Religious Freedom
Editor, Times-Union:The following is the conclusion of my explanation to the second section of my proposed constitutional amendment concerning freedom of religion.
Webster Holds Off On Sex Ordinance
NORTH WEBSTER - Past litigation and the inability to enforce an ordinance already in place in North Webster led the town council to table discussion on the countywide proposal involving sexually oriented businesses. The Kosciusko County Council passed the amendment to the zoning ordinance in November, and the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission has asked all member towns to decide whether to support it.The matter was tabled last month in Syracuse and the Pierceton Town Council on Monday voted to back it. The amendment restricts location of businesses deemed sexually oriented, a designation spelled out in the addendum. On the advice of town attorney Mike Armey, the North Webster Town Council introduced the proposed ordinance, but did not discuss it.
Nappanee Family's Home Replaced After Oct. 18 Tornado
NAPPANEE - One family displaced by the Nappanee tornado is mere days from moving home again.
Local Liquor Permit Held In Escrow Pending Site Approval
With no location planned yet, the new beer, wine and liquor retailer permit the Kosciusko County Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved for Walter J.Kasprzycki Jr.will be held in escrow, it was decided at Thursday's meeting of the ABC. Kasprzycki bought the permit at an auction held by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. According to excise officer Tim Cleveland, since Kasprzycki's location is pending, the state will hold the permit in escrow until Kasprzycki finds a suitable site.Once he finds a location, an excise officer will inspect the site and must approve of the location.If the officer does not approve, Kasprzycki will not get the permit. Kasprzycki does not have to come back to the county ABC for location approval as long as the officer approves of the site. When asked if he had a geographical location in mind, Kasprzycki said he is still looking around.
North Webster Beer Tent Idea Collapses
The Indiana State Alcoholic Beverage Commission denied the proposed beer tent with a unanimous 5-0 vote Tuesday. According to Don Oakey, state ABC Industry liaison in Indianapolis, the main reason for the denial was that the community of North Webster did not want the beer tent and there was no one present at the meeting to support the proposal. They backed that reason with three others.The first was that the town marshal, Jerry Craig, believed he would not have enough officers to police the town properly. The second was that the North Webster Lions Club, who organized the Mermaid Festival, did not want it and said that it was no part of the festival. Third, was that the catering permit that Stimmelators would be using did not provide for operating a beer tent.
WCHS Student Council Plans More Community Involvement
In hopes of putting the "community" back into Warsaw Community High School, the student council's theme this year is "connections."
Traffic Visibility Concerns Expressed At Sidney Town Council Meeting
SIDNEY — The town council in Sidney had a discussion with Sidney business owners about visibility problems due to parking at the intersection of Center Street and Ind. 13.
Albertson's Break-In Solved
Two teens have confessed to breaking into Albertson's Sport Shop early Tuesday and police are waiting to talk to a third suspect. Detective Sgt.Tom Brindle of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department said the teen stopped by Warsaw police for driving without his headlights turned on near the gun shop was one of the three suspects in the burglary. The 17-year-old from Fort Wayne was questioned by police regarding why he was there at the time and the teen said he and his friends were looking for a dark place to park and drink.The teen was issued a citation for curfew violation and sent home. At the time of the traffic stop, about 3:30 a.m.Tuesday, it was apparently the second trip to Warsaw from Fort Wayne by two of the suspects.The three are believed to have committed the burglary about 1:15 a.m.
County Considers Paving Roads In Blacks Trailer Court
Kosciusko County commissioners are considering a proposal that would improve roads at Blacks Trailer Court north of North Webster. Tippecanoe Township trustee Dick Mitchell told the commissioners Tuesday of a statute that would allow the county to complete a paving project and assess the costs back to the taxpayers. If the roads are paved, property owners would benefit by increased property values.Then the cost would be assessed back to the people who benefit from the improvement. Township attorney Jay Rigdon said he hoped the increase in property values would be enough to cover cost of the project, but if not, the county would pay the remainder. Cost of paving the roads is estimated at $70,000, and cost for grading and gravel would be about $35,000.
Tax Breaks, Changes In Welfare Funding Proposed
County homeowners could be in for a small windfall if the General Assembly accepts a plan by Gov.Frank O'Bannon. The governor proposed a tax cut and reform plan Monday that would permanently remove welfare costs from local property taxes.Other provisions would raise the personal income tax exemption an additional $500 for individuals to $1,500 per adult, a 35 percent reduction in the inventory tax over the next four years; and restrict local tax levy increases to 4 to 8 percent per year rather than the current 5 to 10 percent.
Western Route Takes Different Form After Original Plans Denied By INDOT
In 2004, it was a big deal.
Warsaw BZA Approves Church Expansions
Two religous organizations, First Presbyterian Church and God's Highway to Heaven Church, are expanding their facilities.Both requested variances from the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday which were unanimously approved. The First United Presbyterian Church, 210 S.High St., plans a 10,000 square foot addition to the south side of the property. Church members wish to stay in the downtown area as well as expand.The increased space would be used as a worship hall, classrooms and a gymnasium. The current southside playground and parking lot would be eliminated with a new playground area planned. The organization offers three services now and is at maximum capacity. No construction start date was given.Dan Woods, who serves on the church's construction committee, was asked about parking availability. Woods said southside parking would be eliminated.A nearby city lot is available and the church has another lot to the northwest available for patrons.
PHP Getting Out Of Individual Health Insurance Market
FORT WAYNE – Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana announced Tuesday it will exit the individual product health insurance market.
Whitko Lets Wabash Off The Hook
SOUTH WHITLEY - This is another story about the big one that got away. After reeling in a big win one day earlier against a good Homestead team, the Wildcats had Wabash on the hook, but the Apaches got away late, rallying from a 6-2 deficit by scoring 10 runs in the final three innings to get past Whitko 12-7 Thursday. "We couldn't stay focused for the game, and that cost us," Whitko coach Randy Hart said."It is a tough loss." Whitko was looking for its second straight upset after beating a Homestead team Wednesday that had seen its only two previous losses of the year coming to a nationally-ranked Marion team. Down 6-2, Wabash scored three times in the fifth to close the gap to 6-5 and three more times in the sixth after Whitko added another run to take an 8-7 lead.The big blow came when the Apaches got four runs in the seventh to put the game out of reach.
The Silence Is Deafening
Who knew it would take two teenagers to create the biggest stir I've seen in my five-plus years at the Times-Union?
Free Party Could Attract The Masses
Over the years, I’ve heard people say there needs to be a viable third party in American politics.I tend to agree.
Whitko Health Fair At Middle School Saturday
LARWILL – Whitko School Corporation nurse Sara St.Clair has had the idea of a health fair in the back of her mind for several years.
