Winter got an early start this season.  It has been several years since we have seen the snow this early and stick around for an extended period of time. For those of you who enjoy winter outdoor activities, this has been a welcomed event. For those who would prefer that spring arrive just as early as winter, we can hope. I am not sure which camp I am in, but as I sit in my home watching the beautiful white snow cover the ground, I am reminded of the Christmas season and the promise and hope it represents. I hope this season finds you well and that you can have time to reflect positively on the past year. 

We continue to work on your behalf to make Nappanee the best place to live, work, play and learn. 2025 has been another great year for the city. Construction is complete and the Fire Department is moved into their new facility on North Main Street. If you missed the open house and would like to see the new station, please call and set up a time to take a tour. In November, the Art Council launched the annual Nutcrackers in the downtown. In conjunction, we set up S. Claus & Co. for the season in the Dietrich Building, located at 101 S. Main Street. The addition of the Cartoon Alley, the Nutcrackers, and the Christmas shop have added to the vibrancy of our downtown and brought residents and visitors to the area to explore and shop. 

As we look forward to 2026, we are excited about what the future holds. Construction is underway on a new clubhouse at McCormick Creek Golf Course. This project is made possible and is being paid for with increased revenue generated by the golf course. The Redevelopment Commission continues to work with developers to renovate the Dietrich Building and connections and alleyway improvements connecting the downtown with Coppes Commons. Our Street Department continues to demonstrate great pride in the care and maintenance of our streets.  We will also plan to tackle more projects with our Water and Wastewater Utilities to upgrade our aging water and sewer lines. All of this continues to happen as we keep a careful eye on the changes to our property tax system. We are resolved  to look for opportunities to be more efficient and meet the financial constraints that lie ahead while still maintaining the level of service our residents expect.     

As always, I would like to thank the many businesses, churches, and non-profit agencies in the community for the way you meet the needs of Nappanee during this time and throughout the  year. It is my privilege and honor to serve alongside you for the betterment of our community. I wish you all continued blessings and a safe and healthy 2026. Together, we will continue to build a better Nappanee.