Town of North Manchester, Indiana

Town Life Center History

The Town Life Center was built in 1929 and opened that fall as the Thomas Marshall Elementary School. The original building was constructed for under $40,000. School began with four classrooms for grades 1-6. Other rooms were used for various activities. The school was known for its large fish tank on both sides of the hallway. In 1967, the building was remodeled and enlarged. One of the improvements was the addition of a new multi-purpose room where weekly roller skating sessions took place on Saturdays. Classrooms were remodeled and carpeted and a new heating system and new wiring were installed.

In 1989, the students who attended Thomas Marshall were transferred to the new Manchester Elementary School and the building no longer functioned as a school. During the 1990s, discussions were held by various groups on how to best use the building going forward. The Manchester School Corporation transferred the title of the building and surrounding property to the Town of North Manchester. The land surrounding the Town Life Center is still maintained by the Town through its Park Department and the large open space east of the building is known as Thomas Marshall Park.

After a multi-year discernment process, the Town of North Manchester sold the old school building to the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana who, with the help of community leaders, developed a plan to rehabilitate the Thomas Marshall School to be consistent with its current use as well as plan for future uses. Historic Landmarks leased the operation of the building to Community Services of North Manchester, Inc. who oversaw the rehabilitation of the building from 2006 – 2008. Major improvements included installing an elevator to make the building handicap accessible, remodeling for accessible bathrooms, replacing the old boiler, adding air conditioning to rooms and tuck pointing the outside of the building.

In March, 2015, the Town of North Manchester assumed responsibility for building operations. The Town now holds the lease with Historical Landmarks of Indiana who remains the owner of the building. Many students who attended Thomas Marshall School have fond memories of their elementary school days there and roller skating on Saturday mornings.

The Thomas Marshall Town Life Center continues as an asset to the citizens of North Manchester by offering lease office space to a variety of businesses, both for profit and not-for-profit, who serve the community. It also has three facilities available for rent on an hourly or daily basis to both individuals and organizations.

Town of North Manchester CCR

ADA / Title VI

Title VI 

• Resolution No. 8, 2015 
• Title VI Implementation Plan
• Title VI Notice 
• Title VI Consent and Complaint Form 
• Title VI ISpeak Card 

ADA

• ADA Notice
• ADA Consent and Complaint Form 
• ADA ISpeak Card

Golf Cart Rules and Inspection

Inspections & Permit

For general use of golf carts on Town of North Manchester streets, an inspection by the Town of North Manchester Clerk's Office is required and, upon passing inspection, a permit sticker will be applied to the golf cart windshield.  Please read the Rules and Regulations below to understand what is required for inspection.  Inspection will be conducted at the Town of North Manchester's, Town Hall (103 E Main Street), Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  If you have any questions please contact us at 982-9800 opt 2.

Golf Cart Permit Application 

General Ordinance 3, 2016 Golf Cart Ordinance 

Rules & Regulations

Below are the main highlights for golf cart use in town:

