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Vol. 39, No. 25
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
See Pages 8 and 9 We will be closed Labor Day, Monday Sept.5th. Early Deadline for News and Advertising, Friday, Sept. 2nd at Noon.
August 31, 2016
of Wabash County Inc.
www.thepaperofwabash.com
Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
County officials hear ways to pay for new jail
Metro’s plans off for 2017-18 By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com
Panel likely to review jail options A artist’s rendering of what the Rock City Lofts will look like. Photo provided By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com A committee to explore options to solve Wabash County’s current jail overcrowding problem could be formed within the next few weeks. Wabash County Commissioners chair Barry Eppley told The Paper of Wabash County that commissioners could appoint the panel in early September. His comments came after a nearly two-hour meeting Tuesday, Aug. 23, at which commissioners and Wabash County Council members listened to Todd Samuelson and others from H.J. Umbaugh and Associates discuss various funding options should a new jail be built. The county could raise funds through two possible ways: increasing property taxes or through income taxes. Samuelson said that a referendum would need approval from voters. But, he warned, voters rarely pass referendums for such things as building a jail. “Just imagine trying to encourage a voter to have an increase in property taxes to take care of bad people,” he said. “It’s just a difficult concept. It can be done, perhaps, but today, I’m not aware that there’s been a successful referendum in Indiana for a county jail fund.” Should a new jail be built, the impact on the taxpayer would vary depending on the size and cost. As part of a 37-page study he presented the commissioners and Council, Samuelson speculated two costs for the project – a 160-bed facility that would cost an estimated $19.2 million, and a 215-bed facility that would cost (continued on page 16)
Rock City Lofts clears hurdle; work could begin in 60 days By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Work on the Rock City Lofts could begin within the next 60 days. That was the word from Roy Marschke, Thursday night, Aug. 25, following the Wabash City Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. Marschke, a CPA with House Investments, said bids for the project were accepted through the end of last week. They then had to be reviewed and awarded. The project, which is part of the Stellar Community Grant Program, seeks to create a 41-unit housing complex for those 55 and over in the West Market Street building that now houses the Rock City Café. However, before any work could begin, it had to receive a variance from the city’s BZA
to place first-floor apartments in a Historic District. The board approved the measure 50. Developers have received both historical tax credits and low-income housing tax credits for the project. In order to maintain the latter, the project must be finished by Dec. 31, 2017. “The plan originally was to put a fourth floor to add additional apartments,” attorney Rick Fisher told the BZA. “Without additional apartments, it’s not doable economically. “The developers found out that they will not be approved for historic tax credits if they put a fourth floor. Without those tax credits, the project isn’t doable.” Instead, developers now plan to put apartments on the first floor. “If they put apartments on the first floor, (continued on page 15)
The MSD of Wabash County School Board has no plans to reconfigure its district in 2017, Superintendent Mike Keaffaber announced at the board’s meeting Tuesday, Aug. 23. During the public recognition section of the meeting, Keaffaber first thanked all the parents and other members of the community for attending the board’s public forums on Aug. 15 and Aug. 17. “I thought it was very beneficial to hear from the public and to hear from our parents and the c o m m u n i t y, ” Keaffaber said, “and another thing I’d like to mention, you know there’s been a lot of discussion, some things in the newspaper and maybe basically just some discussion here, but at present we feel like the current school board has listened to the community input (and still) considering options. “So at this time there are no plans to reorganize in the 2017-2018 school year.” At this point, there’s no way, according to Board President Matt Driscoll. “With all that we’ve gotten that can’t be done,” Driscoll continued. “It will have to be evaluated. We’ll have to go through everything and, like (Keaffaber) said, everything’s on the table.” The board initially approved to reconfigure Northfield and Southwood schools into one and close Sharp Creek Elementary School in July. However, it rescinded its motion on Aug. 9 after
MSD sets executive session on Sept. 1 to discuss consolidation
(continued on page 15)
LaFontaine’s marshal retires after 31 years By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com LAFONTAINE - Since 1989, Paul Karst served the Town of LaFontaine as its marshal. Now, after 31 years, he has retired his post. In 1985, Karst wanted to give back to the community he grew up in and loved. “I started as a deputy marshal under Denny Jones and I did that for about four years,” he told The Paper of Wabash County after his retirement party on Saturday, Aug. 20. “I started as official town marshal in 1989. I’ve wanted to be in law enforcement since early on in high school … and this position became available as a deputy marshal. (continued on page 17)
Denny Jones (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Paul Karst (center) and his wife Sherri (left) for Karst’s 31 years of service as LaFontaine’s town marshal. Karst accepted the award with his grandson, William. Photo by Emma Rausch