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IEDC CEO Patricia Miller Addresses Local Manufacturers' Council

Patricia Miller, chief executive officer of the new Indiana Economic Development Corp., was the speaker Tuesday at the December meeting of the Kosciusko County Manufacturers' Council. The IEDC replaced the Department of Commerce in February as the entity charged with state economic development. Miller is co-owner and co-president of Vera Bradley Designs, a Fort Wayne-based company, which she and Barbara Baekgaard started as a cottage industry in 1982.Today, the company is approaching nine figures a year in sales and employs more than 120 workers.She was named Business Leader of the Year in 1997 by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and received the Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2002 from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.To concentrate her efforts on the IEDC, Miller has taken a leave of absence from Vera Bradley.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee GQE results down slightly from 2001

SYRACUSE -ÊResults are in for the fall 2002 grade 10 Graduation Qualifying Examination, and Wawasee High School results are slightly disappointing. "We are down," reported Wawasee Schools administrative assistant Joy Swartzentruber. She reported 69 percent of the students were above the standard in math, compared to 72 percent last year.Twenty-seven percent were below the standard. In English/language arts, 69 percent of the students were above the standard, compared to 75 percent of last year's sophomores.Twenty-nine percent were below the standard. And in both mathematics and English/language arts, 61 percent were above the standard compared to 65 percent last year.Twenty percent of the students were below the standard in both. Swartzentruber said they went back and looked at this year's sophomores' ISTEP scores and they, too, were lower than last year's sophomores' ISTEP scores.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Township Officials Meet To Discuss Fate Of North Webster School

NORTH WEBSTER - According to Indiana State Code (IC20-4-5-8) ownership of the North Webster Elementary School shall be offered as a gift for park and recreation purposes to the township that owned the property before the school was consolidated.In this case, Tippecanoe Township is first in line to either accept the property and buildings or the first to refuse. Township trustee Richard Mitchell and board of trustee members Bill Metcalf, president, Louis "Bud" Neibert and Dick Shock held a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss their options with members of the community. About 20 citizens attended the meeting. The new owners of the North Webster Elementary school buildings and grounds could very well become Tippecanoe Township, according to township trustee Mitchell, if that is the wish of the public. However, he cited the burden of maintenance and upkeep to the taxpayers.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Officers Hurt During Arrest

SYRACUSE -ÊTwo officers were injured during a chase while making a drug arrest near Syracuse Monday afternoon. Timothy Sparks, 47, of 12346 N.Kings Drive, Syracuse, was arrested for dealing cocaine/narcotics, intimidation with a deadly weapon and resisting/fleeing law enforcement and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail around 5:35 p.m.Monday.His bond was set at $20,000. Kosciusko County Drug Task Force officers went to Sparks' residence to serve a warrant for dealing methamphetamine from Noble County.When officers entered the house, Sparks reportedly pulled out and pointed a shotgun at them. Officers negotiated with Sparks and persuaded him to put the gun down. Once he put the gun down, Sparks fled his home on foot, entering a neighbor's house and fleeing out the back door. Sparks was caught and arrested after a struggle.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Developer Seeks Tax Abatement For Apartments In Mentone

MENTONE - Roy Swartz wants Mentone to give him a tax abatement for his two proposed duplexes at the corner of North Morgan and High streets. But town attorney Larry Beeson questioned whether apartment complexes qualify for tax abatements."I don't know if it does or doesn't," Beeson said.If the council approves it, he suggested they approve it on the condition that it is allowed. "You need to know if that actually qualifies or not," said Barbara Ross, town clerk-treasurer. According to Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell today, under Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-3E11A, the only way a "residential structure can qualify is if the facility is a multi-family facility that contains at least 20 percent of the units available for use by low- and moderate-income individuals." Swartz said Monday he was asking for the tax abatement from the town because taxes make building the duplexes impractical."I'm asking for some relief," he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Educators Face Challenges Of Tomorrow

As the 21st century quickly approaches, perhaps the lyrics of one of today's popular country songs presents a challenge for the public schools: "How do I get there from here?" In that context, the two questions posed by the song's lyric are: Where are the public schools today and where do the public schools need to go? Where are the public schools today? Clearly, to a large degree, the public schools in Indiana have met the challenges of the agrarian and industrial society of the 20th century.The graduation rate is as high as it has ever been; Indiana students consistently score above the national norm on the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) tests in mathematics and reading; SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores have improved although a significantly larger number of students are taking the test; the economy is booming; employment is at an all-time high; and students have diverse opportunities in centering the work force or higher education.
Editor's Note: In observance of National Education Week, the Times-Union is publishing a series of articles from area school superintendents. Today's column is written by William G. Worl, superintende | July 28, 2016

