Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester resident Debbie Chinworth spoke to councilmen Wednesday regarding spring cleanup policies in North Manchester.
Chinworth said she's lived in North Manchester for 2-1/2 years and has been talking to other residents about fine-tuning the town's policies for spring cleanup.
"It just looks terrible," she said. "It's a great service to the residents. It just seems it could be fine-tuned."
Chinworth suggested placing a limit on the amount of time items can sit out on the curb. She said people began setting things out for spring cleanup two weeks ago, and "pickup won't start until the 30th on the east side (of town)."
She also suggested switching the time of year for spring clean-up so residents' trash won't be sitting on the curbs during a "pretty time of year."
"It's ugly how things pile up," she said. "It's a safety issue, too, because just tonight I saw cars parked - scavenging piles."
Other negative aspects Chinworth pointed out included the number of rats, raccoons and animals the trash lures. She also said it is bad for business and people looking for houses to buy.
Councilmen thanked Chinworth for her input and asked her to be on a committee to look into fine-tuning spring cleanup. The committee will consist of councilmen and North Manchester citizens.
In other business:
• Public safety director Jack Fetrow told council members a "new and very healthy" K-9 police dog was added to the North Manchester Police Department.
"'Buddy,' a black German shepherd, seems to have adjusted well to his new home," Fetrow said.
Officer Brian Enyeart and Buddy began training with the Fort Wayne Police Department's Canine Academy and will graduate in May. Fetrow said as soon as Enyeart and Buddy begin functioning as a team, he will have them visit a council meeting.
Fetrow also reported three new reserves - James Hall, Aaron Mabery and Mandy Wilson - have started their training through the Kosciusko County Sheriff Department Reserve Academy. Fetrow said they're scheduled to graduate in May.
• Bill Thomas, North Manchester Fire Department, informed councilmen of a program he's been considering.
The program, "Learning for Life," is an educational firefighting training program for students in ninth grade through age 20.
"We've got some very interested young adults," Thomas said. "They've got a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, and I'd like to be able to direct them along."
Thomas said the program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, but you don't have to be a part of the Boy Scouts to join. The program would cost approximately $7 per student.
"I think it would be something the council would like to see a proposal on," council president Don Rinearson said.
Councilmen asked Thomas to bring a proposal to a future meeting for consideration.
• The next town council meeting is set for May 2 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.
