Monthly Archives: December 2024

$5 Million Grant Paves the Way for Hawpatch Trail in Topeka

LAGRANGE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation has received a grant of $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the Community Leadership Implementation Grants component of the eighth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative.

This is one of 30 implementation grants awarded through GIFT VIII, a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations and their partners to strengthen the quality of life for the people in the towns, cities, counties and regions they serve.

The grant will support the first two phases of the Hawpatch Trail in Topeka. Managed by LaGrange County Trails, this funding will be instrumental in advancing the project, attracting additional resources, and turning the vision of a vibrant community bike trail into reality.

“This is truly a dream come true for LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the Foundation. “To begin a multimillion-dollar trail project with $5 million is beyond comprehension. This will be a game-changer for our community, providing a safer route for cyclists and walkers, and providing more outdoor recreational opportunities. Words cannot express our gratitude and excitement for this opportunity.”

The Hawpatch Trail is a transformative 17-mile, multi-use bike and pedestrian trail that will connect Noble County’s Fishing Line Trail with Elkhart County’s Strawberry Valley Trail. Following the former Wabash Railroad Corridor, this project represents a total investment of nearly $18 million and will be completed in five phases. The first two phases will span 9.25 miles in and around Topeka, serving as the foundation for the trail’s full development and bringing safe, active, and accessible outdoor recreation to the community.

Featured is a view of the former Wabash Railroad corridor south of Topeka where a scenic 17-mile multi-use trail is planned. Designed with safety in mind, the trail will connect communities and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.

This project is the culmination of years of planning and community collaboration. Since 2019, LaGrange County Trails has championed the creation of biking and hiking trails to promote safe, active lifestyles. Recognizing the former railroad as a prime location, they identified it as a solution to address the safety concerns of cyclists traveling along 700 S into Topeka. Over the past five years, they have worked diligently to secure site control and build the momentum to make this vision a reality.

The Hawpatch Trail also reflects a community-driven vision outlined in the LaGrange County Together comprehensive plan, which prioritizes the development of trails to enhance connectivity, safety, and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.

The next steps for Phases 1 and 2 of the Hawpatch Trail focus on laying the essential groundwork to bring this transformative project to life. Key activities include land acquisition, surveying, community engagement, trail design and planning, fundraising, and ultimately, construction. Land surveying is slated to begin in 2025, coinciding with efforts to secure the necessary trail corridor. These efforts will pave the way for the development of the initial 9.25 miles, marking a significant milestone in the realization of this visionary trail.

“This grant will significantly accelerate the construction timeline for Phase 1 of the Hawpatch Trail, allowing us to complete the project years ahead of schedule. Beyond expediting progress, the grant will also enhance fundraising efforts and, most importantly, improve safety for citizens engaging in recreational and commuting activities. We are incredibly grateful for the LaGrange County Community Foundation and their partnership, as well as Lilly Endowment for its pivotal role in helping turn the Hawpatch Trail into a reality. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our community—businesses and individuals—who have generously contributed or plan to contribute toward the $225,000 matching grant also offered to support this project. Donations are still needed to meet this match, and we encourage anyone who can to contribute through the Foundation,” said Jeff Wingstrom, President of LaGrange County Trails.

“Providing a safe, scenic route for walkers and cyclists in Topeka will be life-changing,” said Yoder. “We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve our rural community and make this dream a reality.”

The Foundation and LaGrange County Trails are thrilled to see the Hawpatch Trail come to fruition and are eager to witness the lasting impact it will have on LaGrange County and the region. This trail promises to enhance outdoor recreation, foster connectivity, and provide a safe, accessible space for generations to enjoy.

About LaGrange County Community Foundation

Established in 1991, the LaGrange County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the quality of life in LaGrange County. Through grants, scholarships, and community resources, the Foundation fosters generosity, inspires leadership, and encourages service to create a stronger, more connected community.

Warrener Named Lilly Endowment Community Scholar

LAGRANGE – Annagail Warrener of Westview Jr. Sr. High School is the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Award for LaGrange County.  

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership.  

Annagail Warrener, left, celebrates the exciting news of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship with her sisters Julian and Merrill, and their mom, Jennifer. In front, her sister Kielynn holds the cell phone, connecting with their dad, Jim, who joined via video chat from his medical residency at the University of Michigan.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for books and equipment for four years.  

The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a bachelor’s degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.  

Warrener, set to graduate high school with academic honors, plans to pursue a pre-med degree at Taylor University with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She is the daughter of James and Jennifer Warrener of Shipshewana. 

The medical field runs deep in Warrener’s family. Her father, who is currently in medical residency at the University of Michigan, and her grandfather, a family physician, have been key inspirations in her journey. In her application essay, Warrener reflected on her aspirations: “I want to be the kind of doctor who helps ease people’s fears and always makes my patients feel welcome. Watching my dad, who just finished medical school last year, I’ve seen how the journey is challenging but ultimately worth it. There are many career paths to choose from, but I believe becoming a pediatrician will allow me to make the greatest impact on families.” 

Warrener is actively involved in her school community, participating in Student Council, PLUS, National Honor Society, the School Health Advisory Council, school musicals, and the Dynamic Singsations choir. 

Annagail Warrener receives a surprise announcement naming her the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar for LaGrange County. 

A dedicated runner, Warrener competes on both the varsity cross country and varsity track teams. Running is also a family passion—she, her parents, and her sisters frequently take part in local running competitions. In her application, she shared, “I will always make time to run, whether as part of a team or on my own. 

Warrener is involved in her church community, volunteering in the church nursery, participating in Vacation Bible School, and regularly supporting the efforts of Feed My Starving Children. 

The selection of LaGrange County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees was based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic achievement, demonstrated service to others, leadership skills, commitment and motivation to succeed, employment history, extracurricular activities, essay responses, and two recommendation letters. 

The top five students with the highest application scores were invited to complete an impromptu essay presented by the LaGrange County Community Foundation and participate in a personal interview with the Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee. After narrowing the field of applicants, the nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final scholarship recipients. 

Finalists for the 2025 award include Arlene Thompson from Lakeland Jr/Sr High School, and Morgan Riegsecker, Gavin Engle, and Grace Heyerly from Westview Jr. Sr. High School. Each finalist will receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship, a $1,000 renewable scholarship established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright in 2013. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years, providing a total award of $4,000. 

“The Foundation is honored to nominate a LaGrange County student for this prestigious award,” Octavia Yoder, Executive Director of the LaGrange County Community Foundation, stated. “We are grateful Lilly Endowment continues to support future leaders and makes dreams possible for our LaGrange County students.  Selecting a nominee is a difficult process based on many factors. The scholarship committee was impressed by the exceptional students in our community.” 

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling more than $490 million. The LaGrange County Community Foundation has awarded the scholarship to 43 LaGrange County students since the program’s inception.  

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.