martin A. Garner, 47, is being charged with attempted robbery resulting in injury, a Class B felony.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department received a cellular 911 call that someone had robbed the East End Lunch located at East Main Street in North Manchester. The caller advised the person had left.
Officers from the North Manchester Police Department responded and were informed that a patron had come around the bar, physically held the bartender, and placed a gun to the back of her head, asking for money.
The robber was hit by another employee with a pool queue and fled the bar without obtaining any money. The gun used was located and discovered to be a BB gun. The two employees sustained minor injuries during the incident from being held or shoved, but did not request medical treatment.
Following information provided by victims and witnesses, officers located a suspect at Greenridge Trailer Court, 309 Cecil Street in North Manchester. After additional investigation and interviews with the victims and witnesses, Garner, with a last known address in Mattoon, IL, was arrested. He was also served a warrant issued by the Indiana Parole Board and is currently being detained at the Wabash County Jail.

Naragon & Purdy, Inc. CPAs Named Commerce of the Year
31 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Cyndel Taylor
Naragon & Purdy, Inc. received the 2007 Commerce of the Year award at the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce 64th annual dinner.
The award was handed out by 2006 Commerce of the Year winner Elden E. Stoops Jr. of Law Office of Elden E. Stoops, Jr. He gave an informative speech about Naragon and Purdy before presenting the award.
“They have clearly contributed to the community both professionally and personally,” said Stoops. “They maintain high standards on all fronts,” he continued.
The Commerce Award is to honor a service, business or industry that meets all of the requirements settled on by the Chamber board.
The winner must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce, demonstrate consistent financial success, have good community citizenry, and maintain a favorable reputation. The winner must also have owners who are active in civic affairs and organizations, are respected employers of area residents and maintain positive eyes on the horizon.
Gary Purdy accepted the award on behalf of Naragon and Purdy and spoke of the town he had lived in his whole life. ....Read More

Career Week At MJHS Gives Students Look Into Many Professions
31 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Last week at Manchester Junior High School, 7th grade students had the opportunity to take part in Career Week. In all, 26 speakers representing area businesses in a variety of fields shared their work experiences with the students.
Career Week began in 2004 when MJHS teachers Tammy Allen and Sue Gnagy, with the help of grants from the Community Foundation and VISION (Vision of Industry and Schools in Ongoing Network), offered the program, designed to expose students to a variety of careers so that they could begin thinking about the classes they may want to take in high school. “Some students found that what they thought they wanted to do didn’t sound all that great once they found out specifics about the job. Other students found careers that they never had considered checking out as a real possibility for them,” said Allen. ....Read More

Flood Has Major Impact On North Manchester
17 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Saturated ground along with nearly three and a half inches of rain in one day alone was to blame for major flooding in and around North Manchester last week.
With record high temperatures at the beginning of the week resulting in 100% snow-melt, the ground simply couldn’t absorb the mass-rainfall that accompanied the warm weather. “I’ve seen the river flood more, but I’ve never seen so much water just standing around,” said Superintendent of Public Works John Mugford.
That standing water resulted in temporary closings of Pony Creek Road, Meadowdale Drive, and South Sycamore Street, along with the evacuation of Eastside Trailer Court on South Mill Street.
Approximately 18 families and 40 people were asked to evacuate the trailer park and seek alternate shelter until the water subsided. The evacuation began on Tuesday evening, and most residents were back in their homes on Thursday.
According to Kacy Meyer, owner of K&M Rental and manager of Eastside Mobile Home Park, “The decision to evacuate was made based on what we felt was best for everybody and their safety.” ....Read More

Rinearson Reflects On 20 Years Of Town Council
17 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
After 20 years on Town Council and 16 years as board president, Don Rinearson chose not to seek re-election at the end of his fifth term. As of the beginning of this year, his spot on Council was occupied by Gordon Richardson. “Our family is in a transition period right now where we’re looking at retirement,” said Rinearson. “Our plans are to move south within a couple of years, and I didn’t feel it was wise to seek re-election knowing that I wouldn’t fulfill a four-year term. I just felt it was better to let someone else step in and fill the spot,” he added.
The current council is comprised of Chris Garber (the new president), Laura Rager, Richardson, Diane Haupert, and a soon to be named fifth member, who will fill Stan Escott’s seat. “The new council has a new leader who is capable of making the right decisions. It takes a lot of time, but we have good people (town employees) in the right places. It takes a lot of listening and there really is a lot of giving and taking, but as long as things aren’t micro-managed and everyone does their homework, things will go well,” Rinearson said.
Looking back over his years as a member of the board, there are a number of things that stand out in Rinearson’s mind. Some decisions that Council made were easy. Other decisions were hard. Still others were controversial. “I remember when we passed the no in-town burning ordinance. Probably about 90% of the people didn’t like it. In fact, people got really aggravated,” said Rinearson. “There was also a lot of negative response when we decided to assist with the ambulance service. I know we made the right decision, but I was amazed at the time with the opposition,” he added. ....Read More

Local Man Part Of Country Group To Perform At Honeywell
17 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Cyndel Taylor
Country music band Shilo will be headlining a show at the Honeywell Center in Wabash on January 19, 2008. The band, signed with Clear Diamond Records, just released their first single “Dodgin’ a Ford in my Chevrolet” to country music radio stations nationwide.
The band consists of Bryan Brager : lead vocals/ guitar, Mike Stoner: lead guitar/ vocals, Travis Gow: fiddle, guitar, mandolin, vocals, Doug Chompson Jr.: drums, and North Manchester native Randy Blankenship on bass.
Shilo began playing together in 1997 and have developed quite a following in the Midwest. They have played with several well- known country acts such as Charlie Daniels, LeeAnn Womack, John Michael Montgomery, and Confederate Railroad, but with their new single, the band is hoping to break out on their own.
“Dodgin a Ford in my Chevrolet” is the first single off of Shilo’s self-entitled album, which was recorded in Nashville, TN in November. The song is quickly gaining popularity after only a few weeks on the airwaves. “It is a really good feeling,” Randy Blankenship said about hearing his song for the first time on the radio, "All of the hard work really pays off.”
Those hoping to see Shilo at the Honeywell Center can get tickets online at honeywellcenter.org or by calling 260- 563- 1102. Shilo prides themselves on their live show and the fans should expect to see hard- driving country music with a lot of energy and a lot of fun.
“We try to play every show like it’s our top-notch show,” Blankenship said. Even though the band is quickly gaining popularity, he doesn’t need to win awards or play in Nashville to know that Shilo has made it as a band. “ I would love to play at the Coliseum [in Fort Wayne],” Blankenship said, “there’s nothing like looking out and seeing 2,000 people.”
The band draws inspirations from modern country singers like Kenny Chesney as well as from older rock. “We try to hit the younger and older crowds,” Blankenship said. ....Read More

