WINONA LAKE - Longtime resident Blaine Mikesell was honored by the town council Tuesday for service and dedication to the community.

Mikesell served on the town council for eight years, 1952 through 1959. He was president of the council four of those years. He has been a member of the Economic Development Committee since its beginning in 1980.

Mikesell took over Peabody ABC from his father in 1940. He was the company's president and owner until 1979, when he retired. At that time, he opened a travel business in Winona Lake, later moving the establishment to the Holiday Inn, now Ramada Plaza Hotel, in Warsaw.

He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married more than 50 years. They have two children: Melvin, who lives in Michigan, and Marsha, who lives in Arizona.

Current town council president David Delp presented Mikesell with a plaque of appreciation.

Mikesell said it was a special day in more ways than one. Not only was he being honored by the town, on Armistice Day, but he was discharged from the Navy Nov. 11, 1945. He recalled that when he got home, the post office had begun door-to-door delivery.

He also recalled that Winona Lake annexed Lake Lawn while he was on the town council. There were rumors Warsaw wanted to annex the addition, and the council decided it would fit better in Winona Lake. He said Bruce Howard went door-to-door advising everyone of the better situation in Winona Lake.

Former town councilman Craig Snow also was presented a plaque for his three years of service. Snow moved to Warsaw a few months ago. He had been re-elected to his office in the primary. John Boal was selected by caucus to replace Snow.

After returning to business after a short reception for the Mikesells and Snow, the council recognized receipt of an anonymous donation of $10,000 worth of Lake City Bank stock. Sales of the stock are to go toward the greenway project. Warsaw also received a like donation.

Sale of a vacant lot at what would be 1308 Chestnut St. was approved. The property is owned by the town.

Town engineer Larry Long advised the council that legal descriptions of the greenway path are nearly complete. When that project is finished, his company will move on to CR 250E legal descriptions.

Town coordinator Craig Allebach said the proposed wetlands in Stonehenge do not meet soil requirements and the land probably won't be used to mitigate the quarter-acre wetlands being disturbed by the CR 250E project. Wetlands litigation is done at a 4-to-1 ratio. Allebach said he had leads on other locations, but the Stonehenge acre would have been donated.

Fire Chief Roger Gelbaugh reiterated that leaf burning is banned by ordinance in town. He said there had been several leaf fires this fall, which were put out by the fire department. No fines were imposed, but they could be if the department is called to the same residence twice.

Town councilman Jeff Carroll asked when tax disbursement would come. Retha Hicks said she expects it by Dec. 30.

Carroll also suggested CR 250E be renamed when the project is finished. He recommended renaming it Heritage Parkway. The idea was favorably received by the council, but the county government would be involved in such a decision.

State Rep. David Wolkins attended the meeting, asking if anyone saw an increase in their property taxes. Wolkins is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Only Delp indicated an increase, of 18 percent, he said, because he has lakeside property. Delp said he expected the increase to be greater.

Wolkins said he was asking to see if the homestead credit helped homeowners.

Events in town were given as: Thursday, 3:30 p.m., open house at Grace Retirement Village to mark the opening of an addition; Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium, a Grace College and community choir presentation of "Messiah;" and Dec. 5 to 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a holiday festival in The Village at Winona.

Town council members are David Delp, Jerry Clevenger, Jeff Carroll and John Boal. Rolly Ortega was absent. [[In-content Ad]]