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March 12th, 12:35 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Nickel Plate Trail Minutes

Next Meeting March 25, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru

February 27, 2024
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Tom Bennett, Tim Finster, David Cota, Ron Mofield, Tom Bennett, John Cleaver, Dennis Grossnickle, Myke Wilson, Bill Wilson, Kevin Kennedy, Ron Hanson, Bill Shewman, Mark Henry, Tim Gerardot, Scott Ash, David Cota, John Nystrom, Doug Martin
Meeting brought to order by Mike at 7:03 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Q. What do you call a therapist for cyclists?
Introductions were made all around.
Bill Click motioned to approve the minutes, Ron Mofield 2nd, January minutes were approved.
Steve Gough presented the financial report for February. There was not too much action in February. There was a $600 grant and 266.14 in expenses. YTD income 9300.35, expenses of 301.61. MAC budget balance is 69,288.48. We are a little under budget for the MAC trail. Bill motioned to accept. Bill W. 2nd report approved. There was a question about using excess funds if there are any for a building in Bunker Hill. Mike reported that we wouldn’t know for about a year.
Jeff Kassebaum reported on the clearing of intersections on the north trail and explained how the clearing is being accomplished. Jeff also discussed how we will be using the spray program around the intersections. Jeff requested help on the south trail intersections. Mike mentioned that we can reach out to the Kokomo bike club for help. Tim mentioned that he might be able to help. Jeff also mentioned an interaction with a landowner along the trail which had a positive outcome and the importance of maintaining good relations with the landowners.
Mike reported on the MAC trail. The paving has been awarded. The paving is expected to start in June. Mike is looking for a contractor to put fence in on the MAC trail if anyone has someone in mind.
Dennis would like to get some feedback on trail users and what type of activity they are using the trail for. Dennis would like to use the information to perhaps get some help with maintenance on the trail.
Bill Click reported on marking the trail in Peru. Bill still has a shed full of signs that need to be reinstalled. Bill also reported about using proper protective gear when using chainsaws. Bill gave examples of accidents involving chainsaws without protective gear (face protection and chainsaw chaps.) The volunteers that currently are using protective gear are Mike Kuepper, Bill Percy, Jeff Kassebaum, and Bill. If you have safety gear, please use it. If not, consider purchasing the gear. This is a safety issue.
Bill Wilson has adopted the intersection of Wabash Rd and the trail.
Bill made a motion for the April meeting to be at the Streamliner in Rochester (April 30,) Steve 2nd, motion passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn by Bill, Dennis 2nd. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
A: A cycologist.
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February 25th, 9:44 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, February 27th at 7:00 PM at the old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.

We would love to have more people attend our meetings and we would really like to get your ideas. The best way to volunteer to help is to attend these meetings, see what the issues and opportunities are and help us with your suggestions.

Hope to see you there!
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February 15th, 6:59 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Friend of the Nickel Plate Trail Meeting Minutes

Next Meeting February 27, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru

January 30, 2024
Attendees: Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Dan McCarthy, Tom Bennett, Tim Finster, David Cota, Ron Mofield, Tom Bennett, John Cleaver

Meeting brought to order by Bill at 7:00 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Introductions were made all around.
Jeff Kassebaum motioned to approve the minutes, Ron Mofield 2nd, November minutes were approved.
Steve Gough presented the financial report for January. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Dan reported that there is a meeting with the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District on February 12, 2024.
Q: Why can’t a bicycle stand up on its own?
Ted spoke of future maintenance on the north trail that will be accomplished this year.
Jeff discussed the areas of major concern that have been taken care of and the areas that we will address this year. 2 areas, Deedsville, and a spot around Birmingham. Jeff also discussed what it will cost to resurface a large area. He got a quote to give us an idea on what it will cost to resurface an area. The quote was for around 60K per mile.
Dan discussed the trail extension that is in process at Rochester. He explained the area where it will be extended and how it will happen. The construction is supposed to start later this summer.
Dan presented new information on the progress of the MAC trail. It looks like the paving it is going forward from Bunker Hill to McGrawsville. Bids for the paving will be accepted on February 8, 2024. A discussion followed about some of the problems that still exist on the MAC trail.
Bill Click discussed the “chain saw crew” and how it is working. Bill discussed how it is important to keep the trail clear for emergency vehicles to pass. More help is needed on the south trail on the chain saw crews.
Dan discussed a grant from the Fulton County tourism Commission. Dan explained how the money was gotten for the port-a-pot at the north end of the trail.
Tom Bennett asked about the trail markings that go through Peru and when it will get marked again.
Ted asked for input from riders to report any problems that exist or may cause a problem soon. Things like trees about to come down, trash, culverts, leaning trees, anything that you may see as a problem. It can be reported via our Facebook page, the NPT website, the chainsaw text crew, Dan McCarthy’s email address.
Motion to adjourn by Steve, Ron 2nd.Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
A: Because it’s two-tired.
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February 6th, 1:12 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Jeff, Ted and Dan are working to make the intersections safer by clearing brush that can block the view. ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

