Relevance Date

WCS Adjusts Drug Testing Policy

Students who use a nitrite product to alter the results of school drug tests will be treated as if the drug test was positive, the Warsaw school board decided Monday. Klear¨, a potassium nitrite product sold by mail or over the Internet, can be used to mask the presence of marijuana in standard urine tests, said Walter Mann of client services at Kosciusko Community Hospital. Nitrite is a naturally occurring substance in urine, he said.However, the amount needed to mask the presence of marijuana is approximately 100 times that which naturally occurs, he said. "You never mask a urine sample unless there's something in it you want to mask," he said. The board unanimously voted Monday to suspend the usual 30-day waiting period for a policy change.They then amended the drug testing policy to specify that if a urine sample tests positive for an adulterating substance, the student tested will be held as responsible as if he or she had tested positive for drugs.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Baker Youth Clubs Names Furnivall As Director

For only the fourth time in its 77-year history, Baker Youth Clubs has a new executive director. Tracy Furnivall, 36, Warsaw, has been selected as the new director.He replaces Scott Wiley, who resigned effective Oct.31. Wiley served as director from 1992 to present.Before him, Bob Lichtenwalter ran the club from 1963 to 1992; and Pete Thorn was the first director, from 1926 to 1963. Asked why he wanted to become the Baker Youth Clubs director, Furnivall said he grew up in Warsaw and at the Baker Youth Clubs.Taking over as the director would be a great opportunity and challenge for him to give back to the organization that helped him growing up.He wants to be able to give kids today the same opportunities he had.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Drug Task Force Executes Warrant

After several months of investigations, the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force secured warrants for 24 people, and with the help of several local law enforcement agencies, arrested 12 suspects for selling, using and manufacturing illegal drugs Wednesday afternoon. Officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Warsaw Police Department, Pierceton Police Department, Syracuse Police Department, North Webster Police Department and the Kosciusko County S.W.A.T.team served warrants issued by the Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office for offenses ranging from possession of paraphernalia (a Class C misdemeanor) to dealing methamphetamine (a Class B felony). Donna Anderson, 50, of 419 Village St., Pierceton, was arrested for allegedly dealing cocaine, a Class B felony.Her bond was set at $10,000.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Director Recommends Change In Internet Service

Warsaw Community Public Library Director Ann Zydek reported on a plethora of meetings attended by library officials in September, including an Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority forum at the Peabody Public Library, Columbia City. During that meeting, Zydek gathered information pertaining to the new Indiana library consortium for Internet services.Last month, the board of WCPL trustees denied the option of joining the consortium, a decision Zydek believed should be reviewed further. Due to the closing of Intelenet, WCPL's current Internet provider, board members have researched other means of acquiring Internet access.After attending the INCOLSA forum, Zydek recommended approving the consortium application to allow for library flexibility in a final decision.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Donation will fund spay, neuter program

SYRACUSE - For some time, Syracuse Animal Control Officer Dee Cotterman has wanted to start a spay and neuter program in Syracuse. Tuesday, Syracuse Town Marshal Tom Perzanowski announced at the town council meeting that Cotterman's dream will become a reality with a $10,000 donation the town received from the Mary Kuhns Foundation for the program. Cotterman told the council she has one veterinarian willing to work with this program now.She is trying to get a second veterinarian so people will have a choice. Up to 100 percent of the costs to spay and neuter a dog or cat can be paid, depending on the pet owner's need.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Columnist Says Values Need To Be Re-Established

Columnist Cal Thomas lives 15 minutes from the Pentagon, making the last three weeks since the Sept.11 terrorist attacks one of the most difficult times of his life. Just two weeks ago Thomas toured Ground Zero, looking at the devastation left from the attacks.While there he talked to a firefighter who agreed with him that the attacks were the result of America's multiculturalism, having lost its sense of right and wrong and being soft on crime. Thomas spoke heavily about the terrorist attacks as the featured speaker Saturday at Rodeheaver Auditorium, Winona Lake.His appearance is part of the American Lyceum Lecture Series presented by Grace College and The Village At Winona.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zimmer Announces New Global Executive Team

