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By Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel, on March 9th, 2010
On January 15, 2010 Rep. Mark Souder sent a letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service seeking responses to concerns of residents in Bristol and in other towns in his congressional district (IN-03). Souder asked that a response be sent to Cory Martin, director of his Goshen office, who has been personally involved in making inquiries on behalf of Bristol constituents.
Cory has received a letter, dated February 9, from the office of the Inspector General. The letter was signed by Betsy A. Cuthbertson, Manager, Congressional Response.
The main paragraph of the letter stated the following: “We believe that this matter can best be addressed by the Postal Service Government Relations Office. Therefore, we have forwarded your correspondence to officials there and have asked for a direct response to you.” Cory has promised to keep Bristol residents informed of any progress in this matter.
At issue is the matter of consolidation of rural post offices, which has happened in various small towns in northeast Indiana. Bristol’s rural carriers were transferred to Elkhart in January 2010.
Souder’s original letter asked if consolidation was only happening at leased facilities, and if such offices were more likely to be closed in the future. He also requested a copy of the study or report which stated the criteria to be used in implementing consolidations. A specific breakdown of the anticipated cost savings was also sought.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 The BHS basketball team photograph shown at right is from the 1924-1925 school year. (Photo provided) Elkhart County has participated in organized basketball for over 100 years, and the tradition continues today as Sectionals are concluded throughout Indiana. The Elkhart County Historical Museum will celebrate this history during a series of talks on Thursday, March 11, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Museum Director Nick Hoffman will first discuss Elkhart County’s earliest recorded basketball history. Among the first organized teams was Goshen High School whose original squad dated back to the 1908-1909 season — one year prior to Elkhart High School. By 1930 most schools in the county had competitive teams and each school played each other regardless of enrollment. Hoffman’s program will focus on local basketball history to 1941, changing rules of the game, and the first sectionals held in 1916.
Following Hoffman’s presentation, former Elkhart Truth sportswriter Stanley Lewallen will discuss his experiences covering Elkhart County basketball from the 1950s to 1971. Among Lewallen’s highlights includes his final trip in 1970-1971 following Elkhart to the State Championship game. Elkhart was defeated by East Chicago Washington. Through stories about celebrated teams, players and games, Lewallen will shed light on local basketball history during his career covering county sports.
“Basketball is probably one of the first things people associate with Indiana,” says Hoffman. “After our current sectionals, we hope to celebrate and reflect on Elkhart County’s fascinating legacy in basketball on the local and state scene.”
The Museum will display its collection of high school sports materials, such as letter jackets and early gym shoes. Photographs will be shown throughout the program, including a recent donation by John Clark of the 1954 reception parade for Elkhart High School. Elkhart had just returned from the state tournament after a disappointing semi-final loss to Muncie Central. Muncie Central was then defeated 32-30 by Milan in perhaps the most famous state title game in Indiana’s history.
Visitors coming to the program are encouraged to bring photographs, share memories, and wear their letter jackets from High School.
Pre-registration is preferred by contacting Museum Director Nick Hoffman at 848-4322 or nick@elkhartcountyparks.org.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 Joann Williams measures her daughter, Jenna, for a princess sash, for the upcoming Bristol Homecoming Scholarship Pageant. (Photo provided) The Bristol Homecoming Scholarship Pageant is pleased to announce the following girls who will be Princesses for the upcoming Homecoming Festival: Brooke Mawhorter, Bridgette Mawhorter, Taylor Cathey, Alexis Bossnak, Kassidy Farley, Riley Floyd, Lauren Gingrich, Jenna Williams, Raven Knapp, Madeline Congdon, Sienne Eby, Lizzie Anderson, and Hazel Manning.
There is still some time to sign up for the Bristol Princess program! Please call Joann Williams at 848-0592 for more information.
Bristol TEEN, our newest competition, is open to girls 13 through 17. Please call Andrea Badke at 848-7199 for more information on this fun program.
The Bristol QUEEN competition is for girls 18 through 25, and also girls who competed in the queen competition in 2009, even if they are under 18.
We have a lot of activities coming up, starting this month! Please call and get registered so you can participate in these events!
Any Bristol lady 60 years or older may participate in the Bristol Senior Queen competition.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 Students enjoy taking a try at one of the games during last year’s PTO Family Fun Fair. (Photo provided) The annual PTO Family Fun Fair is scheduled for Friday, March 26, 2010 from 5 to 8 PM. There will be food, games, prizes, community groups, make and take crafts, a cake walk, concessions, inflatable’s and a dunk tank. Tickets will be on sale at the school March 24 and 25 and will be sold at the door. Bring the whole family for a terrific evening of fun.