1. Must have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle issued by Indiana or any other state, or an Indiana ID, and having acquired the age of 16 years. 
2. Proof of Financial Responsibility
   1. Twenty five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) because of bodily injury to or death of any one (1) person
   2. Subject to the limit in subdivision (1), fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident; and 
   3. Ten thousand dollars (10,000) because of injury to or the destruction of property in any one (1) accident.
   4. Proof shall be provided at the time of registration
3. Standard Equipment Regulations 
   1. Brakes that are in good working condition
   2. One or more white lights that are visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the golf cart / UTV
   3. Taillight that are visible form a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the golf cart / UTV
   4. Rear working brake lights which are visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the golf cart / UTV 
   5. DOT approved slow moving vehicle sign on a staff holder to put such flag a least five(5) feet above the surface of the street. 
   6. Rear view mirror 
   7. Front and rear working turn signals 
4. Operation
   1. State Statutes and ordinances of the Town of North Manchester that regulate motor vehicle traffic. 
   2. Golf carts / UTV may be operated on Town Streets.  Such may not be operated on any State or Federal Highways except to cross said highway at a ninety (90) degree angle.  
   3. Registration and inspection decals must be placed on the front and rear fender area or the Golf Cart / UTV
      1. Registration is valid for 1 year 
      2. Registration fee is twenty five dollars ($25.00) and included decals and registration card 
      3. Registration card must be kept with the with cart / UTV or in possession of operator. 
5. UTV Exclusion
   1. In case of UTV, which is to be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Upon proof of a valid registration card,  the registration fee will be waived, and a town registration card and decals will still be supplied to owner.  
6. Penalties 
   1. Any person violating a provision of this Article shall be deemed guilty of an offense and fined not less than fifty ($50.00) dollars for a first offense, not less than one hundred ($100.00) dollars for a second offense and not less than two hundred ($200.00) dollars for all subsequent offenses, but no fine for any individual offense shall exceed twenty five hundred ($2500.00) dollars.  

Starting, Stopping, and Transfer of Service

Start-up of service requires the customer to appear in person at the Public Works Office located at 101 E Main Street (corner of Main & Market Streets) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  A photo ID is required as well as a deposit.  Water service turn-on requires 24 hour notice.

 Discontinuation of services requires that the customer contact the Public Works Office.  Notification must be made at least 24 hours in advance to provide adequate time to get a final reading.  The final bill will be rendered during the next billing cycle.  If you will no longer require our services, your deposit will be applied to your account and any leftover funds will be refunded by check.

 Transfers require the same as above.  An additional deposit may be required.

 We accept cash, check, money order, and debit/credit cards (minimal service fee).

Police Department Roster

Current North Manchester Police Department Roster

Chief Nate Birch
Sgt. Dylan Mack	Officer Cody Cook: K9 Handler
Officer David McManus	Officer Chad Pearce	Officer Cody Egner
Officer Brett Walden		Maureen Zinn - Office Clerk
Reserve Officer	Reserve Officer	Reserve Officer

Community Development

Information on Community Development:

• Tree Advisory Commission
• Main Street Project
• Community Trail Network
• Manchester Main Street

About the Fire Department

The North Manchester Fire Department was officially organized in the spring of 1883 after a major fire threatened the town’s business district.

Currently, the fire department is led by Fire Chief Cam Kissinger who has been serving the North Manchester Fire Department since 1989.  Assistant Chief Darrell Watson has 27 years in the fire service.  We also have two Captains, Andrew Metzger and Ryan Niccum, and two lieutenants, Chris Haupert and Brad Roser.

The majority of our department is trained at the Firefighter I/II level, and also trained as Emergency Medical First Responders.

Parkview EMS began covering the Town of North Manchester as well as northern Wabash County and southern Kosciusko County on October 1, 2016.  Parkview EMS is based out of the North Manchester Public Safety Building.

Park Board

Board/Committee/Commission Meeting Schedule:

The Park Board meets the last Wednesday of every month at 6pm in the conference room at the Strauss-Peabody Aquatic & Fitness Center.

Park Board Members:

• Mel Sautter, President
• Jack Vineyard, Vice President
• Rick Espeset, School Board appointee
• Becky Kreps
• Bobbi Lautzenheiser

Federal Transparency in Coverage Rule - Machine Readable Files

This link leads to the files that are made available in response to the Federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers.  The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to access and analyze data more easily.     www.aga-tpa.com/machine-readable-files

Town Life Center Rental Facilities

The Town Life Center offers three facilities for rent to individuals and organizations. Rentals are by half-day or full day.

GYMNASIUM: The Gym is 50’ by 70’, about ¾ the size of a traditional gym, and is 2709 square feet. The room is heated but not air conditioned, has hardwood floors and basketball goals. It is perfect for parties, dances, indoor sports, receptions, family dinners and birthday parties. Food is allowed in the gym.