Barnharts' Christmas Display Back For Another Year

WINONA LAKE - The musical Christmas tree and lighting display at the west end of the house at 902 Wooster Road, Winona Lake, has something new again this year. The lights on the large tree have all been changed to new brilliant, jewel-tone lights.Mini trees also were added on both sides of the driveway. Kathy and Richard Barnhart, who build the display, have dubbed themselves the "Winona Wizards of Winter," based on music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.The Barnharts build the display, which operates to music that doesn't just flash on and off.Through an intricate system of single-colored strings of light, computer programs and a single-watt FM radio station, you can listen to the music on your radio while watching the various colors of lights dance to the music.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Goshert Runs For Sheriff

William "Rocky" Goshert announced his candidacy for sheriff in the 2006 primary election. Goshert, a Koscusko County Sheriff's Department officer, will face fellow Republican and KCSD veteran officer Sam Whitaker in the Republican runoff. Current sheriff, Aaron Rovenstine, has served two consecutive terms and cannot run for the office in 2006. Goshert, 49, is a Kosciusko County native, a 1975 graduate of Warsaw Community High School and a 1979 graduate of Hanover College, where he received a bachelor's degree in business. He's the first to admit he's no politician and is running for sheriff to give back to the community. "The main thing is, I'm from here.All of my working life has been spent in law enforcement.I'll bring that experience and education to the sheriff's department.I want to give back to the community.This is the best way I can do it at this point." For 21 years Goshert was an Indiana State Police Trooper.He joined the KCSD in 2001.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Sewer Rates May Be On The Rise

Warsaw is about to increase sewer rates by 14 percent, from $24.50 to $28 per month, for residential customers.If approved, the hike would be effective Jan.1. City councilmen reviewed the proposed flat rate increases for single family homes, duplexes, apartments, condominiums and mobile homes Monday.Todd Samuelson of Umbaugh and Associates, Plymouth, said the monies coming to the municipality now are in "a lower than desirable position." Although the rates were increased by 69 percent Jan.1, 2002, from $14.50 to $24.50, there has been a shortfall, Samuelson said Monday. In those two years, operating costs have been $3.4 million per year for two plants; the debt service (payments on bonds) is $1.9 million; and monies have been set aside for capital improvements.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners To Hear Request To Operate Taxi Service

Tye Lisenbee, 222 W.Prairie St., is seeking a variance to operate a taxi service with two vehicles in a residential-2 zoned district before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals tonight. The petitioner requests an additional vehicle for the increased demand of his services.The comprehensive plan indicates the land use is commercial, according to preliminary findings. Lisenbee has said he would use Washington Street for parking; however, the creation of a hard surface behind his property has been recommended. While adjacent property owners are in favor of the petition, Fast Cab Taxi Service owner Dave Cesaretti has filed an objection to ASAP Taxi Service's expansion. The BZA meets at 6:30 p.m., a change from the board's regular meeting time of 7 p.m.the fourth Monday of the month.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Approves Loan From Bond Bank

NORTH MANCHESTER - A bond bank borrowing resolution approved by the Manchester Community School Board Tuesday will keep cash flowing in the school system in January. The school corporation will borrow about $500,000 from an advance funding program that covers general running expenses in anticipation of the tax levies received after January.According to business manager Steve Shumaker, the school system has used this approach to keep cash flow for operating systems for several years. Although the school system will not know what the interest rate on the borrowed funds will be until the bond are sold, last year's interest rate was 1.29 percent. The board also approved an appropriation transfer resolution for 2004.This will allow Shumaker and superintendent Diana Showalter to make transfers in funds to close the books in 2004.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

No Ruling On Barbee District Yet

The Honorable Rex Reed heard testimony from current and former Barbee Lakes Conservancy District board members Tuesday in circuit court. Reed's ruling on the matter was not available as of press time today. Plaintiffs David Doctor, Fredrick Krull, Lowell Gilmore and Jody Wehr-Krider want to stop Saturday's freeholder election to dissolve the conservancy district. The plaintiffs maintain the district's purpose, mainly to establish a sewer system, has been furthered through a recently-signed contract and information gathering. The plaintiffs also charge that some current board members are not upholding their oath of office. Witnesses for the plaintiffs yesterday were former board members Richard Green, Lowell Gilmore and current board member Richard Long. Current board member Scott Fox was the sole defense witness.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Dana To Sell Syracuse Plant

SYRACUSE - Dana Corp.recently announced that it would sell its Syracuse plant as part of its overall restructuring plans to consolidate or close 30 plants.Syracuse was one of only two plants designated to be sold in the Traction Technologies Group (previously the Axle Division). Local company officials are Greg Kirkpatrick, plant manager, and Phil Lund, human resource manager.According to Lund, "The plant has been put up for sale, however there are no potential buyers at this time.No particular time frame has been stipulated and we're operating business as usual." Due to the economy, the Syracuse plant has gone from 650 employees in October 2000 to 360 employees this month.Twenty-one years ago, during a similar period of decline, the Weatherhead plant was bought by Dana, and the business survived as an axle facility.Lund is hopeful they will be able to sell to a buyer who will keep the people and non-core businesses and sell products back to Dana.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Cemetery Board Clarifies Veterans Marker Policy

