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Smile For The Camera, Baby

NORTH MANCHESTER - Remember the little girl in the Hanes commercials with basketball star Michael Jordan? The little girl, Zia Marie Rios, was discovered by winning a cutest baby contest sponsored by New Star Discovery, Rockford, Ill.From there, Rios completed a photo shoot with Papadakis Photography, South Barrington, Ill., a company that specializes in children's photography.She then went to state and won that competition as well. Much like Rios, a new star may be discovered in North Manchester.Gavin Quentin Brown, 14 months, is following in Rios' tiny footsteps.He recently won the same cutest baby contest and also will compete at the state level. "We were shopping at the mall," Nicole Brown, Gavin's mom, said, "and we saw they were having a cutest baby contest, so we entered him." Roger Brown, Gavin's dad, happened to have the family's video camera with him.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

BZA Denies Parking Proposal

Brett Crume and Pam Hunter's request to construct a parking lot at 120 N.Scott St.was unanimously denied by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday night. The motion came after board members heard from several neighboring residents who expressed concerns regarding drainage, nighttime activity and property values of the area if the construction was to take place. Brett Crume, owner of Re/Max Rainbow Realtors, proposed the parking lot in efforts to create additional spaces for employees and customers.The property currently has gravel parking on the southern parcel of the lot.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Goshen Man Pleads Guilty To Murder

A Goshen man pleaded guilty to murder Tuesday one day after he was arrested in Elkhart County. Two other Goshen residents were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Brandon Ennis, 24, pleaded guilty to murdering Steven M.Strycker, 21, of Goshen. At the probable cause hearing Tuesday, the police were supposed to show the court whether they had sufficient cause to accuse Ennis of the murder.Instead, Ennis told the judge he was guilty of the murder. Appearing before Circuit Court Judge Gene Duffin, Ennis said he wanted to plead guilty immediately.According to state law, the judge must enter a plea of innocent for Ennis, who can change the plea in 20 days.Judge Duffin agreed to accept Ennis' plea during the hearing. Strycker's body was found by hunters Thanksgiving morning in a cornfield behind the Timberbrook Mobile Home Park in Bristol east of Elkhart County Road 19.It had been in the field since Nov.24, according to Ennis.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

History Project A Call For Americans To Honor Veterans

WASHINGTON - To mark the 50th Anniversary of Veterans Day, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project announces a series of special initiatives to celebrate the project and renew the nationwide call for all Americans to honor veterans by joining the VHP in preserving the nation's wartime stories. The origins of Veterans Day are in Armistice Day, declared in 1918 to mark the end, on Nov.11, of World War I.The first observance of Veterans Day took place in 1953 in Emporia, Kan.The following year, President Dwight D.Eisenhower signed into law a bill that permanently changed the name of the holiday to honor all American veterans.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Fireplace glow can be deadly if guidelines aren't followed

A warm, glowing fire and the smell of burning wood is the perfect backdrop for chilly November evenings in Indiana. But the beginning of fireplace season can be dangerous for families. If the fireplace is not properly ventilated and the chimney and flue not cleaned and open, there can be deadly effects on those trying to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire. Gas fireplaces come with a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, while traditional wood fireplaces can cause roof fires or even explosions. Before a fireplace is used every year, it should be checked by a certified professional chimney sweep, says Eric Trojan, owner of Modern Chimney Cleaning & Services, Syracuse. "The fireplace should be inspected yearly and cleaned if necessary, according to the National Fire Protection Association," says Trojan.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Vacates Five Alleys

WINONA LAKE - Several public alleys were vacated by the Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday when the board approved Ordinance 2003-11-2. The council is making the vacations an ongoing process.The five alleys released Tuesday are: Between 209 and 211 Lakeside Drive; at the end of 14th Street, west of Sunday Lane; between Sunday Lane, west of Chestnut Street, between 11th and 12th streets; include a portion of the parking lot owned by Winona Restoration, south of the post office; and the "alley" in the Village of Winona between Administration and Auditorium, west of Park Avenue. In other business the board: • Approved Ordinance 2003-11-3 indicating a Christmas bonus of $275 each for Malcolm Gilbert, Joe Bumbaugh, Terry Howie, Chad Stevens, Danny Hall, Ellen Swaim, Karen Shingledecker, Dick Leaf, Craig Allebach and Retha Hicks.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Number Portability Coming To Warsaw In May

The FCC ruling allowing number portability between wireless and wireline local service carriers was effective Monday in the top 100 metropolitan serving areas.Sprint's Columbia City and Arcola areas now have portability as part of the Fort Wayne MSA. According to Roger Fisher, Sprint public affairs representative, number portability in the Warsaw area will not be available until May 24.He said, "The equipment already is in place, and we'll be ready to go." Fisher cautions consumers to "Make sure you can take your number with you.Ask questions and find out all the costs involved before making a decision to change local service or wireless carriers.Check with the carrier you're thinking about changing to before you do anything.Don't disconnect your existing service; this could result in losing your telephone number.The new carrier will make all arrangements, including notifying your existing service provider." Cutbacks announced.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Bar Patron Injured In Fight

