Tips For A Fun And Safe Halloween

Trick-or-treat! Soon little ghosts and goblins around the area will be traveling through their neighborhoods making that seasonal request. With a little common sense and a few simple safety tips, Halloween can be a treat for everyone. Before the big day, children and parents will be selecting the perfect Halloween costume.While the theme of the costume depends on individual taste, safety rules are universal. First, all parts of the costumes, including beards, wigs and masks, should be flame retardant.The material should resist flame and extinguish quickly.However this does not mean that costumes will not burn, so exposure to direct flame should be avoided.

Syracuse Candidate Responds To Election Questions

SYRACUSE - Two seats are up for election for the Syracuse Town Council this fall.Only one is contested. Larry Siegel, Republican, is the only candidate for the Syracuse district one seat. Republican Peter Barrett is running against incumbent Paul Stoelting, Democrat, for the District Two seat.A questionnaire was sent out to all the candidates.The only response received was from Stoelting.His answers follow: Paul Stoelting, 52, North Lake Street, Syracuse: 1.What qualifications and/or experience do you have that make you the "best" person to serve on the town council? I believe my 4-1/2 years of experience on the town council is a strong qualification for re-election to the town council.As the incumbent in office, I have a working knowledge of the governmental process and ongoing issues before the town.

Hayhurst Hopes To Unseat 3rd District U.S. Rep Souder

Tom Hayhurst said he is running for the third district Congressional seat to improve the present and future government of the United States. "I have always had a deep feeling that I should run for office because I am someone who has a love for this country and worry about its future under the current administration," Hayhurst said. He said his grandchildren have motivated him to run in the election and he wants to assure they live in a society that assures a promising future. Hayhurst faces incumbent U.S.Rep.Mark Souder in the Nov.7 race. Hayhurst, Fort Wayne, has practiced medicine in Indiana for more than 30 years, is a Vietnam War Veteran and has served on the Fort Wayne City Council since 1996. "From day one my campaign has been about two things and that has been drawing people together and transforming our hard work, hope and hometown values into a fresh start for the third district," Hayhurst said.

Montgomery Guilty Of Battery, Recklessness

A South Bend man was found guilty Wednesday of aggravated battery and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Raymond Montgomery, 23, was found guilty of the charges in his jury trial in Kosciusko Circuit Court.Montgomery was acquitted of a charge of attempted murder. Montgomery was found guilty of shooting Luis Martinez Diaz in the leg at the Leesburg Deli Mart on Oct.21, 1995. "I am very pleased with the outcome," said Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe."It is a very just verdict." The two-day trial ended Wednesday afternoon at 2:15, and the jury deliberated more than three hours before returning the verdict around 6 p.m. The aggravated battery conviction, a Class B felony, and the criminal recklessness, Class C felony, stem from the severity of Diaz's wounds.Both bones in his lower leg were shattered, and he had to undergo surgery at a Fort Wayne hospital to try to repair the damage.

Federal, State Officials Probe Sewage Plant

Federal and state investigators converged upon the Warsaw wastewater treatment facility Thursday, arriving soon after the work day began, presenting an all-encompassing search warrant. Officials from the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency went through "various" records, according to public works superintendent Lacy Francis Jr. Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation officers guarded the entrance of the building. "It's kind of a mystery," Francis said Thursday as to what the officials were seeking."The warrant says they have a right to come in and look.They'll give us a list of what they take and send us a report in 30 days." The investigation could be tied to this summer's fish kill in Walnut Creek, caused by toxins discharged into the waterway from the treatment facility.

Danek Settles In At New Location

Medtronic Sofamor Danek Mfg., formerly at 100 Publishers Drive, Winona Lake, is now moved into its new facilities on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S.30W and CR 150W, near Warsaw. Danek's new building includes an estimated $20-million orthopedic hardware manufacturing and production facility consists of 150,000 square feet on 25 acres of land, which is designated as an economic development area. Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins said earlier of Danek's new facilities: "It's not going to affect Warsaw residents from the tax standpoint." Property taxes are paying for public improvements, he said."We're foregoing the property taxes for a period of years," and Warsaw residents will feel no negative effect because of Danek's new facilities."In fact, it's a plus because it keeps those people here," Wiggins said.

