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Webster Gets Radar, Housing Money

NORTH WEBSTER - On the heels of learning that their town would be the site of the state's newest weather radar tower, the North Webster Town Council was informed that it has received a grant for senior citizen housing. The grant, for $500,000, comes from the Indiana Housing Finance Authority's home investing fund for housing creativity.The town is still awaiting word on a $400,000 Department of Commerce grant also needed for the project. The town is planning to build 20 units, consisting of duplexes joined with garages.There will be eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, as well as an administration building and a clubhouse.The development will be located northwest of the United Methodist Church in Epworth Forest on land donated to the town by Bart Culver. If all monies are secured, construction of the complex should begin soon, with units expected to be liveable this time next year.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton PD Offers Security Survey

PIERCETON - Security surveys are being offered by the town's police officers, town marshal Tim Sammons told council members Monday. Continuing a campaign to introduce citizens and police officers to each other, Sammons said the program is offered at no charge. Each confidential survey will be taken by an officer.Recommendations, like trimming back shrubs, adding outside lighting or ensuring that all windows lock, will be offered to prevent theft and vandalism. Chip Hill, public works supervisor, said leaf pickup begins Monday.The schedule is: Mondays: south of Catholic Street and west of First Street; Wednesdays: south of Catholic Street and east of First Street; and Thursdays: north of Catholic Street. Hill said work in the street department office's kitchen continues with installation of new cabinets.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Islam, Terrorism And The Mideast - Part four of four: Islam and the land of Palestine

Editor's Note: Dr.Davis has had extensive contact with the Arab world and Islam through his participation in 10 archaeological expeditions to the Middle East.He is the author of 17 books and is professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake.He also writes the weekly column, "Outdoor Scene," for the Times-Union. To whom does the land of Palestine belong? Should it be called Israel rather than Palestine? Why has this relatively barren, rocky and desolate land been the object of such passionate debate - and war? These and hundreds of similar questions swirl above the landscapes of this tiny strip of land that borders the east side of the Mediterranean Sea. To understand the furor of the current conflict, several things need to be remembered.First, passions over territory run much deeper in the Middle East than elsewhere because the very identity of a people is inseparably related to their ancestral homeland.
Dr. John Davis- | July 28, 2016

Crash Kills Silver Lake Man

MILLERSBURG - A Silver Lake man died this morning from injuries suffered in an accident on Ind.13 south of Millersburg. Edward E."Cookie" Cook, 72, of 11180 S.County Farm Road, Silver Lake, died at 5:11 a.m.at the scene of a three-vehicle accident. Cook was southbound on Ind.13 when his car struck the rear of a semi driven by Ivan J.Yoder, Millersburg.Yoder was backing the semi into a private drive with his trailer blocking the northbound lane, according to a police report. Police said Cook's car struck the semi without braking. A third driver, whose name was unavailable this morning, saw the collision and attempted to stop, but struck the rear of Cook's car. The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department investigated. Arrangements for Cook are pending at DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Resident Sics ICLU On Plan Commission

James Stambaugh is counting on the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees that citizens may petition the U.S.government for a redress of grievances. Stambaugh is counting on that right to challenge the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission and its attorneys for what he considers to be harassment, extortion, violation of his constitutional rights and racism against his wife, who is Puerto Rican. Stambaugh said he received a letter stating that the Indiana Civil Liberties Union would take his case.He has filed a suit with the disciplinary committee of the Supreme Court in Indianapolis against plan commission attorney Mike Reed for, "destroying public records, moving public records and extortion." He said he will also file suit against Plan Commission Director Dan Richard for racism. Richard denies Stambaugh's claims. "I don't know the guy other than the violations he's had here.I don't even know his wife," Richard said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

IDEM To Hold Hearing On Hog Feeding Operation

Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans a public hearing Wednesday regarding a concentrated animal feeding operation in Kosciusko County. James R.Wolf has applied for a hog operation near the corner of CRs 700W and 400N.The meeting will be from 7 to 9 p.m.in the Shrine Building at the fairgrounds.The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Information about the state's regulatory program will be available.The Wolf application is asking for up to 1,200 nursery pigs and up to 6,800 finisher hogs. Citizens are asked to write down questions.IDEM officials will group like questions and answer those that fall under their jurisdiction. This forum serves to collect public comments about the pending CAFO permit application.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Approves Sewer Ordinance

SYRACUSE - Although it currently affects only one industry, a sewer use ordinance was approved by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday.The ordinance has to be reviewed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The ordinance would require any industry in Syracuse to seek a permit for use of the city's sewer.The permit especially applies to those who are significant users. Lora Gartner, technical services provider for Severn Trent Environmental Services, Chicago, said criteria is spelled out in the ordinance as to the definition of a significant user. Public Works Superintendent Tom Miller said the ordinance was "an effort to protect the community and establish a sewer base." The last sewer ordinance was adopted by Syracuse in 1975.Gartner said since that time laws have changed locally.The new ordinance would bring the city up to date and protect the town.Syracuse was not mandated to approve the petition, she said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Marsh To Close Arthur's Market

