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CCS Gets Big Donation From Local FOP

Christmas in July received a blizzard-like donation in the form of a $7,000 check from FOP Lodge 149 recently. The money puts the Combined Community Services program so far ahead financially that there may be money left over for next year. First, however, volunteer coordinator Ami Pitt has plans to put the funds to good use.The group generally purchases school supplies with $1,500.Last year more than 500 schoolchildren received crayons, pencils, folders, book bags and other materials free. "We were right on target with our usual goal, at about $1,000," Pitt said Monday."This is a huge blessing from the FOP." Travis Marsh, a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department detective and president of the lodge, said the organization has been inactive for several years; 1999 was their last fund-raiser.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Possible Stop On Passenger Rail Line

Warsaw has been identified as a possible stop on a proposed high-speed passenger rail centered in Chicago. Assistant city planner Kristy Mehlberg presented an outline of the proposal during Tuesday's city council meeting. The Indiana Department of Transportation is studying a rail network that would significantly reduce travel time to the Windy City. Many companies headquartered in Chicago have divisions in Warsaw, Fort Wayne, Cleveland and Toledo. A public hearing is set for Aug.2 in the Allen County Public Library from 5 to 7 p.m. The Indiana network is proposed to run from Chicago and connect through Indianapolis to Cincinnati and Louisville using former Amtrak rails. It also would run along northern Indiana to Toledo and Cleveland. Travel time from Fort Wayne to Chicago would take about two hours.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Mulls Over 2005 Budgets

SYRACUSE - For each of the Syracuse department budgets presented to the town council Tuesday, town manager Brian Redshaw provided his recommended alternative budget. Only two of the budgets varied from the department heads' recommendations and Redshaw's recommendation - animal controll/code enforcement and the park department budgets. The town council previously directed Redshaw to provide a balanced budget for 2005, and Redshaw said his recommendations did just that.If the council wants to make any adjustments, Redshaw said, the council will either have to find financial sources from elsewhere or make cuts from someplace.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Water Rates May Be On The Rise

SYRACUSE - No members of the public appeared Tuesday at the Syracuse Town Council public hearing on the water treatment and storage facilities preliminary engineering report. If they had, they would have learned that, based on estimated project costs and with no additional funding, a monthly water bill for a five-eighths-inch meter, 5,000 gallons, may increase from approximately $14 to approximately $31.Sewer rates and property taxes will not be affected, however, under the report presented by Greeley And Hansen. John D.Julien, CPA with H.J.Umbaugh & Associates, financial consultants for Syracuse on the project, said that based on the numbers he has, which are four years old, Syracuse's current water rates are below average.In the worst case scenario, he said, the project will move those rates past average and toward the high end compared to other towns like Syracuse, but every municipality is at a different stage with their water treatment plants.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Parks Board Looks At $1.5 Million '07 Budget

The Warsaw Parks and Recreation Board discussed departmental budgets and reviewed its proposed financial statements for 2007 Tuesday. Department Head Jon Garber explained various increases in the department's accounts, saying the main spikes in this year's budget came from gasoline prices, a new air conditioning unit for the Pete Thorn Center and the purchase and installation of security lights inside Central Park. Along with 3 percent increases in pay for salaried and hourly employees, the main parks and recreation budget totaled $1,579,540, an 8 percent increase from the same budget last year. Garber said additional improvements to the Hire Park BMX track and Center Lake Pavilion are being considered, but funding must be found from other sources not related to the department's budgets.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Want To Be A Millionaire? Cardinal Gives You A Shot

Who wants to be a millionaire? If you are a golfer, you won't have to compete on the television show "Survivor" to be one. Area residents can hit the links for an opportunity at winning $1 million at the Second Annual Cardinal Center Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Shoot- Out for just $1 per ball. The qualifying competition is July 8 and 9 with the final shoot-out July 23. How does the competition work? On July 8 and 9, anyone who pays $1 per swing can hit golf ball(s) at a hole 90 yards away from the tee at golf courses throughout Kosciusko and Marshall counties.Participating golf courses are Maxwelton and South Shore golf clubs in Syracuse, Little Bighorn and Raccoon Run golf clubs in Warsaw, Plymouth Rock in Plymouth and Sprig-O-Mint, Bremen. The five people closest to the pin at each location win qualification prizes and will proceed to the final competition July 23 at Stonehenge Golf Course, Warsaw.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Area Lakes Receive Grants For Enhancement

