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County Looks At Lean Budget, Token Raises

Kosciusko County - like virtually every other county in the state - is feeling a financial pinch during its current budget cycle. Monday, at Kosciusko County Council's first of three 2004 budget hearings, council chairman Harold Jones said at least three factors - all out of the county's hands - are putting a financial burden on the county. First, the county's share of the County Option Income Tax is being reduced this year by 10 percent by the state because the state claims it overestimated the county's share.Secondly, the low interest rates are bringing in less money for the county.And third, the state has reduced the county's maximum tax levy. With that in mind, Jones said, the budget hearings and decisions all are preliminary."We are kind of leaving everything open at this point," he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Group Seeks To Halt WCS Building Plans

Hoping to get the Warsaw School Board to stop the push toward closing four schools and building two, a group of Kosciusko County residents is now circulating a petition to begin the remonstrance process. Headed by spokeswoman Becky Thomas, the group's goal is to create a committee of representatives from all the elementary schools in the district to take time to study the issues involved and to make recommendations. "It's not that we're against a building project," Thomas said."Let's just look at the overall situation - current facilities, the tax situation, what's best for all the children. "We just want it looked at by the public - representatives from each school equally, not handpicked by the superintendent or the board." The remonstrance is a reaction to a resolution passed by the board at its June 16 meeting.In that resolution, the board voted to add on to and/or renovate Claypool Elementary and build a new school to replace Jefferson Elementary.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Woman Reports Rape At Hawg Waller

HOFFMAN LAKE - A Warsaw woman reported being raped while attending an annual motorcyclist gathering held at Hawg Waller campground near Hoffman Lake. The woman said she was raped by three men in a tent sometime between 3 p.m.Saturday and 4 a.m.Sunday.She was able to describe her alleged assailants to police. Witnesses say they saw the woman walking around the campground naked and appearing dazed Saturday afternoon.Three witnesses, all men, say she wandered into their campsite in the evening and began vomiting. With the help of an unknown female passerby, the men cleaned the woman and allowed her to sleep in their tent for approximately eight hours, until she recovered. According to the men, the woman recovered and upon waking, asked for a drink of soda and wandered away again.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Biomet Seeks 10-Year Tax Abatement

Biomet will ask the Kosciusko County Council for a 10-year tax abatement at the council's Sept.6 meeting. Thursday, attorney Richard Helm, representing Biomet, asked for the council to pass a declaratory resolution so Biomet can present their reasons for the abatement request at the Sept.6 meeting.The resolution is the first step in the process for Biomet to get a tax abatement. Helm said Biomet plans to build a $5.5 million building that will house new machinery and equipment valued at $4 million."We're asking for tax abatement on both," he said. Biomet officials estimate 250 to 300 new jobs will be created.The county will receive approximately $240,000 in taxes annually from the jobs and more than $550,000 in property taxes "over and above" the tax abatement, Helm said. More information regarding the abatement request, Helm said, will be presented at the Sept.6 meeting. Councilman John Kinsey made a motion to accept the declaratory resolution.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Agencies Organize Hurricane Relief

Two national organizations with local chapters are working on relief for the victims of Hurricane Charley. Both the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army local chapters are asking constituents for support to help those in need in Florida and other southeastern states hit by the hurricane. "The extent of the disaster and relief effort is going to be extensive," said Larry Peppel, American Red Cross executive director. The national American Red Cross has called on its chapters to help raise money for assistance.All help by the American Red Cross for the victims is provided at no cost to those assisted. Peppel said he is asking Kosciusko County residents, as well as businesses and corporations, to consider making donations to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Dalton Parent Company Files Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plan

NEENAH, Wis.- Neenah Foundry Co., parent company of Warsaw-based Dalton Group, announced Aug.5 that it has filed a prepackaged plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.The company has received the requisite votes to approve the plan.Neenah has received financial commitments to fund the cash distributions under the plan and will seek court approval to implement the financial restructuring by Sept.30.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Mentone May Buy Sinclair Station

MENTONE - Larry Beeson, Mentone's town attorney, will look into acquiring the old Sinclair gas station on Ind.25 across from the Mentone Community Emergency Services Building for the town. If the town can acquire the property, which has back taxes allegedly owed on it, the town then will seek a grant to make the property into a parking lot. Jack Simpson, town council member, presented the idea to the other members Monday night.He said he wants to go for the grant, clean up the property and blacktop it. Beeson said when you take ownership of a property, you also take ownership of the environmental problems, too.Simpson said he was told the town would not be liable.He also said the Indiana Department of Environmental Management doesn't have the property listed as a gas station. "It has been," said Brian Reed, utilities superintendent.But at one point, it was probably listed in the wrong location.Reed said he didn't know if all the buried tanks were removed.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

