Feature Writer: Deanna Quinn

 

O’Daniel Ford Mitsubishi: Moving Up in the Race

By: Deanna Quinn

Consumers, upset with General Motors and Chrysler’s government bailouts and doubtful of Toyota’s reliability due to recent recalls, are beginning to get on board with Ford.   
According to Jeff O’Daniel, co-owner of O’Daniel Ford Mitsubishi in New Haven, Ford has nationally moved up in the automotive market.
“Surveys on ‘Consideration for Purchase,’ last year alone, went up 15 percent,” O’Daniel revealed. “Most companies hope to see a three-to-four percent yearly increase. Ford is one of the only manufacturers to increase their market share in 2009. That’s going to keep improving.”
But, are these national trends reaching the dealership in New Haven?
“Yes, our sales have been consistent,” O’Daniel says. “They’ve fallen off with the overall market, but we’re still outperforming the market’s average. We’re not as bad as the national numbers. We had a good fourth quarter, though things are getting a little tough again. Still, we get a lot people coming in everyday and more businesses are interested in Fords.”
In addition to an improved national image, Ford also won some prestigious awards. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named Motor Trend’s 2010 Car of the Year because, according to editor-in-chief of Motor Trend Angus MacKenzie, “it best met the key criteria: design advancement, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, efficiency, safety, and value.” In addition, the Ford Transit Connect won the 2010 North American International Auto Show’s Truck of the Year award.
“We have the right products coming down the pipeline,” O’Daniel says. “Dealers feel pretty good with Ford’s plan.”

 

Senior Night Win for Bulldogs

By: Deanna Quinn

Click here for photos

            For Senior Night, the New Haven Boys’ Basketball Team (11-8) took on Adam’s Central (8-11) at Armstrong Arena Friday, Feb. 26th.  The Bulldogs have three seniors that were honored before tip-off: Corbin Blair, Logan Blair, and Joe Zumwalt. These three seniors, along with juniors Justin Miller and Tyler Clendenen started the game for the ‘Dogs.
New Haven pulled down the opening tip and scored on their opening possession when Miller drained a three-point shot. But Adam's Central answered back with a field goal. After turning the ball over, the Bulldogs fouled, and the Flying Jets took the lead after making two foul shots. But the ‘Dogs stormed back and Miller hit another three, giving the New Haven a one point lead. The teams played pretty evenly the rest of the quarter; New Haven had only a slight edge at the end of the first quarter. The score was 18-14.
For the first two minutes of the second quarter, neither team was able to score a point. With 6 minutes to go, Adams Central was finally able to score by hitting a three. They added two more points and took the lead after a New Haven foul. The Jets continued their 9-2 scoring run to lead the Bulldogs 25-20. The Bulldogs did not give up, however, and began to make their own run as the second quarter was nearing the end. Kyle Sovine’s tip-in basket at the buzzer gave the ‘Dogs a one point lead at half-time. The score was 28-27.
New Haven started the third quarter with the ball, a bucket, and two steals. With the defensive pressure turned up, Adam’s Central found it difficult to score but finally made it to the foul line with 5:50 left in the quarter. Answering back with another field goal, the Bulldogs kept the pressure on Adam’s Central to play a high-paced game. Building momentum from their defense, New Haven outscored the Jets 19-9 to hold an eleven point lead at the end of the third quarter.
Not willing to lose on Senior Night, the Bulldogs kept the momentum and defensive pressure high for the fourth quarter. Again, the ‘Dogs outscored the Jets; this time scoring 21 points to the Jet’s 15. The seniors left the court with 1:20 left in the game to a standing ovation from parents and fellow students. New Haven defeated Adam’s Central by the score of 68-51.
For these three seniors, they walked off the court victorious, feeling the benefits of four years of hard work. Corbin and Logan Blair have played three years at the varsity level and have been captains the last two seasons. Zumwalt has been a two-year varsity starter and has stepped up to be a great defensive player for the Bulldogs this year. This senior class has won more than 30 games in their career, a feat that has not been accomplished at New Haven in a long time.
“Senior Night’s always a fun night for the kids,” said Head Coach Kurt Dagar. “After four years of hard work, having this kind of crowd made it a neat night for those boys. They’ve been great leaders; they put in a lot of time and effort into New Haven basketball, and we’re going to miss them. Luckily, in the second half we turned up the defensive pressure a notch and were able to truly celebrate Senior Night.”
For Corbin, Logan, and Joe, winning on Senior Night was a perfect ending to four years of great games in Armstrong Arena. Like they will be missed by the team, these three seniors will also miss their teammates and coaches who have been like family to the boys. During the past four years, they have grown into young men that have learned the value of hard work and team work—on and off the court—that they can carry with them into their futures.

