Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana

This isn't someone else's project. It's mine. It's yours. It's ours. We can do this. Together.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time

These generous folks are helping us pave the way forward. Will you join them? Every dollar brings us closer to a smoother trail for everyone.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time

What has the NPT given to you?

For me, the Nickel Plate Trail offers so much more than a safe place to exercise. It's peace and connection. It's a place to ponder big thoughts with a grateful heart.

Supporting Pave it Forward is one way we can say thank you—and make sure the trail continues serving our shared community for years to come.

Please donate--a little or a lot; a foot or a mile.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time

Every foot counts — give now:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time

What's your favorite Nickel Plate Trail memory?

If the trail has been part of your story, please consider helping write its next chapter by supporting Pave it Forward.

It takes a village to accomplish good things.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time

Next Meeting: June 30, 2026 @ 7:00 PM at St. Charles School, Peru
Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
May 2026
Attendees: Ted Cox; Steve Gough; Gloyd Johnson; David Cota; Joe Vernon; Navi Vernon; Dan McCarthy; Tim Finster; Terry Finster; Mike Kuepper; Dave Kota; Jeff Kassebaum; Dennis Grossnickle; Phil Hart; John Mercer, Terry Burkeybyle, Karen Burkebyle, Doug Martin, Bill Shewman, Bill Hanson, Dee Pfeiffer, John Pfeiffer, Chris Hedges, Greg Kuhlman, Dave Campbell, Jeff Fivecoate, Jean Holden, Jennifer Koon

The meeting began at 7:01 PM at St. Charles School in Peru. After introductions, Steve moved to accept the minutes. Jeff seconded the motion carried.

Dave summed up the Cassville Bridge project that is completed.

Jeff told about the rough pavement north of Miami. We’ve identified a ½ mile area that needs to be repaved. Jeff explained how we will try to raise 25K in addition to 15K that NPT has appropriated. It costs about $14 per foot to repave. The new website will be launched soon with an area to donate funds.
Steve presented the treasurer’s report and summarized the transactions for April. There was $250 in income, all from donations. Expenses were $3248.88; included in the expenses were gas, tractor maintenance, and fees. YTD income is $12,060.88; YTD expenses are $7,957.00 Steve explained the MAC trail financial status. Motion to except by Dave, 2nd Jeff.
Joe discussed the issue of signage in Peru. The costs were discussed but we don’t know the total costs yet.

Dan presented information on the new website. We are excited about launching the site in the very near future. He discussed many of the areas that are on the site. A question was asked whether the site will have information on events that take place in communities along the trail. The website has that capability and will look forward to input. Dan also talked about the “adopt a segment” part that we are excited about.

Tim Finster was recognized for getting intersections mowed. Tim discussed the importance of getting an earlier start on mowing to keep it looking nice.

Ted discussed getting a south trail crew for trail maintenance trained and started up. We hope to have a crew trained within the next couple of weeks.

Jeff discussed the need for clearing encroaching brush near the Kokomo parking area. Jeff has tried many ways to have Howard County help with this.

We are working on getting new signs between Bunker Hill and the new trail. It’s been reported that unauthorized vehicles are on the MAC trail.

Mike explained exactly what is being done in Bunker Hill with the trail extension.

Dave reported on the Mofield Memorial. It was approved by the board and will be placed at the Lovers Lane entrance.
Dave discussed creating a fundraising arm of the NPT. Every year, our needs become more intense.

We have many issues such as restrooms in Bunker Hill, camping areas, camping along the trail (which is not allowed currently)
There are no new updates on us helping with the creation of restrooms in Denver. It is not within our budget currently.

Steve discussed the mowing near the Redmond factory. He has mowed this area and stressed the importance of keeping it in shape. Steve also discussed the area near Wallick Rd and the problems in keeping this area mowed. Steve is requesting help with folks using string trimmers to help.

Navi discussed the need to have a document depository and how to go about it. She and Joe are working on this project. Navi also is handing out information packets to attendees.

Dan discussed the Rochester Music and Arts Festival on August 22, 2026. Bill Shewman is organizing a Paint out on the new trail in Rochester much like we did last year.

Navi discussed the projects that have been completed and projects that are in progress.

Mike discussed the opening of the MAC trail which runs from Bunker Hill to McGrawsville. Mike is looking for volunteers for some projects that need to be done in Bunker Hill. Get in touch with Mike or check out our website and page

Steve motioned to adjourn at 8:25 PM. Dave seconded, and the motion carried.
Respectfully,
Ted Cox
Next Meeting: June 30, 2026 @ 7:00 PM at St. Charles School, Peru
Question: What does a bicycle call its dad?
Answer: Pop-cycle

Meet our newest volunteers — Chris Hedges and Greg Kuhlman! These two showed up ready to work and jumped right into crack filling with the tar pot.

And wow. Let's just say the tar pot has met its match.

Within minutes it was clear we were witnessing something rare — an almost supernatural gift for hot tar application. The fluid motion, the effortless technique, the cat-like reflexes as they guided that machine down the trail... frankly, it was a little intimidating for the rest of us. Seasoned volunteers were taking notes.

After a hard morning's work, Chris, Greg, Jeff Kassebaum, Ted Cox, Dave Campbell, and Dan McCarthy gathered for a well-earned lunch break — and the conversation was just as rich as the work. Turns out when you get a group of people with wildly different careers and life experiences together on a trail in the middle of an Indiana cornfield, good things happen.

Another Great American Rail-Trail Traveler!
NPT President Mike Kuepper ran into Andy yesterday on the trail — Andy works at Trek in Waterloo, Wisconsin and is riding all the way to Philadelphia. He had nothing but great things to say about the Nickel Plate Trail!
And how's that for a trail-side view? A 250th anniversary banner on an old barn — America turns 250 this year and the scenery along the NPT is looking very patriotic!

Can you help us pave the final stretch? Every foot counts!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/pave-it-forward-one-foot-at-a-time