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Lakeview Teacher Chases New Career As An Astronaut

Lakeview science teacher Dan Wray has been fascinated with space and with manned space flight since he was a kid. Now he may have a chance to live his dream. Wray, 41, is one of 30 to 60 finalists, out of a field of more than 1,600 applicants, for the position of educator astronaut at Johnson Space Center in Houston. "This is no teacher-in-space stunt," Wray said Tuesday, adding that the educator astronaut actually will become a NASA employee."They're trying to inspire a new generation of astronauts." Wray cited his interest in space travel as one of his reasons to apply for the position. "It gives me a chance to couple my occupation as a teacher with my passion for space exploration and space flight," he said.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Family Remembers 9/11 Victim With N.Y. Trip

Karen Juday wasn't supposed to be at work the day terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center Sept.11, 2001. But her appointment for the day was canceled and she went in to work on the 101st floor of Tower One.She was the administrative assistant for Cantor Fitzgerald.According to what her family found out, Juday was on the phone with the company chief executive officer when the first plane hit. For the 9/11 Memorial Service this year, members of Juday's family traveled to New York to remember and reflect, including Warsaw's Dawn and Roger Ransbottom and their children, Cheyenne Albertson and Daren Ransbottom. Thursday, they, along with Dawn's brother Brad Hamilton, talked about their Aunt Juday, New York and the memorial service. "She was a happy-go-lucky person," said Dawn of Juday.Her hair style and color changed all the time.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Groundbreaking Planned At Pierceton

PIERCETON - R.L.Gilbert Utility Contractor Inc.plans a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m.in the Arnolt Industrial Park. R.L.Gilbert plans to begin excavation and construction of the site in October.The new building will be east of Herman's Christmasland south of U.S.30. The company was established in September 1989 and incorporated in July 1998.Richard L.Gilbert is president and his daughter, Kristi M.Gilbert, is vice president. R.L.Gilbert Inc.is currently located near Ridinger Lake and the move near U.S.30 will allow the company easier access to a major highway, said Leisa M.Green, financial director. Current plans include two buildings with three separate sections.Construction will include a 4,000-square-foot facility for administrative offices.The second building will house field services offices and a maintenance garage, for a total of 15,000 square feet.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Dalton Cited By IOSHA

Dalton Foundry of Warsaw was cited for two violations recently after a review of a June incident in which an amputation occurred. The related violations are considered "serious" and the Indiana Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a $5,000 fine to be levied against the company.Dalton is contesting the allegations. According to IOSHA, the violations were grouped because they involve related hazards that may increase the potential for injury resulting from an accident. The first violation indicates that industrial truck drivers were not required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles wherever vision was obstructed, and that on June 5 such a violation resulted in an amputation.IOSHA officials declined to name the injured worker.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Webster Housing Approved

NORTH WEBSTER - This time next year, senior citizens in North Webster will likely have affordable housing. No remonstrators were present at a public hearing Wednesday at the start of the North Webster Town Council meeting; about a dozen people supportive of the project were in attendance. "Mark my word," said Bob Murphy of Murphy & Associates, Larwill."One year from now, we will have the apartments built and done ...It is going to happen." Murphy is working with the town on securing grant funding for the senior citizen housing complex northwest of the United Methodist Church in Epworth Forest.Wednesday's hearing was necessary to approve submitting the grant application. The 20 units planned will be duplexes with garages between them, an administration building and a clubhouse.The units - eight one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom - will come equipped with appliances.They will rent for $349 per month and $421 per month respectively.The monthly cost includes utilities.
Ruth Anne Long, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Democrat Hopefuls Speak At 'Meet The Candidates Night'

PIERCETON - More than 20 Kosciusko residents attended an event to learn more about where Democrat candidates stand on issues such as immigration, policing and education. The Kosciusko County Democratic Party held its "Meet The Candidates Night" Wednesday night at Blue Lion Coffeehouse, Pierceton. Democratic candidates who attended the event and spoke about their goals for the Nov.7 race included Chris Rahe, state house candidate for District 23; Larry Rensberger, who is running against seven-term State Rep.Bill Ruppel for the District 22 seat; and Jim Bumbaugh, who is running for sheriff of Kosciusko County. Tom Hayhurst is running for the third district congressional seat in the November general election against incumbent U.S Rep.Mark Souder and also attended the event. The candidates updated those who attended Tuesday night about how their campaigns are going and focused on their campaign issues.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Public Awareness Key To Curbing Meth Use

Last of four parts. Law enforcement officials and community groups in Kosciusko County are turning to public awareness of methamphetamines as a way to combat its use and manufacture.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Lakeview Gets Grant For 'Safe Haven'

