Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester Town Council members Wednesday approved an educational firefighting training program, "Learning for Life," for students in ninth grade through age 20.
Bill Thomas, North Manchester Fire Department, and Linda Focum, Explorer Scouts, Kokomo, presented information on the program Wednesday.
Thomas said in April, the program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, but students don't have to be Boy Scouts to join. The program would cost approximately $7 per student.
Focum said this kind of program is "the best program for teen-agers (because) you give the students the best information you can about careers."
"These kids are going to be your best volunteers you'll ever have because they want to help," she said. "Exploring with firefighting can really be exciting."
"It sounds like another great program to get the youth involved in the community," town council president Don Rinearson said.
In other business, councilmen:
• Heard an update from Jim Garber, Town Life Center planning committee member, on plans for the building.
Renovations planned include: a day care addition, two new playgrounds, new basketball courts, an elevator, replacement windows, updated heating system, air conditioning, remodeled bathrooms, room for offices upstair, and repaired brick work on the upper portions of the building.
A public hearing is not yet set for the Town Life Center plans.
• Councilman Stan Escott presented information from the spring cleanup committee.
New restrictions will be added to the town's ordinance regarding spring cleanup items. Hazardous materials, such as paint and loose materials not in containers or bunched/tied, will not be picked up by the town. Cleanup will begin each year on May 1 or on the Monday of the week in which May 1 falls.
Escott said fliers depicting restrictions will be distributed to each household two weeks prior to the spring cleanup starting date.
Public Works Superintendent John Mugford said 262 tons of trash were hauled out of town this year, compared to 177 tons last year.
Escott said cost to the town is $14,000 for spring cleanup.
"Our goal is to have an ordinance that fits our needs by September," Escott said.
• Parks director Brian Wagner said Fun Fest is set for Aug. 9-11 and will include the annual car show, parade and public safety event, as well as a new event, a water ball contest on Main Street.
• The next town council meeting is set for July 3 at 7 p.m. in the public safety building, Main Street.
The North Manchester Town Council includes: president Don Rinearson, vice president Stan Escott, Karl Merritt, Warren Garner, Charles Tiede and Bill Hix. Clerk-treasurer is Nancy Reed. Town manager is Dan Hannaford. Public works superintendent is John Mugford. Public safety director is Jack Fetrow, and plan commissioner is Bernie Ferringer.
