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Train Derails At Burket

BURKET -ÊTrain traffic is reduced and moving slowly through Burket after a derailment caused significant damage to railroad tracks Tuesday evening. Around 8:16 p.m.Tuesday, a bulk train car lost its rear wheel assembly, including the four back wheels and axles, on the railroad tracks at Burket.The back of the train car, which sustained significant damage, dragged, causing damage to the rails and ties of the track for at least a half mile. The car, which previously carried calcium powder, was empty at the time of the derailment. "I don't know why it derailed, it is a rare failure," said Burket Fire Chief Kevin McSherry."We are very lucky it was the rear set of wheels that came off." When the wheels came off the car, the train came apart, but the car did not turn over.The wheels flew off to the side, barely missing Powell's Tire Co.on Walnut Street next to the tracks. "It very well could have gone through the wall of the business," said McSherry.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Thief Takes Cash Drawer At Silver Inn

SILVER LAKE -ÊPolice are looking for a man who broke into the Silver Inn and stole the drawer from a cash register early Wednesday morning. The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department was called to the Silver Inn around 4 a.m.Wednesday for a business alarm. The back door to the tavern was forced open, and the drawer from the cash register, along with an unspecified amount of money, was removed. Video from the security system showed a man dressed in blue jeans and a dark gray hooded sweatshirt enter the bar area.The man, who was about 6 feet tall with a medium build, had the hood of the sweatshirt pulled up to obstruct his face. The owner of the bar was unable to identify the man in the video and was unable to offer suspects in the crime. The investigation of the burglary continues. Anyone with information about the crime should contact the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department at 574-267-5667.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Battery Charges Dismissed Against Warsaw Woman

Believing that Angela D.Frye acted in self defense when she stabbed Charles Adams in January 1998, the prosecution has filed for dismissal of the case against her. Frye, 33, of Warsaw, was charged in May 1998 with battery with a deadly weapon, a Class C felony.A plea agreement entered with the prosecutor's office in August was rejected by Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer when Frye appeared for sentencing on Sept.22, and the matter was set for trial this week. However, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Byron Tinkey filed a motion to dismiss last week and the case is awaiting the ruling of Judge Michael Cook of Marshall Circuit Court.Cook was appointed to hear the matter after Frye's attorney, David R.Hoffman of South Bend, requested that a new judge be appointed for Frye's case.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Four Suffer Minor Injuries In Downtown Warsaw Crash

Four people suffered minor injuries in a three-vehicle accident this morning at the intersection of Detroit and Main streets, Warsaw, in which one of the vehicles rolled over another. Among the injured was Dave Curtis of Warsaw, who is the jail commander for the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.He was en route to work at 7:27 a.m.and was westbound on Main Street when a car driven by Alicia Kelley, 17, of East CR 300N, Warsaw, attempted to make a right turn on red and struck Curtis' Blazer broadside. Curtis suffered a cut to his head and complained of neck and back pain, and Kelley suffered a cut to her head.Both were treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital and released.A passenger in Kelley's car, Brandy Brown, 17, of EMS T32 Lane, Leesburg, complained of chest pain and was still being treated late this morning.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Demographic Expert Sees Stable School Population

Warsaw Community Schools may be in the enviable position of having a stable school population if a demographic expert's predictions come true. Jerome N.McKibben, Ph.D., of Gann-McKibben Demographic Consulting, told the school board Monday that the school corporation, in the next 10 to 15 years, should see just enough students coming into Warsaw schools to offset the students leaving the system. "It's an enviable position for a school system to be in," he said, emphasizing that there are no drastic increases or reductions expected. McKibben, who began the demographic study of the school district last April, said the Warsaw area experienced brisk growth in the 1980s.That growth, which was above the state and national averages, no longer exists, and the district is gradually aging, he said. There will be a dramatic increase in the median age in the school district, he said, from 31.2 years old in 1990 to 35.7 years old in 2005.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Toddler Dies In U.S. 30 Crash

A 3-year-old girl was killed this morning in an accident on Fox Farm Road at U.S.30 near Warsaw. Brianna R.Slater, Leesburg, was pronounced dead at Kosciusko Community Hospital after suffering internal injuries in the accident, which happened at 8:45. She was a passenger in the car driven by her mother, Heather R.Slater.The father, Donald Slater, another daughter Andria Slater, 1, and Chelsea Sandlin, 6, were also in the car. According to police at the scene, the Slaters were headed south on Fox Farm Road.They headed over two lanes of U.S.30 and were in the middle crossover between the east-west lanes. Mrs.Slater apparently did not see the oncoming car in the east-bound lanes and pulled into its path as they started to go across the rest of 30. The driver of the car headed east on U.S.30 was identified as Helen Bennett of Warsaw.She was treated and released from KCH this morning.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Ice' Joins Syracuse P.D.

