(Talk of the Town photo provided)
A Chamber Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held Friday to celebrate the opening of the Eagles Ice Rink at the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center in Columbia City. Above, from left, is Columbia City Councilwoman Nicole Penrod, Chamber Ambassador Robert Salesman of Rhoades Automotive, Chamber Ambassador Scott Allison of Hall Insurance, Columbia City Parks director Mark Green, Chamber executive director Jennifer Romano, aquatics center director Vangi Garcia, Chamber staff member Raquel Perez and Chamber volunteer Lorenzo Perez.

From reports

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center joined the City of Columbia City and the Columbia City Parks Department in celebrating the opening of the Eagles Ice Rink at the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center in Columbia City on Friday afternoon.
Open for the remainder of the winter season, the rink features synthetic ice, enabling users to enjoy the facility regardless of outdoor temperatures. The rink will be open Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m. A festive atmosphere at the rink includes a concession stand and overhead music.
"We are excited at the way the rink not only offers residents and families an affordable outdoor activity to enjoy during winter months, but it also expands the usefulness of the aquatics center facility well beyond the months the pool is open," said Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center executive director Jennifer Romano. "Additionally, this new feature in our community has the potential to draw people from outside of the county and while they're here, they'll be spending time and infusing additional dollars into our community.
Admission is $2 per person and skate rental is $1. Visitors are welcome to bring along their own skates as well.
The Eagles Ice Rink is located just south of Columbia City High School on North Whitley Street.

Posted by Jennifer at 7:47 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

From reports

The Columbia City Police Department are gearing up for their 7th annual Patrolling 4 Presents program.
Patrolling 4 Presents is a program that was initiated by local Columbia City police officers and focuses on providing a special Christmas event for the children of Columbia City. This year's celebration will be held at Paige's Crossing-Fun Center, on December 20, from 6-8 p.m. Paige's Crossing-Fun Center is located at 2821 E. Business 30, Columbia City, IN 46725. This party will provide the children with free admission to the facility, inflatable bounce houses, a bag of free tokens for arcade games, pizza, as well as a goody bag filled with various gift cards, coupons and other fun handouts. This program is available to all children living within Columbia City limits.
If you are interested in attending our Patrolling 4 Presents program this year, please call Officer Cook at (260) 229-1373 and provide your child/children's name(s), age(s) and a chaperone that will accompany them. The event is open to school aged children (K-12th grade). RSVPs will be accepted through December 17.
Every penny raised is spent on this event or the gifts provided. If you would like to assist in providing a Christmas dream to our youth, please drop off or mail donations to the Columbia City Clerk's Office located in City Hall at 112 S. Chauncey St. Columbia City, IN 46725. Cash is accepted or you can make checks payable to "Patrolling 4 Presents."

Posted by Jennifer at 7:37 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

From reports

The Columbia City Parks Department has announced a second opportunity for the public to give their thoughts and opinions on the new city park space which is currently the Columbia City High School property.
This public input session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Two different design concepts for the park space will be presented for public consideration.
Jones Petrie Rafinski (JPR) Engineers will present the plans and seek public input and feedback to refine and solidify future plans.
"We have two really great concepts for this future park expansion," stated Parks Superintendent Mark Green. "We really want the public to come out and give input because this will truly be their park."
Planning for the new park started in early 2019 and should be completed in early 2020. Multiple public input sessions have taken place, as have online and paper surveys.
"We've worked hard to get the public involved in this process," remarked Mayor Ryan Daniel. "This planning is important to ensure the long-term success of the park's future."
The current Columbia City High School is expected to be taken down after the new Columbia City High School on South State Road 9 open in the Fall of 2020. The property isn't expected to become park space until at least 2021.

Posted by Jennifer at 7:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

From reports

Santa will once again be making an appearance at Minear Real Estate in Columbia City on Saturday December 7, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event will include horse-drawn sleigh rides once again, as well as live reindeer, cookies and cocoa to enjoy. Children that visit with Santa will get to select a gift out of his bag.

Admission is free and the staff of Minear Real Estate puts on the event each year as a thank you to the community. 

Donations will be accepted at the event to support Whitley County Toys for Tots.

Posted by Jennifer at 7:07 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)