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July 9, 2014
of wabash county inc.
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Vol. 37, No. 18
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Stellar committee tours Wabash, fingers crossed for August announcement by Eric Stearley eric@thepaperofwabash.com Downtown Wabash buzzed with activity on June 25 as community members prepared for the arrival of 18 very special guests who comprised the Stellar Communities Evaluation Committee. More than 300 community members did their part to showcase Wabash as the best choice for this year’s designation. According to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), “The Stellar Communities program is a multi-agency partnership designed to fund comprehensive community development projects in Indiana’s smaller communities.” Along with OCRA, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the Indiana Department of Transportation participate in the selection process. There are currently six Stellar Communities in Indiana: Bedford, Richmond, Delphi, Princeton, Greencastle, and North Vernon. Wabash hopes to add its name to that list this year, which would open the door to future project grants. The day began with a presentation at Eagles Theatre, the restoration of which is a cornerstone of the strategic investment plan. “Stellar takes a lot of planning and a lot of work by a lot of people,” said Mayor Vanlandingham as he welcomed the community and committee members. “When you plan, you’ve got to know your tradition, and you’ve got to know your history, where you’ve been.” Vanlandingham spoke to the progress he’s seen during his time as mayor as groups and citizens began to cooperate and create a common goal of restoration and revitalization, particularly downtown.
MAYOR ROBERT VANLANDINGHAM welcomes the evaluation committee and members of the community during the Stellar Communities presentation at the Eagles Theatre Wednesday, June 25. The committee was made up of eighteen individuals from three agencies. This year’s winners are expected to be announced in mid-August. (photo by Eric Stearley) “I like the word community because it has the word unity at the end of it, and that’s what we have in Wabash, Wabash County, and this region,” said Mayor Vanlandingham. He also explained why Wabash is a
smart choice. “Wabash has a track record of getting things done as promised. We have a vision of what our community is going to look like in four years and we have the financial resources to complement our
Getting muddy at the county fair
DAVE FRANCO, WESTFIELD, drives his modified 1970 Jeep Comando through the mud during the 2014 Wabash County Fair Mud Bog, a new event at the arena. Franco posted the furthest run at 75 feet, 7 inches in 11 seconds. Franco has been mud bogging for 12 years and says he competes whenever he can. The Jeep is powered by 113 octane oxygenated racing fuel and burns about a gallon per run. At more than $10 per gallon, it’s an expensive 11 seconds. (photo by Eric Stearley)
partnership with Stellar,” said Mayor Vanlandingham. “One thing I’m really proud of is we have the human resources to carry out this mission for our community. When I talk about human resources, I’m talking about energetic young professionals, experienced business people, and dedicated government officials. If chosen, we will work hard to make your decision the right one. Wabash is a small community with big dreams based on proven successes to create a better region.” Following the mayor’s remarks, a short video played, displaying the people and places that make Wabash a “stellar” place to live. Following the video, nine community leaders each gave a short presentation on one of the projects that residents can look for in the coming years, including the vision, state of readiness, and impact on the community and surrounding areas. Honeywell Foundation Executive Director Tod Minnich presented plans for a $4 million renovation of the very building in which the presentation took place, Eagles Theatre. With phase 1 of the project completed in 2010 (which included main floor seating replacement, upgrades to the heating and air conditioning systems, and a wheelchair platform), plans are in place for renovation of the rest of the building, including the upper floors and a ballroom. “This plan will allow us to expand the existing community center capacity currently offered at the Honeywell Center and Honeywell House,” said Minnich. “When restored, this facility will house a wide variety of community events. The (continued on page 5)