MERRITT ACTIVITY ROOM: The Merritt Room is 26’ by 50 ft., 989 square feet. It is ideal for meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. The room is carpeted, heated but not air conditioned. Food is not allowed in the Merritt Room.

NOTE: Both the Gym and the Merritt Room are Handicap Accessible and close to the Handicap Accessible restrooms. Approximately 20 6’ tables and 70 folding chairs are available for use by groups renting these facilities. Wireless internet is not available at the present time.

CONFERENCE ROOM: The Conference Room is 9’ by 32” and available for small group meetings, workshops, etc. The 682 square foot room has a large table and a dozen chairs. Additional chairs may be available in consultation with the building manager. The room is carpeted with chalkboards and a screen. Access to the room requires going up three stair steps.

INFORMATION:

• The Town Life Center, is a smoke free facility. Smoking is permitted outside in the designated area only. Alcohol is not allowed at any time.
• A rental deposit may be required.
• Available rental hours are 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Rental forms are available in the forms section of the website.
• Rental agreements, waivers and payments must be received prior to the rental.
• Information regarding facility rentals and all rental scheduling is done by the North Manchester Parks & Recreation Department, 260-982-4919.

About Your Bill

Info for 2019 Utility Rates:  Click HERE

Meter Reading:

North Manchester Utilities does its best to read each water meter every month.  There are, however, circumstances that make estimating a necessity.  When this becomes necessary, we base the estimated consumption on an average of the customers’ historical monthly usage.  If your consumption is estimated, it will be stated on the bill.  Any over or under estimation is reconciled at the time of the next actual meter reading.

When Payments Are Due:

Payments are due 15 days from the mailing date.  Bills are mailed the last business day of each month.  Payments received after the due date are subjected to a penalty in the amount of 10% of the current amount due.

Payments:

Payments may be paid at the Public Works Office (corner of Main & Market Streets) or by mail to 101 E Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962.  Please allow enough time for payments to be processed to avoid penalty.  You may also use our drop box which is conveniently located at the entrance to our building.  These payments may be dropped off 24/7 365 days a year.

Another method that may be used to pay your bill is ACH (Automated Clearing House).  ACH is a free and easy program that automatically withdraws your utility bill payment from your bank account approximately the 10^th of each month.  To sign up you will need to complete an ACH Authorization Form and return it to the Public Works Office.  Please print the form located in the Related Pages section.  Complete and return along with a voided check to:

            North Manchester Public Works

            101 E Main St

            North Manchester, IN 46962

Bad Checks:

Customers paying bills with checks drawn on accounts with non-sufficient funds will be given until 9:00 a.m. the next business day to correct the deficiency.  Customers failing to do so will be disconnected without further notice.  Payments to correct the situation must be cash.  A NSF fee of $34 must also be paid.

Strauss-Peabody Aquatic & Fitness Center

Strauss Peabody Aquatic and Fitness Center is located at 902 N. Market Street and features a fully loaded fitness center, containing Treadmills, Bikes, Precor Weight Machines as well as a Smith Press Machine. The center has a full size competitive swimming pool, a warm water therapy pool, indoor water slide, whirlpool, steam room and sauna. SPAFC is home to the MHS Squires swim team, MU swim team and the MAC swim team.

No membership?  No problem!  Our daily pass is $6 for either pool or fitness!

Our pools are available for rent and are the perfect place for a family reunion, sports teams or youth groups to have a great time!

Therapy pool:  1 hour, $90 + tax

Lap pool:  1 hour, $90 + tax

Party room:  2 hours, $50 + tax RESIDENT RATE (includes 5 pool admissions), $60 + tax NON-RESIDENT RATE (includes 5 pool admissions)  Additional pool admissions are $5 each.  