Red Balloon Travels To Maryland; Finder Rewarded

It's a 677-mile trip to Silver Spring, Md., from Claypool, but the red balloon and tag made it, and Sam Bell Jr.picked it up. Bell is the only person to report and return a tag to Housing Opportunities of Warsaw by the Sept.19 deadline.After receiving $10 for his trouble, he also won $500, by default, as the only entrant in the Claypool Good Neighbors-sponsored drawing. In August, 41 red balloons with tags were released to promote the Good Neighbors next series of projects. The balloons were purchased for $99 by businesses and individuals with ties to Claypool.Many were bought in memory of late relatives and friends. Balloon sale money will be used as matching funds for an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Bell is a security guard for the Seventh-day Adventist Church's world headquarters.

Demo Enters Sheriff Race

A former deputy from Michigan and Noble County is running for sheriff of Kosciusko County. Glenn C.Canter, 53, brings with him a diverse background in law enforcement and an assortment of initial proposals.While a handful of candidates are expected to run on the Republican ticket, Canter will run on the Democrat ticket. Canter, a resident of Papakeechie Lake, is a native of Ann Arbor, Mich. Canter said he chose to announce now because one candidate has already done so and others are expected to follow suit soon.Although he is disclosing several proposals this week, he said his campaign will not get rolling until about March of 1998.In the meantime, he will have an Internet web site available for people to familiarize themselves with his campaign. Canter said a few of his proposals will raise a few eyebrows.

Zakas Firing Barbs At Roemer

U.S.Representative Tim Roemer often says he brings "Hoosier common sense" to Congress, but challenger Joe Zakas says Roemer's voting record doesn't bear out that claim. Roemer is a three-term incumbent Democrat from South Bend.Zakas, a Republican from Granger, has spent the last 14 years serving in the Indiana Senate. "Tim has to come here and play the role of October conservative," Zakas said."He's a liberal trying to get re-elected in a conservative district.People here want honest, straightforward representation that reflects a common sense conservativism.Tim Roemer projects that image in the district, but his voting record doesn't support it." Roemer cites his work on welfare reform, portability of health care, the minimum wage increase, tax breaks for small businesses and the crime bill as examples of his moderate political stance and common sense.

Pierceton Looks At HSA To Save Money On Insurance

PIERCETON - Principal Financial insurance agent John Clay presented a health care savings account concept to the town council Monday, as a way for employees to save money for deductible medical expenses and future medical costs. Clay said these savings accounts are limited to $2,500 per year and if the funds are not spent, they remain in the account for future use. Clay advised the board a 13 percent increase in employee health insurance is expected.The town provides a high deductible plan with the first $300 in medical costs paid by the employee and up to $900 for a family policy.None of the town council members are on the policy. The council set an employee insurance meeting for Oct.18 at 6:30 p.m.to explain the proposed program. Jeff Carroll, who owns the apartment building at 305 S.First St., asked the town to repair the alley behind the building.He said removal of asphalt resulted in a 6-inch drop off.

Assessors' Workload May Delay School Budget

Warsaw School Corp.'s 2007 budget approval may be held up because of delays in the county assessor's office. Kevin Scott, Warsaw Schools chief financial officer, read a memo at the school board meeting Monday night from Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell to all taxing units regarding the 2007 tax bills.

Grace To Dedicate Indiana Hall This Weekend

WINONA LAKE - Saturday will be a busy day as Grace College hosts homecoming activities for alumni, family and friends. Festivities will start early Saturday, at 8:45 a.m., with a presidential breakfast in Alpha Dining Hall.The distinguished alumni of the year award will be presented at the breakfast. One of the highlights of the day will be the official dedication of Grace's newest building on campus, Indiana Hall, at 10:15 a.m. Indiana Hall, a 41,000-square-foot office building and dormitory, took almost a year and more than $3.7 million to build.It was completed in August and houses offices for student life, academic counseling, career services, financial aid, registrar and business. Wings on both ends provide housing for approximately 100 students - men on one side and women on the other.

Barbee Sewer Progress Temporarily Put On Hold

Barbee Lakes Conservancy District bowed to the pressure of an ensuing lawsuit Saturday, but lashed out at the group that spurred the action. The district board voted unanimously Saturday to voluntarily refrain from any new costly steps to construct a sewer system until after a Feb.28 election of its board. The move came after Barbee Lakes Quality Network filed suit in Kosciusko Circuit Court Oct.24 seeking an injunction that would block progress in the district's efforts to construct a sewer covering seven lakes. The district will be able to continue its daily operations, but won't be able to act upon a facility plan expected to be approved within a few weeks by the state. The agreement nullifies any need for a scheduled court hearing that had been set for Nov.10.The district will conduct its regular monthly meeting Nov.11. "We're sitting here with our hands tied, but we accept it," said district president Jack Maule.

