Vol. 39, No. 8
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
of Wabash County Inc. May 4, 2016
www.thepaperofwabash.com Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
City is finalist in national contest By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com The City of Wabash is a finalist in the Small Business Revolution on Main Street, a national contest that will award one small town a $500,000 revitalization. Wabash was one of three finalists chosen from nearly 10,000 nominations from small towns across America. Deluxe
Corporation, which provides small-business marketing services, created the program. “Wabash immediately stood out as a small town that embodied the spirit of the Small Business Revolution – passionate entrepreneurs, a strong community spirit and a long history of banding together,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer for
Deluxe. The winning community will be decided via online voting. Residents can go to SmallBusinessRevolution.org and watch mini-documentaries about the finalists and vote for their favorite. Christine Flohr, Visit Wabash County executive director, learned about the contest while doing research online for
Seniors flock to annual expo By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com The third annual Senior Connections Expo hosted 41 vendors from across Indiana’s northeast region on Thursday, April 28, to educate both local and out-oftown seniors on a variety of services. Throughout the day, vendors were visited by a “non-stop” flow of seniors, according to Jami Bartel, Wabash Senior Care Marketing Group member. “All the vendors I’ve talked to are very excited about the flow of people and it seems like it’s been a great, steady flow and everyone’s having a good time,” Bartel told The Paper of Wabash County. Miller’s Merry Manor provided a free lunch, which had more than 150 reservations, Bartel continued. From Wellbrooke of Wabash to Caregiver Homes of South Bend, senior citizens learned about healthcare opportunities, specialized services and life insurance policies at the expo. Elder Law attorney Charles Backs also spoke with attendees about Medicare, Medicaid and
strengthening rural communities. “A few days later I also received an email from former Wabash resident Lara Dunning who also had found the link,” Flohr said. “I shared the Small Business Revolution contesting with a representative from each of the towns in the county.” Wabash Marketplace Inc. made the ini(continued on page 22)
Former MU student faces murder charge By The Paper staff
Ines Gillespie (left) learns more about Wellbrooke of Wabash services from Customer Service Specialist Amber Denham (right) at the third annual Senior Connections Expo on Thursday, April 28. Photo by Emma Rausch Veteran Affairs benefits for nearly two hours, according to Bartel. “He had pretty much standing room only (for his talk),” she said. “They had seats for close to 30 people in the front community room and he was full pretty much for the entire time. For two hours, he stood up there and answered questions about Medicare, Medicaid and aid and attendance benefits.
“So he was just totally thrilled with the questions that people were asking. … First and foremost, we’re educating and that’s was we successfully did.” In addition to providing information about their services, vendors also answered questions, handed out snacks and made personal connections with the seniors. The attendees filled out surveys (continued on page 23)
NORTH MANCHESTER – An Indiana State Police investigation has led to the arrest of a former Manchester University student for the death of an infant. On Monday, May 2, at approximately 12:45 p.m., a death investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Josh Maller and North Manchester Police Detective Sergeant Jon Pace has resulted in the arrest of Mikayla Munn, 21, Elkhart. Munn was served a Wabash Circuit Court arrest warrant alleging criminal charges for murder and neglect of a dependent causing death. She was arrested at her Elkhart home and transported to the Elkhart County Jail. On March 8, at approximately 11:28 p.m., the North Manchester Dispatch Center received a 911 call, from Munn. When first responders arrived at Munn’s Manchester University dorm room, they found Munn had given birth. Munn and an infant boy were in a bathtub. The infant was not breathing. Both were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The infant boy was pronounced dead. Munn was treated for the after effects of childbirth and released. (continued on page 22)
County residents to take to the polls By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Wabash County voters will take to the polls on Tuesday, May 3, for the state’s Primary Election. On the ballot will be several local, state and federal races. In addition, those living within the Wabash City Schools District will be able to vote in a referen-
dum about creating a tax levy for the district. Local races on the Republican ticket are: Wabash Circuit Court Judge: Incumbent Robert R. McCallen III Wabash County Auditor: Marcie J. Shepherd Wabash County Treasurer: Lu Ann Layman
Wabash County Coroner: Suzie Lewis Wabash County Surveyor: Incumbent Cheri Slee County Commissioner — District 1: Incumbent Brian Ken Haupert County Commissioner — District 3: Incumbent Barry J. Eppley County Council At Large (Vote For 3): Incumbent Randy Curless, Philip Dale, Incumbent Michael B. Ridenour,
Incumbent William J. “Bill” Ruppel and Lorissa Sweet. Precinct Committeeman – Republican: Laura Cole, Lagro 1, and Ann Gillespie, Lagro 1; Debora Hoefer, Noble 3, and Jim Nelson, Noble 3; Robert (Bob) Greene, Noble 4, and Justin Wilcox, Noble 4; Todd Dazey, Noble 9, and Larry C. Thrush, Noble 9. (continued on page 23)