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Valley Fails To Approve Head Baseball Coach

MENTONE - Viking athletics hit a few snags Monday at the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting. First, patron Tim Schwenk asked the school board not to approve Duane Burkhart as head baseball coach.He said Burkhart is already the athletic director at Tippecanoe Valley High School and naming him as the baseball coach is, "asking (him) to do too much." Schwenk said he is disappointed the board took six months to find a baseball coach.He also said he heard some applications were not considered because the process was not followed. "I think there are a pool of candidates out there who are intimidated to come out because the boss wants the job," Schwenk said. Board member Tom Weaver said the board took so long because they have to look at everything.Often, he said they spend more time looking at athletics than academics and no matter who they pick, there will always be someone not happy.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Burner Party

Retiring Kosciusko Superior Court Judge Robert Burner shares a memory with Andrea Halpin and Bill Dalton Friday afternoon in the basement of the Justice Building. Burner was honored at a retirement party after serving more than 30 years on the bench. Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union
Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

Akron Meets Goal For Food Drive; Principal Goes Pink

AKRON - Akron Elementary School more than met their goal for their annual food drive. And by meeting their goal, Akron Principal Blaine Conley had his hair dyed pink by students and beard shaved off by two teachers this morning. The school's food drive was Nov.30 through Dec.15.If the school collected 3,000 items, Conley said he would dye his hair pink.If they raised 4,000 items, he'd get rid of his beard.In 2005, the school collected 2,700.This year, Akron collected 5,330 items, according to Conley.All items will be donated to Helping Hands, Mentone. To beat the goal, Conley said a whole lot of people pitched in. Instead of a gift exchange this year, the third-grade students went to Viking Foods and bought items to give toward the food drive.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Swearing-In Ceremony Followed By Retirement Party For Gunter

A swearing-in ceremony for all elected county officials will be Dec.27 at 1 p.m.on the third floor of the courthouse. A celebration honoring Southern District County Commissioner Avis Gunter will follow at 2 p.m.Gunter is retiring after more than 43 years of public service.The event will be held in the rotunda area.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Biofuels Fuel Economic Development

Right now, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' approval rating is in the dumper. That's because lots of people disagree with things he's done. The daylight-saving time issue was highly derisive.Basically, he angered just about half of Indiana with that one. On top of that, he got blamed for the division created by the Central/Eastern time zone debate. That angered more people, regardless of their take on DST. Then there was the closing of a dozen or so bureau of motor vehicles branches. That didn't make anybody real happy. More recently, Daniels raised the ire of 60 percent of Indiana residents - according to a recent Indianapolis Star poll - with his plan to lease the Indiana Toll Road. Lots of people are against that, even though the infusion of $3.8 billion in cash would be a big boost economically because of all the resultant road construction. As for his approval, it's sitting at 37 percent, not too much different than W's.
GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

Holiday Pops Concert Sunday At Winona

Celebrate the holiday season with the Lakeland Community Concert Association's annual presentation of the Holiday Pops Concert, performed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The orchestra will appear Sunday at 2 p.m.in Rodeheaver Auditorium, Winona Lake. Assistant Music Conductor Bradley Thachuk will provide a festive concert featuring holiday favorites like "O Holy Night," "Carol of the Bells," Mozart's "Sleigh Ride," Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and a Christmas carol sing-along. Natalie Bryan, daughter of Jeff and Cheri Bryan of Winona Lake, will narrate "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." The LCCA has worked for months to plan a special afternoon with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.Members of the Holiday Pops Committee are Phil and Mary Eherenman, Ann Gephart, Laurie Mock, June Stealy, Jack Youngblood, Nelva Verseput and Judy Mugg.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Pets Not Always Best Presents For Christmas

For a Christmas present, some parents like to give their children a pet. On Christmas Day, that may not be a wise choice. "I think a lot of people do (give pets for Christmas).We try to discourage them from getting them and giving them on Christmas Day," said Debbie Swihart, manager of Paws and Claws & Co. She said there's so much excitement going on Christmas Day already that it's not an ideal situation for a new pet in the household.It is better, she said, to give the pet before or after the holiday. If a parent does decide to give a pet for Christmas, there are many considerations a parent should think about. "If you get a dog, and especially if it's a puppy, you need to make sure you're around.For a dog, you need to have a fenced in area so it's not tied up all the time," Swihart said."You got to make sure you can take care of it." She said raising a puppy is like raising a baby.There are steps to go through, from potty-training to obedience.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