A Warsaw man was treated for a concussion and cuts to his head and face after a fight at Ramada Inn in which he was struck with a beer bottle. Joel Nathan Holder, 26, of East Center Street, Warsaw, told Warsaw police that his assailant struck him on the head twice with a beer bottle.Holder said that the blows caused him to drop to the floor and, before he could get up the suspect had fled the bar area of the hotel.The incident was reported at 12:17 a.m.today. A witness to the alleged attack told police that the suspect approached him about half an hour prior to the fight and told him that he was looking for a fight.When the witness asked the suspect who he planned to fight, the suspect reportedly said he didn't care who, that he just wanted to fight. A half hour later, the witness saw the suspect talking to Holder and then saw both men on the ground fighting.The suspect appeared to be "extremely intoxicated," according to the witness' statement.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

WINONA LAKE - Several public alleys were vacated by the Winona Lake Town Council Tuesday when the board approved Ordinance 2003-11-2.

Between 209 and 211 Lakeside Drive; at the end of 14th Street, west of Sunday Lane; between Sunday Lane, west of Chestnut Street, between 11th and 12th streets; include a portion of the parking lot owned by Winona Restoration, south of the post office; and the "alley" in the Village of Winona between Administration and Auditorium, west of Park Avenue. In other business the board: • Approved Ordinance 2003-11-3 indicating a Christmas bonus of $275 each for Malcolm Gilbert, Joe Bumbaugh, Terry Howie, Chad Stevens, Danny Hall, Ellen Swaim, Karen Shingledecker, Dick Leaf, Craig Allebach and Retha Hicks. • Approved Ordinance 2003-11-4 establishing stop signs in Lexington Manor subdivision at the northwest corner of Stratford and Lexington Drive and in Heritage Lake Park subdivision at the northeast corner of Heritage Drive and CR 250E. Stop sign violators will be assessed a $25 fee plus court costs.
council is making the vacations an ongoing process. The five alleys released Tuesday are:- | July 28, 2016

Zoning Map To Be Reviewed

Warsaw's revised zoning map will be reviewed by the plan commission tonight at 7 p.m.in city hall. Ordinances dating back to 1998 have been used for the map, which will come before the city council for final approval.The city's global information system coordinator, Mary Haberman, compiled the information and created the new document. The commission also will review an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance regarding landscape buffer requirements, specifically establishing a 25-foot wide landscape buffer for "Type C" configurations between neighboring parcels with different zoning classifications.Type C configurations will be a 20-feet wide landscape buffer with a 6-feet high continuous screen, with one tree per 30 linear feet of buffer. The board also will hear from Alfred Brandt, Marilyn Brandt and Jim Nye, owners who are requesting final plat approval of 79.28 acres zoned C-3.The property is in the northwest quadrant of Ind.15 and CR 300N.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Downtown Renovations Under Way

Several buildings in downtown Warsaw are undergoing facelifts and interior renovations to prepare them for new lives as commercial or office buildings. The largest is the former Kline's Department Store, on the corner of Market and Indiana streets.Purchased by Lake City Bank, the main floor of the building will eventually house the bank's trust and investment brokerage and marketing and human resources departments, said senior vice president Jean Northenor. The lower level will be the bank's training facility, she said. Northenor said she expects to move into the building next summer.While exterior work is progressing quickly, inside renovations have not yet begun. One interesting detail of the outside work is that the diamond-shaped highlights on the building are made of Indiana limestone. "It's a great building," Northenor said. Several buildings on Center Street will be available sometime next year when renovations are complete.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zoners Deny Sign Request, Grant Variance For Tower

A request by Mary McCook to increase the size of an illuminated sign at her business on East Market Street was denied Monday by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals. In August 1991, McCook received permission to place a sign in the residentially zoned district beyond development standards, 16 square feet, to 48 square feet, advertising the location of New Moves Wellness Center.Also approved was a 66-square-foot wall sign and a 120-foot wall sign. City planner Jeff Noffsinger said the present sign is already too large for the area.The proposed new sign would be 8.7 feet tall, exceeding the maximum height restriction of 6 feet. McCook said a portable message board, the use of which is limited to 90 days per year, helped their business.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Rezoning Requests Tabled Pending Petitioner's Compliance With Planners

He didn't stay to hear the discussion.He didn't stay to comment. And he didn't get his petition approved or denied by the Kosciusko County Commissioners Tuesday.Instead, the commissioners voted to further consider Rex Hogan's rezoning requests at a time when there are no pending violations. Hogan petitioned to rezone 5.36 acres from an agricultural district to a residential district.He wants to build rental houses on the property.The property is east of CR 325E and north of CR 100S in Wayne Township. His other petition is to rezone 4.04 acres from an agricultural district to a commercial district.The property is east of CR 325E and north of CR 100S in Wayne Township.Hogan wanted to use this acreage as a buffer zone. The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission voted unanimously Nov.3 to recommend to the county commissioners not to approve either rezoning.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Deletes '400 Accounts' To Prevent Possible Shortfalls

