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Pierceton To Refinance Bond Issue, Save Thousands In Interest

PIERCETON - What do you get when you take a 10-year-old bond issue and refinance it? A lower interest rate and a savings of between $73,000 and $116,000. That's why the Pierceton Town Council on Monday gave the go-head to Todd Samuelson of H.J.Umbaugh & Associates of Plymouth to start the paperwork for the new bond issue. Samuelson told council members that the outstanding 1988 bonds have an average interest rate of 8.66 percent.Similar bonds sold today would carry an interest rate of just 5.5 percent, he said. Although the town will expend about $20,000 to complete the refinancing, it will save a great deal more on bond repayment depending on the option chosen - Samuelson offered two. The first option would lower the annual debt service requirement from $36,900.41 to $32,609.85, keep the pay-off date at Jan.1, 2015, and create a net savings of $72,939.50.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Council Transfers $100,000 For Prisoner Healthcare

"The more folks we put in jail the more we inherit their behavior and health problems.We're responsible to care for them," County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said asking for a $100,000 medical inmate appropriation from the county council Thursday. The inmate medical account balance is $162.33.The fund's balance began at $170,000.The request was approved. Rovenstine said the local hospital charges the county the "regular" rates for prisoner care.They are not offered a discount.Bills for prisoners from the department of corrections are reimbursed and deposited in the general fund as well as medical bills for Delaware County prisoners, which are paid by that county. The sheriff said several counties have contracted medical service for their jail populations.He has seen presentations from two companies.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Training Requirement Dropped For Local Election Workers

Training sessions for Kosciusko County election employees will no longer be mandatory. The election board approved the drop of the mandatory requirement Friday.The board also approved dropping the reduction in pay for those employees who missed the training sessions. The motion came from a suggestion by Democratic Party Chairman Steve Haines. The board reasoned that most election workers had worked the polls many times in the past and didn't need the repeated training. The board also discussed the financial reports of local candidates.Board Secretary Marsha McSherry said some candidates haven't filed their reports yet.It was determined that a courtesy letter or call would be made to those who have yet to file. The Wawasee School Board also requested that their attorney, David Kates, be present election night at the polls.Kates does not represent any candidate so the board determined that they will appoint him as a watcher.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Library Gains National Acclaim

With its collection, services and variety of programs, Warsaw Community Public Library patrons have known for years they get aÊgood return for their money. The library captured national attention this month as one of the top 10 libraries in the nation for services to its population by Hennen's American Public Library Ratings, or HAPLR. Public relations associate Jo Ann Byers advised the library board of trustees of the distinction at the board's meeting Monday. Statistical data such as cost per circulation, visits per capita and funding per capita are tabulated to produce the HAPLR Index ratings. The HAPLR Index uses six input and nine output measures.Author Thomas J.Hennen Jr.scores each library within a population category to develop a weighted score.The population categories change at 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000 and 500,000. WCPL was 10th in the 10,000 to 25,000 population category, scoring 859 points out of 1,742.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Concerned Citizens' Attend WCS' Budget Hearing

What formerly was a mostly routine annual formality has now become another matter to be closely scrutinized by a local citizens' group. And at Tuesday's Warsaw Community Schools' hearing before the Department of Local Government Finance on the 2004 budget, several members of Concerned Citizens for Quality Education were present to ask questions. The school corporation, as well as every other taxing unit, undergoes the hearing each year.The DLGF hearing officer collects information, asks questions and submits all the collected data to the DLGF commissioner, who then renders a decision. In the school corporation's case, the budget is presented, any objections are heard, then the DLGF considers the situation and comes back later with the corporation's tax rate for the next year. Usually it's a pretty routine event.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Gets $131,000 For Mentoring Program

SYRACUSE - With all Wawasee school board members present Tuesday, the board meeting was highlighted by the announcement of a $131,000 grant from the Department of Education for a new mentoring program for at-risk middle school students. Working with Marsha Streby from the Bowen Center, the grant was developed and will be a model.Ms.Swartzentruber explained the Bowen Center would handle the entire financial end and work closely with Wawasee Middle School to begin a mentoring program that will match community volunteers with at-risk students. Students and their mentors will meet weekly during the school day.The objective is for the student to have fewer incident/discipline referrals, decrease the number of unexcused absences and demonstrate improvement in math and English/language arts.The mentors will undergo a criminal background check and have training in how to mentor.
DARLENE REDINGER, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Chocola Speaks At Local GOP Dinner

Chris Chocola, Republican candidate for U.S.Representative in the Third District, visited Warsaw Thursday to attend the Republican Hall of Fame banquet and discuss his campaign. One of Chocola's biggest issues is how important it is for congressmen to live, work and raise their families in the district they are elected to represent. Chocola has been critical of his opponent, Congressman Tim Roemer, for not raising his family or paying property taxes in Indiana.Chocola said if Roemer isn't a member of this community, he can't understand what life is like here. He said Roemer has used the argument that Congress is in session 11 months out of the year and he can't live and raise his family in this community. "That's not true," said Chocola, adding that Congress is in session only six months of the year and out of session 25 weeks. "Roemer's clearly a Washington guy," said Chocola."That doesn't make him a bad guy.It just makes him ineffective as a representative.
ANITA WEISHEIT, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Triton Superintendent Steps Down, High School Principal Steps Up