FISHERS - Marsh Supermarkets Inc.announced it will close its two Arthur's Fresh Markets stores, one of which is in Syracuse, along with 14 other stores in Indiana and Ohio, by Thanksgiving. The other Arthur's Fresh Market store is in New Palestine. The seven LoBill Foods stores being closed are in Richmond, Greencastle, Danville, three in Indianapolis and Greenville, Ohio.The four closing Village Pantries are in Muncie (two), Kokomo and Chesterfield.Two O'Malia's Food Markets in Indianapolis will close, as well as a Marsh store in Winchester. The specific date Arthur's in Syracuse will close will be determined based on the results of close-out sales to reduce existing stock prior to Thanksgiving.Marsh officials are working on detailed plans for merchandise mark-downs this weekend. All employees of Arthur's have been offered transfers or severance packages.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Kolbe Requests Grand Jury In Three Cases

Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe is requesting the Kosciusko Circuit Court to call a grand jury. The grand jury will investigate the alleged accidental deaths of Kaelie and Anthony Cusick, formerly of Lake Wawasee, and the vehicular deaths of Virgil Helman and Shawnee R.Ulrey.He said that the prosecutor's office has been investigating the Cusick's deaths for some time, and has been planning to call the grand jury. Both of the Cusick children died in 1996 in what were ruled at the time to be accidents. Kaelie, 4, was killed when she fell down a flight of stairs.Anthony, 7, died of smoke inhalation in October of 1996 after he was found in a closet where he had apparently been striking matches.According to police at the time, the fire was contained in the closet where matches ignited a coat and the burning coat gave off toxic fumes and smoke that left the boy unconscious.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City Employee Claims Workplace Made Her Sick

Rhonda Fackler developed a cough late last year. It wouldn't go away. She saw a local doctor to try to get rid of it.It still wouldn't go away. "She got real bad.She'd sleep in the chair.She'd wheeze at night," Don Fackler, her husband, said. Rhonda said her symptoms included coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks.She blames her sickness on fumes from the sump pump at her place of employment - the engineering building for the city of Warsaw. A clue to a possible cause of Rhonda's illness came in April.Don said a janitor told former city planner Pat Hudson of a really bad diesel smell around the building.Rhonda said Hudson was the first person to suggest the diesel fuel fumes could be causing her problem.Hudson was Rhonda's boss at the time.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Awards Bids For Storm Sewer Project

SYRACUSE - The Potawatomi Heights and Ind.13 storm sewer project will be completed by Cal-Con Construction, who brought in the lowest bid of $233,589, the Syracuse town council decided Tuesday. The Ind.13 Water and Wastewater Utilities Extension was bid by Cripe Excavating at $162,403.41. Bob Services will replace sidewalks for not more than $30,990, or $5 per square foot. Constance Anthony, owner of the 13 Center, gave the city an easement to install, maintain and service utility lines through her property for future development.The city will install water/sewage lines through her property at her expense. Ideal Suburban Homes also granted an easement to the city for utility line installation. First reading of ordinance 04-17, water rate increase, was read; the second reading and public hearing are scheduled for the next regular meeting, Nov.16 at 7 p.m.The rate will increase in two phases, starting in January.
DARLENE REDINGER, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

5th District Race Less Competitive This Cycle

After two intense campaign battles, Congressman Steve Buyer is finding his third campaign easier. The Republican representative of Indiana's 5th District faces a challenge from one of the youngest candidates running for Congress. Doug Clark, 25, of Plymouth, has concentrated much of his campaign on meeting constituents, and has made fund-raising a backburner issue. Clark quit his job as community relations person for Plymouth public schools in May to campaign full time. Canvassing one of the largest geographical districts in Indiana (touching 20 counties, including the southern half of Kosciusko) has been a daunting challenge. But Clark said he's making an impact. "I haven't raised a lot of money because I don't believe in raising a lot of money and trying to win the election.I'm trying to build trust with the people, and to do that, you've got to go one-on-one with them," Clark said.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Brumfield Awarded During Veterans Ceremonies

The Order of Kosciuszko annually recognizes a county resident who is a veteran and has given exceptional service to God, country and others in the spirit of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Revolutionary War hero. This year's award was presented to Sgt.Douglas K.Brumfield Sr., a sergeant with the Warsaw Police Department. Brumfield is a life-long county resident who served in the U.S.Army as a military policeman.He has worked for WPD for 33 years. Brumfield received the award Friday at the Center Lake Pavilion during Veterans Day ceremonies sponsored by American Legion John C.Peterson Post 49, the Sons of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Manchester In Early Stages Of Bike Trail

