Relevance Date

Halloween Evolved From 2,000-Year-Old Ritual

Satanic celebration or just a fun annual festival? That's the question posed every year by parents and other adults regarding Halloween.Some say it's the devil's night, others say it's just a multimillion dollar costume business and no more. The Celtic people of Europe started the tradition more than 2,000 years ago.It was then the eve of their festival Samhain.At the time, the Celts lived in what is now England, Ireland and northern France. Samhain was a celebration of the death of the old year and the birth of a new year.The pagan festival on the eve of Samhain paid homage to the sun god Belenus, or Baal. Once Christianity was born, Christian leaders changed the pagan ritual rites to a day that would "protect" all from the Devil.This was Oct.31 on the modern-day calendar. In the seventh century, the church celebrated "All Saint's Day" in May.By the ninth century, the date was changed to Nov.1.Oct.31 became a festival for the Christian dead.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County OKs Hike In Funds For Public Defenders

Crime will cost Kosciusko County taxpayers an unexpected $90,000 more this year. Kosciusko County Council approved two requests Thursday to increase funding for programs to help suspects and criminals. Superior Court Judge Robert Burner was granted $50,000 in additional money to pay for public defenders. Sheriff Al Rovenstine was granted $40,000 in additional money to pay for prisoner meals. In other matters, council agreed to a request an additional secretary in 1996 instead of waiting until 1997.Council earlier this year approved plans to hire a new secretary who will work for the personnel director, the computer systems coordinator and on an emerging computer map project. Council also appointed Betty Hostetler to the Pierceton Library Board, according to county auditor Charlene Knispel.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

U.S. Marine Band Will Perform In Warsaw Nov. 9

The President's Own U.S.Marine Band will appear in Warsaw Community High School gymnasium Nov.9 at 2:30 p.m. Within a month of the military band's announced appearance, 4,000 admission tickets for the free Sunday concert were requested. Doors open for ticket-holders at 1:30 p.m.Non-ticket holders may take seats beginning at 2:15 p.m.The only open entrance to the school will be the gated entryway on the south side of the building. Floor seats are reserved for the handicapped, the elderly and individuals with mobility problems. A portion of the parking area behind the school, between the school and the baseball diamond, will be closed. According to local coordinator John Elliott, 95 percent of the tickets were requested by Kosciusko County residents.He figures there should be plenty of seating left, as the gym holds 5,000.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

DePuy Announces Offer Of Stock To The Public

Warsaw-based DePuy Inc.has announced details for its proposed initial public offering. The manufacturer of orthopedic products announced in August plans to sell 16.9 million shares of common stock for a maximum proposed selling price of $18.50 a share.That arrangement would generate about $314 million for the company. The firm, regarded as the oldest orthopedic manufacturer in the world, is owned by Corange Ltd., a holding company that owns Boehringer Mannheim Corp., of Indianapolis. A company spokesman said today that no date for the public offering has been announced.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

No More Candle

The Candle of Hope that has marked the progress of Kosciusko County United Way campaigns for several years has been retired. The new sign, placed on the courthouse lawn in Warsaw, was designed and painted by Kay Anglin of Anglin Signs. The theme for the United Way campaigns for the next five years will be 'Building A Caring Community.' So far this campaign, 25 percent of the $950,000 goal has been reached. Pictured are (L to R) Judy Reneker, campaign chairwoman; Rebecca Notestine, agency division chairwoman; and Lowell Owens, accountant captain. Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union
Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Looks At HSA To Save Money On Insurance

PIERCETON - Principal Financial insurance agent John Clay presented a health care savings account concept to the town council Monday, as a way for employees to save money for deductible medical expenses and future medical costs. Clay said these savings accounts are limited to $2,500 per year and if the funds are not spent, they remain in the account for future use. Clay advised the board a 13 percent increase in employee health insurance is expected.The town provides a high deductible plan with the first $300 in medical costs paid by the employee and up to $900 for a family policy.None of the town council members are on the policy. The council set an employee insurance meeting for Oct.18 at 6:30 p.m.to explain the proposed program. Jeff Carroll, who owns the apartment building at 305 S.First St., asked the town to repair the alley behind the building.He said removal of asphalt resulted in a 6-inch drop off.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Booze Likely Topic At Winona Town Meeting

