Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - Ten grams of marijuana were found Wednesday in North Manchester's Public Safety Building.
The marijuana was "sniffed out" and found by police dog, K-9 Rico, Fort Wayne.
Incidentally, the marijuana was planted under the microphone by Fort Wayne police so K-9 Rico could demonstrate a search and retrieval investigation for the North Manchester Town Council in a regular board meeting.
"This is getting to be the best meeting in town!" councilman Bill Hix said.
Officer Bob Theurer and Officer and K-9 trainer Kevin Webber from the Fort Wayne Police Department were invited to the council meeting to promote proper K-9 policing.
K-9 Rico is a Hollandse Herdershond, more commonly known in America as a Dutch Shepherd dog. He was born in the Netherlands and came to the United States at age 2. Rico was sworn in as a police service dog in November 1996. His partner, Theurer, joined the police department in May 1989 and is in his fourth year as a partner to Rico.
"Dutch Shepherd dogs are medium-sized, well-balanced, powerful dogs," Theurer said. "They are very intelligent and affectionate."
He said Rico learns best with a positive, playful approach to his education and "he loves to work and please his handler."
"They work because they love to work," Webber said. "I'm just a dummy at the end of the leash."
Theurer and Webber conducted a small investigation at the council meeting with Rico and demonstrated both verbal and nonverbal commands.
Webber said he's been working with dogs as a trainer since 1986 and to do this, "you have to be a little different." And Webber said he is a little different. "I talk to dogs," he said. "These are members. These dogs carry the same commission as the two-legged officers do."
Webber informed council members about the nature of police dogs, training programs available and proper training techniques.
"In the old days, they (police dogs) were biting machines," Webber said. But today, Webber said, the last thing on the dogs' minds is to bite someone. He explained that they are police dogs and are trained to attack when given the command. Webber also said the dogs are approachable and very friendly.
"They go into our public schools and kids smack 'em on the head (and play with them)," Webber said. "So they tolerate all that. These dogs work for a daily brushing, a pat on the back and food, so they're cost-effective."
Webber said police dogs cost approximately $3,500 each.
The reason for Webber's, Theurer's and Rico's visit was not only to promote proper K-9 policing, but also to offer information to the council on bringing police dogs to North Manchester.
Manchester Community Schools, teamed up with MSD Wabash County, recently received funds from the Safe Haven Grant, and assistant superintendent Kim Thurston said earlier that part of the funds may be used toward trained police dogs, although possibilities are still being discussed.
So far, council members and school officials are simply gathering information on K-9 police dogs.
In other business:
• Brian Wagner from the parks and recreation department reported that this summer's Fun Fest was very successful.
"I think we've had our biggest crowd to date," he said. "In fact, people have started donating funds for the 2001 fireworks." Wagner commended Jack Fetrow and his crew for putting together a successful firework show.
• Wagner also reported that the Firehouse "went so well this summer."
The Firehouse is a place for all ages to hang out, enjoy free live music from various local bands and sip coffee drinks from local coffee vendor Java Jasons. The Firehouse is on Main Street, occupies the old fire station and is run by Zach Hawkins,18, and Josh White, 19, MHS graduates.
"It was a great program this summer and it looks like from the numbers that it was well received," Rinearson said.
North Manchester Police Officer Linda Learned said the program has "really helped our image with the young kids." She said reserve officers were on duty during concerts to make sure everything was under control. "I tried to have the youngest reserve officers due to the music," Learned said.
Councilmen approved a lease extension for the Firehouse through August 2001.
• Fall cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 and leaf pickup is set for Oct. 30.
"We will be taking tires, appliances and everything else down to solid waste," public works superintendent and councilman John Mugford said.
• Councilmen also approved the placement of small signs around North Manchester, stating that North Manchester has been active in the fight against domestic violence. A phone number will be placed on the signs for people to call if they suspect or witness domestic violence.
Councilman Stan Escott asked who would answer if the number is called. Fetrow said it would be a person who is trained to deal with domestic violence calls.
"It basically works as a Crime Stoppers sign," Fetrow said.
• Bill Morris, assistant chief of fire operations, accepted his new position as fire chief. Councilmen approved Morris' appointment.
"We're glad to have you and really appreciate the work you've done," Rinearson said.
Morris also reported that the public safety day during Fun Fest "was an excellent day" and everything ran smoothly.
• Councilmen approved the 2001 proposed budget as written.
• Patty Ranch from the Community Foundation of Wabash County presented information on community alliance to promote education.
Ranch said the Community Foundation was one of 22 in Indiana invited to apply for $5 million in grant money. She said the foundation was required to prioritize the county's needs. Ranch said the No.1 need is parental involvement in the development and education of children. She also said if the grant is received, $2 million will be spent on parenting programs. The money would be advanced to the Wabash and North Manchester chambers of commerce and "both would agree to implement this plan for us."
Councilmen approved the resolution by Ranch and the Community Foundation of Wabash County. Ranch said it will be submitted to the Lilly Endowment by Sept. 15.
The North Manchester Town Council comprises: president Don Rinearson, vice president Stan Escott, clerk-treasurer Nancy Reed, town manager Dan Hannaford, public works superintendent John Mugford, Karl Merritt, Warren Garner, Charles Tiede and Bill Hix.
