Letters to the Editor 09-26-2002

- Dog Tag Clarification - Edgewood Thanks - Don't Criticize Dog Tag Clarification Editor, Times-Union: As a life member of the Howard County Vietnam Veterans' Organization, who just celebrated our 20th consecutive annual reunion, I would like to thank you for the coverage of the presentation of a long-lost dogtag to the son and daughter of Sgt.Dennis Fairchild.Wendy and Troy Fairchild were very touched. However, for whatever the reason, the story contained a few inaccuracies that really need to be corrected.Bob and Ann McMahon of Hancock, N.H., are the people who take Viet vets back to 'the nam' on healing and closure trips and was the one who was responsible for returning with over 1,100 American dogtags in late 2001.

Letters to the Editor 07-10-2001

- Chapman Lake Success - Wonderful Concert - Government Efficiency Chapman Lake Success Editor, Times-Union: Volunteer organizations have many members who participate only because it is their desire that the group succeed and continue on the right track toward whatever goal they have set together.Most seek and want no recognition for what they do.Their only desire is to contribute to a successful venture. This year, at Chapman Lake, there were an abundance of volunteers who stepped forward to assist us when the going got tough July 4th prior to the annual fireworks display, and, again, afterward when we needed to do some things we had not planned to do and for which we were not prepared.

Schools Concerned About Timing Of Tax Distributions

School board officials are concerned about receiving their June 30, 2007, tax distributions because the county assessor's office hasn't submitted the "in-between" reassessments to the auditor's office, let alone to the Department of Local Government Finance for approval. County assessors had until July 1 to submit the new assessments to county auditors for review.County auditors had until Aug.1 to send the documents to the Department of Local Government Finance.The county's assessed values are used to approve budgets and certify tax rates. Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr.Robert Hayworth and Chief Financial Officer Kevin Scott approached the county council Thursday. "We understand the assessors are working hard on trending.It's a tedious and time-consuming process," Hayworth said about the process of taxing a property based on its marketable value."My fear is that it may take longer than we're being told and that pushes back our June 30 distribution.

Taking A Trip Back In Time At The Fair

Rows of restored tractors sat perfectly aligned Monday afternoon down at the Antique Village.

Fire Territory Eyes Upgrades To Fire Station 2, Communications

As part of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Protection Territory’s 2020 proposed budgets, money is being set aside for an architectural study of fire station 2 and for a portion of the countywide communications system.

Commissioners Consider Solar Farm Regulation

With at least two companies approaching Kosciusko County farm producers about using land for the mass production of solar power, Bob Bishop and Mike Long spoke at the county commissioners meeting Tuesday morning to bring awareness to the situation.

New Appraisal Sought For Old City Hall

From a visual standpoint, the interior of the old city hall appears to have been untouched since city workers vacated the building nearly five years ago.

Warsaw St. Dept. Transfer Will Help Pay For Center Lake Pier Removal

Money to remove the old pier at Center Lake has been found. At the Warsaw Common Council meeting Monday night, Public Works Superintendent Dustin Dillon requested the council approved a resolution transferring $400,000 from street salaries into the street repairs and maintenance fund.

Local Businesses Show Support For Chamber In Remodeling Project

SYRACUSE — Often when a new executive director takes over, there are changes.

Get To Know The Team: Warsaw Captains Q&A

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of going to a Warsaw football practice and speaking with four of the team’s five captains. With so much having been written in recent weeks about their performance on the field, and rightfully so, I wanted to peel back the curtain a bit and ask them some questions about themselves. Each of the four players were asked the same eight questions. Below are each of their answers.

Planners Approve Plat, Rezoning, Amendment To Flood Ordinance

Lady Tigers Down Elk. Central To Advance To Title Game

With a defensive plan that quieted Elkhart Central’s two stars and an offensive attack that screamed balance, the host Tigers knocked off the Blue Blazers 46-35 in Friday’s Class 4A Warsaw Sectional girls basketball semifinals. The Tigers (16-7), with their 12th victory in their last 14 games, earned a spot opposite No. 6-ranked Penn (24-2) in Saturday’s 6 p.m. championship. The Kingsmen, 49-19 winners over Goshen in Friday’s second semi, downed host Warsaw 41-28 in late November.

Planners To Hear Request To Operate Taxi Service

Tye Lisenbee, 222 W.Prairie St., is seeking a variance to operate a taxi service with two vehicles in a residential-2 zoned district before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals tonight. The petitioner requests an additional vehicle for the increased demand of his services.The comprehensive plan indicates the land use is commercial, according to preliminary findings. Lisenbee has said he would use Washington Street for parking; however, the creation of a hard surface behind his property has been recommended. While adjacent property owners are in favor of the petition, Fast Cab Taxi Service owner Dave Cesaretti has filed an objection to ASAP Taxi Service's expansion. The BZA meets at 6:30 p.m., a change from the board's regular meeting time of 7 p.m.the fourth Monday of the month.