Council Welcomes Newcomers; Garber Named President
10 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The first meeting of Town Council in 2008 saw members Chris Garber unanimously elected as president and Laura Rager as vice president, and the members of town government take their oaths of office.
It was the first meeting for newly elected council member Gordon Richardson and newly appointed town attorney Matt Mize.
Long-time member Stan Escott announced his resignation, effective January 31st, or such time after that the Republican Party finds an “appropriate replacement” for the seat, and he commented on his time on the council.
“It’s really been a privilege serving the town for the last 24 years. Participating as part of local government is an important and effective way to give back to the community,” Escott said.
Rager presented Escott with a plaque and thanked him, saying, “I am really honored to give you this because I am sitting here because of you. I wouldn’t have undertaken [serving on council] if not for your leadership. It’s really been appreciated.” ....Read More

Community Support Needed For FireHouse
10 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The message is simple: Help the FireHouse.
The popular youth hang-out and music venue has been out of service since July 25th of last year when heavy rain caused a portion of the roof to collapse.
Although a daunting task, a committee of 12-20 youth and adults, along with the help of the North Manchester Town Council, has been working towards the reopening of the FireHouse. ‘We really were on a good roll prior to the holidays,” said spokesperson Jeff Hawkins. “Now, our committee will be holding a fairly major meeting this month to try and decide exactly what recommendation we will be taking to the town,” Hawkins added.
There are plenty of decisions to make. It has already been decided that the “new” FireHouse should fall closely in line with the feel of the old FireHouse. Questions such as what should it look like, what is necessary, what would be nice to include, and what kind of roof should go on the structure are all being discussed. “Deciding what type of roof to use will go a long ways towards helping to make other decisions,” said Hawkins.
If the committee (and Council) decides to follow the existing pitch of the roof, the “new” structure would be a bit limited as far as size goes, but may allow all necessities to be met. If the committee decides to go with a new roof altogether, a whole new realm of possibilities would be opened. “A new roof would allow us to expand and have more space inside,” said Hawkins. ....Read More

Local Band Tobias To Release Debut Album
10 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Cyndel Taylor
Local band Tobias will be releasing their first album in the upcoming months. The band, consisting of Toby and Larry Tobias of North Manchester and Jeff Purdy of Indianapolis, is hoping for an official release date around Groundhog’s Day.
Tobias’ rock- inspired first CD, entitled Fire Shadows,will feature 11 original songs. The band lists their style influences as everyone from The Who and Tom Petty to Matchbox 20, but by writing their own songs, Tobias has been able to infuse their own creativity and personalities into the music. “On this particular CD, Toby and I would be constantly bouncing ideas back and forth. That would challenge me to really think and try different creative ideas,” stated band member Jeff Purdy about the creative process in recording an album.
Fire Shadows has taken the better part of two years to write and record. The CD has been in production for the last three months and the band is currently waiting for the cover art to be completed. Without the time restraints of major record labels, Tobias has been able to experiment with the recordings on their own time line.
“We did everything ourselves out of my basement,” percussionist Toby Tobias stated, “it’s a pretty democratic process.” Not only did they record everything on their own, but Tobias and fellow member Purdy co-wrote most of the songs. ....Read More

A Look Back At North Manchester, 2007
03 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The year of 2007 for North Manchester has in many ways been a year of beginning new eras, a year of transition.
Many long-time members of the local government are turning their seats over to new people, and many long-time teachers retired last spring, ushering in a wave of new, mostly younger teachers at Manchester Community Schools.
The clerk-treasurer, the fire chief, the town attorney, the town council president, and the MCS athletic director are or will be new faces.
The town will soon see the construction of a new water plant.
The town will also have to determine just how important the pool complex is to the community, as the cost of the repairs and renovations that are needed to maintain the facility is sure to have an impact on taxpayers.
The school board will soon hear a recommendation to change the name of Laketon Elementary School to Manchester Intermediate School, which would coincide with changing the relationship of the school to the Laketon community.
One major change in the school system this year was the pilot full-day kindergarten program, which proved successful. ....Read More

MC Students Head To Iowa For Hands-On Caucus Work
03 Jan 2008 - ( Front Page )

A class of 15 Manchester College students and their professor will jump into the thick of the Iowa caucuses in January.
As they study the 2008 presidential campaign, the students must attend pre-caucus events, volunteer for candidates of their choice and observe precinct caucuses for Republicans and Democrats. While Manchester students in “Contemporary Politics: Presidential Campaign” are learning about nomination politics, we can learn along with them by reading a class blog, said Professor Leonard Williams.
Students must post to mccaucus.blogspot.com at least daily. The blog is a journal for class members, but the general public also will have access, so students are prepared to reply to readers. Students will blog about their campaign activities and their impressions of the campaigns and the caucuses. ....Read More

Council Says Goodbye to Rinearson, Tiede
27 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The last meeting of Town Council in 2007 saw several goodbyes to long time members who have been integral parts of the town government in many capacities.
The council approved the resignation of town attorney Chuck Tiede after 46 years of continuous service and said goodbye to president Don Rinearson after 20 years on the council.
Rinearson called Tiede, a “good friend” and “a great mentor.”
“I’ve been honored for 20 years to serve the town of North Manchester and to have learned so much from Chuck during the last 16 years in particular. I can’t think about anyone who could have served the town better,” Rinearson said.
Tiede said, “It has been a complete pleasure working for the town of North Manchester. I’ve enjoyed working with all the members of the council, but someone is going to have to work very hard to meet the standards that Don has set. He grabs every issue, learns all he can about it, and makes good decisions.”
He added, “I think North Manchester is one of the best-governed towns in the state of Indiana.”
Rinearson presented Tiede with a plaque and pronounced the Wabash resident an honorary citizen of North Manchester, handing him a key to the town. ....Read More

Full Day Kindergarten A Success Thus Far
27 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Full day kindergarten at Manchester Elementary School (MES) has seen a popular trial period this year among parents and school administrators.
However, the question of whether the school district will be continuing to offer it next year is still unanswered.
MES Principal Bonnie Ingraham told the school board December 18, “Full day kindergarten is the single most important step we have taken in academics for our corporation this year.”
The comment was made during her report on the school’s fall ISTEP scores and the ways that they are planning on continuing improvement.
The district had planned to offer both full and half day kindergarten this year, and had been expecting enough students for half day to make at least one section.
By a few weeks into the year, it was clear that the majority of parents preferred the full day schedule, and there remain only two students who attend half day.
Ingraham said that doubling the amount of teaching time teachers have with the students has been showing good results.
“What the students usually learn by this point in the year has doubled. It would have taken until April [on the half-day schedule] to get them to where they are right now,” she explained.
The school district had gone ahead with the pilot full-day program this year even though the state wasn’t likely to fully fund it.
Kindergarten students have traditionally been counted as “half-students” for funding purposes, which then leaves the local district short on funds if it implements a full-day schedule. ....Read More

Service Set For Victims of Fire
27 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

On Thursday, December 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Manchester Congregational Christian Church, families of the three young men who recently perished in a trailer fire will gather to remember their loved ones.
Community members are invited to attend the gathering as well, as the lives of Nicholas Flynn, Michael Baston, and Christopher Shepherd will be remembered with a time of music, scripture, and meditation.
Afterwards, the gathered group will move to the Fellowship Hall for some light refreshments.

