>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 Westfall in 2002.

MC Homecoming Celebrates Union Dedication
04 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

“Meet you at the Union!” Alumni and friends of Manchester College will echo that happy refrain at Homecoming 2007 the weekend of Oct. 5-6.
Manchester dedicates its $8 million College Union at 10 a.m. on Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 6. The celebration begins in the magnificent Haist Commons dining area, with tours before and afterward.
Surrounding the celebration of donors and possibilities of the College Union are the activities of Homecoming 2007 and Parents & Family Weekend. Eight alumni classes will gather for meals, reminiscing and class photos. Alumni of non-reunion classes will find lots for them, too.
After the dedication, alumni will resume their homecoming, with special gatherings for Alumni of Color, theatre and communications studies grads, and the classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977. 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1997. The M Association will present its 2007 Coach of the Year Eastbrook High School coach Jeff Adamson ’86. Band and choir alumni will unite with students for a Friday evening concert.
Here are some highlights;
Friday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. Foxfire play, Cordier Auditorium.
8 p.m. Band & Choirs with music alumni, College Union.
Saturday, Oct. 6 8:30 a.m. Alumni registration, campus tours, College Union 10 a.m. Dedication of College Union
10:30 a.m. M Association, PERC
11:30 a.m. Tailgate party for all, football field tent.
Noon Young alumni reunion, football field tent
12:15 p.m. “Meet the Artist” Phil Joseph, Gallery G
1:12 p.m. Pre-game tradition
1:30 p.m. Football vs. Bluffton University
2 p.m. Honor peacemaker Dan West ’17, Peace Gardens
7:30 p.m. Foxfire play, Cordier Auditorium
8 p.m. Harlem Wizards vs. MC students, faculty, PERC
The College Union was enlarged and completely redesigned. Everything is new, from the “Servery” with all of its dining choices; to a heavily used Success Center of writing coaches, counselors, study tables and career assistance; to conference facilities; the campus store; and The Oaks coffee and snack shop. Surrounding all are booths, conversation nooks and study areas … and a two-sided fireplace!

Mitzpah Shrine Parade Coming To Harvest Festival
04 Oct 2007 - ( Front Page )

It’s been over 20 years since the Mitzpah Shrine Parade has been in the town of North Manchester, and now the North Manchester Chamber Tourism Committee would like to introduce them back into our community. Along with The Eel River Shrine Club, the North Manchester Chamber of Tourism Committee is happy to bring back the great Mitzpah Shrine Parade to the 2007 Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 6th at 3:00 pm downtown. The Mitzpah Shrine Parade will be starting at Mill Street running onto Main Street and back up Market Street, at approximately 3:00 pm with over 275 Shriners and 21 units of horses, motor patrols (little-car guys), clowns and other fun units. This parade represents the fun loving side of the Mitzpah Shrine, but there is a serious side as well.
That side is the hard-working, devoted members of the Mitzpah Shrine who raise over a $721 million budget a year to pay for research and the capital expenditures to keep over 22 hospitals up and running in the United States, Mexico and Canada. These hospitals are Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centers, Burn Care Centers or Orthopaedic Hospitals or all three combined. With approximately 835,000 children (18 years or younger) being helped in 2006 at the 22 hospitals, the budget for these hospitals is raised by gifts, bequests, income from endowment funds, hospital fundraising events and the annual assessment paid by every Shriner, the care that these children receive is at no cost to them. The Shriners Hospitals provide all care and services totally without charge to the patient or the family.
The North Manchester club; The Eel River Shrine Club, with over fifteen (15) active members have contributed over $24,000.00 dollars to the Shriners Hospitals in the past 5 years. These members do so with determination and satisfaction knowing that their monetary donation will indeed help children who may never have had a chance to be treated otherwise.
While there are many elements to the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Mitzpah Shrine, there is only one purpose: to improve the lives of children.
Please come join the town of North Manchester and the Harvest Festival as we open welcome arms to the Mitzpah Shrine Parade.