A $40,000 Lakes and River Enhancement grant was approved for Chapman Lakes Conservation Club Inc.for an initial lakes and watershed diagnostic study for Chapman Lakes. The Indiana State Soil Conservation Board approved the grant for the sponsoring Chapman Lakes organization to undertake its first step in lake enhancement efforts.The conservation club must provide 10 percent of the study cost. The board also approved an engineering feasibility study grant for $60,300 for ongoing projects of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and $15,000 to continue a watershed land treatment project under way at Pike Lake. The Chapman group scheduled a membership briefing for 9:30 a.m.Saturday in the clubhouse to update members on the grant and project.Matt Jarvis, regional watershed conservationist for Indiana Department of Environmental Management, will address the meeting.
Press release- | July 28, 2016

AWL Suffering Through Lack Of Funds, Staff

Animal Welfare League President Margaret Kennedy said reality has set in for the shelter. "As far as financially, we're not doing terribly well.We're running out of dog food.We're always out of puppy food.Donations are dropping, I don't know if that's because of the time of year or what," said Kennedy Monday. The organization is also taking applications for a new co-director of the shelter to replace Lisa Barber.Tracy Yates remains as the other co-director. "Lisa Barber has decided she wanted to step down as co-director," said Kennedy.She said it was not financially feasible for Barber to continue working at the AWL.AWL needs a co-director to "take care of hiring and firing with Tracy.They'll train volunteers.They'll take care of advertising.They'll also do fund-raising," Kennedy said. Yates handles the day-to-day operations of the AWL, such as food, medicine, the animals and cages.She also helps train volunteers and employees, Kennedy said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waubee Lake Park Security Issues Discussed

MILFORD - Aside from budget matters Monday, the Milford Town Council discussed concerns about security and safety at Waubee Lake Park. "We need to have lifeguards and if we don't, we need to have a big sign" saying that people swim at their own risk, said councilman Robert Phillips. If there are no lifeguards on duty, councilman Douglas Ruch asked if there was "any thought to putting up a locked rope or chains to close off the beach? They'd still have access to the park." Phillips said he saw no problem with people having access to the beach without lifeguards there if they realize they're swimming at their own risk. Hobbs said beach and park regulations need to be posted clearly.He said he didn't think they've had many problems with people being at the beach after it's closed.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Reed Suspends Schues' Sentences

A Warsaw couple arrested in October 2004 for running a marijuana-growing operation was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Thursday afternoon. Kenneth and Laura Schue, both of 460 E.CR 450S, Warsaw, submitted plea agreements to admit guilt to marijuana-related charges in May and received their sentences and a brief lecture from Kosciusko Circuit Judge Rex Reed Thursday. Citing marijuana as a first step to the use of more severe drugs, Reed told the Schues, "Stay away from it." Kenneth Schue pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana in excess of 30 grams, a Class D felony.He was handed a 1-1/2 year prison sentence that was suspended.He will spend the time of the sentence on probation, and as part of that probation he must pay a $100 administrative, $100 initial and $25 monthly probation user's fees.He also was ordered to pay a $100 fine, a $1,000 drug interdiction fee and court costs.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Child Safety Rules Change Friday

As of Friday, child passenger safety rules will change across Indiana. State officials passed new laws, which are more expansive than those previously on the books.The grace period allowed people to learn about the law and prepare for the changes it entails. "People should be aware of the new laws because they will be enforced beginning July 1," said Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine. According to www.in.gov/cji/clickit, "Indiana state law requires that as of July 1, 2005, all children ride properly fastened by a child restraint, which can include a belt-positioning booster seat until their eighth birthday." A child from birth to 1 year of age who weighs 20 pounds or less should be properly restrained in a rear-facing infant seat. A rear/forward facing convertible seat may be suitable for a child after age 1 until age 2, or when he/she weighs 20 to 40 pounds.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

More Lake Regulations May Be On The Way

Are more regulations needed to restrict organized activities on waterways in Indiana? With the so-called "Home Rule Lake Legislation," the means for people to get restrictions put on organized activities on waterways such as Lake Wawasee or Tippecanoe will be in place once the law takes effect. The final hearing for the legislation is in late August, according to Steve Roth, Indiana Department of Natural Resources property manager of Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area.The legislation, if approved, will probably be in effect next year, he said. Roth said the DNR is neutral on the legislation, but if approved, they will abide by it.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Rally' Can't Rescue Effort For Fire Vehicle

MILFORD - Sixty people in support of the town's role in assembling an attack rescue truck for the volunteer fire department wasn't enough to sway two council members' opinions. In what was termed by some as another embarrassing "Mickey Mouse" session of Milford Town Council, town leaders bickered again over whether to have any financial role in acquiring a truck firemen say is needed. Milford Fire Chief Ned Hunsberger said the equipment vehicle currently used can't carry all of the needed equipment to traffic accidents and fires. As has been the case in recent months, the three councilmen remained steadfast in their positions.Don Wolferman said the town doesn't need it.Robert Beer says the town can't afford it, while Doug Ruch argued in support of it.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KDI Gets $10,000 Grant

