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3 Teens Die In Crash

PIERCETON - Three teens were killed in a one-vehicle accident early Sunday morning near Pierceton. Pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:40 a.m.accident were John C.G.Johnson, 19, of 7406 E.Shoop Road, Pierceton; Adam J.Bernicky, 18, of 515 Clinic Court, Warsaw; and Joshua L.Hartline, 16, of 920 Anchorage Road #74, Warsaw.All three of the teens died from head injuries. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident and noted that broken beer bottles and drug paraphernalia were found in the wreckage.It is suspected that the three were at a Halloween party prior to the time of the accident, according to Kosciusko County Sheriff Al Rovenstine.Tests to confirm whether the teens consumed alcohol before the accident have not yet been concluded.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Considers Sidney Sewage Request

PIERCETON - Pierceton town council members Monday received a proposal for Sidney residents to use the Pierceton sewage treatment plant. Sidney was represented by council members Jack Wolf and Harold Lendt and Pierceton and Sidney engineer Jim Lauer.Sidney has received a half-million-dollar grant to build the sewer and connecting line from Sidney to Pierceton. Discussion centered around past experiences and issues surrounding the current agreement between Pierceton and Larwill.Concerns included the capacity of Pierceton's treatment facility, volume increasing over time and the availability of maintenance personnel in other towns.A $1.7 million project is underway to alleviate the existing situation with Larwill and Pierceton, and even when the project is completed, capacity may not be sufficient to add the 80 households in Sidney. Members of the Pierceton town council agreed to take the proposal under advisement for 30 days.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Barbee Sewer Future Hangs In The Balance

There's a growing sentiment that the proposed Barbee sewer plan is all but dead, but representatives on both sides of the issue say that's not the case. With elections to four of the five seats coming up in February, Barbee Lakes Quality Network President Scott Fox said he believes the overriding sentiment opposes the sewer plan and points to a vote last year in which Quality Network member Barry Hecker won election by a 495-217 margin. "Since then, we've had 7-- or 800 letters submitted to the state opposing the system," Fox said."We feel those numbers reflect what's going on." The Quality Network has already lined up for candidates for the election, and the Barbee Lakes Conservancy District has people slated who support the need for a sewer.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Smith & Nephew Says It's Talking About Biomet 'Combination'

Smith & Nephew today confirmed it has held "very preliminary" talks about a possible combination with Biomet Inc. Local Biomet officials could not be reached this morning for comment.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Police Investigate Lottery Scam

Police are investigating a possible scam involving a Canadian lottery. A rural Warsaw woman contacted the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Saturday after she wired more than $2,800 to a location in Montreal. The woman told police a man called her residence and said she won $100,000 in the Canadian lottery and, to claim her prize, she had to send cash to cover the amount of taxes on her winnings.This took place Friday. After sending the money via Western Union, she thought the call may not have been legitimate and contacted authorities.She has not received any money from the source of her alleged winnings. Police have gotten telephone calls from people victimized by similar scams in the past and warn residents not to send money or provide credit card or bank account numbers to anyone via telephone. If such a call is received, a name and telephone number should be obtained so that the possible victim can call the person back.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Kantner Opposes 2nd Cop Vehicle At Mentone

MENTONE - Reiterating his stand from last month, Mentone Town Council president Forrest Kantner opposed the purchase of a new police vehicle. The other council members, Ed Rock and Lynn Phillips, voted in favor of the purchase, giving Marshal Jim Eads permission to spend up to $31,000 for a Dodge Durango. Eads was given permission in September to get prices for a new police vehicle and presented quotes in October for sport utility vehicles, but no action was taken at that meeting.Discussion in October included Kantner's statements that residents have questioned why the town even needs two police vehicles. Officer safety was the main reason, Eads said, along with less wear and tear on the vehicles if the town's two officers aren't using one vehicle all the time.Two vehicles also provide more visibility, Rock said, adding that he agreed that a nearby backup unit is important for officer safety.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

County Council Race Leads Rest Of Ballot

Election Day is only four days away and county residents have a few choices to make about their county government. District Two County Councilman Harold D.Jones, Republican, faces the most competition in the county.Jones is seeking re-election but has to face off against Democrat Jason Haines and Libertarian Deanna F.Newton. "I've been there long enough that I think people know me well enough," Jones said. Jones has been on the council for eight years and has lived in the county for about 30 years, he said.As for sizing up his competition, Jones said, "I haven't really given it a lot of thought." Haines may be on the ballot Tuesday, but he won't be in the state.He has taken a job in New York. Somewhat new to the election this year is the influx of Libertarians.They have thought a lot about what they want to do if elected. "I want to be able to vote against any other higher taxes," Newton said in a previous interview.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