Fire Department Educating Kids About Fire Danger

Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and younger. Each year, more than 660 children under age 14 die in fires and nearly 47,000 are injured.The majority of these deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. In recognition of Fire Prevention Week this week, Warsaw Fire Department has been providing daily tours and information to public, home and preschool children and day care providers.

Webster Gets Radar, Housing Money

NORTH WEBSTER - On the heels of learning that their town would be the site of the state's newest weather radar tower, the North Webster Town Council was informed that it has received a grant for senior citizen housing. The grant, for $500,000, comes from the Indiana Housing Finance Authority's home investing fund for housing creativity.The town is still awaiting word on a $400,000 Department of Commerce grant also needed for the project. The town is planning to build 20 units, consisting of duplexes joined with garages.There will be eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, as well as an administration building and a clubhouse.The development will be located northwest of the United Methodist Church in Epworth Forest on land donated to the town by Bart Culver. If all monies are secured, construction of the complex should begin soon, with units expected to be liveable this time next year.

Upward Basketball Kicks Off New Season

Basketball season is once again on the horizon. And for children in grades kindergarten through six, basketball season also means it's time for Upward Basketball in Warsaw again. Early registration deadline has been extended one week, to Nov.9 from Nov.2.Late registrations are due by Nov.17.Applications are available at local elementary schools, by calling 267-0123, at Reneker's Sports Shop or can be downloaded at upwardwarsaw.org Upward Basketball in Warsaw also is offering a new program for local girls."This year," said Upward Basketball in Warsaw chairman Len Morris, "we've launched a cheerleading program." Mindy Jones is the cheerleader director.She volunteered for the first-year cheerleading program after she and her husband coached her daughter's Upward Basketball team last year. A cheerleader when she was in junior high and high school, Jones said she hopes the cheerleading program will get more girls in the community involved.

Pierceton PD Offers Security Survey

PIERCETON - Security surveys are being offered by the town's police officers, town marshal Tim Sammons told council members Monday. Continuing a campaign to introduce citizens and police officers to each other, Sammons said the program is offered at no charge. Each confidential survey will be taken by an officer.Recommendations, like trimming back shrubs, adding outside lighting or ensuring that all windows lock, will be offered to prevent theft and vandalism. Chip Hill, public works supervisor, said leaf pickup begins Monday.The schedule is: Mondays: south of Catholic Street and west of First Street; Wednesdays: south of Catholic Street and east of First Street; and Thursdays: north of Catholic Street. Hill said work in the street department office's kitchen continues with installation of new cabinets.

Upward Basketball Hopes To Raise Spiritual Awareness

Going into only its fourth season, Upward Basketball in Warsaw is a model program. The nondenominatal, community-based program was conceived five years ago after Len Morris heard about it elsewhere and thought it would be a great program to bring to Kosciusko County.It took about a year to get the program started, said current chairman Joe Moore.In that year, Moore and Morris approached various community members to help get the program started.An advisory board was formed. In the first season, Moore said he and Morris went door to door looking for portable basketball hoops because the program didn't have enough.People agreed to let Upward Basketball use them. "It really kind of started on a shoestring (budget), more or less," said Moore.

Syracuse Approves Sewer Ordinance

SYRACUSE - Although it currently affects only one industry, a sewer use ordinance was approved by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday.The ordinance has to be reviewed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The ordinance would require any industry in Syracuse to seek a permit for use of the city's sewer.The permit especially applies to those who are significant users. Lora Gartner, technical services provider for Severn Trent Environmental Services, Chicago, said criteria is spelled out in the ordinance as to the definition of a significant user. Public Works Superintendent Tom Miller said the ordinance was "an effort to protect the community and establish a sewer base." The last sewer ordinance was adopted by Syracuse in 1975.Gartner said since that time laws have changed locally.The new ordinance would bring the city up to date and protect the town.Syracuse was not mandated to approve the petition, she said.

City Employee Claims Workplace Made Her Sick

Rhonda Fackler developed a cough late last year. It wouldn't go away. She saw a local doctor to try to get rid of it.It still wouldn't go away. "She got real bad.She'd sleep in the chair.She'd wheeze at night," Don Fackler, her husband, said. Rhonda said her symptoms included coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma attacks.She blames her sickness on fumes from the sump pump at her place of employment - the engineering building for the city of Warsaw. A clue to a possible cause of Rhonda's illness came in April.Don said a janitor told former city planner Pat Hudson of a really bad diesel smell around the building.Rhonda said Hudson was the first person to suggest the diesel fuel fumes could be causing her problem.Hudson was Rhonda's boss at the time.