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Etna Green Resident Provides Activities For Kids

ETNA GREEN - With the belief that Etna Green has a good batch of kids, one resident has been meeting with area youth and even sponsored a get-together for them. Now Kevin Smith wants to help the kids with fund-raisers to pay for a cement slab to be poured at Heritage Park for in-line skating and other activities. Smith, who has four children, said he doesn't want to see the kids playing in the streets.And, with rules being established that ban skating in the park, Smith said the kids are forced to use town streets. On Saturday, Smith provided hamburgers, hot dogs and a disc jockey to show that somebody does, indeed, care about giving the kids something to do in Etna Green.About 40 kids, along with six adult chaperones, attended the event, and Smith said he'd like to plan on having one or two such gatherings each month.Dates for the events will be posted in town and published in the Times-Union under the "What's Happening" section on Thursdays.
Ruth Anne Long, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Historic Church Expected To Be Razed

BY DAN SPALDING, Times-Union Staff Writer One hundred and fifty years of history, including a role in the underground railroad and 90 years of religious studies, are coming to an end for a downtown Warsaw building. The end of an era will make way for a new parking lot needed to accommodate Warsaw Community Public Library's expansion plans. But members of the First Christian Science Church on the corner of North Detroit and Main streets in Warsaw apparently are ready to accept the changes and move on to a new location. The long-awaited expansion of the library will begin to take shape next month when the Masonic lodge and house next to the church are razed. The library has begun negotiating with the church and a business office west of the church.Library officials say they need the property for additional parking.
!h2- | July 28, 2016

Whitko Hears About ISTEP From Students

PIERCETON - Elementary students Elizabeth Gensch, Ashleigh Friedrich, Holly Obregon and Bridget Nemitz led the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the Whitko School Board meeting Monday. The children were introduced by Pierceton Elementary School Principal Ruth Jones. Gensch and her mother then talked about ISTEP, which begins tomorrow.Pretending to interview her daughter, Mary Helen Gensch asked questions about the math, reading and writing sections of the test and how the students were preparing for the upcoming series of tests.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Webster Group Takes Aim At Town Improvements

NORTH WEBSTER - In April, when the leaves were beginning to bud, residents received a challenge - to use their imaginations and give their "fishing village" a face-lift. During a public meeting in the North Webster Methodist Church, the results of a Ball State charette were presented.Citizens were given a new vision of the town: a view with trees and hedges, flower-laden borders, colorful awnings, canopies and banners flying, music from the bandstand. During the multimedia presentation, architectural students talked about fishing piers and a greenway surrounding Webster Lake. The North Webster Elementary School building was shown transformed into a complex including the library, town offices and continuing education classrooms, as well as youth, day care and senior centers. Scott Truex, who coordinated the university's community-based projects, asked everyone to forget about funding the improvements.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Webster Patrons Get Tour, Facts About Old School

NORTH WEBSTER - What will become of the North Webster Elementary School, located on Ind.13, wasn't even addressed at Thursday's public meeting. But no matter what happens to the building, it won't be cheap. The informational meeting, led by Wawasee School Superintendent Mark Stock, was held mainly to let interested area residents know the facts about the school building and how much it costs for maintenance and upkeep. Of the approximately 60 people who attended at the meeting in the school's cafeteria, citizens, school board members and school district employees, no one asked about using the school building for a specific purpose. Interest in the building has been ongoing since the district announced plans to build a $26 million elementary outside of town in June with the intention of abandoning the urban school.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Weyler's Death Complicates Barbee Lakes Sewer Future

The death of John Weyler, president of the Barbee Lakes Conservation District, has created a scenario in the upcoming February election that could kill the $18 million sewer project. Weyler died unexpectedly Friday while working on his boat. He was buried Tuesday and a moment of silence was observed Tuesday night during the conservation district's regularly scheduled board meeting at the Barbee Conservation Club. But soon after, the board and about 60 onlookers settled into a tense and divisive meeting as the board continues to move toward plans for an extensive sewer project that would serve Irish, Sechrist, Kuhn, Little Barbee and Big Barbee lakes. While details of the February election were discussed briefly, the potential implications - that control of the board could shift - is readily apparent. "With this next (election) we know that if three of the opposition get in, it's pretty much a dead issue," said Jack Maule, who now serves as the board president.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

IDEM Panel Fields Questions About Latest CAFO Permit

About 100 people attended the concentrated animal feeding operation public hearing Wednesday, mostly in support of the permit filed by James R.Wolf. A panel of Indiana Department of Environmental Management administrators, inspectors and engineers answered written questions in the Shrine Building on the fairgrounds. Maps detailed the number and location of the county's CAFOs and confined feeding operations.Kosciusko County has 31 CAFOs and 46 CFOs, a total of 77.Eighty percent of the state's livestock is produced by 20 percent of the states' CAFOs. Kosciusko County is the state's fifth largest producer of livestock.The audience learned the Wolf permit, if approved, will be the 16th largest hog CAFO in the state. CAFO regulations are more stringent than CFO regulations, said Mike Aylesworth, IDEM's northern region supervisor.He said IDEM is charged with protecting the state's surface and ground water.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

