By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The Wabash County Election Board met on Thursday, Feb. 22, for what was, for all intents and purposes, a learning session, though some business was conducted.

The board is comprised of Wabash County Clerk Elaine Martin, as well as two new members, Nan Roe and Susan Dockter, who were recently appointed by the county’s Republican and Democrat chairs, respectively.

Martin explained the workings of the board, as well as some of the other boards used during Primary and General elections. The trio also reviewed a series of correspondence Martin received since the last board meeting.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Although its had a School Resource Officer (SRO) in its schools for quite some time, Wabash City Schools’ school board took a step toward making the SRO position within the schools more official, approved an agreement Tuesday night, Feb. 20, with the City of Wabash on what roles the position will fill.

Several officers from the Wabash City Police Department have fulfilled the SRO role in some capacity in the past, but now, officer Sam Hipskind will serve as the exclusive SRO.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash,com

Saturday served as a major celebration for the Wabash County YMCA, as the organization had the grand opening for its new Rainforest Park, a play place designed for children ages 3-10.

A near capacity crowd was on hand to watch Cadence Waldron do the ribbon cutting honors.

Children packed the small room which formerly encompassed the YMCA’s teen room, to take part in the two-decked jungle-themed play room and rock climbing wall. There’s even a make believe water puddle on the ground which gives off a ripple effect when children run across it.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

In mid-March, officials at the Wabash County Clerk’s office will begin mailing absentee ballots for the May Primary Election.
What is the cost of the mailing?

It is roughly $7 per piece, according to Theresa Ehret, Wabash County Deputy Clerk.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

St. Bernard Elementary School was named a Four Star School for the 2016-17 school year by the Indiana Department of Education.

It was the only school from Wabash County out of the 238 total schools to make the list.
 

ACRES recently surpassed the 7,000-acre milestone in land perserved, acquiring land such at this near Salamonie State Forest. Photo provided

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

ACRES Land Trust recently reached a noteworthy milestone as it continues its land preservation efforts in northeast Indiana and surrounding states.

The non-profit land trust organization recently surpassed the 7,000-acre mark in land acquisition, meaning those lands will be protected for good.

And, the organization has picked up speed in its land preservation efforts in a major way in recent years, acquiring the same amount of land in the last 14 years as the organization did in its first 44 years of existence.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Indiana State Police officials are releasing few details about a police involved fatal shooting that took place in Wabash County on Feb. 14.

A Kokomo man was shot and killed in the incident, which took place about 4:20 p.m. in a field Wabash County Road 400 N near Wabash County Road 500 E.

The man was later identified as Travis D. Tucker, 29.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr. has filed a civil suit against a former City of Wabash employee and an insurance company to recover public funds.

The suit, filed in Wabash Superior Court, lists Angelina M. Monroe, a former billing clerk in the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Cincinnati Insurance Co. as defendants.