Council Weighs Pool Repairs; Impact On Town Taxpayers
27 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
A first look at the impact to local taxpayers of bringing the North Manchester pool facility up to date revealed that community support for the project would likely determine the extent of the repairs and remodels, including a new fitness center.
Town Council heard an analysis of the town’s funding options and how each would affect the town’s tax rate during a presentation by Umbaugh & Associates Manager Jeff Rowe during its September 19 meeting.
According to the MSKTD facility study completed several months ago, it would cost between $1.7 and $2.2 million to fix all the needed repairs at the building, to bring the fitness center to ground level, and to remodel the locker rooms and add family changing rooms.
Rowe presented four options for funding the projects: to use the town’s existing funds in the amount of $360,000, to issue general obligation (G.O.) bonds for either $760,000 or $885,000, or to use a lease rental option in the amount of $1,970,000.
The first option would not affect the tax rate, but would have little impact on the long list of needed repairs. The funds would come from the town’s rainy day fund, Riverboat funds, and CEDIT funds, among others. ....Read More

Town Cuts $120,000 From Budget
27 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Town Council unanimously approved the town’s 2008 budget September 19, after several weeks of whittling down the $120,000 that was overbudget.
The final budget, which was advertised at $1.8 million, is just $5,000 above the flatline budget for which they had been aiming, not including an increase of 3% for personal services.
After considering reducing the pay raise for town employees and digging through capital improvement items line by line, council opted to cut a debt service payment by $65,000, which would have put the town one year ahead on its payment schedule.
The move came as a recommendation by clerk-treasurer Carrie Mugford, who prepared the 2008 budget.
Council also made significant cuts to several departments’ operating balances and capital improvement funds, but left the pay raise intact.
Town Marshal Dave Young had urged council to keep the pay raises during a budget workshop on September 12.
“I would rather cut my capital improvement items than our officers’ pay raises. Our employees work hard for this town and it is important we continue to attract and retain new officers by offering a good wage and good benefits. They are by far a more valuable asset than any capital improvement item,” Young said.
Town Council President Don Rinearson also said he wanted to see the pay raises remain.
“I would like to see the 3% [raise] left in if at all possible. That isn’t even keeping up with gasoline and food stock prices,” Rinearson explained.
Young parted with $15,000 of $26,000 budgeted for motor vehicle equipment, which would have replaced the Town Marshal’s ’93 Bonneville and helped purchase a new squad car. ....Read More

New MHS Buses Draw Attention
27 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
While the wheels on the bus still go ‘round and ‘round these days, the bumpy ride is something of the past for students aboard Manchester Community School’s two new buses.
The school board and attendees at its September 25 meeting toured one of the buses, a “C-2” safety liner in its third year of production.
The bus rides higher above the road because it utilizes semi tires, which are easier to replace than the standard school buses’, and is a much smoother ride as well. It also has underneath luggage compartments and larger windows.
Long-time school bus driver Imogene Knight, who drives the new bus, said, “The suspension is just wonderful; it’s just a better built product. Some of the younger kids get disappointed that they don’t get bounced around like on other buses, but on a gravel road that’s an especially good thing.”
The bus also sports several new or improved safety features, including a seamless windshield, two cameras that use DVR technology, noise suppressant switches for better listening at railroad stops, and more simple to open emergency exits.
The buses have new emission controls that were mandated for models after December 31, 2007, and act like “continuous self cleaning ovens.”
Knight added that students, teachers, and people in the community have been curious about the new buses.
She said she encourages people to take a look, to see “how their tax dollars are being spent on improved safety.”
In other news, the board approved a $2,411 grant from the North Manchester Lions Club to MCS for equipment to test vision and hearing.
The board had unanimously approved the corporation’s 2008 budget at its Sept. 11 meeting, and business manager Steve Shoemaker reported that the process was proceeding smoothly.
A field trip request from Marilyn Mason was approved to take the theatre students to Roosevelt University in Chicago to attend The Freshman Showcase on Sept. 30.
Several personnel items were approved:
- Kathie Sites as educational assistant and Barb Dawes as part-time grade four reading/language arts teacher at MES
- Daphne Steele as bus aide for MCS and Kira Hawkins as assistant director for the junior and senior high musicals and drama productions
- Brittany Rager as volunteer assistant girls’ basketball, Jen Howard as sixth grade girls’ basketball coach, and Sarah Purdy as “C” girls’ basketball coach at MJSHS
- Resignations of Adriene Burgess as educational assistant at MES, and Brenda Self as junior high yearbook sponsor and Daphne Steele as cook at MJSHS
At the school board’s Sept. 11 meeting, the following were approved:
- Shannon Thompson as technology assistant and Nancy Hanback as student council sponsor at LES
- Brenda Self as kindergarten teacher and the transfer of Arvada Trickle as ECA treasurer from LES to MJSHS
The board approved a professional leave request from Debra Kern to attend the Annual Art Conference for Educators Nov. 1-3, Indianapolis.
Two field trips were approved to Florida on March 6-10, 2008: one for Jabin Burnworth to take 20 Biology III students to the Everglades National Park and the other for Jim Myer to take 15-16 students to Disney World.
Also approved was Marilyn Mason’s request to present a showcase of six productions in the PAC on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., November 11 thru April 20.
The board accepted on behalf of MES an Indiana Early Intervention Grant for $1,000 from the Indiana Department of Education.

