Collaborative Approach Results in Quality Utilities at Inviting Prices for Wabash County!

Theater and Art Experiences

Clark Gallery

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Located in the Honeywell Center, the Clark Gallery features location, student and national art exhibits for public appreciation.

Gallery G

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Found on the campus of Manchester University, the gallery displays a variety of pieces by honorable artists, including artwork by the Holocaust survivor Lea Goldman and sculptures and paintings by fellow professors of Manchester University.

Gallery 64

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The family-owned gallery provides the community with the perfect balance of art and entertainment. Plan a fun night out with friends, family or co-workers to create your own jewelry or art or cook a delicious meal.

Honeywell Center

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The well-known Honeywell Foundation is committed to the strengthening of social, artistic, cultural and recreational opportunities for everyone. With innovative educational opportunities and performing arts programming in state-of-the-art facilities, the Honeywell Center is a focal point of Wabash County and a destination for visitors from all regions of the United States.

JoJo's OlFactory & Co.

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Stop in and step right up to the fragrance bar to find candles made of premium soy wax and cotton wicks. Purchase premade or stay and create your own fragrance products.

Wabash Woollen Works and Fiber Arts Center

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The textile business is a local gem that manufactures luxury yarn, felted blankets and more. The center is open for field trips and workshops to gain a deeper insight of the process.

Museums

Dr. James Ford Historic Home

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Take a tour through a piece of prominent Indiana history. Owned by Dr. James Ford, guests are invited to experience the daily lives, personalities and activities of his family in the years surrounding the Civil War.

North Manchester Center for History

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The North Manchester Center for History collects, preserves and interprets the history of the North Manchester and Northern Indiana Eel River Basin.

From the arrival of the first American Indians in the region to the present day, the Center collects and preserves the area's history with books, documents, artifacts and other cultural objects. 

The Center interprets its collections to the public with a museum facility, educational programs, lectures, public events and publications and encourages others to help collect, preserve and interpret the history of the North Manchester area.  

Wabash County Historical Museum

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The museum inspires children and connects the entire community through an appreciation of local history and culture focused on education, research and quality of life interests.

Recreation

Biking

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On any given Saturday morning, groups of devoted bikers can be found along winding trails with impressive views and nature sightings, or headed downtown on their way to brunch. The Dam to Dam Century Ride is an excellent trail to take in Wabash County’s changing seasons while biking with your friends! Whether you’re on a leisure ride with family or looking for the next challenge, there are routes for all to experience the hidden gems of Wabash County.

Camping

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Calling all camping enthusiasts! Wabash County extends an enjoyable list of campgrounds with all of the amenities imaginable, including grills and fire pits, shower facilities and a general store. Kid-Friendly movies and activities including BINGO, treasure hunts, karaoke and more are offered at various camp sites.

Dog Parks

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All dogs are welcome for a furry excursion to run and frolic together at several area dog parks. The Wabash Dawg Park offers a creative agility course for dogs to climb, jump and explore, while dogs and families alike can walk the beautiful paved trails or historical reenactment and live music performances at Paradise Spring Historical Park.

Field of Dreams

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On a sprawling 52 acres, the YMCA Field of Dreams is home to Wabash Little League and combines four softball diamonds, a football field, five soccer fields and four baseball diamonds. The majestic field hosts various YMCA youth and adult sports programs, high school sporting events and USSSA Softball tournaments. The field is also the perfect setting to take in the 4th of July Fireworks show, hold corporate events and set up a family picnic.

Fishing and Boating

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Wabash County is a central location for some of the best boating and fishing to be found in Indiana. Offering over 2,855 acres of boating and fishing waters, drop your boat, paddle board, paddle boat,canoe or fishing boat in one of the surrounding lakes for a day of fishing, swimming and nature viewing.

Golf

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Each of the four golf courses built on the spacious land in Wabash County is designed for the optimal golfing experience. 18-hole courses suitable for golfers of all levels to enjoy, with just the right balance of bunkers and creeks. Make time to stop in the clubhouse for a snack and drink to reward yourself on a great game!

Hiking and Waterfalls

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Go on an adventure to find the hidden natural waterfalls in Wabash County. Pack a lunch and make a day of hiking the trails surrounding the gorgeous waterfalls and local nature.

Parks, Gardens and Orchards

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Beautiful family-owned orchards surrounding Wabash County boast of delicious seasonal fruit to be handpicked from the farms. Apples, Asian Pears and pumpkins are ready to be picked and purchased, along with homemade apple butter, cider and assorted baked goods. Don’t forget your camera to capture the perfect family moments.

Wabash County offers a splendid array of serene parks to cozy up with your favorite book while appreciating the native plants and flowers. Charley Creek Gardens/Education Resource Center and Dr. James Ford Historic Home Gardens are ideal for gaining a greater education of both native and foreign horticulture.

Plan an afternoon strolling the 10 acres at Warvel Park, complete with picnic tables and grills for gatherings, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, basketball courts and two open-air pavilions. Each of the well-manicured parks contains touches of Wabash County, including peaceful walking paths, playgrounds inviting family time, baseball diamonds and basketball courts for the spontaneous pick-up games.
 

Rivers

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Looking for an adventure? Bring your canoe, kayak or tube down one of the many clear blue rivers in Wabash County. The scenic Eel River is well-known for its peaceful river flowing 110 miles through farmland and woods.

River Excursions

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Spend a day listening to nature while floating down the Wabash River in a canoe or kayak, paddle in the water. White Rock Recreation accommodates all with rentals, expertise and excellent customer service. After your river-float, stay for live music performances, wood fired pizza dinners, ping pong tournaments, ice cream and smoothies.

Shooting Ranges & Archery

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The area offers various shooting ranges for those looking to spend time perfecting their target. Each shooting range provides knowledgeable staff with helpful tips and spacious areas for target practicing. The NFAA Midwest Classic Trail Shoot contest is a huge draw to Wabash County, as a two day event with 70 targets with two arrows being shot per target. Bringing in both professional and amatuer shooters, the event attracts devotees to the sport for cash prizes, awards and fun.

Trolley Tours

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Everything is more fun on a trolley! The fashionable Trolley No. 85 is a memorable way to cruise Wabash County. The 34 passenger people-mover is available for historic tours, wedding celebrations, public and private events and much more.

YMCA

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As a community all about staying strong physically and socially while making meaningful change, the recently renovated YMCA works with Wabash City Schools, MSD of Wabash County, Parkview Wabash Hospital and others to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.

Youth Sports

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Get your children involved in numerous youth sports Wabash County has to offer. Looking for activities to support development of all skills, including dribbling, catching, tumbling and sportsmanship? Youth sports, such as flag and tackle football, gymnastics and golf, are offered year round and are a perfect way to get involved in the community and meet new friends.

Wabash River Trail

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Unique to the area, the Wabash River Trail creates trailheads and provides many opportunities for fishing, camping, canoe access to the river, scenic areas and connections to other trail systems. Journey through Wabash County’s quaint towns filled with welcoming residents, while taking in the stunning landscapes. Miles of biking and hiking trails weave through the area.

Wabash

Charley Creek Inn Wine & Cheese Bar

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As an iconic landmark rich with history in central Indiana, Charley Creek Inn Wine & Cheese Bar is a prime destination for visitors who seek everything from business traveling, entertaining, weekend adventures and romantic getaways. Luxurious hotel rooms, sophisticated meeting spaces and delicious room service await all guests. The inn offers upscale dining, cocktail lounges and a sweet treat shoppe to top off the night.

Eagles Theatre

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As a venue of the Honeywell Foundation, the Eagles Theatre offers an impressive 440-seat theater featuring a lineup of live events and films.

Ellen’s Bridal & Dress Boutique

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Our goal is to deliver an elegant and exquisite experience by building intentional, family like relationships with everyone we meet. At Ellen’s, we believe every bride makes the dress come to life. Experience the warmth of Ellen’s as you walk through the door and meet your individual stylist who will help you find your dream gown. As a mother-daughter run bridal boutique, that family-feel is carried out in everything we do. We treat each bride as if they are our daughter. We want you to choose Ellen’s not only because you found the perfect dress, but because we can’t imagine anyone else providing the same care & attention to you. By helping our brides navigate through our high-quality dresses, we find the perfect gown to match your personality. Our sincere hope is that each bride feels like family before leaving Ellen’s.

