Arson Convict Stunned; Says He'll Appeal
Roger Hale said he plans to appeal the jury decision that convicted him of burning down his own home. "It just floored me," Hale said of the jury's decision that he was guilty of the class A felony. "I really thought it'd be over," Hale said of his ordeal."I never expected to lose." Hale said he has spent the week since his conviction trying to gather information for an appeal.Hale hopes to remain free on bond while his appeal is in progress. Hale said he passed a lie detector test before the trial that showed he did not set the fire that burned down his house on Sept.24, 1996.Hale said he would willingly take another polygraph test to try to prove his innocence, but the results are not admissible in a court of law. His father Basel Hale said the family is trying to learn from mistakes in the first trial. Hale said several witnesses were not called to testify and several pieces of evidence were not admitted.
City Looks To Implement Downtown Improvements
In January, the HyettPalma downtown action agenda was presented to Warsaw city council members and other interested parties. During Monday's city council meeting, the board took the first step in implementing that study by establishing an action agenda panel. No specific names were given to serve on the downtown process committee, a list Mayor Ernie Wiggins said was still being formulated. The city is in the process of hiring an assistant city planner who would coordinate the lion's share of the plan.The assistant city planner position should be filled next month. Between now and the year 2007, efforts will be made to intensify three types of uses in downtown Warsaw: specialty retail, restaurants and art and culture. The downtown's mix of uses would also include entertainment, apartments and artist studios in upper floors, professional offices and the continued presence of city government.
Waste District Works Toward Purchase Of Collection Site
Steps towards the possible purchase of a building at 225 S.Union St.for household hazardous waste collection have been taken by Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District Director Marsha Eikenberry. Not necessarily with the approval of the KCSWMD board, however. Wednesday, Eikenberry told the board that after they toured the building last month, she talked to the district's attorney, Mike Armey, about the building.She said he told her she should get a phase I environmental study of the property completed and get the property appraised.Armey helped Eikenberry find a company to do the environmental study for only $1,400. "There's no environmental problems with that property whatsoever," Eikenberry told the board. John Shively, of Title I, will complete an appraisal of the property next week.The appraisal will cost approximately $680.
Shively Resigns From Triton Board
BOURBON - Dave Shively, Etna Green Township representative on the Triton School Board, announced this week he plans to resign his seat on the board, effective June 30. Shively said a recent increase in his work responsibilities as a national sales manager contributed to his decision to resign from the board.He said the amount of traveling he does for work is taking away from his ability to perform his duties as a board member. "My time on the road has increased," Shively said."I'm out about eight to 10 nights a month.I don't feel I'm attending enough school functions to stay in touch with what's going on in the schools.That's the main reason." Keeping in touch with the schools and the community are aspects of the school board's job which, Shively said, are important.Shively said his work schedule no longer allows him the time he believes is necessary to do a good job. "I feel that it takes a time demand I don't feel I'm able to give it," he said.
Two Alleys Vacated For Syracuse CVS
SYRACUSE - Another step toward development of a new CVS store was taken by the town council Tuesday evening. The council voted 4-0, with Paul Stoelting abstaining, to vacate a couple of alleys. The new store will be at the corner of Huntington and Chicago streets. The alleys vacated are south of Pittsburgh Street south to Chicago Street, and east of Huntington Street to Walnut Street. Attorney Steve Snyder, representing CVS, told the council the alleys didn't access any property other than that owned by CVS. He also noted CVS would absorb the cost of moving utilities, if necessary. The council heard a presentation from Mike Todd of Accu-Med. Accu-Med is an ambulance billing service.Currently, the town does its own ambulance billing and is collecting at a rate between 80 and 92 percent. Councilwoman Cassie Cowan asked Todd if his company could improve the rate of collection.
Lady Tigers Fall In Softball Sectional
ELKHART - The third time was hardly a charm for Warsaw's varsity softball team.
Warriors Look Strong Going Into Sectional
SYRACUSE - Winners of seven of their last eight games, the Wawasee boys basketball team seems ready to make a run in the postseason.
CMA Slows Valley Vikings
AKRON — Culver Military Academy’s ability to disrupt the Tippecanoe Valley offense was the story of Friday’s game in Akron.Hosting the CMA Eagles (1-0) in Week 1 of the season, the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings (0-1) rushed for just 30 yards on 29 carries, losing 27-22.
Tigers Too Much For Panthers
Even without one of its best strikers, the Class 2A No. 9 Warsaw boys soccer team cruised to a 6-0 Northern Lakes Conference win over visiting NorthWood Tuesday night.
Pierceton Puts Three Democrats on Town Council
In one of the most Republican counties in Indiana, Democrats earned gains in Pierceton and Claypool Tuesday night.
Wawasee Hopes To Build On Gridiron Success
SYRACUSE — The Wawasee football program took a step in the right direction last season, and coach Tom Wogomon hopes those feet keep moving one in front of the other this year.After going 5-25 between 2007 and 2009, posting a 2-19 mark in the Northern Lakes Conference, the Wawasee Warriors bounced back to go 6-4 overall and 5-2 in the NLC last year.
New Coach, Experienced Players At Whitko
SOUTH WHITLEY – Sometimes when a new coach takes over a program, the so-called cupboard is bare. Two years ago at Whitko, Roger Fleetwood was recruiting kids in the hallway after only six players showed up.
Tigers Eye Football Sectional Title
Phil Jensen remembers the night of Oct. 23, 1998, very well.
NASA Spokesman Visiting Warsaw To Talk About Mars Mission
NASA is working to get humans to Mars by the 2030s, and a representative of Kennedy Space Center is coming to Warsaw to get people excited about the mission.
Library Faced With Repair Expenses
Almost 20 years after a new wing of the Warsaw Community Public Library was opened and renovations to the original building completed, the facilities are in need of some repairs.
Hundreds Show Support For Religious Liberty At Rally
Hundreds of people celebrated religious liberty through speeches, song and prayer during a Religious Liberty Rally Tuesday night.
James E. 'Jim' Wright
NORTH WEBSTER – James E. “Jim” Wright, 77, of North Webster, died July 8, 2011, in his home. NORTH WEBSTER – James E. “Jim” Wright, 77, of North Webster, died July 8, 2011, in his home.
