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Whitko Foresees Lean Budget Years

PIERCETON - Due to the state of Indiana's budget crisis and the state property tax reassessment, Whitko Community School Corp.'s budget for the next few years may be hurting. Monday, director of finance Phil Menzie told the school board he met with the Department of Local Government Finance Oct.14 for the 2004 budget, but the 2003 budget has yet to be finalized. Whitley County also has yet to finalize its assessed valuation.It's a crap shoot, he said, of whether or not Whitko schools will get their tax draw at the end of the year. To pay back the tax anticipation warrants, Menzie said, the school board may have to pass some resolutions in December.The bond bank will likely work with the school corporation on the payment of the warrants. "The major problem at this point is a cash flow problem," said Menzie.If the tax money doesn't come in, the question for Whitko will be where the money will come from to pay for Whitko's expenses.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

CCS Launches New Wheels To Work Program

Combined Community Services, Warsaw, is launching Wheels to Work, a community outreach program to help those who need transportation. Jim Coons, CCS director, said the program is a helping hand to community members who need transportation to work, to school, to child care, to the grocery store, etc., and will empower the community, creating energy and excitement among individuals helping "someone be able to make it on their own." Coons said Wheels to Work began in Bartholomew County, in southern Indiana.They received a grant through the Department of Transportation and sent out informational mailings and videotapes to every county in Indiana. CCS reviewed the starter package and decided to get "on the road to success" with the Wheels to Work program.Coons said Kosciusko County is the second county in Indiana to launch the program.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Opening Arguments In Ryan Murder Trial

Three witnesses took the stand after opening arguments in the Jason Ryan murder trial Wednesday in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Ryan is accused of killing Jill Phillips, his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his daughter. In the first day of testimony, jurors heard from Matt Lauer, Phillips' boyfriend at the time of her disappearance; Dr.Scott A.Wagner, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on Phillips' body; and Daniel D.Vermillion, crime scene investigator for the Indiana State Police. Wagner, who was the second witness of the day, explained the procedure used to perform the autopsy on Phillips' body.Once the body was removed from the body bag, an external examination was performed and anything that could be considered evidence was saved. Wagner observed that there was a white soapy looking substance covering the body, which is formed with exposure to the elements and water for a long period of time.He also noted a great deal of decomposition on the body.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Scharf Leaves New Beginnings After 9 Years

MILFORD - Deb Scharf is on her way to a new beginning. Scharf is retiring from her position as director at New Beginnings Child Care Oct.21.She will begin her own child care center Oct.22. "In this job, I've met so many wonderful community people and that's not just in Milford," Scharf said. "She's been a very hard worker and put in a lot of hours to get things done," Milford Clerk Treasurer Charlotte Siegfried said of the time and effort Scharf has put in at New Beginnings. While at New Beginnings, approximately $138,000 was been raised to help with the construction costs and furnishing of the new facility, Scharf said.The money was raised through private donations, corporate support, grants and fund-raisers. "She's been very important to the day care," said Shea Kelly, a mother with children in New Beginnings.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Housing Authority Reports Sound Financial Condition

Warsaw Housing Authority ended its fiscal year Sept.30 in good financial shape, according to executive director Laura Kaufman, and the agency's board of commissioners approved a similar budget for 2003. The expenditures for FY2002 totaled $688,405.97. The budget for FY2003 is $665,158.This amount includes $559,080 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance, $86,778 from HUD for administrative fees and $20,300 from the city of Warsaw. Among the changes from last year's budget is an expense to pay for a Spanish student intern through Sus Amigos to work part-time in the office during the next school semester to help with the language barrier between WHA staff and Hispanic clients. Grants from various sources also support some WHA programs and expenses.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

7 Candidates Seek Warsaw City Council District Seats

Why do you want to serve on the Warsaw City Council? We have a great community in which to raise a family and I would really enjoy maintaining our quality of life by working on the city council.I enjoy serving as vice president of the Warsaw Planning Commission, where I been a member for the past several years.I believe my love for this community, my interest in local government, my teaching experience, and my conservative values will enable me to be an elected representative citizens can trust.
Jeff Grose (R), District 1 - | July 28, 2016

CCS Hopes To Open Office In Syracuse

Twenty-four percent of Combined Community Services' clients were from the northern part of Kosciusko County between January and June 2000, according to Pam J.Houser, CCS quality child care coordinator. However, northern county residents must drive to Warsaw to access CCS' services.And because of transportation problems or time constraint, they aren't always able to make the trip from North Webster, Syracuse or Milford.Residents who could use the services aren't able to reach them. To resolve those problems, CCS hopes to open a second location in Syracuse with community support. This year, CCS applied for a $45,000 grant from K21 to help with the first year's funding.Recently, CCS learned they will not receive that grant because the K21 board wants to see a broad base of support for a northern CCS, Jim Coons said.Coons is the CCS executive director.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Celebrates Recycling Day