You guys are so good at keeping the trail safe. Thanks

Good job boys

Great work 👏 thank you 😊

Thank you!!!

Great work!! That’s definitely appreciated!!

Thanks for keeping our trail safe!

Great work guys! Thank you!

Excellent job, guys!!

A huge thank you to all that are involved in keeping our trails a safe place to ride and enjoy our passion of Cycling.

Nice job guys! 👏

Thank you to the volunteers. Your work is very much appreciated.

Thank you!

Thank you!! That will definitely make it safer for vehicle and bike traffic alike!!! 😊😊

Met them guys on the trail there a few years back they're always doing something they're hard workers on that trail and we appreciate it

Thank you!

Very much appreciated ✨thank you

You guys are simply amazing.

Thank you!

Huge Thanks for your hard work

Thank you for all your hard work!

Thanks for your hard work .

Thank you

How do we donate to help them pay for equipment fuel?

Thank you for your hard work!!!

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January 27th, 2:15 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, January 30th at 7:00 PM at the old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. All are welcome! Come and see what's happening with our great trail.

We would love to have more people attend our meetings and we would really like to get your ideas. The best way to volunteer to help is to attend these meetings, see what the issues and opportunities are and help us with your suggestions.

Hope to see you there!
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December 18th, 11:38 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

The Streamliner Restaurant in Rochester and Webb’s Family Pharmacy in Rochester have Nickel Plate Trail t-shirts for sale with all profits going toward the trail. $15.00 each. Thank you! ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Ted Cox I need one!

December 12th, 8:35 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Joel Wilson and his dad helped out on their adopted section of the trail today south of Rochester. Joel, who owns A+ yard service used his equipment to cut back invasive bushes and push back the debris that was crowding the trail. ... See MoreSee Less

Joel Wilson and his dad helped out on their adopted section of the trail today south of Rochester.  Joel, who owns A+ yard service used his equipment to cut back invasive bushes and push back the debris that was crowding the trail.Image attachment

Comment on Facebook

Thank you

Thank you Joel and Jay for sharing your time and gifts for our trail.

Thank you, guys!

It's wonderful to work with volunteers who care about the health of others through this fantastic trail. And praise God for a chance to see so much of His beautiful creation on the trail. My dad, Jay Wilson and I are happy to help.

Your labor is much appreciated God bless you

Your works and most of all your attitude of service are appreciated. Thank you for your dedication.

Thank you very much!

Thanks guys!

You guys are great. Thanks

Thank you for all your hard work!

Thank you for doing that

Thank you Joel Wilson and Jay Wilson.

Thank you

Thank you!!

Thank you !!! From putnam county

Thank you gentleman!!! 👏👏

thank you

Thanks so much for all you do!!!

GOOD JOB WILSON GUYS‼️👍🥰❤️👏✅

Very nice

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December 10th, 3:31 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Rabbits have a taste for nearly any plant they can get their paws on and young trees are deer candy. So a volunteer has been protecting the young trees at the north trailhead. If you see a place on the trail that needs a tree and you could plant it and care for it, we would love your help. ... See MoreSee Less

Rabbits have a taste for nearly any plant they can get their paws on and young trees are deer candy. So a volunteer has been protecting the young trees at the north trailhead. If you see a place on the trail that needs a tree and you could plant it and care for it, we would love your help.Image attachmentImage attachment
December 7th, 7:09 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

