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Pierceton Questions Cost Of 'Free' Property

PIERCETON - Property which the town could get for free would likely cost quite a bit. James Townsend told the Pierceton Town Council Monday that he is concerned with the property located at Market and First streets and told council members that the town could acquire it simply for the asking. However, environmental problems exist on the land, where a gas station at one time operated and the buried tanks are still in the ground. "This council's not going to put the town in that kind of jeopardy," said council president Ron Hall."We're working on it ...it's just a slow, drawn-out process." The building on the property is falling down and the sidewalk is caving in, according to Townsend, who sees it as both an eyesore and a hazard.Townsend said he did some research on the property and learned that it is owned by the county because of unpaid taxes.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

WHA Adds Program To Help

The Warsaw Housing Authority has structured a new program to help the needy learn about the challenges of homeownership while saving money for a down payment. The new program, called Individual Development Accounts, will combine funds from Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis with a local plan. On Monday Fred Hash, of Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, presented options his bank provides for communities.The IDA program will run on funds from the FHLB. Warsaw has previously benefited from the support of the FHLB.The Courts of Colfax, an independent living facility for people over 55, received $303,400 from the bank. The WHA board approved the IDA program, which teaches future homeowners money-saving skills and homeownership skills while they save money in a restricted account. Cathy Walker, Warsaw Housing Authority, said IDA prepares clients for the challenges of owning a home.
Home BuyersBY GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Gubernatorial Candidate Miller Visits Warsaw

While the election for Indiana governor is still almost two years away, Republican candidate Eric Miller is working at the grassroots level now to win it. Tuesday, he and his election campaign chairman Otis R.Bowen were the honorary guests at a reception and fund-raiser for his campaign at Cox Studios, Warsaw. "This election is about each of us and restoring the great state of Indiana," said John Elliott in his introductory comments before a crowd of approximately 100. Bowen, in introducing Miller, said it wasn't too early for Miller to begin his campaign.He said he wants to see Indiana in good health for his children and grandchildren.The state is struggling financially and "we need new leadership."Eric Miller, he said, is that kind of leadership. Miller is the executive director of Advance America, a conservative pro-family, pro-business and pro-tax reform organization.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Red Cross supports guard effort

The American Red Cross and the Armed Forces Emergency Services are marshalling resources nationwide and around the world to assist members of the military and their families as troops prepare for new assignments.The Kosciusko County chapter of the ARC is playing a very active role in supporting local members. Serving active-duty military personnel and their families for more than a century, the Red Cross recently enhanced its outreach to the National Guard and Reserves. "Every day, the Red Cross carries the joyful news of a birth or the sad news of a death or illness of a family member to servicemen and -women.We understand how important it is for military families to be in contact with each other," said Carol Stanton, director of program services."The long separations and stressful situations that occur when a service member deploys often place a serious emotional strain on families.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

New Student Organization Prompts Review Of Policies

A relatively new student organization at Warsaw Community High School is being blamed by some students for the denial of privileges to other student clubs. After the Gay-Straight Alliance became a recognized organization early this year, administrators decided to look into what the school could legally provide for student clubs. After studying the issue, it was determined that the Ski Club, for example, can no longer use a school bus for free and is no longer covered under the school's insurance liability policy. "We all feel badly that this has happened to the students, but we had to approach it from a legal standpoint," said Dr.Jennifer Brumfield, WCHS principal. GSA, the Ski Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Octagon Club are not school-sanctioned organizations, Brumfield said, and therefore do not have the same privileges as school-sanctioned organizations.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Biomet Breaking New Ground

Two previously conjoined twins may have a chance at living normal lives, thanks to the efforts of one of Warsaw's orthopedic companies. Biomet Inc.is joining with Dr.Ken Salyer, who headed the medical team that separated 18-month-old Egyptian twins Ahmed and Muhammed Ibrahim last month, to invent a covering for the boys' skulls.At a press conference Tuesday at Biomet corporate headquarters, Salyer said that while the ultimate solution has not yet been devised, "we're very impressed here with the talent at Biomet ...and we look forward to coming up with the optimum solution for these boys." Salyer, the founding chairman of the World Craniofacial Foundation, said the next step is for the boys to completely recover from their separation surgery, which he hopes will be in a matter of months.Then they will be ready for their next surgery, which should be one of only two or three procedures expected for each boy.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Remembrance Set For Anniversary Of Pearl Harbor Attack

