Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MERRILLVILLE - The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns recognized exemplary members during an awards ceremony Wednesday.
Winona Lake received one of six Community Achievement Awards presented during a ceremony at the Radison Hotel, where IACT members held their 101st conference.
IACT Community Achievement Awards have been given for the last 25 years.
Hoosier cities and towns are recognized for outstanding efforts in such areas as economic development, creative public communications, adaptive reuse or development and government cooperation.
Winona Lake was recognized for achievement in all areas through the efforts of Winona Restoration Partners LLC, a partnership of Dr. Dane Miller and Brent Wilcoxson; Grace School Inc.; and the town government.
Private investment in the town totaled $15.7 million. Public investment was $2.7 million.
The result of the six-year effort has been a community renaissance.
The town with a no-account reputation is now a beautiful place to live and visit.
Winona Lake has ambitiously reconstructed sewers, sidewalks, roadways and buildings.
A new commercial district, the Village of Winona, was established along scenic Park Avenue.
The college has revitalized its campus by constructing new buildings and refurbishing old ones.
The sense of renewal has spread to the residents, resulting in fix-ups and clean-ups on most properties.
Winona Lake was one of two towns with populations less than 8,000 that were honored. Other categories were for populations of 8,001 to 25,000 and for more than 25,000.
Miller, Wilcoxson, Grace Village president Dr. Ron Manahan, town council president Jeff Carroll and town clerk Retha Hicks accepted the award following a video presentation showcasing the town and other award winners.
The Community Achievement Awards are sponsored by H.J. Umbaugh and Associates. Cities and towns forward entries of nominations, which are judged by a panel of current and former state and municipal officials, businessmen and journalists.