Kosciusko Development Inc.and Chamber of Commerce president Joy McCarthy-Sessing reported Wednesday that KDI's first quarterly report for Community Development Action Grant will be due July 7. KDI will receive approximately $10,000 in a Community Development Action Grant.Funding from the CDAG program, which is administered by the Community Development Division of the Indiana Department of Commerce, is awarded biannually.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCS Textbook Costs Rising Slightly

Textbook costs will increase slightly next year for students in Warsaw Community Schools, the school board approved Monday. Costs for high school and middle school students will vary according to classes.But elementary school textbook fees will be: kindergarten - $56; grade one - $97; grade two - $89; grade three - $94; grade four - $88; grade five - $98; and grade six - $99. The board also heard from maintenance director Greg Schroeder that the renovation project for Lakeview Middle School ceilings will be canceled. Schroeder said a contractor alleged collusion during the bidding process, charging that other contractors conspired to lock him out of the bidding. School corporation attorneys said WCS did nothing wrong, Schroeder said, but because of the charges, there is no time now to re-bid the project and do the work before the next school year starts.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton CEO Invited To D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-ÊThe National Republican Congressional Committee recently announced that John Burnau, president and chief executive officer of Pierceton Rubber Products was invited to attend an emergency meeting of the business advisory council in Washington, D.C. Burnau will give input and recommendations on Social Security, the energy cost crisis and immigration while in Washington.He also will attend the president's dinner June 14, joining members of the House of Representatives and Senate and other Republicans. Burnau serves as an honorary chairman on the NRCC's business advisory council, which is a small group of conservative businessmen and women who have joined together to advocate a progressive, conservative pro-business agenda.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Tips For A Safe July 4 Holiday

The Indiana State Department of Health has some tips for making this Fourth of July safe. The single most important step in preparing and consuming food is to wash your hands before cooking, serving or eating.It is especially important to wash your hands after handling raw meat, ground beef and poultry. "It's deceptively simple, but it works," said Art Logsdon, assistant commissioner for Consumer Regulatory Services at the Indiana State Department of Health. Another method for avoiding food-borne illness is to buy a good meat thermometer and use it to make sure the meat is cooked to appropriate temperatures.Pork and ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 155 degrees for at least 15 seconds.If you don't have a meat thermometer, cook meats until the juices run clear.Ground beef should be brown or at least brownish pink in the center before it's served.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Manchester Looks To Upgrade Gym

NORTH MANCHESTER - North Manchester School board members heard from two architects Tuesday regarding renovations for the high school's gymnasium: Moake-Park Group Inc.and Barton Coe Vilamaa, both of Fort Wayne. School board member Todd Speicher explained that the trustees advertised for architects and now are hearing presentations from four architects.Two presentations were heard Tuesday night and two more will be heard within the next couple of weeks.The next step will be to receive bids, and then the trustees will make a decision on which company to hire, Speicher said Tuesday. Assistant school superintendent Kim Thurston said a conservative amount Manchester Community Schools can budget for the renovations is $2 million. The corporation would like renovations to begin April 1 and end Aug.1, if possible.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Arthur's Fresh Market A Step Closer To Opening In Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Arthur's Fresh Market, a new fresh produce market concept by Marsh Supermarkets, is another step closer to coming to Syracuse after Thursday's Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. The board approved Marsh's petitions for an exception to allow multiple uses in a commercial district and the petition for a variance to allow 104 parking spaces where ordinance requires 192 spaces.The property is on the west side of Huntington Street and zero feet south of Pickwick Drive. According to Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission assistant planner, the new store will be on three lots - the old hotel, the old laundromat and a grassy lot, all of which will be razed.The town of Syracuse sent a letter supporting the petitions as did the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Area Kids Celebrate 'Wild, Wild West' In Mermaid Festival Parade

NORTH WEBSTER - Cowboys and Indians, pioneers and saloon girls participated in the 58th annual "Wild, Wild West" Mermaid Festival Cutie Parade Wednesday. Proceeding down Ind.13 were 133 walking, hand-drawn and motorized entries from the region. Participants donned cowboy hats and boots and applied war paint and feathers to follow the "Wild, Wild West" theme. All the children were accompanied by adults, who either strolled alongside, donned costumes themselves or served as the muscle for hand-drawn units or as drivers for the motorized units. One covered wagon driver, secured in his car seat, fell asleep at the reins.Another participant, a blond, curly-haired Indian, hid behind her mother's legs when a photographer tried to capture her image on film.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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