By Josh Sigler
Jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

A native of Northern Ireland has joined the sales staff at Dorais Chevrolet.

Emmett McIlvenny was born on County Down (Downpatrick) Northern Ireland.

McIlvenny moved to the United States in 2000, and called Florida home for 12 years. It is there he met his wife, Wabash County resident Ali (Van Buskirk). They then moved to Indiana in 2011.

The couple has with three children, Pierce, Stella and Charley McIlvenny, and reside in Wabash.

The McIlvennys own a food truck called Emmett’s Paddy Wagon, which they run during First Fridays, Farmers Markets and other events in downtown Wabash.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A stop work order imposed on the Bedford Building could be lifted within the next few weeks, according to an official with the firm overseeing the work.

Bill Hiday, Director of Construction for Forza Development, said that the stop work order is only temporary because all of the permits needed from the State of Indiana have not yet been processed.

The order was issued by Wabash Building Commissioner John Stephens on Aug. 24.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A feature film is scheduled to be filmed in downtown Wabash and other sites around the county in early October.

Skyler Lawson, a Southwood High School graduate and up-and-coming movie producer, plans to film the period piece “Whelm” from Oct. 8-Oct. 22.

The film is a 1933 Depression era film that’s a gangster film about a small-town family that gets tangled between a legendary gangster and another criminal, Lawson told The Paper of Wabash County. Two brothers who have trouble connecting with one another try to avenge their father’s being caught in the crossfire of a heist and, in the end, are drawn together.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The Wabash County Sheriff’s Department is losing a longtime deputy.

Deputy Ron Nordman has submitted a retirement letter from the department, effective Oct. 6, Sheriff Bob Land informed Wabash County Commissioners on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

In addition, a jail officer retired effective Aug. 31, Land also informed Commissioners.

“That would put us a total of six down right now, due to academy and medical leave,” Land said.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

CONVERSE -- The Converse Jackson Township Public Library is turning 100, and a grand celebration is in store.

The library is hosting a Black Tie Gala banquet and fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 from 7-10 p.m. at the Roseburg Event Center, located at 2983 W. 38th St. in Marion to celebrate the libraries heritage.

“It’s a pretty big accomplishment,” Library Director Andy Horner said. “Especially in a small town like Converse. To have any library at all is great. And, to have a wonderful Carnegie Library that’s lasted 100 years, that’s a pretty big accomplishment. We’re pretty pleased that we’ve been able to do it.”

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Riders from 16 states and one foreign country braved strong winds, cool temperatures and a rainy morning to participate in the ninth annual Dam to Dam Century Ride.

Bike enthusiasts began leaving the Wabash County YMCA shortly before 8 a.m., destined to ride either 15, 30, 50, 62, 80 or 104 miles around Wabash County. There were 565 riders registered for the event, though not all participated. Some opted out because of the weather conditions.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Wabash Presbyterian Church Pastor Jonathan Cornell recently announced that the Church’s school, the Presbyterian School, will begin offering an all-day option for parents of local children.

Two years ago, the board of the Presbyterian Preschool realized that to continue to serve the families of Wabash well, it would need to change. Having served the community for over five decades is important, but resting on its laurels would not help it meet the shifting needs of an emerging community.

Beginning with a full curriculum review – complete with a new vision and new name – the Presbyterian school was reborn.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

Wabash City Schools’ budget, which will be put under the microscope by the Wabash City Council and School Board in the coming weeks, will have a much different structure to it this time around due to state mandates.

Chief Business Officer Matt Stone laid out the changes and what they mean at the Tuesday, Sept. 4 school board meeting.
The General Fund is no more. Additionally, there is no more Capital Projects Fund, Transportation Fund or Bus Replacement Fund.

Capital Projects, Bus Replacement and Transportation, along with some of what used to be in the General Fund will now be in what’s called the Operations Fund.

About 80 percent of what used to be the General Fund will now make up the Education Fund.