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Silver Lake Residents Concerned About Tornado Warning Sirens

SILVER LAKE - Residents of Silver Lake are concerned about tornado sirens in the town. When the sirens were tested this summer, the sirens did not perform as well as the town would like, and residents at the lake could not hear the alerts. Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter told citizens present at Tuesday night's town council meeting that he is looking into grants to rectify the situation.Hollopeter mentioned applying for a grant to fund new sirens, which cost around $18,000 each.To alert the whole town, at least three would be needed. Hollopeter then mentioned he was looking into a grant that would fund National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios for residents.The grant is similar to one that pays for fire detectors given out by Kosciusko County Fire Departments. Although nothing has come through at this point, options are still being explored for both possibilities. "We haven't given up on anything yet," said Hollopeter.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Silver Lake Budget Balanced, State Official Says

SILVER LAKE - An issue discussed at the September meeting of the Silver Lake Town Council was resolved Tuesday night. Kackie Tiede Chrapliwy, financial ambassador for the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, attended the meeting and addressed concerns about the bookkeeping of Town Clerk Angie Glass. Chrapliwy, who has 25 years of experience as a town clerk and is certified by several state organizations, said, "(Being a town clerk) is a monumental job. "When Angie first took office, we worked through a few things.We tackled utilities and payrolls.It was all fresh and new to her." After Brenda Wadkins questioned the town's finances last month, Glass called Chrapliwy for assistance. Tuesday night, Chrapliwy explained the town's finances were in line, and no funds were or have ever been missing.She explained the town has accounts at three banks, the budgeted funds in one, the sewer funds in one and the water funds in another.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Lake Enforcing Abandoned Vehicle Ordinance

WINONA LAKE - With the leaves falling and the snow not far behind, the Winona Lake Police Department will be stepping up its enforcement of the town's abandoned and inoperable vehicle ordinance. "We've been putting 72-hour tags on vehicles parked on the street that are either unlicensed or inoperable," said Police Chief Malcolm Gilbert at today's town council meeting."Now, we're going to start having them towed.We have to keep the streets cleared for our leaf crews and for snow removal once winter gets here." In other business, the council approved up to $25,000 for concrete work on 14th and 15th streets. According to Street Superintendent Kim Endicott, the remaining work is curbs and sidewalks.He said the $25,000 is a not-to-exceed amount, and that he doubts the entire sum will be required.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Kosciusko turnout in 13% range early today

Four years ago, local voter turnout in Kosciusko County reached 43 percent. By 10 a.m.today, turnout was around 13 percent in select precincts. At Jefferson Township, precincts one through three, Nappanee, the voter turnout was reported to be "real good."Of the 642 registered voters, 86 had reportedly voted by 10 a.m.That's approximately 13.4 percent. Wayne Township, fourth precinct, at Jefferson Elementary School, reported 75 of their 525 registered voters already voted (approximately 14.2 percent). The supervisor at Warsaw Third Ward precincts two and three, Church of God, Rozella Road, said the turnout was "really good so far."Of their 1,000 registered voters, 123 voters made it to the polls by 10 a.m.today.That's an estimated 12.3 percent. Precincts one and two in Clay Township, Claypool Lions Building, reported an estimated 20 percent turnout.Exact numbers were not available.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

First Lady Delivers 2000 Tool Box

Warsaw residents were encouraged Tuesday to learn about their past to make their future the best it can be. Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon made that push, presenting local Hoosier Millennium coordinator Trish Brown with a "Millennium Toolbox" in the old courtroom of the Kosciusko County Courthouse. "We're here for the millennium and talking about the experiences that bring communities together.Often that means restoring a beautiful old building like this courthouse, or a one-room school house," O'Bannon said."We're talking about taking advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime moment like the millennium to make people feel a sense of community and that they belong. "People want to feel that they are a part of something that will have an impact when they aren't here anymore," she said.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Passes Whistle Ban

SYRACUSE - For better or worse, the Syracuse Town Council approved a train whistle ban ordinance Tuesday by a vote of 3 to 2 after months of heated discussion. Voting for the ordinance were councilmen Bill Cutter, Carol Koble and Paul Stoelting.Voting against the ordinance were Bill Hane and Barbara Carwile. According to town manager Brian Redshaw, there are several steps left before the train whistles will stop blowing in the town.First, the ordinance will be transmitted to the Indiana Department of Transportation.INDOT will then ask the town for a petition and more information.After the town compiles the petition and information, they will be sent back to INDOT.An engineering study will be conducted by INDOT to determine if a whistle ban is in the best interest of the town. The ordinance itself allows for the blowing of whistles if an apparent emergency exists or at a crossing that does not have an automatic train-activated warning signal.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sheriff's Race Features Rovenstine, Bronsing

