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Businesses Must Identify Trends To Ensure Success

Small business owners and farmers who want to ensure their success should prepare for certain upcoming trends and challenges, a Virginia Tech professor advised Tuesday. At a seminar sponsored by Lake City Bank, David M.Kohl, Ph.D., told small business owners that the aging of Americans, the boom in biotechnology and information sciences, and the movement of much of America's middle class back to rural areas will have a huge impact on small business into the next millenium. Each trend, in turn, has an effect on another area, Kohl said.For example, the growth in available information has made people into processors instead of thinkers. "Small businesses that are successful get employees to think instead of processing," he said. Good, qualified employees are becoming harder to find, Kohl said, creating a major challenge for employers.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Residents Seeks Pier Ordinance Clarification

WINONA LAKE - Dan Lesley received a copy of an updated ordinance regarding piers in the channel and wanted a few things explained at Tuesday's Winona Lake Town Council meeting. The correspondence Lesley, and others who rent channel piers, received from the town outlined the new fee structure, construction of piers in the channel and other regulations, some dating back to 1978. Councilman Craig Snow explained that the length of the piers came about because there wasn't enough room for two boats to pass one another in the channel. The plan commission had worked on the ordinance for about six months.The fee structure was approved by resolution in October. Lesley asked if the town owned the channel.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Lawmakers Seek Federal Funds To Remove Snow

Indiana is trying very hard to dig out from the worst winter storm in 20 years, and will need help to complete the job. That's what Gov.Frank O'Bannon told President Bill Clinton in declaring a snow emergency for 56 counties and asking for federal assistance in removing the snow. Kosciusko County is one of those counties. "Through the present time, additional snowfall, freezing precipitation and sub-zero temperatures have crossed the state, creating a significant threat to the public's health, safety and well-being," O'Bannon said in requesting the aid. According to the State Emergency Management Agency, the central and northern Indiana counties meet the federal criteria for snow removal assistance.The money would be used to offset unusually high costs for local governments' emergency efforts to protect human life - efforts described by the governor as nothing short of heroic.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Revises Park Avenue, Town Hall Plans

WINONA LAKE - The best laid plans often require some changes before they're implemented.Such was the case for the town council last night. Major revisions to two proposed projects were discussed to make them more financially feasible in light of the town's needs. All bids received for the renovation of the town's Quonset hut into the new city building were rejected on the advice of the project management firm, Scearce-Rudisel Inc.Mary Ellen Rudisel told the council that making some major revisions in the plans could save a substantial amount of money off the cost of the project. The low bid was received by Tecton Corp.of Fort Wayne for $428,000.The council anticipated a $250,000 cost for the renovation.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KDI Set To Release Report On Local Biomedical Trade

Zimmer.DePuy.Biomet.Othy.What does the biomedical industry mean to the county? The answer, and the means to strengthen its positive effects, will be presented next month at the Ramada Plaza, according to Joy McCarthy-Sessing. McCarthy-Sessing, president of Kosciusko Development Inc., told the KDI board of directors Wednesday that the Battelle Institute's final report will be presented Feb.22. KDI sponsored the $36,000 report on the local biomedical industry.Plans are to implement the Institute's recommendations and findings as soon as possible. The nominating committee selected a slate of officers and the following men were approved: Randy Vutech, chairman; Dennis Beville, vice chairman; Jim Tinkey, treasurer; and Brad Bishop, secretary. Executive committee members include the officers and McCarthy-Sessing. Julia Van DeWater, outgoing chairwoman, was thanked for her year of service.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

State Sen. Swears In Members Of Manchester Town Council

NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊMembers of North Manchester town council were sworn into office by state Sen.Gary Dillon Wednesday. "What makes our country go is when people are willing to step up and do the work of government," Dillon said before beginning the ceremony. Officers for the town council also were elected, though there were no changes since the last term.Don Rinearson was re-elected as council president and Stan Escott was re-elected as vice-president. In other business, two town employees were promoted. Ryan Shock, a public works employee, received two state certifications, earning himself a raise and a bonus. Ron McConnell, also a works department employee, received the new title of assistant sewage plant operator. Superintendent of Public Works John Mugford said McConnell has been perfoming all the duties of his new position, but without a proper title or pay.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Three Run For Wayne Township Trustee

LaShawn Brumfield, currently the county recorder, is seeking the office of Wayne Township Trustee. Current Trustee Dan Slone is seeking re-election and township employee Sheila Burner will be on the Republican primary ballot, too. Brumfield has served two consecutive terms as recorder and may not seek that office again for four years. She began working in the recorder's office in 1995.Former Recorder Alice Anglin encouraged Brumfield to seek the office. "I probably could keep working there, but I'm looking for something part time," she said. She is a single parent of two young children.Currently the office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays. "The trustee's office will give me an opportunity to work with the public on a personal level.I love helping people find documents and feel good when they have what they need.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