New Frontiers Administering Courtrooms To Classrooms

In its third year now, Courtrooms to Classrooms reaches 13 different elementary schools and is administered by New Frontiers Inc. County judges do not teach the course, though they may be occasional guest speakers. When the program first began, the Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office was in charge of the program.At that time, Rob Reneker was the assistant to the prosecutor and the lone teacher responsible for the program.Reneker is now the executive director of New Frontiers. "We fine-tuned a lot of the lessons to meet the needs the teachers felt were appropriate," Reneker said. New Frontiers took over the program when the prosecutor determined there wasn't enough funding in the prosecutor's budget.Original funding came out of the discretionary funds of the prosecutor's office.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Merchants Frustrated With City Construction

Downtown Warsaw merchants are remaining optimistic about their businesses getting back to normal after Center Street is reopened - just as long as it's done soon. One block of downtown Center Street, between Lake and Indiana streets, was closed to traffic in late September for a "test" renovation project.The renovation plans included laying new sewer lines; rebuilding and repaving the street; pouring new sidewalks; and installing new street lights, seating and trash receptacles. The work also has included removing sidewalks from in front of some businesses, and losing parking places to construction equipment. Many merchants said they heard rumors that the work would not be done until Thanksgiving, news that's not especially encouraging to those businesses that rely heavily on Christmas sales.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Popular Christmas Display Moves To Downtown Warsaw This Year

If your Christmas tradition includes a drive south of Warsaw to see Bruce and Ann Howe's spectacular display, make plans this year to go to Warsaw's Central Park instead. From now on, highlights of the major holiday attraction will be available for public viewing at Warsaw's Central Park.Donated to the city by the Howes, the exhibit will be set up in the park two weeks before Christmas. Seven individual displays will be placed around "the green," or the central grassy area, in the park.The displays will include the manger scene, the carolers, and Santa's sleigh and reindeer. Warsaw's park and street departments also will put Christmas lights on trees around the park, and in and around the displays. The timing of the exhibit will coincide with the downtown merchants' planned "Hometown Holiday Weekend," Dec.12-14. Many of the floodlights, extension cords and tape players to go with the displays also were donated by the Howes.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Market Street Roadwork Hits Snags

Road work on Conrail's Market Street railroad crossing will take longer than planned because of unexpected problems, Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank said Friday. Plank told the Warsaw Board of Works that Conrail workers discovered that the rails between Market and Center streets had shifted away from each other so much that there was a risk a train would fall between the tracks.Conrail's need to replace about 200 feet of rail made the repair project take longer than expected, Plank said. Further complicating driving routes in downtown Warsaw will be Norfolk & Southern's work on the east-west railroad tracks that run through town.That work is scheduled to begin next week. The downtown block of Center Street being renovated is proceeding as expected, said Warsaw public works superintendent Kim Leake.Conduits for lighting are being installed, as are curbs and sidewalks.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Patrons Question Warsaw's Athletic Suspension Policy

Warsaw Community Schools' athletic policy came under fire at Monday's school board meeting when two parents of high school students objected to the "365-day rule." Terry Milton, who said he has three children attending Warsaw Community High School, called the 365-day rule "overly punitive" and said it is the "toughest policy in the United States. "Punishment of one year for the first offense is, in my opinion, tantamount to child abuse," he said. Milton was referring to Warsaw's athletic code, which specifies that a first violation of WCS' drug and alcohol policy will result in an athlete being suspended from competition for 365 days.The athlete would still be able to practice and travel with the team. Instead of the suspension, Milton said, athletes who violate the code should be required to perform community service.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Moore Wallace Merge

CHICAGO, TORONTO, Canada, and NEW YORK - R.R.Donnelley & Sons.Co.and Moore Wallace Inc.Sunday announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to create the world's premier full-service commercial printer with more than $8 billion in annual revenues, a leading position in North America and approximately 50,000 employees worldwide.The combined company will provide customers with the industry's broadest array of high-quality, long- and short-run print products and solutions, from magazines, telephone directories, books, catalogs, inserts and financial documents, to billing statements, outsourced customer communications, highly personalized direct mail, premedia, print fulfillment, labels, collateral materials, forms and logistics services.The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the agreement.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Where To Vote