WINONA LAKE - The idea that a restaurant or hotel in this quiet town may sell alcoholic beverages has jolted some town residents into action. Two recent letters to the editor of the Times-Union have mentioned petitions circulating around town that oppose the sale of liquor in Winona Lake. The sale of alcoholic beverages has been talked about as a possibility in the dining area of the refurbished hotel and in a lakeside restaurant that is still in the planning stages. Both the hotel and the restaurant are part of a $7 million development and historic restoration under way in the town.The planned development, by Winona Restorations, is expected to attract thousands of visitors and tourists every year. Brent Wilcoxson, president of Winona Restorations, said Friday that he has not been approached directly by remonstrators, but that he appreciates public opinion.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Ice Rink Expanding For This Season

Members of the Northern Lakes Skating Association want the public to know that the ice skating rink in Winona Lake will not only be up and running this winter, but will be improved and expanded. Saturday's Times-Union featured a story mentioning that developers plan to build a restaurant on the site of the former skating rink in Winona Lake.Brian Smith, of the NLSA, said he received several phone calls asking if the development would mean an end to the ice skating facility in Winona Lake. The NLSA-sponsored rink is in the quonset hut near the park in Winona Lake.The ice rink has been expanded for this season, and warming rooms and benches have been added. The former skating rink that is the site of the proposed new restaurant was called The Wheel, and is located just off Park Avenue on lakefront property.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Local Health Dept. Honored For Immunization Rate

For the third year in a row, the Indiana State Department of Health has recognized the Kosciusko County Health Department for having a child immunization rate of 90 percent or greater. The recognition this year is for 1997 figures.The goal each year is to have at least 90 percent of all 2-year-olds in the county immunized.Kosciusko County's average in 1997 was approximately 95 percent.Indiana's average rate is approximately 70 percent, said county nurse Debbie Frank. "The goal is to help prevent diseases," said Frank. By the time a child is 2, they need to have four DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) shots, three or four HIB shots, three polio shots and one MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) shot.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Poe's 'Tortured Genius' Topic Of KLS Fundraiser

"The Tortured Genius of Edgar Allan Poe" was the topic presented by Dr.Elliot Engel Thursday at Kosciusko Literacy Services' annual fundraiser at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. Rebecca Kubacki welcomed the group and thanked Cathy Teghtmeyer and Jan Monteith for their assistance as literacy leaders who planned the author dinner.Kubacki said, "Our fundraising efforts are on target - we've raised about $80,000 for literacy." Brenda Rigdon, executive director of KLS, thanked event sponsors Mr.and Mrs.Howard Levin and R.R.Donnelley, corporate donors and reading sponsors.She introduced the president of the KLS board, William Baldwin, who gave the invocation. The dinner featured Harvest Home chicken pie, made by members, family and friends of the Pierceton Presbyterian Church.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

County Continues Work On Emergency Plan

In light of the Sept.11 terrorist attacks, cities, counties and states all across the U.S.are re-evaluating their emergency plans. Kosciusko County is no different. County officials first developed an emergency plan in 1988. "That was mandated by the government, to do a SARA Title 3 program," said county administrator Ron Robinson."That was to cover emergency management responsibilities for the county.It was an emergency operation plan for the county.I was sheriff at the time and I can tell you that took a lot of hard work to put that together.Ellsworth Everest was the man in charge at that time of what we called civil defense back then.It's been changed since then to cover emergency management." Quite a few people from around the county helped put the plan into place back then.It was adopted by the county commissioners in 1988 and has been in place since then.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Law Enforcement, Health Care Officials On Alert

Police and health care officials have been placed on high alert across the nation in readiness for possible terrorist attacks. On Thursday night in Fort Wayne, an anthrax scare led to a post office being evacuated, and officials at Kosciusko Community Hospital approved sending a supply of antibiotics to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne to provide assistance in treating patients. "Thank goodness it turned out to be a false alarm," said Scott Helt, vice president of marketing at KCH.Helt said the hospital is in a heightened state of awareness in response to the president's request and officials at KCH are reviewing the disaster plan and what would transpire in case of an emergency. Supplies of the necessary antibiotics were retained by KCH for this community's use and, Helt said, Lutheran and other affiliated hospitals would assist KCH if the need arose.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

TAN Looks To Reorganize

The Taxpayers' Action Network is backing up, taking a breath and regrouping. According to TAN spokesman Elizabeth Cole, the group, which serves as a watchdog over how tax dollars are spent by local government, is looking at reorganizing to become more effective and attract new members. "At this moment, TAN is going through a reorganization and will be pretty dormant until the end of the year," Cole said."We think TAN is incredibly important for the community, not only in making sure their tax dollars are being used wisely and efficiently, but also to inform them on how their government works." She said TAN is a non-partisan, unbiased group of concerned citizens.Some of the issues it will address in the coming year are expected to be the proposed Economic Development Income Tax, a countywide sewer system, a possible expansion of the Kosciusko County jail and a proposed juvenile detention system.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Smoke Killed Webster Pair, Coroner Says