MC Students Debate Legal Drinking Age
06 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Manchester College students staged a debate on the legal drinking age during an all-college convocation December 3.
The issue of whether the drinking age should be age 21 or age 18 was the subject of the lively panel, the first student-led debate at the college in many years.
Students Lindsey Baugh and Zach Van Winkle argued for changing the legal age to 18 and Brittany Betz and Josh Kunkle argued for keeping it at 21. Four other students posed questions to challenge their positions.
The first question was, “Is there any justification for 18 year-olds to be trusted with the responsibilities of weapons, marriage, voting, etc., but not alcohol?”
Betz responded, “Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that affects the way your brain works. Getting married doesn’t impair your brain, and using a weapon doesn’t impair your brain.”
She said that in addition, divorce and homicide rates for 18 year-olds indicate that they often don’t use the rights they do have responsibly.
Van Winkle responded, “There is no justification. At age 18 you can die or kill in our military. You can choose the next president and get married. It is simply hypocritical for our society to believe you can make life and death decisions at this age but that you can’t drink a beer.” ....Read More

ISTEP Results Bring Good News
06 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
oard of trustees heard good news about the preliminary results of the fall 2007 ISTEP test results.
Superintendent Diana Showalter reported that the scores showed “really good things are happening” as well as some disappointing scores that need further attention.
The percentage of students passing the math portion of the ISTEP test showed improvement in grades 4 through 8. In the sixth grade, 89 percent of students passed, which is the highest ever achieved in math at Laketon Elementary School.
However, the percentage of students passing the math section at the ninth grade was 70 percent and at the tenth grade, 65 percent.
“We’re really proud of the math scores at the elementary and middle school grades, but the bottom falls out at the high school. We had this same thing in the second grade a couple of years ago and we figured that out. We’ll be working on this,” Showalter said.
The percentage of students passing the English/language arts section of the ISTEP test was generally good, according to Showalter.
The third and fifth grades did the best with 80 and 79 percent, respectively. The tenth grade had the lowest, with 67 percent passing.
Showalter also analyzed the data following the same group of kids as they passed through the grade levels. One group that has made big gains over the past three years is the current sixth grade on the math section.
In math they rose from 63 percent passing in 2005 to 79 percent in 2006 and 89 percent in 2007.
Showalter said that the principals would be looking further into the data and would be compiling indepth reports.
In other news, the board approved the resignation of Jim Troyer as varsity softball coach and Ned Bowman as assistant track coach at MJSHS.
Also approved was the third reading of NEOLA and the 2007-08 financial expenditure goals resolution, which shows that the district is planning to spend more than 65% of its budget on educational instruction.
Showalter reported that 27 MJSHS students had perfect attendance at Heartland Career Center.
She also said that the school’s new website is up and running and accessible through the same address. It features school cancellations and delays.
The board approved a change in the time of its meeting on January 8, 2007. It will meet at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

Creative Stitch Has New Home on Main Street
06 Dec 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Creative Stitch has moved to its new location on North Manchester’s Main Street just in time for the holidays and is offering a roomier interior for its many quilting enthusiasts.
The store, owned by Linda Cearbaugh, sells a wide selection of quilting materials, including quilting fabrics, kits, notions, and books and patterns.
An integral part of the new store at 208 East Main Street is the meeting space it offers quilters for sewing clubs, classes, and Cearbaugh’s long-arm quilting machine.
“People have always come for the quilting as well as the chance to visit with others and learn new things. Our old space across the street was limited; here I can open it up for more people to join us,” she explained.
The new space is in the former A-1 Appliance store, which offers easy access for customers with handicaps and more room to browse the quilting supply selections.
Cearbaugh said, “We have two sewing clubs that meet here each month and we have classes for all quilters, from beginning to advanced.”
She added that many of the women already know how to quilt, that they often come to “Saturday Sampler” classes just to sew with others. ....Read More

Manchester Family Dentistry To Build New Office
23 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Dr. Dan Myers, owner of Manchester Family Dentistry, will soon begin the construction phase of a new dental office to be located where the current Clark’s Video and Electronics stands.
Myers has been in North Manchester since August of 2005, and has been looking for a property for the past year. “It really all worked out quite well,” said Myers. “I came to find out that the Clarks were considering retiring, and the talks just took off from there,” he said.
Myers has been asked by a number of people if he was moving to create some space between competition (he and Dr. Croner share a parking lot), but nothing could be further from the truth, he says. “I have been really overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me and my family by Dan and Marsha Croner. It has been a nice arrangement for me. When I am out of town, I make sure Dr. Croner is available to help handle any emergency situations that my patients may have, and he does the same thing” said Myers. “They have been great to be so close to,” he added.
There are quite a few reasons that Myers felt it was necessary to make the move, most of which revolve around the age of the current facility he is using. ....Read More

McLain To Sing National Anthem At RCA Dome
23 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Manchester High School senior Carrie McLain has big plans in store for the Friday after Thanksgiving this year.
She will be taking the field at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis to sing the National Anthem before the start of the high school Class 2A state football game.
Principal Nancy Alspaugh had nominated her for the performance after seeing the senior perform the national anthem at numerous MJSHS basketball and football games over the past two years.
“She said that the question of who should sing at the game came up during an IHSAA meeting, and she recommended that I do it,” McLain said.
McLain then made a recording of the song in the sound booth at the high school, sent it in, and waited to hear.
“We were at the annual sports awards for the end of the volleyball season and Mrs. Alspaugh announced that we had a very special person present who was going to sing the National Anthem in Indianapolis, and I knew that it was me,” she described.
McLain inherited her love of music from her mother and grandmother and started voice lessons when she was in junior high. She has been part of the MJSHS choir and band the past four years and plays piano.
“I started singing the anthem at the games two years ago, when my mom suggested I try it, and I have been doing it ever since. At first I was definitely nervous singing in front of so many people, but I’ve learned and gotten used to it,” she said. ....Read More