MC Theatre Director Strode To Take Curtain Call
27 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

Next spring, Theatre Director Scott K. Strode retires from 34 years of teaching and directing at Manchester College. But for a very special Homecoming 2007 performance Oct. 4-6, Strode will set aside directing to take the lead acting role in the Tony award-winning play Foxfire.
Invitations have gone out to more than 800 of Professor Strode’s theatre and communication studies alumni to catch his performance and celebrate his service with a dinner.
Two long-time friends will join Strode in giving current theatre students opportunity to participate in a professional production: Tom Evans will direct and equity actress Barbara Farrar will share the lead as Appalachian matriarch Annie Nations.
The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. for all three performances: Thursday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 6, in Cordier Auditorium. Tickets are available in advance at 260-982-5551 or the night of the show at $7; $6 for senior citizens. ....Read More

Shepherd's To Give Away Car In "Drive For Excellence" Program At MHS
13 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
Shepherd’s Chevrolet-Cadillac, in cooperation with Manchester High School, is teaming together to offer very exciting performance based opportunities to students at Manchester High School.
In their program called “Drive For Excellence,” students will have the chance to win not only a Chevy Cobalt at the end of the school year, but a laptop computer at the end of each trimester as well.
“We know the importance of young people in the community, and we’re trying to give them the incentive to excel,” said Tim Shepherd of Shepherd’s Chevrolet-Cadillac.
The program is based on academic performance as well as attendance. Shepherd explained that at the end of each trimester, students will need to bring their report cards to the dealership. For every “A’” earned on their report card, the student will receive two entries. For each “B”, the student will get one entry. Attendance plays a major factor as well. Every student achieving perfect attendance will get three entries per trimester into the contest.
While the drawing for the automobile will take place in June from the accrued entries, Shepherd’s will draw one lucky winner each trimester, and that student will receive a laptop computer. “We’re trying to keep the students interested and excited all year long,” said Shepherd. “The computer gives them some incentive to keep pushing,” he added.
On June 18th, 2008, 20 entries will be drawn (only those who have a drivers license by June 27 are eligible for the car). Those 20 students will then go to Shepherd’s on June 27th. The 20 students will draw a car key, and one of the 20 will start the car, thus declaring the winner. “I’ve had a lot of kids asking about the contest, so I think there is excitement already,” said Shepherd.
“We’ve been very blessed by this community, and this is another way that we can give back,” added Shepherd.
Shepherd did comment that the dealership plans to continue the program from year to year.

Tree Commission Request Sparks Controversy At Town Council
13 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Town Council heard from Tree Advisory Commission president Ruth Ann Schlitt September 5th, who made a request that the tree trimming duties currently overseen by the Parks and Recreation department be transferred to the Street Department.
The request came during a public hearing on the town’s 2008 budget, and was tabled by council following a tense discussion later in the meeting.
“On behalf of the Tree Advisory Commission, due to a failure in trust and lack of communication with the parks department director, we request a transfer of these duties from the parks department to the street department,” Schlitt read from a prepared statement.
The duties referred to include the hiring and oversight of two personnel, the tree trimming and safety equipment, and the use of a truck used in the trimming of the town’s tree lawns during the months of June, July, and August.
She added that she had spoken to Superintendent of Public Works John Mugford, and he had agreed to assume the responsibilities. ....Read More

