Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Winona Lake - What started out as a group of residents opposed to the sale of alcohol hopes to establish itself with a more permanent role.
Membership of Winona Lake Concerned Citizens is made up of several families and others who oppose the sale of alcohol and were behind a recent petition that generated nearly 250 names of people who agree.
WLCC representatives regularly attend town council meetings and are monitoring the Kosciusko County Alcohol Beverage Commission to see whether any businesses attempt to acquire a license that would be used in Winona Lake.
Winona Lake historically has been an alcohol-free community, but that ended several years ago when Stonehenge Golf Club, with its existing alcohol license, was annexed into the town.
Whether a future restaurant in downtown Winona Lake obtains a liquor license is still undecided, but the group sees a bigger role down the road, said Marv Oakley, one of the group's organizers.
Since late last summer, Oakley, along with his wife, Barb, and others have made a point to attend meetings regularly. Some of the representatives wear sweaters and hats featuring an anti-alcohol logo.
Oakley said the group can serve as a forum for people who have concerns to be heard by the council. If needed, they'll speak out on other issues, such as street and sewer decisions.
Oakley said he doesn't believe the town council isn't representing residents' wishes, but added: "We have questions as to whether it best represents the people and what they want."
The proposed restaurant that might sell alcohol is being developed by Brent Wilcoxson, president of the town council, who is one of the partners in a massive private sector renovation project underway in the town.
Wilcoxson has said he wants to attract a quality restaurant that might want to use an alcohol license.
"We support 100 percent of what he's doing. The only thing we're against is the alcohol," Oakley said.
Wilcoxson said Friday he thinks the group's goals are well intended.
"I believe most people who would be involved in that - they believe alcohol would be a very big detriment," Wilcoxson said.
Oakley said WLCC is seeking to retain an attorney and then become incorporated for the purpose of becoming a not-for-profit organization that can collect donations.
A WLCC brochure says the group's mission is to "stop the sale of alcohol in historic Winona Lake (and) promote the pride in Winona Lake as a town of its own with a rich religious background and a will to move that background into the 21st century."
Others involved in the group include Dave and Sally Lawlor, Bonnielea Newton, June Hook, Jim Smelser and David Bauer. WLCC can be contacted by writing P.O. Box 23, Warsaw, IN, 46580.
