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When the floods of February 2008 wiped out the home of Robert and Tami Richardson, they immediately began picking up the pieces. Just one month later, the pieces were destroyed by more record flooding.
“We lost everything,” Tami said.
The couple, married the August before the floods wiped out their Monterey Resorts home, just north of the river in Monterey, had received some money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to try and fix their homes from the February flooding. New appliances, new drywall, salvaged personal items such as clothing and photos, a new hot water heater, furniture and more were being stored in a shed next to the destroyed home. When the March 2008 floods hit, everything the Richardsons had saved and purchased was destroyed. The couple was left with nothing.
“You could hear the current,” Tami said. “Then everything inside froze.”
As the winter continued, everything within the house froze. Frost covered the ceilings, ice chunks formed, the damage continued. When things began to thaw, black mold set in. The Richardsons could barely stand to visit the place they call home.
Tami remembers Robert canoeing up to the house as it was surrounded by over two feet of water. A trailer just down the dirt road, closer to the river, remained dry as water rushed through the Richardson’s property.
After the second flooding, the Richardsons were unable to get more FEMA assistance and flood insurance did them no good since all their material belongings had been stored in the shed, not their home.
At one point during the 2008 floods, Robert was unable to get out of the house because of the water. Being unable to get to work, he lost his job. Since then, Robert and Tami have been victims of the economy, actively searching for jobs but unable to land anything other than temporary positions. Then, just over a month ago, the couple gained custody of their two young grandchildren.
Displaced, the family lives in a rental home in Plymouth after bouncing from apartments and hotels.
“It’s been a hard year,” Robert said.
But in April 2009, some sun came through the clouds. Through Pulaski County EMA Director Larry Hoover, the couple was referred to Disaster Assistance of Northern Indiana, a non-profit flood recovery organization serving eight surrounding counties.
Alan Welch, director of DANI, said the organization works with faith-based and community oriented groups to help people return to “preflood wholeness.” For the Richardsons, that means DANI will build them a new home, with a foundation high enough to keep the home out of flood waters in the future.
“Simple, decent housing,” is what Welch said is the goal product of this DANI project. When DANI builds homes, they do it under the same basic standards as Habitat for Humanity. While the structural and some of the basic appliance needs will be taken care of, the Richardsons still need to supply furniture, small appliances, etc.
The home will be built using volunteer labor and the Richardsons plan to roll up their sleeves and help as much as they can.
DANI’s funding comes from three-to-one matching grants from Indiana Natural Disaster Fund. For example, for every $1 donated by the community, $3 is donated by INDF.
The organization is very careful who it helps, assigning applicants with a case manager to carefully evaluate the applicant’s needs, financial situation and other factors.
“We want to make sure we’re true to the donor’s intention,” Welch said.
Following the careful evaluation of the applicant, the case is presented to the DANI committee to award or deny assistance. Assistance can include anything from helping pay a few bills to building a new home.
DANI works with certified construction companies to insure everything is done properly.
With DANI centralized in Lafayette, however, Welch has been involved in the formation of a local flood recovery committee to work hand-in-hand with DANI to help Pulaski County victims. The local committee would help supervise local jobs and find housing for out-of-town volunteers. The local committee will not have to function on its own, but would be a local connection for DANI. Some volunteers have come forward, but many more are needed, including someone willing to step into a leadership-type role for the county. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Larry Hoover at 574-946-6391.
“We are confident we can get Pulaski County back on it’s feet,” Welch said.
Ground breaking on the Richardson’s property is scheduled to start this week, with a possible completion date in August.
In the meantime, the Richardsons stay positive and are thankful for all the good things that have come their way in the midst of disaster.
“We are finally getting our lives back,” Robert said.
A friend is allowing them to rent a recently remodeled home at a reduced rate, their church has lent unending support, their family has grown and they have each other.
“We’ve had more blessings than anything through all of this,” Tami said.