North Webster To Display 'Old Glory'

NORTH WEBSTER - Could having flags line the main street through a town draw attention to it? The Lakeland Kiwanis Club hopes so. The service organization was given the green light Wednesday from the North Webster Town Council to go ahead with its plans to put North Webster "on the map." Kiwanian Bill Beuoy told the council that the club hopes to purchase 100 flags and poles to place along Ind.13 from Crystal Flash Road to Ace Hardware - pretty much the town limits along the state highway. Permanent "sockets," which the poles can be dropped into, would be placed along the roadway for displaying Old Glory.Beuoy said the club would obtain permission from property owners before a flag is placed. The purpose of the project is to display pride and patriotism and to gain recognition for the community, perhaps becoming known as "Flag City USA" or "All American Town," according to information provided by the Kiwanis.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

NW Council Denies Approval Of Duplexes In Commercial District

NORTH WEBSTER - Jeff Hamman's request to construct two duplex units in a commercial district was met with opposition from business owners Wednesday at the North Webster Town Council meeting. Hamman owns property behind the fire station, where he maintains one storage building.He already has approval from the Area Plan Commission to build another storage facility there. Instead of a commercial building, the owner of J.C.Hamman Construction thought the rental units would work. Steve and Carole Shelby, owners of Golden Mermaid Gifts; Karen Kann, who operates Heart of the Lakes Antique Mall; and Clint and Linda Olson of Olson's Casual Furnishings disagreed.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Flack Gets School Board Seat Nod

NORTH MANCHESTER - After interviewing three candidates last week, the Manchester School Board announced its choice to fill a vacant seat on the panel. Steve Flack was the board's unanimous choice to fill the seat left open by Brad Perrott's resignation in May.Flack will finish Perrott's term, which lasts three more years. "I appreciate what you have done, and the community appreciates what you have done," said board president Sally Krouse as she addressed all three candidates."You all brought special skills and talents." After the meeting, Flack explained why he wanted to be a member of the school board. "I have three kids coming up (in the system), and I know the board has had some tough times and has had to make a lot of tough decisions," Flack said."I want to help be part of the solution." Flack and his wife Lisa have three children: Austin, 13; Kayla, 10; and Derek, 7.The Flack family lives on CR 800N on the south edge of Pleasant Township.
Jen Gibson, Times-Union staff report- | July 28, 2016

Cultural Diversity, Program Needs Focus Of 'Plunge'

With the theme "Northern Communities," Thursday's 1997 Community Plunge focused on programs in Milford, North Webster and Syracuse. The bus tour, sponsored by Kosciusko Community Hospital, emphasized the county's growing cultural diversity and the need for programs and facilities that deal with children and families. This year's Plunge, following the success of the 1996 premier effort, included 50 community, business and government leaders.The goal was simply to make people aware of issues and programs that deserve attention or recognition. "You are participating because you are the decision-makers in our community," said organizer Sandy Rader. Kosciusko County's growing Hispanic community was spotlighted with a visit to Our Lady of Guadelupe Catholic Church in Milford.Speakers Joe Banks, Kara McClure and Axa Carvajal described the need to "build a multicultural community," to accept other cultures and languages, and to reach out to others.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County OKs Abatement For Simon Roll Forming

Chuck Simon wanted a 10-year abatement for his manufacturing business. Kosciusko County Council approved a five-year abatement Thursday for $400,000 of equipment for his steel rolling manufacturing business. Simon plans to begin his new business at 27 E.CR 250N, south of the Warsaw airport.The building has been vacant for several years.It is a steel process fabrication plant that will supply parts to the trucking industry. Simon's company, Simon Roll Forming Co., will have 13 new employees by the end of the first year and will add three to five employees in the second year, he said.Eventually, he said, he hopes to employ 60 to 70 people.Attorney Steve Snyder, representing Simon Roll Forming, said the 13 new positions will add $340,000 in salaries to the community.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

New Town Manager Gets To Know Syracuse

But it's not a big deal to Redshaw. "I don't know how you define (being a people person), but I enjoy working with people," Redshaw said Tuesday."I try to keep my door open as much as I can." His priorities for Syracuse include business retention and economic development.He said he wants to accomplish those goals by being a promoter of the community and helping the town put its best foot forward.He also said business retention is not an issue that can be taken for granted. He said he will promote business retention by "public relations.Going out and meeting people, letting them know who (I am)." A good relationship with the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce will also be a priority with him, he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Building Inspector Lists Department Goals

