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KDI Hears Report On Local Wages

Economic development director Kim Nance presented a survey of wages from 44 county companies during Wednesday's Kosciusko Development Inc.meeting.The survey listed the lowest wage to highest wage for occupations, from accountants to maintenance mechanics to welders.The information was compiled by Ergo Resource Management Inc.in Syracuse. The average hourly wage was $17.90 for 48 occupations. Nance noted that private donations to KDI have reached $25,000 and that amount plus further amounts will be matched by the county council. Joy McCarthy-Sessing, KDI president, presented her "wish list" for a nearly perfect countywide economic development organization.Total operating costs were given as $256,000, which included a full-time director and assistant as well as a Ball State University vision plan costing $100,000, marketing costs of $70,500 and $2,200 for local incentives. "Until we get a large budget we won't be able do to this," she said of the wish list.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Truex Says Cops Should Hear Zoning Complaints

Complaints against a neighbor often bring a property owner before the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals or Area Plan Commission. Commissioner Ron Truex appeared before the APC Wednesday asking that such complaints, about a non-permanent structure, be rerouted to the sheriff's department for review. "Let a deputy determine if it is a safety issue or vision issue and save the property owner $75," Truex said.It costs $75 to get a zoning variance, which must be approved by the BZA. Giving examples like satellite dishes in right of ways and boats stored on properties too close to the road, Truex said if the structure was "ok," a letter noting the violation and absolving the county of any liability could be sent to the property owner. "We get telephone calls all the time," Truex said."The neighbors don't seem to have an issue until we find it.Just because we're in the area, looking at something else, doesn't mean we have to find other violations.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Middle School Improves Math Classes

Warsaw middle school students now may take more advanced math classes than were offered in the past, school board members were told Monday. Edgewood principal JoElla Smyth said the previous math curriculum was not meeting state standards because the standards had changed more recently than the math textbooks.Now that algebra and geometry are offered at Lakeview and Edgewood middle schools, students will have an advantage when taking high school math and the state Graduation Qualifying Exam. She said the schools have reduced the number of basic math classes and have added more advanced algebra and geometry courses, including honors classes, and the students have responded. The failure rate in math classes at the high school is dropping, Smyth said, because students are taking advanced math at the middle school level. "We're finding that the majority of students can handle a more difficult curriculum," she said.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Scharf Leaves New Beginnings After 9 Years

MILFORD - Deb Scharf is on her way to a new beginning. Scharf is retiring from her position as director at New Beginnings Child Care Oct.21.She will begin her own child care center Oct.22. "In this job, I've met so many wonderful community people and that's not just in Milford," Scharf said. "She's been a very hard worker and put in a lot of hours to get things done," Milford Clerk Treasurer Charlotte Siegfried said of the time and effort Scharf has put in at New Beginnings. While at New Beginnings, approximately $138,000 was been raised to help with the construction costs and furnishing of the new facility, Scharf said.The money was raised through private donations, corporate support, grants and fund-raisers. "She's been very important to the day care," said Shea Kelly, a mother with children in New Beginnings.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mutual Fed Gets Zoning Exception In Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Mutual Federal Savings Bank is looking to expand its services in Syracuse. Thursday, the bank petitioned for an exception from the Syracuse Zoning Board of Appeals for a bank drive-through in a commercial district. The property is on the east side of Huntington Street and zero feet north of Pickwick Street in Syracuse. After some discussion with attorney Steve Harris, representing the bank, concerning the location of the proposed building and options that might eliminate the need for the exception, the exception was approved.There were no remonstrators. Mutual Federal also petitioned for a variance to allow a commercial drive-through from the south right of way.The property is on the east side of Huntington Street and zero feet north of Pickwick Street.The variance was approved.
DARLENE REDINGER, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Third District debate planned for Monday

Congressman Mark Souder, Democrat candidate Jay Rigdon and Libertarian candidate Mike Donlan will participate in a televised debate Monday at 5:30 p.m. The half-hour, commercial-free debate will be broadcast by NBC33 from the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. The November election will determine the representative for the newly formed Third Congressional District, which includes most of Elkhart and Allen counties and all of Kosciusko, Whitley, Lagrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb counties.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Governor Calls Zimmer Innovation 'Genius'

Governor Mitch Daniels spoke at Zimmer Inc., 1800 W.Center St., today congratulating the company on its announced research and development expansion at its location inside of Boggs Industrial Park. Last year, Zimmer announced an expansion of existing office, manufacturing and distribution capacity in Warsaw.The announced R&D addition will provide 275 new jobs within the company over the next 10 years, with a majority of these in the scientific and engineering fields. Construction of the new 200,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin this month with an estimated completion date of late 2006. "I'm delighted with what has taken place here," Daniels said during his speech."Government does not create wealth and innovation.At the very best, we create conditions to best accommodate companies, and I'm glad to see Zimmer's continual success.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Kolbe Goes Part-Time

Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe announced today that he will serve the last year of his term as prosecutor working part- time. Kolbe also announced at his monthly press conference that he will not seek re-election in November 1998. He decided to go part-time beginning Jan.1.He said he will return to his former private practice part-time as well. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Byron Tinkey will take over more of the prosecuting responsibilities.Kolbe said Tinkey will run for the office in the next election with Kolbe's full endorsement. Tinkey was the Kosciusko County small-claims referee for eight years and ran for judge of Superior Court 3 in the first election for the newly established court in 1996.He lost to Joe Sutton.Kolbe brought him into the prosecutor's office as deputy prosecutor in 1996.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

7 Candidates Seek Warsaw City Council District Seats

Why do you want to serve on the Warsaw City Council? We have a great community in which to raise a family and I would really enjoy maintaining our quality of life by working on the city council.I enjoy serving as vice president of the Warsaw Planning Commission, where I been a member for the past several years.I believe my love for this community, my interest in local government, my teaching experience, and my conservative values will enable me to be an elected representative citizens can trust.
Jeff Grose (R), District 1 - | July 28, 2016

Park Board Excited About Community Center Construction

SYRACUSE - Excitement over seeing the community center finally take shape prompted Syracuse Parks and Recreation Board President Bill Wight to say, "Once finished, the community center will be a focal point.It will solidify our community." The board met briefly Monday for its monthly meeting in Town Hall, at which time it voted not to pave the five parking lots of the community center to save about $44,000. Initial savings is about $68,900, but then gravel preparation of the lots will cost about $24,800, reducing the savings to about $44,000.Thanks to an anonymous donor, framing and roofing of the lighthouse will be on schedule and can be completed as funds are available.The board also agreed to remove two trees from Hoys Beach.
VIRGINIA NIZAMOFF SURSO, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Business: Senior center grant vote fails

SYRACUSE -ÊSenior citizens wanting their own center were disappointed Tuesday when the Syracuse Town Council voted 2-1 in support of authorizing an application to the state for a planning grant for a senior citizen center.It takes three votes for a motion to pass. Councilman Paul Stoelting abstained from voting because he said he recently resigned from the Samaritans on Standby board of directors and he felt it was a conflict of interest.Council President William Cutter was transported to the hospital during discussion of the center and was unable to vote. Cutter suffered a coughing spell during the meeting and had to leave the room.EMS was summoned, Cutter was placed on oxygen and transported to Goshen General Hospital where he was admitted.He was listed in fair condition this morning.Details of his ailment were unavailable. Town attorney Robert Reed told the crowd they may bring the issue back at a later council meeting.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Few Surprises In Local Elections

The votes are in and counted. Tuesday's municipal elections, marked by a low voter turnout of 23 percent and few contested races, had few surprises. In Warsaw's three contested races, Charles Smith defeated Joel Curry 171 to 72 for the District 2 council seat; William Rhoades defeated Albert Smith 240 to 50 in District 5; and Joseph Thallemer and Trish Brown outpaced the other four candidates to the at-large council seats by a two-to-one margin.Thallemer received 1,064 votes and Brown received 782. The other at-large candidate vote totals were: Ronald Dirck, 354; Earl Howard, 295; Pam Cartwright, 294; and Daniel Stevens, 114. In the uncontested council, mayoral and clerk-treasurer races: Jeff Grose received 371 votes for the District 1 seat, District 3 incumbent Paul Siebenmorgen received 290 votes, District 4 incumbent Jerry Patterson received 209 votes, clerk-treasurer Elaine Call received 1,330 votes and Mayor Ernest Wiggins received 1,389 votes.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fort Wayne Firm Gets County Furniture Bid

Infusion, Fort Wayne, will supply the Kosciusko County Justice Building with new furniture for a bid of $235,809. The Kosciusko County Commissioners awarded the bid to them at Tuesday's meeting based on the recommendation from county administrator Ron Robinson. Bids were opened two weeks ago and other bids included: Executive Office Products Inc., $245,000; Business Furnishings, $235,874; NBS Office Supplies, $241,449; and PBI, $236,962.42. Robinson said all the bids were close but Infusion's was the lowest. The county will bid out for more furniture later."This is just the first phase," said Robinson."There'll be a second phase." In another matter, Kosciusko County Highway Department Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson presented the commissioners with a proposed list of people to serve on the Western Route (formerly known as the CR 350W) project steering committee.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Rotarian Alderfer Rides To Fight Polio

