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.

Cardinal Client Making The Most Of Othy Opportunity

Everyone needs a break every now and then. James Mornout, 37, of Warsaw, is no different.The Cardinal Center client, who is mentally challenged, has been an employee of Othy Inc.for almost four years. According to Bill Hough, unit manager at Othy, Mornout and the medical instrument manufacturer have benefited from Mornout's employment, so participating in the Cardinal Center program is a win-win situation for everyone. "James is the first placement we've had.He came to work for us in December 1995," Hough said."It was a little awkward at first and it took some adjustments on our and James' part.

Warsaw Woman Dies In Crash

A Warsaw woman was killed and a Columbia City man injured in a one-car accident Monday near North Webster. Patricia K.Gerth, 33, of Warsaw, was pronounced dead at Kosciusko Community Hospital due to massive head and internal injuries following the 6:14 p.m.accident on CR 750E, north of Armstrong Road. According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Gerth was a passenger in a car driven by William L.Sroufe Jr., 36, of Columbia City.Sroufe said he was southbound on CR 750E when he lost control of his car and began to veer toward a ditch.When he attempted to swerve back onto the roadway, the car went left of the center line, skidded off the east side of CR 750E and hit a dirt embankment.The car then went airborne and struck a utility pole, coming to rest in a ditch. Emergency personnel used the jaws of life to extract Gerth from the wreckage.

Whitley Cops Told To Check Local Businesses

SOUTH WHITLEY - Town council members Tony Starkey, Glee Eberly and Tom Rudd were advised Tuesday night a direct line to police officers via cellular phone was not acceptable at the county level due to safety concerns. Officer Brad Nestel said citizens should dial 911 for emergencies and use the 723-4814 line for other problems.The numbers are forwarded to Whitley County Communications in Columbia City.Dispatchers will send the duty officer by radio. "Dispatch wants calls to go back to the old way," Nestel said."It's a safety factor so they know where officers are at all times and can send a backup if necessary." The 723-6871 number is a direct line to the South Whitley Police Department.If the duty officer is unable to answer the phone by the fourth ring, an answering machine records the call.

Board of Works Urges Cooperation From Residents

Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Street Department Superintendent Lacy Francis expressed their concerns Friday regarding the non-compliance of trash regulations by many residents. During the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Wiggins stressed that all trash picked up by the city must be placed in 32-gallon covered containers with handles. "People have been informed of our requirements, but some still continue to place their trash out in just the bags," Wiggins said."Before you know it, animals get into it and it's all over the street.Our street department shouldn't have to deal with that kind of mess." Francis also stressed that no trash container should weigh more than 40 pounds.

KDI Approves Contract With County

Kosciusko Development Inc.spent much of Wednesday's meeting ironing out a plan for economic development and a job description for a full-time director. During the first half of the year KDI chairman Roger Moynahan, president Joy McCarthy-Sessing and member Max Courtney visited with the city and town councils comparing dollars spent for economic development in this county with expenditures in other counties. The organization seeks $100,000 from the county council for the next four years. Board member and county councilman Bob Sanders advised the board in March to prepare a business plan. In June a county council committee was established to study economic development. KDI representatives requested $100,000 during council budget hearings.A plan of work was presented, featuring a full-time staff. The council answered with a $33,250 contract, which gives KDI $25,000 and matches amounts raised up to $33,250.

Congressman Helps Young Republicans Organize

For the inaugural meeting, the Kosciusko County Young Republicans decided on a speaker who had been there and done that - Congressman Mark Souder of the Fourth District.Redistricting will bring the Congressman to the new Third District, which includes this county, should he be successful in the November election. Introduced by organizer Mike Harstine, who also pointed out state and local officeholders and candidates in the audience, the representative spoke about the difference this branch of the Republican Party can make.He also told the group what they can expect. Harstine in his opening remarks, said the group's main goal initially is to educate registered voters between the ages of 18 and 40 about the structure of local government.Future meetings will feature local elected officials and guests discussing local concerns. As a former Young Republican, Souder advised the leadership to have a shared vision and be very flexible while building a club.

Indy-Based Domestic Violence Expert Returns To Warsaw

Editor's Note: This is the first in a four-part series on domestic violence. Ann DeLaney returns to Kosciusko County Wednesday for a free public meeting about domestic violence. The presentation is at 4 p.m.in Center Lake Pavilion.DeLaney is director of the Julian Center in Indianapolis.Delaney appeared earlier this year on July 13. The Julian Center is a nonprofit agency providing counseling, safe shelter, education and advocacy for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.Through outreach and consultation, the Julian Center staff educates the community about domestic violence and its impact. Programs and services are designed to contribute to a significant reduction in the incidence of violence against women and their children, to support survivors in healing, and to help break the intergenerational cycle of abuse.