These activities are very important to the students and they couldn’t be held without the help of the volunteers. The Family Fun Fair is another terrific volunteer opportunity. If you would be interested in helping, please leave a message at the school for the PTO.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
-By Cathy Burke, Bristol Census Information
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States defines the Census……
“The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of 10 years, in such manner as they shall by Law direct”.
Since 1975, the Census Bureau has had the responsibility to produce small-area population data needed to redraw state legislative and congressional districts. Census data is needed to help with the distribution of funds for government programs such as Medicaid, planning the right locations for schools, etc. More than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public works projects and emergency services.
“…an accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important but often overlooked political, economic, and social decisions that are made that end up affecting our daily lives.”
–C.N. Le, Professor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Information gained from the Census is used to provide data to government agencies who approve grant requests from communities like ours. It is extremely important when applying for grants, whether for a local road improvement, police department (equipment and training), utility services or other municipal improvement money to have accurate information used. The Census figures determine not only what type of grant Bristol may qualify for but also the amount of money that may be available.
That’s why it’s so important that you fill in the form and promptly mail it back. When you do the math, it’s easy to see what an accurate count of residents can do for our community.
This month, Census Forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don’t mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. Participation isn’t just important – it’s mandatory
Remember: Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.
By Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel, on March 7th, 2010
 The Strieb family enjoys working together while assisting their customers with choosing the right equipment. Matt and Mandy are shown with their children (l to r) Dane, Evie and Keil. (Photo by Jacob Shaffer) Fluid Fun Canoe and Kayak Sales is located at 609 N. Division Street in Bristol, just north of the St. Joseph River bridge. There customers will see an inventory of 400 boats, making Fluid Fun the largest paddlesports dealer in the entire Midwest.
The owners, Matt and Mandy Streib, sell 600 boats each year. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (“On Sunday we’re paddling,” says Matt.) Call 848-4279 for more information.
Although the store has an interesting website (www.fluidfun.com), the Streibs do not sell boats online, because different needs make it impossible to select a boat properly without taking it for a “test drive.” Since the store has access to the St. Joseph River, customers can fulfill the motto “try before you buy.”
In order to understand the customers’ needs, sales staff members ask questions of prospective buyers, such as: Why do you want a boat? Do you live on the water? Do you plan to transport the boat? They then look at various boats, trying them out for weight, size, comfort, and handling. Boats can range in price from $265 to $4,000, so choosing the right one is important.
The sales personnel at Fluid Fun have an extraordinarily high level of experience and expertise to offer. Terry and Jan Streib, Matt’s parents, started selling canoes out of their back yard in the early 1970s. They acquired the Fluid Fun name in 1978, sold the business to Matt a few years ago, and still help with sales. Both of them, as well as Matt and Mandy, have held national championships in paddlesports competitions. All the Streibs continue to spend time in their beloved boats. Matt says that he is “on the river 300 days a year.”
Matt recently attended a successful boat show in Indianapolis, and is now preparing for a show in Fort Wayne. The Outdoor Sports, Lake & Cabin Show will be held March 12-14 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Matt plans to offer special deals on the 30 boats he will display there. He will also offer one “Show Stopper” each day for the super low price of $175, on a “first come, first served” basis.
Matt and Mandy, when not paddling, are busy raising the next generation of water enthusiasts, Dane (2 ½), Evie (14 months), and Keil (two weeks old). Matt also has a daughter, Kinsey, who is a communications student at Purdue University.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 Edward Jones employees are pictured above left to right: Jeff Estep, Sandi Miller, Sharon Dawson and Bert Molner. (Photo by Jeff Stanley) Award-winning success in Bristol has given Bert Molner and Sharon Dawson the opportunity to specialize in offering exciting new financial products and services to their clients and the community. Financial advisor Molner is a partner with Edward Jones Investments (EJI), whose corporate offices are in St. Louis, and Dawson is the Branch Office Administrator at the Bristol location, 203 E. Vistula Street, across from the Bristol Opera House.
Their ability to pursue new avenues of service will be greatly assisted by the imminent opening of a new branch office in Elkhart Plaza West on North Nappanee Street in Elkhart. Jeff Estep, handpicked and trained by Molner, will staff the new location.
