Missing James Sizemore found dead in pond

James D. Sizemore, 20, of Avilla, was found dead in a private pond Saturday, at 1:36 p.m., on 700E, just south of Baseline Rd., about a mile from his home, according to Sheriff's Deputy Chad Willett.

Sizemore was reported missing by his family on Dec. 22, from the area of Baseline and 700E. His sister Megan Sizemore was the last person to see him, and she saw him walking through the family's woods.

Local authorities, family members and friends conducted a search of the area on Jan. 14, but were unable to locate Sizemore. His family had posters around the area asking for help to locate him.

Conservation officer Rodney Clear said Saturday, that a landowner found a body in a private pond at 0544 S. 700E, Avilla, just south of Baseline Rd., about 10 yards from shore.

Noble County Sheriff is investigating the death, and no cause of death is known yet. The investigation is ongoing.

Sizemore's body was taken to Brazzell Funeral Home in Avilla.

Funeral Services and obituary for Sizemore.

Map of the area the body was discovered, in the pond.

February LUV My Hometown Photos online now! Vote for your favorite, help pick a winner!

Wow, have we got some great amateur photographers in the Kendallville area!

Here are six wonderful photos of local scenes.

Vote by email or by Liking the photo on our Kendallville Mall-NooZ Facebook page.

Avilla's LaVerna Terrace one of seven in country to receive HUD grant to upgrade apartments

Elderly Americans in Avilla, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Ohio will soon find themselves living in upgraded apartments equipped to meet their physical needs because of $23.7 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD today announced the grants to help convert existing multifamily projects into assisted living facility for the elderly.

Avilla's LaVerna Terrace Apartments, N. Main, was the only project approved in Indiana, and only one of seven in the nation. It received a $2,251,361 grant.

Lt. Governor Skillman Awards a $42,813 Planning Grant to Town of Avilla

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman has awarded a $42,813 planning grant to the Town of Avilla to fund a downtown revitalization planning study. These federal dollars are from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Indiana's Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants.'"These planning studies are often the first step for communities that want to pursue new economic development opportunities," said Lt. Governor Skillman, who oversees OCRA. "These studies are costly for rural communities, but the state will continue to support communities that have a vision for improving the quality of life for Hoosiers."

The study will assess the downtown area and develop a plan to create a more economically viable commercial district. The plan will give recommendations for streetlights, curbs/gutters, sidewalks, building facades, and streetscape design as well as provide preliminary engineering and design with cost estimates.

The CDBG grant program has proven to be an effective tool for community-based planning and research initiatives. Visit www.in.gov/ocra for additional information on this grant program.