Zimmer Holdings Inc.recently announced members of the new executive team that will lead the company with the completion of the Centerpulse acquisition, creating the world's No.1 pure-play orthopedic company. The Centerpulse acquisition was completed Thursday. The new executive group and corporate structure are consistent with the long-standing company philosophies of choosing the best individual for positions regardless of prior affiliation; managing geographical territories with local nationals; operating with integrated business structures and multi-skilled general managers; and centralizing specialty skillsets with global standards of excellence, the company stated.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Community Center Takes Shape In Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Almost four months after the July 9 groundbreaking, the Lakeside Park Community Center, Syracuse, is taking shape. According to Syracuse Parks and Recreation Superintendent Michael Hixenbaugh, "I think we're right on target."The goal is to move in in May and open in June. The center will be more than 15,000 square feet and will sit on approximately 3.8 acres of donated property.The steel frame for the gymnasium was completed Sept.27.Most of the concrete is finished except for the gym and some detail work. Framing for the rest of the facility started Oct.3.Grass seed is planted and the slope to the parking area is stabilized, he said.The electricians also have the transformer pad completed. "Our goal is, it looks like we're pretty close to getting the decking on before November," said Hixenbaugh on the next big step for the center to be completed.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Tippy Valley Takes Care Of Business

• Policy changes address access to school records BURKET - One new policy and three updates to policies were given their first reading Monday at the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.school board meeting. The new policy addresses records and access to public disclosure. Under the policy, the superintendent is the records access officer and must assume responsibility for public records release decisions. All requests for access to public records must be made in person during regular business hours.Requests must identify the record for which disclosure is sought on forms provided by the corporation.Records may be inspected only at the office or location where they are regularly maintained.Copies may be obtained at the cost established by the superintendent.
Stories by David Slone, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

Family Settles In Warsaw After Surviving Katrina

Choosing to change a lifestyle is one thing.Losing nearly everything and being forced to start over is a whole different story. For the last six weeks, the Perez, Soriano and Cabrera families, all closely related, drove 5,000 miles between six cities in hopes of evading the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.One mother and the families of her son and two daughters stuck together throughout the last month and a half, living through terrible traffic conditions and an ever-changing living situation. Seven days ago, the families finally arrived in Warsaw, where they plan to make a fresh start and put the memories of hurricane evacuations behind them.Their optimism is genuine, but the strained looks on their faces expose the recent bouts of insomnia, stress and horrific memories they experienced on the journey to their new home.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Coping With Parking Problems

Several initiatives are under way to help people cope with the lack of parking at Warsaw Community Public Library now that its 64-space parking lot is no longer available. The first signs of the long-awaited expansion project appeared over the weekend when a chain link fence was erected around the parking lot. With the lot cordoned off, library patrons will have to seek out parking opportunities further from the building. That's no small task, considering the lot is used by an estimated 3,600 patrons every week and 36 library employees. Currently, the library has about 10 spaces available north of the building for up to 30 minutes per visit.Another 10 parking spaces north of the old parking lot will become available by early spring. "When we looked at this project, we knew that would be the hardest part," said library director Ann Zydek.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Weyler's Death Complicates Barbee Lakes Sewer Future

The death of John Weyler, president of the Barbee Lakes Conservation District, has created a scenario in the upcoming February election that could kill the $18 million sewer project. Weyler died unexpectedly Friday while working on his boat. He was buried Tuesday and a moment of silence was observed Tuesday night during the conservation district's regularly scheduled board meeting at the Barbee Conservation Club. But soon after, the board and about 60 onlookers settled into a tense and divisive meeting as the board continues to move toward plans for an extensive sewer project that would serve Irish, Sechrist, Kuhn, Little Barbee and Big Barbee lakes. While details of the February election were discussed briefly, the potential implications - that control of the board could shift - is readily apparent. "With this next (election) we know that if three of the opposition get in, it's pretty much a dead issue," said Jack Maule, who now serves as the board president.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Being Safe The Real Treat

Halloween can be a fun time of the year, but it can also be dangerous if safety precautions aren't taken. The following tips are from the Indiana State Police. When buying a costume, check that it is flame-retardant so children aren't in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards.Costumes should be kept short to prevent tripping, falls and other "bumps in the night." Instead of masks, try make-up.Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and obstruct a child's vision.Children should wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes.If they do wear masks, make sure the eyeholes in the mask are wide enough and the mask fits properly.Don't wear a mask that is too loose. Trick-or-treaters always should be in groups so they aren't a tempting target for real-life goblins.Parents should accompany young children.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Education Summit Focuses On Security

Taking a somewhat different approach this year, the sixth annual Education Summit Tuesday tackled issues affecting school and community safety. According to chairman John Ganyard, the goal is to put programs in place to help kids in trouble before problems start. "This problem's ours and it's a problem in every community....Nothing's going to happen unless we get involved with the problems affecting our youth," Ganyard said."We will succeed.We will protect our youth." The Education Summits began in 1994 to bring together representatives from business, education and the community to develop programs that will help students become successful citizens. Past summits focused on life and career skills and education-to-career programs.The Gold Card, which is earned by students who maintain a C+ average and a 95 percent attendance rate, was a direct result of an Education Summit.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Daniels To Attend Local Political Rally