The Kosciusko County sheriff's race comes down to one of two things. Experience vs.family tradition.Bronsing vs.Rovenstine. "Experience is a consideration in any operation," Democratic sheriff candidate Jeff Bronsing said. Bronsing has 26 years experience with the sheriff's department.He became a patrolman with the department on Jan.1, 1973. Rovenstine, 39, has eight years experience with the sheriff's department and six years with the Milford police.He said he thought experience was important for the sheriff's job, too. Bronsing's experience is only one reason he's running. "I had a number of friends who said I should," he said. He said many people told him they were ready for a change in the sheriff's department. Rovenstine said change in the department is an issue only to his opponent.He said he was a totally different individual from his father (the current sheriff) anyway.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Residents seek answers about town marshal resignation

NORTH WEBSTER - Town council members let attorney Mike Armey speak for them when they were questioned about the demotion of former town marshal Jerry Craig and his subsequent resignation. Dave Anderson started the questions when he asked when a new marshal would be named.Board president Kay Andrews said applications will be taken. "I am making an appeal to the board that they pull from the existing police force when making a selection," J.D.Hoy said.Andrews said the comment was appreciated and the board would keep that in mind. Jay Clutter asked the board specifically about Craig, who tendered his resignation Sept.6 after the council passed a resolution demoting him and giving him notice of termination effective Sept.11.No specific reasons were given for the council's action. "Did he do something wrong?" Clutter asked, referring to Craig.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Area Anthrax Scares Keep Cops On Their Toes

• Manchester post office closed for an hour NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester Post Office was closed today from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.when a suspicious white powder came from a package, according to postmaster Roger Staley. North Manchester police and Wabash County fire departments were called. Patty Barker, post office window clerk, stamped the incoming parcel and saw the white powder. Staley said the amount of powder was "just enough to be able to see it against a black counter." The parcel "did not fit any profiles of the anthrax," said Staley. The post office "took precautions because of the situation," and then was reopened.There was no testing planned for the powder. "It wasn't a big deal.Don't play this up too big," said Staley. • Money at Syracuse bank to be tested BY TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer SYRACUSE - There is no need for alarm or panic in the Syracuse community, according to Syracuse Town Marshal Tom Perzanowski.
Matthew Weigelt, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Incumbents Face Challenges

Longtime Republican control of Kosciusko County government is getting its biggest test from Democrats in years. Although Republicans hold every office in county government, Demos have candidates running against incumbent Republicans for county council's three at-large seats, the lone commissioner's seat and three other offices. Here's a breakdown of the county races: Democrat John Bell faces Republican Brad Jackson, who defeated longtime commissioner Maurice Beer in the primary for the northern district seat, and recently picked up an endorsement from Beer. Bell, a retired manager from R.R.Donnelley, has warned that efforts to establish an economic development income tax will likely rise again.The tax has been proposed and defeated for three consecutive years. Bell is a member of the Taxpayers Action Network, one of the most vocal opponents of the tax.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Veterans Organizations Set To Honor Service, Sacrifice

They have been the best America has to offer. They've served their country, whether simply serving state-side, staying prepared should they be called - or the many who faced the myriad perils armed conflict entails. The nation - and Kosciusko County - will once again have the opportunity to show their appreciation and pay their respects to the millions of military veterans who have faced the danger, and even died, defending our freedoms. Locally, the American Legion Post 49, AMVETS Post 43 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126 will conduct a joint service Thursday at Center Lake Pavilion, beginning with the posting of the colors at 10:50 a.m.The Warsaw Community High School Band will perform a patriotic medley.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Wrestles With Costs Of Water Project

SYRACUSE - "Where do we go from here," was the question, and "I'm not certain," the frequent answer, at Tuesday's special Syracuse Town Council meeting. The board met with representatives from Greeley and Hansen to discuss the town's water distribution project and expected to get a final dollar amount for the project, along with a final draft of building plans.Instead they got a newer, higher-than-expected estimate and a "95 percent complete" plan. Initially, the plan was estimated to cost $4.2 million.Last night, the estimate climbed closer to $7.2 million and though the board assembled specifically to review final documents, they were handed the 95-percent version instead. "What's the hold up?" town manager Jeff Noffsinger asked after Stan Diamond, of Greeley and Hanson, announced the plans were not complete."We were on track this summer to have plans submitted to IDEM by October and now it's November." Diamond was not certain.
KRISTA ZARTMAN, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Red Cross reports 136 homes damaged in county

According to Kosciusko County American Red Cross Disaster Chairman Greg Wilkinson today, 136 single-family properties were damaged by Wednesday's tornadoes. Of the properties damaged, four single-family homes were totaled; 23 had major damage and 34 had minor damage.No mobile homes were totaled, but 10 had major damage and 65 mobile homes had minor damage.The count includes the homes the Red Cross disaster assessment teams found along the path of the tornadoes, from Mentone to North Webster and in some isolated areas such as Barbee Lakes. A disaster shelter was opened at the Center Lake Pavilion Wednesday but Wilkinson said it was closed after three hours because storm victims did not take advantage of the shelter.He said some of those affected by the storms preferred to stay at their damaged residences or with relatives. Three families were serviced by the American Red Cross for emergency needs, he said, and the Red Cross helped 15 to 20 people.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Actress O'Neill Talks About Her Life And Her God