 

 

New Haven Task Force for Education

By: Deanna Quinn

At the beginning of 2010, Mayor Terry McDonald created the New Haven Task Force for Education that consists of seven citizens evaluating the current state of education in East Allen County Schools (EACS). The Task Force is designed to improve the quality of education for all students in the school district and to make the city of New Haven a more desirable place to live and raise a family.

Below is a copy of the letter that the Task Force gave to each School Board member at the Feb. 16th school board meeting. If you have any questions or feedback concerning this issue, send an email to nhinfo@newhavenin.org to voice your opinion.

 The New Haven Mayor’s Task Force on Education
 1. We’re concerned about the following (though we don’t pretend to have the final answers yet):
            a. Tax rates and the mounting financial pressure on EACS families.  A family in EACS who has a combined income of $50K+ pays ~15% in federal income tax, 3% in state tax, 1% in county tax, 7% in sales tax (use, not income), ~$1,500 in property tax (depending on their house), a few hundred dollars/year in excise tax (depending on their vehicles), plus other taxes. 
b. Economic development.  We observe the new housing construction in NWAC, SWAC, and even the Leo community and contrast it to recent new housing developments in New Haven and EACS.  There is little comparison.  Why?  We believe it is the school system that attracts and/or repels families from building new homes in any part of the county.  There is little commercial economic development in any of those same districts; there are, however, excellent school facilities producing better students than EACS.  Without excellent schools, the taxpayers of EACS should expect continued lackluster economic development, both residential and commercial.
2. Solutions?  We’re not sure what solutions exist or when and how they should be implemented.  We do believe, however, that changes must occur in the following areas lest our facilities continue to lag other districts in the county; our ISTEP scores continue to slip; and families continue to leave our communities in favor of others offering better schools.  That said, the goal is not merely to be as good as or better than other districts in Allen County or even Indiana.  Our goal in EACS should be to produce students who can compete nationally and internationally, recognizing our economy is becoming increasingly international and complex every day that passes.
      Academic offerings (quantity and quality) must rival or exceed those offered by other Indiana districts.  We cannot continue to deprive all students in our district of the same offerings enjoyed by other students in the state.
      State-of-the-art facilities must become the norm—rather than the exception—in EACS.  Maintenance problems abound in many areas within our schools, but even if they didn’t—i.e., the basics were all addressed immediately—the broader issue is the lack of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art science, industrial arts, and other facilities.
      Long-term financial position of our district must be addressed and improved.  Our task force has been unable to ascertain the current and comprehensive financial state of our district; accordingly, we’re unsure if we’re close to running out of money or when.  We’re unsure of the amount of money required to bring our current facilities up to state-of-the-art conditions, or whether it would be better to demolish some/all in favor of fewer, newer facilities.  We’re unsure of whether tax increases are in our future if we do nothing…or if we make changes.  We just don’t know because the district has lacked transparency in these areas.
Finally, the New Haven Mayor’s Task Force on Education wants to be part of the solution, rather than merely another voice in a long-standing, loud choir of complainers on this subject.  We seek to support Dr. Green and the entire Board in resolving these problems to the extent Dr. Green and the Board are willing to make hard decisions.  We believe the reason these issues have not been addressed (no less resolved) over the past 30 years is because our district has lacked the leadership to make hard choices.  Re-election cannot be a consideration.  It’s well-established that our five communities are polarized and that polarization has contributed to a divided district politically the past 30+ years.  Hard decisions by today’s Board and Superintendent are the only way we will improve our district and our students’ academic hopes long-term. 
This task force stands ready and willing to contribute to the solutions by aiding with those hard decisions.  We eagerly await your proposals and requests for how we can help.