Honeywell Center

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The well-known Honeywell Foundation is committed to the strengthening of social, artistic, cultural and recreational opportunities for everyone. With innovative educational opportunities and performing arts programming in state-of-the-art facilities, the Honeywell Center is a focal point of Wabash County and a destination for visitors from all regions of the United States.

JoJo’s OlFactory & Co.

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Stop in and step right up to the fragrance bar to find candles made of premium soy wax and cotton wicks. Purchase premade or stay and create your own fragrance products.

Lighthouse Mission of Wabash

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  Here at Lighthouse Mission we thrive in supporting our community. Lighthouse is a retail store, but we are so much more!  We are a Non-profit organization that provides clothing, household items, hygiene products, etc. for people that are currently in a tough situation and are struggling.  We are known for our Holiday food baskets that are distributed at Thanksgiving and Easter.  We couldn't do any of this without the support of our community.  We depend on store and monetary donations to keep us going forward in helping the community of Wabash.  Please stop by to learn more about us and our ministry. 

Living Well in Wabash County

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Living Well in Wabash County empowers one in six Wabash County residents of all ages through the programs and services of Community Cupboard food pantry, Wabash County Transportation and Winchester Center.

Market Street Grill

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Market Street Grill restaurant is located in the historic S.J. Payne building, built in 1898.

Samuel Jefferson Payne joined his brother, Thomas F., to form T.F. Payne & Co. The business produced bedsteads, extension tables, center tables and stands, as well as bedroom suits. Their factory was located on the corner of Wabash and Water Streets. A retail furniture store was located on the southeast corner of Miami & Market Streets.

Modoc’s Market

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Nothing brings a community together more than friendly faces and a delicious cup of coffee. Head to downtown Wabash for time well spent sipping on your favorite customized coffee, sweet treat, smoothie and more.

Nicole A. Howard Photography

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Full Time Professional Lifestyle Photographer. Nicole specializes in Newborn, Senior and Children.

Ohh My! Cakes

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OHH My Cakes, in Wabash, IN, is the premier bakery serving Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Marion, Huntington, Peru, Kokomo and surrounding areas since 2019. We specialize in wedding and specialty cakes. For your next sweet tooth craving, visit OHH My Cakes in Wabash.

Shopping

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While visiting Wabash County, be sure to stop at one of the many charming boutiques featuring handcrafted items created by local artists, colorful clothing and delicate antiques.

Wabash Carnegie Public Library

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Welcome to the Wabash Carnegie Public Library. Since its beginning in 1903, Wabash Carnegie Public Library has been dedicated to serving the town of Wabash and surrounding communities. 

Wabash County Historical Museum

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The museum inspires children and connects the entire community through an appreciation of local history and culture focused on education, research and quality of life interests.

Wabash County YMCA

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As a community all about staying strong physically and socially while making meaningful change, the recently renovated YMCA works with Wabash City Schools, MSD of Wabash County, Parkview Wabash Hospital and others to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.

Wabash CrossFit

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Wabash CrossFit is much more than just CrossFit. We are HIIT. We are Open Gym. We are Kids & Teens. We are Family. We offer a variety of CrossFit workouts and other solutions for people with different fitness levels, ages, and personal goals. Our trainers can scale and modify any workout or movement to fit your comfort level. We pride ourselves on community, friendships, and results.

Wabash Farmers Market

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Spend sunny Saturday mornings from mid-May to the end of September at the downtown Wabash Farmers Market to experience all things homemade and homegrown in Wabash County. Bring your dog as you browse locally grown produce, baked goods, artist wares and more. Food trucks, live music and demonstrations attract residents each week.

Wooden Ivy Boutique & Floral

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Hi my name is Christina Faine and I am a wife, mother, and the owner of Wooden Ivy Boutique and Floral. Years ago I enjoyed being a florist and I have always found joy in crafting. Although being the mother of two beautiful girls has been a wonderful and rewarding adventure, it also left little time for floral, crafting, and other DIY projects. In the back of my mind, there has always been this thought that I would one day have my very own place.  I wanted to create a place where my refurbished furniture can bring others joy, where my hand crafted signs and floral arrangements bring smiles to people’s faces, and where people can shop for beautiful boutique clothing that’s affordable. In the fall of 2018, my dreams soon became a reality as I opened my very own Wooden Ivy Boutique and Floral.

North Manchester

Community Foundation of Wabash County

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Together we have helped to strengthen education, support the arts, promote civic life, protect our environment, and ensure strong health and social services. To date, we have 350 permanently endowed funds and 22 non-permanent funds.  Our total assets are more than $73 million and we have made more than $32.4 million in unrestricted grants to Wabash County, Indiana.

Daniel’s Place

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Daniel’s Place is committed to providing respite care and support services across the lifespan of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities to enable them to remain in their chosen communities.

Respite care gives short-term temporary care to persons whose disabilities are such that they need continual assistance. Having access to respite care allows caregivers, most often families, an option when they need a break or have tasks that require them to find care for their disabled love one for a few hours.
Both our guests and their families will benefit from respite care. After taking a break, caregivers are able to give more and enjoy doing it! Individuals who stay at Daniel’s Place have an opportunity to learn that they can count on others for help. They can also form new friendships, experience new environments, and simply have fun!

Hawkins Family Farm

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This fourth-generation family farm markets products from cattle, hogs, poultry, field crops and produce through Community Supported Agriculture and to restaurants. Summer Fridays on the Farm are artisan pizza nights at the farm, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and an outdoor, wood-fired brick oven.

KenapocoMocha

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KenapocoMocha...how do you say it? What does it mean?  You spell it how?!

First things first. It's pronounced "Keen-uh-poco-Mocha".

Before we were ready to open the shop in 2008, we had a contest to pick a name for the coffee shop.  The winner was "KenapocoMocha", submitted by Julie Garber, a North Manchester resident.  Julie combined "Kenapocomoco", which is the Native American name for the Eel River (the river which flows through North Manchester), with the word "Mocha" to create our winner...."KenapocoMocha".  Julie's play-on-words has kept everyone guessing about how to pronounce and spell our name!

Manchester Alive

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The combination of Manchester Main Street and North Manchester Chamber of Commerce formed Manchester Alive: Main Street Chamber Alliance in 2019. Their efforts in economic and community development promote vitality and equality of place in North Manchester.

Nature’s Remedy Day Spa

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After working with a chiropractor and practicing massage therapy for over 10 years in various settings, I've decided to start working with doctors to provide patients with medical massage services as well as regular massage options. Medical massage utilizes multiple techniques to resolve diagnosed ailments. With a doctor's prescription, many insurances will help pay for these services. I will also offer cash prices if insurance isn't an option.

The Main View

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We are a Historic, Downtown, Restaurant located in North Manchester, IN.  We are Family Friendly, but also have a Bar area just for legal patrons! 

Theater

Cordier Auditorium

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As the perfect facility for large presentations and productions and located on the Manchester University campus, the 1,175-seat auditorium is arranged continental-style and features a three-manual, 45-rank pipe organ. Complete with audio-visual, sound and lighting support, Cordier is an ideal setting for large conferences. A spacious wrap-around lobby is the perfect setting for an exhibition hall or banquet.

Eagles Theatre

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As a venue of the Honeywell Foundation, the Eagles Theatre offers an impressive 440-seat theater featuring a lineup of live events and films.

Ford Theater

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Located in the Honeywell Center in downtown Wabash, Ford Theater welcomes local singers and performers, as well as nationally and internationally known performers. Sing along to a favorite musical, such as “Sister Act” or “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” with your friends and family.

13-24 Drive-In Theater

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Take your family to the 13-24 Drive-In Theater to enjoy the newest movie on Fridays and Saturdays, or a classic on Thursdays. Find your favorite movie treat at the full service concession stand.

Financial Resources

Brightpoint

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Founded in 2010, the Brightpoint Development Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable business loans, financial education, and housing development services in Northeast Indiana. The Brightpoint Development Fund is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) micro lender and a U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

NEW! Legend Fund

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The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has announced the launch of the state’s Legend Fund, a loan participation program designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses gain access to funds needed to grow. 

The Legend Fund, fueled by federal funding awarded to Indiana through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), will distribute $29 million to mission-driven local lenders to increase lending to Hoosier small businesses, with an added focus on those that have been historically underserved. 