CCAC Board Scores With Bontley As New Director

Ethan Bontly planned to stay in England, finish work on his London Metropolitan University dissertation and, hopefully, land a job in that country's football industry.English "football" translates to soccer in the states. Last fall Bontly applied for and secured the City/County Athletic Complex director's position and moved back to the U.S.in November. "As late as September, we never planned to make a move to the states," Bontly said last week.The "we" includes his fiance and former Turkish National Fencing Team member, Seyran Turkmen. The couple met at the university while Bontly pursued a master's degree in sports management and administration.Turkmen has a teaching license and is waiting for a permit to work.She also has competed in (Division 1-equivalent) track and field meets in the long jump and high jump events.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

DNR Conducting Survey Of Local Recreational Opportunities

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is coming to the Warsaw Community Public Library in electronic form at the end of the week, according to library director Ann Zydek. She said the DNR is conducting a survey regarding recreational opportunities in the state, and patrons will be requested to participate in a six-minute survey on the equipment, which should remain at the library for a week and a half. The library received a Library Services Technology Act grant worth several thousand dollars to enhance Latino services, according to assistant director Joni Brookins.The funds should be available this spring. Another LSTA grant is in the works, a mini-technology grant, to allow video conferencing.In addition to the library, the equipment would be available for businesses, government, home schooling and public schooling's distance learning or conferences.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Robert Tenney Joins Pierceton Town Council

PIERCETON - Robert Tenney was welcomed to the town council Monday following a public meeting regarding a Department of Commerce grant to update the wastewater treatment plant. Bob Murphy of R.P.Murphy and Associates, Larwill, said a preliminary proposal is due to the DOC Jan.23.Upgrades and improvements, totaling more than $1 million, have been mandated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Public works supervisor Chip Hill said the facility is under capacity during heavy rain and the sewage is taken directly to Deeds Creek. "IDEM has zero tolerance regarding bypassing," Hill said. Board president Jerry Kreger said upgrades and improvements have been engineered, and without grants, customers in Pierceton, the Regency Point Trailer Court and Larwill will see a 99.9 percent increase in rates. The DOC application will include a request for $500,000 and will be matched or exceeded with tax increment financing funds.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Redevelopment Commission Discusses Ind. 15 Projects

During its first meeting of 2006, the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission met Monday to discuss current improvements and future expectations of the city's northern region along Ind.15. A Phend and Brown contract payment was approved by the board for construction and engineering of Ind.15 improvements.City planner Jeremy Skinner reported a majority of the project was complete, with seeding to be finished later this year. According to a majority of the commission members, additional improvements to the road likely will be addressed as the area becomes more crowded.Ideas such as deceleration lanes and additional traffic lights were mentioned during discussion; however, Skinner said many steps need to be taken before the plans can be executed. Members expect the northern region to develop both commercially and residentially in coming years, with numerous businesses interested in land in the developing region.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Sanders Announces Intention To Seek County Council Seat

Robert G.Sanders, Republican, announced today his intention to seek a seat on the Kosciusko County Council as an at-large member. Sanders indicated his decision to run for the county council is motivated by his desire to give back to the community that has been his home for 25 years.He said he believes his experience as a small business owner has taught him the importance of using financial resources prudently and having a vision as one plans for the future. His business expertise, along with his involvement in the budgeting and planning of various civic and charitable organizations, has prepared him to guide the county through the challenges faced by county government.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Glen Terrace 'Quite A Nuisance,' Official Says

The condemned and vacant Glen Terrace Apartment complex, on Walter Way, Warsaw, is housing unwelcome guests occasionally, creating both fire and safety hazards, according to Pam Kennedy, Warsaw's building inspector and assistant building commissioner. At the Warsaw Code Enforcement hearings Monday Kennedy gave an update regarding the condemned 40-unit apartment building. The first notice of code violation orders was received in December 1999.Tenants were evicted in June 2000. The lack of fire separations between apartments is considered the major violation along with a long list of other problems. Over the course of the last year repair work has started and stopped, management companies have supposedly been changed, and, in the latest turn of events, owner John Call communicated to Kennedy he plans to allow foreclosure by the USDA Rural Development. Neither Call nor a Rural Development representative appeared at the hearing.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Heating Experts Offer Hints For Saving Money

Even with the continually unseasonal weather it is almost guaranteed that winter weather will hit the area, and once it does you'll need to ensure that your heating systems are up to par. One of the most important things to look into is the amount of carbon monoxide produced by the heating system.Anything that burns oil, coal, natural gas or any other fossil fuel produces carbon monoxide.The key is making sure the system does not produce an excessive amount of the gas, and that the gas that is produced is properly ventilated. Heating experts recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector.Anyone who wishes to purchase a carbon monoxide detector should purchase one approved by the American Gas Association. Carbon monoxide can be reduced by: first, making sure the heat system is void of defective and worn out parts and checked by a professional once a year; secondly, all chimneys and flue pipes should be cleared of any debris.
ORA FREEMAN, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