While the election for Indiana governor is still almost two years away, Republican candidate Eric Miller is working at the grassroots level now to win it. Tuesday, he and his election campaign chairman Otis R.Bowen were the honorary guests at a reception and fund-raiser for his campaign at Cox Studios, Warsaw. "This election is about each of us and restoring the great state of Indiana," said John Elliott in his introductory comments before a crowd of approximately 100. Bowen, in introducing Miller, said it wasn't too early for Miller to begin his campaign.He said he wants to see Indiana in good health for his children and grandchildren.The state is struggling financially and "we need new leadership."Eric Miller, he said, is that kind of leadership. Miller is the executive director of Advance America, a conservative pro-family, pro-business and pro-tax reform organization.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Woman Seeks To Feed The Hungry

Charlie Johnson-Parker believes God wants her to take care of his people. "I wanna tell you," she said, Johnson-Parker converted a step van into a mobile soup kitchen she calls The Roving Chef.Three days a week she cooks in her truck and hands out meals to whomever needs or wants food.Mondays she is stationed at Center and Detroit streets from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays she is at Big Lots from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.; and Fridays she is in front of Wal-Mart from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m.She has her business license and the Health Department regularly inspects her truck. "The people that I'm feeding are so appreciative," she said.
ANITA WEISHEIT, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Webster Community Center Gets State Grant

NORTH WEBSTER - Hopefully, crossed fingers can straighten out with relief because the Community Focus Fund grant for the North Webster Community Center was approved at the maximum level - $500,000. The building will house the activities of the Lakeland Youth Center, a senior activity center, the North Webster/Tippecanoe Library, the North Webster town offices and police department, as well as provide Kosciusko YMCA fitness programs.Future plans include an indoor walking track and a place to hold community events. The idea to transform the former elementary school building into a community center began almost as soon as the Wawasee School Corp.announced plans in June 1999 for a new elementary school. The North Webster Community Center Inc.was formed as a nonprofit organization, and purchased the building for $1 in February. Members of the Community Center board of directors and town council will travel to Indianapolis Wednesday to accept the grant.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KABS Facing Significant Financial Hurdles

Despite already having tightened their belts in the past year, officials with KABS are facing even more financial difficulties in 1997. Kosciusko Area Bus Service raised fares a year ago in preparation of an estimated 17 percent cut in federal funding effective Jan.1. Although they've made preparations for the upcoming year, KABS is looking at more financial difficulties in 1998, said director Tom Sherrin. More reductions in funding loom as a result of policies prescribed by the government for Cardinal Center, an agency that works with disabled people which represents a significant portion of KABS users. With a decrease in centralized programming at Cardinal Center for some clients, Cardinal expects an overall reduction in the use of KABS - and therefore plans to reduce its funding for KABS.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Gets Added Space

The hoped-for additional space at Warsaw Community Public Library will soon be a reality. The library has received enough money to pay for the extra 6,000 square feet the board voted to build if outside donations covered the cost.As of Monday, $158,000 had been received, and architect Joel Blum said $151,000 would be needed. The board authorized Blum Monday to begin the paperwork needed for construction bids on the extra space.Candi Wolkins voted against the motion. Blum said the money would pay for all walls, doors and ceilings and much of the mechanical work.The library has pledges of $27,000 and expects additional funding from corporations and fund-raisers to pay for furnishings. Blum originally said $600,000 might be needed to build the additional square feet, but in July he said the area could be finished for as low as $300,000.
DEB McAULIFFE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

National Guardsmen Say Good-Bye To Families

Caught up in the arms of their wives, children and parents, Company A of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry, said farewell to family and friends again Friday at the armory north of Warsaw. On a two-day leave from Camp Atterbury, near Columbus, where they have trained since Nov.11, more than 60 "Night Devils" parted from their loved ones at noon to return to base. The battalion, which includes the Warsaw unit, will report to its mobilization station, Fort Knox, Ky., in early December. As husbands and wives whispered parting devotions to each other, as daddies held their infants a few more precious minutes, North Webster VFW Unit 253 members joined in the warriors' send-off. A farewell ceremony Friday morning featured guest speaker State Rep.Dave Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) who said, in a short address, he knew it was a difficult day.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Tippecanoe Lake Man Receives Bronze Star

The Allied invasion of Normandy began on June 6, 1944. More than 150,000 men and 30,000 vehicles crossed the English Channel as part of a 5,000-vessel armada designed to liberate the French beaches.Six parachute regiments - over 13,000 men - were flown from nine British airfields in more than 800 planes.More than 300 planes dropped 13,000 bombs over coastal Normandy immediately in advance of the invasion. By nightfall on June 6, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were dead or wounded.More than 100,000 made it ashore, securing French coastal villages.And within weeks, supplies were being unloaded at Utah and Omaha beachheads at the rate of over 20,000 tons per day. James E.Loser, now a Tippecanoe Lake resident, was part of the support troops, arriving at the coast of France June 12.He jumped into the channel's cold waters up to his waist like many who came before him that month.He was a 19-year-old soldier in the Army's Company F, 313th Battalion, 79th Division.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Webster Teacher Keeps Her Job