NMPD, MC Win Collaborative Award
23 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The North Manchester Police Department and Manchester College, thanks in part to grants from Wabash County AACTION, recently were awarded the best project/program for 2007 by the Regional Advisory Board for Governor's Commission of Drug-Free Indiana.
The NMPD and the college conducted a collaborative approach to reduce illegal alcohol consumption and its indirect effects.
The May Day weekend at Manchester College had created a history of numerous alcohol related arrests along with property damage in the surrounding area, sometimes exceeding $10,000.
“The college and the police department each received grants from AACTION for 2007 and a greater emphasis was placed on prevention before these (May Day) events,” said Police Chief Dave Young.
The police department obtained an enhanced enforcement grant to allow additional officers to work during the peak activity times. “We had three to four times the normal number of officers working in the evening and through the night,” said Young. “People said that you couldn’t turn the corner without seeing an officer. Police presence is a proven deterrent,” he said. ....Read More

Garber Wins Only Contested Race Of Election
08 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Chris Garber (D) was re-elected to the Town Council district IV seat Tuesday in the only contested race in the local general election.
Garber received 397 votes community-wide, defeating Duane Piper (R), who tallied 280 votes.
“I really enjoy the council,” said Garber. “I know the election is a necessary evil of serving, but I am pleased that it is over because there are many issues facing the council and I’m looking forward to getting to work on them,” he added.
Garber will rejoin Laura Rager, Diane Haupert, and Stan Escott (temporarily). The newly elected Gordon Richardson will fill the shoes of the departing Don Rinearson.
Escott did not seek re-election, but since no one stepped up to fill the position, he has agreed to stay on through the first of the year until a replacement can be appointed.
“Don has been a big knowledge base for the council for a long time,” said Garber. “Once Don and Stan are gone, there will be a lot for the new council to learn,” he added.
Issues such as a new sewage plant, the inevitable raising of water rates, and the ongoing issues surrounding the community pool will be continually addressed by council members. “Everyone is working hard to make things work. We know the things we are doing are critical for the community, and even though they aren’t always popular decisions, we like to think we are making progressive decisions for the betterment of the town,” said Garber.
And even though changes to the council at critical times within the board may seem daunting, Garber thinks the new-look board will be fine. “We will need to blend together. With new faces come new ideas and personalities. It’s not always a bad thing, we will just need to continue to move forward,” he said.
Laura Rager received 446 votes, Diane Haupert 424 votes, and Richardson 404 votes for their respective seats.
Cheryl Gohman received 413 votes for Town Judge, and Carrie Mugford received 388 votes for Clerk-Treasurer.


Committee Unanimous On LES Name Change
08 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Laketon school naming committee discussed changing the name of Laketon Elementary School (LES) with community members during an open meeting November 5.
The name recommended unanimously by the committee is currently Manchester Intermediate School.
The change was proposed for two reasons; one being the fact that the school currently houses the fifth and sixth grades, which would be better identified as “intermediate” grades.
The committee also proposed changing the name to “Manchester” to better identify the school with the rest of the Manchester school district.
The committee said that they felt it was the right time to make such a change because starting next year, none of the students entering the school will have had the kind of connection that students from the Laketon area had before the reconfiguration of the school district in 2002.
The 2007-08 school year is the last that have students at LES who had also attended the school as kindergarteners and first graders, when the school housed grades K-6.
LES principal Bill Reichhart said, “We as the committee had to think about how the present school is different from what it was in the past. Starting next year, the students from the Laketon area will only attend LES as fifth and sixth graders. Also, the rest of the district will be attending LES, not just the students from this area.”
The committee also proposed changing the school’s colors from yellow and black to red and black, to match the rest of the school district.
“The PTO has had a difficult time raising money for yellow and black spirit wear when the students only attend the school for two years, and then change back to the red and black at the junior high,” Reichhart explained.
He added that the new sixth grade basketball team from LES is playing under the name “Manchester” in the Running Rivers conference.
Several committee members who have children at LES cited the difficulty they have when people from other areas ask their kids where they attend school at sporting events, because they don’t know that LES is part of the Manchester school district.
While the recommendation for the changes were unanimous, several committee members expressed how hard the decision has been.
Fifth grade teacher Tom Hess said, “At first, I wasn’t in favor of the change, but as I listened to the reasons given for it, my mind changed. However, there will always be a part of me that wants it to remain Laketon school.”
He continued, “There has been a school at this spot in Laketon for 119 years. There was a consolidation 48 years ago that turned the school from a K-12 school to a K-6 school, and that caused a lot of hard feelings.”
Hess said that both his parents taught at the Laketon school, and that his father explained his thoughts on that first consolidation.
“He said, ‘I’m not in favor of it, but it is the right thing to do for the betterment of the children of our community.’ If he were here, he would say the same of this decision,” Hess said.
He added that the school would always be “Laketon school” to him.
Committee member Thelma Butler said that the decision was very difficult for her as well.
“During the consolidation 48 years ago, I was one of those paper carriers who went around trying to get enough signatures to get it stopped. We did get it stopped for a while, but in the end it happened because it was necessary. I can see the change facing us today is also needed for our students,” Butler explained.
She added, “I say this with a knot in my throat, but like they said, the school will still be in Laketon. It will always be Laketon school to us.”
Reichhart added, “The people on this committee don’t want to lose the tie this school has with Laketon. This is not an underhanded attempt to close down the school or merge with another school in North Manchester. It’s just about giving the students an identity with which they can all relate.”
The committee also proposed preserving the history of the school in Laketon by creating a historical wall in the gym and possibly a display case of memorabilia and artifacts in the front of the main foyer.
Community member Shirley Price told the committee that she thought the name Laketon needed to be kept somewhere in the title.
“We don’t have much here in this town. We have the post office and the fire station and this school,” Price explained.
She added that she better liked the name, “Manchester Intermediate School at Laketon,” which was another of the names the committee had thought about.
Other proposed names included leaving it LES, changing it to Laketon Intermediate School, Manchester Middle School, or Manchester/Laketon Intermediate School.
If the name were changed, the signs in the front of the school and on the gym wall would have to be replaced and Reichhart would notify the Department of Education.
The committee is to make a recommendation to the school board in January, and may hold another public meeting beforehand.
Butler said, “I had several people approach me and ask me why the change was needed [who aren’t here.] I am very disappointed in the turnout here tonight.”
Members of the school naming committee include Shelia Wilson, Rhonda Spann, Joni Cripe, Tricia Shoemaker, Ulonda Burdette, Jay Fawley, Tom Brown, Tom Hess, Wendy Isbell, Sara Greer, Linda Immel, Thelma Butler, and Bill Reichhart.

