Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - In Wabash County, 12 percent of adults are functionally illiterate, according to a national adult literacy survey, Michael E. Stone, director of the Community Alliance to Promote Education, said Thursday to the North Manchester town council.
The inability to read "matters in people's everyday lives," Stone said.
Stone and the executive director of The Community Foundation of Wabash County, Patty Grant, updated the council on how the CAPE grant money is being spent.
In 2000, Grant urged the council's signature in requesting the $5 million available. Later that year, they were approved for the entire grant amount.
The foundation is now into its 18th month with the endowment, Grant said.
Their campaign is focused on minimizing illiteracy in the county. The grant money is being aimed at school readiness for children and work readiness for adults.
Not being able to read affects the entire population, from school children to adults, Stone said.
The cycle begins with the functionally illiterate "Joe" who can't read his pink slip, which is why he got the slip in the first place, he said.
"Joe's problem affects us and becomes everyone's problem," Stone said.
The foundation is mailing informational fliers and has shot television spots concerning the issue.
A center for learning also will open July 1 in North Manchester, Stone said.
In another matter, the town council approved the community pool being relined.
Parks director Brian Wagner made the $68,000 request at the May council meeting. The council wanted the pool facility inspected before moving ahead.
Engineers found a few problems with corrosion from the chlorinated water seeping through the pool's concrete. The park and recreation department can do most of the repairs in-house, Wagner said in an earlier interview. The relining will be installed professionally, though.
The pool lining will block the water from seeping through the concrete. The parks board approved the pool relining in April.
Also, Superintendent of Public Works John Mugford said the inspection of the Ninth Street water tower found minor pitting in the inner wall seams.
"We're pretty fortunate how things are holding up in there," he said.
The town council next meeting is July 11 at the Public Safety Complex.
North Manchester Town Council includes president Don Rinearson, vice president Stan Escott, Karl Merritt, Warren Garner and Bill Hix. The town attorney is Charles Tiede. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed. Town manager is Dan Hannaford. Public safety director is Jack Fetrow. Plan commissioner is Bernie Ferringer. Public works superintendent is John Mugford.