 

Play Ball

New Haven Baseball Association Preparing for 20th Season
By: Deanna Quinn

Even though the snow is still falling outside, the New Haven Baseball Association (NHBA) is preparing for its twentieth season in the New Haven area. With registration beginning this month, Mike Jones, president of the NHBA, is gearing up for another summer of baseball.

“It’s going to be a great season,” said Jones. “We’re looking forward to our league getting stronger and more competitive, and it’s great to see the kids having fun and enjoying baseball.”

Last year, coaches and parents watched around 370 kids from ages 5-14 play in the association’s five leagues that include Tee Ball, Prep, Minors, Majors, and Koufax.

“We have a good, strong interest in our program,” Jones said, “which brings more kids in that get to experience baseball. Our objective is for the kids to go out and have fun while learning individual skills and improving for the next level.”

With no baseball programs in place at elementary or middle schools in the area, children interested in playing baseball in high school usually get their training through the NHBA. On last year’s varsity baseball team at New Haven High School, all players except for one come through this baseball program.

“We teach them the basics and give them a foundation to play at the high school level,” Jones explained. “We are the feeder system for the high school, and so we try to prepare them for what they’re going to face at that level.”

The NHBA was established in May of 1990 after the merger of the East Suburban Little League and Adams Township Baseball. In late 1999, NHBA became independent after leaving the national Little League Organization due to tensions resulting from the scheduling and playing of the regular season.

“Little League tends to put more importance on getting through the regular season fast and getting to the All-Star season,” Jones revealed. “We, as a league, felt it was more important to let all the kids play longer into the summer.”

For this reason, the New Haven regular season runs until mid-July every year instead of early June. Although NHBA players will never be seen on ESPN for the Little League World Series, they will play other independent leagues in Northeast Indiana, Southern Michigan, and Southwest Ohio for an All-Star season.

“New Haven really is competitive in the tournaments,” Jones explained. “We do well year in and year out when we go to All-Star tournaments. That’s a good indication the kids are getting quality teaching, and that there is an interest and level in New Haven that not all youth leagues have.”

Registration for this season will be held on Feb. 20th and 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the New Haven Park Office or online at www.eteamz.com/nhba/. Tryouts are March 13th at the New Haven High School gym beginning at 1:30 p.m. or March 17th at the Park Hill gym beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opening day is May 1st.

In order to raise funds for this season, the NHBA will be conducting its annual league-wide Mike’s Carwash Fundraiser. Each player will be selling Mike’s Carwash tickets for $8 in March. This fundraiser allows the league to purchase equipment for all levels and to keep league fees as low as possible.

The NHBA is still looking for sponsors of the little league teams. If interested, please contact Mike Jones by email at nhbamike@gmail.com.

 

 

New Haven Boys’ Basketball Defeats Heritage

By: Deanna Quinn

The New Haven Bulldogs defeated the Heritage Patriots 51-37 Saturday in Monroeville. 

The Bulldogs won the opening tip and scored quickly when Justin Miller laid it in after a backdoor cut. Heritage came right back, however, and scored two points of their own.  New Haven’s press defense and patience on offence gained them a small lead half way through the first quarter, but with 3:13 left, Heritage took lead by one. New Haven went on a 7-3 run to regain the lead at 17-14 by the end of the quarter. 

In the second quarter, the Patriots took the lead by one with 6:50 left in the quarter. Neither team scored for more than three minutes when Heritage’s Wil Knapke hit a free throw. New Haven was now down by two. With 2:40 left in the quarter, New Haven finally made a field goal to tie the game at 19. Both teams score one more field goal and headed into the locker room tied at 21.

New Haven began the third quarter with the ball but missed the three-point shot. Again, both teams had trouble getting a bucket, but New Haven was the first to strike, taking a two-point lead with 6:30 left. New Haven gathered some momentum and went on an 8-2 run to lead the game 29-23. The Pats tacked on two more, but the ‘Dogs scored eight more and were winning 37-26.

Heritage coach, Nick Ankenbruck, yelled to get his team fired up before the start of the fourth quarter. At the other bench, New Haven coach, Kurt Dagar, kept the team’s momentum rolling by drawing up plays and encouraging the players to keep driving. Early in the fourth quarter, the Patriots hit two free-throws that were shortly followed by two from New Haven. As the quarter wore on, fans for both teams became boisterous about the officiating, especially as the game grew more physical. But New Haven kept the momentum and outscored Heritage 14 to 11 in the fourth to win the game.

