Mike Pettibone

By David Fenker

NORTH MANCHESTER -- Interim Superintendent Mike Pettibone’s contract was approved 7-0 at the July 11 meeting of the MCS Board of School Trustees.

The contract is officially for a daily pay rate of $423, for a total of 245 days, or a total of $103,635. It does not include benefits such as health insurance or retirement fund contributions.

The board also unanimously approved a stipend for Business Manager Scott Bumgardner’s time as interim superintendent, for a total of $6,500.

Shayne Balding tries out the first Visit Wabash County digital kiosk, located at Charley Creek Inn. The kiosk will provide visitors with information about events and area hot spots. Photo provided

By Emma Rausch

Visit Wabash County placed its first interactive, digital kiosk at Charley Creek Inn, officials announced Friday, July 14.

The kiosk, located in the inn’s lobby, will offer residents and tourists an interactive way to discover upcoming events as well as provide information about the county.

Nicknamed “Charley,” the kiosk will offer information regarding places to experience within walking distance, ideas for things to do, historical landmarks to visit and provide a downtown walking guide along with information on special and corporate events, according to officials.

Ernie Haase and the Signature Sound brings southern gospel back to Wabash when the group returns Saturday, July 29. Photo provided

By Emma Rausch

Ernie Haase and the Signature Sound returns to Wabash on Saturday, July 22, and will be bringing back gospel classics as well as new material.

The Christian quartet has toured the globe, but always looks forward to coming back to the Honeywell Center Ford Theater, Ernie Haase, the group’s namesake, told The Paper of Wabash County.

NewSong, a contemporary Christian music group, will be touring through Wabash on Saturday, July 29. Photo provided

By Emma Rausch

NewSong tours through Wabash Saturday, July 29, to rock the Honeywell Center Ford Theater stage.

A contemporary Christian music group, NewSong formed in 1981 at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Ga., and has since toured the nation bringing fans old favorites as well as new hits, according to Russ Lee, lead vocalist.

Since the band’s formation, the group’s musicians have came and went, but the heart and purpose behind NewSong has remained the same, Lee told The Paper of Wabash County.