The Legend Fund will support Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses by giving lenders an incentive to provide operating capital to Hoosier-based businesses. Through the program, mission-oriented and non-traditional lenders that provide debt capital for qualified purposes to Indiana-based small businesses are eligible to have a portion of those loans purchased by the IEDC, enabling lenders to then support even more entrepreneurs and small businesses. The program’s $29 million is expected to yield a minimum $50 million impact on Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Borrowing 101

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Venturize offers a clear explanation of financial lending options available to small business owners.

Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana

The CDC of Northeast Indiana is City of Fort Wayne sponsored 501(c)6 not-for-profit business development organziation. Our mission is to stimulate economic growth and prosperity throughout the communities they serve in the State of Indiana, including Wabash County. We accomplish this through several loan programs inclduign SBA 504 loans, COVID-19 loans and USDA Rural Development funding, amongst many others. 

Grow Wabash County Revolving Loan Fund

Indiana Department of Revenue

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Wabash County businesses may be subject to several state taxes, including sales and corporate income taxes.

SBA Loans

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Small Business Administration loans from participating institutions offer more flexible terms and lower interest rates for small businesses than other sources because they are guaranteed by the federal agency. Some of Wabash County’s local lenders offering SBA loans include Bippus State Bank, Crossroads Bank, First Merchants Bank and Flagstar Bank.

Wabash County Treasurer

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Wabash County businesses may be subject to local taxes. Resources at the Wabash County Treasurer's Office can help business owners understand the applicable taxes.

Wabash County Treasurer’s Office
Wabash County Courthouse
1 W Hill St Wabash, IN 46992
(260) 563-0661 ext. 1259

Business Consultation Services

NEW! NEIN Venture Hub

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The 11-county Northeast Indiana (NEIN) region is home to a variety of vibrant communities, rich with the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation!

Whether you've got an idea or are growing your empire, this hub is an inclusive, accessible place that brings together the entrepreneurial resources and support to help you reach your goals.

Welcome to your NEIN Venture Hub!

Connect IND

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Connect IND, also known as the Indiana Entrepreneurial Ecosystem is an "EcoMap", a digital platform that collects, shares and continuously updates information about real life ecosystems of people, places, organizations and resources in your community. 

NEW! 

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC)

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The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) is a non-profit organization focused on providing entrepreneurs in northeast Indiana with the knowledge and resources they need to take their business idea from being a dream to a reality.

Grow Wabash County is proud to partner with the NIIC by providing access to entrepreneur coach, Angela Harrison,  to provide FREE, personalized support for entrepreneurs and small business owners at all stages of development and operation.

Angie is in the Grow Wabash County office every Wednesday from 9 - 4 p.m. to chat with anyone thinking about their next business venture or entrepreneurial mission. She can also meet with you virtually to fit the busy lifestyle of an entrepreneur on the go!

Click here to schedule a time to meet with Angie.

Indiana Small Business Development Center

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The Indiana SBDC offers no-cost business advising, training, referrals, and a library of cultivated tools and resources to businesses, from start-up through sale or retirement, succeed. 

Northeast Indiana SBDC

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Wabash County business owners and entrepreneurs can receive free business consulting from the NE Indiana SBDC. Experienced business individuals can answer business-related questions and provide market research assistance through appointments made by email or calling (260) 563-5258.

SCORE

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Northeast Indiana’s Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides free one-on-one mentoring for both new and existing businesses. SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely and practical advice to help businesses open new markets, reach new customers and achieve new goals.

Business Startup Tools

Business Licenses & Permits

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Certain businesses may require specific city and/or state permits or licenses. To determine what your business may need, contact Keith Gillenwater at Grow Wabash County.

For inquiries:

State inquiries can also be addressed on the INBiz website from the Indiana Secretary of State.

CO.STARTERS

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We equip communities with robust programs to grow local small businesses.

We believe small business is the backbone of communities, and there are good ideas that need to be brought to market. We developed our programs for success so Main Street can flourish again.

We believe that individuals thrive in the context of community. CO.STARTERS is about bringing people together to learn from one another in order to create a strong network of support.

We believe in making concepts and language easy to understand, so business owners can focus on practical next steps and move toward their goals.

GWC is hosting a CO.STARTERS Core program. If interested in being part of that program please email info@growwabashcounty.com to be added to the waitlist,

Employer ID Numbers

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Employers that plan to hire employees must contact the IRS to register, pay additional taxes, withhold, match, submit employee withholdings and obtain worker’s compensation insurance.

INBiz

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INBiz is the state of Indiana's one-stop resource for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the steps to start a business. Developed within Indiana’s Secretary of State's Business Services Division, businesses will find everything they need to get their business started, from registering a business name to choosing the correct business legal structure and ensuring law compliance.

Business Guides

Indiana Business Resource Guide

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The State of Indiana offers a lengthy collection of resources and departments designed to simplify the business development cycle.

U.S. Small Business Administration

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The SBA Business Guide has a variety of resources to help plan, launch and grow any business.

Transportation

Airports

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Wabash County residents and businesses have access to three nearby airports. The Wabash Municipal Airport is a regional airport with a 4,400-foot runway to accommodate corporate jets. The Grissom Aeroplex is within 25 miles and offers a 2,500-foot runway that can support air freight carriers as a public/military airport. Those with greater accessibility needs will find just that at the Fort Wayne International Airport, with four international  commercial carriers and two major cargo carriers. Fort Wayne International can handle any size aircraft and any air freight requirements.

Highways

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Wabash County has a dependable network of highways connecting its communities with the large metropolis areas of Indiana and beyond. US Highway 24 is a limited-access, four-lane highway that runs through the center of the county, offering access to Fort Wayne with a one hour drive. It also connects to I-65 to the west and to I-69 to the east, allowing local businesses to reach Indianapolis in 90 minutes, from which the markets of Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati and Louisville are an easy drive away.

Ports

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Ports of Indiana provides further shipping options throughout the United States and international markets. Burns Harbor, on Lake Michigan provides connection to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the international markets beyond. Ohio River ports at Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville, connect Wabash County to the U.S. Inland Waterway System. All three are just a few hours from Wabash County.

Rail

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Norfolk Southern offers north-south and east-west rail mainlines that intersect in downtown Wabash. This system connects businesses in Wabash County to major markets throughout the eastern third of the U.S. and Canada and to international markets from ports on the East Coast or Lake Michigan.

Norfolk Southern Rail Map

Norfolk Southern Rail Map

Business Resources

Critical Industries Hotline

To connect with the Critical Industries Hotline, call 877-820-0890 or email covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.

REMINDER: This hotline is specifically for business and industry leaders. Those looking for answers to questions regarding unemployment or personal concerns can be directed to the state's FAQ page.

SBA Loan Assistance

Additional Resources

Businesses looking for additional capital may also utilize the SBA's Lender Match online referral tool to connect with SBA-approved lenders.

Other resources made available through the SBA include Counseling and Advisement, Contracting help and additional information pertaining to COVID-19.

State

Association of Indiana Municipalities (AIM)

For a general overview of the current COVID-19 situation and how to address concerns about the illness in your workplace, the Association of Indiana Muncipalities (AIM) has collected helpful links and resources to help answer your questions.

COVID Concierge Portal

The Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) has launched the COVID Concierge Portal to compile assistance information from multiple sources into a single ‘no wrong door’ portal where business, personal, and health information can all be accessed.

This portal is meant for community leaders and organizations to use when connecting clients to the resources they need.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive Coronavirus Updates page that includes resources for Indiana business owners looking for guidance on how to address the many concerns that arise during an economic disaster such as COVID-19.

Next Level Jobs Program

Indiana's Next Level Jobs program has been extended to the end of 2020. Thanks to $50 million allocated by the CARES Act for this program, Hoosiers can apply for funding to level up their skills, receive job training or to develop their own skill training programs to elevate the community's workforce.

Learn more about the Next Level Jobs programs and how to apply for funding here.

National

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has compiled a variety of resources geared towards the business community to help them determine the best courses of action during disaster situations, including a Business Preparedness Checklist to determine what employers and companies need to do to handle challenging times like this head-on.

Federal

Internal Revenue Service: American Rescue Plan Act

After passing by a narrow majority in the United States Senate, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed by President Joe Biden. This third round of support in response to the ongoing needs of Americans one year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit includes $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans as well as increased payments for dependents and unemployment insurance. Student loans are also being kept in forbearance until Fall 2021 as part of this package.

For additional information and FAQ's regarding stimulus payments, visit the IRS' Economic Impact Payments page.

