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Parking Issues Dominate Town Council Meeting

WINONA LAKE - Parking, or the lack of space for it, was before the Winona Lake Town Council Wednesday. A representative from the Free Methodist Church asked to have a Nov.9 decision prohibiting parking on the inside of Ninth Street Boulevard reconsidered. Joe Beeson, from the church board, said when the boulevard was constructed, Town Council President Brent Wilcoxson assured the board at a May 11, 1998, meeting their congregation would have ample parking along the edge of the outside of the street and along the median strip that was constructed. The council reversed that decision last month after Town Marshal Malcolm Gilbert expressed his concern that safety vehicles couldn't navigate the street when parking along the outside of the street and median strip was maximized. ""It appears that we have lost 14 spaces - with parking as tough as it is in this town - and we'd like to have the board's decision reconsidered," Beeson said.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Contractor Registration 'A Joke'

BOURBON - The county ordinance requiring contractors to register has been proclaimed "a joke" by Bourbon councilmen. Council's discussion Tuesday focused on the ordinance, which was passed Nov.4.Contractors must pay $50 each calendar year to become registered.Proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance, as well as possession of a performance bond, must be shown at the time of registration.
MARILYN GOCHENOUR, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Sisk Reflects On 100+ Years

It's hard to imagine when you see her, but Bertha Sisk will be 104 years old Sunday. A resident of the Assisted Living facility at Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw, since April 2005, Sisk reflected on her life Tuesday, including sharing some stories from her past.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Considers Sewer Rate Increase

NORTH MANCHESTER - If increases are approved by the town council, North Manchester will see an increase in sewer rates in mid-2006. Wednesday evening, H.J.Umbaugh and Associates representative Todd Samuelson presented results of a sewage rate study the company recently conducted. Samuelson presented three possible rate increase plans ranging from around $5.50 to $13.22.The rates were based on figures that include a possible new sewer project.However, since the town still is in the process of meeting with the state to discuss ideas for the project, the figures used were only estimated. The last rate increase in North Manchester was in 1996. The council will review the information presented and consider further action at a later date. Later in the meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase town salaries by 3 percent.The first reading was approved 4-0 and will be finalized at the final meeting of the year Wednesday.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City To Take Input, Give Info On Sewer Plan, Extension

The city of Warsaw will conduct a public information session on two sewer issues at 7 p.m.Wednesday in the meeting room of the Munson Building, at the corner of North Lake and West Fort Wayne streets. According to City Planner Jeff Noffsinger, the two issues to be discussed - and public input taken - are the sanitary sewer interceptor servicing the Shady Crest subdivision and how it will tie into the current Logan Street project.The second is the long-range plan for the combined sewer overflow.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Chamber Gets New President

After a five-month search, a new president for the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce has been hired. Joy McCarthy-Sessing, the director of expansion and retention for the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, will begin her new duties Jan.5. McCarthy-Sessing replaces Charlie Sparks, who resigned in July and relocated to Kokomo. She was formerly director of industrial development for the Indiana Port Commission and worked within the Indiana Department of Commerce for more than 10 years.She has more than 20 years' experience in community and economic development work, including business and industry recruiting; existing business expansion, retention and strategic planning; and foreign and domestic marketing. Bill Henthorn, the chamber's chairman of the board, said McCarthy-Sessing's prior experience was a valuable asset.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners OK Plat With Drainage Condition

While several items were considered regarding Ray Williamson's petition for preliminary plat approval (Case No.05017SD), engineering plans for drainage was the only condition tied to the plan by the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission. The residential development is on 21.84 acres east of Hoffman Lake, west of CR 700W, west of the CR 250N intersection and north of U.S.30 in Prairie Township. Highway Supervisor Dennis Pletcher said he was concerned about water falling to Clifton Street because there is no tile there. Williamson's lawyer, Rick Helm, said any runoff generated by the development would be addressed by the drainage plans. Installation of passing lanes on CR 700W were discussed but not made a condition of the approval. The commission requested construction equipment be brought in on CR 700W instead of through the residential district along the lake.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Grace Sponsors Annual 'Heart Of The Holidays'

Heart for the Holidays, Grace College's annual Christmas outreach, will give to families in need from the Warsaw and Winona Lake community Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Lauren Swarr, Grace College student and leader of this year's program, looks to the campus and the community for donations and volunteers. "The campus has been doing a phenomenal job and we have received a lot through them," Swarr says.Volunteers canvassed seven local neighborhoods and placed boxes in Grace College dorms.To prepare for a large community turnout, she hopes to "get more from halls and the community." Last year, supplies ran out and some families left disappointed."It was really hard to see the look in people's eyes when we told them there were no presents left," remembers Faith Arthur, a Grace student and volunteer last year.
CH<!--1up-142--> parson, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Lakeview Middle School Hosts Science Show Thursday Night