In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization. Since then, polio cases have dropped by 99.8 percent.Seventeen years ago there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries.Now less than 10 countries have 600 cases. Rotarians will continue to raise funds until the polio virus is eradicated. Toward this end Warsaw Rotary Club member Alan Alderfer will ride the 135 miles across Indiana Rotary District 6540, from Merrillville to Fort Wayne, on Oct.25. A cyclist since 1988, Alderfer trains regularly with a group of others and expects the ride, hopefully with the wind at his back, to last about seven hours. Alderfer rides a Trek bicycle, the same kind racing great Lance Armstrong rides.This year he placed third in Elkhart's Great Race. Alderfer had a personal look at polio with a late aunt who was stricken by the debilitating disease.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pipers Mark 70th

"The Warsaw Union" was selling for 2 cents an issue at the newsstand - 10 cents a week by carrier. Republican Frank McKrill was being named winner over Democrat challenger Allen E.Dougherty in the race for sheriff in the previous day's election. And 18-year-old Ethel Bentz of South Whitley was saying "I do" to 22-year-old W.Ray Piper of Warsaw. Seventy years later, the price of newspapers has changed, as has the holder of the office of sheriff. But Ethel and Ray are still saying "I do."The couple will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Sunday with an open house hosted by their sons in the assembly room of the Timbercrest Home in North Manchester.The event is slated from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee School Board Candidates Give Qualifications For Service

There is only one race for the Wawasee Community School board.The two contestants for the Jefferson and Van Buren townships seat are Anthony W."Tony" Ciriello, 42, North Creek Bend Lane, Milford, and Marion R.Acton, 73, North West Street, Milford.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Winona Hears Update On CR 250E Project

WINONA LAKE - Bonar and Associates' representatives Wes Downing and Greg Smith gave a CR 250E project update Tuesday, indicating that construction could begin as early as next spring. An Indiana Department of Transportation project, improvements have been planned from U.S.30 to Pierceton Road. The asphalt will be removed, a new base will be installed, some hills will be leveled and the road will be widened and lined by curbing and guttering, according to town coordinator Craig Allebach. Turn lanes will be installed at the Wooster Road and CR 250E intersection. The two-lane road will include some acceleration and deceleration lanes and a passing "blister" at Lakeland Christian School. Negotiations continue with CSX regarding the railroad crossing improvements, Downing said. Preliminary costs for the project were given as $1.7 million. A pavement design was approved by Indiana Department of Transportation at the end of September, according to Downing.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Hutton guest speaker at Veterans Day program

Capt.Lin Hutton, USN-R, is American Legion Post 49's guest speaker Nov.11. Hutton, St.Anne Episcopal Church's priest-in-charge, is the first woman to give the 87-year-old Warsaw Post's Veterans Day address. Commander Bob Morrison said he has a special place for female veterans attending the ceremony - in the first two rows of seating at Center Lake Pavilion during the annual event. Hutton, 55, was commissioned as an ensign in 1974.She earned her wings in March 1976, the seventh woman naval aviator.From then until her retirement in 2001, she commanded Atlantic Fleet Carrier Aviation Squad, was Second Fleet staff officer, and assumed the command of the naval air station in Key West, Fla. Prior to her retirement in October 2001, she served in the Pentagon on the Chief of Naval Operations staff. During her 27-year naval career, she accumulated nearly 400 day and night carrier landings and more than 4,500 flight hours.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Back In Focus

Princess Frush has put aside books, newspapers and magazines and most of her family photos.Not because she wants to but because she cannot see them. While she is not totally without vision - she can see objects at a distance - the 87-year-old has the "dry" form of macular degeneration.The world has become dim and somewhat out of focus.Frush still goes about her business, however, with low-vision tools provided through an Independent Living Services grant and with the help of Dan Olsen of the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County. Olsen assesses problems and offers solutions. "We're not walking in and saying they have to do this," he said."I ask what the problems are and make suggestions and adaptations." The purpose of the project is to provide information and direct services to help people compensate for vision loss.They remain independent and less dependent on others.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Souder Speaks At GOP Hall Of Fame Dinner

More than 50 Republicans attended the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Thursday night. The Republican Central Committee sponsored the dinner at Stonehenge Golf Course. Those who attended had the opportunity to listen to speakers Third District U.S.Rep.Mark Souder, Allen County Republican Chairman Steve Shine and Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks. Souder encouraged citizens to vote, and said there is a competitive race this year. "This is a challenging year and we need to realize this year has brought a competitive election," Souder said. Souder faces candidate Tom Hayhurst in the Nov.7 race. Souder described Hayhurst as a decent man, physician and city council member, but said it's imperative that the Republican party stand strong. "This is not a battle between Hayhurst and myself, but a decision that will decide who will run America," Souder said.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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