 

Qtr 1

Qtr 2

Qtr3

Qtr 4

Total

 

New Haven

17

4

16

14

51

 

Heritage

14

7

5

11

37

 

Player

Points

Rebounds

Steals

Assists

#12 Corbin Blair

2

2

2

1

#20 Logan Blair

8

3

1

4

#22 Justin Miller

13

1

2

0

#30 Randell Metzger

15

5

0

0

#34 Tyler Clendenen

4

6

1

1

#42 Joe Zumwalt

2

4

3

1

#54 Kyle Sovine

7

5

0

0

 

 

New Haven Wrestling Sends Three to Semi-State

By: Deanna Quinn

Of the eleven New Haven wrestlers at Regional's, three have advanced to the Semi-State competition. Nate Bloomfield advanced in the 140-pound weight class; Levy Francois advanced in the 145-pound weight class; and Zack Zurbrugg advanced in the 152-pound weight class.

Click here for photos

Senior Nate Bloomfield (31-8) defeated Churubusco’s A.J. Herron (21-7) in the opening round of the 140-pound bracket. In the semi-final round, Bloomfield faced Wade Thiel of North Side (30-3). Early in the match, Bloomfield found himself down 0-4 and managed to not let the near fall become a pin. After an escape, Bloomfield got a takedown before the end of the first period to bring the score to 3-4. To begin the second period, Bloomfield was allowed an escape and a point by Thiel, tying the score at 4, and with 1:07 left in the period, Bloomfield got a takedown and took the lead 6-4. Thiel managed an escape, and the second period ended with the score 6-5. Bloomfield started the third period on top and was working the upper body, but Thiel got a reversal that almost put Bloomfield on his back. The two reversal points and two near fall points gave Thiel the win at 6-9.

In the third place match, Bloomfield faced Garrett’s Shea Novy (32-5). At the opening whistle, Bloomfield went straight for Novy, getting a quick takedown and two near fall points. He held the lead 4-0. Another takedown by Bloomfield in the third period gave him a 6-0 win and third place at Regional's.

Junior Levy Francios (26-5) beat Jeremy Bailey (13-10) of Columbia City in the opening round of the 145-pound bracket. For the semi-finals, Francios faced Carroll’s Reece Lefever (29-2). Early in the match, Francios got a takedown but let Lefever up; the score was 2-1. From there Lefever took over and defeated Francios 2-5. In the third place match, Francios got pinned in the second period. He placed fourth at Regionals.

In the opening round of the 152-pound bracket, junior Zack Zurbrugg (27-10) defeated Whitko’s Cord Feasby (26-11) to advance to the semi-finals. There, he faced Carroll’s Jon Timmerman (25-8). In the first period, the wrestlers circled the mat, trying for takedowns. None were successful and no points were scored. To start the second period, Timmerman chose down, and at 1:06 in the period, he get an escape that is followed by quick takedown. Timmerman lead 3-0. As Timmerman worked the upper body, Zurbrugg got a reversal that Timmerman immediately countered with his own reversal. The score was 5-2. In the third period, Zurbrugg gets another reversal, and with 1:34 to go in the match, he gets two near fall points to take the lead, 5-6. With 53 seconds left, Timmerman escaped and tied the score at 6. Zurbrugg and Timmerman grappled and circled the mat. With 39 seconds to go, Zurbrugg shot to get a takedown and the lead at 6-8. With a few ticks left, Timmerman escaped, but time expired and Zurbrugg advanced to the finals by defeating Timmerman 7-8.

Zurbrugg faced Leo’s Garrett Weber (28-5) in the final match. Zurbrugg was aggressive at the opening whistle and got an early takedown and the lead at 2-0. Weber fought back and managed to escape. Zurbrugg got another takedown and, with 39 seconds left in the first, almost pinned Weber, earning three near fall points. At the end of the first, the score was 7-1. To begin the second period, Zurbrugg chose down and escaped for another point. Circling the mat, Weber got a clean shot and a takedown with 1:18 left. This time, Weber almost put Zurbrugg on his back and earned three near fall points. The score was 8-6. After a restart with 55 seconds left, Zurbrugg escaped and, with 15 seconds left, got a takedown to extend his lead. At the end of two, the score was 11-6. In the third period, Weber chose down. Zurbrugg immediately went to work on the upper body looking for a pin. Unfortunately, he got too high, and Weber reversed and pinned Zurbrugg at 1:19 in the third. Zurbrugg placed second at Regionals.