Jeff will take over responsibility for the Investment Club started by Molner and Dawson. With almost 400 members, it is the largest such group in the Midwest. Jeff will also provide service to about one-half of the current clients now served from the Bristol office of EJI.
These changes will allow Bert and Sharon to concentrate on utilizing their rich and varied experiences, and the expertise they have worked hard to attain. Among those who can reap the benefits of this new focus are successful entrepreneurs, investors seeking to increase income and reduce taxes, those planning their legacies, and those working with wealth transfers.
Both Bert and Sharon are specialists in estate planning and probate matters. They plan to expand their service to business owners seeking to sell or merge their companies, and to those who are exploring exit strategies leading to retirement. They have hired an additional staff member to assist with these expansion efforts.
Molner and Dawson work hard to keep up with new developments in legislation and in the field of financial services. One technique, called “Golden Handcuffs,” is being used by business owners to attract, retain, and reward key employees. As an incentive for productive tenure, the employer purchases a policy which will give a long-term employee generous insurance benefits and tax-free retirement income.
Another new product will allow older clients to plan successfully for long term care (LTC), either at home or in a residential facility. New insurance and investment provisions allow individuals to obtain long term care without having to sell all their assets first. Even those above 70 years of age are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity.
More information can be acquired by calling 848-9070, where the phone is actually answered by a friendly human being. Bert and Sharon are dedicated to continuing to offer personal service built on trust, in a climate where it is still possible to “do business on a handshake.” Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel, on March 7th, 2010
Two positions on the four-member Bristol Town Council (BTC) will be contested in the 2010 election process. Dan Watson will seek re-election, but Tom Stutsman has decided not to run for another term. Barb Long and Floyd Lynch are not up for election this year.
Watson, a Democrat, will be unopposed in the May 4 primary. Four individuals have filed as Republicans, of which two will be selected. They are Ann Andre, Cathy Burke, Delbert Shrock, and James Teall. Further information on the 2010 elections can be studied at the official government website, elkhartcountyclerk.com.
Dan Watson and two of the Republicans running in the primary will be on the ballot for the November election. Citizens wishing to run as independents can file for the general election until noon on June 30. In addition to filling out prescribed forms, they will need to gather signatures of registered voters equal to 2% of the total votes cast in Bristol for Secretary of State in the 2006 election.
 Ann Andre |
Ann Andre operates the Murphy Guest House in Bristol, with the help of her husband, Gary. They “love the town,” she says, and are very interested in promoting its continued welfare. She would like to see the BTC actively encourage more retail businesses in town and aggressively pursue the proposed truck bypass of the downtown area. |
 Cathy Burke |
Cathy Burke is a warranty analyst for ASA Corporation in Elkhart. She has previous experience on the BTC, having served one full term several years ago. She thinks her accounting experience can be an asset to the BTC. She would like to help the town develop a website and construct a skateboard area in one of its parks. |
 James Teall |
James Teall is a self-employed tax preparer and a member of the Bristol Public Library board of directors, appointed by the BTC. He is interested in helping maintain strong local government, including the town and the townships. He wants to preserve the quality of life in Bristol, and keep the town from losing its “identity.” |
 Delbert Schrock |
Delbert Shrock, retired, has never run for public office, but feels he would like to “give something back” to the “great town” in which he lives. Having “no axe to grind,” he is merely interested in serving his community. |
 Dan Watson |
Dan Watson is the owner of Watson Computer Service in Bristol. He has served for the past four years on the BTC. One of his goals, if re-elected, is to help formulate a comprehensive long-range plan for Bristol, which he thinks would be of assistance in obtaining grants for infrastructure projects. He would also like to see the eventual construction of a new and larger town hall building. |
By Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel, on March 7th, 2010
The February 18 meeting of the Bristol Town Council (BTC) drew an audience of about 50 persons, who came primarily for a legally necessary public hearing about a proposed new “Fire Protection Territory” (FPT). The meeting was held at the Bristol Public Library to accommodate the anticipated crowd.
A public hearing is required by Indiana statutes when a new such territory is proposed, because an FPT has taxing authority. As such, it falls under the jurisdiction of the state’s Department of Local Government Financing (DLGF), which has to approve the first year’s budget of an FPT.