Speicher Building To Be Purchased, Leveled
13 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Speicher building is to be purchased by the Manchester Economic Development Corporation (MEDCOR) and leveled.
Town Council approved the purchase of the site, which will be combined with the neighboring former Warner Brooder site to make the lot larger, more appealing real estate.
Town Manager Dan Hannaford announced the town’s offer to purchase the vacant building for $87,500 and to level the site, which is estimated to cost up to $50,000.
He said that they would then convert the site into a Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) district, which would allow the town to recover its costs.
“We have $300,000 in the former Warner Brooder site, but most companies only want to pay $200-$250,000 for a lot,” Hannaford said.
He added that the lot was also a tight fit for many of the plans prospective buyers have had for the site.
“We have two companies on hold right now [who would be interested in the combined lots.] Once the Speicher building is down, we will be able to move forward,” Hannaford said.
Council member Stan Escott initiated the motion to approve the purchase, and Chris Garber seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Garber called the plans “very progressive,” and said he believed the plans would transform the site in very valuable property. ....Read More

Liberty Mills Woman Caught With Marijuana
13 Sep 2007 - ( Front Page )

With the assistance from the newly formed Fort Wayne Police Department’s Drug Interdiction Unit, the Wabash City Drug Task Force intercepted a large quantity of marijuana destined for Wabash County. Fort Wayne Police Department’s Drug Interdiction Unit obtained information on approximately 76 pounds of marijuana that was to be delivered to two residences in Northern Wabash County.
The Wabash City Drug Task Force, with the assistance from other local agencies made “Controlled deliveries” of the packages containing the marijuana to the two locations. Shortly after the deliveries, a female, later identified as Amanda G. Sroufe age 27 of Liberty Mills, picked up the two packages from the two residences. As she left the second residence, en-route to an undisclosed location, a traffic stop was initiated by Deputy Terry Rzasa of the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department under the direction of investigation detectives.
Sroufe is incarcerated in the Wabash County Jail on charges of possession of Marijuana, over 10 pounds, a Class “C” felony with intent to deliver. Seven other individuals are being investigated as to their involvement with this investigation, with further investigation into this matter, more arrests are anticipated.
During this investigation, other indicators were found that show these types of shipments have been made in recent past to our community. The estimated street value of the seized marijuana, if broken down into smaller quantity, would be over $180,000. Although prices vary depending upon location in the U.S., marijuana sells for around $150 an ounce locally.

Bus Drivers To Wear Uniforms
30 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
It will soon be easier to spot the individuals who are given the task of driving the youth of North Manchester to and from school each day.
Transportation director William Reichhart reported that the school district has adopted uniforms for all school bus drivers during the school board’s August 28 meeting.
He said that each driver will be issued a red shirt and jacket and both will have the “MCS Transportation” title and the driver’s name.
“We will be teaching our students to look for the red shirt or jacket when the driver opens the bus door. If they don’t see the red [uniform] they’re not to get on the bus,” Reichhart said.
The decision was based on ensuring student safety as well as to make it easier for parents to identify the drivers.
Substitute drivers will be required to wear the uniforms as well.
Reichhart added that the drivers would also wear the uniforms during trips for sporting events and on field trips, when the uniforms could make it easier for students to find their drivers in sometimes unfamiliar and crowded places. ....Read More

Boomershine To Retire From Parks Department
30 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The North Manchester Park and Recreation Department is saying farewell to Donna Boomershine, assistant to the director and employee at the department for the past 17 and a half years.
The parks department has invited the Manchester community to a retirement party for Boomershine, to be held Friday, August 31, 12-4 p.m., at the Community Pool Complex.
"Donna's commitment to and love for the Park Department has been evident throughout her tenure. She has competently carried out administrative tasks, gone the extra miles to make sure our patrons have a good experience, and been gracious during challenging times. Donna will be missed by the Board, staff and the patrons of our facility. We wish her the very best in her retirement," said Parks Board President Anne Myers.
She has worked with the department since 1990 as a receptionist, administrative assistant, and then as the assistant to the director since 2000.
“I had planned on retiring about two years ago, but decided I wanted to wait until we had a new director in place. Things are in good hands now—Kathy Staton is an excellent director and Tracy Ihnen [who is assuming Boomershine’s position] has been here for five years, so this should be a much easier transition,” Boomershine explained. ....Read More

Public Places May See Smoke-Free Ordinance Passed
30 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition is seeking support within the North Manchester community for a countywide ordinance that would prohibit smoking in public places.
Coalition coordinator Daniel Gray said, “We need to start within the local communities to make our county free of secondhand smoke. I would particularly like to accomplish more in North Manchester.”
He explained the goals of such an ordinance and the common misperception that he said coalition members hear quite often.
“Our goals are to educate the public about the hazards of secondhand smoke and to set boundaries to protect both the smoker and the nonsmoker. It’s not about telling people that they have no right to smoke, because we don’t have the right to do that,” Gray explained.
He added that he believes smokers are harmed by secondhand smoke just as are nonsmokers. ....Read More