Informational Resources

Indiana Small Business Development Center

The Indiana Small Business Development Center is continuing to offer free business counseling and will also help businesses navigate the application process for disaster relief loans. Click here to find and contact the SBDC rep for your region.

Individual Resources

This can be a stressful time for many families as parents try to balance work and caring for their child while schools remain closed, or figuring out how to make ends meet due to reduced hours at work. Wabash County has multiple resources available to give a hand up to those who may need it during these times.

The Indiana State Department of Health has published a brief overview of resources made available to Hoosiers. View that reference guide here.

Restore Your Economy

Restore Your Economy has shared additional information about Economic Planning and Recovery on their website.

SCORE

SCORE, a network of experienced business mentor volunteers, has updated its website to include resources and access to remote mentoring for businesses that need a little guidance facing the challenges caused by COVID-19.

Individual Resources

2-1-1 Resource Line

2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that can connect Indiana residents with local resources that fit their needs. The line is operating 24/7.  You can also find resources on the 2-1-1 website.

COVID-19 Assistance Program - Community Foundation of Wabash County

The Community Foundation of Wabash County has developed the COVID-19 Assistance Program to provide short-term financial assistance to people who are out of work and are in need of support and essential employees that continue to work and are in need of childcare for their family.

The expenses covered by these grants may include:

  1. Rent and Utility payments
  2. Medical expenses
  3. Childcare expenses for children aged 0-12 for people that continue to work as an essential employee

Wabash County citizens who meet the above criteria can request applications for assistance by contacting REACH in North Manchester, Wabash Area Ministerial Association (WAMA), or their respective Wabash County township trustee.

The Community Foundation is also asking for donations to help support this assistance program. Those who are able and interested in donating may do so on the Community Foundation website or by mailing a check to the Community Foundation of Wabash County with "Community Foundation COVID-19 Assistance Program" included in the memo line. This contribution may also be tax-deductible.

Questions about the program or how to donate can be emailed to melissa@cfwabash.org.

Food Pantries

Be sure to call ahead to ensure hours or days have not changed.

LaFontaine

  • LaFontaine United Methodist Food Pantry, 2 W Kendall Street LaFontaine, IN, 765-981-4021
    • Open Monday –Thursday, 10 a.m. - Noon
    • Must be a resident of LaFontaine and Liberty Township.
    • May use the pantry one time per month.

Lagro

  • Lagro Community Church, 730 Main Street Lagro, IN 46941, 260-571-4639
    • Open third Saturday of each month, 9 - 10 a.m.

North Manchester

  • Fellowship Food Pantry, 500 N Front Street North Manchester, IN, 260-982-7127
    • Open Thursdays 2 - 5 p.m.
  • Manchester Meals on Wheels, 260-982-6010

Roann

  • Roann Food Pantry, Roann Town Hall, 110 N Chippewa Street Roann, IN, 765-833-2100
    • Open Wednesdays 2 - 4 p.m.
    • Available for families within 7-mile limit of Roann

Wabash

  • Friends in Service Here (F.I.S.H.), 770 ½ Hill Street Wabash, IN, 260-563-5151
    • Open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Living Well in Wabash County Community Cupboard, 239 Bond Street Wabash, IN 46992, 260-563-4475
    • Open Monday and Tuesday 3 - 5:30 p.m.
    • Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    • Will be CLOSED on Friday, April 10th in observance of Good Friday
  • Area Five WIC, 1149 Cass Street Wabash, IN 46992, 260-563-4310
    • Open Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. AND 2 - 7 p.m.
    • Open Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - Noon AND 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
    • Open Friday 8:30 a.m. - Noon

Housing Assistance: Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network

Indiana is also working to help Hoosiers that are having trouble making their mortgage payments and would be at risk of foreclosure.

For more information about these options, visit the 877 Get Hope website or call 1-844-463-7368.

Read IHCDA's Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide.

Housing Assistance: Moratorium on Evictions and Home Foreclosures

Gov. Eric Holcomb and the State of Indiana recently announced that they would extend the moratorium on evictions and home foreclosures until August 14.

Housing Assistance: Rental Assistance Program

The CARES Act Rental Assistance program is available for Hoosiers outside of Marion County (Marion County has its own program) that may be unable to make their rent due to lost or lowered wages because of COVID-19. The program will send payments directly to your landlord to help cover the rent during low- to no-income times while also ensuring that the landlord is able to pay for the taxes and other expenses needed to maintain the safety and upkeep of their tenants' homes.

Hoosiers concerned about making rent can learn about their options by calling 1-877-285-0401 or by visiting www.877gethope.org.

Learn more about the Rental Assistance program.

Apply for the Rental Assistance program.

Housing Assistance: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

As the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple across our nation, an escalating foreclosure crisis among FHA-insured borrowers is reaching a cataclysmic point impacting hundreds of thousands of borrowers. HUD understands that many homeowners may be struggling and unable to make mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you or someone you know are one of the many FHA-borrowers in communities across the country having difficulty paying your mortgage due to the pandemic, we urge you to act now. FHA’s special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance is currently available to FHA-insured borrowers.

There are two ways to get more information on the special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance:

  • First, contact your mortgage servicer, the entity to which you make your mortgage payments.
    • Call, email or visit the website of your mortgage servicer using the contact information on your monthly mortgage statement.
    • State that you have a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and request a COVID-19 forbearance. A COVID-19 forbearance allows you to reduce or suspend your mortgage payments for a period of time.
  • If you are unable to contact your mortgage servicer right now, get help from a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency.
    • Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in your local area. To find a HUD-approved agency, call (800) 569-4287, or use the online search at www.hud.gov/housingcounseling
    • Explain your situation. Housing counselors are trained to assess your financial situation and explain the options available to you.
    • A HUD certified housing counselor may be able to help you work with your mortgage servicer to obtain a COVID-19 forbearance.

Download HUD information.

Descargar información de HUD.

Income Assistance: Applying for Unemployment

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) allows for people who are currently out of work to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. Further information and access to online filing can be found here.

Income Assistance: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

Questions regarding the unemployment insurance process can directed to the DWD's FAQ page.

Income Assistance: General Info

As business revenue numbers dip due to state-mandated closures or reductions in services, many employers may have to make the difficult decision to reduce hours or even decrease the size of its staff to stay afloat. This can be financially stressful for many part-time and hourly workers. If such a decision needs to be made at your business, please connect your employees with these various resources for support.

Income Assistance: Unemployment FAQ Fact Sheets

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has also updated its list of Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Insurance. Click the hyperlinks below to download the FAQ sheets. All of these FAQs and more information regarding unemployment insurance can also be found on the DWD website.

Income Assistance: U.S. Department of Labor

The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor has an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for both employers and employees regarding staff shortages, job termination and other complications that may arise due to the closures and reduction of services recommended for various industries.

Mental Health: Be Well Indiana

The State of Indiana has launched a new website to help Hoosiers access mental health resources. BeWellIndiana.com features an assortment of information from regular updates about COVID-19 to a self-assessment to determine what sort of assistance you may need. The website also offered information about how to access crisis counseling or other state departments that could help them through this difficult time.

Mental Health: Bowen Center

The Bowen Center has transitioned many of its services to allow Hoosiers to access mental health services over the phone or by secure video conferencing during this time of social distancing. They also have helpful blogs and information about how to cope with the unexpected stress brought on by this pandemic.

Visit The Bowen Center website to find out how they can help you through this challenging time.


Bowen Center Student Assistance Program (SAP)

In a particularly stressful times such as this, students can have a tough time adjusting or coping. The mental health services afforded to Wabash County students while school is in session through SAP and the Bowen Center are still available for Wabash County students learning remotely.

Student looking to utilize their SAP benefits and talk with a professional counselor can do so by phone. To set up a counseling appointment, students or their parent/guardian can call 1 (800) 342-5653. More information about SAP can also be found here.


Talking about COVID-19 with kids

With a situation like this where words like "pandemic" and "disaster" are used regularly, it can be a scary, confusing things for children or students to come to terms with. The Bowen Center encourages caregivers, parents and teachers to reference "Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks" from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to learn how to navigate those conversations.

Stay Healthy

Of course, the most important thing to keep in mind during this time is to keep yourself, your employees, your colleagues and your loved ones healthy and safe. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control have made public many recommendations to help prevent the spread of any potential illnesses.

The CDC recommends:

  • Washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Stay home if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, cough or cold.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • Regularly cleaning high-traffic and high-touch surfaces in your home or business.
  • Avoid large public gatherings or high-traffic areas.

