Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - Wedcor is no more.
The former Wabash Economic Development Corp. now will be known as the Economic Development Group of Wabash County.
Bill Konyha, the new executive director of EDG, introduced himself to the Manchester Town Council Wednesday and gave a brief overview of the new entity's makeup and goals.
"This is a significant time in our development," Konyha said. "I consider the Town of North Manchester, Wabash County and the City of Wabash to be partners. ... As our communication improves, our efforts will strongly improve."
Konyha explained his intentions to improve industry and development in North Manchester.
"I want to understand (North Manchester's) strengths so I can seek opportunities to play to those strengths," Konyha said, adding North Manchester is a nice community with "lots of potential."
Konyha wants to create economic and employment opportunities in the Wabash County area.
The EDG board will be elected Nov. 9 at the annual meeting. At that time, Konya said, two members will be elected to a one-year term, two members will be elected to a two-year term and two members will be elected to a three-year term. After this year, all members will be elected to a three-year term. The board also will have one member elected by North Manchester, one member elected by Wabash County and one member elected by the city of Wabash.
Konyha encouraged board members to communicate with him and direct comments, concerns and questions to him.
"We want the lines of communication to be as open as possible," Konyha said.
In other business, the council:
• Approved a motion to purchase a new police vehicle from Shepherd's Chevrolet of North Manchester. The town will purchase a 2007 Chevrolet Impala for $17,410. A 2000 Impala will be traded in for an allowance of $2,700.
• Heard Haunted Forest will be Oct. 25-26.
• Heard hydrant flushing will begin Oct 16 and continue until finished.
• Learned fall cleanup days are Oct. 20-21.
• Learned leaf pickup will begin in town Oct. 23.
• Heard Clerk-Treasurer Nancy Reed's report on the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns conference. One issue discussed is the money North Manchester will receive from the Major Moves lease of the Indiana Toll Road. North Manchester will receive $43,141.21 and it must be put in the motor vehicle/highway fund or a special fund. The check should be sent Oct. 15.
Town Council members are Chris Garber, Diana Haupert, Don Rinearson, Stan Escott and Laura Rager. Town manager is Dan Hannaford, secretary-treasurer is Reed and town attorney is Charles Tiede. Garber was not present at Wednesday's meeting.
