Bourbon Would Allow Moving Polling Site To Matchett Center
March 14, 2018 at 7:22 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
Bourbon Town Council considered the matter Tuesday after learning that school safety measures could change the public use of the school for elections.
Speaking for Dena Wattenbarger, who oversees the Matchett Center, board member Larry Wattenbarger indicated that there has been no official request to move the poling site; however, there has been talk within the community to find a facility if school policies change.
A message directed toward the school on social media included an image of a pistol with threatening language and led to a suspect being taken into police custody.
The council shared their appreciation to Police Chief Bill Martin and his officers for the professional manner they displayed as they handled the incident. Council President Les McFarland commented on how much the reserve officer program helps to protect the community and his appreciation for their presence during the incident.
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In other matters, local resident Ellen Elliott shared her concerns over the proposed renaming of Frank Street to Wagner Way. The council had voted in February to change the street name in honor of the late Mark Wagner. Wagner had served as the town’s attorney for several years prior to his sudden passing in early February.
Elliott said the name change would only affect the residents of the three homes on the street, but would cause difficulties in changing addresses for bank accounts, Social Security benefits, etc. Wattenbarger agreed to meet with the residents.
After the meeting, Wattenbarger said he has some alternate ideas to present to the residents.
Destination Imagination students involved in the Zombie Project gave the council an update on the project.
The project would honor departed citizens in the Bourbon Cemetery with a headstone that would be erected. The stone would hold 51 names along with any birth or death dates that can be verified.
“The cemetery has 51 interment listed, but due to the age of the cemetery and the condition of most of the stones, the people buried there will be all but forgotten unless something is done,” students said.
The students have been working on the verification and other cemetery restoration measures for at least three years. Among other things, they have researched information at the Marshall County Historical Museum.
Presenting the updates were Matthew Hefner, Jake Farley, Jessica Music, Caitlyn Ignen and Kelsey Hamilton. They were accompanied by team manager Lisa Eiser.
The town of Bourbon has $1,500 in the budget for the cemetery upkeep. The council voted in February to extend another $1,000 toward the project. The students have raised $500.
Patten Monuments in Warsaw has been helping with the design. The stone would be 65 inches wide and 58 inches tall. The price for the stone, all carvings and delivery would be $5,925. An additional $465 would be required for foundation work.
The students said they will be contacting the DNR to make sure the proper paperwork is secured.
Bourbon Town Council considered the matter Tuesday after learning that school safety measures could change the public use of the school for elections.
Speaking for Dena Wattenbarger, who oversees the Matchett Center, board member Larry Wattenbarger indicated that there has been no official request to move the poling site; however, there has been talk within the community to find a facility if school policies change.
A message directed toward the school on social media included an image of a pistol with threatening language and led to a suspect being taken into police custody.
The council shared their appreciation to Police Chief Bill Martin and his officers for the professional manner they displayed as they handled the incident. Council President Les McFarland commented on how much the reserve officer program helps to protect the community and his appreciation for their presence during the incident.
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In other matters, local resident Ellen Elliott shared her concerns over the proposed renaming of Frank Street to Wagner Way. The council had voted in February to change the street name in honor of the late Mark Wagner. Wagner had served as the town’s attorney for several years prior to his sudden passing in early February.
Elliott said the name change would only affect the residents of the three homes on the street, but would cause difficulties in changing addresses for bank accounts, Social Security benefits, etc. Wattenbarger agreed to meet with the residents.
After the meeting, Wattenbarger said he has some alternate ideas to present to the residents.
Destination Imagination students involved in the Zombie Project gave the council an update on the project.
The project would honor departed citizens in the Bourbon Cemetery with a headstone that would be erected. The stone would hold 51 names along with any birth or death dates that can be verified.
“The cemetery has 51 interment listed, but due to the age of the cemetery and the condition of most of the stones, the people buried there will be all but forgotten unless something is done,” students said.
The students have been working on the verification and other cemetery restoration measures for at least three years. Among other things, they have researched information at the Marshall County Historical Museum.
Presenting the updates were Matthew Hefner, Jake Farley, Jessica Music, Caitlyn Ignen and Kelsey Hamilton. They were accompanied by team manager Lisa Eiser.
The town of Bourbon has $1,500 in the budget for the cemetery upkeep. The council voted in February to extend another $1,000 toward the project. The students have raised $500.
Patten Monuments in Warsaw has been helping with the design. The stone would be 65 inches wide and 58 inches tall. The price for the stone, all carvings and delivery would be $5,925. An additional $465 would be required for foundation work.
The students said they will be contacting the DNR to make sure the proper paperwork is secured.
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