A full list of ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as additional information can be found at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or on the Indiana Department of Health website, www.in.gov/isdh.

Utilities: Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

For Hoosiers that are still struggling to pay their electric bills during this pandemic, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) is still offering support through its Eanergy Assistance Program (EAP)

Through EAP, eligible households can receive a one-time annual benefit to cover the costs of energy bills to prevent disconnections of service.

Those looking to learn more about if they qualify for this support, is encouraged to visit the LIHEAP website for more information.

Utilities: Internet Access

In light of workplaces going remote and students participating in E-Learning, we are aware that access to reliable, affordable internet is important. Here are a few resources to help your household get connected.

Families that meet income or government assistance requirements may qualify for discounted or low-cost internet. AllConnect can help you navigate the different options and find out what you and your family can qualify for. Visit their website here.

The National Locator Tool for Low-Cost Internet Service Offers allows people to punch in their zip code and answer questions to determine if they qualify for low-cost internet. It has been recently updated with new offers created by major providers in light of COVID-19. Click here to use the Locator Tool.

Access from AT&T: One family member must be eligible for SNAP to qualify. AT&T has also advised it will not charge data overage fees during this time.

Spectrum Internet Assist: Based on eligibility for National School Lunch program. Charter is now offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have service through Spectrum. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees are waived. There are no data caps.

Internet Essentials from Comcast: Free to new customers. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Data overages will not apply and Xfinity WiFi hotspots will still be open and operational for public access.

Cox Connect2Compete: For families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs. For a limited time, the first month of service will be free, $9.95/month thereafter.

Lifeline: provides a subsidy to HUD-assisted residents for phone and/or Internet service.

Vaccines

As of Tuesday, March 16, the State of Indiana has agreed to expand vaccine access to now include Hoosiers that are aged 45 years and older. The vaccine clinic continues to be hosted in Wabash County by the Honeywell Center, 275 West Market Street in Wabash.

To register for a time slot to be vaccinated, Hoosiers can visit www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov.

Your Next Step

As we reside in the "new normal" of post-pandemic life, you may find yourself at a crossroads of where to go next.  Your Next Step is Indiana's newest "hub" to help you chart your next path. Whether you are looking for a new job, want to refine your current or new skills or need a little more support right now, Your Next Step wants to help.

The website has access to job listings, various certificate and degree programs and information about unemployment insurance, food benefits and health care.

Visit Your Next Step

How You Can Help

Shop Local

Even in the face of Gov. Eric Holcomb's 'Stay At Home' Executive Order, Wabash County is still OPEN for business. Here's how you can help them stay that way:

  • Order carry-out or delivery from your favorite local restaurants!
  • Buy gift cards! A lot of our businesses will be hit hard by low revenue and minimal traffic due to the State's 'Stay At Home" recommendations. Get a jump start on buying gifts for birthdays, holidays or "just because" while also supporting your favorite local businesses through this difficult time.

Manchester Community Schools

Manchester Elementary School

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Welcome to Manchester Elementary School, home to Pre-K through 3rd graders. Class sizes are kept small to ensure each student gets the attention and education they deserve. Our facility is safe, well-maintained, and designed specifically for our young students. We offer a full spectrum of academic courses, along with physical education, art, music, and library. We also have three separate playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment for every child's enjoyment!

Manchester Intermediate School

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Welcome to Manchester Intermediate School, home to 4th graders through 6th graders. We are focused on furthering the emotional and educational growth of our students to help them make the transition from elementary to junior high. We emphasize the use of technology in our curriculum as a means to advance the educational development of our students. We offer a full spectrum of academic courses, along with physical education, art, music, and library. Intramural sports are also introduced at the intermediate level, allowing students the opportunity to experience team sports.

Manchester Jr. - Sr. High School

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Welcome to Manchester Jr-Sr High School! The high school building contains 8th grade through 12th grade students, while our 7th grade students are located in the junior high building, which is in the east wing of the Administration Building, directly west of the high school. We offer all of our students a wide array of academic courses, school clubs, student organizations, and athletic opportunities. It is our goal to encourage intellectual and emotional growth, while providing every student with a challenging and enriching educational experience.

Squire Academy

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Located in the east wing of the Administration Building, directly west of the high school, Squire Academy is for students in grades 7-12 that would benefit from a setting alternate to the traditional classroom. All courses are through an online program called APEX, but each student schedule is set up to meet individual needs. Some students participate in Squire Academy only, while others split their day between the academy and MJSHS, as well as Heartland Career Center. Squire Academy staff is there to assist students on work through APEX as well as work from the classroom. The goal of Squire Academy is to build positive working relationships with students and assist them in making decisions that will impact their futures in society.

Other Youth Education Options

The Montessoi School at WPC

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The Montessori Method is a student-centered, observation-based approach to education, based on the research, writings, and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. The first Montessori School was opened in Rome, Italy in 1907, and the legacy of Maria Montessori lives on in Montessori schools around the world.

We, the guides, strive to provide an intentional, loving environment that helps students prepare their body, mind, and spirit.

Saint Bernard School

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Our curriculum meets all the state standards and more. We use a blended learning classroom which includes traditional instruction, computer instruction and practice, as well as guided and independent practice. This approach develops study skills, provides experience with working as a team, and gains experience with current technology. 

Emmanuel Christian School

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Emmanuel Christian School provides education for 3 year olds through the 12th grade.  The students are taught in a traditional classroom with an emphasis placed on Christian morals and character training.  In addition to excellence in education, ECS also provides daycare services from 7:00am-5:15pm for students.  Students of all ages are taught in a loving environment by a dedicated staff.

Heartland Career Center

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Providing endless opportunities in a stimulating environment for students, Heartland Career Center focuses on technical skills, knowledge and understanding designed to promote occupational preparation to be successful both in the everchanging technical society.

Josiah White’s

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For more than 170 years, White’s has helped families in crisis, in transition and in need of support through its accredited and comprehensive continuum of foster care, residential treatment, and family preservation programs. Our statewide network of facilities and seasoned providers allows us to support children, teens and families with a variety of services when they need it, wherever they may need it. At Josiah White’s we realize that no family is exempt from tough times; it’s a hard time to be a parent and a hard time to be a teen. At its core, Josiah White’s offers hope and transformation through Christ to children, teens and families.

The Access Youth Center

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The Access Youth Center strives to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment accessible to every youth in our community ages 8-18. We have a variety of programs that provide food and activities at locations throughout our city on each weekday, along with special events and educational opportunities onsite at our facility.

Wabash City Schools

L.H. Carpenter Early Learning Center

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L.H. Carpenter is dedicated to building a high quality foundation for all early learners. Our fundamental purpose is to ensure all students acquire the foundational skills, and behaviors essential to be successful and responsible citizens.

O.J. Neighbours Elementary School

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The mission of O.J. Neighbours is that of the mission of Wabash City Schools:

Wabash City Schools and O. J. Neighbours provide a relevant and rigorous education founded upon relationships to ensure each student is college and career-ready for success in a global community.  

Wabash Middle School

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Wabash City Schools provides a relevant and rigorous education, founded upon relationships, to ensure each student is college and career-ready for success in a global community.

Wabash High School

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Wabash High School's goal is for all of our students to be college and career ready.  We use the "3 E's" to measure our success: every student graduating from WHS should be Employable at a living wage, Enlisted in the military, or Enrolled at a post-secondary institution.

Metropolitan Schools District (MSD) of Wabash County

Metro North Elementary School

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Metro North Elementary School is passionate about creating an environment that allows each child to achieve their passion and potential.

Our family and community focus provides students with many extracurricular events that create lifelong memories for our students, families, and members of our community.

Northfield Jr. - Sr. High School

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Northfield Junior/Senior High School is a public school in Wabash County, Indiana. Serving students in grades 7th - 12th. Founded in 1962, Northfield Jr/Sr High originally served the families of northern Wabash County. When Indiana opened enrollment throughout the state, Northfield was able to extend its offerings to other parts of Wabash County, along with students from Huntington and Miami Counties.

Sharp Creek Elementary School

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Sharp Creek Elementary School is a public upper elementary school in Wabash County, Indiana. Abiding by the Golden Rule, we teach respect for others in the community. With a passion for excellence and belief in the potential of all learners, Sharp Creek is also proud of its ability to include families in the education process. Our school is all about producing quality citizens, because students in the classroom today will be the future leaders of the country tomorrow.

