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Knipsel Leaving Auditor's Office After 18 Years

She knows her last day will be full of tears, still she is also looking forward to retiring after approximately 18 years of public service. Charlene Knispel, 69, Kosciusko County auditor, is retiring at the end of this year.She will be replaced by Sue Ann Mitchell, the former county assessor. Knispel said, "I'll miss my girls.They are a marvelous staff.There's not enough words to describe (their good work)." One way to tell if an elected official did a good job is if they leave a position better than they found it.Charlene said she doesn't mean to degrade any previous auditor's work, but she feels she has done just that. "This office could run without an elected official," she said."That's how confident I am in my staff." Knispel was born in St.Louis, Mo.She has four grown children and 11 grandchildren. She moved to Fort Wayne from Missouri in 1945.She then went back to school in St.Louis and then at Indiana University.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Valley Fails To Approve Head Baseball Coach

MENTONE - Viking athletics hit a few snags Monday at the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting. First, patron Tim Schwenk asked the school board not to approve Duane Burkhart as head baseball coach.He said Burkhart is already the athletic director at Tippecanoe Valley High School and naming him as the baseball coach is, "asking (him) to do too much." Schwenk said he is disappointed the board took six months to find a baseball coach.He also said he heard some applications were not considered because the process was not followed. "I think there are a pool of candidates out there who are intimidated to come out because the boss wants the job," Schwenk said. Board member Tom Weaver said the board took so long because they have to look at everything.Often, he said they spend more time looking at athletics than academics and no matter who they pick, there will always be someone not happy.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Teen Nearly Struck By Truck Passing Bus

A Claypool girl narrowly avoided a tragic accident Wednesday morning on Ind.15. Janna Knisely, 14, was going across Ind.15 north of Claypool to board her school bus when a semi passed the bus and almost hit her. Knisely's mother, Johnnie, was watching her daughter cross the road.According to Johnnie, the school bus had stopped for her daughter and had the lights flashing and stop-arm up.The semi came behind the bus in the same southbound lane.It passed the bus in the northbound lane, where Janna was crossing. Johnnie lost sight of her daughter. The bus driver, Clelda Harreld, saw the semi and yelled for Janna to run.Janna obeyed the command and got safely in front of the bus as the semi finally came to a stop. Johnnie said that when the semi did stop, its cab was ahead of the school bus sitting in the lane next to it.According to Johnnie, the driver of the semi honked his horn and then left the scene.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pets Not Always Best Presents For Christmas

For a Christmas present, some parents like to give their children a pet. On Christmas Day, that may not be a wise choice. "I think a lot of people do (give pets for Christmas).We try to discourage them from getting them and giving them on Christmas Day," said Debbie Swihart, manager of Paws and Claws & Co. She said there's so much excitement going on Christmas Day already that it's not an ideal situation for a new pet in the household.It is better, she said, to give the pet before or after the holiday. If a parent does decide to give a pet for Christmas, there are many considerations a parent should think about. "If you get a dog, and especially if it's a puppy, you need to make sure you're around.For a dog, you need to have a fenced in area so it's not tied up all the time," Swihart said."You got to make sure you can take care of it." She said raising a puppy is like raising a baby.There are steps to go through, from potty-training to obedience.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mershon Items Go To Old Jail

In this season of giving, the Kosciusko County Historical Society received a present - memorabilia belonging to William H.Mershon, "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh." Bob and June Tess of Warsaw purchased most of Mershon's effects in September 2004 during an Internet auction. Tess was able to secure photographs, scrapbooks with newspaper clippings and programs, a journal, medals and many other artifacts Mershon collected for more than 80 years. Mershon was born in Warsaw in 1845 and served in the Union Army as a music historian for Co.I, 30th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Following the Civil War, he pursued a musical career, working at various universities, including North Manchester College.He founded the Mershon School of Music in the Warner Building on Washington Street and organized several musical groups. His scrapbook shows audiences raved about his drum solos.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

34-Year Mail Career Drawing To A Close

He knew the German shepherd was a contender, a detester of men in uniforms.There is a certain look in a dog's eye the seasoned mail carrier comes to recognize. John W.Davis Jr.wasn't necessarily afraid of the shepherd, especially since his owner had the beast firmly by the collar as they conversed. It was the unseen menace that nailed the mailman.The little mutt came flying out of the crack in the door, latched onto his leg a good one and wouldn't let loose of his pant leg after the dirty deed was done.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Grant Serves As Vehicle To Move Welfare Reform

