Deb Minear was interviewed by the Tippecanoe Township Board to be appointed to the North Webster Community Public Library Board of Directors. After presenting her qualifications and interest she was approved. From the left are Minear; Ed Clayton, Jim Smith, Jim Rhodes, all township board members; Township Trustee Chris Francis; and Township Clerk Jen Cripe. InkFreeNews photo by Martha Stoelting.

By Martha Stoelting
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Tippecanoe Township board passed the 2021 budget at its meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Tippecanoe Township Building, North Webster.

Board President Jim Rhodes and Township Trustee Chris Francis will turn in the budget on Friday, Oct. 16. The total amount was $1,452,520. It passed with a yes vote from three board members, Rhodes, Jim Smith and Ed Clayton.

Francis reminded everyone the joint information meeting about forming a fire territory with the town of North Webster will be held for the public with the township board and the North Webster Town Council at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Tippecanoe Township Building, 102 S. Morton St. Everyone interested is urged to attend the meeting.

Both governmental units are seeking input regarding the formation of a fire territory. The forum’s intent is to exchange information between taxpayers and their representatives, which will help the board and council with the determination of whether to proceed through the process or not. In the event it is decided to proceed to a formal public hearing, the final decision and enactment would not happen until early 2021.

Deb Minear was interviewed for consideration to be appointed to the North Webster Community Public Library Board of Directors. She explained, “I taught for 33 years, am now retired, and am a member of Friends of the Library. I use the library all the time and have my entire life.” She was approved for the appointment with Rhodes and Smith voting in the affirmative while Clayton abstained since he is Minear’s brother.

Fire Chief Jeremy Likens reported September runs included 68 for EMS and 20 for fires. Seven of those were in Washington Township in Noble County, which contracts for coverage with Tippecanoe Township. Lines have been inspected with the replacements earlier approved not yet in. The trucks passed inspection with the new gear previously approved by the board expected in December. The fire and EMS visited North Webster Elementary School for Fire Prevention Week.

The Halloween party at the fire station will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with a new format due to the coronavirus. A costume contest will be held at 7:45 p.m. that night.

Francis said he had attended a meeting of township trustees with State Sen. Ryan Mishler at the Kosciusko County Courthouse Tuesday, Oct. 13. Cemeteries will be cleaned up for the holidays. Health insurance will be presented in November along with an update on the tennis courts.