Following is a complete list of polling places in Kosciusko County for the general election on Tuesday. Jackson Township 1st Precinct Grace Brethren Church, Sidney 2nd Precinct Eel River Church of Brethren, Ind.14 S. Monroe Township 1st Precinct Pleasant Grove UM Church, 2943 E.400 S. Washington Township 1st Precinct Pierceton Community Bldg., Ind.13 S. 2nd Precinct Pierceton Community Bldg. 3rd Precinct Policeman's Lounge, Pierceton Community Bldg. Tippecanoe Township 1st Precinct Tippecanoe Twp Bldg., Wash.& Harrison Sts. 2nd Precinct North Webster Fire Station, Ind.13 3rd Precinct Barbee Conservation Club, R.#1, 700 E. 4th Precinct P J's Too, Ind.13 and 500 N. Turkey Creek Township 1st Precinct Turkey Creek Twp.Fire Station, Syracuse 2nd Precinct American Legion Post #223, 1008 S.Huntington St. 3rd Precinct Syracuse Scout Cabin, W.Henry St. 4th Precinct Calvary UM Church, 810 S.Huntington St.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Planners Look To Update Comprehensive Plan

Following the Plan Commission's decisions during Monday night's meeting, members discussed the need to update Warsaw's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances to better suit the needs of local residents. City Planner Jeremy Skinner presented various figures regarding potential lot sizes inside of R-1 zoning and reported that current R-1, R-2 and R-3 zonings all require the same mandatory lot sizes. "I'm showing these figures to give you an idea of what we need to work towards and what we need to prevent in terms of planning and zoning," Skinner said."We need to provide a better density chart within our zoning districts." Skinner said changes within zoning ordinances would create nonconforming lots within Warsaw, but options such as grandfathering could be addressed by the board of zoning appeals. "If changes were to be made, I'll provide as much assistance as possible," Skinner said.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Tax Abatement Topic Of Local Seminar

Businesses interested in tax abatement information, as well as city and county council members, can find answers to their questions at a joint city-county presentation Oct.30. Led by county assessor Sue Ann Mitchell and Warsaw city planner Pat Hudson, the session is scheduled for 7 p.m.in the Justice Building. Planned topics include explaining the purpose of abatement, economic revitalization areas, forms and follow-up, and on-site compliance visits. Business representatives who are interested in attending should contact Pat Hudson at 372-9548.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Woman Assaulted In Armed Robbery At Levi Lee Home

A woman who is confined to a wheelchair was injured Wednesday by two armed men who broke into her home. Bonnie L.Scott, West Levi Lee Road, Warsaw, was found by a friend at 12:24 a.m.Thursday.She was lying on the kitchen floor with a laceration between her eyes. She refused medical treatment. Scott told the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department that at approximately 6:30 p.m.Wednesday she was in her wheelchair at her kitchen table when two men broke through her back door and threw her on the floor.She said they pushed a gun into her neck, hit her in the face, choked her and tried to smother her with blankets. She was found by Bert Goble, Winona Lake, who regularly checks on her.Scott and Goble said a handgun, cash and jewelry were stolen but were unsure what else was missing. The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Department.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Local Educators Host Summit

"Moving Kosciusko County students to the head of the class" will be the focus of this year's Education Summit.The summit is the third effort to bring together parents, students, educators and business people to discuss the state of education in the county. Sponsored by the Greater Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce's education council, the summit is scheduled for 7 to 10:30 a.m.Nov.19 at 2517 Restaurant.It's open to the public, and it's free. Previous education summits have focused on basic skills, career and technical skills, and life skills.Several programs used in the community, such as the Gold Card and job shadowing, are the direct result of past summit efforts. The emphasis of Education Summit III will be on analyzing the progress made so far on education and school-to-work programs throughout Kosciusko County.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Closing For Two Weeks

Good news and bad news is prevailing this week for patrons of Warsaw Community Public Library. Beginning Saturday, the library will be closed for two weeks while furniture, equipment and books are shifted from the original building into the new section. The good side of the closing is that anyone with books due during that period won't be charged a late fee.Since computers won't be up and running, it would be difficult to track the violations, said library spokeswoman Jodi Elliott. However, anyone wanting to drop off items can still do so during the two-week closing. Workers anticipate a large crowd Friday on the final day before the closing, Elliott said. The closing marks a major transition in the library's expansion effort, which will span nearly three years before it is completed next spring.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Stonecamp Alarm Believe Caused By Bicycle Bandit

WINONA LAKE - A Friday night break-in that was foiled by a home alarm is believed to have been the work of the bicycle bandit. "It probably was the bicycle bandit, but he was on foot," said Winona Lake Town Marshal Malcolm Gilbert. Officials report the suspect broke through a back door at Stonecamp #14 at 9:22 p.m.Friday.The bandit reached a second door, breaking the glass in an attempt to gain entry to the home.The suspect fled when the broken window caused the house alarm to go off. Nothing was reported stolen in the break-in. A state police evidence technician picked up fingerprints on the back door, but those prints have not been identified.The prints may belong to the homeowner, an acquaintance or the suspect. Last weekend police believe the same person entered a home on Orchard Drive, Winona Lake, stealing a briefcase, a purse and a duffel bag.The stolen items were later found in nearby empty lot.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016
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