1,475 Students Head Back To School
23 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
For approximately 1475 students community wide, the 2007-08 school year began Tuesday morning.
Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter reported that things got off to a smooth start. “I was very pleased with the way things got started,” said Showalter. “The teachers, bus drivers, and students were well prepared, which made the first day go quite smoothly.”
As usual, the day wasn’t without a few minor problems. “We had a few minor bus glitches where children weren’t registered for the bus routes, so the drivers didn’t know to stop and pick them up,” said Showalter. “But other than that, people seem to be ready to get back into the swing of things,” she added.
Showalter said that she was very pleased with the small number of registered students that were absent on the first day of school. “We also didn’t have many new students, which means that most everyone was pre-registered,” Showalter said. ....Read More

Timbercrest In Top 5% In State
23 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
North Manchester’s Timbercrest Senior Living Community was recently ranked among the top five percent of Indiana’s comprehensive care nursing homes by the Indiana State Department of Health.
The facility was one of sixteen that was deemed “deficiency free” during the state’s second quarter annual surveys. One other Wabash County nursing facility also received the rating—Wabash Skilled Care Center.
The State Department of Health conducts the surveys each quarter at randomly selected nursing homes, which guarantees each facility in the state will be inspected every nine to fifteen months.
Every quarter, around 10% of the 121 nursing homes surveyed are deemed “deficiency free.”
However, far fewer of the facilities maintain the label from year to year.
The state compiles a “report card” score based on the last three years for each facility. The lower the composite score, the better the rating.
Timbercrest’s report card score is currently eight, which is far better than the state average of 184. ....Read More

Benefit For Geiger Family This Weekend
23 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

The North Manchester community has been invited to attend the Geiger family benefit dinner on Saturday, August 25th, 2007.
The event will support the family of Greg Geiger, a local resident who was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in June.
The benefit dinner will be held on August 25, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Congregational Christian Church, the corner of 4th Street and Walnut, North Manchester.
The dinner is a free-will donation dinner, and will include sloppy joes, macaroni salad, drinks, chips, and dessert.
Geiger is a 1978 Manchester High School graduate and worked at Metzger trucking the past ten years. He and his wife, Valarie, have two grown children.
The medical costs and extensive time off work has caused a financial strain on the family and the proceeds from the dinner will go to support the family through this difficult time.
Geiger is currently undergoing treatment and has surgery scheduled soon after the benefit dinner. He is expected to recover, and will be off of work for up to eight months.
The benefit dinner is being organized by long-time family friend Diane Gall. She can be contacted for additional information at 260-578-1412.

Sites Insurance Announces Merger
09 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
After 22 years of service to the North Manchester community and area, Paul Sites of Sites Insurance announced a merger with DJ Wilson of Wilson Insurance Management of North Webster.
“The knowledge and expertise that DJ will bring to Sites Insurance, along with the additional companies that will be offered as a result of the merger, will be a big plus to our customers,” Sites said.
Wilson has 23 years of insurance experience, along with 11 years of business ownership under her belt. “I’m very much looking forward to becoming a familiar face in North Manchester, and providing the same level of service that Paul has for so many years,” Wilson said.
Sites Insurance focuses on family insurance (auto, home), business insurance, life and health insurance, and farm and flood insurance. Between Sites and Wilson, the merged company will now offer Western Reserve, Auto-Owners, Grinnell Mutual, Miami Mutual, Sagamore, Unicare, Anthem, Erie, and Foremost insurance companies to their customers.
“Our goal has always been to serve our customers, and our ability to serve them well has been increased by this merger,” said Sites.
The long standing name of Sites Insurance, a steadfast in the community for many years, will remain. “I don’t see many changes for our existing customers, just added benefits that can now be provided,” said Wilson.
Wilson said that customers can expect competitive premium pricing, fair, prompt, and fast settlement of claims, periodic review of individual portfolios to address life changes and assure adequate protection, client friendly hours, no cost, no obligation quotes, and opportunities to save money including multi-policy discounts, among other things.
“We know that each client has unique insurance needs and believe in custom tailoring every policy to provide the best coverage and best value,” said Wilson.