Local welfare reform efforts got a boost last week with the announcement of a $26,000 grant. The state grant will be used by the county welfare department and Fast Cab Inc., the local cab company. The money is part of $3.5 million awarded to 72 different Indiana communities aimed toward helping job seekers overcome barriers. "We're hopeful it's really going to make a positive experience," said Peg Shively, director of Child and Family Services for Kosciusko County. "It's primarily for out-of-town people.It's not intended for people to go three blocks." Those eligible in Kosciusko County include about 80 families on temporary assistance and about 450 people who are receiving food stamps, Shively said. The grant was sought with the hopes that four to five people would be using the service at any one time.But since it's a new concept, Shively said she's unsure how popular it will become.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Whitley Man Gets 4 Years In DWI Causing Death

A South Whitley man was sentenced Wednesday to four years in a minimum security prison for a drunk driving accident that resulted in the death of his brother and a friend. James Kline, 26, was driving on CR 350W, one-quarter mile south of U.S.30, when the car left the road, striking a tree early the morning of Dec.31, 1994.Kevin Kline, 22, and Christopher Jackson, 21, Sidney, were killed in the accident.James Kline sustained critical injuries in the crash. Originally, Kline was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated and causing a death, both Class C felonies.As part of a plea agreement, the second charge was dropped. Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe asked Superior Court Judge Robert Burner to give the defendant the full four years agreed to in the plea agreement.Kolbe said he recognized that James Kline did not set out on the night of his brother's death to hurt anyone.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Hospital Officials Say Transition Will Be Transparent To Patients

If all goes as planned, patients of Kosciusko Community Hospital will get medical care from a new group of managers/owners come Feb.1. And if history holds true to form, they'll never notice. "Normally, we don't comment on pending negotiations, but I can say we're very hopeful that the negotiations on the acquisition will be concluded on schedule," said Quorum spokesman Shea Davis."We're looking forward to working with the staff and serving the community of Warsaw and Kosciusko County area." Quorum Health Group Inc., based in Brentwood, Tenn., is currently negotiating for the purchase of KCH, having been selected by the KCH board of directors as the most attractive and compatible suitor for the 74-bed hospital and surrounding health-related facilities, such as Medstat Clinic and the Wellness Center.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KCH Poised For New Era

The new year will bring the most dramatic changes to Kosciusko Community Hospital since it opened its doors in 1976. The hospital will join the private, for-profit health organization Quorum Health Group Inc., which owns 20 hospitals and manages 240 more throughout the United States. According to Wayne Hendrix, hospital president, the decision to join the Quorum network was made after careful research, public input and deep soul-searching by the hospital's board of directors. "We talked with over 500 county residents in gauging the public's support (for the move)," said Wayne Hendrix."We had focus groups, meetings with industry leaders, former donors, open meetings with the public and community service groups.We also had consultants survey other county residents.The results convinced us this was the right move." The KCH board signed a letter of intent with Quorum in November and the purchase agreement should be finalized by Jan.31, Hendrix added.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City Zoners Deny Apartment Complex Plan

Plans to build a 12-building apartment complex on CR 300N were denied by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Tuesday. Board member Bruce Woodward said he didn't want to see an apartment complex in a commercial development, between a Kohl's and a Best Buy store. City planner Jeremy Skinner said the multi-family residential plan was a permitted use for a C-3 zoned district."It won't disturb any surrounding zoning.The comprehensive plan says it is for a mix of uses and it's not out of character." Gary Krech of Wilson Investment said his company also built Pike Lake Pointe Apartments and the construction quality and rent structure would be comparable. "We have 400 people on a waiting list," he said of the number of people wanting to live in such a development.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners Review Kohl's Design

Development and site plans for the 68,727-square-foot Kohl's store at Ind.15N and CR 300N were approved by the Warsaw Plan Commission Tuesday. Submitted by Thompson Thrift Management, construction is expected on the Brandt-Nye property.Paul Thrift said the company plans to start building early next year and open in 2005, too. Plans call for a 495-space parking lot situated north to south on the east side of the 5.85 acres of Lot 1A and the 3.73 acres of Lot 1B.The Kohl's building will be 68,727 square feet.Plans are to build an additional 30,000-square-foot retail space in the future. Approval was contingent upon the resolution of traffic lanes along CR 300N.Some concern has been raised about the possible conflict between cars entering and exiting the east entrance and exit according to Jeremy Spinner's comments.The developer has agreed to provide a condition with the approval that would block the first parking row on the east side if a conflict does occur.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Outsourcing And Insourcing

There has been lots of talk in recent months and years about outsourcing. You know.That's when a U.S.company decides it's cheaper to make stuff overseas.When U.S.companies do that, it costs U.S.jobs. That's unfortunate, but if you're a widget manufacturer, and you want to be competitive with other widget manufacturers, you might have to outsource. What if the other widget guy is outsourcing and his widgets are cheaper than yours? Nobody will buy yours.You'll go out of business.So I can see, on the one hand, why businesses are outsourcing.It's simple economics. But a larger question is why labor is so much cheaper in those other countries.See, if those other countries weren't paying their workers a dollar an hour, there'd be no incentive to outsource. But businesses in those other countries don't have things like environmental laws and worker protection laws and safety regulations to deal with.
GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

