Richard M. "Dick" Mitchell would like to return to the Tippecanoe Township Trustee's office, this time as a township advisory board member.

His name will appear on the May 2 primary ballot as a Republican candidate.

Mitchell served as the Tippecanoe Township Trustee for 24 years, from 1979 to 2003. The move to the advisory board seems like a natural to him.

"I enjoy good health and I can offer good advice to the next trustee. I've been privileged to work for the people in Tippecanoe Township for 24 years," the 1949 Larwill High School graduate said.

He is presently the Wayne Township Clerk, taking that position when the deputy trustee died.

Mitchell moved to North Webster in 1957, coming from the South Whitley area.

Mitchell was one of the original North Webster EMS drivers when the service began in 1975. For many years prior to the official EMS organization, Mitchell and John Bockman ran the "emergency squad." Equipment consisted of a "respirator," scoop stretcher and a first aid kit. Because Mitchell owned his own business, the Shell Gas Station, and Bockman worked at the White Front Grocery, they were able to respond when calls for help were received. As trustee he purchased five ambuances, updated equipment and converted the service from part-time, staffed by volunteers to one with a paid, full-time staff with paramedics in 1996.

He implemented the EMS Lane numbering system on Webster, Barbee and Tippecanoe lakes. Mitchell also helped lay out Chapman and Ridinger lake addresses. He not only helped develop the system, he helped with installtion of the original signs. He always maintained the Tippecanoe Township EMS Lake signs.

Mitchell began a work program for poor relief recipients , requiring them to work to receive public assistance. Seeing a need for a food pantry, he helped organize the community service organizations to form a non-profit entity to provide food, furniture, clothing and other items to the community.

Mitchell negotiated with DEKKO for the donation of the Tippecanoe Township Community building. During his tenure the building underwent several renovations housing the EMS service, meeting rooms and the library.

He was responsible for the recovery and restoration of Shock Lake Cemetery, platted in 1836. The cemetery is the burial site of some of the community's original settlers. He still mows the grounds regularily.

Mitchell was selected the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Citizen of the Year in 1996. He served the North Webster - Tippecanoe Township Fire Department for more than 35 years and with the EMS for more than 27 years.

He was the North Webster Civil Defense Director during the blizzards of 1977 and 1978. Because of his activity with the Lakeland Snowmobile Club, he coordinated deliveries of medicine, food and medical treatment when no vehicles could travel on country roads.

He is a member of the North Webster Lions Club, and held several offices including chairman of the Mermaid Festival. He received the club's Melvin Jones Award in 1999 for his years of service.

Mitchell resides with his wife, Sue Ann, the Kosciusko County Auditor. He has two children and two step children; two grandchildren, five step grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. [[In-content Ad]]