Economic Development

Information on Economic Development:

• Industry
• Available Industrial Properties
• MEDCOR
• Economic Development Commission
• Grow Wabash County

Fire Department Roster

Current North Manchester Fire Department Roster

Firefighters

Radio Dispatch/Front Desk

Once the main dispatch center to the town, responsible for dispatching all police, fire, and EMS calls, the main responsibility has moved to Wabash County Central Dispatch in early 2019.  The Public Safety Office is still equipped with NCIC/IDACS capabilities, providing important information to promptly assist police officers.

Maureen Zinn is the sole dispatcher and performs clerical responsibilities for the Public Safety Complex.  She is also the NCIC/IDACS Coordinator for the department.

Wabash County Central Dispatch serves North Manchester, Wabash, Roann, Lagro, Liberty Mills, LaFontaine, Somerset, and all rural citizens. 

Located at:  1101 Manchester Ave, Wabash IN 46992

ph: (260) 563-9223
ph: (206)982-8555

Website: http://centraldispatch.wabashcounty85.us/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wabash-County-E911-Central-Dispatch-528478370553072       

Available Properties

Fee Schedule

Fire Safety & Education

North Manchester Fire Department takes fire prevention very seriously. Every year in October, during fire prevention month, NMFD goes to our local grade school and teaches K-1 the importance of fire safety.

We are able to show them what could happen in their home with our animated smoke house. Thru this we can teach them about safety in the house. Also we could never forget to bring Sparky the Fire Dog to help teach them life saving tips.

During our town's annual Fun Fest activities in August, we also have the firetrucks and a display to help teach about the importance of fire safety.

Parks

Warvel Park (located between 7^th & 9^th Streets along Market Street) sits on 10 acres and includes playground equipment, horseshoe pits, picnic tables & grills, Alex’s House and a basketball half court as well as Scout Hall, 2 open-air pavilions and a gazebo.

Holderman Park (located at 419 N. Market Street ) contains a Veterans Memorial, the Thomas Marshall house and a gazebo on 1.2 acres.

Frantz Park (located south of Frantz Drive between Crestview Drive & Meadow Dale Drive) is a 1.8 acre community park that contains playground equipment, a basketball half-court and a picnic area.

Town Life Center (603 Bond St.) grounds comprise 2 acres and is maintained by NMPR. There is a playground, basketball court, baseball diamond and soccer practice fields.

Ogan's Landing (108 South Mill Street) Our newest park is also home to a canoe/kayak launch!  The 2 acre park includes two pavilions- a large pavilion (home to the North Manchester Farmer's Market) and a small pavilion, two restroom buildings  and a parking area.

Dog Park (203 State Road 13 W) our 1-acre dog park features a small dog area as well as a large dog area, benches and a dogipot station.  A drinking fountain will be coming soon!

Town Life Center Tenants

Tenants of the Town Life Center at 603 Bond St., North Manchester, IN 46962

Learn More Center: Phone: 260.982.6138. Fax: 260.982.1799. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.learnmorecenter.org. The Learn More Center offers programs that focus on preparing students for attaining a high school equivalency diploma; English as a Second Language; workforce development; college preparation; and adult basic literacy.

Manchester Meals on Wheels: Phone: 260.982.6010. Meals on Wheels is a not-for-profit organization that provides meals for residents in North Manchester who are unable to prepare their own meals. Meals are prepared at the Timbercrest Senior Living Community and delivered by volunteers around 11:00 am Monday through Friday. The delivery includes a hot lunch and a cold meal for later in the day. Office hours are 10:45 am through noon Monday through Friday. The office is in Suite #3. Please call for additional information.

Wabash County Cancer Society: Contact: Theresa Sites. Phone: 260.982.8418. Email: [email protected]. Wabash County Cancer Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping Wabash County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer. Financial assistance is offered for expenses that Medicare and health insurance programs do not cover such as mileage reimbursement and prescription costs. Supplies and equipment are also available at no cost to the cancer patient. The Cancer Society is funded by the United Fund of Wabash County, memorial gifts, and donations.