To prevent as much of a financial shortfall as possible, the Kosciusko County Council Thursday approved the deletion of all "400" accounts from each department's budget. The 400 accounts include furniture, filing cabinets, vehicles and similar items.The county commissioners' 400 account was not deleted so that if any department needed any emergency item, that department could request it from the commissioners. Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell's report on the county finances helped the council make the decision.She said the county is working with a maximum levy of an estimated $7.5 million, with the total amount being levied approximately $7.4 million.The county is dipping into its operating balance by $1.3 million.However, by moving funds around, Mitchell said, they were able to reduce that to $500,000, and the county is $400,000 short of where they were last year in the operating balance.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners To Consider Request For Residential Rezoning

Construction Management and Design's request to rezone 38.66 acres from Residential-2 to Residential-3 for a senior citizen mobile home park will be heard at this evening's Warsaw Plan Commission meeting. Plans call for a 149-lot development on the south side of Crystal Lake Road and the west side of Ind.25. The board will review the final plat for Silver Fox Ridge's second addition, subdividing 10.3 acres into 26 lots. The commissioners also will: • Hear a request from George and Don Clemens, doing business as J&D Enterprises, to vacate a portion of Taft Street; and • Consider a preliminary and final plat approval in the Welbourn Addition as requested by Mike Loher. Plan commission members are: Joe Thallemer, Jim Gast, Dewey Lawshe, Lacy Francis, Richard Keeven, Jeff Grose and Alan Klingan.They will meet at 7 p.m.in city hall's council chambers.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Ryan 'Not Guilty' Of Murder

Nearly 12 hours after deliberations started in the Jason Ryan murder trial, the verdict was in. "Not guilty." Ryan's family responded with relieved sighs and a collective "thank you, God," while Jill Phillips' family sat in stunned silence before tears started to flow. More than a week of testimony, mostly from the prosecution, ended with final arguments Wednesday morning around 10 a.m.At 9:47 p.m.Wednesday, the jury re-entered the courtroom with its verdict.A few minutes later it was over, and Ryan was a free man. Ryan was cleared of the April 2001 murder of Phillips, whose partially nude body was found in Turkey Creek June 10. "I am obviously pleased, I think Jason is obviously extremely pleased," said defense attorney Mike Miner.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Property owners to continue overseeing piers, sheds

Camelot Owners Association petitioned the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday to allow the assocation to continue regulating pier, platform, stairs and shed placement along Camelot Lake, a request the BZA approved. Homeowners with property bordering the private lake have turned to the organization for such installations for decades, said lawyer Rick Helm.And they wish to continue to do so. The subdivison was established around a former gravel pit and there is a considerable drop to the lake shore in many areas, Helm said.Instead of hauling skiing and boating equipment up and down a 10- to 15-foot slope all summer, sheds have been set in place for everyone's convenience. The subdivision is south of CR 1300N between CRs 250E and 300E.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Plans For Accessory Structure Approved

Eric Wynn's plan to construct an accessory structure on his West Center Street property was given the go-ahead and his variance request was dismissed by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday. When Wynn appeared before the BZA last month, he said a relocated barn would be 25 feet high, which exceeds the city's 18-foot height standard. Because the roof is a gambrel style, the roof measurement for height between the eaves and the ridge and Wynn's roof is 18 feet. Dorothy Adkins appeared before the board to remonstrate against the building, saying it is too close to the driveway at 512 W.Center St.and too tall. In other business the board: • Approved a request by Living Stone Preschool, 315 Cedar St., for a variance from developmental standards for a daycare/preschool with no outdoor play area. Norma Prater, the school administrator, appeared before the board saying daycare hours may be as late as 6 p.m.The indoor play area is 900 square feet.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Rezoning Petition Denied

Despite his attorney being present Tuesday, Floyd Study's petition to rezone 10 acres from an agricultural district to an agricultural II district was denied by the Kosciusko County Commissioners. Three weeks ago, the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission unanimously denied his petition. The 10 acres Study wants rezoned is half of his total property on the south side of CR 150S and west of Ind.25 in Wayne Township.There were no remonstrators to his petition. The 10 acres adjacent to the property he wants rezoned is already zoned Ag II.His property is also surrounded by subdivisions in Ag II-zoned areas. Study's attorney, Steve Snyder, said Study isn't ready to do anything with the property just yet.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zoning Board Approves Request To Operate Waste Removal Facility

Rick Weed's request to operate a waste removal facility in a residential district was approved by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday. Weed, who began operations in 1976 at 504 E.Baker St., installed two 3,000-gallon underground septic tanks in July.Weed explained Monday that the tanks serve as a temporary holding system, emptying collection tanks so they can return to service. He has a city permit to direct treated water to the wastewater treatment plant.The Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued permits to have two 1,000-gallon wastewater tanks installed in October 1999. Weed said the current IDEM permit will have to be denied before a new permit, including all the tanks, can be issued. IDEM inspectors have visited the property, recommended minor improvements and ordered installation of a flow meter.A fence is also to be installed around the tanks.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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