NORTH WEBSTER - Phyllis Roberts will keep her job with the Wawasee School Corporation. The North Webster third-grade teacher was overheard making stereotypical racial remarks in her classroom earlier this semester.She elected to take an early retirement rather than face a hearing before the school board. The administration's stand on the situation caused an outcry in the Wawasee community, including petitions being circulated in support of the 31-year teaching veteran. More than 300 people attended Tuesday's school board meeting to hear the board's official decision on the action. The public was given 20 minutes to address the board before the board voted on the issue. President Carol Swartzendruber said the board was there to hear public comments, but the meeting was not a public hearing and patrons should not discuss individual employees. The first man to step to the microphone, a Roberts supporter, drew a standing ovation.
DEB McAULIFFE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Council Adopts HSA Insurance Policy

PIERCETON - The health care savings account system outlined by Principal Financial insurance agent John Clay in October will be offered to town employees, according to town council members. The council met Thursday to discuss the policy and adopted it as a way for employees to save money for deductible medical expenses and to save for future medical costs. Last month 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 then that 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 is offering to pay 30 percent of the costs for dependent insurance coverage. The board also: • Set Dec.2 as the town employee Christmas party date.
TERESA SMITH Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Charities Join Forces To Better Serve The Less Fortunate

Combined Community Services has assisted more than 5,200 households so far this year. The Salvation Army helps 160 families each month, Our Father's House provides food for an average of 50 families each day and Helping Hands of Mentone serves 150 families in the Tippecanoe Valley school district. "We've been seeing five new families each week," Mary Secrist of Helping Hands said this week."We'll provide Thanksgiving Day food beginning Nov.25." The Mentone-based charity will have food Dec.20 for all families of the Tippecanoe Valley school district needing assistance.Gifts will be distributed as they are available. More families are expected to feel a financial pinch as utility rates increase for heating during cold weather months. "Unemployment in Kosciusko County is still up and many of our neighbors are either unemployed or underemployed," said Darlene Redinger of CCS.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Closer To Bike Trail Construction

NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester is one step closer to beginning construction on its non-motorized trail throughout the town. Ideas and plans for the bike and walking trail started two years ago when the Parks and Recreation Department received a grant in 1998 from the Indiana Department of Commerce to help fund the trail.Assistant parks director Donna Boomershine said Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Muncie, was hired in 1998 to develop a master trail plan for the parks department.The plan was completed in 1999. Parks director Brian Wagner reported Wednesday to the parks board that he and Boomershine met with Deane Rundell of Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Don Rinearson, North Manchester town council president, and Dan Hannaford, North Manchester town manager. "We discussed what piece of that phase to do," Wagner said. Cost for the first phase of the trail is estimated at $4.5 million, which exceeds the cap for individual projects by approximately $3.5 million.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Etna Green Seeks Funds For Water, Sewer Work

ETNA GREEN - If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's the attitude the Etna Green Town Council has taken in its effort to secure funding for water and sewer projects. During its meeting Tuesday, the council gave the go-ahead for Tim Kelty of R.P.Murphy & Associates, Larwill, to prepare the paperwork for the next round of grants from the Indiana Department of Commerce.The town's most recent request for grant money was rejected. The town is hoping to improve its water system and expand its sewer system, but the cost of the jobs would be too great a burden on the taxpayers if a straight loan or bond issue was undertaken.If grant money in combination with a loan is used, overall cost of the project would be less for the town.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Marsh Supermarkets Announce Loss, Explore Sale

INDIANAPOLIS - Marsh Supermarkets Inc.Tuesday reported its financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended Oct.15, according to a statement on Marsh's Web site. The company also announced that it had retained Merrill Lynch & Co.to explore strategic alternatives for the enhancement of shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company. The company reported a net loss of $3.4 million compared to net income of $1.3 million for the same period last year.Losses per diluted common share were $.43 compared to earnings per diluted common share of $0.16 last year. The company attributed the losses to lower contribution from comparable stores (stores open during both quarters), startup and operating losses of new stores and higher general and administrative expenses.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

2 Named To Serve On CVB

At a special meeting Tuesday, the Kosciusko County commissioners appointed two new members to the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau commission. Unanimously approved was John Elliott of 1st Source Bank and Jan Carter, Allied Team Technologies.Elliott and Carter will serve on the commission for the 2004-05 calendar year. In another matter, Kosciusko County administrator Ron Robinson told the commissioners the health department wants to raise its rates for copies of birth certificates. Currently, the health department charges $4 for the first copy and $1 for additional copies.The department wants to raise the cost to $7 for two copies and then $7 for each additional copy, Robinson said. The commissioners tabled the matter until their Dec.2 meeting.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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