This year, 13 contestants will compete for the title of Miss Pulaski County. The contestants have been meeting once each week for six weeks to prepare for the pageant which will occur Sunday, July 5 at 8 p.m.
Cortney Brandt, Miss Pulaski County 2008 will be passing down her crown to one of the thirteen contestants.
Miss Pulaski County receives a car for the week from Jim Dobson Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, $500, and various other prizes. Each contestant and the court also receive prizes. The new queen will also compete for the title of Miss Indiana State Fair on August 23, 2009. Co-directors for the pageant are Bailey Hoover and Sarah Nies.
Here is a bit about the young women vying for the crown:
Amanda Joy McCrory, 18, is being sponsored by Sanders Foods of Winamac. She attended Winamac Community High School and graduated in May. Amanda will be attending Indiana University Kokomo in the fall to major in medical imaging. She says her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is all the memories and friendships she has created over the years.
Milk Incorporated of Indiana is sponsoring 18-year-old Catherine Ellen Knebel. She attended Winamac Community High School and graduated in May. She will be attending Purdue University in the fall where she will major in agri-business and communications. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is waking up early enough to make sure she gets her fill of bacon and egg sandwiches from the pork shack while the sun is still coming up.
Recent West Central graduate Amillie Davenport, 18, is being sponsored by Michael Shurn. She will be attending Ball State University in the fall where she will major in zoology. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is the horse pull and being able to look at all the animals.
Ashley Nicole Widner, 18, is a Winamac Community High School graduate. Sponsored by Fred Allen Auto Center, Ashley will be attending Ball State University in the fall where she will major in mathematical science education. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is visiting with friends that are home from college.
Sabrina Jane Risner, 18, is being sponsored by Kersting’s Cycle Center and Risner Motor Sales. She attends West Central High School where she will graduate in May of 2010. After high school, Sabrina would like to attend Ivy Tech Community College and major in telecommunications. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is spending time with friends she doesn’t get to see and eating shaved ice.
FTC Products Corporation and Schlatters Incorporated is sponsoring 16-year-old Cheyenne Smith. She attends West Central High School where she will graduate in May of 2011. She would like to pursue a degree in the medical field upon graduation. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is watching all of her friends that participate in the 4-H program.
Nineteen-year-old Cherise Ann Nicole Shidler is being sponsored by ACE Hardware and the Scott and Karen Fritz Family. Cherise attended Winamac Community High School and graduated in May. She will be attending Ancilla College this fall to major in business management. She is also a cosmetologist. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is the Battle of the Barns because the youth are able to get dirty and have a lot of fun.
Winamac Community High School graduate Morgan Abbigail “Abby” Smith, 18, is being sponsored by NCS Welding. Abby will be attending Ball State University in the fall where she will major in journalism. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is looking at all the 4-H projects.
Holly Renee Krohn, 18, is being sponsored by Patchwork Pals ‘76. She attended Winamac Community High School and she graduated in May. She will attend Purdue University in the fall to major in pre-pharmacy. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is the exhibits, making new friends, and the food.
Bathke Farms is sponsoring 17-year-old Alysha Lynn Faler. She attends West Central High School where she will graduate in May of 2010. She would like to attend Marion College and major in nursing following graduation. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is watching the tractor pull.
Anna Marie Sullivan, 18, is a recent Winamac Community High School graduate being sponsored by Compton Cleaning. She will be attending Purdue University in the fall to major in chemical engineering. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is the people, milk shakes, sunny weather, animals, art, and all the community coming together.
Winamac High School graduate Hannah Jean Nies, 18, is being sponsored by Icing on Top Cakes and More. She will be attending IUPUI in the fall to major in elementary education. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is getting to spend time with the different people in the community.