Semi-State begins Saturday, Feb. 13th, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. The meet begins at 9 a.m. and includes the top four wrestlers from the Carroll, Goshen, Jay County, and Peru Regionals.

 

Lady ‘Dogs Lose in Overtime on Senior Night

By: Deanna Quinn

On Friday, Feb. 5th, the New Haven Lady Bulldogs (10-9) hosted the Woodlan Lady Warriors (9-10) for Senior Night. Armstrong Arena was decorated with purple and gold signs honoring the four seniors: Madison Perkins, Ashley Perry, Abby Smith, and Kelsey Yoder. Just before tip-off, each player was escorted to center court by family members and introduced to the large crowd of students, family, and spectators. They received gifts, flowers, and balloons from the team and hugs from teammates. Though the girls were smiling, the moment was bitter-sweet as they were announced in the starting lineup for the last time at home. It was game time.

Woodlan won the opening tip and hit a three pointer on their first possession of the game. New Haven responded with a two-point bucket. The teams traded a couple more baskets, but the Bulldogs were getting out rebounded and out muscled under the basket. Their half-court trap produced some steals, and the Lady ‘Dogs stayed in the game by capitalizing on those turnovers. At the end of the first quarter Woodlan was leading 17-15.

In the second quarter, Woodlan continued to dominate on the boards and went on an 8-2 scoring run. Coach Gary Cobb called a time out with 4:42 left in the half and got his players fired up. The Bulldogs came out of the huddle and got a couple of quick baskets, but Woodlan changed the momentum by hitting a three-point shot and a lay-up to extend their lead their to seven. At half time the score was 30-23.

The Bulldogs came out the second half more physical on the boards and more relaxed with their offense. They outscored the Lady Warriors 13-6 and tied the game at 36 to end the third quarter.

As the fourth quarter started, tension rose in the players and the stands. Both crowds grew louder as time wound down. With 6:59 left in the game, Woodlan’s coach, Tonya Burns-Cohrs, received a technical foul after her player was called for a blocking foul when Kelsey Yoder drove to the basket. Woodlan fans erupted with boos and critical remarks as New Haven took the ball out of bounds after making two of four free-throws. Mid-way through the quarter, New Haven was on a 7-2 scoring run, but they couldn’t pull away with the lead. With 2:40 left, Woodlan hit two free-throws to pull within one, and Coach Cobb paced in front of the bench. Woodlan hit another free-throw with 1:11 left to tie the game at 43. After New Haven mishandled the rebound of the second free-throw, Woodlan had the ball and stalled to take the lost shot. New Haven’s Ashley Perry almost ran away with a steal with about seven seconds left, but a scramble for the loose ball ended in pileup at center court. Possession arrow went to Woodlan, and they had four seconds for a final shot. It did not fall, and the game headed to overtime with the scored tied at 43.

In overtime, nerves got to the Lady Bulldogs allowing Woodlan to go on a 9-2 scoring run. The Warriors never looked back and beat the Bulldogs on Senior Night 59-49.

 “I think that we played really hard,” said senior Madison Perkins. “We couldn’t have asked for anything more from the other girls. Tonight our shots didn’t fall, especially during the end of the game. It just felt like there was a lid on the basket.”

“We were kind of nervous starting off,” added senior Ashley Perry. “But we fought hard and at the end, we didn’t give up; it just didn’t happen.”

The game ended with players in tears as the seniors lost their last home game as a New Haven Bulldog.

“We’re not very happy with the outcome,” senior Kelsey Yoder said. “We should’ve played better and beat them. Shots just weren’t falling tonight, but we’re always there 100 percent.”

The Bulldogs are now looking forward to their sectional game Feb. 10th at 7:30 p.m. against Angola. The game will be played at Leo.

“All year long, everything we’ve done has pointed toward the sectional,” said Coach Cobb. “It’s a new season; Monday night we come into practice and start over. That’s where we are, and we’re looking forward to it. I think we can make a good run in the sectional. We match up very well against [Angola].”