34-Year Mail Career Drawing To A Close

He knew the German shepherd was a contender, a detester of men in uniforms.There is a certain look in a dog's eye the seasoned mail carrier comes to recognize. John W.Davis Jr.wasn't necessarily afraid of the shepherd, especially since his owner had the beast firmly by the collar as they conversed. It was the unseen menace that nailed the mailman.The little mutt came flying out of the crack in the door, latched onto his leg a good one and wouldn't let loose of his pant leg after the dirty deed was done.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

City Plans Celebration To Mark 150th Year

Warsaw was incorporated as a town March 25, 1854.The population then was 750. Next year, a celebration is planned to mark the city's 150th anniversary. A celebration is planned for the last weekend in June, the 25th and 26th, with an arts and crafts show, kids' area and continuous entertainment on the courthouse square. Proposed events include a Civil War encampment, the 11th annual Optimist triathlon, the Indiana Street Cub Mobile Race, a three-on-three basketball tournament, an Oakwood Cemetery tour and a downtown heritage walk of historic buildings. Other events include a pie or cake judging contest, a beard contest (throw out the razors now!) and a women's vintage hat contest. Winona Lake's Blue Laws vintage baseball team will host an exhibition game in Richardson-Dubois Park. A parade is set for Saturday at 4 p.m followed by an antique boat show, antique car show and antique tractor show.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Breading's Plans Fund-Raiser

Breading's Cigar Store, East Center Street, Warsaw, is planning its annual fund-raiser for Friday. Proprietor Burleigh Burgh says funds raised will be donated to the Alexandria K.Moody fund. Moody is the 3-1/2-year-old Warsaw girl who is scheduled to undergo brain surgery at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore sometime after the first of the year. Doctors will remove a portion of the left side of Moody's brain because of seizures caused by cerebral palsy and an abnormal growth of brain cells. Free coffee and rolls will be served by Breading's personnel and donations will be received from 5 a.m.to noon Friday.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Parks Board Hikes Rates

NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester's parks and recreation board Tuesday approved park and recreation membership rate increases. The increases push non-North Manchester residents' membership rates 40 percent higher and North Manchester residents' rates up 20 percent.The department operates a swimming pool, weight room and other facilities. Resident family rates - $145 in 2000 - were raised to $174.Nonresident family rates - $200 in 2000 - were increased to $245. "Through the years we've tried to make some distance between the two (resident and nonresident membership rates)," said department director Brian Wagner. In the late 1980s, the rate difference between residents and non-residents was $10, according to Wagner. Membership is two-thirds residents and one-third nonresidents. "We're still cheap compared to stand-alone facilities," said Wagner. "We're less expensive," said Larry Miller, board member, to Wagner.
MATTHEW WEIGELT, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Mentone Man Cashes In On $150,000 Lottery Scratch-Off

A Mentone man got a little lucky this week playing the Hoosier Lottery. According to Brenda Slone, who called the Times-Union Friday afternoon, her son Wendell K.Slone won $150,000 on an Indiana lottery scratch-off ticket Thursday. Wendell bought the ticket in Bristol and traveled to Indianapolis Friday to pick up his money at the Hoosier Lottery office. After taxes, Brenda said Wendell's check was for $107,442.55.She also said Wendell was going to give some money to his parents for Christmas, buy a truck and put the rest away in the bank. On his way back from Indianapolis Friday, Wendell stopped by his parents' home to show off the check. Later Friday afternoon, the Hoosier Lottery sent a press release confirming Slone's win.The lottery said Slone won playing the Monte Carlo scratch-off game.To buy the Monte Carlo ticket, Slone apparently first won with Island Poker.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Engineers Looking At Scout Cabin To Address Safety Concerns

SYRACUSE - Despite the rumors, a date for the demolition of the scout cabin at Crosson Mill Park, Syracuse, has never been discussed. In fact, no decision on the long-term fate of the scout cabin has been made."That decision has not been made yet," Mike Hixenbaugh, Syracuse Parks and Recreation Superintendent, said today. Monday, the Syracuse Park Board approved $500 for Progressive Engineering, Goshen, to study the building and come up with a plan to address the safety issue of the cabin.The engineering firm also will provide a cost estimate on how much it will take to revamp the building. Hixenbaugh said he hopes they will have the information by February. "I would like to be able to say to everyone in the community, 'This is the problem and this is what it's going to take to fix it,'" said Hixenbaugh. On Dec.1, the Syracuse Park Board closed the scout cabin at Crosson Mill Park, Syracuse.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Real Heroes - Medal of Honor Recipients Write Students

Letters Are A History Project History came alive recently as some Warsaw Community High School students got an education in the realities of war and an appreciation of the men who have fought in war. As a Veterans Day project, David Hoffert's world history students wrote letters of appreciation to recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.Of the 140 living MOH recipients, the students wrote to about 90 men, and, Hoffert said, 70 have written back so far. "This is the last generation of students to have contact with these men," said Hoffert, a WCHS graduate who is in his first year of teaching."The response has been incredible - they're so grateful that somebody would notice." To honor the veterans, Hoffert created a Heroes' Wall of Fame, where the students post pictures of the veterans they wrote to, along with copies of the Medal of Honor recipients' letters.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