Southwood Elementary School

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Southwood Elementary School is a public school in Wabash County, Indiana that serves students in preschool through Grade 5. We encourage students to achieve the Knight Way, the Right Way, by being responsible, respectful, and safe. While striving to foster healthy relationships among all members of the school community, students engage in learning experiences each day aimed at pushing their thinking and giving them opportunities to collaborate with classmates.

Southwood Jr. - Sr. High School

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Academic opportunity coupled with athletic success and extracurricular opportunity are the hallmark of a Southwood educational experience. We strive to help our students feel connected to our community.

Area Colleges & Universities

Ivy Tech Community College

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Not only providing numerous degrees and certifications, Ivy Tech Community College courses are taught through a dual credit program, and provide college credits to students enabling them to fulfill high school requirements as well as building their college career.

Manchester University

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The esteemed Manchester University is nestled within majestic oak trees in North Manchester and extends notable academic courses and programming for all students. Offering a wide range of degrees, Manchester University provides students experiential learning opportunities. Cheer on the Spartans each weekend at one of the many sporting events, including tennis, football, golf and basketball.

Local Universities

Anderson University

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Come as you are. Discover who you’re meant to be.

Since 1917, Anderson University has been a place of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and academic formation for students of every background. A regionally accredited university with over 60 undergraduate majors offered, Anderson University has been consistently ranked among America’s top colleges for being a place where students discover who they’re created to be. Visit us or apply now and experience Real Life. Together!

Ball State University

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Learn at Ball State: Our top-ranked academic programs make us one of the best in the Midwest. Our research helps shape the world around us. And our passionate and nurturing faculty steer this every step of the way.

Life at Ball State: It’s college. You have a whole new world to explore, where social, cultural, and other recreational opportunities abound. And our residence halls will place you in the heart of all this while offering an incredible value.

Huntington University

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Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian university of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations, including our most popular programs in film and animation, nursing, psychology and social work. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana, in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

Indiana University

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IU is home to top-ranked business and music schools. We’re home to the world’s first school of philanthropy, the nation’s first school of informatics, and the country’s largest medical school. Our hundreds of academic programs are among the world’s best, and we’re always looking toward the horizon, thinking about what’s next.

Indiana Wesleyan

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Scholarship at IWU builds on distinguished academics through high-quality, collaborative work by students and faculty members. Professors offer spiritual and academic mentoring and discipleship, and students flourish from individual attention. IWU's spiritually rich learning environment, academic commitment, and caring instruction develop in students the knowledge, skills, and disposition to change the world for Jesus Christ.

Manchester University

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Manchester University delivers innovative academic and rich, hands-on education to enhance student knowledge, personal growth and develop well-rounded leaders. Our programs, competitive curriculums and accepting environment are just some of the ways we continue to maintain a tradition of success. We strive to bring a wide spectrum of exciting programs across all areas of study to enable students to achieve their professional and personal goals. Manchester also provides rich immersive experiences to give students real-world opportunities to gain competitive leadership skills. Whether inside or outside the classroom, our skilled faculty and staff are passionate about teaching, mentoring and supporting student success.

Notre Dame University

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Notre Dame has grown from the vision of Father Sorin, who sought to establish a great Catholic university in America, and has remained faithful to both its religious and intellectual traditions. Today, we seek to be an enlightening force for a world deeply in need. Our departments of theology and philosophy are regarded as among the finest in the world while faculty in all departments participate in our mission to ensure that Notre Dame’s Catholic character informs all of our endeavors. From legal scholars who study civil rights and religious liberty, to scientists and engineers who investigate environmental protection, to sociologists who examine religious and ethical practices, Notre Dame continues to be a place where the Church does its thinking.

Purdue University

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History. Traditions. Achievements. The Boilermaker story is full of milestones that have had a significant impact on our state, nation and world. See for yourself how Purdue fulfills its mission.

Purdue University-Fort Wayne

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For more than 50 years, Purdue Fort Wayne has drawn Mastodons from near and far. Our students value the prestigious Purdue name and degree, and they experience the affordability and vibrance of Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne. We offer a traditional campus experience with perfectly sized classes that allow for individualized attention to help our students thrive. Students also have the opportunity to work alongside faculty to tackle real-world challenges through groundbreaking research and to explore new facets of creative expression.

Taylor University

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For more than 175 years, Taylor University has stayed true to its heritage, challenging each generation of students to integrate faith with learning and follow Christ’s calling. Though our University’s history is not blemish-free, tough times have kept us anchored in faith and committed to our university’s mission.

University of St. Francis

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Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions of Faith and Reason, the University of Saint Francis engages a diverse community in learning, leadership, and service.

Vocational Trainings

Freedom Academy

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The Heartland Career Center focuses on technical skills, knowledge and understanding designed to promote occupational preparation to be successful both in the everchanging technical society. Many programs are designed with high school students in mind, but many offer workforce certifications for adults through Freedom Academy. Specific programs include Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Computer Numerical Control Operator Certification and Welding Certification.

Ivy Tech Community College

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The main campus for Ivy Tech Community College is in Fort Wayne, many classes and programs are held at the Ivy Tech Wabash campus. Not only providing numerous degrees and certifications, Ivy Tech Community College courses are taught through a dual credit program, and provide college credits to students enabling them to fulfill high school requirements as well as building their college career. Specific programs include Cybersecurity courses and a Microsoft EXCEL workshop, many of which are held at the Wabash County Community Learning Center, at 277 N. Thorne Street.

Imagine One85

Foundation

The Foundation Report provides an analysis across three topics: transportation, hazard mitigation, and public facilities and services

Key Findings

  • Most streets are not congested and have plenty of capacity for growth. Some sections of SR-15 and SR-13 in the City of Wabash are nearing capacity and may experience peak hour congestion.
  • Pavement and bridge deferred maintenance backlogs are sizable and is the primary focus of County and local street superintendents.
  • Hazardous Materials Incidents were identified as the highest vulnerability in the County. This was based on factors such as risk probability, magnitude/severity, warning time, and the duration of the incident for each event.
  • Approximately one-third of residents lack access to high-speed internet. Fiber optic internet is limited within the County; only the City of Wabash and the Town of North Manchester have access to fiber.
  • Improving Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) is an area of focus. Wabash and North Manchester both have Long-Term Control Plans related to their stormwater and sanitary systems.

Review the full report.

Imagine One85 Countywide Comprehensive Strategic Plan

This planning process was launched in July 2020, and after two-plus years of devdelopment, the Imagine One85 Countywide Comprehensive Plan was adopted by all governing bodies in Wabash County in Summer 2022.

Implementation will be ongoing. Bold ideas, broad community engagement and good technical work will create the foundation for a resilient and fiscally sound future.

Download the Imagine One85 Comp Plan

People

The People Memo provides analysis across three topics: public health, placemaking, and education.

Key Findings

  • Health Factors in Wabash are better than nearly two-thirds of other counties in Indiana. Areas of strength include Income Equality, Social Associations, Insurance Coverage, Mental Health Providers, and Vaccinations. Opportunity areas include Adult Smoking and Obesity, Post-Secondary Education, and Air Pollution.
  • Residents have access to opportunities for active and healthy lifestyles. Investments made in trails and blueways, particularly on the Wabash River Trail, promote an active lifestyle and provide recreation opportunities for residents. Healthy food access is provided through several Farmer’s Markets and a variety of grocery stores that offer fresh produce.
  • Placemaking efforts support other community priorities. The Wabash River Trail, Downtown Wabash Farmers Market, and other examples promote values such as public health and economic development.
  • Overall enrollment in schools has been declining and will continue as the County demographic changes. The aging population and only a modest rate of in-migration of families with school-aged children contributes to this trend.

Review the full memo.

Place

The Place Memo provides an analysis across four topics: land use, agriculture, natural resources and parks and recreation, and historic and archeological resources.

Key Findings

  • Very little land consumption from 2000. Just over 600 acres of agricultural land was lost to development from 2000. During this same period, the county lost 3,000 residents.
  • The current zoning maps identify significant growth areas. Almost every land use (commercial, residential, industrial, etc.) has at least 40% undeveloped land capacity available for future growth based on the current zoning.
  • Farms in the County continue to decrease in number but increase in average size. An average farm today is nearly 154% larger than the average Wabash farm in the 1940s.
  • Substantial parkland is protected from development. Approximately six percent of the County’s land is protected by local, state, and federal parks.
  • The County has a unique network of active preservation partners. Not all counties of similar size and composition have multiple historical societies and an institution like the Honeywell Foundation.