BOURBON - Triton School Corp.Superintendent Rex Roth is in his 13th year with the school corporation.This is his last year.Roth will retire next summer. "I think it's time to move aside and let someone with more energy than me (take over)," Roth said. And that someone is Triton Junior-Senior High School Principal Ted Chittum. "I think we're very fortunate to have someone with Ted's experience, interest in the job and energy level available," Roth said. Now in his second year as high school principal, Chittum will assume his new position in July when Roth leaves.Roth submitted his resignation two weeks ago, but school board members have known for more than a year that Roth was considering retirement.So board members had time to consider a replacement.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCS Goes Online With New Website

Patrons of Warsaw Community Schools can check on their children's school or look up the latest school board notes via computer now that WCS has its own home page on the Internet: www.warsaw.k12.in.us Developed by Nancy Rooker, a member of the WCS technological development team, the site includes individual pages on each of the corporation's 13 schools, plus an introduction to the superintendent, information about the school board's strategic plan and links to other educational sites. In a report to the school board Monday night, Rooker explained that the site has been accessible to the public since Oct.1.The schools' individual pages were developed by teachers and students at each school.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Whitko Program Targets At-Risk Students

PIERCETON - At-risk students at Whitko Middle School will soon have a program to help them avoid suspensions, expulsions and future school problems. The "School Within a School," or SWS, will focus on middle school students in grades six, seven and eight, JoElla Smyth, WMS principal, told the Whitko school board Monday.Students referred to the program will be those with attendance or disciplinary problems, those needing academic intervention or referrals by teachers or parents. "We hope it's going to make a difference in the lives of kids," Smyth said. Each student in SWS will have an individualized program, Smyth said, and their progress will be monitored closely, including daily reports to parents. The program will be limited to eight to 10 students with one teacher and an aide, Smyth said.The emphasis will be on academics and behavior intervention, and on teaching the students how to develop self-help skills.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Hayhurst Speaks At Democrat Hall Of Fame

SYRACUSE - More than 60 Democrats and Democratic candidates attended the 12th annual Kosciusko County Democrat Hall of Fame Dinner Saturday night. The dinner was held at South Shore Golf Club, Syracuse. Those who attended had the opportunity to listen to area Kosciusko County democratic candidates and hear a message from keynote speaker Tom Hayhurst. Hayhurst is running for the third district congressional seat in the November general election against incumbent U.S.Rep.Mark Souder. Two Democrats were inducted into the Kosciusko County Democrat Hall of Fame during the dinner.Margaret Brooks and Mary Duncan have served as precinct committee members for the past 30 years in Van Buren Township. Three area Democratic candidates spoke about their goals for the Nov.8 race. Chris Rahe, state house candidate for District 23, said this is his first year for running in an election.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Works Board OKs Fire Department's Grant Request

The Warsaw Fire Department will be better equipped to handle rescue operations since it has received approval to apply for a grant for safety equipment. The Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety approved the department's request to apply for a grant and an equipment assistance program at its meeting Friday. The department asked to apply for a grant from the K21 Foundation.The grant would be used for building and trench rescue operations and to assist in any unforeseen emergencies in relation to the Market Street Streetscape Project, according to Rob Barker, chief of training for the Warsaw Fire Department, who attended the meeting. The equipment would include shoring struts, trench and building stabilization, specialized wood sheeting, hand tools, dewatering pumps and ventilation equipment at a cost of approximately $35,000.There is no matching fund involved and no cost to the city.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sewer Dispute Puts Couple's Property Up For Tax Sale

NORTH WEBSTER - A dispute over a sewer hookup has led to a Muncie couple's Backwater Lake property being put up for tax sale. Charles and Goldie Bowen, who own a lakefront cottage on EMS W23 Lane, came before the North Webster Town Council Wednesday to argue the lien placed on the property by the town because they didn't hook on to the sewer system as required.That led to the real estate being listed for tax sale. Council members voted to deny making any adjustment to the bill since the Bowens have had four years to come into compliance.State law requires all developed properties to hook into a sewer system if it is within 100 feet of the real estate.The Bowens argued that the cottage was just a shack and didn't need to be on the sewer system. Clerk-treasurer Peg Lawrance said that many notices about the matter were sent to the Bowens and all went unanswered until now. The couple have until Oct.27 to redeem the property.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Woman Arrested In Internet Fraud Case