Webster Community Center Open House Planned

NORTH WEBSTER - The North Webster Community Center board of directors plans an open house for all North Webster High School alumni and families to share in the vision for its future. The open house is Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m.with a social gathering at the American Legion following. The North Webster Community Center, a not-for-profit corporation, was established earlier this year to restore and preserve the former elementary school. At Saturday's open house, visitors can view the display of photographs and memorabilia on display. Former students are encouraged to bring their old photos and memories to share. The NWCC board of directors is taking on the $1.4 million renovation project by transforming the former school into a building that will house many organizations and programs. Installation of new heating and air conditioners began with funding from the International Palace of Sports.The organization has pledged $250,000 over the next 10 years.

Rinker Seeks Abatement In Syracuse, Plans Expansion

SYRACUSE - Rinker Boat Co.is planning an expansion in Syracuse and they are seeking a tax abatement. Tuesday, the Syracuse Town Council approved a resolution declaring an economic revitalization area for Rinker.At the March meeting, the council will hold a public hearing on the abatement and then consider approval of the tax abatement. The economic revitalization area, generally, is bordered by Syracuse-Webster Road on the west, Railroad Avenue on the north, Skinner Ditch on the east and Chicago Street on the south. Syracuse Town Manager Jeff Noffsinger said the company is planning a significant amount of investment over the next few years and will add employees.Before the abatement can be granted, several steps need to be taken, including declaring the economic revitalization area.

Milford Treatment Plant Design Expected Soon

MILFORD - Sometime during the next couple of weeks, Milford utilities superintendent Dallas Winchester said, the engineering design and cost estimate for the new wastewater treatment facilities should be completed. At the Milford Town Council Monday, Winchester said they anticipate that in April, any necessary ordinances that need passed will be introduced.From there, the town will have public hearings, public notices and hear any objections. Bids could come as early as summer. "There's a plan there.Hopefully, we'll meet all the dates on the plan," said Winchester. Bidding for the project could be in July with construction in August.But, in order to get the best rates and bids for the project, Winchester said they may move that timetable. The cost for the construction of the new plant, including engineering fees, is estimated at $852,000.

Good, Ruppel Top Students At Manchester

NORTH MANCHESTER - Christopher Isaac Good was named valedictorian of Manchester High School for the Class of 1998, and Jodee Rachel Ruppel is salutatorian. Good earned the honor with a grade point average of 10.978 on an 11.0 scale.He is active in school athletics, such as cross country, basketball and baseball.He also has helped coach youth basketball and community soccer teams. Besides being valedictorian, Good was president of the National Honor Society this year, and was involved in student council, Junior Achievement consultant and Amnesty International. Good's other honors and awards include the Academic Excellence award, the All A Honor Roll, DAR Good Citizen, NBA Sportsmanship Award, the "I Dare You" Leadership Award and Academic All-State. He plans to attend Manchester College to major in political science.He is the son of Dave and Lois Good.

Bourbon Hears Complaints About Car Business

BOURBON - Neighbors who have complained about the operation of Custom Classic Cars were present at the Plan Commission meeting Monday but owner Tom Smith was not. Many residents complained to the town council last week and were directed to the Plan Commission for a repeat recital of the ways Smith has violated the agreement made with them three years ago. A variance was granted allowing the operation of the business to restore classic cars, but neighbors say the area, located on 12B Road, looks more like a junk yard than a classic car lot.The agreement was that no more than five cars would be on the premises at one time but neighbors report as many as 15 are there.

Garden Walk Planned During Sesquicentennial

The Kosciusko County Master Gardeners have planned the fifth annual garden walk, which features six gardens in the Warsaw and Syracuse areas. The event is planned for June 26 from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m., rain or shine.This year's "Down the Garden Path" costs $6 for adults and children when tickets are purchased in advance and $8 the day of the walk.Tickets are available until the day of the walk at the Kosciusko County Extension office, Anderson Greenhouses, Open Air Garden Center and Greenhouses, Lundy's Greenhouse and Ace Hardwares in Warsaw, Syracuse and North Webster. The property of Bob and June Spearman, north of Dewart Lake, is surrounded by a large wooded lot.The grounds and plants have evolved over the years, June Spearman said. "It was very shady when we moved here 10 years ago.We had to take out four big elms and that opened the grounds up to sun." She has a terraced hillside covered with shade-loving hostas, pachysandra, vinca minor and spirea.

Fund-Raiser To Benefit Bourbon EMS

BOURBON - The Bourbon Emergency Medical Service will benefit from a fund-raiser this spring sponsored by one of the town's newest businesses. EMS board president Ken Cretcher told the board Monday that the owners of Bourbon Street Motorcycles are planning a grand opening celebration for June 7 and would like EMS personnel to hold a chicken barbecue that day, with proceeds going to the EMS.Cretcher said the service needs a new base radio and the cycle shop owners agreed that would be the goal of the project. EMS personnel will sell advance tickets as well as at the barbecue.Tickets may be purchased from any emergency medical technician. Cretcher said an open house for the new EMS building is being planned for 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.May 24 in conjunction with Statewide EMS Week, May 18-24.Members of the all-volunteer service will show visitors around the building, explain equipment used and serve refreshments.