Donations flowing in for historical society fundraiser
By Sandy Rose Schwieterman - For the Sidney Daily News
NEW KNOXVILLE – “We’re blowing the roof off donations,” said Todd Spieles, president of the New Knoxville Historical Society. Burgeoning donations for a first-ever fundraising effort are guaranteeing much-needed renovation work at the New Knoxville Historical Society property in the village.
On Tuesday, Spieles said the donations already stand at $16,292 toward their $25,000 goal. The campaign, which began Dec. 14 and ends Feb. 14, will fund repairs of five buildings owned by the society. This is the first fundraiser for the Historical Society since being formed in 1984.
Council wraps up 2020 business
NEW KNOXVILLE – The New Knoxville Council meet Monday, Dec. 28, to finish up year-end business.
They approved an ordinance allocating 2021 income tax receipts toward the retirement of the following notes; $4,425 toward the South Street project, $3,600 toward Mill Street project, $1,834.06 toward Laura Street project, $31,710 toward Water Bond, $10,200 toward Bremen Street storm sewer project, and $5,200 toward West Bremen street improvements.
Other ordinances approved were third readings on: transferring funds of $15,266.22 from the water fund to the water bond fund for the year 2021, transferring funds of $32,091.50 from the general fund to debt service fund for the year 2021, transfer $15,000 from the general fund Capital Assets Fire/Emergency, transfer $30,000 from the sewer fund to the sewer reserve fund, and transfer $100,000 from the electric fund to the electric reserve fund.
Swimming pool leak source discovered
By Sandy Rose Schwieterman - For the Sidney Daily News
NEW BREMEN – The reason for the million gallon leak at the municipal pool were explained at the Tuesday, Dec. 29, New Bremen Council meeting.
Village Administrator Brent Richter said inspection by Astro Pools revealed that several pipes leading to and from the pool had developed leaks that allowed the water to escape all summer. Richter said the pool, which was built in the late 1990’s, had schedule 40 pipe, which was the standard at the time. Current standards are to use schedule 80 piping. He also said the company would be back Wednesday to complete the pipe inspections. No cost had been estimated for repairs.
Donations received for welding booths
By Sandy Rose Schwieterman - For the Sidney Daily News
NEW KNOXVILLE – The progress on the new welding booths was shared at the Monday, Dec. 28, New Knoxville Board of Education meeting.
Kim Waterman, superintendent and K-3 principal, told the Board that so far, instructor Rusty Knapke had collected $10,500 in donations toward the purchase of welding booths. These booths are part of the district’s new Agriculture program which is planned to begin in the 2021-22 school year.
Those who donated funds included Bambauer Equipment, New Knoxville Supply, Brett Fledderjohann and Tom and Diane Fledderjohann.
Waterman reminded the board that Knapke’s goal is to have four welding booths installed, at a cost of $4400 each and an exhaust system which would cost $12,968.
Danone expands non-gender specific parental leave
By Sandy Rose Schwieterman - For the Sidney Daily News
MINSTER – The 330 hourly employees and 100 salaried staff members of Minster’s Danone Plant will benefit by the Danone North America expansion of its gender-neutral Parental Bonding Leave policy.
The new policy provides 18 weeks of leave for a new parent, whether they be male or female.
“Not only is it the right thing to do to provide all parents the time they need to care for and bond with a new child, but ultimately we believe this policy will lead to stronger, more engaged teams,” said David Merritt, Danone’s senior plant director in Minster.