State Approves Local Jail Bond

After four months, the State Tax Board has approved Kosciusko County to go ahead with their bond issue for the Justice Building expansion project. County commissioners' attorney Mike Miner said he received notice of the approval Dec.23.The state has approved the county to enter into a lease with the Kosciusko County Justice Building Expansion Corp.for a maximum of 25 years with an annual maximum lease of $1.9 million per year, he said. The bonds will have to be issued before the construction can begin to provide the county with the funds for the project.Miner said Umbaugh & Associates, Plymouth, will assist with the bond sale. According to commissioner Avis Gunter, the county can now go ahead with the project.The old buildings on the corner of Lake and Center streets can be torn down and preparations for the expansion can commence.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Collects Shoes To Distribute To Needy Families

More than 2,600 pounds of used shoes were collected by the solid waste district in November and a couple more tons are expected. Kosciusko County Solid Waste District educator Eric Sanson reported on the shoe collection Tuesday morning during a joint meeting with the district and the Citizens Advisory Committee. Shoes were collected from 20 locations and Sanson said he had little time for anything but driving, loading and packing shoes the last week of November. The shoes will be distributed to needy families in the United States and other countries. Used shoe collection is a once-a-year project while collection of household hazardous material is an ongoing business of the district. Director Sue Studebaker and Sanson recently returned from household hazardous waste training in Bloomington and will be registered collectors when they pass the exam.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sewage Rates To Rise

Sewage collection rates were raised to $28 per month for most residential customers.The ordinance signed by city council members Monday takes effect with the Jan.1 bill calculations. No members of the public appeared to oppose the legislation. Todd Samuelson of H.R.Umbaugh and Associates, Plymouth, said the utility will meet its $5.8 million revenue requirements with this 14.2 percent increase. The wastewater proposed budget was reviewed by the Warsaw Board of Works Dec.17. In answer to councilman Charlie Smith's Dec.6 council meeting question about the number of people who receive concessions on the rates, Mayor Ernie Wiggins said 43 citizens currently take advantage of the program.Individuals may annually sign up for a deferment of the sewage bill, paying $14 per month if the individual or family gross income is less than $17,000.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Biggs Again Seeking Planners OK For Paths Of Deerfield Subdivision

Ralph Biggs will be before the Warsaw Plan Commission tonight for the fourth time in as many months, hoping for approval of his proposed subdivision, Paths of Deerfield. Biggs' platting of the housing edition is currently designed as a planned unit development, which recently sparked debate with the board regarding what is expected of a PUD request. Commission members tabled an identical petition from Biggs during a Nov.15 meeting after failing to obtain a majority vote.With two members absent, a 3-2 decision fell short of approval by one vote. The property, at the southwest corner of CRs 75N and 175E, consists of roughly 40 acres, which Biggs intends to turn into 110 lots. In a commission report, city planner Jeremy Skinner recommended the board approve the request, pending Biggs' submission of proper drainage calculations for the subdivision.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Hospital Officials Say Transition Will Be Transparent To Patients

If all goes as planned, patients of Kosciusko Community Hospital will get medical care from a new group of managers/owners come Feb.1. And if history holds true to form, they'll never notice. "Normally, we don't comment on pending negotiations, but I can say we're very hopeful that the negotiations on the acquisition will be concluded on schedule," said Quorum spokesman Shea Davis."We're looking forward to working with the staff and serving the community of Warsaw and Kosciusko County area." Quorum Health Group Inc., based in Brentwood, Tenn., is currently negotiating for the purchase of KCH, having been selected by the KCH board of directors as the most attractive and compatible suitor for the 74-bed hospital and surrounding health-related facilities, such as Medstat Clinic and the Wellness Center.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Recycling Facility Won't Accept Freon

The KC Depot, the county's recycling facility, will not accept appliances that held or still contain freon. The Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District board decided Tuesday not to accept these units, although people do just drop them off. Several private businesses remove freon and tag the appliances freon-free.Costs range in amounts from $35 to $100. Salvage companies won't take untagged appliances. The district does accept computers and televisions and charges a fee to take them. District Executive Director Sue Studebaker thanked Avis Gunter for her service to the district.She is leaving the board as a county commissioner.Bob Conley will take her seat in January. The board also: • Requested a Winona Lake Town Council representative attend the meetings. • Heard a Claypool recycling station will be able to receive paper and newspaper. A station has been established in Pierceton's municipal parking lot.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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