Review the full memo.

Population Loss Study

Wabash County has steadily lost population for nearly 40 years and is projected to have fewer residents in 2050 than 2019. Low birthrates  coupled with more people moving out than moving in creates a perfect storm for population decline that is not easily reversed.  

This is a problem, but it can feel invisible in Wabash County. Personal income continues to increase, and the number of households are staying  steady. Even property tax revenue is growing. However school enrollments are projected to decline and accordingly their financial support from  the state. The consumer base for restaurants, retail outlets, and professional services like attorneys and banks will shrink. Furthermore, the job  base that once kept counties like Wabash afloat – typically manufacturing – has declined without comparable-wage replacement jobs in other  industries. This scenario is not unique to Wabash County. A national trend exists of population decline and economic change in rural locations  not adjacent to urban metros. Similar things are happening in some of the counties surrounding Wabash County. 

Increasing population against these strong national demographic headwinds is a very ambitious goal. No guaranteed road map or best practice  exists. However that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. Rather, improving the local systems and structures from everything like local  government finance to arts and entertainment provides an opportunity to not only make Wabash County an attractive place to work or visit, but  also a great place to call home for those who just moved there and those who have lived there their entire lives. 

Success doesn’t happen overnight. This is work that will take years to show results. While some projects can provide quick wins to build and  sustain momentum, it will be hard work over the long haul. Don’t give up. Bold results require hard work and commitment from across Wabash County.

Review the full report.

Prosperity

The Prosperity Memo outlines the key findings, maps and tables for the various topics related to community and individual prosperity. Topics in this report include economic development, housing and fiscal conditions.

Key Findings

  • The economic activity in Wabash County is worth $1.2 billion and has grown by three percent from 2015.
  • There are just over 700 businesses, down from a high point before the 2008 national recession.
  • Wabash County has experienced little recent growth in its property tax base, which puts pressure on property tax rates and the ability to fund public services.
  • Wabash County has prioritized the local income tax in its fiscal policy. The county has seen significant recent income tax revenue growth.
  • The vast majority, 80% of the housing units, are single family
  • 19% of the county residents are “housing cost burdened”

Review the full memo.

Recommendations

After examining all of the various resources, community analyses, etc. and combining them with the copious amounts of feedback collected through community listening sessions, stakeholder meetings and small group discussions, Planning NEXT and the Imagine One 85 Steering Committee came up with 85 recommendations to help Wabash County grow its population.

Review the recommedations. 

Why should you care about Imagine One 85?

A plan will ensure our future is not left to chance.

The population decline that spans decades is partly the result of little or no countywide planning. Communities, like businesses, cannot reach their potential without a deliberate and thoughtful blueprint.

Our potential has a much better chance to be realized if we use an intentional and thoughtful planning process and make a commitment to implementation that leverages our assets and leans into the very real challenges of population decline, economic development, poverty and workforce development.

Imagine One 85 is an unprecedented opportunity to create a better future for the communities of Wabash County.

This is about you and your community.

For the past four decades, there have been fewer and fewer of us in the county—in fact, over 5,000 fewer of us (14+% decline), one-half the City of Wabash.

While planning is good stewardship in general, it must also address a community’s most urgent challenges. In the case of the communities of Wabash County, that challenge is population decline. We are home to many great assets, it’s up to us to take the initiative to develop a plan—and implement it.

No one can build our future for us.

This is a unique opportunity.

For the first time, we are approaching planning as an entire county. Rarely is planning done on the county level. What’s more, local governments, organizations and individual donors have invested generously to fund the planning process—which they trust—now. We may not have this kind of opportunity again for a long, long time.

This process needs your insight.

Creating the comprehensive plan requires your ideas, your input and your feedback to ensure it represents the authentic voice of Wabash County and its unique communities.

What does the name Imagine One 85 signify?

We’re coming together as one to plan for our future.

Alphabetically, Wabash County is the 85th county in the state.

Wabash County’s ’85’ has long been an administrative identifier for the county, especially on license plates and state tax returns. Wabash County is made up of five incorporated communities (La Fontaine, Lagro, Manchester, Roann and Wabash), several unincorporated communities and large swaths of farmland. This planning process recognizes the interrelated nature of all communities, and will culminate with actionable solutions that are good for one and good for all.

Prosperity

Economic Development

 The purpose of the Economic Development Technical Analysis is to provide a common set of facts regarding the performance of the County economy, and the status of its workforce. These facts in addition to interviews, and other targeted analysis are to support the creation of the economic development element for the County Comprehensive Plan.

  • The economic activity in Wabash County is worth $1.2 billion and has grown by three percent from 2015.
  • There are just over 700 businesses, down from a high point before the 2008 national recession.
  • Annual average wages have increased in real terms since 2010 by 10% but lags the state average by $10,000
  • Local labor needs (workforce) are met by the region – and the County’s employment needs (jobs for residents) are also met by the region.
  • 22% of county residents commute more than 50 miles for employment
  • Workforce in several industries is older than the state of Indiana

Chapmans Brewing Company storefront

 

Fiscal Capacity

Understanding the fiscal environment is critical to realistic, actionable, long-range planning. This chapter provides an overview of the current tax and revenue structure of Wabash County and its municipalities to understand the tools available to support the planning process.

Key Findings

  • Major sources of local revenue are property taxes and income taxes.
  • Wabash County has experienced little recent growth in its property tax base, which puts pressure on property tax rates and the ability to fund public services.
  • Circuit breaker impacts are relatively low in most of the county but are an emerging issue for the Wabash Civil City.
  • Wabash County has prioritized the local income tax in its fiscal policy. The county has seen significant recent income tax revenue growth.
  • The current income tax rate is near the statutory maximum for budgetary revenues, leaving little capacity for rate growth.
  • Untapped revenue streams such as the Food and Beverage Tax and Wheel Tax/Surtax could generate revenue for future capital projects.

Graph showing Wabash County assessed value by property class; indexed to 2012

Housing

The purpose of the Housing Technical Analysis is to provide a common set of facts regarding the state of housing in Wabash County. These facts are to support the creation of the housing and land use elements for the County Comprehensive Plan.

Key Findings

Wabash County Housing…

  • Consists of 14,000 housing units
  • Of which, 39% was built before 1939
  • The vast majority, 80%of the housing units, are single family
  • Limited new construction since 2009
  • 19% of the county residents are “housing cost burdened”
  • Has been rising in value faster than the state
  • Housing values have grown almost 3x of wages

Sunset over the city

People

Public Health

The Public Health chapter reviews the state of public health in Wabash County and its connection to economic resiliency. First, health factors and outcomes are measured against the state and comparable counties. Then, an inventory and map of the health care facilities across the County are presented to understand their distribution and to identify potential for growth. This section also details environmental impacts on public health, recognizing several key components particularly relevant to Wabash. The final section presents existing public health programs in the County alongside model programs as examples for further exploration.

Key Findings

  • Health Factors in Wabash are better than nearly two-thirds of other counties in Indiana. Areas of strength include Income Equality, Social Associations, Insurance Coverage, Mental Health Providers, and Vaccinations. Opportunity areas include Adult Smoking and Obesity, Post-Secondary Education, and Air Pollution.
  • County Health Outcomes are relatively low with respect to the state and comparable counties. Premature death rates are increasing. Cancer, heart disease, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus contribute to this finding.
  • Residents have access to opportunities for active and healthy lifestyles. Investments made in trails and blueways, particularly on the Wabash River Trail, promote an active lifestyle and provide recreation opportunities for residents. Healthy food access is provided through several Farmer’s Markets and a variety of grocery stores that offer fresh produce.
  • 6.7% of County residents do not have health insurance, and 20% of residents are age 65 and older. By these measures, more than 25% of residents are especially vulnerable to significant health issues.
  • Health care facilities are clustered in the cities of Wabash and North Manchester, and they offer most services. The county is home to a Critical Access Hospital, Primary Care Physicians, a mental health clinic, and a variety of specialists. The nearest Level II Trauma Center is located in Fort Wayne.

Chapman's Brewing Company storefront

Placemaking

The Placemaking section describes the quality of place characteristics in Wabash County. Next, it explains the connections between placemaking and other topic areas. Finally, this section describes recent placemaking efforts, identifies key assets in the county that contribute to its quality of place, and explores opportunities for future placemaking.

