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Southwood’s volleyball team falls in finals of Culver regional- Page 20
October 27, 2021
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233 Vol. 44, No. 33
Imagine One 85 comprehensive planning process nears completion The Leadership Committee of Imagine One 85 — a countywide process to develop a comprehensive plan — announced encouraging news about the plan’s progress. “We’ve moved from the development phase to the review phase,” said Keith Gillenwater, President & CEO at Grow Wabash County. “From here, we look forward to the broad adoption of the plan, and then to realizing the bold vision for the future of our county, its communities, and our residents. More than 1,000 residents have provided input—and it has been so crucial to the success of this work.” Authentic Insight While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the Imagine One 85 planning process, initiative leaders and consultants have continued to move forward— fueled by the engagement and passion of the people of Wabash County. After ‘Focus on the Future’ sessions—both in-person and virtual—throughout 2020 and early 2021, Imagine One 85 hosted the ‘Growth Summit’ at the Honeywell Center in downtown Wabash, IN on July 14, 2021. Residents from across the county heard inspiring stories from fellow residents and took the opportunity to contribute dozens of catalytic “Mighty Ideas” to enrich the plan’s development. Key themes that emerged in public engagement sessions include: • Economic growth and prosperity—with a real appetite for an increase in sustainable, high-wage jobs, a skilled workforce, a thriving business climate, and a flourishing approach to talent attraction and retention • Increase in Quality of Life—including a focus on great places (rivers, greenspaces and trails, attractive neighborhoods and vibrant town centers), growth in arts and cultural amenities, and a commitment to invest in and embrace diversity of all kinds in our community • Housing—developing neighborhoods and communities, diverse market rate and affordable housing options, mixed-use development, and historical renovation • Infrastructure—including high-speed/fiber internet for all, upgraded utilities, and health and social support services • Excellence in Education— focusing on pre-K options through higher-ed that lead to greater educational attainment • Walking the talk—broadcasting our positive image, and continuing to coordinate and collaborate across communities, organizations and institutions In its final form, the comprehensive plan will include important technical studies that illustrate the needs of the county and an action agenda for implementing the elements of the plan to bring about change. Stronger Together Wabash County’s population decline over the last three decades vividly demonstrates how the county is being left behind by its regional neighbors. Indeed, Wabash County can be seen as a county in distress.
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Imagine One 85 and its bold, comprehensive plan for the future seeks to arrest and reverse the population decline. A coalition of leaders and community members from all sectors have joined in this countywide collaboration with a singular focus on the growth and prosperity of the entire county and the incorporated communities of LaFontaine, Lagro, North Manchester, Roann and Wabash. “The urgent, shared commitment demonstrated by our entire community has been unprecedented and necessary,” said Patty Grant, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Wabash County. “We have made tremendous progress, and now is the time to go forth together! There can be no light between our shoulders.”
The Road Ahead In the coming weeks, the draft plan will be reviewed by the Imagine One 85 Steering Committee, before being finalized for additional stakeholder review. “The Imagine One 85 leadership committee acknowledges the work to get here was rigorous and the road ahead is long,” said Barry Eppley, commissioner, Wabash County. “But we, as a community, are confident and resolute in our determination to comprehensively plan for a future filled with great opportunities for each resident of Wabash County.” The public may follow along at ImagineOne85.org to learn more about the plan’s adoption.
A farmer unloads corn from his combine. Photo by Joseph Slacian
Wabash County farmers faring well during 2021 harvest By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Wabash County farmers are seeing corn and soybean yields larger than those predicted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Considering the wet and cool July, followed by a very dry August, corn and soybeans are doing great,” said Geoff Schortgen, Wabash County Extension Director – Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator. “The USDA estimates Indiana corn yields at around 194 bushels per acre. Every farmer I’ve spoken to in Wabash County has gotten yields well above that, in the range of 230 to 240 bushels per acre. “The estimated yield for beans in 60 bushels per acre in Indiana. Wabash numbers are showing more like 70 bushels per acre.” The 2021 harvest is in high gear. Schortgen said he believed many were trying to finish before the rains hit on Oct. 24. “I bet farmers would have been done by now if
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not for the rain events we’ve had the past few weeks,” he said. “The rain was a real wrench in the machine. Farmers had to be patient to let fields dry out before getting their equipment out there. “Luckily there were some good, sunny and breezy days to help get the soils dried out.” County farmers dodged a major issue, army worms, which was a concern in September. “I am working with some labs at Purdue to learn more about Tar Spot,” Schortgen said. “It is a fungus that is reducing corn yields in other states and it looks like it has moved into Indiana. “My hope is to have someone talk about that during our Adult Farmer Classes in 2022.” Schortgen urged farmers to stay safe and to use caution, especially with equipment on the roads. “I am grateful that we live in an area where most folks understand how to share the road with some of the larger equipment traveling the county roads.”
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