Four Injured In Tuesday Accident

WINONA LAKE - Four teens were injured, one seriously, in a one-car accident at 8:30 p.m.Tuesday near Winona Lake. Jason Stabler, 16, East Wilcox Road, Warsaw, was taken by Samaritan helicopter to Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne, for treatment of injuries to his head and jaw.He was listed in fair condition there this morning. The others occupants of the car were treated at KCH and released.Nicole Chappell, Sharon Street, Warsaw, suffered injuries to her hand; Cammy Minnick, North Parker Street, Warsaw, suffered bruises to her back; and Nathan Leasure, 16, East Wilcox Road, Warsaw, suffered bruises to his back and neck. The accident occured on CR 275E, south of Wilcox Road, about one mile east and south of Winona Lake.The vehicle reportedly was traveling southbound, left the road and struck a pole on the west side of the road, crossed back over the road striking another pole, coming to rest in a cornfield.

Poles Block Progress Of Lake Wawasee Trailhead

Steve Kelly has run into another bump along the development road for the Lake Wawasee trailhead and went to the commissioners Tuesday for help. In August the board approved a permit to proceed with the portion of the trail he is overseeing. Plans call for moving or removing Sprint utility poles along Turkey Creek Road, a bill Sprint doesn't want, according to Kelly.He reported the cost to move the poles is $100,000, a cost the trailhead committee doesn't want, either. Kelly would like county representatives to contact Sprint and show support for the trail.He thought telephone company's lines ought to be buried, anyway. "No subdivisions have poles standing anymore," he said, "and if these poles remain it will kill the project." Commissioner Brad Jackson said he doubted the county could mandate the poles' removal.

Dance Benefits S. Central EMS

SILVER LAKE - A Halloween dance to benefit South Central Kosciusko Emergency Medical Service is planned for 7 to 11 p.m.Oct.31 in the Silver Lake Conservation Building. This first-time event is open to all ages, children through adult.It is requested that costumes be worn. The dance will feature a disc jockey, food, drinks and games.Admission is $1 for singles and $1.50 per couple.Adult and police supervision will be provided. SCEMS will use funds earned from the dance to send seven people to emergency medical technician training and to purchase equipment. For more information, call 352-2543. !End Haunted Houses Ready To Spook Ya BY RUTH ANNE LIPKA, Times-Union Staff writer Get prepared to be scared. What would Halloween be without taking time out to visit a few of your favorite haunts? There are a variety to choose from, both here and, for those who can't get scared enough at home, a short drive away.

Manchester To Renovate School Gym

NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester High School gymnasium will be renovated, according to the Manchester school board. After entertaining the idea for eight years, the board voted unanimously for the renovation. Randy Self, Manchester High School assistant principal, said the gymnasium is "to the point that it needs some help."The gym was built for 1960's needs, there are new needs today and even different needs tomorrow, said Self. Yearly, 350 students use the gym as a classroom for physical education and city sports organizations use the gym "in one way or another," said Nancy Alspaugh, Manchester High School principal. "Physical education and the athletic department are going to gain ground.This renovation is going to make it second to none.I am extremely excited," said Gary Goshert, high school boys basketball coach and athletic department chair.

Kelly Zimmer Drain Fees Increased

Yearly maintenance assessments for property owners on Kelly Zimmer drain will see an increase in their rates. The drainage board voted Thursday to approve the increase from $1.25 per acre to $9 per acre beginning in 2000. Approximately 166.95 acres and 27 property owners are affected.Property owners will get to choose if they want to pay it all off in one year or in five years.Those who pay in five years will see a 10 percent interest charge after the first year. The work will begin immediately. Needed improvements that the increase will benefit include brush and sediment removal, leveling, tile repairs and brush control for summer 1999.The estimated annual maintenance costs will be $1,405 a year for a total of $5,620 for 2000 to 2003. Property owner Helen Cox said, "It really hits us harder than anyone else on the list."Helen and Royce Cox own about 54 acres. Another property owner, Herbert Creamer, questioned where the money from previous years went.

Demos Planning Annual Dinner

Kosciusko County Democrats will hold their fourth annual Hall of Fame Dinner Saturday at South Shore Golf Course, Syracuse. Social hour will be at 6 p.m.with dinner at 7 p.m. Dale Tucker, past Warsaw mayor, will be a special guest. Awards will be given to local Democrats who have worked hard for the party in Kosciusko County, Democratic Party chairwoman Frances Head said.Attorney Jay Rigdon will be the master of ceremonies. A raffle will be held to help support the Kosciusko County Democratic party. In other business, the Democrats will hold their regular business meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m.in the Democratic headquarters, Market Street, Warsaw.

