Relevance Date

County Takes Care Of Business

• Inventory tax under scrutiny At the Dec.11 Kosciusko County council meeting, the council will hold a public meeting on eliminating the inventory tax. However, if the county eliminates that tax, the county may add an additional 0.16 percent rate to the Economic Development Income Tax. Thursday at the county council meeting, county council president Harold Jones said the council has discussed the elimination of the inventory tax for two years now. "It's not going to go away itself without some thought," Jones said. Sue Ann Mitchell, county auditor, said the first step in eliminating the inventory tax is looking at the reporting requirements for inventory.That has to be done by the end of the year.
David Slone, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

City Plans Holiday Events

The weather outside the new Warsaw Community Development Corp.'s office couldn't have contrasted more with discussions taking place during Tuesday's meeting. Rain fell constantly as Director Carmen Lock discussed plans for the downtown area to prepare for the coming Christmas season.Throughout this week, workers will decorate the downtown and Central Park with Christmas lights, wreaths and other holiday garnishes. Carriage rides will be available downtown Dec.3 from 5 to 9 p.m.Rides will be $5 per person (ages 3 and up), or $4 with a non-perishable food donation.All food collected will go to the Salvation Army food bank.Rides will start in the National City Bank parking lot. Downtown shops also will have special hours and sales during the weekend of Dec.2. Lock also reported the October Spooktakular was a great success.The event drew its biggest crowd, and Lock said there were few complications in overall operations.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Set To Evaluate Haworth

Dr.Robert Haworth has been on the job as Warsaw Schools' superintendent only six months, but his first evaluation is already due. Monday, Haworth offered the school board two options to prepare his evaluation.He said the board could prepare the evaluations and submit them to school board president Ron Yeiter and he could prepare a report, or each board member could give their evaluations to Haworth himself.He asked that the evaluations be completed by Dec.18. Evaluations of other Warsaw administrators will be conducted in the upcoming year. Dan Robinson, school board vice president, said he wanted to do it both ways.He said he wants evaluations to go to Yeiter for an overall report, but also to be given to Haworth so that he can see each evaluation.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Tis The Season

Charities in the Warsaw area are reporting requests up and donations down this year as they head into the holidays, their most demanding season. "This summer the financial and food contributions hit rock bottom," said Marty Courtney, director of Combined Community Services. Because of recent community efforts to collect canned goods, she said, the CCS pantry is full but financial donations are still down. One of the hardest hit is The Salvation Army, which is reassessing its collection efforts in an attempt to adjust to changing needs and trends. Ken Locke, community ministries director for The Salvation Army, said the organization is becoming more creative in accepting donations. "We're re-evaluating how we do things," he said."We're more willing to take perishable items now, or to encourage in-kind gifts." "We also get a lot of requests for medications - a lot of people are not on medical benefits and they have a problem with prescriptions," he said.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zoners OK Setback Reductions For Sheradon

Don Doan's request for reduced setbacks on his property was unanimously approved by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday night. The city code's requirement that Doan put up a privacy fence may pose a problem. According to Doan, who attended Monday's meeting, a recent fire at his residence destroyed 120 feet of fencing he planned on using once he obtained approval for its construction. The BZA petition evolved from an October city code hearing accusing Doan of placing inventory from his shop, Sheradon Enterprises, along the city's right of way. A finding from the hearing recommended Doan erect the fence around his location and place his goods inside the property. Board member Rick Keevan encouraged the board's approval, saying he hoped the situation could come to a mutual agreement between Doan and the city.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Fair Board Honors De Good, Elects New Members, Studies '02 Fair

Caylyne De Good was honored by the county fair board members Monday for winning the Indiana State Festivals Association Scholarship Pageant.She is this year's Kosciusko County Community Fair Queen. Thanking the board for its sponsorship, she said, "I look forward to attending fairs and festivals around the state and representing the county.It will be a great experience." She was presented with a cut glass candleholder in recognition of her state-level title, won Nov.9 in French Lick. The Kosciusko County 4-H & Community Fair Inc.'s annual meeting was held in the fairground's Home and Family Arts Building.Three board members were elected by associate members: Roy Bradbury, who retained his seat, Randy Shepherd and Trishell Marshall.They will serve five-year terms.Other candidates on the ballot were Paula Kaiser and Nathan Rhoades.Tom Groninger was nominated from the floor.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Leesburg Intrusion Reported

LEESBURG -ÊA Milford woman reported an intruder pointed a gun at her during a burglary at a Leesburg residence early this morning. According to a report from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, a Milford woman, who is a caregiver for the resident of a home on Van Buren Street in Leesburg, reported an armed robbery around 12:54 a.m.today. The woman heard a loud noise, and when she went to investigate, found a man dressed in a black jacket with a dark cloth covering his face going through cabinets in the living room of the home.When the woman told the man to leave the house, he pointed a small silver handgun at her and asked where he could find money.After the woman said there was no money, the man made her lay on the floor then left out the back door of the residence. A purse with two credit cards and cash was missing from the residence.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Students Raise Funds For Area Food Banks