The arguments in favor of the new arrangement were presented by Steve Carter of Umbaugh and Associates, a consulting firm hired by the Bristol Fire Department (BFD). He noted that the BFD is experiencing budgetary problems, because, as a private nonprofit corporation, it does not have direct taxing authority.
The department now derives most of its income from contracts for fire service negotiated with the town of Bristol, Washington Township, and York Township. Carter stated that the town of Bristol would benefit from the removal from its budget of the annual contract for fire protection service, a point conceded by members of the BTC.
Under the proposed new FPT, Carter stated, tax rates would be equalized for all those receiving fire protection by the BFD. Bristol residents would see an increase of 1.4%, while those in Washington Township would experience a larger increase. York Township would continue under contract to the BFD to cover about half its territory.
The new FPT would have a proposed annual operating budget of $589,000, with a $100,000 fund to replace aging equipment. The proposed budget does not include any funds for a satellite fire station north of the St. Joseph River, which had been desired by the BFD to provide better service to northwestern Washington Township.
Another factor mentioned by Carter is the attempt by some in the Indiana legislature to eliminate township governments. He maintained that the proposed change would provide a “buffer layer” to prevent the future compromise of fire protection in the Bristol area.
Fire Chief Fay Kemp and other officers of the BFD emphasized that their work is now hampered by budget constraints. Kemp said she would like to hire two more full time persons and increase the salaries of those now on staff. Good employees are now leaving, she said, for departments which pay more than the BFD can afford.
In the ensuing discussion, the matter of “provider unit” was brought up. The Indiana statute governing FPTs stipulates that one of the participating governmental entities must be designated as the “provider unit,” which would have responsibility for budgetary and operational supervision.
It was their intention, members of the BTC said, to work out a shared responsibility, no matter whether the town of Bristol or Washington Township was named “provider unit.” In addition, some noted, the board of directors of the BFD would continue to oversee the day-to-day functions of the department.
Several audience members stated their concerns about increased taxes, while others said the modest increases amounted to “a cheap insurance policy.” Several former volunteer firefighters emphasized that it is increasingly difficult to provide dependable firefighting and ambulance services by relying on volunteers. Others voiced a fear of the county taking over the BFD, if the local department cannot obtain the funds needed to upgrade service and acquire new equipment.
At the conclusion of the period allowed for public comments, the Bristol Town Council passed a resolution to proceed to a second public meeting. It was noted that the approval process must be completed by April 1, 2010, after which date the proposal could not be initiated again before January 1, 2011.
Those interested in this issue should watch for public announcements of the next public meeting date and location.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
Notice of correction: In the February issue of the Bristol Bugle, the Bristol Elementary School’s Spell Bowl Team picture was incorrectly identified. The caption should have read as listed below. The correction was also published on our web site: bristolbugle.com.
 Pictured above are Bristol Elementary School’s Spelling Bowl Team participants. From l to r, front row: Nicole King, Spell Bowl Coach, Nicole Mishler, Tyler Smith, Adrianna Cain, Hailey Hamilton, Jenna Williams, and Julian Acosta. Back row: Glen Hartl, Casey Tingstrom, Raleigh Ball, Raven Duncan, Heather Ferggison, Eric Chavrria, and Olivia Wagner. (Photo by Jacob Shaffer)
By Bristol Bugle News correspondent Jim Nickel, on March 7th, 2010
At its February 28 meeting the four-member Bristol Town Council (BTC) voted unanimously to change the zoning of the Bristolpipe property on East Vistula Street from M-1 (manufacturing) to B-2 (business).
The decision followed a lengthy public hearing, during which the 50 audience members heard arguments on both sides of the issue. The session was held in the meeting room of the Bristol Public Library to accommodate the large number citizens interested in this issue and the later hearing about forming a new fire protection territory.
The assembly was informed that the Elkhart County Plan Commission had voted against the proposed rezoning. Robert Nemeth, a member of the Planning Department, was on hand to present the reasons for the commission’s opposition. He noted that the Plan Commission is merely advisory in this regard, and that the final decision rests with the elected members of the Bristol Town Council.
Nemeth stated that zoning changes are normally requested by the property owner, which was not the case in this matter. (The BTC has long felt that a manufacturing plant, even though in existence at the Vistula Street site since 1959, is not appropriate on the main street of a downtown area.)
Nemeth also noted that the Bristolpipe building could be used for other business purposes without rezoning, if so desired. He mentioned that there is a potential buyer for the facilities, whose interest might be adversely affected by a zoning change.