NoMa Yoga: Contact: Leighanne Fitzpatrick. Phone: 260.901.1622. Email: [email protected]  Website: https://noma.yoga Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/noma.yoga.in NoMa Yoga is creating yoga that is accessible for Everybody. From the most experienced to the least, there is a class that will meet everyone’s needs.

Frontline Pest Management: Frontline Pest Management is a family-owned business and owner Shane Westerman has over 20 years in the pest control industry.  Website:  www.frontlinepestmgmt.com  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/frontlinepestmgmt  Email:  [email protected] 

Manchester Barber Shop:  Suite 1  Open Mondays 6am-6pm starting March 3rd, 2025.  Walk-Ins welcome.  John Conley 574-551-7297

Utility Billing Disconnect Policies

Disconnections

A customer who is unable to pay a bill by the date of the disconnection notice can make arrangements to pay the bill by signing a payment agreement.  These arrangements can be structured to help meet the needs of individual customers.  Please contact our office for further details 260-982-9800, option 1.  These arrangements must be made before disconnection of your service.  Customers who have failed to keep payments are subject to disconnect and the entire balance will have to be paid in full.  A service charge will also be required when turning the service back on.  Customers are only allowed 2 payment agreements per calendar year.  All payment agreements are at the discretion of the Utility Department. 

 Payment for delinquent bills must be received at the billing office prior to the date stated on the Disconnection Notice to avoid disconnection.

 Disconnections will not be done past 3:00 p.m. on any date that proceeds a weekend or a holiday.

 Reconnections

Customers disconnected for non-payment may be reconnected by paying the bill and a service charge of $100.  Customers disconnected for non-sufficient funds may be reconnected by paying the NSF check, NSF fee of $34, and a service charge of $100.  The current reconnect fee may be found in the Town Ordinances.  Payments are to be made in person at the Public Works Office or over the phone with a debit/credit card.  The Serviceperson will not be allowed to accept money from customers for any reason when at the address to disconnect.

Reservations

NMPR is responsible for renting Scout Hall in Warvel Park, the Main Pavilion in Warvel Park, the 9^th Street Pavilion as well as the Gazebo in Warvel Park for weddings.

SPAFC also offers the lap pool and the therapy pool for private rentals. Members may also rent the party room at the pool.  

We now offer on-line reservations for all our facilities!  Click HERE to go to the reservations page

 RENTAL RATES

ISO Rating

Our last ISO rating for our Fire Department was a 5. This ISO, or Insurance Services Organization rating is used by insurance companies to determine fire insurance rates for industry, business, and residential polices.

ISO collects information on municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, ISO analyzes the relevant data using the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS).

They then assign a public protection classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary public protection, and class 10 indicates that the area’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

Capital Improvement Plan

More information coming soon.

Available for Lease

We are currently have two suites available to rent as of May 1, 2025:

Suite 9:  710 sq. feet, suite includes 1 medium & 1 small office/exam rooms  $400/month

Suite 14:  648 sq. feet $435/month

Contact the North Manchester Parks Department for more information. 260.982.4919.

Radio Dispatch

Once the main dispatch center to the town with the responsible for dispatching all Police, Fire and EMS calls, the main responsibility has moved to Wabash County Central Dispatch in early 2019.  The Public Safety Office is still equipped with NCIC/IDACS capabilities, providing important information to promptly assist police officers.

Jennifer Faust is the sole dispatcher and performs clerical responsibilities for the Public Safety Complex.  She is also the NCIC/IDACS Coordinator for the Department.

Wabash County Central Dispatch serves, North Manchester, Wabash, Roann, Lagro, Liberty Mills, LaFontaine, Somerset, and all rural citizens. 

Located at:  1101 Manchester Ave, Wabash IN 46992

ph: (260) 563-9223
ph: (206)982-8555

Website: http://centraldispatch.wabashcounty85.us/
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wabash-County-E911-Central-Dispatch-528478370553072

Jenny S. Faust, Dispatcher - NCIC/IDACS Coordinator

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission meets when called to act upon matters relating to the Town's tax exempt status. Three members serve three-year, staggered terms.