No Meeting in December
Next Meeting January 30, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru
Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
November 28, 2023
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Phil Hart, Scott Ash, Dave Campbell, Steve Gough, Dan McCarthy, Bill Wilson, Bill Shewman, Jackie McMillan, Doug Martin, John Cleaver, Dave Kotta, Bob Jones, Tom Bennett
Meeting brought to order by Mike at 7:05 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Introductions were made all around.
Dave Campbell motioned to approve the minutes, Steve Gough 2nd, November minutes were approved.
Steve Gough presented the financial report for November. Steve broke down the expenses (2385.31.) Income was 6700.02, all from donations. Total expenses for the year are 54,630.60. Total income is 60,215.03. This is through November 2023. Mike reiterated the importance of getting the word out that we need donations to keep up the maintenance of the trail. The NPT gets no Federal or State help for maintenance. Dave Campbell motioned to approve the minutes, Tom Bennett 2nd, motion passed.
The damage to the bridge near Grissom was discussed. It is believed that the damage was minimal.
Ted Cox summarized the maintenance done on the north trail and thanked all the volunteers that helped throughout the riding season.
Jeff Kassebaum reported on all the repairs completed from Kokomo to Rochester this summer. He also reported on the areas that the board approved to be paved early next year. (Deedsville and south of Birmingham.)
Ted discussed the QR codes that have been placed on the trail to make it easy to donate.
Dan reported on the NPT website and some of the problems that we have run into. One of the problems was/is the Nickel Plate Trail near Indianapolis also has a website. Some folks get the 2 sites confused. Our website had a problem this month being shut down. Dan was able to get it fixed the same day. Dan has made it easy for people to donate to NPT. Hopefully this will help increase the donations next year.
Jackie McMillen reported on the condition of the south trail. She reported the stop sign being wiped out near Wallick Road. Bill Click put in a temporary sign until a permanent sign can be put up. Mike mentioned never to put any salt on any of the bridges due to corrosion problems. Mike also brought up that the sides of the trail between 400 and 500 south of Peru has been completed.
Mike gave an update on the MAC trail. The work is winding down for this year. Mike is getting bids in the newspaper for paving in the spring/summer. We are still looking for some easements to be able to complete the process.
Jeff reported on the trail head at Macy. A very nice parking area has been put in by the town of Macy.
Dan stated that there has been discussion with the Fulton County Tourism Commission to sponsor a port a pot. Dennis Grossnickle is responsible for finding a way to finance the port-a-pot.
Johnathon brought up the point that wine is very good this time of year. Jeffrey stated, “drink no wine before its time.)
Scott Ash and Mike discussed the extension of the trail from Lovers Lane to town. Scott and Mike will try to discuss this project with the current Peru administration. Scott discussed some of the technicalities involved in moving an old bridge that could be incorporated into the trail. This is a very exciting project. Scott told of other Indiana communities that have completed similar projects. A feasibility study would cost around $7,000. The NPT will have to find a way to come up with funds for this project.
Tom Bennett asked about how the pass-through trail in Peru could be better marked. A discussion followed.
Bill Shewman discussed riding the trail and told how much he appreciated the trail and how it is being kept up.
Steve motioned to adjourn, Dave 2nd, meeting ended at 8:05.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
No Meeting in December
Next Meeting January 30, 2024, at the old firehouse in Peru
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November 27th, 9:10 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

This Tuesday, 11/28 is Giving Tuesday at The Northern Indiana Community Foundation. Matching Opportunities: Thanks to a matching opportunity offered through Lilly Endowment Inc, all gifts to our community funds will be matched $2 for every $1 donated. That means a $100 gift will garner a $200 match and result in a total contribution of $300. This would be a perfect day to make a donation to the Nickel Plate Trail. NICF.ORG ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

I just went in to NICF.ORG (clicked on hyper link above) and the Donate button (left hand side under their name) clicked on that, then in the search started to type Nick and it pulled up 3 and just clicked on the second one which is for the NPT and then followed the rest of their steps. Pretty straight forward for me and super easy-took less then 5 minutes to donate. Hope that helps someone out. 🙂

Is there an easy way to donate to our trail for Giving Tuesday? I just got the above email from Niches. I realize they have a paid staff to setup things like that. I appreciate all the NPT volunteers and supporters! Happy Trails! ❤️🙂

Suggestion, you may have more success getting donations, If it were simple to do. Posting a general link and expecting people to know how to navigate to the appropriate place to donate is very confusing. I see someone else commented with instructions to click here, search there, then click here etc... But that is still to confusing. Post a link directly to the actual page to donate on. If someone has to click more than once or twice you are going to loose them.

Click the pink box, once you first get on their page, then type Nickel in the search and it will pull up the Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana and as soon as you click on the name of the trial it takes you to the page to complete to do your donation.

November 26th, 12:37 pm
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00 PM at the Old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come and see what is happening with your great trail. ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Was the meeting changed or canceled?

