IHCDA launches crowdfunding campaign for pickleball courts for Nappanee Parks

Nappanee will soon have more space for pickleball if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $35,000 by Aug. 14. If successful, the project led by Nappanee Parks Department, will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and AARP Indiana’s CreatlNg Livable Communities program.

“We are excited to open a new space for Nappanee residents to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development.

“Physical activity has an immense impact on one’s health and quality of life. These pickleball courts will make physical activity more accessible, attainable and fun for the community.”

Funds from this campaign will be used to bring six new pickleball courts to Stauffer Park. These durable courts will last for years to come, providing space for an exciting and popular sport that is enjoyed by players of all ages.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this new and exciting addition to our community,” said Nappanee Parks and Recreation Superinten- dent Chris Davis. “We know that pickleball is a popular sport, and the new courts will provide a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy this fun and competitive game. The department is committed to raising the necessary funds to install the new pickleball courts and is grateful for any contributions from local businesses and individuals.”

Since the CreatlNg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $8.3 million in public funds and an additional $6.8 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to project located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities, with 501c3 or 501c4 status, and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.

The campaign is part of the CreatlNg Livable Communities Partnership between AARP and IHCDA’s CreatlNg Places. It is a pilot partnership that assists Indiana communities in funding placebased projecs for aging in place. In addition to matching funds from IHCDA, this project is eligible for up to $5,000 in matching funds from AARP Indiana.

The new district administrator was welcomed at the Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees’ meeting Wednesday night, June 21.

Lichelle Parker is the district’s new administrator.

A majority of the meeting, however, centered around Lakelife Restaurant’s grease violations.

Samples were tested and show the restaurant is violating code. Astbury Water Technology tested the samples, most recently three times.

The restaurant’s owner had the injector pump cleaned. However, while the pump and grease traps were cleaned, high levels of grease were still detected.

Joe Gallas, owner of Lakelife, said the levels shouldn’t be high and argued he was in compliance twice. Test results show otherwise.

“They need to be cleaned more frequently,” said President Jim Haney.

“It’s not ideal — sewage and grease,” said another board member. “You don’t want to pump to a grease trap.”

A board member said it’s about accountability of the customer, and a grinder pit was installed.

“It was installed correctly,” stressed Gallas.

“No, it wasn’t,” said Rich Dan, one of the trustees. “There’s no due diligence.”

“Ever since the grinder pit was put in, there’s been a problem,” said Gallas. He said he has done everything he can to fix the problem.

When asked if he called the health department, Gallas said he did not.

The state prohibits any waste going into a grease trap. Gallas argued that grease traps don’t eliminate it all. If it has 25% grease in a trap, it must be cleaned.

One board member disagreed, stating Gallas has done his due diligence to solve the issue.

“He’s not dragging his feet,” said Bob Marcuccilli, a board

The board decided Gallas needed a written plan to fix the problem.

“We need a plan from you that it’s going to be fixed. You’re not in compliance,” said Dan.

Lakelife’s sewer bill has been $2,500 each month, said Gallas.

“That’s too high,” he said. Several board members agreed.

“I don’t agree with it; it is not right,” said Marcuccilli of the bill.

The board discussed a financial impact study of rate changes to commercial users.

After debating whether to eliminate outdoor seating, which reflects on a businesses’ sewer bill, the board voted to eliminate outdoor seating counts for the two restaurants in the district — LakeLife and Barbee Hotel — by a vote of 4-2, effective Aug. 1.

The board agreed to continue conducting testing sample. Gallas has until July 31 to submit a written plan outlining how he intends to fix the problem and to contact the county health department.

The treasurer’s report was given by Mike DeWald.

“We have a positive cash flow. What’s unique is we sold three grinders for $16,000,” he said.

“We are in good shape.”

In other news, the board:

• Heard Astbury’s monthly report and panel and pump inventory.

• An engineering update was given by DLZ’s ferric chloride project.

• Send customer protocol reminders to customers in the district to not turn breakers off.

• Amend a resolution pertaining to Indiana PERF participation.

• Table an amendment to section 5.4 of the district’s use ordinance pertaining to port-apotties.

• Have a bid notice for the sale of a roll-off container; bids will be opened at the next meeting.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at the district’s office, 5002 E. CR 100N, Warsaw.

Interra awarded on the Forbes ‘Best-In-State Credit Unions’ list

Interra Credit Union, headquartered in Goshen, has been awarded on the Forbes list of “Best-In-State Credit Unions 2023.” This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Forbes and Statista identified “Best-In-State Credit Unions 2023” based on two areas:

An independent survey: Approximately 26,000 U.S. consumers were asked to rate credit unions at which they have or previously have had checking or savings accounts with. Participants made recommendations regarding overall satisfaction and assessed credit unions in the following areas: trust, terms and conditions, branch services, digital services, customer service and financial advice.

Publicly available reviews: For each credit union, in each state, a sentiment analysis approach of publicly available online text reviews and ratings were applied.

“Interra is honored to be recognized on the Forbes list of ‘Best-In-State Credit Unions 2023,’” stated Amy Sink, CEO at Interra Credit Union. “Our board of directors, management, and staff, work diligently to provide excellent service to our members daily,” added Sink. “We are committed to being our members’ most trusted financial resource now and in the future.”

The awards list was announced June 20, and can be viewed on the Forbes website.

Grace secures bid to host NCCAA Cross Country Championships this fall

The National Christian College Athletic Association announced an agreement with Bethel University and Grace College as hosts for the Division I and II men’s and women’s Cross Country National Championships in 2023 and 2024.

The championships will be held at the Warsaw Community High School cross country course.

Dan Wood, NCCAA executive director said, “It is exciting to partner with Bethel University and Grace College for the next two years of NCCAA Cross Country National Championships. We know that the student-athletes, coaches, and spectators, who travel to Warsaw, will have a memorable experience.”

It will mark Grace’s seventh national championship sport it has hosted for the NCCAA. Grace has hosted the Division I women’s basketball championships since 2009 and added the men’s basketball tournament in 2012. Grace has also hosted the Division I men’s and women’s outdoor track and field championships for two years, too. From 2009-2024, Grace will have hosted 39 separate NCCAA national tournaments.

The 2023 men’s and women’s Division I and II national cham-