Wampler Jewelers Celebrates 55 Years
08 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Wamplers Jewelers will be celebrating its 55th year in North Manchester on Thursday, November 8, 2007.
As a mainstay on North Manchester’s main street, Ernest Wampler’s store occupies a space that has been a jewelry store since 1875, when the John Lavey & Sons Jewelry first opened.
The store still has an original counter and display cases.
Of course, when Wampler took over the second jewelry store at the location, Freeze Jewelers, in 1952, he wasn’t thinking about what it might be like to celebrate 55 years of his trade.
“If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have so enjoyed the work itself, that these past 55 years have gone very fast,” Wampler said.
He was born and raised a country boy in Aboite Township, where he attended school in a one room school house until he moved into Fort Wayne his senior year of high school.
His father was a railroad worker who made a hobby of repairing watches in his spare time.
Wampler took the same interest in the trade, and his father convinced him to attend Watchmaker’s College in Elgin, Illinois.
After completing his training, he spent two years in Dodge City, Kansas, working in a fellow student’s father’s shop, before returning to Fort Wayne in 1947.
There he did repair work for several area jewelry shops, including Freeze Jewelry, in North Manchester.
At the time, Dewey Freeze was looking for someone to take over the shop. After they worked out a deal, Wampler agreed to come to Manchester.
“I grew up in a small town and I always preferred a small town. I always said that I was glad that my children got to grow up here,” Wampler said.
In addition to his role as a jeweler, he also played many roles in the Kiwanis, including as president in 1981-82, and then as lieutenant governor.
His six children, Lynn, Steven, David, and Jim Wampler, Caroline Stine, and Gwen Huddleston, all spent time in their father’s jewelry shop.
“All of us remember the thrill of coming to the shop and helping wrap presents at Christmas,” Stine said.
She continued, “I still watch him sit down at the bench with an old pocket watch like a kid with a treasure. The parts are so small he has to use a tweezers to pick them up. I don’t know how he does it because every piece has to fit just right.”
Over the years watches have changed quite a bit.
“In the beginning, I was strictly into the repair side of the trade. Watches have changed like a lot of other things. Today, when watches wear out, people throw them away. Back then, people expected them to last years and years,” Wampler said.
He added, “Years ago the watches were strictly mechanical. Later came the battery operated and digital ones.”
Wampler said that he still sees many customers come in with antique watches and other items for repair.
Wampler Jewelers has carried a full line of jewelry and continues to sell watches that are meant to last for years.
“Manchester has sure been good to him, and to us, that’s for sure,” Stine said.
“I have really enjoyed the people of this town. I’ve made a lot of good friends over the years, and many loyal customers. I have been very fortunate,” Wampler said.

Martin Replaces Pyrah As New Town Caller
08 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

As of November 1, Jennifer Martin is the new Town Caller in North Manchester, replacing Barbi Pyrah who has operated the business since 1996.
Town Callers delivers gift packages to new residents who move into the community, for new babies, and engaged and newlywed couples. Gift packs are filled with community information, coupons, and gifts from local merchants. They are delivered to North Manchester and the surrounding communities.
“I’m excited for Jennifer to fill the shoes of the new Town Caller...not the Town Crier as some people have teased me through the years,” said Barbi Pyrah. “Jennifer will be dedicated to serve both the community and the merchants well,” she added.
Town Callers was started in 1980 with Carol Streator and Jean Bishop. “Carol began wearing a red hat around town on her visits. Everyone in town knew who it was under the hat,” Pyrah said.
Upon taking over the business in 1996, Pyrah decided the red hat wasn’t her style, so she changed the logo to the current one; stacks of gift boxes with a big bow. “It seemed very exciting and appealing to me,” she commented.
Her son in law, Todd Reynolds, designed the logo.
That was just the beginning, and 11 years and many visits later, Pyrah felt the time was right to move on.
She has been searching for her replacement for a short while, and feels Martin is the perfect fit. “I will miss the association I have had with the townspeople in the various businesses and organizations,” said Pyrah. “Jennifer is ready to step in and take over, so I feel comfortable leaving it in her hands,” she added.
Martin’s phone number is 982-1762.
Current sponsors with Town Callers are: Beacon Credit Union, Cottage Creations, Dairy Queen, Designs at the Cabin, East of Chicago Pizza, First Merchants Bank, Friermood Tire, Hire’s Gifts and Electronics, Key’s Gift and Photo Shop, Lance’s New Market, Manchester Barber Shop, Manchester Greenhouse, Manchester Tool and Rental, Manchester Tire, Mary Kay by Marie Quick, Mr. Dave’s, One World Handcrafts, Pizza Hut, Riverbridge Electric, Wetzel Insurance, William Hankee, D.D.S., and Quality Quick Lube.

Staph Infections At MHS Not The Serious MRSA Strain
01 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Manchester High School Principal Nancy Alspaugh wants the public to know that although there have been two confirmed cases of a staph infection at MHS in the past month, that neither are the serious strain, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
“We view this as nothing out of the ordinary, but we did take the necessary precautions,” said Alspaugh.
Both students infected were members of the football team. Athletic director Kyle Wieland addressed the entire team, and letters were sent home to parents of the players. “We took additional steps to disinfect the locker rooms. The ceiling, lockers, floors, helmets, and shoulder pads were all disinfected three times each,” said Alspaugh. “And the players took home all of the things in their lockers and were instructed to clean them,” she added.
The regular strain of staph is very common. Most people have some of the bacteria on their skin at all times. Staph infections develop when the bacteria enters the body, normally through an open sore or body to body contact.
“Personal hygiene and hand washing are the best defenses against infections, flu and colds,” said school nurse M.A. Hire.
Hire wanted to stress to the community that this type of staph infection poses no threat to other students. “The situation at the high school is nothing serious,” said Hire. “If anything, it just gave us an opportunity to review and improve our procedures,” she added.
Local physicians have been contacted and have played an advisory role for the schools.
Students with a regular staph infection may still attend school, but are required to cover the infected area with a bandage or wrap.
Any questions can be directed to Hire at one of the community schools.