SOUTH WHITLEY - Whitko and Columbia City high schools' National Honor Societies are raising money for local food banks with a little friendly competition. Through Friday, each school will raise as much money as they can.At the Nov.26 boys basketball game at Whitko High School between Whitko and Columbia City, the school that raises the most money will be announced at half time as the winning school. All the money raised by Whitko High School students will benefit the South Whitley and Pierceton food banks.Columbia City's money will be given to St.Paul of the Cross, Columbia City. WHS is raising money by having 10 cans out at the school, each one for a different teacher.At the end of the week, the top two teachers who have the most money in their cans will each get a pie in the face.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Initiates Program To Hold Juveniles Overnight

A new Kosciusko County juvenile holdover service is going on line in early December. The cooperative program between county agencies will free county and city officers from watching juveniles who have been detained. The list of participants reads like a Who's Who of law enforcement and social services agencies. The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, city of Warsaw Police Department, the Kosciusko County Probation Department, Kosciusko County Division of Family and Children Services, and Bowen Center are cooperating in the new juvenile holdover service. The program is designed to serve runaways and curfew violaters waiting for parents to pick them up.It would also be used for nonviolent juvenile felons (for example, shoplifters) and juveniles awaiting transportation to detention facilities. "We are looking forward to it as a release for our guys from babysitting duties, to get them back out on the road," said Sheriff Al Rovenstine.
GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Plan Commission To Review Plat For Zimmer Lane

A final plat decision for Zimmer Lane will be reviewed tonight by the Warsaw Plan Commission to conclude a matter initially brought to the board's attention in July by Zimmer Inc. Zimmer Lane, which has been fully constructed, awaits the commission's final approval before opening to industrial traffic.The company's original proposal for the street sparked debate during a July Plan Commission meeting, with adjacent residents questioning how they would be affected by the street.The road was proposed to run along many of their backyards. Since then, Zimmer decided to not allow employee entrance along the road to reduce traffic noise, and is working with individual residents to address screening issues for each property.A fence will be placed on both the north and south sides of the street as well. City Planner Jeremy Skinner recommended the final approval of Zimmer's request, stating they met city requirements.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Gets Two New School Board Members

Two new Warsaw school board members will take office in January, while two others will continue on the board. Ron Yeiter, District 1, and Gene England, District 7, are the new members of the board.Cathy Folk, District 2, and Larry Chamberlain, District 5, are incumbents who were re-elected. Yeiter, who became a familiar face at board meetings over the past year, said he campaigned by meeting with PTOs and Lions Clubs and by going door-to-door in his district. He defeated George Klinger and Candace Townsend for the school board seat currently held by Brad Brail, who did not run for re-election. He said his priority is Warsaw Community Schools' financial status.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Park Pharmacies Sold; To Close In December

SYRACUSE - Goshen Health System will sell four Park Pharmacies to CVS Pharmacies. In turn, CVS will close the Park Pharmacies in Goshen, Syracuse, Middlebury and Nappanee.The information in a letter from Goshen Health System President and CEO James O.Dague to Goshen General Hospital volunteers regarding the closings was provided by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday. The letter states that "this sale will result in the closing of the Goshen and Middlebury pharmacies on Dec.2, 2003.Their prescription files will be transferred to CVS on Dec.3, 2003.The Nappanee and Syracuse pharmacies will close on Dec.3, 2003.Their prescription files will be transferred to CVS on Dec.4, 2003." The sale does not affect Park Home Medical Equipment or the Park Boutique at The Retreat.These facilities will remain fully operational in their current locations. According to the letter, the sale of the pharmacies was agreed to based on economic reasons.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Studies Sexually Oriented Zoning Rules

The Syracuse town council is considering an amendment to its zoning ordinance that will attempt to regulate sexually oriented business. Town manager Matt Vigneault put the issue before the council Tuesday at its monthly meeting. The council considered the zoning regulations that are the recommended version from the county planning commission.The county approved the new zoning rules earlier this month, but the regulations are only for non-incorporated areas in Kosciusko County.The other towns that are members of the area zoning board are Milford, North Webster, Pierceton and Claypool.These towns have the option to pass the recommended version of the planning commission. Council tabled the issue until next month because the town attorney was not present.According to Vigneault, the council will probably approve the measure next month.They appeared to agree with the wording and language of the proposal at last night's meeting.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