Pam Kennedy, Warsaw building inspector from the Code Enforcement and Building Department, gave a 1999 report to the Warsaw City Council Monday. Kennedy made available copies of the 1999 annual report for council members. The report covered 1999 goals and results and stated 2000 goals. The goals for this year include hiring an inspector to do residential remodeling and new residential construction projects, cleaning up the building permit ordinance and adjusting the fees to reflect project size, translating forms and legal notices into Spanish and promoting public awareness and education on all the new codes adopted by the state that pertain to building and ordinances pertaining to existing structures. The report also stated that each member of the staff is striving to make the public aware that they are providing a service for them and they are available to help them.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Symmetry Medical Plans To Seek Tax Abatement

Next month, Symmetry Medical USA plans to formally request a tax abatement from the Kosciusko County Council. If approved, Symmetry will add approximately 34 local jobs with an average salary of approximately $59,000, according to Regan Ford of Regan Ford Enterprises Inc., economic development consultants, Kendallville, representing Symmetry. Wednesday, the county council approved the abatement declaratory resolution, which is preliminary approval to hold the hearing for the abatement. The abatement will be for research and development equipment. "That's what we're talking about here," Ford said. Symmetry recently merged with a United Kingdom company and, he said, Symmetry "is a growing company."Since the merger, Ford said, Symmetry added 100 jobs. Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said the economic development revitalization area, if the abatement is approved, is in Plain Township, outside the Warsaw city limits.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Council Won't Intercede In Wage Dispute

The Warsaw City Council refused to intercede on behalf of former city employee Rhonda Fackler Monday to waive a requirement that she repay $861.64 she was overpaid by the city. The overpayment was the result of Fackler receiving a full paycheck from the city while she was on medical leave awaiting payment on her workers' compensation claim. "I'm requesting the city waive the fee of $861 it's requesting from me due to my illness," Fackler told the council Monday. Fackler claims poor air quality at the Planning and Building Department office, where she was employed since 1994, caused her severe respiratory problems, and filed a claim against the city's workers' compensation policy in April 1998.She acknowledges the city paid her full pay in addition to receiving workers' compensation benefits, but does not believe she should be required to repay the excess payments because her illness was caused by her work environment.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mentone Mulls Juvenile Curfew

MENTONE - Establishing a daytime ordinance for juveniles, new health insurance for town employees and an update on the grant application for Bell Memorial Library were among the topics at Monday's Mentone Town Council meeting. The town's attorney, Larry Beeson, was asked to look into possibilities for keeping kids - such as those expelled from school - off the streets during school hours. "It ought not be a free day for them to just run loose in town," said Mentone Town Marshal Jim Eads. Beeson will check to see if any other towns have similar ordinances and determine the legalities of such an ordinance. A savings of more than $700 per month is expected now that the town changed insurance carriers for health and life insurance on town employees. The new carrier is Central Reserve Life.The council voted unanimously to make the switch.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Little Local Impact Seen From Supreme Court Ruling On Disabled Students

Wednesday's U.S.Supreme Court decision on nursing care for disabled students probably won't have a major impact on Kosciusko County schools, area officials said today. Tamra Ummel, director of special services for the North Central Indiana Special Education Cooperative, said that the five school corporations in the NCI Co-op already provide nursing services on an as-needed basis. The Supreme Court decision Wednesday held that a Cedar Rapids, Iowa, school district must provide nursing care for a 16-year-old student who is confined to a wheelchair and requires daily care involving catheterizations, clearing his tracheotomy and monitoring his blood pressure and ventilator.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Housing Authority Fares Well In HUD Self-Grading System

The local housing authority is above average on most of the areas in a self-grading system instituted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Catharine Walker, executive director of the Warsaw Housing Authority, reported to the board of directors Monday that the agency has attained 100 percent in many areas in which the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) requires 90 to 98 percent compliance. The WHA is required to have 5 percent of its units inspected annually, and is currently at 80 percent compliance.Also, the "lease-up" of budgeted units should be at least 90 percent; the WHA has 93 percent of Section 8 certificate units filled and 124 percent of the voucher units filled.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Myriad Events Planned Saturday At Milford Fest

MILFORD - Milford Fest is Saturday, and events are planned for the whole family to enjoy. All day Saturday are town-wide garage sales as well as street food and craft vendors. Registration for the 5K Run/Walk at Waubee Lake Park is at 8 a.m.Sponsored by Camp Mack, Milford Family Physicians, Kosciusko Community Hospital and Higbee Street Healthcare, the run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. As the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., so does the registration for the Car Show in front of The Papers Inc.The car show, sponsored by Maple Leaf Farms and Jenkins Napa, is from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., there is Senior Bingo in the community building, with Lakeland Healthcare assisting. Milford EMS will put on carnival games as well as sell hamburgers.Kiwanis will seel lemon shake-ups and charity raffle tickets to benefit New Beginnings Daycare. The dunk tank, sponsored by Baseball Boosters, is at 10 a.m.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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