Glenn Duncan, legal counsel for the BTC, then summarized the reasons he had presented to the county Plan Commission for the rezoning. He began by saying that there was no need for Bristol to lose jobs over this issue, since the current owner could continue to manufacture pipe there under a “non-conforming use,” commonly known as “grandfathering.”
Duncan then described the primary concern of the BTC, namely, that the M-1 classification is broad enough to permit the use of the property for industries that could generate waste products that would be harmful to the town’s sewer system. He noted that covenant restrictions prohibit such industries in Bristol’s two large commercial parks.
The floor was then opened for public comments. The current owner of the affected property said that Bristolpipe has “been a good neighbor,” and that only one formal complaint has been filed. He is confident that many letters supporting his position could have been obtained, if that had been desired.
Dennis Marcott, an Elkhart businessman, informed the group that he was interested in purchasing the building, but a zoning change might cause him to rethink his plans. He said that he “wants to be a good citizen,” and that he “doesn’t want to cause trouble.”
After several other audience members made comments, both pro and con, the public hearing was declared to be closed. The four members of the BTC then gave their unanimous approval to the zoning change.
Following brief intermission, a public hearing was then held concerning the proposed new Fire Protection Territory. (See separate article for a complete report on that subject.)
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 From left to right: District Governor William Wallace, Paula Seegers, Paul Seegers, Camla Seegers, and Richard Seegers. (Photo provided) The Bristol Lions Club has presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship award to Lion Richard (Dick) Seegers to honor him for 30 years of service to the Lions and his community. This award was established by Lions Clubs International in 1973 and is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones. Richard was sponsored for membership 30 years ago by Lion Gene Sobczak who is himself a MJ Fellow. In the course of his many years of service Richard has held many offices in the club including President. He has been a tireless supporter of the club and its many community service programs. Present for the award ceremony were Richard’s wife Paula and son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Camla Seegers. Presenting the award was Lion District Governor William Wallace.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 Dodgeballs will be bouncin’ off the walls at North Side Gym April 10 as the Elkhart Lions launch the first ever Lions Dodgeball Spectacle. The Spectacle is a co-ed dodgeball tournament benefiting the visually impaired. The tournament is sponsored by the Elkhart Lions Club in cooperation with WZOW FM 97.7, which is providing media support.
Dodgeball tournaments are springing up all over the country, as the amateur sport has been enjoying a recent resurgence, buoyed somewhat by the movie featuring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn.
Dave Dufour, project chairman for the Lions sponsored event commented, “The idea for a dodgeball tournament here in Elkhart seemed like a natural when I first heard of the sport’s recent growth. Everybody knows how to play, basically, and it can be as friendly or competitive as you like it. And of course it’s for a good cause — fighting blindness and other visual impairments.”
The Lions Dodgeball Spectacle is a co-ed tournament for amateur players 18 and up. So, all teams have to have at least three women, and they have to start each match.Tournament happens at North Side Gym, April 10, 2010 with prelims in the morning and finals in the afternoon.This is an NADA (National Amateur Dodgeball Association) sanctioned tournament played by NADA rules.We’ll have no more than 32 teams, with preliminary round-robin matches in the morning and the final brackets in the afternoon.ANYbody 18 and over can play. Team registration forms are available at http://lionsdodgeball.com.Team registrations close April 1. Teams registering prior to March 1 will get a $25.00 early bird registration discount.
Winning teams will get free registration in the Summer Adult National tournament in Schaumburg, IL, and there will be cash prizes (to be announced) for top winners.
More information is at www.lionsdodgeball.com.
By Bristol Bugle, on March 7th, 2010
 Steve and Pauline Mihojevich are pictured outside their brick home located on SR 120 East of downtown Bristol. (Photo by Jacob Shaffer) Steve and Pauline Mihojevich were chosen to receive the Bristol Beautification Award last month. The Mihojevich’s have owned the home for 25 years restoring the home to its original splendor and completing all of the work themselves.
The 6,000 sq. ft. home has housed everything from a nursing home to an antique and jewelry shop. Pauline also operated a bed and breakfast there for 8 years.
Often known as the Milburn house, the home has been the center of many tales, particularly ghost stories and claims of unexplained missing items.
Nominations for the beautification award can be emailed to: bristolnews@aol.com or mailed to the Bristol Bugle, P.O. Box 414, Bristol, IN 46507.
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