The average American produces more than four pounds of waste every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In an effort to inform and educate Kosciusko County on waste and recycling, the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District will join thousands of other recyclers across the country Nov.14 in celebrating America Recycles Day.They will host a live remote broadcast with WAWC personalities at Marsh Supermarket parking lot from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. The community will be able to drop off their America Recycles Day pledge cards and receive free gifts.The first 50 people to bring in their pledge cards will receive free T-shirts.Americans age 18 and over also will be eligible to win the "American Green Dream House" in a random drawing by submitting a pledge card.Many other prizes will also be available.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee School Board Candidates Give Qualifications For Service

There is only one race for the Wawasee Community School board.The two contestants for the Jefferson and Van Buren townships seat are Anthony W."Tony" Ciriello, 42, North Creek Bend Lane, Milford, and Marion R.Acton, 73, North West Street, Milford.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Back In Focus

Princess Frush has put aside books, newspapers and magazines and most of her family photos.Not because she wants to but because she cannot see them. While she is not totally without vision - she can see objects at a distance - the 87-year-old has the "dry" form of macular degeneration.The world has become dim and somewhat out of focus.Frush still goes about her business, however, with low-vision tools provided through an Independent Living Services grant and with the help of Dan Olsen of the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County. Olsen assesses problems and offers solutions. "We're not walking in and saying they have to do this," he said."I ask what the problems are and make suggestions and adaptations." The purpose of the project is to provide information and direct services to help people compensate for vision loss.They remain independent and less dependent on others.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Souder Speaks At GOP Hall Of Fame Dinner

More than 50 Republicans attended the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Thursday night. The Republican Central Committee sponsored the dinner at Stonehenge Golf Course. Those who attended had the opportunity to listen to speakers Third District U.S.Rep.Mark Souder, Allen County Republican Chairman Steve Shine and Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Retha Hicks. Souder encouraged citizens to vote, and said there is a competitive race this year. "This is a challenging year and we need to realize this year has brought a competitive election," Souder said. Souder faces candidate Tom Hayhurst in the Nov.7 race. Souder described Hayhurst as a decent man, physician and city council member, but said it's imperative that the Republican party stand strong. "This is not a battle between Hayhurst and myself, but a decision that will decide who will run America," Souder said.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Dalton, Heuer in D-5 school board race

While district 5 Warsaw School Board incumbent Tammy Dalton and challenger Tom Heuer agree teachers play an influential role in students' literacy, they have differing views on requiring the middle schools to incorporate sixth-graders. Dalton and Heuer answered four questions Monday night at the Warsaw School Board "Meet the Candidates" forum at Lakeview Middle School. Moderator Dan Graney, a sixth-grade teacher at Harrison Elementary, asked predetermined questions of the candidates that were submitted by the Times-Union, Warsaw Community Education Association, American Association of University Women and Superintendent Dr.Robert Hayworth. When asked if the middle school should incorporate sixth-graders, Heuer said he did not see a benefit for doing so at this time. "In our current situation I don't think moving 500-plus youngsters from seven, eight or nine buildings does anything for our students," Heuer said.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Triton Program Helps Reduce Teen Pregnancy

BOURBON - Triton High School Principal Mike Chobanov and family and consumer studies teacher Ruth McCullough both made presentations to the Triton School Board Monday night. McCullough discussed a program which has taken place at Triton in her estimation for 12 years. It's a simulation program that makes students deal with a newborn baby.Students must feed, cloth, change and tend to programmed dolls that record the treatment received from students.Students are responsible for the child for an entire weekend and must tend to the doll without the aid of a babysitter or family members. McCullough said the reaction from students has been what she wanted to hear.
DANIEL RIORDAN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Housing Authority Gets State Funds For Owner Rehab Project

The Warsaw Housing Authority on Monday approved acceptance of $250,000 in funding from the Indiana Housing Authority. The funds will be administered through the WHA Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program over the next 18 months. The continuation of funding for the rehabilitation program will allow low-income homeowners to repair structurally unsound portions of their homes. Five clients' homes have already been renovated.With the improvements finished, the homeowners will sign the mortgage and begin repayment on their portion of the remodeling. Renovations have begun on three Warsaw residences.Four people have started the application process for the Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. The program can loan up to $25,000 to low-income Warsaw residents whose homes need improvements or structural repairs.Depending on income level the home improvement loans may be forgivable or partially payable.
GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Paul Siebenmorgen, District 3, Incumbent (R)