D-1 Truck Repair is sponsoring Amanda Nichole Nester, 16. She attends West Central High School where she will graduate in May of 2011. Upon graduation she would like to pursue a degree in journalism and work for a fashion magazine. Her favorite part of the Pulaski County Fair is the Miss Pulaski County Queen Pageant because she has always wanted to be a part of it.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6 OF 2008
An Ordinance regulating the Use of Consumer Fireworks within the Town of Winamac
WHEREAS, unrestricted use of consumer fireworks constitutes a danger to the public health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, unrestricted use of consumer fireworks may cause injuries to members of the public; and
WHEREAS, unrestricted use of consumer fireworks disturbs the peaceful use and enjoyment of property by Winamac residents; and
WHEREAS, the Indiana state legislature has provided that a municipality may adopt an ordinance concerning the use of consumer fireworks within its corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Winamac desires to limit and regulate the use of consumer fireworks within its corporate limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Winamac, Indiana as follows:
SECTION 1: Regulation of Consumer Fireworks
(a) Definition - "Consumer fireworks" For purposes of this ordinance consumer fireworks shall mean consumer fireworks as defined by Indiana Code Section 22-11-14-1
(b) Days and Hours of Use
(1) Consumer fireworks may not be used, ignited or discharged within the corporate limits of the Town of Winamac except during the following times:
(A) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8 and July 9 of each year;
(B) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and twelve midnight on July 4 of each year; and
(C)Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1 of each year.
(c) The use, ignition or discharge of consumer fireworks other than during the above time periods shall constitute an infraction and shall be subject to a fine of $100.00.
SECTION 2: Effective Date
(a) This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after notice of this Ordinance's adoption has been published in a paper as described in I.C. 5-3-1-4.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WINAMAC, INDIANA THIS 12th DAY OF MAY 2008.
THE WINAMAC, INDIANA TOWN COUNCIL
John Plowman, President
Rod Button, Member
Tom Murray, Member
Jamess DeArmond, Member
ATTEST: Judy Heater, Clerk/Treasurer
It appears the West Central fall coaching staff will remain almost identical to last year, according to Athletic Director Chuck Evans.
Evans reported to the West Central School Board during its regular meeting last Thursday evening, saying there have been no turnovers in major sports coaches, but they are still in need of a cheer coach.
He also said there are about 50 students participating in a summer weight, fitness and conditioning workshop put on by the coaches. The students meet three days per week.
Lots of new equipment has been purchased and Evans said the department is working to continue improving facilities, equipment, uniforms and more.
New wrestling mats and football gear have been purchased and Evans said $21,500 have been spent at local businesses for athletic apparel.
Ticket and punch pass prices will remain the same for 2009-2010.
In other business, the school board approved the minutes and requisition lists from the earlier June meeting.
Superintendent Mellon said one room in each school is being re-carpeted, some stimulus has been spent for the new like skills classroom, an $86,000 Title I grant has been received to be used over the next two years and some cafeteria software and hardware is being replaced.
Several personnel items were approved as well as the 12-month employee contracts including the superintendent, principals, office, custodial and other staff were approved. No pay increase was given due to the budget uncertainties, but that could change in the future.
The roof project on the high school began at the beginning of June. Mellon reported a few issues have been addressed and the workers are only about 10 percent complete with the original 32 day project scheduled to be finished July 1.
The board had a second reading of policy manual revisions and a first reading of the criminal history policy, as directed by new state guidelines.
July 1 is the deadline for open enrollment into West Central schools. Mellon reported five enrollment applications have been entered and each will go through an interview with a principal.
Mellon gave the board an update on the state budget and reported he asked Pulaski County for the corporation’s advanced draw by the end of July. The board looked through a budget packet, “Current and Future Indiana Economy – Revenues and Tax Issues,” assembled by Professor Larry DeBoer, Dept. of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University.
The beginning work of the corporation’s budget by Mellon was given to the school board including funds such as bus replacement, rainy day, capital projects, debt service and others. Amounts could change, however, depending on how the state’s budget is formulated.
Future projects including new bleachers, gym floor and ceiling and track resurfacing were also discussed before the close of the meeting.