November 8th, 10:48 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

My gosh! It’s November and Myke still has his planter in Peru looking good. ... See MoreSee Less

My gosh! It’s November and Myke still has his planter in Peru looking good.

Comment on Facebook

Looks beautiful!

If I’m not mistaken My husband Harlo Wissman Used to plant there too. But he did stop His sons name is on that plaque Tyler Wissman

November 3rd, 11:02 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
October 31, 2023
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, Jeff Kassebaum, Bill Click, Phil Hart, Kathleen Plothow, Mike Enneking, Scott Ash, Dave Campbell, Steve Gough, Dan McCarthy, Myke Wilson, Micah Johnson
Meeting brought to order by Mike at 7:00 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Introductions were made all around.
Dan McCarthy won best costume for Halloween.
Bill Click motioned to approve the minutes, Jeff K 2nd, September minutes were approved.
Jeff Kassebaum gave a presentation on the maintenance that has been completed this year. He told of paving that was able to be completed via grants that helped greatly. Jeff reported on all the work that volunteers completed on the south trail. At least 20 volunteers were involved in the work, Phil Hart volunteered his barn to house the tar pot and trailer. Jeff told of Dave Campbell building a new railing near Cassville. Jeff reported that it's been a very good year for maintenance on the south trail. Jeff explained exactly how north and south trails are defined. Ron Mofield did a huge amount of work on railings and bridges. Many things came together to allow us to complete lots of work.

Steve Gough read the treasurer's report. The donated money was 150, another 5K from an advertisement at the 1st bank of Bern for a total of $5150 income. Expenditures were mainly gas for blowers and materials for trail repair $1110.86 total expenses.
Mike noted that millions are available to build but no money is granted to maintain our trails and that we need to continue to devise additional ways to bring in money for maintenance and updates to the trail.
We’ve received 2 grants this year that were not expected through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. We also received a grant from National Rails to Trails.
Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s possible that donations received that day could be matched by the foundation.
Bill motion to approve Dave 2nd approved.
Mike mentioned how the rotary got together and did a cleanup that was very effective. Mike also reported on the Cole Porter Classic this year. The proceeds look like they will be around 7,500. Much of the money comes from sponsors.
Dave reported on improvements he made on our blower. He changed the type of hitch and made an offset so that it would be more effective.
Mike gave a list of updates on the MAC trail progress. Mike explained how a culvert was repaired just this week. The trail is pretty much prepped and ready to continue the process. The next phase will be paving hopefully next spring. A tunnel is being designed near Bunker Hill. Eventually there will be a trailhead at the Grissom Museum.
Dan gave an update on the trail extension from the gazebo to downtown Rochester. Dan also reported on a possibility that the railroad track from Rochester to Argos may be able to be used on weekends which could possibly add income to the NPT.
Kathleen reported on funds that can be raised for invasive species eradication, trail maintenance to name just a couple of things that can help the trail through the IU center for rural engagement.
Myke Wilson gave an update on the weed wrangle project and strategies on eliminating the invasives.
Scott Ash brought up the issue of connecting Lovers Lane to Peru. Scott is also interested in whether a bridge he has in mind is viable. Mike pointed out that progress may be made after the beginning of the year.
Micah Johnson asked about the land purchases for the MAC trail. She was interested in memorabilia from the old railroad trail. Micah also asked about artwork on the trail and how to go about it. Kathleen suggested getting Micah and local artists together to see about the possibility of artwork and report at the next meeting.
A question was brought up about Bill being an alien. Bill stated, “I’m not confirming or denying, but I’m still me.”
Bill Click motioned to adjourn, and Jeff Kassebaum 2nd. Meeting adjourned @ 8:46.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
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Comment on Facebook

Congrats, Dan McCarthy!

Thanks for a great report. I'm sorry I couldn't make the meeting but am happy to report that I am recovering well from the knee replacement and should be much more active next year 😃

Thanks Ted !

Can Mr. Click specify what planet he hails from? Is it Neptune? If so, does he know a guy named Bob? Bob from Neptune? Just wondering. 👽

Can Mr. Click specify what planet he hails from? Is it Neptune? If so, does he know a guy named Bob? Bob from Neptune? Just wondering. 👽

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October 27th, 10:17 am
Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail is coming up Tuesday, October 31st at 7:00 PM at the Old Firehouse at 12 N Miami Street in Peru. Everyone is welcome to attend. Come and see what is happening with your great trail. ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

On Halloween night? Ughh most families will be out with their kids

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Maintenance and Warnings

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