Though they are looking forward toward the sectional tournament, senior night offered these four seniors and Coach Cobb a chance to reflect on their impact at New Haven.

“We’ve grown the past three years as a team with coach,” Yoder said. “It’s more than basketball. You make a lot of friends on this team.”

“We love Coach Cobb a lot,” added senior Abby Smith. “We think very highly of him.”

“These seniors mean so much,” said Coach Cobb. “They’ve really worked hard and dedicated themselves to making this program better. The program is now respected in the area, and they’re winning some games and playing some really good competition close. [The seniors] played a big part in that with their leadership and their work ethic. They’ve been great; they’re really going to be missed.”

Click Here For Photos

New Haven Girls Varsity Basketball Team

 

NHHS Band in Need of Community Support, Funding

By: Deanna Quinn

Band Director Joseph Godfrey conducted an emergency band meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2nd at New Haven High School to raise awareness in the community about the hardships the band is currently facing. Mr. Godfrey called this meeting because every school day he is surrounded by students who work extremely hard all year round to be competitive against bands four-times their size in Class B events.

“The most important part about this is these kids, and they love this activity,” said Mr. Godfrey, who is in his seventh year as band director. “But it takes money to run a band, and the last two years we’ve lost money that had to be recovered by emergency fundraisers. Last year we barely made it.  This year, it still wasn’t enough.”

The basic needs the band is raising money for this year include new music, instruments, and uniforms.

“We have damaged or unusable instruments in stock,” Mr. Godfrey said, “and we need help replacing and repairing these instruments. The band’s uniforms are falling apart and we need funding to replace those too. In order for us to have these tools to be successful, we have to spend some money, but there’s no money to be had right now.”

These instruments include cymbals, drums, oboes, and clarinets that are an average of 40 years old. Additionally, the band still uses a set of chimes from the 1930s. The uniforms are 10 years old, have begun to mold and mildew from hours of wear, and have been refitted so many times that they have started to sag and come apart at the seams.

Though much of the meeting was centered on raising money, Mr. Godfrey also spent a fair amount of time trying to raise support for the students in the band.

“Right now they don’t feel like they matter because a lot of what they hear, except for whatever happens in the band room, is that they don’t matter,” Mr. Godfrey said. “There are numerous times at football games the kids come off the field and, it’s always the freshmen, every year, who say, ‘Mr. Godfrey they didn’t even listen to us.’ They could hear the crowd talking over their playing, and it eats them up.”

Two such students marching off the field at those football games are juniors Matthew Thena and Wendey Bradtmueller, who are looking forward to their senior years. Unfortunately, they are looking into a band season in which they will be wearing the 10-year-old uniforms that are molding and fraying; in which they will practice when fellow band members don’t have instruments to play because their family can’t afford one and the school can’t provide one; in which they will again march into competition with only 6 to 7 families in the stands cheering them on.

“We’re not just looking for money,” said Bradtmueller, who started playing the trombone in fourth grade. “We’re also looking for support.”

 “At competition a lot of other bands have a cheer block sitting up in the stands,” elaborated Thena, who began playing saxophone in fifth grade. “That’s what we’ve been missing. There are other bands that have 50 to 60 families sitting in the stands, all in a group. So we’re definitely looking for support from the community for that. It not only makes us feel better, but it shows us that we can do this.”

If the band is unable to successfully raise funds, they will have to make budget cuts which will reduce the number of parades the band will march in, the number of evening activities at band camp, and the number of competitions during the school year.

“Don’t get me wrong, we’ll have the band,” Mr. Godfrey said with conviction. “We’ll do what we have to. These kids love this band.”

If you would like to donate your time or money to the high school band, contact Mr. Godfrey at jgodfrey@eacs.k12.in.us or (260) 446-0220 ext. 7238.

Below are different ways the community can help.

Individuals/Families
-Band Boosters: $5/year and giving time to band
-Donations of old instruments
-Time Donations
-Monetary donations for a scholarship fund for students who cannot afford band fees
-Service Projects: Make donations in exchange for service projects

Corporations/Businesses (Advertisements given in return)
-Sponsor a competition: $3,000
-Sponsor half a competition: $1,500
-Sponsor part of a competition: $500

 

 

New Haven Citizens’ Academy Met for First Time

By: Deanna Quinn

The New Haven Citizen’s Academy met for the first time last night in the police training room at City Hall. This was the first of four sessions that will be conducted at City Hall in an effort to provide area citizens with a better understanding of city government and its departments and functions.