NORTH MANCHESTER - Two years ago, the North Manchester Park and Recreation Department began formalizing thoughts and ideas on a trail through most of the town.Today, those thoughts are entering the first steps to becoming a reality for North Manchester. The Park and Recreation Department received a grant in 1998 from the Indiana Department of Commerce to help fund the non-motorized trail.Assistant parks director Donna Boomershine said Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Muncie, was hired in 1998 to develop a master trail plan for the parks department.The plan was completed in 1999. Parks director Brian Wagner reported Wednesday to the parks board that he and Boomershine met with Mike Helton of INDOT and gave Helton a copy of the master trail plan. "He had a lot of nice things to say about our plan," Wagner said."We're getting some really good players involved in terms of getting off on the right foot." But the parks department has run into a problem.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Home-Based Business Approved

Brad Hough's pre-existing home-based business was approved by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday. For five years Hough has operated an excavation, material storage and sales business at 95 W.CR 800S in an agricultural district.The property is on the south side of CR 800S and west of County Farm Road in Clay Township. Hough's business is now allowed with the condition that he no longer burn tree stumps on the property. Remonstrators said the business is not in keeping with the neighborhood. Larry Harmon said water from Hough's detention pond overflowed into his adjacent fields.Hough said he would work on that problem with Harmon. Recently, county ordinances added trucking to accepted uses in agricultural districts. Neighbors protested Brett Yates' petitions to allow for a trucking business and for a variance to allow two uses on one property.Other neighbors appeared at the meeting in favor of the business.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Town annexes portion of 'Village'

SYRACUSE - Ordinances.Ordinances.Ordinances. The Syracuse Town Council had a handful of ordinances before them Tuesday. An ordinance annexing an area to Syracuse was unanimously approved Tuesday by the Syracuse Town Council. The area is on the west side of Ind.13 adjacent to the current southern town limits and is in part of an area known as "The Village." In another matter, Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Assistant Director Matt Sandy presented the town council with changes to the Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance changes address such items as communication towers, a hearing officer and other items.Syracuse needs to approve the changes because they have their own board of zoning appeals.The council approved the ordinance and it will take effect Jan.1.Sandy said copies of the new zoning ordinances will be available soon.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local 'Hauntings' Keep Spirit Of Halloween Alive

People may be kept awake all night by ghosts, or barely even notice them as they drift from one room to another. Kosciusko County is not exempt from these strange apparitions.Strange noises, cold spots and moving objects are reported by local residents every year. The Merbrink cottage on Winona Lake is home to a presence named "Miss Phoebe."The house was built in 1905 by William Bruning as a summer home. The tale of the house and Miss Phoebe is well documented in Dan Coplen's book, "Kosciusko County, An Oral and Pictorial History." In an interview, Coplen said Miss Phoebe is a rather famous ghost and a Chicago newspaper even ran a story on her in the 1920s. The Merbrink residence has been owned by Anna Lou Stewart's family for approximately six decades. "We never felt threatened by her," Stewart said. "I feel comfortable here.I feel a companionship." Stewart said she has never heard or seen her, but she feels her presence.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Couple Faces Charges Of Corruption In Business

Multiple charges are pending against a Warsaw couple in connection with alleged business corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. Richard D.Orban, 47, and Janet L.Orban, 47, of 165 E.Deerwood Court, Warsaw, are charged with corrupt business influence, a Class C felony; money laundering, a Class C felony; perjury, a Class D felony; three counts of theft, all Class D felonies; two counts of failure to remit sales tax, both Class D felonies; filing of false income tax return, a Class D felony; and keeping two sets of books, a Class D felony.Richard Orban also is charged with fraud, a Class D felony. Authorities said that the Orbans are on vacation and, through their attorney, arrangements have been made for them to turn themselves in on Monday at the Kosciusko County Jail.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Passes Prohibition On Street Solicitors

Warsaw City Council is looking into making streets more safe for drivers and those who want to hold fundraisers. The council approved an ordinance on the first reading at its meeting Monday night that prohibits solicitation in public streets that endangers the safety or welfare of an occupant on a motor vehicle, impedes the free flow of traffic, or obstructs the view of a driver. The council will need to approve the ordinance on a second reading at its Oct.16 meeting and it will need to be advertised. The ordinance states it is unlawful for any person to sit, stand or move within or upon any street or highway or upon any median, guard rail or divider in or between any street or highway for the purpose of soliciting, peddling, selling, advertising, donating or distributing any product or property of service including tickets, handbills, money, flowers and newspapers.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer Respond To Election Questions

Why do you want to serve as the mayor of Warsaw? I want to continue to be a part of city government that fosters the greater Warsaw area to be a community that our young people can stay or return to pursue their career and family ambitions.By promoting our business climate and quality of life, I want to ensure our future generations are given the opportunity to call Warsaw their home of choice and be proud of it. What is the most important goal you wanted to see accomplished that has yet to be achieved? Enhancement of our infrastructure needs to provide a climate for economic development and job retention and creation.We are competing with cities and towns across the country to protect our most valuable asset, our people.
Ernest Wiggins- | July 28, 2016
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