Key Findings

  • Wabash County has taken significant steps in placemaking to accentuate its natural and manmade assets. The Stellar Communities Grant has enabled a number of valuable projects that improve the County’s quality of place. Visit Wabash County has also promoted the various communities through improved signage.
  • Placemaking efforts support other community priorities. The Wabash River Trail, Downtown Wabash Farmers Market, and other examples promote values such as public health and economic development.
  • The COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the value of existing outdoor amenities and revealed a demand for more outdoor dining and gathering spaces.

Inspire mural on building exterior

Education

This section reviews the educational system within Wabash County. First, educational opportunities ranging from pre-K to post-secondary / vocational are identified and mapped. Further consideration is then given to understand trends in the County and to identify comparative measurements to use as benchmarks for the education system. Finally, this section provides a summary of the findings from the 2017 Studies for Advancement.

Key Findings

  • Wabash County is home to a complete continuum of learning opportunities. Residents have options that range from pre-k and early childhood to post-secondary and alternative, technical, and vocational training. The presence of Manchester University in the County is a significant higher education opportunity for a county of its size.
  • Overall enrollment in schools has been declining and will continue as the County demographic changes. The aging population and only a modest rate of in-migration of families with school-aged children contributes to this trend.
  • Current academic programs meet State requirements, but lower limits specialized or advanced learning opportunities and certain extracurricular activities. Class offerings like world languages, engineering, and business, and extracurriculars such as soccer teams and marching bands are unavailable.
  • Availability and affordability of childcare affects parents’ participation in the workforce. Limited access to childcare in Wabash presents significant economic challenges, including millions of dollars in lost wages and earnings.

Population and public school enrollment stats

Place

Land Use

Land use reviews the existing conditions of the built and natural places across the communities of Wabash County. Through this analysis, a comprehensive inventory was established of the various types of land uses and how much is present today to establish a baseline for future development growth. This section details the existing community character – another method for assessing the county’s land use profile – found throughout the county, evaluates the zoning framework that regulates land development, assesses current growth potential for specific land uses, and identifies assets to incentivize and leverage community investment. The final section of the topic provides an analysis of the county’s land cover patterns and changes over time.

Key Findings

  • A diverse collection of places from urban to rural to natural. There are ten unique place types in Wabash County ranging from natural parkland to historic/urban downtowns.
  • Very little land consumption from 2000. Just over 600 acres of agricultural land was lost to development from 2000. During this same period, the county lost 3,000 residents.
  • Agricultural land dominates in terms of overall land use. More than 82% of the county is used for farming operations. These uses include cultivation, livestock, along with other processes.
  • The current zoning maps identify significant growth areas. Almost every land use (commercial, residential, industrial, etc.) has at least 40% undeveloped land capacity available for future growth based on the current zoning.
  • Industrial development capacity is substantial. An estimated 71% or just over 4,080 acres of industrial zoned land is available for future development.

Farm at sunset

Agriculture

Agriculture takes a closer look into the primary type of crops and livestock that are produced throughout Wabash County. This is achieved through evaluating the current enabling infrastructure and identifying some of the emerging trends in farming that can be leveraged.

Key Findings

  • Farms in the County continue to decrease in number but increase in average size. An average farm today is nearly 154% larger than the average Wabash farm in the 1940s.
  • The market value of agricultural products sold has experienced a drop off in recent years. The County’s average market value of products sold per farm fell 27% between 2012 to 2017.
  • Local farmers are on the forefront of the Farm-to-Fork movement. While distributing products directly to restaurants is viewed as an emerging trend, a number of Wabash farms have already been doing this for decades.
  • Relatively little farmland was lost to development over the past 20 years. Based on a land cover analysis, just over 600 acres moved from an agricultural use to developed from 2000, roughly equivalent to the size of downtown Wabash.

Agriculture

Natural Resources / Parks and Recreation

This section reviews the natural resources and other unique places that have naturally defined the character of Wabash County and its communities. Along with this are the parks and recreation assets the county has developed to connect and expand the greenway and blueway network. Through this analysis, a baseline of the existing conditions is established to understand how the communities leverage these assets. This section details the natural resources available, examines existing programming, reviews the relationship between the natural and manmade, and identifies efforts to enhance natural assets.

Key Findings

  • Community parks are provided at all levels. From the local to the regional, parks and open spaces are provided throughout the communities of Wabash County.
  • Rivers are a major community asset. Several communities from Wabash to Roann have direct riverfront access to one or more of the county’s river corridors.
  • Substantial parkland is protected from development. Approximately six percent of the County’s land is protected by local, state, and federal parks.
  • Agricultural production has a strong relationship with the environment. Farming practices directly impact the health and quality of environmental resources like soil and water.

Natural resources

Historic and Archeological Resources

Historical and Archaeological Resources examines the County’s many cultural assets that contribute to the overall sense of place. This section assesses preservation efforts that have taken place within the county and highlights some of the organizations that are spearheading this important work.

Key Findings

  • Wabash communities are active advocates for their history and their landmarks of historical significance. The first landmark in the County to make it on the National Register was listed in 1979.
  • The County has a unique network of active preservation partners. Not all counties of similar size and composition have multiple historical societies and an institution like the Honeywell Foundation.
  • Historic assets play an important role in reinforcing community identity. Unique events such as the four-day Roann Covered Bridge Festival demonstrate how landmarks add vibrancy to the communities of Wabash.

Historic buildings

Foundation

Transportation

The transportation section has two primary focuses. First, assess the community’s current and future multimodal transportation needs and opportunities from a high level. Second, consider how these needs and opportunities may affect population growth and decline.

Key Findings

  • Traffic Congestion — Most streets are not congested and have plenty of capacity for growth. Some sections of SR-15 and SR-13 in the City of Wabash are nearing capacity and may experience peak hour congestion. Bridge and Pavement Maintenance Backlogs — Pavement and bridge deferred maintenance backlogs are sizable and is the primary focus of County and local street superintendents.
  • Inadequate operations funding is affecting staffing levels and, as a result the ability to accommodate all service requests at Wabash Transit. For some, the agency’s services are their only means to live independently and without it, may need to move out of the area.
  • Wabash Municipal Airport’s main runway is 600 feet short of the minimum needed to insure hangered jets at the airport. Extending the runway makes the airport and county more attractive to large business owners want to fly into town when visiting their places of operation.
  • While most neighborhood and downtown streets are walkable and bikeable, other busy thoroughfares are not and may discourage walking and biking. Shared-use paths in Wabash provide a recreational amenity for those who travel to them. These quality-of-life amenities are important to those considering whether to move to the area.
  • Both Wabash and North Manchester have attractive downtowns with a strong sense of place. Beyond these places, a number of corridors lack needed infrastructure and visual enhancements to be recognized as authentic, desirable places.

Covered bridge

Public Facilities and Services

The Public Facilities and Services chapter takes inventory of the different utility services, facilities, and infrastructure that are currently provided by the City of Wabash, the Towns of North Manchester, LaFontaine, Lagro, and Roann, and the unincorporated areas in Wabash County.

Key Findings

  • Approximately one-third of residents lack access to high-speed internet. Fiber optic internet is limited within the County; only the City of Wabash and the Town of North Manchester have access to fiber.
  • Improving Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) is an area of focus. Wabash and North Manchester both have Long-Term Control Plans related to their stormwater and sanitary systems.
  • Septic system monitoring and maintenance in the unincorporated portions of the county are necessary to protect and improve water quality. Failures of the residential septic systems, especially in clusters, are deleterious to surface and groundwater quality. These systems are prevalent outside of the water and sewer service areas and there have been recent, notable failures.

Public facilities & services

Hazard Mitigation

In order to promote safety and resiliency, a community’s comprehensive plan should work in tandem with its hazard mitigation efforts. This chapter evaluates the primary findings of the 2019 Wabash County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and identifies other potential hazards that were not included in the latest plan.

Key Findings

  • Hazardous Materials Incidents were identified as the highest vulnerability in the County. This was based on factors such as risk probability, magnitude/severity, warning time, and the duration of the incident for each event.
  • Public education and outreach is the County’s highest priority mitigation practice. It meets the criteria of 5 out of the 6 primary mitigation strategies and can apply to all 11 identified hazards.
  • Biological Hazards, including global pandemics, are not addressed in the current MHMP. These types of hazards follow similar patterns to Natural Hazards.

Hazard mitigation