Trusted l ocal news and ads from Kendallville, Rome City, Wolcottville in Noble County, IN.

Kendallville Mall Stories

This week's local stories What can you do to help during tough times? County economic outlook Deputy keeps drunks off roads County pride linked to economic development In a credit hole? Ask your banker Need a new credit card to save money? Save money w/new credit card rules Hayden Rental spring services $30 from 30 UWay campaign Chamber hosts Holtz program Why service excellence is important to you Two WN students die in crashes County unemployment still 14.4 Help to apply for tax credit Yoder-Begley wins national track title County libraries cooperate for better service Hayden ATA's free exercise videos EN showchoir video show Oak Farm's restaurant open next week Nursing home receives high marks Obituaries Kendallville Chamber puts business first East Noble Sports Need a new credit card? Information at your fingertips; www.inspire.IN.gov Gardening tips Letters to the Editor Local Web Nooz Understanding health care, Hunter Local school nooz Local school honor rolls

AvilLaOtto NooZ Stories

This week's local stories Spring photos around town Avilla Legion flag winners photos Hayden's ATA free exercise classes Oak Farm School science fair winners State police say beware of scams Local businesses at home show Community Table for those in need Avilla native arrested in Steuben case EN showchoir video show Federal Mogul donation Council doesn't change trash haulers Avilla town council minutes East Noble Sports, and local sports news Phil Banta's I Remember Avilla AvilLaOtto NooZ Info Bytes FREE Classifieds Letters to the Editor Local Obituaries What's Happening? Local News from the Web Local Business News This Week's NooZ Ads Letters Local schools nooz Gardening Tips & Info Local school honor rolls

This Week's Best Bargains

Great Local Bargains! Home and Garden Show, March 13-14 Two days of crafts and fun Huge tax sale at Superior Auto Kavito's March entertainment SAVE-Local printable coupons $1,000 off your next vehicle Pizza Hut: Print these coupons and save Pepperoni's Pizza, printable coupons MORE great local bargains here, printable coupons too!

Local Obituaries (click here to read; updated weekdays)

Ruth Elizabeth Tarlton Joyce Needham Diggins JEAN FOX JOSEPH MICHAEL PRUCINSKY Betty L. Haynes Richard L. "Dick" Fulk Robert Joseph Prater Katherine Noelker Faith E. Marti Hassell "Rex" Bentley Sue Ann Streeter Rosealma M. Helmkamp William “Bill” Sizemore David Paul Gemmer Lawrence Thomas Coker LUELLA MCCLISH Carrie Rose Kline Wilma Margaret Helmer JOANN HELEN PARKS Shane A. Terry Robert N. “Bob” Marti Hilda I. Glass NELVA JEAN HAWKS CHARLES WILLIAM FORDYCE SUSAN KAY LIPSCOMB CECIL CHARLES HAZELTON RUSSELL NELSON HICKS Daisy Langer RICHARD VORNDRAN Eugene Ronald Vincent Sorg MAXINE D. SUMMERS DARRELL W. SHEETS SR. Patricia Ann Hartman DAVID W. WILSON MARTHA LUCILLE STIFFNER Ruby McCoy KIMBERLY JANE BONTRAGER EMMA KATHRYN HICKS Robert G. Wakeman STELLA MAY RHEA THELMA SUE BUTLER JULIA LANEA ATZ DONNA SUE KILBURN Tiffany Anne Ritter WILLIAM JAMES “BILL” HINKLEY CORA ALICE SMOLINSKE VON SPARKMAN MADELINE BEATRICE ZIMMERMAN KATHERINE MUNK RUDOLPH “BUD” GERKE Phyllis Barnhart Betty E. Diehm EUGENE C. WERT Phyllis Barnhart Bettie I. Smith

Where are we economically now?

Noble County is one of the hardest hit counties in the country, with unemployment over 14 percent, second in Indiana to Elkhart.

The Mall-NooZ contacted Rick Sherck, economic development director for Noble County, and asked some questions about where the county is at economically now, and what's on the horizon. Below are our questions followed by his candid answers.

According to the state, Noble County 's unemployment dipped by about two points in September to 14%. Can you tell us why?
 There could be a number of reasons that the unemployment numbers are decreasing.  I believe the RV and Auto industries are experiencing and increase in demand, therefore workers have been hired.  I also believe there may be displaced workers who are no longer filing for unemployment.
 
According to feedback from local businesses, how does the employment picture look in our county now, and into the next six months?
 I don’t believe there is a clear picture as of yet. There is a direct correlation between consumer spending and the employment picture, was the consumer starts spending the employment picture will improve.
 
How have we improved the jobs picture in the past year? Or are local people simply dropping out of the job market and so are no longer counted, but still hurting? 

It probably is a little of both.  I know there are industries in northeast Indiana that are hiring at the present time, I am also aware of industries in northeast Indiana that are still reducing their workforce.  We have been fortunate to land some industry consolidations as well as expansions… Dexter Axle, Taylor Made , Advantage Thermal, Courier  We also have industries such as Structural Composites in Ligonier who have worked to diversify their product offerings.  These diversification efforts have allowed them to call back workers.
 
Are there any projects on the horizon that would help with unemployment?
We our in conversation with a number of different entities, I believe there could be some good things on the horizon, but we have to get there to find our for sure.  One bright spot is the decision by Precision Tank to build a facility in Ligonier.  This operation will help us diversify our economy and bring approximately 14 new well paying jobs to Noble County .
 
What would Region 3A business innovation center, planned in Avilla, do for businesses and jobs in our county, if anything?
 While I am supportive of this effort, I really don’t know for sure.  Historically in difficult economic times you see an increase in entrepreneurial start ups.  With that said, a Business Incubator would provide a location for some of this startups, however there are other obstacles that need to be overcome before a location is needed for a new business. 
 
What projects has your agency put into place in the past year that will improve employment and diversify the manufacturing base in Noble County?
We have completed Phase II of our website and developed a Marketing Plan and brochure promoting the County.  We are currently undertaking an industrial survey of companies that have indicated they would be interested in diversifying their product offering to areas such as Green Energy, Medical or Defense.  Once completed we will use these findings to market our manufacturing capabilities to these targeted sectors.
 
What new industries do you believe will drive the future of business in our county, according to your expertise?
This is a tough questions as I can’t see into the future.  However, we do have a manufacturing base with a skilled work force, we make things out of metal, plastics and composite materials.  I believe these skill sets can serve as well as we look toward the future.  The key is we have to open to change and aggressively seek new opportunities that are on the horizon.