Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE -ÊShelly Bickel usually works with and for businesses out to make a profit.
But recently Bickel - directory of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce -Êhelped the Teen Parents Succeeding nonprofit organization acquire carpet and padding for their facility free of charge. And the organization has found someone to install the carpet for free.
"We are thankful that Shelly was able to help us with our carpet," TPS spokesperson Shantel Keith told the chamber board today.
The carpet was donated by Topeka Salvage, Ind. 6. The carpet is approximately 12 feet by 20 feet.
Huntington Street, Syracuse, will be repaved from the top of the hill to the bridge beginning Oct. 13, town manager Brian Redshaw told the chamber today.
The road will not be closed, he said, but there will be no parking on the side of the road. Curbs will not be replaced. A 40-foot lane will be open for traffic.
Redshaw also said improvements on Huntington, Front and Main streets' railroad crossings will begin Monday. They will each have double-arm guards when completed. He was not sure what work will be completed on the Oak Street crossing and when.
Chamber treasurer Steve Ehle said work on next year's chamber budget has began. He told the chamber board, "I think we've got a good handle on the budget for next year."
Several local businesses have not paid their bills for advertisement to the chamber, he said. From now on, when the chamber does group advertising, payment will be due up front. He said the chamber doesn't make any money on advertising, it is done to help retailers.
Redshaw suggested that if a business does not pay their bill after 120 days, the chamber may want to send the bill to a collection agency.
Board member Bill Beemer said Lakeland Youth Center is going to be a participant of the community center. The park board is still working on having other organizations join the center.
Beemer also said the golf outing to raise money for the chamber was a "little disappointing this year." He said they netted approximately $1,533, but prices have increased for prizes and for use of the golf course.
The Christmas lights have arrived. There will be all new lights in the town this year, Beemer said. Half of the money for the cost of the Christmas decorations has been raised.
Wawasee Schools Superintendent Mark Stock said the school corporation will give a presentation on the current North Webster school site Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. The program will consist of a history and a walking tour of the building.
"At a later date, the board will hold a program of what to do with it," he said.
In other business, Bickel told the chamber board:
• The chamber's annual dinner will be at the Tippecanoe Country Club Nov. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. A magician and illusionist will perform. Invitations will be sent out soon.
• Holiday Magic for downtown businesses will be Nov. 18 - 20. Downtown stores will be open longer than normal hours for shopping.
"We're trying to give people a chance to shop in Syracuse," Bickel said.
Each store may serve its own refreshments and have its own theme.