Last night’s participants were greeted by Mayor Terry McDonald, who was followed by Police Chief Michael Sweet, Fire Chief John Bennett, and Code Enforcer Tim Fox. These three city officials gave power point presentations that explained the functions, funding, and activities of their departments. After each presentation, the registered participants had an opportunity to ask each speaker nonpolitical questions.

Police Chief Michael Sweet addresses the large crowd

“I’ve lived in New Haven for close to twenty years,” said participant Rachel McNett. “I signed up because I wanted an opportunity to know the community better. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this evening has far exceeded that.”

In addition to the interested citizens, many participants were neighborhood association presidents, who were encouraged to attend the academy at the mayor’s Neighborhood Association Presidents Meeting.

Mr. Doug Geller MC's the event

“I want to know more about the city’s policies and procedures,” said Robert Ritz, president of the Canal Ridge Association, “—to know who to talk to about neighborhood problems.”

After the session concluded, Police Chief Sweet took participants on a tour of City Hall.

“I think the evening went pretty well,” volunteer coordinator Doug Geller said. “It’s [the city’s] first attempt. I’m sure we’ll refine it. The participants really enjoyed it.”

Fire Chief John Bennett explains the free smoke detector program

The next three sessions for registered participants in the Citizens’ Academy are Feb. 16th, March 2nd, and March 16th. All sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the police training room in City Hall.

Citizens tour the police firing range during their facility tour

If you are interested in participating in the fall sessions of the Citizens’ Academy, contact Deb Anne Smith in the Mayor’s Office at (260) 748-7070.

 

 

City Council Meeting: January 26, 2010

By: Deanna Quinn


Adams Center Road Reconstruction and Widening Project
The big topic on Tuesday night’s agenda at the City Council meeting was the Adams Center Road Reconstruction and Widening Project. Director of Engineering Keith Schlegel made a presentation to the board that explained the roadway development. A proposed agreement drafted by the City of Fort Wayne (the leading party on the project) states that Adams Center Road between I 469 and SR 930 needs improvements that include “the reconstruction and widening of the existing roadway to heavy industrial standards, bridges across a railroad track and across the Trier Ditch and a section of the new Six Mile Creek Trail.”
In his presentation, Schlegel stated that the preliminary analysis of the soil and pavement along the road has exposed that current conditions cannot support the type of industries that may be looking to build along Adams Center. Schlegel revealed that an intermodal transportation service company has interest in the area near the railroad tracks. If Adams Center was improved to the “heavy industrial standards,” this type of company is feasible and could possibly bring other development to the area.
In the meantime, the project committee is waiting to learn if the TIGER Discretionary Grant they applied for has been accepted by the federal government. Schlegel is optimistic it will be approved.
If the grant is not approved, New Haven will be responsible for 31 percent of the project’s estimated cost. Work could begin on Adams Center Road as early as 2013 or 2014.
Citizens Academy
New Haven is offering a four-part seminar called the Citizens Academy in February and March. The seminar is designed to give citizens nonpolitical information about the functions of city government. People interested in attending the seminar can obtain a registration form from the Mayor’s Office or download one from the city’s homepage (www.newhavenin.org) under the “Press Releases” heading.
According to Doug Geller, the city volunteer coordinator, department heads will attend the seminars to share information about their division of city government. Thirty-one participants have already enrolled. The seminars will take place on Feb. 2, Feb. 16, Mar. 2, and Mar. 16. Each session begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last two hours.

