WINONA LAKE – Winona Lake Town Council approved a resolution Tuesday supporting Warsaw in its application for Stellar Community Designation. Warsaw applied for a Stellar Community Designation and, if approved, will receive funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. If the city receives the designation, Winona Lake will match funds up to $335,830 from its tax increment financing fund to be utilized as an investment match for the Stellar Community project of a roundabout at Park Avenue, according to Craig Allebach, town coordinator. The resolution states, “A Stellar Community Strategic Investment Plan has been developed for the Stellar Impact Zone area with input from representatives from the Town of Winona Lake, Kosciusko County government, Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce as well as private citizens and business owners.” The plan supports goals of the Warsaw comprehensive plan including revitalization of the East Market Street neighborhood area, preservation of historic resources, production of affordable housing, promotion of economic development activities, expansion of available transportation choices, enhancements of Warsaw Park system and promotion of mixed land uses. In other business, the council reviewed a letter from Joe Hawn, Winona Lake town marshal, who requested the traffic pattern for Court Street be changed from a one-way street going south to a one-way going north. He said the reason for the change is due to the traffic flow of the vehicles traveling on West Canal Street. When they stop at the intersection of 12th and West Canal Streets, there is nowhere for them to go. By changing Court Street to a one-way street heading north, the traffic will have a direct path to Auditorium Boulevard and create a smooth traffic pattern, Hawn said. Residents on Court Street attended the meeting to show support for changing the traffic pattern. Rob Piecuch said, “It’s logical to reverse the traffic flow because patrons get stuck there.” Jim Weston said he has three grandchildren who play in the area. “The traffic pattern needs to be reversed to save those little babies,” Weston said. Jill Serbousek said the current traffic pattern frustrates drivers. “When people get stuck they are frustrated and then won’t be looking out for kids and dogs,” Serbousek said. The council took the matter under advisement and will an ordinance at the July meeting. In other business, the council approved purchasing extrication tools for the fire department for $19,000 from Genesis Rescue Systems. Mitch Titus, fire chief, said the existing tools are 15 years old. The council also approved a contract with Phend & Brown for $51,501.50 for Wildwood Lane Reconstruction. The council approved the town purchasing a front-end loader from Bobcat, Warsaw, for $45,877.53 that will be used for leaf and snow removal on the Greenway and in the town. Upcoming events include: Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Triathlon, Winona Lake Park, Saturday, 8 a.m.; July 2, MyTEAM TRIUMPH 5K In Winona Lake Park, 9 a.m.; July 2, Winona Lake Great Fourth of July celebration, 5 p.m., ampitheater; July 2, Patriotic Pops Concert, Village at Winona Lake, 8 p.m., and fireworks over Winona Lake, 10 p.m.; July 9, River Raisin Ragtime Revue, Winona Heritage Room, 7 p.m.; and July 9, Build A Home Run 5K, at the park, 7 a.m.