Mitch Daniels, Republican candidate for governor, will attend a political rally at the Kosciusko County Courthouse Oct.22.Daniels will arrive in RV-1 around 5:20 p.m.at the south steps along Center Street.A convoy of supporters will precede Daniels' recreational vehicle. Ex-Gov.Otis R."Doc" Bowen of Bremen will introduce Daniels. Since July 7, 2003, Daniels has traveled throughout the state and RV-1 is covered with signatures of Hoosier well-wishers. Daniels will share thoughts from his Roadmap to an Indiana Comeback that evening. Other Republican candidates U.S.Congressman Mark Souder, State Reps.Dave Wolkins and Bill Ruppel and State Senate candidate Ryan Mishler also will speak that Friday evening.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Saturday Event Shows Parents How To Keep Kids Safe In Cars

Automobile crashes are the No.1 killer of children under the age of 14. And on an average day in the United States, seven children age 14 and under are killed and 866 more are injured in crashes. One of the simplest ways to avoid injuries and death in children is by using car safety seats, and using them properly. Experts estimate that 80 to 90 percent of child safety seats are misused, and misused car seats lead to injuries and sometimes death. Saturday from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.at Petro's GM Showplace, the Kosciusko Community Safe Kids Coalition, in conjunction with the Allen County Safe Kids, will hold a child's car safety seat inspection so area parents can find out if their car safety seats are installed and used correctly.Balloons, refreshments and literature on child safety will be available.No appointment is necessary.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fate Still Uncertain For Winona Lake Lions Club Building

WINONA LAKE - It wasn't an epic battle of the lions and Christians in the Coliseum, but it was the battle of the Lions, the town and the LeMasters Tuesday night at the Winona Lake Town Council meeting. At issue was who owns the property on which the Winona Lake Lions Club building is located, where West Canal and Esplanade streets meet on the island, and if the building is legally there to begin with. Torrey Bauer, attorney for Jim and Lisa Lemasters, told the board the decision before them was rather straightforward: vacate the right-of-way over the LeMasters' property and let his clients and the service organization negotiate a settlement, or leave the right-of-way in place and require the Lions' building to be demolished or be made a public building.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

n High school renovations to cost nearly $12 million

Bart York, executive vice president of The Skillman Corp., Indianapolis, presented the approximate costs to the school board Monday.The costs include $3,761,631 for new building additions, $7,661,561 for renovations and $290,357 for site work. The size of the renovation is 141,000 square feet, with the new additions being 36,000 square feet.Work includes a new kitchen, mechanical and electrical replacements, updating the building to code, new science rooms, six new classrooms, administration space and renovation of the lecture room. York told the school board the schematic estimates represent what Skillman Corp.believes the design is and what they think the project will cost. "We feel very confident with where we are right now," York said.
BURKET - Schematic estimates for the Tippecanoe Valley High School renovation and additions are estimated at a total of $11,980,154.- | July 28, 2016

Wood A Common Theme In 'Open Studio' On PBS

SOUTH BEND - Several Kosciusko County residents will appear on WNIT's Open Studio Thursday at 7 p.m.The taping was held Sunday with a calm group of local residents. One might say wood is the theme of this particular program as carousel animal carver Tom Wade, furniture maker Gary Green and Olympian Joshua Gohlke appear on the show.Gohlke's work with wood is a martial arts demonstration with a wooden staff. Such is the charm of hosts Chuck Freeby and Erica Bostwick that everyone appears calm, cool and collected while they are the focus of four television cameras rolling around the set. Six of Wade's large animal carvings, with the requisite hole through the middle, are featured.Included is his first attempt to make a carousel horse, crude beside the well-structured models he now crafts.He also is the author of "Carousel Horse Carving," which takes the reader step-by-step through the process.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Discusses Possibility Of Revoking Drivers Licenses Of Expelled Students

SYRACUSE - If a student is expelled from school, should their driver's license be revoked? The Wawasee Community School Corp.debated the issue at their Tuesday board meeting. Board member Marion Acton started the discussion when he asked about the status of vandalism at the football field. Superintendent Dr.Mark Stock said the suspects were arrested and a restitution list was provided to the police.Damages were estimated at approximately $5,000. The school corporation hasn't heard any more information regarding the case, Wawasee High School Principal Alan Frank said.The students were expelled and put into alternative school for the first two trimesters. Based on his experience, Frank said, he doesn't expect to hear anything more for two to three months. In August, those students involved vandalized the Wawasee football field, broke into school buses and broke into the concession stands and the tennis storage room.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
Previous Next