July 2011
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
Topeka Town News — From The Clerk’s Desk
by DeWayne Bontrager, Town Clerk
Our nation's founding fathers knew how to count
the cost of liberty, We often forget that in declaring
independence from earthly power, our forefathers
made a forthright declaration of dependence on
Almighty God. The closing words of the Declaration of
Independence solemnly declare, "With a firm reliance
on protection of Divine Providence, we mutually
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our
sacred honor."
The fifty-six courageous men who signed that
document understood that this was not just highsounding rhetoric,. They knew that if they succeeded,
they best they could expect would be years of hardship
in a struggling nation. If they lost, they would face the
hangman's noose as traitors.
Of the fifty-six men, few were long to survive. Five
were captured by the British and tortured before they
died. Twelve had their homes either sacked, looted,
occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons
in the army. One had two sons captured. Nine died
in the war ... from it's hardships or from it's bullets.
Whatever idea you have of the men who met that
hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we
remember certain facts about the men who made
this pledge. They were men of mean; rich men, most
of them, who enjoyed much ease and luxury in their
personal lives. Not hungry men but prosperous men,
wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their
prosperity; and respected in their communities. They
considered liberty much more important than the
security they enjoyed, and they pledged their lives,
their fortunes and their sacred honor. They fulfilled
• Community Calendar •
their pledge, paid the price, and freedom was won. "To
be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome
responsibility." Yet freedom is never free. It is always
purchased at a great cost.
Throughout most Indiana cities and towns this year,
there will be municipal elections to fill a number of
positions. This is the grass roots movement resulting
from the efforts of our founding fathers. Some positions
will remain the same while others may change. This
year, Topeka will have two council seats and the
Clerk-Treasurer position open up for election. July is
the month to file if anyone is interested in running.
You need to file at the LaGrange Court House in the
Clerk's office before August 2. The caucus will be held
in Topeka and the Clerk-Treasurer is responsible to
make those preparations. In order to be a candidate,
you have to live in the corporate limits of Topeka
and be a registered voter. Though not required, it is
considered a given that an elected official may have to
sacrifice personal benefits for the good of the residents
during times of decision.
Changing gears now ... we commend Danielle
Hill for her organization and operation of the Little
League program for a number of years. She has done
an excellent job but has decided that this is her last
season. Anyone interested in taking over the duties of
Little League 2012 should contact the Clerk-Treasurer's
office. Now is time for the replacement to begin work
for next year rather than waiting for the last minute.
Shipshewana Police Department
The Shipshewana Police Department reports the
following activity for the month of May 2011:
Police Services:
see page 33
Funeral Details..................3
VIN/HIN Checks..............9
Alarms..............................11
Open Doors.....................13
Accidents
Property Damage.........11
Personal Injury............... 1
Assist Agencies.................24
Motorist Assist.................15
Medic Assist.......................3
Pedestrian Assist................1
J
uly 22-24 Beginning Experience Weekend Retreat
Arrests:
July 2 Howe Lions Club Ice Cream Social............5 pm
59
see page
July 4
July 9-16
July 11
July 14
Topeka Independence Day - see back page
LaGrange County 4-H Fair - see page 2
Topeka Town Council Meeting...................4 pm
Shipshewana Town Council Meeting.........6 pm
Town Hall - Meeting Room
Westview School Board Meeting.................7 pm
J
uly 18-22 Mega Sports Camp @ Eden Worship Center
see page 3
Page 62
July 23 Cowboy Day @ David Rogers Park
July 25 Topeka Town Council Meeting...................4 pm
July 28 Shipshewana Town Council Meeting.........6 pm
Town Hall - Meeting Room
July 30 Fifth Saturday Event @ Davis Mercantile
Traffic.................................9
Criminal.............................5
Warnings..........................31
Total Contacts.................40
P.I. / Minor Consum.........3
Investigations:
Details............................232
Criminal...........................65
Thefts...............................19
K-9 Activity.........................2
Officer Information:
Tom M. Fitch II.......201 hrs
.................... 883 miles
J. Carlos Jasso...........207 hrs
.................. 1144 miles
Nicholas Byroad......179 hrs
.................... 839 miles
Austin Bontrager.....198 hrs
.................... 590 miles
Brandon Hooley........39 hrs
...................... 84 miles
Otis Winslette............17 hrs
Steve Van Mol..............0 hrs
........................ 0 miles
Melissa Shutts..............6 hrs
Doug Leslie..................6 hrs