Oakwood Cemetery board members clarified a tombstone law Thursday in response to a letter to the Times-Union editor during their last meeting of the year. A widow was distressed by the removal of a bronze medallion marking her husband's grave when a tombstone was purchased with his name engraved on it. "The bronze marker is provided free by the federal government so no veteran's grave goes unmarked," Oakwood Cemetery Sexton David Shaw said. Shaw indicated Mrs.Norma McGuire had visited the office recently and he explained the plaque requirements to her.He went on to explain that when the grave is marked the bronze plaque is returned, per federal stipulation, to the government. Identical bronze markers can be purchased through a monument company and placed at the gravesite or affixed to the tombstone.Or the federal plaque can be placed on a tombstone as long as the vet's name does not appear there.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Tis The Season For Charity And Giving

More than 3,000 gently used toys go on sale Saturday from 9 a.m.to 9 p.m.and Sunday from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.at the Home and Family Arts Building on the county fairgrounds. Piled on tables are the popular toys of the recent past, and, in some cases, all the rave as recently as last season. Stuffed animals of all species, sizes and colors line one wall; videos, puzzles and games are stacked along another, while other forms of entertainment are piled high on tables. Madison Elementary School students have contributed more than 450 books and Warsaw Christian School students are contributing their toys of the past. The consignment sale has become a great way to recycle "old" trinkets and generate funds for new ones. Ami Pitt, coordinator of the annual sale for Combined Community Services, and a host of volunteers have been assigning garage sale prices to each piece since Monday.It's a job she expects will continue late this evening.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sunday Museum, Visitors Center Focus On Legacy

!Photo=N1204991.JPG The Billy Sunday home, called Mount Hood, was constructed in the California Bungalow-style architecture and features the Arts-and-Crafts genre of interior design, which stresses the artistic talents of the homeowner and residents. Photos By David A.Beall, Times-Union WINONA LAKE - He was probably the most notable resident of the town. His home has been a landmark since 1957.And, on May 20, the Billy Sunday Visitors Center will open its doors as the latest addition to the restoration of Winona Lake.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Miller Humbled By God, Family, Job

Humble is defined by Webster's dictionary as having or showing a consciousness of one's shortcomings; modest; lowly; unpretentious. But anyone familiar with WRSW 107.3 on-air radio personality Blake Miller might say the best definition of the word "humble" is Miller himself. "The important things in my life are God, my wife, my family, my job," Miller said Monday."I'm very fortunate, I feel very fortunate to have the life I do." His childhood, he said, was "excellent" and he never needed anything.When he told his parents his dream was to go into broadcasting, they supported him.Whatever he was interested in, or whatever his brothers were involved with, his parents were there to support them.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Changes Skate, Bike Rules

SYRACUSE - Changes to the town's skateboard and bicycle policy were approved at Syracuse Town Council's meeting Tuesday. Under the ordinance, 05-25, bicycles are now allowed on any public right of way as long as they yield the right of way and operate in a "safe and non-reckless manner." Skateboards will be allowed in "designated areas," though currently there are no such areas. This change was brought about because of the upcoming skate park.As Town Manager Jeff Noffsinger said, the kids will need a way to get back and forth from the skate park. Council members Paul Stoelting and Larry Siegel objected to the new ordinance's wording, saying the town shouldn't differentiate between bicycles and skateboards.Siegel said it wasn't fair to punish current skateboarders for damage caused by those in the past. "If there's graffiti on the side of a building, you don't outlaw spray paint," Siegel noted.
KRISTA ZARTMAN, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Nature's Fuel Asks For Abatement

Nature's Fuel, Atwood, a company that manufactures fuel pellets, is considering a facility on the old G&M Tire property in Atwood. The county council heard a tax abatement request Thursday for the business during its regular meeting. Attorney Steve Snyder, representing Nature's Fuel, said the fuel pellets currently are made with compressed sawdust and a patent is pending to use cornstalks as the main component of the pellets. The company is requesting a 10-year tax abatement on personal property valued at $3.2 million. Councilman Larry Teghtmeyer said it is customary for the council to approve a five-year abatement. Snyder said the paperwork will reflect the five-year abatement at the Jan.11 council meeting. Currently, Primix owns the land at 510 E.Main St., Atwood. Nature's Fuel plans to use the eight-acre site for manufacturing the fuel for pellet stoves.The rest of the land will be used for warehousing and distribution.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Health Board May Hike Inspection Services Fees

The difference between health department services costs and fees charged to support the services runs to thousands of dollars. Wednesday, the health department board discussed the possibility of increasing septic permit fees and food establishment licenses service inspections. Costs for sewage surveys and inspections was $48,614 this year.Revenues for this service, generated by permits, is $12,200. Food inspections, about 1,100 per year, cost $39,083.Income is $7,500. The yearly cost of water well testing is $6,594.Well permit fees bring in $5,740. The current fee schedule for private septic systems is $25.Deputy administrator Neal Brown said he makes at least two trips to each septic permit site.There were 242 lot surveys from Aug.21 to Nov.24 and 87 septic inspections in the same time period. Private well permits cost $10.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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