Warsaw is a great place to live and work.We are fortunate to enjoy a high quality of life here.I am proud of our community, and by serving on the City Council, I hope to help maintain our quality of life while our community continues to develop.Warsaw has been good to my family, and this is also a way to give back to the community. What single service provided by, or single department of, the city government should be recognized as being both efficient and effective and is deserving of additional support of city taxpayers? What single service provided by, or single department of, the city government has not been either efficient or effective and should be overhauled or eliminated? Editor's Note: Siebenmorgen provided a single answer for both questions.
do you want to serve on the Warsaw City Council?- | July 28, 2016

Watkins To Contest School Board Election

Sterling Watkins plans to contest the District 4 Warsaw School Board election. "I've given it much thought, obviously," Watkins said Wednesday."I believe that at the end of the day I have no other choice but to contest the election.The vote was very, very close and there was a mix-up on the ballot.Therefore, I will take the steps to see what alternatives I have.I will follow through and I am very committed to being on the board." In Tuesday's election, Charles E."Chuck" Sauders received 767 votes to Watkins' 762 votes. The "mix-up" occurred at Warsaw's Ward 2, Precinct 1, when a voting booth did not include the District 4 candidates on the ballot.The booth was shut down early, as soon as the problem was found, but as many as 63 votes could have been affected.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Suit filed to halt closing of three elementaries

If an injunction requested against Warsaw Community Schools is granted, three small schools slated for closing after this year will remain open indefinitely. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Kosciusko Circuit Court, asks for a permanent injunction restraining the school corporation from closing Atwood, Claypool and Silver Lake elementaries. It also requests a declaratory judgment asking that the court find that WCS' decision to close the schools was "unsupported by fact, need or requirement," that the closing of the three schools "poses an appreciable danger to the health and safety of said students and is an improper and unwise expenditure of public funds," and that closing the schools is a "retaliatory act" by the school corporation and is unsupportable by the law.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Chamber Names New Board Members

SYRACUSE -ÊNew board members to the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce were announced Wednesday by chamber director Shelly Bickel. The new members are Bonnie Martin, Gene Hill, Randy Hollon and Brian Rensberger.Retiring board members include Joyce Selvey, Mark Stock, Steve Ehle, Don Tatman and Don Strouse. In other business, Bickel reminded chamber members the annual dinner is Thursday at the Tippecanoe Country Club.Social hour begins at 6 p.m.and a magician will perform.Approximately 80 people are expected to attend. "I think we'll have great entertainment," Bickel said. Holiday Magic is Nov.18 from 4 to 9 p.m.and Nov.19 and 20 from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.Bickel said a raffle will be held this year as part of Holiday Magic but a person has to go to each store to be registered for the raffle.Advertisements will be in local newspapers the week of Holiday Magic.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

NIPSCO Prepares For Increases In Natural Gas Prices This Winter

Natural gas prices will increase 50 to 60 percent this winter, but Northern Indiana Public Service Co.officials say it's not their fault. Julie Van De Water, of NIPSCO, said the natural gas producers dictate the prices.NIPSCO is just a distributor.By law, customers pay only what NIPSCO pays. "We do not make a profit" on the gas itself, said Van De Water. NIPSCO anticipates some of their customerS will have difficulty paying their bills. "As the weather is getting cooler, people are getting more and more concerned," said Van De Water. NIPSCO has several programs to help people pay their bills, she said. One is called the Gift of Warmth Program.This program assists people in financial need with utility bills.Customers can donate to this program.Every dollar raised is matched with $2 by NIPSCO shareholders.Combined Community Services gets all the funding from this program.Clients must have a significant need to be eligible for assistance.
ANITA WEISHEIT, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCDC Looks Ahead To 'Downtown Spooktakular'

Planning is underway for Warsaw's Downtown Spooktakular event and volunteers are still needed. That is what Carmen Lock, executive director of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation reported at the corporation's board of directors meeting Tuesday. The event will be held Oct.27 in downtown Warsaw and feature trick-or-treating and a costume contest for children 12 years old and younger. The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and National City Bank already have donated funds toward the event. It is sponsored by Miller's Merry Manor, the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, Zimmer, National City Bank, Warsaw Community Development Corporation and downtown merchants. Volunteers are still needed for sponsorship of the tent where the costume judging will take place.They also are needed for registration and costume judging and small prize donations are needed.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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