SYRACUSE - In the movie "Top Gun," Val Kilmer played a Navy pilot named Ice. In the town of Syracuse, Officer Dallas Owens works with a K-9 called Ice, named after Kilmer's character. "He's basically like a big puppy.He definitely knows when to go to work though," Owens said. Police Chief Bill Endler said the department investigated a K-9 program for some time.Letters were sent to businesses and individuals who responded with donations for the purchase of the German shepherd. "We went to several kennels looking," Endler said. The Edelheim Police K-9 Academy in Bunker Hill was determined by the department to offer the best training and dogs.Edelheim imports its dogs from Germany and breeds its own dogs. "They start the training basically," Endler said. Ice, whose official name is Edelheim Indigo Ice, was recommend by the academy.He is 2-1/2 years old.A police K-9 averages eight to 11 years of service.Dog food for Ice will be provided by the town.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Time Out Inn Reprimanded For Illegal Gambling Machines

Excise officer John Barchak differed with Tom Clemens when the Time Out Inn owner appeared to renew the beer, wine and liquor license for the tavern. Clemens' Time Out alcohol permit was cited twice for having illegal gambling machines at the 1701 W.Lake St., Warsaw, establishment: once in June when the devices were being used; and again in October when they were still on the property, unplugged, but operational because the computer "mother board" hadn't been removed. "I've held a liquor license for 35 years.I think I'm the longest, most continuous permit-holder.The prosecutor looks the other way.It puts Kosciusko County bar owners at a disadvantage. "I'm not making excuses.The machines were unplugged, not in use.That was our second offense.Why would we get fined?" Clemens asked. "Simply having them on the property is illegal," Barchak said. Clemens said he felt like a criminal when the violations were published in the Times-Union.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Budget Shows $250,000 Shortfall

WINONA LAKE - Wayne Township is offering less money to support the town's fire department and park, Winona Lake town councilmen heard Tuesday.An accounting error left the township's budget $250,000 short. "They asked for a reduction this summer," said Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks, "and we've not received the money for 2004." The town will receive 25 percent less for fire protection next year: $12,500, instead of 2004's level of $16,500.The contribution for the park is $6,750, instead of 2004's $9,000. The contracts are renewed annually as the trustee's office recognizes Wayne Township residents benefit from fire protection and recreation offered by the park. Fire chief Roger Gelbaugh said he reacted, "but what are we going to do?" he asked, talking about the reduction to his department funds.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Courthouse Renovations Near Completion

County administrator Ron Robinson advised the Kosciusko County Council about courthouse renovations Thursday, saying the heat obviously was working. He said adjustments to the new infrastructure and telephone system continue. He advised the council new carpeting will be installed in the old courtroom and in some basement offices where water damage occurred. The old courtroom's sound system is going to be renovated and Robinson said it will be excellent.Testing with just one microphone and speaker went well. New lighting also will be installed in the old courtroom. All the work should be complete mid-December. Robinson did not repeat his conversation with NIPSCO officials regarding recent tree trimming techniques, but referred to the exchange as heated. Trimming contractors hacked through tree branches on the north side of the courthouse lawn to accommodate overhanging power lines.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Make-A-Wish' Request Not Valid

Area businesses should disregard a letter circulating through Kosciusko County regarding the Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation. The letter tells of a 7-year-old boy suffering from terminal cancer who wishes to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most business cards collected.It asks the businessperson to send the boy a card, care of Make-A-Wish, and to send letters to at least 10 others asking them to do the same. Dr.Marilyn Whitney, who received one of the letters, says the request is an urban legend that is at least 15 years old.The spelling of the boy's name has changed over the years, Whitney said, and the boy has, in fact, recovered from his illness. The legend is also circulating on the Internet. She also said those who have unknowingly participated by sending letters should trace the letter back as far as they can to undo the damage it created.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Education Summit: Businesses must join schools to prepare students for careers

Business leaders and employers must take more of a role in preparing students for the world of work, Education Summit IV participants were told Thursday. "I have accepted over the past year that the educational system no longer provides me with the kind of employees I need to provide service to my customers," said Gary Warness, vice president of operations at Othy. "I, as an employer, as a business leader in this community, am just as responsible for providing the education and development of our citizens as our educational system is." Educators should prepare students for lifelong learning, creativity and teamwork, Warness said.Companies also can provide educational opportunities, such as Othy's well-attended in-house courses in anatomy, business, nutrition and metallurgy.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Milford Councilman Spars Over Town Employee Salaries

MILFORD - The final budget numbers were announced Monday at the Milford Town Council, but not without some controversy. Initially, the budget was based on assessed evaluation in June of $13,957,729.The final budget number given to Milford by the State Board of Tax Commissioners put the budget based on assessed evaluation at $15,703,365.Milford's tax rate will be $2.1054, a decrease from last year's $2.1559 rate. The budget was $9,650 under the maximum levy. The budget was also based on a 5 percent salary ordinance.That's where the controversy over the budget came up. Councilman Doug Ruch motioned to approve the 5 percent salary ordinance.There were no seconds.Councilman Robert Beer III motioned to approve a 4 percent salary ordinance.There were no seconds on the motion.No other motions were entertained about setting the salary ordinance except one to table it to the next meeting.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

CVB Repeats Request For Funds

With tourist association membership dates past due, imminent or expected in the next couple of months, Mike Stetzel, Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc.chairman, repeated a funding request before the Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission Tuesday. Total expenses add up to $51,575, which the commission is recommending the county council pay, because, as commissioner John Elliot said, "this is the guts of what we need to do, and we don't have time to tweak it." Stetzel originally requested these funds as part of the Bureau's $140,853 budget request in September.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sears: The Original Manufactured Home?