Lakeview Middle School will be able to offer several unique before- and after-school programs this year because of a "Safe Haven" grant it recently received from the state. "We're very, very excited about it," Lakeview principal Pat Deck said."I think it's going to have a really positive impact on our kids." According to Deck, the school will receive a grant for $17,334 for programs that will target kids that could be considered at-risk. "We're going to implement programs that reduce substance abuse, reduce violent behavior and promote educational progress," she said. The program is a cooperative effort between Lakeview and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kosciusko County, Deck said.The Boys & Girls Club will provide some staff and help develop programs.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Islam, Terrorism And The Mideast

Part two of four: Islam's teachings and practices Editor's Note: Dr.Davis has had extensive contact with the Arab world and Islam through his participation in 10 archaeological expeditions to the Middle East.He is the author of 17 books and is professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake.He also writes the weekly column, "Outdoor Scene," for the Times-Union. With the widely publicized declarations of Muslim extremists calling for holy war (Jihad) against the United States and the Western world, many are wondering just what kind of religion Islam really is. Remember that it was in the name of Allah, the God of Islam, that terrorists crashed domestic airliners into the Trade Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Dr. John Davis- | July 28, 2016

Fisher Sentenced For Theft, Burglary

A slight confrontation occurred among family members when Jason Fisher was sentenced this morning on charges of burglary and theft. Fisher, who was released from custody for murder after accusing his father in the death of Kathy Vroman, was sentenced by Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed to four years in prison for burglary and 1-1/2 years for theft.The terms were ordered served concurrently and Fisher will be given credit for time already spent in jail on the charges. Fisher, 24, of Millersburg, pleaded guilty in August to his role in a December 2000 burglary at Rice Ford, Warsaw, during which more than $100,000 worth of vehicles were taken. Police and court testimony in the case against Jason Fisher's father, Ralph Fisher of Shipshewana, indicated that the Jan.15, 2001, murder of Kathy Vroman of Milford was related to the vehicle thefts and that those thefts were part of a bigger car-theft ring.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

State Auditor Visits Warsaw, Decries State's Fiscal Condition

When push comes to shove, Indiana State Auditor Connie Nash will be able to say, "I told you so." The shoving is due to begin fairly soon, according to the former Huntingburg mayor.She doubts that schools, universities and local governments will receive spring 2002 revenue payments. "They"ll probably have to borrow to continue operation," she said. Nass isn't pulling any punches and wants citizens to know state government is virtually broke. The surplus is dramatically reduced from last year, equaling only half of the previous year's surplus ($808 million), just a fraction of the $2 billion enjoyed in 1999. Without $101 million in appropriations from various state agencies added by the Legislature "in the dead of night," the state would have a negative cash balance this year. For the last two years Nass has presented "A Report To Indiana Citizens on the State's Finances" that explains in graphics and simple language where all the money has gone.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Volunteers Drive Area's AIDS Task Force

FORT WAYNE - When a small group of volunteers became aware of at least one person in Fort Wayne suffering from AIDS in 1985, they weren't sure what to do to help. So they educated themselves about the disease.They agreed to do that so they could educate the public about the disease.They then provided care coordination for those with HIV and their families. Thus the AIDS Task Force of Northeast Indiana was born, with the same principles in place today - education and care.About eight or nine years ago, the Indiana State Department of Health mandated the Task Force expand to include 11 counties now including Kosciusko. The Task Force is Indiana's geographically largest and its oldest AIDS organization.Over the years, a number of other AIDS service organizations in Indiana have modeled themselves on the Task Force's structure, according to Greg Manifold, executive director.And the Task Force always is happy to be a resource for others in the state, he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Davidson Murder Sentencing Tuesday

Despite a jury verdict to the contrary, more than a dozen Warsaw citizens have sent letters petitioning Judge Rex Reed, Kosciusko Circuit Court, to give Jason Davidson, 34, the lightest possible sentence.According to the letters, Davidson is not guilty of pre-meditated murder and most believe that voluntary manslaughter or reckless homicide would have been more appropriate verdicts. Davidson was found guilty Sept.9 of the May 2, 2002, murder of Samuel Creekmore.He will be sentenced at 1 p.m.tomorrow. "Reckless homicide is the only verdict that made sense to me," one Warsaw woman wrote to Judge Reed."Sam is dead.What a tragedy.And Jason will forever have to live with the fact that his reckless handling of a gun is responsible." That same woman also shared with Judge Reed her personal experiences with Ambien.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Auditor: 2003 Property Tax Rates Still Unknown