Town Life Center

Manchester Economic Development Commission (MEDCOR)

The MEDCOR Board meets when called to establish goals, and define and implement objectives encouraging diversified industrial growth. They are to encourage investment by enterprises, expansion of present enterprises within the community, development and expansion of agribusiness industries, new and innovative industries tied to higher education and research, and service industries which respond innovatively to the needs of older citizens. Five citizen members serve three-year terms. Two Chamber of Commerce appointees also serve on the Commission. The Town Manager and Clerk-Treasurer are ex-officio members serving as secretary and treasurer.

Tree Advisory Commission

North Manchester regards its tree canopy as a unique and vital asset. In addition to enhancing the air quality for our residents, the town's trees contribute to North Manchester's overall aesthetic appearance and it's attractiveness to others considering our community as a place to relocate or to do business.

To preserve this canopy, a Tree Advisory Commission was established in 1990 by the North Manchester Town Council. A tree ordinance was enacted July 5, 1990. A tree design plan was completed and adopted in November, 1991. Since its inception, the Tree Advisory Commission has supervised several tree plantings, cared for by the North Manchester Parks and Recreation Department staff:

• North Manchester Tree Planting Program Phase I (517 trees)
• Indiana State Road 114 Project (160 trees)
• Market Street Storm Water Project (over 300 trees).

The tree plantings have inspired North Manchester citizens to help care for and plant trees on their own. The Worth M. Walrod Memorial Tree Fund, a part of our current urban forestry plan, is in place as a matching memorial fund offering replacement trees to property owners, and is administered by the North Manchester Community Foundation.

The Tree Advisory Commission meets on the third Wednesday at the Town Manager's office, and has five official members. Three are appointed by the Town Council and serve a two-year term. One is the presiding officer of the Council or his/her designee. The Town Manager and Park Director are ex-officio members. The Commission is authorized to appoint advisory members who do not have the right to vote. It is the responsibility of the Tree Advisory Commission to advise the Town Council in matters concerning tree maintenance, removal and replacement in treelawns. It is also responsible for matters relating to the collection and disposal of fallen leaves, providing educational information regarding the value and care of trees, recommending plans for visually appealing tree canopies and town entranceways, means and methods of enhancing the quality of air and to assist in the recycling of natural resources, and the means and methods of removing danger from trees in poor condition.

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News & Notices

• North Manchester 2024 CCR
• Dog Park Rules & Regulations
• North Manchester 2023 CCR

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Upcoming Events

• Park Board meeting
  October 29 at 6:00 PM at Strauss-Peabody Aquatic & Fitness Center
• Town Council Meeting
  November 05 at 7:00 PM at Public Safety Building
• Park Board meeting
  November 24 at 6:00 PM at Strauss-Peabody Aquatic & Fitness Center
• Town Council Meeting
  December 03 at 7:00 PM at Public Safety Building
• Park Board meeting
  December 08 at 6:00 PM at Strauss-Peabody Aquatic & Fitness Center
• New Years - Closed
  January 01 at 8:00 AM
• Town Council Meeting
  January 07 at 7:00 PM at Public Safety Building
• Town Council Meeting
  February 04 at 7:00 PM at Public Safety Building

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Useful Links

• Job Application - Seasonal Employment
• Recycling Schedule - 2025
• Spring Clean Up Regulations
• 2022 Annual Report
• 2021 Annual Report
• 2020 Annual Report
• 2019 Annual Report
• 2018 Annual Report
• 2022-2023 bus hub parking map

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Services

• Bicycle Information
• Burning Ordinance
• Community Information
• Employment & Unemployment
• Leaf Pickup
• Property Assessment
• School Cancellations
• School System Contact Information
• Social Security

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