Winona Studies Options For New Town Hall

WINONA LAKE - Another option for a combination police headquarters and town hall was discussed by the town council at its meeting this morning. Council president Brent Wilcoxson introduced plans submitted by architect Jim McCleary to build a town hall on city-owned land on Fort Wayne Street. The proposed building would be 5,200 square feet, plus a four-vehicle police garage.Wilcoxson said the cost to build the building would be approximately $365,000 plus site preparation costs. The council agreed to look further into this option, including asking town engineer Larry Long to prepare an estimate for site costs. "It's intriguing that the lots are in the town's name - we wouldn't be held hostage by the ever-friendly park department," said councilman Randy Ruppel. Wilcoxson also asked the town departments that would be housed in the town hall to look at the plans to see what changes could be made to cut costs.

Syracuse Officials Prepare For Upcoming Elections

SYRACUSE -ÊThree Syracuse town council seats are up for election, but the incumbents face no opposition. However, the clerk-treasurer position is contested. Republican Bill Hane, 66, is in his second year as the District Five councilman.Now retired, Hane previously was on the Millersburg council for four years.He is a 20-year resident of Syracuse. Hane said Wednesday he is in favor of a community center, in favor of the senior citizens having their own facilities and in favor of the Scout Cabin. Other important issues for Syracuse over the next couple of years, he said, are the completion of the Ind.13 improvement project and new water wells for Syracuse."Those are the two main issues," he said. Barbara Carwile, District Four, Republican, also said the Ind.13 project is important for Syracuse.The Ind.13 project in Syracuse runs from just north of the railroad tracks to Chicago Street.

Four Seek Two Seats On Triton Board

BOURBON - Voters in the Triton school district will fill two posts on the school board in the Nov.5 election. Four candidates are running for election: Incumbents Steve Feldman and Steven Sechrist, as well as Richard Walter and Kevin Boyer. Feldman, of Bourbon, is unopposed in the election for District 3.He has served four years on the board and wishes "to continue having input into meeting the challenges that come up at Triton." His goals for Triton include "improving vocational education for students not going to college." Feldman is a farm manager with a background in accounting.He and his wife, Donna, have two children. The remaining candidates are vying for the at-large seat on the board.

Deer Task Force Gives Recommendations

After nine months of researching methods to control deer overpopulation in Warsaw, members of the Warsaw Deer Task Force have formulated a report and recommendations for reducing the deer herd near Spring Hill. The task force has identified a deer nuisance zone within the city limits, including the entire area around Spring Hill, Kosciusko Community Hospital and U.S.30. A public meeting will be held Monday at 7 p.m.at city hall where the public and city council members who are not members of the task force can ask questions and provide input regarding the report and recommendations. The task force will ask the city council to approve the recommendations at its Nov.6 meeting.

Demos Gather For Annual 'Fame' Dinner

The movers and shakers of the Kosciusko County Democrats gathered Saturday evening at the Shrine Building to honor the newest inductees to their Hall of Fame. This year's honorees were long-time party activists Claud Stahl, Isabelle Smith, Jane and Bob Eherenman and Vernon and Marcella Meredith. Cindy Knepper, executive director of the Kosciusko County Boys and Girls Club, was presented with the Distinguished Hoosier Award, bestowed upon her by Gov.Frank O'Bannon. "We tried to get Cindy a Sagamore of the Wabash, but the governor said she wasn't old enough," said county party chairman Steve Haines."So we'll just have to try again in 20 or 30 years." Knepper said that without her staff, board of directors, friends and family, she wouldn't have received the honor.

Warsaw Zoners To Consider Parking Lot Request

The Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals will meet tonight to discuss a request from Brett Crume and Pam Hunter for a use variance at 120 N.Scott St., to allow for the construction of a parking lot. The current property, located in an R-2 zoning district, consists of a gravel-covered area with no landscaping. The petitioners' intent is to cover the property with a hard surface and provide landscaping adequate to Warsaw's parking lot requirements, which include 3-foot-wide by 3-foot-high buffers around the lot and a shade tree per 10 parking spaces. City Planner Jeremy Skinner recommended the board approve the request with conditions that a site plan be provided to the Planning Department. BZA members are Dan Hampton, Bruce Woodward, Tom Heuer, Rick Keevan and Alan Clingan.Bill Rhoades is the board's council representative. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.in city hall.