WCS Board Hears From Atwood Residents

Presenting a united front, Atwood residents, former students and parents of students at Atwood Elementary told the Warsaw school board Monday why their school should not be closed. Citing the individual attention students receive at a smaller school such as Atwood (where enrollment as of Dec.31 was 118) and the strong teacher support there, parents listed other advantages their children have at Atwood Elementary. In sports, said PTO secretary Mary Jo Coppes, Atwood may not have championship banners hanging in the gym, "but what you will see when you come to our school is every kid gets to play." And at parent-teacher conferences, Coppes said, "Atwood Elementary had 100 percent attendance.Mrs.Brandenburg and the teachers have obviously done something great here." Atwood patrons were reacting to the executive summary of the Community Based Planning Project that recommended Silver Lake and Atwood students might be best served by relocating them.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw BOW Receives Streetscape Bids

Four companies presented bids for the downtown streetscape project, which were opened during Friday's Warsaw Board of Works meeting. Phend and Brown, Milford, submitted a bid of $241,946: Brooks Construction, Goshen, $262,800; Kel-Con LLC, Warsaw, $259,318; and Cluney Landscaping Inc., Huntington, $186,500.The awards were tabled until the Jan.23 meeting. ATF Canine Officer Bailey was introduced by Warsaw Fire Marshal Mike Wilson (See accompanying story).Wilson was given permission to secure the dog in September after a presentation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms program.At that time Wilson said he may be called out to one or two fire scenes where arson is suspected. Bailey is one of 60 accelerant seeking dogs in the U.S.Regionally, others are stationed in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. In other business the board: • Approved several items requested by the wastewater treatment plant supervisor Dave Henderson.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Young Tigers Seek Lights For Field

With participation growing in the Young Tiger Football and Cheerleading organizations, members of its board of directors attended the Warsaw Parks Department meeting Tuesday with information regarding a potential new lighting system for Fribley Field. The Young Tigers organization is proposing lighted games Saturday nights to allow for more games to be played on the field.Various options for light installment and payment processes are currently being evaluated. "The ball is in (the Young Tigers') court," president Bill Baldwin said."If they collect the information and find a good option, then the parks board can support them." If approved, the Young Tigers said all residents adjacent to the field would be contacted regarding the new light fixtures.The organization is seeing continuing growth year after year and had 165 participants last season.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Annual Jail Report Given To Council

In 2005 there were 3,946 people booked into the Kosciusko County Jail, according to Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine's year-end jail report. That figure is 7 percent less than 2004's booking number of 4,244. The annual report is a requirement in Indiana, made to the circuit court. Rovenstine also presented it to the county council Thursday. Failure to appear/comply (1,477) led the list of most common bookings.Alcohol-related offenses (1,415) were the second-highest number. There were no "in custody" deaths, escapes or attempted escapes in 2005. A digital camera recording system replaced the analog recording system last year. Continuing programs for inmates include: • In-house administration of GED exams offered by an Indiana Licensed Administrator through Warsaw Community High School.Classes are given weekly to prepare inmates for the exam.
TERESA SMITH Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Council Tells KDI It's Up To Commissioners To Approve Funding

Roger Moynahan's pitch to secure funding for an enhanced economic development system, namely a full-time director and staff, through Kosciusko Development Inc.was thrown back by the county council Thursday. "It's up to the county commissioners," said Harold Jones, council president."We're not going to make a motion that the commissioners take a stance.We've done that before and gotten our hand slapped." Moynahan presented a Columbus newspaper article about Kosciusko County, "the state's economic development flagship," and an Indiana Economic Development Corp.graphic showing five expansion-retention projects, and the attraction of four new county businesses. KDI had a hand in these developments. Moynahan, the outgoing KDI chairman, has approached the council and commissioners repeatedly, for more than a year, to secure additional funding.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sheriff Rovenstine Serving On Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board

Kosciusko County Sheriff C.Aaron Rovenstine has added one more duty to his plate -Êmembership on the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. In September 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Rovenstine to the 17-member board that oversees police training as well as disciplinary matters at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.The entire board, along with the advisory council, is selected by the governor. Rovenstine, who represents county sheriffs in counties with at least 50,000 population, will serve on the board until Dec.31, the end of his current term as Kosciusko County Sheriff. "I am honored to have been chosen for this board," Rovenstine said."It is an honor to be a part of it.A group of gifted and talented people comprise the board." Currently, one of the main duties of the board is to oversee training procedures for law enforcement officers throughout the state.This is the part of the job Rovenstine is looking forward to most.
TERESA SMITH Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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