Manchester Appoints New Police Chief
March 7, 2024 at 7:24 p.m.
NORTH MANCHESTER – After accepting Chief Jim Kirk's resignation, the North Manchester Town Council voted to appoint Nate Birch as the new police chief effective April 20.
Kirk has been with the department since 2016 and is retiring April 20. Council thanked him for his service to the town. Birch is an 18-year veteran with the department.
Alex Downard of Imagine 185 provided updates on Wabash County's net migration rate, which was in the positive by 185 and 190 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This does not take into account the birth and death rates in the county; the net population has declined by 0.2%.
The council approved water and wastewater rate increases on second reading, with a final reading next month before they are set.
The council heard a $50,000 funding request from the Manchester Early Learning Center, which has 55 children enrolled and has recently added an infant room.
Town Manager Adam Penrod provided updates on the upcoming bridge projects on Ind. 114, South Market Street and the bridge on Ind. 13 north of town by Car Recyclers Inc. These bridges are due to be replaced in the next two to three years.
Clerk-Treasurer Carrie Mugford reported a town docket of $611,620.36 and a utilities docket of $204,676.67.
The Council will next meet at 7 p.m. April 10, a week later than is usually scheduled.
NORTH MANCHESTER – After accepting Chief Jim Kirk's resignation, the North Manchester Town Council voted to appoint Nate Birch as the new police chief effective April 20.
Kirk has been with the department since 2016 and is retiring April 20. Council thanked him for his service to the town. Birch is an 18-year veteran with the department.
Alex Downard of Imagine 185 provided updates on Wabash County's net migration rate, which was in the positive by 185 and 190 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This does not take into account the birth and death rates in the county; the net population has declined by 0.2%.
The council approved water and wastewater rate increases on second reading, with a final reading next month before they are set.
The council heard a $50,000 funding request from the Manchester Early Learning Center, which has 55 children enrolled and has recently added an infant room.
Town Manager Adam Penrod provided updates on the upcoming bridge projects on Ind. 114, South Market Street and the bridge on Ind. 13 north of town by Car Recyclers Inc. These bridges are due to be replaced in the next two to three years.
Clerk-Treasurer Carrie Mugford reported a town docket of $611,620.36 and a utilities docket of $204,676.67.
The Council will next meet at 7 p.m. April 10, a week later than is usually scheduled.