NORTH WEBSTER - Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by smoke inhalation was ruled the cause of death in Wednesday's fatal house fire. County Coroner John Sadler released the cause of death this morning for Jack E."Eddie" Robinette, 40, and his wife, Barbara, 45. The couple died Wednesday when a fire swept through their home about 1:30 a.m.The home was located on Backwater Road, southeast of North Webster. Fire Chief Harold Gunkel said investigators believe an electrical malfunction may have started the fire. "It was too late when we pulled up on the scene," he said."There was no way we could get to them." Based on what firefighters found, Gunkel said it appeared the Robinettes had gotten out of bed, but were overcome before they could escape the fire.Their bodies were found in the bedroom. Neighbor Tibie Packer alerted firefighters after spotting flames coming from a corner of the house.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

November Celebrates Hospice Services

More than 20 years ago, Ruth (who asked that her last name not be used) helped care for a man who was being assisted by the Kosciusko Home Health Care and Hospice, not knowing that one day her own husband would need the services of the hospice. "I really liked what I saw.When my husband got to the place where he needed something like that, I called them," said Ruth."He was terminally ill with cancer." November has been designated "Hospice Month" nationwide.It is a chance for people to learn more about hospices and the services they provide. Kathy Simpson, hospice director, said someone is referred to the hospice when the doctor thinks the person has six months or less to live.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Roemer, Holtz Square Off In 3rd District

The race for Indiana's Third District Congressional seat pits three-term incumbent Democrat Tim Roemer against Republican Dan Holt. Tim Roemer Roemer is a South Bend native and graduate of Penn High School in Mishawaka.He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California at San Diego in 1979, a master's degree in international affairs from Notre Dame in 1981 and his doctorate in 1985. Roemer had a brief stint teaching at the American University in Washington, D.C., and served as an aide in the U.S.Senate. He defeated five-term Republican incumbent John Hiler in 1990. Roemer stresses his role as a "New Democrat," advocating a fiscally responsible government that is small and less bureaucratic, yet still responds compassionately to the problems of the 21st century.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Hears From Students On Job Shadowing

NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester High School junior Anthony Sorg, senior Carrie White, junior Peter Narragon and senior Bart King reported to school board members Tuesday their thoughts and experiences with job shadowing during GQE Quest Days activities, which took place in September. Cathy Markstahler, MHS math teacher, head of the math department and Graduation Qualifying Exam Quest Days' coordinator, said Quest Days activities were well-received by students. Sorg visited Purdue University, previously his top choice for college.But, he said, he saw how big it was and how small the dorms were and now said he realizes he doesn't want to attend the university. Naragon also visited Purdue University and since has been accepted.He said he liked the "bigger school better than a smaller school" and traveling to the university helped him make this decision.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Barbee Sewer Progress Temporarily Put On Hold

Barbee Lakes Conservancy District bowed to the pressure of an ensuing lawsuit Saturday, but lashed out at the group that spurred the action. The district board voted unanimously Saturday to voluntarily refrain from any new costly steps to construct a sewer system until after a Feb.28 election of its board. The move came after Barbee Lakes Quality Network filed suit in Kosciusko Circuit Court Oct.24 seeking an injunction that would block progress in the district's efforts to construct a sewer covering seven lakes. The district will be able to continue its daily operations, but won't be able to act upon a facility plan expected to be approved within a few weeks by the state. The agreement nullifies any need for a scheduled court hearing that had been set for Nov.10.The district will conduct its regular monthly meeting Nov.11. "We're sitting here with our hands tied, but we accept it," said district president Jack Maule.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fire Department Educating Kids About Fire Danger

Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and younger. Each year, more than 660 children under age 14 die in fires and nearly 47,000 are injured.The majority of these deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. In recognition of Fire Prevention Week this week, Warsaw Fire Department has been providing daily tours and information to public, home and preschool children and day care providers.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

GC Wind Ensemble Tunes Up For Fall Concert

WINONA LAKE - The Grace College Wind Ensemble presents a lively program Thursday featuring the work of contemporary composers, according to the band's director Dr.James Chandler. Sousa and Gershwin have been rescored and brought up to date, so to speak, and the middle arrangment of a suite yet to be published will sound throughout Rhodeheaver Auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. Now in its third year the group is composed of high school, college and community musicians who get together once a week throughout the fall and spring to present two free concerts. "About half the band is new this year," Chandler said, "and includes all levels of talent." He's especially happy to have several local and very talented high school students join the group. Instrumentation of the wind ensemble includes all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.The size of the group is limited to about 40 players.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016
Previous Next