WINONA LAKE - Actress Jennifer O'Neill talked about her relationship with God Saturday evening as guest speaker for the American Lyceum Lecture Series. Before a packed Rodeheaver Auditorium house, O'Neill gave a quick tour of her life, a life of breathtaking highs and dramatic lows.A life now secure in the love of Jesus Christ. In her autobiographical books, "Surviving Myself" and "From Fallen to Forgiveness," her enviable life as an actress, model and cosmetics spokeswoman is detailed.This weekend she talked about feeling unloved as a child, her lack of self-esteem, one abortion, nine miscarriages, sexual abuse of her daughter and other horrors. "There is nothing so unattractive as an emotionally needy individual," she said of her many marriages.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Commissioners Encourage Pledge, Moment Of Reflection At Schools

Schools throughout Kosciusko County will soon receive a letter from the Kosciusko County Commissioners. Tuesday, commissioners Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter and Ron Truex unanimously approved the letter, which encourages local schools to begin their day with the pledge of allegiance and time for a prayer or moment of reflection. In its entirety, the letter states: "We, the Kosciusko County Commissioners, began opening our meetings with a prayer and the pledge to the flag at the end of last year.We felt it was appropriate to begin our meetings seeking guidance in our decisions and paying respect to our nation.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Thieves Hit Tarkio Bike Shop

An estimated $800 worth of merchandise was taken during a Wednesday evening break-in to a Warsaw bicycle shop. Police were called to Tarkio Road, South Washington Street, at 8:47 p.m.The manager of the store told police that the building was secure when he left at 6 p.m.and the break-in was discovered when he returned to pick up an item. Entry to the store was apparently made by breaking the front door glass. Items stolen include clothing, backpacks, bicycle parts and accessories, a videotape, two skateboards without wheels and a money tray. The value of the missing items is estimated at $744 and damage to the door at $150.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Intersection Changed To Two-Way Stop

Instead of a four-way stop, the intersection of CRs 350W and 200N will become a two-way stop. The Kosciusko County commissioners approved the change Monday at their meeting. Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson said they received the request to remove the stop signs at CR 350W from a county resident.The request was checked out and the county sheriff's department strongly recommended the removal, Ladson said. He also said a traffic count was taken at the intersection and the level of traffic does not meet the requirement set by the state manual for a four-way stop.According to the manual, if the total vehicle count is 350 cars per hour for an eight-hour span, the intersection warrants a four-way stop.The intersection of CRs 350W and 200N "sees less than 180 vehicles coming in," said Ladson. The peak is around 4 p.m.and the low point is around 2 or 3 a.m.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Kantner Opposes 2nd Cop Vehicle At Mentone

MENTONE - Reiterating his stand from last month, Mentone Town Council president Forrest Kantner opposed the purchase of a new police vehicle. The other council members, Ed Rock and Lynn Phillips, voted in favor of the purchase, giving Marshal Jim Eads permission to spend up to $31,000 for a Dodge Durango. Eads was given permission in September to get prices for a new police vehicle and presented quotes in October for sport utility vehicles, but no action was taken at that meeting.Discussion in October included Kantner's statements that residents have questioned why the town even needs two police vehicles. Officer safety was the main reason, Eads said, along with less wear and tear on the vehicles if the town's two officers aren't using one vehicle all the time.Two vehicles also provide more visibility, Rock said, adding that he agreed that a nearby backup unit is important for officer safety.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Popular Christmas Display Moves To Downtown Warsaw This Year

If your Christmas tradition includes a drive south of Warsaw to see Bruce and Ann Howe's spectacular display, make plans this year to go to Warsaw's Central Park instead. From now on, highlights of the major holiday attraction will be available for public viewing at Warsaw's Central Park.Donated to the city by the Howes, the exhibit will be set up in the park two weeks before Christmas. Seven individual displays will be placed around "the green," or the central grassy area, in the park.The displays will include the manger scene, the carolers, and Santa's sleigh and reindeer. Warsaw's park and street departments also will put Christmas lights on trees around the park, and in and around the displays. The timing of the exhibit will coincide with the downtown merchants' planned "Hometown Holiday Weekend," Dec.12-14. Many of the floodlights, extension cords and tape players to go with the displays also were donated by the Howes.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Moore Wallace Merge

CHICAGO, TORONTO, Canada, and NEW YORK - R.R.Donnelley & Sons.Co.and Moore Wallace Inc.Sunday announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to create the world's premier full-service commercial printer with more than $8 billion in annual revenues, a leading position in North America and approximately 50,000 employees worldwide.The combined company will provide customers with the industry's broadest array of high-quality, long- and short-run print products and solutions, from magazines, telephone directories, books, catalogs, inserts and financial documents, to billing statements, outsourced customer communications, highly personalized direct mail, premedia, print fulfillment, labels, collateral materials, forms and logistics services.The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the agreement.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016
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