Council To Parks: Fitness Center Needs To Come From Fundraising
01 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The North Manchester Parks and Recreation Department will likely need to turn to fundraising to build a fitness center addition. That was the message from Town Council to the Parks and Recreation Board during a joint meeting October 29.
The maximum the town can issue in general obligation bonds is $1.1 million, according to an Umbaugh & Associates analysis. The total cost to bring the pool facility up-to-date and build the fitness center addition is $2.2 million, according to a recent MSKTD facility study.
The parks board has pursued over the past few months a plan that would take care of the most critical repairs needed at the facility and build a $315,000 addition to house a ground-level fitness center and meeting room.
Parks director Kathy Staton and Parks board president Anne Meyer have maintained that the addition is badly needed.
“The current fitness center is just as problematic as some of the other items on this repair list. It is moving the fitness center out of the basement, which is unusable space, and making it handicap accessible,” Meyer explained.
Town Council member Chris Garber had reviewed the facility study and recommended the town first fund as many repairs as possible to the building’s walls and roof, and electrical, mechanical, and chemical systems.
Staton said that it is becoming impractical for the parks department to keep the fitness center as it now exists. ....Read More

Council Soon To Take On Different Look
01 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
North Manchester’s town council will soon look very different, beyond the outcome of the one general election race going before voters on November 6, 2007.
Of the five council positions, one member is not seeking re-election and one is expected to resign shortly after the New Year.
So too could change the direction the council has been headed with several tough decisions, including a bond issue for repairs and renovations at the community pool and the replacing of the downtown sidewalks through the Main Street project.
The only general election race is between Chris Garber - D, and Duane Piper - R, candidates for the at-large district seat. Garber is currently the town council vice president.
Current town council president Don Rinearson - R, is not seeking re-election, and so the only candidate for the position, Gordon Richardson - R, will be taking the fourth district seat.
Stan Escott was planning on stepping down from the town’s second district seat after six consecutive terms on the council. ....Read More

Open Meeting To Discuss LES Name Change
01 Nov 2007 - ( Front Page )



Laketon Elementary School will be hosting a meeting for the school community on November 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the school commons to discuss changing the name of the school beginning with the 2007-08 school year. Since Laketon Elementary is configured with grades 5 and 6 only, it was felt by the school naming committee that the school name should better reflect the present grade configuration. The committee considered several possibilities for the name change including leaving it as Laketon Elementary School or changing it to Manchester Intermediate School, Laketon Intermediate School, Manchester Middle School, Manchester/Laketon Intermediate School, or Manchester Intermediate School at Laketon. After much discussion, the committee is recommending that the name be changed to Manchester Intermediate School. Members of the committee include Shelia Wilson, Rhonda Spann, Joni Cripe, Tricia Shoemaker, Ulonda Burdette, Jay Fawley, Tom Brown, Tom Hess, Wendy Isbell, Sara Greer, Linda Immel, Thelma Butler, and Bill Reichhart.
The committee is inviting anyone who wishes to comment on the proposed name change to attend the meeting or contact one of the committee members. Time will be allowed for public input at the meeting.

Council Candidates Hold Forum
25 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Two town council candidates for North Manchester’s only November 2007 race shared their visions for the future during a public session sponsored by the Timbercrest Seniors for Peace on Tuesday, October 23.
Incumbent Chris Garber - D, and Duane Piper - R, addressed a crowd at Timbercrest on such issues as economic development, housing, new water and sewer treatment plants, tourism, and public ordinances concerning the up-keep and maintenance of residents’ homes.
Both Garber and Piper described their race as “a friendly battle” between two people who have lived as neighbors for a number of years.
Piper began the session by sharing his main concern - that of economic development, or lack thereof, in town.
He proposed taking the $12,000 the town currently pays the Wabash Economic Development Group (EDG) and having town officials or local government use it themselves to bring in business. ....Read More

Shepherd's To Add License Branch Services
25 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Shepherd’s Chevrolet-Cadillac will soon offer license plate and renewal processing as a service to the community of North Manchester.
The targeted beginning date is December 1.
“We’ve always felt there was a void in the community without the license branch,” said Tim Shepherd. “When we learned that we could be approved to offer this service, we thought it was a great opportunity to serve our customers so they don’t have to drive out of town for simple transactions such as these,” he added.
Two employees of Shepherd’s Chevrolet-Cadillac, Bill Leonhard and Bill Earle, will receive a two-day training course in November to become certified.
Shepherd’s will handle license plates and renewals for cars, trucks, and vans only. They won’t be able to plate or do renewals for trailers, boats, or commercial, and they also won’t be able to handle drivers license renewals.
“At the beginning, the service will only be available to current and new customers of ours,” said Shepherd. “But as we become more accustomed and familiar with the process, the plan is to open it up to the community one or two evenings a week,” he added.
Shepherd also said that they hope it will take quite a burden off of the residents of Peabody and Timbercrest, and in general, save people fuel and travel time associated with having to go to Wabash.
Shepherd’s will have plates and stickers for all 92 Indiana counties available.
“We’ve always been in the business of serving the community of North Manchester,” said Shepherd. “We believe this is a valuable service that can be of great benefit to many people within North Manchester,” he added.



Board Hears About Positive Cross Country Season
25 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The first season of cross-country at Manchester Community Schools has come to a promising end, according to coach Jody Sarber’s report to the school board October 16.
The sport was resurrected at the junior high and junior varsity levels this year after being cancelled in 2002, when interest dwindled apparently due to yearly coach turnaround.
“I thought the first year would be a struggle, but we have done very well. I told them all along, they are playing a JV sport at a varsity caliber,” said Sarber.
The teams started at the beginning of the season with five students and ended with eleven, many of whom had never previously run as a sport. Some came with track experience and others came solely with the love for running.
Seniors Aaron Medley and Sydni Terrill and eighth grader Darien Rodriguez told the school board of their experiences during the season.
At sectional, Terrill placed 19th and Medley placed 25th, which would have advanced the team, but they competed as individuals. The JV boys were the only full team for the first season.
Sarber described Rodriquez as an “up and coming star,” and said that at her very first race, after practicing with the team for only one week, she placed 13th out of over 100 runners during a three-way invite at Northfield High School. ....Read More

Ambassadors Bring Show To North Manchester
25 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The Harlem Ambassadors were welcomed to Manchester High School last Thursday evening for a fun filled, crowd pleasing evening of slam dunks, trick plays, games, and good-will messages for students.
The event, organized by the North Manchester Lions Club, drew approximately 500 spectators to witness the comedy of Lade Majic, the point guard and coach of the team, and highlight-reel slam dunks of Angel Branch and Andy Chelcher.
All players on the Ambassadors have vast basketball experience, with most playing high level collegiately.
While their skills and ability entertained the crowd, their interaction with the opposing players, children, and each other provided for many laughs.
In between each quarter, the Ambassadors played games with kids from the crowd. Whether it was musical chairs (won by Bethany Collett), or a race involving push-ups, sit-ups, putting on shoes, and racing the length of the court to make a basket (won by Justin Cagle), there was more to the night than basketball. ....Read More