Mugford Urges Council To Begin Work On New Water Plant
09 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Superintendent of Public Works John Mugford urged members of town council to immediately start construction on a new water plant, saying that the 48-year-old facility’s days are numbered.
“The wellhead is deteriorating and the tanks are worn from the inside out; the plant is getting more and more expensive to run. The water plant is 48 years old—it’s out used its life cycle,” Mugford reported at the town council’s August 1 meeting.
He added that it would cost $450,000 to replace the three-cell wellhead.
“I have a hard time spending that on an old plant when we can build a new one for 3-3.2 million. We need to move on this now. It’s time to start building our future,” he said.
Town Council President Don Rinearson responded, saying, “We’ve known this was coming for the past seven years.”
Rinearson added that he, Mugford, Town Manager Dan Hannaford, and council member Chris Garber would immediately form a committee to review their options.
Rinearson asked Mugford if the town could get by with the old plant until the new plant would be on line. ....Read More

More Discussion Needed On Pool Facility Repairs
09 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
The North Manchester Town Council heard a request from Parks Director Kathy Staton for a $2.2 million repair and expansion project at the community pool complex during the council’s August 1 meeting.
“The Parks Board received and reviewed the comprehensive study of the pool complex which identified repairs, renovations, and additions totaling $2.2 million [from MSKTD & Associates, an engineering firm.]” Staton said.
She continued, “The Park Board asks the Town Council to proceed with a bond issue of $1.2 million to fund the top priority repair/replacement items and add a fitness center.”
Staton added that the park board was also asking town council to help find funding for the additional million dollars needed to complete the repair list.
Several members of town council have been familiar with the repair list since an MSKTD representative presented the park board and members of town council the results of the study during a joint meeting July 25.
Council member Chris Garber suggested forming a committee to draw up a comprehensive plan and Town Council President Don Rinearson supported the idea, adding that the next step should be to work with Umbaugh and Associates on a possible bond issue. ....Read More

Heavy Rainfall Causes Roof Of Firehouse To Collapse
02 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Tim McLaughlin
The Firehouse, which has been a home away from home and a safe place to go for many local and area youth since its inception in 2000, will now depend heavily on the very community it’s been so good to.
After last Wednesday’s heavy rain caused the roof over the middle room of the facility to collapse, flooding completely destroyed the majority of the Firehouse and its contents.
Jabin Burnworth, biology teacher at the high school, who books the bands at the Firehouse, was the first person to see the destruction. “I was heading over there for an event, and I saw water coming out from under the front door,” Burnworth said.
Initially, he thought there was a leak in the roof. Then, after opening the front door, he saw light from the sky entering the building and realized the roof had collapsed. “We were able to get the sound equipment out, but everything else, the carpet, the furniture, desks-I think it will all have to be thrown away,” Burnworth said.
Although Burnworth admittingly doesn’t know what will happen to the venue, he hopes that it can be restored. “It’s such a versatile building. It’s used for so many things, and people in town don’t understand that most small towns and even most larger cities don’t have a place like this. We have regulars from Fort Wayne and places much further away than that that come down for our bands,” he added. ....Read More

Many New Faces At MCS, Augustus
02 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Eric Augustus will be a new face at Manchester Junior-Senior High School this fall as an assistant principal.
In the newly created position, he will work with the seventh and eighth grades, focusing on discipline, sports, and attendance at the junior high.
Nancy Alspaugh will remain the primary principal of the Junior Senior High School, focusing on curriculum development and teacher evaluation.
Randy Self will also remain an assistant principal, but will now focus on discipline at the high school.
Augustus comes to Manchester from Trotwood, Ohio, where he taught biology, astronomy, physical science, and earth science last year.
Previously, he was a teacher at Northfield in Wabash, where he taught seventh and eighth grade science and high school earth science from 2000 to 2006.
He also coached junior high basketball and varsity girls’ volleyball.
He and his wife, Lori, have two sons, Caleb, 12, and Noah, 9. ....Read More

New Faces At MCS, Sorg
02 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Breana Lindsay
Kelliemarie Sorg wanted to be a teacher her whole life. As a newly hired high school math teacher at Manchester High School, she finally has her chance.
“I like the small town feel,” Kelliemarie said of her reasons for applying to Manchester Community Schools.
In addition to the community, Sorg likes the high school building and its technological resources. She also enjoys the friendliness of the teachers and administration.
Though this may be Sorg’s first full time position, she is not new to being in a teaching role.
During high school, Kelliemarie was involved in church activities, she was the leader of a Girl Scout troop and for five summers, Kelliemarie has been a camp counselor.
Sorg graduated from Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, then continued her education at Indiana University where she graduated with distinguished honors. ....Read More