In Wednesday's newspaper, a proposed tax rate chart for 2003 pay 2004 is scheduled to run, Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell told the county commissioners today. The chart has nothing to do with 2003 taxes and doesn't apply to the Form 11s people have now. Mitchell said she was hoping the rates for the 2002 taxes payable in 2003 would be received by now, but they had not as of this morning, though they could arrive any day.If they were to arrive today, Mitchell said, the earliest people would be notified of the rates would be next week.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Doctor Headed To Mississippi

Kosciusko Family Healthcare, P.C.announced today that Marilyn Whitney, M.D., Warsaw, will serve as clinical leader of the third medical team Indiana is sending to Mississippi as an official part of Operation Hoosier Relief.The Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana Department of Homeland Security sent Whitney through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact Indiana has with Mississippi.She left this morning and expects to be in the disaster area for approximately two weeks. Whitney is a family practice physician and partner of Kosciusko Family Healthcare.She has extensive training and experience in disaster response. Dr.Whitney was a member of the former Northeastern Indiana/Allen County Medical Response Team.Her disaster response experience includes working with a group serving the U.S.Virgin Islands after Hurricane Marilyn struck.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Drunk Driving Offenders May Face Victims' Panel

Kosciusko County judges may soon be adding a new dimension in their penalties for motorists convicted of drunk driving. The courts have thrown their support behind a proposed program designed by a local counselor to ensure the motorists are aware of the potential consequences. First-time offenders would be required to sit through a session in which victims of drunk driving explain how it has affected their lives.Often, such panels include people whose loved ones have died in drunk driving accidents. "This approaches the social aspect of it in that you're not just affecting yourself, that you're not just taking your own life in your hands, that you are potentially inflicting physical and emotional wounds on other people," said Frank Choate, a Medpark counselor who hopes to create a victims' impact panel similar to those operated in Elkhart and Noble counties.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WHA Welcomes Grantz To Round Out Board

Father Brian Grantz of St.Anne's Episcopal Church joined the Warsaw Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Monday as its seventh member, bringing the board to its new capacity. Grantz was appointed to the board by Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins in answer to recent changes in regulations made by the Indiana General Assembly.The board previously comprised five members and the changes also included adding a client representative.A city council representative serves the board in a nonvoting role and is an eighth member. Grantz joins Bob Kline, Sherri Ruggier-Milton, Dennis Cultice, Tom Lemon, Axa Troncoso and Joel Curry on the WHA board.Bill Rhoades is the city council representative. Board members heard from two Family Self-Sufficiency graduates who were presented with their escrow checks and certificates prior to the start of the meeting.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Cotton Patch Gospel To Perform This Weekend

More than 25 years ago Rick Meads attended a theatrical performance at Grace College. He thought it looked like fun.He soon stepped on the stage and hasn't stepped off. Meads appears in performances of "Cotton Patch Gospel" Friday and Saturday at Rodeheaver Auditorium, which is a return to his alma matter and reunion with mentor Steve Grill. "I was an athlete.I met Steve and was in 'You're A Good Man Charlie Brown,' Meads said. Meads spent time on the Wagon Wheel Theatre stage and graduated with a master's in divinity from Grace Seminary. Initially joining the Lamb's Players Theatre company in San Diego, Calif., he has embarked on an independent theatrical career, performing all over the country in various productions as actor and director. He looks forward to this weekend and urges folks to attend.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Council Approves Abatement For G.I. Printed Tape

Though the Kosciusko County Council usually is not in favor of tax abatements, the council Thursday approved an abatement for the construction of a building not yet built. Attorney Richard Helm, representing the petitioners - Jerry and Marilyn Irvine of G.I.Printed Tape and Polishing Inc.- told the council the business has been in the community for 51 years.The business is growing and wants to move to the Airport Industrial Park.Right now, Helm said, the abatement is just for the building, but in one to 1-1/2 years, G.I.Printed Tape may ask for an abatement for equipment. Over the foreseeable future, Helm said, the number of employees is expected to double from five to 10.The business makes all types of labels. Councilman John Kinsey said he's known Irvine for a number of years and he sees no better way "to help one of our own, so to speak."The business will definitely grow, and Kinsey made a motion to approve the abatement.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Souder Speaks To Local GOP; Wiggins Honored

Republicans held their 24th Annual Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday with Fourth District Congressman Mark Souder, Fort Wayne, as guest speaker. Souder's speech focused mainly on the Sept.11 terrorist attacks and the effect they had on the economy. "I strongly believe unless you have a strong economy, the rest will not work," he said. While the tax rebate checks would have bolstered the economy, Souder said, the terrorist attacks changed the outlook.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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