Dixie Day, Saturday, July 26, was the major topic of discussion at the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday, July 14, at the North Webster American Legion Post 253.

Held in honor of the Dixie sternwheel paddle boat, the fun will begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day. Volunteers are still need for a couple of spots during the day. The final Dixie Day committee meeting will be noon, Monday, July 21, Tippecanoe Township Building, corner of West Washington and South Morton streets. If you’d like to help out, attend the meeting or call the chamber (574) 834-7076 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. Another option is to leave a message on the chamber’s Facebook page. The chamber is also in need of a volunteer to be the chamber ambassador for the remainder of the year.

President Sue Ward announced the Dixie Day T-shirts are now on sale onboard the Dixie, Sue’s Creations and at Ace Hardware, all in North Webster. The colors for 2014 are orange sherbet, pistachio and aquatic blue. All advertising for the event has been taken care of.

Jeremy Price of the Department of Natural Resources will speak on the facts related to weed treatment in Webster Lake at the next chamber meeting, noon, Monday, Aug. 11 at the American Legion. The public is invited to attend. It was noted by Ron Erb that the Webster Lake Conservation Association had worked with the DNR and the entire lake front was allowed to be sprayed for weeds recently. This was an increase of area than originally allowed for 2014.

The business or organization of the month chosen by the chamber board is North Webster Community Services Food Pantry. It is located in the Tippecanoe Township Building and supplies food to those in need year around.

The shoe drive continues. Used shoes are being collected by the chamber both as a fundraiser and to assist small businesses in Africa. Boxes are located at the chamber office in the Tippecanoe Township Building, 102 S. Morton St., North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St. and at the American Legion, 756 S. SR 15.

 Shoes can also be dropped off at the chamber information booth during Dixie Day, Saturday, July 26. The booth will be on the southeast corner of Washington and Main (SR 13) streets where the old band was. The chamber would be most appreciative if those who don’t sell shoes during their summer garage sales would donate them. Area churches are also being contacted to help collect shoes.

Businesses or those who just want them can pick up copies of the North Webster Community Guide at the chamber office. Locals and visitors alike benefit from having a copy.

The chamber voted to buy a new laptop and software for up to $800 for the office. Board member Helen Leinbach heads the search committee for the purchase.

WNIT Public Television, Elkhart, is wanting to do a documentary about North Webster area lakes, streams and rivers and is looking for sponsors. Businesses, foundations and individuals wishing more information about this should contact chamber board member Ben Ashpole, [email protected].

The flower watering cart has undergone major renovations thanks to local companies T-Square Crane and Rigging, Ace Hardware of North Webster and Clayton’s Garden Center. It is used to keep the downtown flower pots watered and healthy.

Richard Owen, chamber board member, announced that Lakeland Kiwanis Club’s speaker at its Monday morning meeting was Ben Ashpole, representing the chamber