Tornado of fire! Explosions! Fire, flaming bubbles and more! While it sounds like the makings of an action-packed Hollywood movie, it's actually the Lakeview Middle School 16th Annual Science Show.The public is invited to see the science in action Thursday at 7 p.m.at LMS auditorium, East Smith Street, Warsaw. "We blow up stuff," said LMS science teacher Dan Wray."You hear us say that a lot." He said the public show Thursday night will include about 15 to 16 scientific demonstrations.The show for the LMS students Friday will present approximately 25.The four LMS science teachers - Wray, Chad Hoffert, Roger Haeck and Mark McCollom - also will present a show to Warsaw sixth graders Thursday afternoon with about a dozen demonstrations.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Conservancy District Gets Go-Ahead From Court For Election

Saturday's election will proceed as planned to determine the fate of the Barbee Lakes Conservancy District. Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed handed down his order late Wednesday, finding that the district board has followed statutory provision concerning the receipt of and certification of petitions under provisions of Indiana Code 14-33-16-5 and that the scheduled election is in accordance with the requirements of IC 14-33-16-1. Reed agreed with defendants, namely the district board members, that the district has not commenced construction of works of improvement in more than 10 years since the adoption of the district plan Aug.1, 1995, nor has construction begun within six years after the approval of the district plan by the court. Freeholders may vote "yes" or "no" regarding dissolution of the district from 9 a.m.to 9 p.m.in the Barbee Conservation Building.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Noffsinger Leaving Syracuse Position

SYRACUSE - Jeff Noffsinger, Syracuse's town manager, is leaving Indiana to take a job in Jackson, Wyo. "I am going to be following my dreams and moving to the mountains," said Noffsinger this morning. He said he's always been very fond of the mountains and always wanted to move west.The job peaked his interest, he said, so he interviewed for the position and found it was what he was looking for in a career.The area has many opportunities for recreation. "It's definitely a lifestyle community I'm going to fit very well with," he said. According to Syracuse town councilman Paul Stoelting, Noffsinger informed council members and town department heads Tuesday of his departure.He will take over the job as principal planner in Jackson, Wyo., in January.Jackson Hole Valley is known as the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, Noffsinger said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Optimist Tree Sale Funds Local Service Projects

One of the creeds of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club is to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person that members meet. During the holiday season, those three points are even more important for people. One way the club promotes health, happiness and prosperity is through the annual Christmas tree sale.Proceeds of the sale go to youth service activities. "To fund all of our projects, we do the Christmas tree sale," Dan Woods, co-chairman of the Christmas tree committee, said Thursday. Optimists donate approximately $250 to $500 to each of the youth service activities they support, Woods said. "We work real hard at not just supporting the athletic side (of the community)," Woods said. Some of the youth service activities the club supports through the Christmas tree sales include Art in the Park, the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and the Beaman Home.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Closure proposed for rail crossing at CR 450E, south of U.S. 30

Nationwide, an effort is being made to consolidate railroad crossings. Railroad crossings with low volume traffic are being closed as part of that consolidation. Tuesday, Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson presented the county commissioners with a proposal to close the railroad crossing at CR 450E, just south of U.S.30. In addition, Yvonne Beyer petitioned to vacate CR 450E, from south of the railroad tracks to Wooster Road.Beyer owns the property on both sides of CR 450E south of the crossing. Both petitions were tabled until the Jan.30 commissioner meeting so Ladson can gather more traffic information for the commissioners.The commissioners said they want a traffic count at the crossing and along CR 450E.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

New Wal-Mart Building Solid, Manager Says

Wal-Mart management says there is no truth to the rumors that have been circulating about the stability of the new Warsaw Wal-Mart SuperCenter. Gary Elder, store manager, said, "The building is not sinking and there's been no structural damage to the store.We're not closing down or moving back to the old store or anywhere else.We are very happy with the response we've received from the area and we're here to stay." Assistant Warsaw city planner Kristy Mehlberg also said there's no truth to the rumors. "We've heard of no problems from either the builders or the tenants," she said."In fact, Todd Slabaugh (city building inspector) was there about six weeks ago and reported no problems." Work continues on Lowe's, with a planned March opening date.Petro Family LLC also is planning a commercial development just north of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw City Councilman Brumfield Dies At 73