County Seeks Control Over Visitors Bureau

Kosciusko County Council is seeking a higher level of scrutiny and control over the county's convention and visitors bureau. Moments after CVB officials announced plans to construct a new office and 24-hour visitors' bureau along U.S.30 in Warsaw Thursday night, council warned that they are seeking a change in state law that would enhance council's control over the agency. While no county officials have openly criticized plans to relocate, it is apparently one of the reasons behind the effort by council. Tensions have been growing between council and the CVB as council has watched the agency collect more and more money from the innkeepers tax in recent years. Last year, the tax generated nearly $230,000.Much of that money is used in turn to promote tourism within the county, but the CVB recently hired a third employee to coordinate bus tours and promote conventions.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mentone Fire Chief Retiring

MENTONE - After 16 years, Butch Warren is stepping down as the Mentone fire chief. Though he won't be chief after Dec.31, he will stay on with the department "making coffee, filling tankers and giving the guys a hard time," he said Wednesday afternoon in a telephone interview. Warren has been with the fire department for the past 36 years.Come Jan.1, Mike Yazel will replace him as fire chief. Warren said he is retiring because he's 60 years old and has had knee and hip replacements.It's time to get "fresh blood" and ideas into the department, he said.He will continue to help out as he can. "Once firefighting gets in your blood, you can't get it out," said Warren.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

K-CODE Fund Request Tabled

If you want the Kosciusko County Council to approve something, it's a good idea to have a representative present at their meeting. Because the Kosciusko County Coalition on Drug Education did not have a representative present Thursday, the council tabled to January approval of K-CODE's grants to be awarded. The money awarded by K-CODE comes from user fees collected through the courts and county clerk's office.A board then meets to decide how to administer the funds in three categories. Councilman Larry Teghtmeyer said he had some questions on the $88,000 to be awarded by K-CODE. "I wouldn't mind hearing someone present it," he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Student Now A Published Children's Author

SYRACUSE - "I started writing because I had to at first," said Jami McDaniel, in answer to how a 16-year-old sophomore becomes a published author. "It was language arts, but our main focus was writing.Ê Once I realized I could get personal pleasure from it, that's whenÊI started writing on my own.ÊI started filling journals and I just write all the time." McDaniel has had her first book published, titled "When You Don't Clean Your Room."Ê She attends Wawasee High School, and is the daughter of John and Sheri McDaniel.Ê She has two siblings - her brother Josh, who is 7 years old, and her 13-year-old sister Kalyn, who McDaniel regards as her best friend.
JOHN DeGROFF, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Justice System Changes Way It Looks At Domestic Violence

Editor's Note: This is the sixth and final part of a series of articles on domestic violence. Only recently has the criminal justice system in the United States taken a hard line against domestic violence, no longer looking at it as a family matter. Thanks to new policies instigated by the victim's assistants in Kosciusko County and to new police attitudes toward spouse abuse, battered women no longer need to press charges against their batterer for the batterer to be charged with a crime. The police can now charge the alleged perpetrator based on what they see. "To hit is a criminal act.To couch that in the context of marriage or a relationship - it's still a criminal act," said Capt.Steve Foster of the Warsaw Police Department.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Claypool Awards Trash Contract

CLAYPOOL - Stafford Solid Waste Inc.will remain the trash collector for the town with no increase to the 146 households, the town council decided in its meeting Monday.Monthly costs for current customers are $4.26 per stop.Customers at New Beginnings subdivision will be charged $4.50.Monthly fees include emptying several dumpsters around town for a total cost of $782.50 per month. Also bidding were AmeriWaste and Wabash Valley. The AmeriWaste representative said if the town is happy with Stafford they should stay with them.AmeriWaste owns the nearby landfill and Stafford dumps trash loads there. "We'll get the business one way or another," he said. Trash pickup will continue on Thursdays. Lewis Canby approached the board with a property issue.He has been buying, on land contract from Troy Miller, a 150-foot by 90-foot plot of land on the southwest corner where Railroad and Harrison streets meet.Now Canby wants to own the property outright.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Probes Skateboard Incidents

PIERCETON - Pierceton police officer Jim Bumbaugh presented incident reports at the Monday town council meeting regarding a couple of unidentified children. Youths were reported skateboarding in a church parking lot and in a bank parking lot this week.Someone also broke off signs prohibiting skateboarding at the church, at the bank and at the elementary school.Another sign in the church lot was scribbled with obscenities. A couple of signs were thrown on the railroad tracks, but were removed by a citizen before a train could run over them. Council president Jerry Kreger asked board member Mandy Espinoza to talk to the group developing the skate park.The organization includes youth who skateboard. "We're working to build the skate park.They need to police themselves and put pressure on their peers," Kreger said.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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