Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The town council Tuesday heard from Kurt McCutcheon regarding the Great Fourth of July Celebration, which will be July 6 in the park.
Four of the councilmen will become everyone's favorite target when they participate in the dunk tank (see accompanying article).
McCutcheon said crowds are expected to be larger this year because the annual fireworks display will be held the same evening. Folks who do not want to pay admission to the fairgrounds will probably come to Winona Lake to view the display.
Michiana Contracting Inc., Plymouth, the sole bidder, was awarded the street light installation contract in Stonehenge residential subdivision. Michiana's quote was $24,015.10, a fair price, according to engineer Larry Long, who recommended the company.
The board also heard a Law Enforcement Liaison grant will be extended to the town in the amount of $6,000. The amount is a 10 percent commission, making Lance Grubbs a town employee. After paying Grubbs' payroll taxes, the remainder is added to the general fund.
This is the second year for the program, which effectively makes Lance Grubbs a town employee.
As a consultant, Grubbs, who served on the Warsaw Police Department for 21 years, monitors a police department's use of state and federal grant monies. His coverage area is the northern third of the state.
He has held this position for four years. In cooperation with Grace College, facilities for Grubbs were established in the former Danek building.
Town coordinator Craig Allebach said a second consultant, Frank McCoskey, will be added in 2003.
The board also heard the bond closing for Lakeland Christian Academy will be July 3.
The council agreed to be the school's bond agent in December.
The $2.5 million bond issue will conclude financing of and complete construction on the $3.5 million facility.
Allebach said progress is being made on the greenway project and a seawall will have to be constructed from the canal to the footbridge along Winona Lake.
He said Warsaw and the Indiana Department of Transportation will contribute to the wall's construction. Engineering for the greenway is under way by GAI Consultants of Fort Wayne.
The board decided to have a "Welcome to Winona Lake" sign installed at Winona and Park avenues. Currently a sign in this spot welcomes everyone to The Village at Winona.
Council president Rolly Ortega said the sign should include "The Village" and read "Home of Grace College."
In other business, the board:
• Heard upcoming street repairs will be done on Freedom Lane and Lakelawn Avenue, Extended.
• Heard real estate appraisers were sworn in to establish a price for the property at 800 N. Park Ave. A decision on the property's value should be available on or before July 29.
• Heard a complaint about the yard at 1503 Park Ave., which has become overgrown.
Building commissioner Dick Leaf said he would contact the owner about the condition of the property.
• Heard upcoming events are: Friday, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m., MasterWorks Orchestra at Rodeheaver Auditorium; Sunday, 4 p.m., Kosciusko County 4-H fair parade and 7:30 p.m., MasterWorks faculty recital at the Hillside Amphitheater; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Masterworks Orchestra at Rodeheaver Auditorium; July 6, 8 a.m., Winona 5K starting at the Winona Lake Park, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Winona Lake Great Fourth of July Celebration at the park, 11 a.m. Scottish pipes and drums in the Artisan Court and at 7:30 p.m., Masterworks Orchestra outside with fireworks; and July 7, 7:30 p.m., MasterWorks faculty recital at the Hillside Amphitheater.
Town council members are Rolly Ortega, David Delp, Jerry Clevenger and Jeff Carroll. Craig Snow was absent.