Complaints from more than 50 Ebay users across the country led to the arrest of a Warsaw woman on a warrant for theft. Nikki Brindle, of White Wolf Designs, 2603 E.Pine Drive, was arrested Monday for fraudulently selling high-priced electronics over the Internet, Kosciusko County Detective Todd Sautter said.She is being held on $5,000 bond. Reportedly, Brindle placed items for sale on Ebay, and after receiving payment, failed to send the item or issue a refund. Purchasers allegedly were told their items would come in seven to10 weeks, then when they never came, were told Brindle's supplier was back-ordered. Frustrated after waiting for items since early spring, some purchasers requested refunds and never got those, either.That's when the National White Collar Crime Center and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department became involved. The sheriff's department confiscated Brindle's computer and financial records and is investigating the complaints.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Candidates For State Offices Highlighted

Kosciusko County voters will have the chance to vote for candidates for several state offices in the Nov.5 election. Governor: Stephen Goldsmith is the Republican candidate for governor, with George Witwer as his running mate.Frank O'Bannon and Joseph E.Kernan are running on the Democratic ticket, and Steve Dillon and Leona McPherson are the Libertarian candidates. Attorney General: Republican Stephen R.Carter is running against Democrat Jeff Modisett. Superintendent of Public Instruction: The three candidates for the position of overseeing Indiana's school systems are incumbent Republican Suellen Kinder Reed; Democrat Ann England; and Libertarian Steve Dasbach. State Senate, 9th District: The Republican incumbent, Kent Adams, is challenged by Democrat Mark Meissner. State Senate, 13th District: Incumbent Republican Robert L.Meeks is running against Democrat Jay A.Rigdon, of Warsaw.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Biomet Partners With Doctors Of Conjoined Twins

A local orthopedic company is in the process of mapping "a pathway through new territory" by becoming involved with the reconstructive surgery process on recently separated conjoined twins. According to Dr.Dane Miller, president and CEO of Biomet Inc., Biomet will become a commercial partner with the doctors in Dallas, Texas, who are caring for Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim, 2-year-old conjoined twins who were separated Oct.11 in a 34-hour surgery. The boys were joined at the tops of their heads.Skin expanders, placed in their heads and thighs about five months ago, created tissue that was used to cover the wounds resulting from the separation. Most recently, the boys are off antibiotics, and Mohamed sat up Tuesday, with the help of a therapist, for the first time in his 2-year life. As the toddlers begin to move around independently, it's more critical than ever for them to have a safe covering for their skull wounds. That's where Biomet will help.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Triton Contracts For Feasibility Study With ISU

BOURBON - Triton School Corp.will be heading into a feasibility study starting this fall. The Triton school board voted unanimously Monday to contract the study with Indiana State University Department of Educational Leadership, Administration and Foundations professor Dr.Robert L.Boyd. The study will cost $9,500, Triton superintendent Ted Chittum said. Chittum expected the project's completion by spring. Boyd will study the corporation's community and student demographics, school facilities, educational programs and ability to finance capital improvements, the contract says. Boyd will analyze population trends, including projected student populations.He will report on the present conditions of the school facilities compared to building and educational standards.He also will look at the corporation's financial indebtedness, according to the contract.
Matthew Weigelt, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Club pays $1.000 in booze fines

For violations against the club, American Legion Post 49, North Buffalo Street, Warsaw, paid $1,000 in fines, a representative of the organization told the Kosciusko County Alcohol Beverage Commission Thursday. The club's permits for beer, wine and liquor and Sunday sales retailer permits were up for renewal yesterday.Excise Officer Patty Fleck, ABC member, asked the representative to explain the violations. One violation was for having gambling machines in the club.The ABC was told the machines no longer are in the building. For the other violation, a fairly new bartender left her bartender's license at home the day the excise police visited the Legion Post.Since then, everyone's licenses have been copied and are stored at the club to prevent a future problem. After hearing the testimony, the ABC voted unanimously to approve the permit renewals.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Sheriff's Dept. Announces Hirings, Promotion

Change has come to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department. Two new officers, a detective's promotion to lieutenant and the possible addition of a Homeland Security Officer means the department has been extra busy with personnel appointments. Deputy patrolmen Mike Mulligan and Jeff Howie are new hires to the department.Both men have past experience in law enforcement, with Mulligan being a former Wabash City Police Officer and Howie working as a jailer in the Kosciusko County jail. Mulligan began his career in 1999, when he graduated from Ball State University with an associate's degree in criminal justice.He worked as a jailer at the Wabash County Jail for 18 months before his appointment as a Wabash City officer, which he held for three years before coming to Kosciusko County.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Buyer Visits Warsaw

Congressman Steve Buyer will travel a lot over the next six days. With the election only one week away, the two-term Republican will be on the stump throughout his district, which covers a large portion of northwest and north-central Indiana. Buyer made a quick stop in Warsaw Tuesday before flying to Williamsport and West Lebanon.While here, he gave his assessment of the recently concluded federal budget agreement and gave some insights as to what lay ahead for the 106th Congress that convenes in January - a Congress he hopes to be a member of. He said the $1.2 trillion omnibus spending bill funding signed into law last week, while onerous to some, was in the best interests of the country. "I supported the budget agreement with the president because, for all his problems, he is still the president and it is relevant," he said."A shutdown wouldn't have been healthy for the country.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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