3 Die In Missouri CO Poisoning

CARTHAGE, Mo.- A Pierceton man, Jeff Cox, 40, and his two children, Kayla Cox, 17, and Derrick Cox, 14, died of carbon monoxide poisoning over the weekend. Leslie Hodges, 37, also of Pierceton, survived the incident. Sgt.Ron Thomas, of the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, confirmed the deaths today. He said all four were exposed to fumes produced by a portable gas generator which was brought out of the rain into a horse trailer. According to Hodges' aunt, Linda Berger of Warsaw, the group was staying in a horse trailer with a sleeping berth over the weekend. Thomas could not establish a timeline of events leading up to the deaths because the investigation is incomplete.But he said it appears Hodges stumbled out of the trailer and attempted to call for help but passed out. After lying unconscious for an unknown period of time, she awoke and called for help at 6:40 a.m.Monday. "She was close to hypothermic when we found her," Thomas said.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Webster Residents Revved Up Over Noise Problem

NORTH WEBSTER - Although the neighbors find the sound of a revved-up race car noxious and offensive, and subdivision covenants say they shouldn't have to suffer that, Albert Eckert Drive residents may have to file a lawsuit to stop the activity at the Frank Schaefer residence, North Center Street. Don and Dawn Meyer appeared at the North Webster Town Council meeting Wednesday for the second month in a row requesting the Schaefers' racing-related activities be suspended. They were advised by town council members that clerk-treasurer Peg Lawrance, who was absent, had contacted county plan director Dan Richard regarding the situation.As of Friday no communication from Richard had been received nor had any progress on a noise ordinance been presented by town attorney Mike Armey.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Whitko Passes Resolutions To Shore Up Finances

SOUTH WHITLEY - To keep the schools going financially, the Whitko Community School Corp.Board of School Trustees approved two resolutions Monday. The first resolution allows the school corporation to roll over their tax anticipation warrants at the end of the year if the school corporation doesn't receive all their tax dollars. The second resolution, which is approved annually, allows the school corporation to borrow money next year for cash flow purposes until the school corporation receives its tax draws. According to director of finance Dr.Phil Menzie, as of Oct.31, the school corporation, in the general fund, collected 28.10 percent of the local property tax; 99.76 percent of the 2003 local property tax; 49.76 percent of the 2004 financial institutions tax; and 60.02 percent of the license excise tax.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Back Door Kicked In At Milford

MILFORD -ÊA Milford man reported an intruder kicked in the back door of his home during a break-in early this morning. According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, a Milford man called the Kosciusko County Dispatch Center around 12:59 a.m.to report his home on Old 15 near Milford was burglarized.The man told police he was sleeping when he was awakened by an unknown man who told the resident to keep his head down. The burglar, who was about 6-feet tall and wearing all-black clothing and a ski mask, entered the resident's bedroom three times, telling the man to keep his head down. The burglar asked the resident to open the safe in the home, but the resident said he did not know the combination. The resident said he also heard a woman's voice in another room during the burglary.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

CCS Names New Director

Jim Coons, Syracuse, has been named executive director of Combined Community Services, replacing Marty Courtney. The former Syracuse Dairy Queen owner has nothing but praise for Courtney, who headed the agency for nine years. "I really am humbled about the legacy Marty is leaving," he said of his predecessor."I'm tremendously impressed with her." Courtney and Coons will work together until the middle of December when Courtney officially retires. Coons has lived in Kosciusko County for six years, buying the Dairy Queen in 1993, and brings 30 years of corporate leadership experience to CCS, mostly in the nursing administration and the medical supply fields.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Officials Host Open House For Information On Community Center

SYRACUSE -ÊSyracuse's Community Center is moving along. Wednesday, the park department and board held an open house at the town hall to give the community an informal presentation on how the center is progressing. Michael Hixenbaugh, Syracuse park superintendent, said, "The benefits of a community center are individual, community and economical." Individually, residents can improve their health and wellness and have alternatives to destructive behavior, Hixenbaugh said.For the community, the center will reduce alienation, enhance community spirit, encourage family togetherness, promote cultural diversity and heritage and possibly reduce crime. Economically, Hixenbaugh said, a center will attract businesses, promote a healthy and active work force, attract tourism and enhance property values.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Orthopedics Highlighted In Future State Museum

Warsaw's reputation as the 'Orthopedic Capital Of The World' is better known outside of Indiana, but that could likely end if a new state museum has anything to do with it. One of the permanent exhibits that will be featured in the proposed $90 million state museum in Indianapolis will highlight the history of industry in Indiana, including the emergence of orthopedics, which dates back to Warsaw in 1895. Two of the chief organizers of the future museum have direct ties to the city. Dale Ogden, curator of history with the Indiana State Museum, and Ron Newlin, interim director of the Indiana State Museum Society, grew up in Warsaw and visited the city Friday to promote the new exhibit. Ogden and Newlin met with orthopedic executives from Zimmer, DePuy and Biomet at the Ramada to promote the company's future donations to the museum. "This is such a great opportunity to showcase our community," said Brad Bishop, a representative of Zimmer.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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