Parks Board, Council Hears Pool Facility Study Results
02 Aug 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
A final report on the condition of the North Manchester pool facility cites a cost of $2.2 million to complete necessary repairs and build an addition for a ground-level fitness center.
The results of the MSKTD pool facility study were presented during a joint meeting of town council and the parks board on July 25.
Following the presentation, parks board president Anne Myers initiated discussion between the council and the parks board, asking council to consider a bond issue.
Council president Don Rinearson responded that the parks board should submit a proposal to council, saying, “We need to know what direction you recommend. We will evaluate your recommendation and then we can compromise [on the details.] You’ve got an excellent place to start.”
Council member Chris Garber added, “It would be wise to give us several options. It would be nice to have several choices.”
Town Manager Dan Hannaford then reported that the maximum bond issue the town could obtain would be $1.2 million, which is one million short of the repair/renovation costs cited by the study. ....Read More

AD, Booster Club Working Together To Give Squire Athletes An Edge
26 Jul 2007 - ( Front Page )

As a former Manchester High School student-athlete, teacher, and coach, new athletic director Kyle Wieland has one main goal for this year: To improve the quality of the athletic program. “There are so many things that I brag about in regards to each team, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t make them even better,” says Wieland. He feels that it is necessary to build a more unified program, as well as increase participation and support. “I have already started talking with the coaches about how to create more continuity between the junior high and high school teams. But more importantly, I feel that we must increase our number of participants and support in order to improve the success of our athletes.” With the help of the Booster Club, Wieland plans to implement several new programs to help reach these goals.
Bigger Faster Stronger (biggerfasterstronger.com)- is a universal strength and conditioning program designed especially for high school and college athletes. Every head coach will be certified and a training clinic will be held for all high school athletes on Friday July 27th. “When I look at area schools that generally have athletic success across the board, they all have one thing in common, a universal strength and conditioning program for all of their athletes.” ....Read More

New Teacher-Katie Leese
26 Jul 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Amy Kraner
Manchester College graduate Katie Leese will be joining the faculty at Manchester Junior Senior High School this fall as a senior high English teacher.
With a background in both English and French, and experience teaching K-12, Leese said that teaching in Manchester was a good match because of her familiarity with the community and the opportunity to teach students of different ages.
“I really wanted a position that would allow me to teach both middle school and high school students, which is something only a small community could offer,” Leese said.
She will be teaching high school English as well as advanced eighth grade English.
“Middle school students come to the classroom with more energy and are more open to new ideas, while high school students get to delve deeper into subjects with more emphasis on literature and writing,” Leese explained. ....Read More

New Teacher--Jody Sarber
26 Jul 2007 - ( Front Page )

by Breana Lindsay
As a 2007 graduate of Manchester College, Jody Sarber experienced four years as a resident of North Manchester.
It is partially because of his enjoyment of the community that Jody applied for a teaching position at Manchester High School.
“I student taught there,” Jody explained. “I already have connections with the students and faculty.”
Not only did Jody student teach at Manchester High School, he also helped coach track for the past two years.
In addition to student teaching at the high school, Jody taught at Portage Middle School in Fort Wayne for his college methods class.
Jody graduated with his high school diploma from Northwood High School in Nappanee and received a Bachelor of Arts in math with a teaching certificate from Manchester College.
For Jody, energy is an important characteristic for a teacher to express in the classroom, especially with students who have no interest in the subject.
He feels a good way to create excitement is to show how math has real life applications.
His only concern about teaching is finding ways to motivate his students.
In addition to teaching math at the high school, Jody will continue coaching track and would like to get involved with cross country, if the program makes a comeback this fall after being cut as a junior varsity sport in 2002.
Becoming a teacher was always in the back of Jody’s mind. Math came easy to him and watching children learn was, and continues to be, a joy.
Also, Jody claims his mother and older sister’s occupation as teachers also influenced his decision. Both are very excited for Jody.
“My sister’s a little jealous,” Jody said jokingly. “I received a full time position before she did.”
Jody plans to move to North Manchester by July 29.