Warsaw City Councilman and former Police Chief Eugene E.Brumfield, 73, of 216 Argonne Road, Warsaw, died at 5:34 p.m.Dec.2, 1999, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born July 7, 1926, in Warsaw, to Archie and Ruth Hodges Brumfield.On Dec.16, 1970, in Warsaw, he married Geneva Rogers, who survives. He was a Warsaw City policeman from 1953-75 and chief of police for 12 years during this period.After retirement he was the county court bailiff from 1976-89.He served on the Warsaw city council from 1993 to his death and was a Republican precinct committeeman for the First Precinct, Second Ward. He was a U.S.Navy veteran serving from Sept.26, 1943, to Feb.2, 1953, in both World War II and the Korean War. He was a 1943 Warsaw High School graduate.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Pay Raises Approved For Manchester Administrators

NORTH MANCHESTER - Hourly employees, bus drivers and administrators at Manchester Community Schools will receive a pay raise. The Manchester School Board of Trustees approved the raises at their regular meeting Tuesday night. Hourly employees, including aids, custodial staff, secretarial and clerical staff and cooks, will receive a 2 percent raise. Bus drivers will see their pay increase by $2 per day.They also will receive an increase of 10 cents in pay per day for each year of experience. Pay for administrators will increase according to a revised pay schedule. The raise will be paid retroactive to the beginning of the school year. In other business, the board: &#149; Approved a Bond Bank Resolution for $726,000 ($683,000 from the general fund and $43,000 from the bus replacement fund).The money is borrowed temporarily until property tax revenue is received.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cable rates to rise

Cable television customers in Warsaw and Winona Lake will see their rates go up in February, in spite of promises to the contrary earlier this month. In a letter delivered Monday to Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Marcus Cable, the city's new cable provider, said the "annual adjustment" for cable rates will include a small increase for basic service, and a significant increase for "showcase." The new basic rate will go up to $9.69 from $9.29, and the showcase rate will increase from $16.49 to $21.65 per month. The showcase rate increase will include the addition of ESPN2, Home and Garden, and Disney to the showcase lineup, according to Marcus. Warsaw's city council discussed the rate increase Monday, noting that it would be another two years until the cable franchise was renegotiated. "There's nothing the city can do" about the rate increase, said Mayor Ernie Wiggins.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Collects 7,803 Pairs Of Shoes

The Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District collected 7,803 pair of shoes during their shoe collection drive this and last month. Three tons-worth of the shoes are sellable, according to a report by the district's educator Bendy Mann to the district's board Tuesday. The Knights of Columbus were the largest contributors of shoes, with a total of 2,241 pounds, and Mentone Elementary was the largest school to contribute, with a total of 1,839 pounds.The school will receive a chair in the shape of a hand made of recycled material again this year. The district attempts to sell the shoes for 25 cents per pound (depending on the market price of used shoes) and returns the proceeds to each donating organization or school. Executive director Sue Studebaker said other shoes have come in past the program date and asked the board what to do with the funds from selling them.She was advised to use the money for advertising and promoting purposes.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Bids opened for two single-axle dump trucks for highway dept.

Bids for two single-axle dump trucks for the Kosciusko County Highway Department were opened Tuesday by the Kosciusko County Commissioners. Bids included Wise International Trucks, $95,922.96; Norris Truck Service, $98,878; and Fort Wayne Max Sales And Service, $72.372.06.The Fort Wayne company's bid was for chassis only. Highway Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson will make a recommendation on the trucks to the commissioners at their Dec.18 meeting. In other business, the commissioners: &#149; Approved Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine's contract for 2002.Rovenstine will receive $78,610, an increase of 3 percent over 2001. &#149; Approved Geographical Imaging System Department head Bill Holder's recommendation that Woolpert, out of Dayton, Ohio, do the county's orthophotos in 2002. "Based on our process, there was one company that stood above the rest," Holder said of Woolpert. &#149; Approved the Indiana assessment service contract for the county assessor.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Church Named Marshal At Webster

NORTH WEBSTER - Greg Church was sworn in as North Webster town marshal Wednesday during the town council meeting. Church, 39, has served the town for six years, initially as a patrolman then as sergeant Jan.1.He began his career in Milford. Born and raised in Kosciusko County, he is the son of Walt and Connie Church of Chapman Lake. Church first became interested in law enforcement around the age of 30. He said a small town faces the same challenges as any other department, "except we only have one officer per shift." The North Webster police force includes Candice Smythe, who has worked in the town six years, and Darrel Sopher, who has served for four year. The town usually has four police officers and interviews are under way to bring the staff to full capacity. Church replaces Jerry Craig, who resigned the marshal's position a few months ago.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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