By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A request to rezone six acres of land along Mill Street from heavy industrial to residential 4 was approved Wednesday night, Dec. 5, by the Wabash Plan Commission. The matter must go before the Wabash City Council for final approval.

Dave Snavely requested the change for the land at 1775 Mill St. to allow him to consider building residential housing at the site.

“What we have is a six-acre plot on the southside of Mill Street,” Snavely told the board. “As far as I know it’s never been used for anything except that there was a house that sat there for several years.”
The land is now owned by Snavely Trust, he said.
 

By Amanda Bridgman
abridgman@nmpaper.com

Bridge 155 at Meridian Road over Clear Creek in Wabash will be closing Jan. 4, 2019, for a rehabilitation construction project.

County Highway Superintendent John Martin informed Wabash County Commissioners of the closure and said a preconstruction meeting open to the public is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the Wabash County Courthouse.

Sheriff Bob Land reported to commissioners he has 100 inmates in Wabash County Jail, 42 in Miami County Jail, 10 in Elkhart County Jail, and one in Department of Corrections. Last week's average population was 100, with 20 new bookings, 11 transports and a peak population of 105, the sheriff said. He's holding 28 Level 6 felons and 3 Level B felons, with 176 inmates waiting for court appearances, for an average count between three facilities to come to 149.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Wabash City Schools board approved the purchase of a parcel of land near O.J. Neighbours that is  currently owned by the First United Methodist Church, during its meeting on Monday, Dec. 3.

“It’s a small piece of property just south of the trail on the east side of O.J. Neighbours,” Superintendent Jason Callahan said. “We own nine acres there on the east side of that wooded area. It had all been donated through the Stefanatos family a while back, except for this little parcel of land. It’s within the estimated cost of property.”
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Rhonda Hipskind and Kipp Cantrell were selected by the Wabash City Council on Tuesday as the newest members of the Wabash City Schools board.

The pair, along with Bill Konyha, were interviewed by the council during a meeting at Wabash City Hall.

They will begin their term on the board in January, replacing Konyha and Liz Hobbs, who did not see another term.

The council voted 4-2 for Hipskind and Cantrell. Council members Bob Greene and Marc Shelley, who wanted Konyha to be reappointed, cast the no votes. Council President Eric Schoening was not present.

The council interviewed each of the candidates during an open session on Tuesday evening. Cantrell, who applied for the post last year, was the first to be interviewed, followed by Hipskind and then Konyha.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

The Fort Wayne Komets will host a second-annual Wabash Night with the Komets on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Wabash area businesses and community members are invited to join the Komets for a night out with family, friends while the Komets battle the Utah Grizzlies.

The attending will be treated to an exclusive discounted rate with this special ticket offer while supplies last.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

The Metropolitan School District of Wabash County handed out its bi-weekly staff spotlight recognition award at the Tuesday, Nov. 27 meeting.

Parent Tanarae Pegg nominated Sheby Drake, a Southwood Littles teacher.

Pegg nominated Drake, but was involved in a very serious accident, so the nomination was postponed from September.

Pegg’s son, Colt, was in Littles last year, and is in kindergarten this year.

“We just want to congratulate Mrs. Drake on all that you do,” Superintendent Mike Keaffaber said.
 

By Amanda Bridgman
abridgman@nmpaper.com

Wabash County Commissioners were given a report from on the county's annual bridge inspection.

Scott Minnich with United Consulting said Wabash County has 157 bridges, and bridges are required to be inspected on a 24-month cycle, with some on a 12-month cycle because they are nearing the end of their life. Any structure more than 20 feet in length is considered a bridge by the state and must be inspected, he said.

“Unfortunately bridges don't last forever,” said Minnich, adding that the average lifespan of a bridge is 75 years, so with 157 bridges with a 75 year lifespan, Wabash County can expect to replace about two bridges per year to stay in compliance with state and federal requirements.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Clint Kugler, CEO of the Wabash County YMCA the last 7 ½ years, has submitted his resignation from the organization. His last day will be Jan. 31, 2019.

Kugler and the staff of Promise Indiana will join the Indiana Youth Institute where he will serve as the Vice President of College Career and Community Initiatives.

Kugler submitted his resignation at the Nov. 15 YMCA board meeting.

“Clint’s passion for our community and the mission of the Y has propelled the impact of the Wabash County YMCA during his more than seven years with us,” said Sam Frazier, Wabash County YMCA board member and chief volunteer officer. “Now, his determination and vision will enrich lives throughout the state. We look forward to seeing the growth of Promise Indiana.”