 

Staying in New Haven: How Colts Fans

Watched the AFC Title Game

By: Deanna Quinn

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As fans in Indianapolis were funneled through the corridors to their seats in Lucas Oil Stadium, Colts fans in New Haven opened the door to their favorite town bars to find a great seat in front of a big screen to watch the showdown with the New York Jets.
Walking into 469 Sports and Spirits (1324 Minnich Road), Colts fans found themselves in the midst of Sunday pool league where pool sticks stood up as proudly as they did in their blue and white Colts gear. Some of these fans bellied up to the bar, while others found their seat at a table in front of the four big screen TVs hung on the front wall of the bar. All four TVs showed the same scene: The AFC Championship game.  The jukebox was off, and from their seats 134 miles from Indy, they could hear Peyton Manning make his calls from the field.  Even though they were not a rowdy group, they were on the edge of their seats as the Colts failed to score a touchdown at the end of the first quarter. The score was 0-0.
As fans in Lucas Oil Stadium paid $7 for a 16 oz. draft beer, New Haven Colts fans found a far better deal at Carl’s Tavern (433 Broadway Street). Here, they could pay just $2 for the same beer, keep the Colts glass, get a refill for a buck, and share a beer with fellow fanatics in the cozy atmosphere of the small bar.  This crowd of 18 strong hooped and hollered along with the 63,000 fans in the Luke. The two men rooting for New York cheered in good fun as the Jets went into half-time with a lead over the Colts. The score was 13-17.
As people lined up to buy high-priced nachos and popcorn at the stadium, New Haven fans took advantage of the free buffet at Across the Tracks (615 Broadway Street). Football fans could fill their bellies with cheese and crackers, chips and dip, and cold meat sandwiches. The intimate groups of regular patrons sat shoulder-to-shoulder and cheered as the Colts took the lead in the third quarter. The score was 20-17.
As fans moved from vendor to vendor and stood in line at the Luke, missing snippets of the game, Colts fans at Rack & Helen’s (525 Broadway Street) didn’t miss a moment as food and drinks were brought to their tables by the fast and friendly staff. The dimly lit space provided a great view of the game from 14 big screens hung throughout the bar. Jeers and laughter filled the room as the Colts continued to build their lead by adding 10 more points to the scoreboard. After Kelvin Hayden picked off the Jet’s quarterback, Mark Sanchez, fans celebrated with pats on the back and high fives, knowing the Colts are going to the Super Bowl. As the fourth quarter ended and confetti fell on the fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, fans in New Haven celebrated the AFC Champions, paid their tabs, and made the short journey home. The final score was 30-17.

 

 

Bulldogs Just Short of Upset over Top-Ranked Knights
By: Deanna Quinn

The New Haven Lady Bulldogs fell a field goal short of defeating the Norwell Lady Knights, the class 3A top-ranked team.
The Knights came into Armstrong Area 15-0 looking to stay undefeated, while the Bulldogs were looking to improve on their 10-5 record. New Haven played a controlled first quarter from the opening tip by scoring on their first possession and pushing the ball in transition.  They committed no fouls, made 4 out of 4 free throws and out rebounded the Knights at both ends of the floor. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 12-8, with the Bulldogs holding a four point lead.
Even though three of their first six possessions of the second quarter were turnovers, New Haven went on a run and extended their lead to nine. Again, the Bulldogs were dominant on the boards, but the physical play had the ‘Dogs diving on loose balls, chasing down passes and grappling for jump balls on the floor. Mid-way through the quarter, the Knights marched back, and with the help of seven New Haven fouls, cut the lead to three by half time. The score was 26-23.
In the third quarter, Norwell struck first cutting the lead to one, but New Haven answered back with two free-throws. Norwell then went on a 13-6 run, swinging the momentum and gaining the lead at 38-34 to end the third quarter.
The two teams traded baskets early in the fourth quarter. With less than three minutes to play, New Haven cut Norwell’s lead to one, and Eric Thornton, coach of the Lady Knights, had to bring in Jessica Rupright, their 6’2” sophomore center. Rupright sat out the rest of the game due to a hamstring injury. On Norwell’s first possession with Rupright in the game, New Haven fouled her on the shot, and she made the first of two. New Haven was down by only two points. On an ensuing possession, the Bulldogs make one of two free-throws and were again down by one.
The teams traded baskets near the end, and with 15.5 seconds left in the game New Haven immediately fouled on Norwell’s in-bound pass to stop the clock. Norwell’s Jenelle Wilson headed to foul line with a one-and-one.  On her front-end miss, New Haven rebounded the ball and drove down the floor.  After a couple of passes at the top of the key, New Haven’s Richelle Moyer drove right and got a good shot off from just above the block with less than two seconds left in the game. That shot just didn’t fall, and with Norwell’s rebound, the Lady Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker at home 48-47.