Norma Wiard lives in what may be the original manufactured home.In fact, she was born there. The manufacturer? Sears and Roebuck. When you walk into Wiard's old house you don't get the same feeling you do when stepping into modern manufactured housing. The first thing you notice is the size.The house is two stories tall with a large front porch.Then you get inside the Wiard house and all you see is wood. You notice the wooden baseboard running throughout the house.Your hand glides up the solid wood banister when you head up to the second floor.To top it off, the doors to the eight rooms are solid wood. On Nov.6, 1918, her grandfather, Cyrus Wolf, bought the Sears home, already constructed, from Lydia Copper. The house has been in the Wiard family ever since.
GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Candy Collection Exceeds Expectations

When Jane Holmes contacted the Times-Union a couple of months ago, asking the community for candy for the troops, she didn't quite expect all the sweetness she received. Holmes planned to send her son, Army soldier Nicholas Patterson, a nice Christmas package featuring a variety of candy. She hoped to also send treats, in quart-sized bags, to her son's associates - other service men and women.At the end of September her goal was 800 packages. She sent 1,667 goody bags in 21 large shipping boxes Nov.6. "It was far bigger than I ever expected," the DePuy employee said. Donations of candy and other items poured into the collection boxes set up at DePuy.Much to her surprise, DePuy paid for shipping, too. Lakeview Middle School students collected candy for weeks.Elementary school children wrote letters (which they hope are answered).Prayers were tucked into each bag, too. Donations came from area stores and the hospital.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cusick Charged With Murder A Second Time

Sherrie Cusick is being held without bond in the Kosciusko County Jail on a new charge of murder after surrendering to authorities Monday evening. Cusick, 33, of 11749 Pied Piper Parkway, Cromwell, is charged in the death of her 4-year-old stepdaughter, Kaelie Cusick, after an investigation which included experts from two other states. When Kaelie died Aug.12, 1996, allegedly after a fall down the stairs at the home of her father and stepmother, Richard and Sherrie Cusick, authorities originally ruled her death as accidental.The child was reportedly playing dress-up and became entangled in a sheet before tumbling down a flight of stairs and breaking her neck.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Coroner Seeks Reinstatement In Public Employees Retirement Fund

Is the Kosciusko County coroner a full-time employee or not? Thursday, that's the question county coroner Larry Ladd asked the county council.But the council was unwilling, or unable, to give an answer, they said, until the issue could be studied.The answer will determine whether Ladd can again be covered under the Public Employees Retirement Fund. When Ladd took office in 1997, he was covered under PERF.At his request later, however, he opted out of the program because an employee had to have 10 years to get vested into the program.Now the law has changed to allow a person who has been in office for eight years to be vested. In May, Ladd asked the council to reinstate his PERF contributions from September 1997 to the present.At that time, Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said the county's share would be less than $3,000.The council approved the reinstatement of Ladd's PERF contributions.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Hayride Involved In Crash, 7 Hurt

NORTH WEBSTER - Seven injuries were reported when a hayride was involved in an accident Saturday night near North Webster. Only one of the injured was riding on a hay wagon being pulled by a tractor.The other injuries were to people in two cars involved in the 6:28 p.m.accident on Ind.13, 1,000 feet north of CR 1000N. According to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department report, the southbound hayride was struck from behind by a car driven by Lorence Griffith, 84, East Ross Drive, Syracuse.Police said the hay wagon had two slow-moving vehicle signs on it and the tractor had one such sign.Also, three of the four flashers on the tractor were operable, but there were no lights on the hay wagon.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Zoners Offer Settlement To Developer

SYRACUSE - If Capital One Realty Corp., Chicago, accepts the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeal's proposed settlement of $2,000, they will be getting off much cheaper than if the case was taken to court. Capital One Realty Corp.owns Turtle Bay Estates in Syracuse.In July 1998, they were granted an exception and variance provided they get a building permit for the office they had planned as well as a survey.As of August 1999, the corporation had failed to get either the permit or the survey. At Thursday's Syracuse BZA meeting, Barry Coy, representing Turtle Bay Estates, said he thought the corporation was getting the survey completed, and the corporation thought he was getting the survey completed. According to Syracuse BZA Chairman Mike Brown, the BZA could charge anywhere from $10 to $300 a day for the violation.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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