Squire Tennis Coach Named District II Coach of the Year
18 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Manchester High School Boys’ Tennis Coach Eric Christiansen received an unexpected award at the end of the season district meeting held last week in Fort Wayne.
Upon entering the meeting, Christiansen learned that he had been nominated for District II Coach of the Year, along with the coaches from Westview, Northrop, Concord, and Angola.
Indiana is divided into five districts, with Manchester’s (No. II) representing more than 60 schools, with boundaries ranging from Angola to Elkhart, down to Kokomo, and over to Bluffton. “I was shocked when I walked into the district meeting and saw my name on the board on the nominations list,” said Christiansen.
He was even more shocked when he was later selected as the winner.
“It’s an honor to get this, especially being nominated and voted by fellow coaches, but of course this has more to do with the kids,” said Christiansen. “”I’ve had the honor to coach a group of guys who have worked hard to have the success that we’ve had,” he added. ....Read More

Manchester Early Learning Center Licensed For Infants, Toddlers
18 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The Manchester Early Learning Center has made some exciting changes recently and now offers care for children ages newborn to 12 years of age.
Previously, MELC wasn’t able to accept ages 0-2, but after making a few changes, buying some new equipment, and passing the necessary inspections, the facility is licensed. “We used to get a couple of phone calls each week asking about infant care,” said director Becky Cline. “We are so pleased that we can provide quality care and learning opportunities for children. Being able to expand, while keeping it affordable for parents was very important as well,” Cline added.
Manchester College and the Community Foundation were key contributors in making the transition possible. Professor Tim Ogden’s Case Studies class at Manchester College started a business last spring with a goal of raising money for a nonprofit agency. They successfully raised $2,557.20 and donated the money to the MELC. The funds were used to purchase baby beds and to assist with some necessary structural changes.
Then, during the fall grant cycle, the Community Foundation awarded MELC with $1,061 to purchase a Bye-Bye-Buggy; a four seat stroller that will enable the infants and toddlers to travel and explore outside the daycare.
“I am so glad that we are able to meet a need that the community had,” said Cline. “Being able to accept infants and toddlers helps a lot of parents out,” she added,
Currently, MELC has a total of 44 children under their watch. They are licensed for a maximum of 55; 10 of which may be under the age of two. “We have 11 staff right now, and may have to add more as our numbers increase,” said Cline. “Our infant room filled quickly, so we knew there was a need,” she added.
All teachers within the MELC have some sort of accreditation to teach. “They do lesson plans every day,” said Cline. “Our staff is very prepared and they do a great job with the children,” she added.
MELC is currently the only licensed full-time facility in Wabash County.
The MELC has a limited number of openings. If interested, please contact Becky Cline at 982-4913.

MJSHS To Present "Oklahoma"
18 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

The 7th & 8th graders of Manchester Jr-Sr High School will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma G2K on October 19 & 20th at 7:00p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at the high school. G2K stands for the Getting to Know Collection of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Library of musicals. These classic musicals have been tailored to fit junior high age voices.
Oklahoma was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration together and it remains their most innovative. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the 20th century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story.
Curly is played by Derek Self and Laurey is played by Kathryn McElwee.
The cast includes: Ashley Price, Payton Sorg, Martin Andersen, Emily Grant, Jake Caligiuri, Megan Metzger, Bryce Pyrah, Jared Christiansen, Josh Hunt, Calvin Barnett, Jonathan Ragan, Damien Ashba, Daniel Reynaud, Godfrey Lohitai, Bekah Rich, Sarrah Dierks, Hannah Lochner, Ashley Pratt, Laurel Ruppert, Emily Neild, Crysten Custer, Ashley Woodward, Amy Ihnen, Torey Skaar, Nicole Gable, Amber DeWaard, Aisha Harris, Moriah Magnus, DJ Norwood, Erica McKinley, Kartey Deniston, Kristiania Grogg, Alexis Gillum, Justin Dill, Kaylee Watson, Cassie Nybo, Aliecea Meredith, Jasmine Whitaker, Amelia Hedges, Taylor Penrod, Olivia Dotson, Cheyenne Bishop, Autumn Brewer, Kelsi Custer, Tom Naragon, Tawni Kincaid, Melanie Conley, Benita Black and Brooke Jimenez
The show is directed by Marilyn Sexton Mason and Kira Lace Hawkins. The public is invited on Friday, October 19th at 7:00p.m. and Saturday, October 20th at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Manchester College Presents "Wonders of Science"
18 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Manchester College presented its first ever “Wandering in the Wonders of Science” last Saturday morning, when area fourth and fifth graders played scientists at the college’s new science center.
All area students were invited to the free event, which saw sixty elementary school students and forty college students participate.
The idea for the event had been in the making for a long time, according to education professor Stacy Stetzel, who worked on the idea with three other professors.
Their goal had been to get kids and future educators and scientists together, and to integrate different ways of learning and different subjects.
“We wanted to serve area students and at the same time, model for our students how learning happens,” Stetzel said.
Students came from Manchester, Wabash, Whitko, Fort Wayne, and even Tippicanoe for the event.
“If you could see how many people on this campus have worked on this project, you would be amazed. We’ve had chemistry majors, field biology students, and education majors plan and host this event,” she said.
Manchester College’s science majors began the day with several interactive demonstrations including a glowing-in-the-dark chemical reaction, vaccuming an egg into a flask, and crushing a pop can with air and water pressure.
They explained the scientific method to students, that of predicting, observing, and explaining. ....Read More

Wehner Applauds Freeman's "Friends of the Pool" Idea
18 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

Dear Editor:
I applaud J.P. Freeman’s efforts to help bring about a constructive relationship between the community and the community pool, as reported several weeks ago in both The Manchester Monitor and The News-Journal. Such a bridge is sorely needed. His proposal to create a “Friends of the Community Pool”support group on the order of the “Friends of the Library” seems to be a positive and pro-active response to the acrimonious controversy about pool management which has developed in the wake of Steve Sheets' banishment from the pool facility some nine months ago because of his persistent criticism.
The “sit-down-and shut-up crowd,” aptly labeled by Monitor publisher Judy Moore in her editorial entitled “Junior High School Mentality in an Adult World,” in the March 13 issue, would blame this controversy on “negativism” generated by Sheets and assert that if he would just go away quietly all the “negativism” would disappear.
On the contrary. Parks and Rec Director Ms. Staton seems to generate “negativism” aplenty on her own, much, if not the greater part of it, having nothing at all to do with Sheets. One recent example would be her belligerent response, as reported in the Sept. 12 issue of The News-Journal, to Tree Commission President Ruth Ann Schlitt's request on behalf of the Commission for it to be disassociated, “due to a failure in trust and lack of communication with the parks department director,” from the Parks and Recreation Department. ....Read More

Local Man Beaten Up At Warvel Park
11 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Last Tuesday afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m., the North Manchester Police Department received a call that a man had been beaten up in the rest rooms at Warvel Park.
That individual, 25 year old Jason Spriggs of the 800 block of Thorn Street, North Manchester, was taken to Parkview Hospital with apparent head trauma.
“Our investigation has revealed that this attack was targeted towards this particular victim,” said Chief of Police Dave Young.
Young wanted to make it clear that Warvel Park is a safe place and that this crime was not a random attack.
“I can’t discuss too many details of the case since the investigation is ongoing, but we would encourage anyone who was in the area and observed anything to contact the North Manchester Police Department,” Young said.
The NMPD phone number is 260-982-8555.
Although still in the hospital a few days after the attack, Young did say that Spriggs was coherent enough to speak with officers the day following the incident. "We will continue to follow leads," he added.

LES Heading For A Name Change
11 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Laketon Elementary School (LES) is likely to see a name change in the next few months, according to Principal William Reichhart’s report to the Manchester Community Schools Board of Trustees October 2.
He announced that a Laketon School Naming Committee, comprised of teachers, parents, and community members, has held its first meeting to discuss the need for a name change that might better define the grades the school serves.
Laketon had taught all the grades associated with an “elementary” school up until a few years ago, when the school was reconfigured to house only the fifth and sixth grades and Manchester Elementary School became the exclusive K-4 school.
Reichhart added that according to the state’s definition, Laketon might better be termed an “intermediate” school.
The public has been invited to attend a community meeting to discuss the name change on November 5, 7 p.m., at LES. ....Read More

Hawkins Has Lead In "Hello Dolly"
11 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
For local resident and teacher Kathy Hawkins, playing the lead in “Hello, Dolly!” took a few years to come to fruition, but as part of the Wabash Area Community Theatre (WACT), she will take the stage this weekend at the Honeywell Center.
The performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 14, 2:00 p.m., in the Ford Theatre.
Hawkins first auditioned for the role of Dolly Levi, the matchmaker, over thirty years ago during her senior year of high school, but had to settle for a position in the ensemble.
“I loved being in the ensemble, but I had really wanted the part of Dolly. So when I heard they were going to be performing this play, I thought, this is it!” Hawkins explained.
Dolly Levi is portrayed as a woman who likes to “meddle” in other people’s business, especially as she tries to arrange marriages for other women while personally trying to win the hand of the half-a-millionaire, Horace Vandergelder.
“What is interesting is the fact that the two times I’ve been in Fiddler on the Roof, once at Manchester College, and once with WACT, I’ve been Yente, the matchmaker, so there is definitely a theme going on here,” Hawkins said.
She also played the Wardrobe in last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast.
This year’s production has been special for Hawkins for another reason as well.
Kira Lace Hawkins, who married Zack Hawkins in July, was cast as Irene Molloy, a widow who owns the millinery shop, in her first role with WACT. ....Read More

Massage Shoppe Back At TLC
11 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

>b?by Tim McLaughlin
The Massage Shoppe is back in business at the Town Life Center.
After moving her business from the Town Life Center to her home one year ago, owner Nancy Macaluso recently reopened on the third floor of the Town Life Center with hopes of building her clientele list back to where it once stood.
“I’ve had more than 250 people come through my door for work in the past two years,” said Macaluso. “When I left the TLC a year ago, I had around 75 regular customers,” she added.
Macaluso is nationally certified for therapeutic massage and body work, something that is of great advantage to future clients. “In Indiana, you don’t have to be certified to do massage,” said Macaluso.
Certification means that Macaluso has received the proper training, and clients of hers should feel comfortable in her hands. ....Read More

NM Places 3rd Nationally In America in Bloom
04 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

“A job well done!” is what America in Bloom (AIB) judges Jack Clasen and Lee Nelsen told the committee members of North Manchester’s AIB project.
During last weekend’s National Symposium held in Rockford, IL, North Manchester was presented a special recognition award for its Community Involvement, one of the contest’s eight criteria. In the overall rating, North Manchester tied with London, Kentucky and Incline Village, Nevada for third place. AIB committee members Leesa Metzger, MaryAnn Swihart and Christa Kolster-Frye, attended the America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Presentation and accepted the honorary plaque on behalf of the town of North Manchester.
The judges, finally able to reconnect with Metzger, Swihart and Kolster-Frye since their two day stay in North Manchester, told the three women that visiting North Manchester had been a highlight during their seven city, cross-country tour.
The judges lauded the town for its efforts in the AIB program and expressed gratitude for North Manchester’s warm hospitality during their stay. “It’s a beautiful little town,” Clasen said. “We enjoyed our visit immensely.” ....Read More

West Manchester COB Holds Final Service
04 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The West Manchester Church of the Brethren held its last service after 169 years of ministry on Sunday, September 30, 2007.
The service was a celebration of the past, and of the numerous memories that the congregation will take with them as they join the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake.
Nearly one hundred people attended the service and heard a message from Dr. John Bunch, who served as minister at the church from 1965 to 1968.
Several members of the congregation shared their memories of the many years as part of the church, including marriages, baptisms, dedications, and funerals.
Bunch began his message, saying, “It seems like I started out here not too long ago...”
He urged the congregation to see the day as both an end and a beginning.
“Today I want us to remember this place. What’s important here today is remembering our worship in this place. That’s the common thread that holds this congregation together and even the threads that join all who were children of this church family and now live in other places, and those who were laid to rest in this beautiful cemetery.
He continued, “Soon, we are going to physically leave this place, but our memories we take with us. Yes, this is a special place. But it is a special place because we worshiped God here - that’s what it's all about. God was honored here all these years.”
The hymns were led by Harold Bolinger, and included, “All hail the power of Jesus name,” “Here in this place,” and “Great is thy faithfulness.”
The current church building was built in 1891 and sits next to Pleasant Hill Cemetery, where many of the churches’ members were laid to rest.
The first “full time” minister was Leonard Custer, in 1950. Howard H. Keim Jr. served in 1952, Lewis Deardorff in 1957, John Bunch in 1965, H. F. Richards in 1968, Walter Stinebaugh in 1970, Peter Michael in 1971, and Phillip Lauver in 1974.
David Eis served in 1978, Joan Deeter in 1982, Deborah Roberts in 1988, Byron Miller in 1990, Jack Cary in 1993, George McClellan in 1996, David Rogers in 1998, Joshua Brockway in 1999, and Randall