K21 Gets Optimistic Report On Investments

Despite the past month being somewhat topsy-turvy on Wall Street, the K21 Foundation's equity accounts - those invested in stocks - are in sound shape. That assessment was confirmed by Heartland Financial Services, one of the three money management firms that handle the foundation's assets. In a conference call with finance committee members, Tom Maurath, of Heartland, said as of June 30, the foundation's $10-million portfolio managed by his firm had posted a $92,260 gain.However, the volatility in the stock market in July resulted in a loss, leaving a balance of $9.975 million going into August.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Vacant Lot Donated To 'Habitat'

The vacant lot at 603 E.Main St., Warsaw, owned by Associates Financial Services Co.has been donated to Habitat for Humanity. The property has been for sale for two years and Century 21 has been unable to sell it.David Blackwell of Century 21 suggested donating it to Habitat for Humanity, to which AFSC agreed. Habitat will pay the approximately $600 in back taxes in return for the donation, and The Salvation Army offered to build a house on it."It's a done deal," said building inspector and assistant building commissioner Pam Kennedy."I have never seen this in Warsaw before.Nobody's ever donated a lot." In other business: • John Call, owner of Glen Terrace Apartments on Walter Way, did not attend the hearing Monday as scheduled by the building department. Glen Terrace Apartments were condemned June 21 by the city due to lack of fire separation between units.
ANITA WEISHEIT, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Akron Gears Up For 'Spark In The Park'

AKRON - The Eighth Annual Spark in the Park free outdoor concert will be July 15 at Pike Memorial Park, Akron. The free Christian concert is 1 to 9 p.m.Featured speaker is Michael Skupin from CBS's reality show "Survivor: The Australian Outback".Other artists performing include Mickyray and Zach, Morris Mott, The Browns, Reconciliation and two-time Dove Award-winning singer and songwriter Chris Rice, headlining at 7:30 p.m. The annual event was founded eight years ago in response to the Columbine High School murders.A small group of individuals, responding to the 1999 slayings, created the event, taking advantage of the town park to provide a free concert, free food and a safe and clean environment for Akron and the surrounding communities. Eight years later, the event still provides Christian music, games and activities, food, fun and fellowship.
ANDREW HOLLADAY, Times-Union Staff- | July 28, 2016

State, City Work To Solve Waste Treatment Problem

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is working with the Warsaw wastewater treatment plant to identify and correct problems at the facility in Boggs Industrial Park. While the cause is not yet known, it appears the plant has been unable to sufficiently treat its waste before discharging it into Walnut Creek, according to an IDEM news release. Last weekend a fish kill claimed a number of shad in Walnut Creek prompting IDEM to examine the treatment plant's effluent stream.IDEM personnel noted discolored discharge from the plant that included solids.In a plant that is functioning properly, solids should settle out of the waste steam instead of remaining suspended. Friday, public works superintendent Lacy Francis said the "fines" - tiny particles of sediment that remain after wastewater is heated and filtered - overflowed the sludge tanks into Walnut Creek.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Father, Son Ride Lewis And Clark Trail

Pardee Gunter, of Leesburg, and his son Tai bicycled 1,680 miles on the Lewis and Clark Trail this summer. The pair picked up where they left off in 2004, in Kansas City, Mo., and traveled for 40 days, ending in Lewiston, Mont. Pardee has been biking for 25 years.A lifelong Leesburg resident, he biked to Atwood when he was the principal there.Now he cycles from Leesburg to Washington Elementary school where he teaches sixth-grade English.Tai, who transferred to Washington, rides to school with his father. Because they ride regularly, the pair didn't train especially for this leg of the trip. The first stage of the Gunters' trip began last year, the 200th anniversary of the trail.The father and son rode from St.Louis to Kansas City.The two-week trip was self-funded. This year, Pardee was awarded an $8,000 Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program grant from the Lilly Endowment.His was one of 100 awards out of 1,000 applications.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw lot donated for home construction

The vacant lot at 603 E.Main St., Warsaw, was officially signed over to Habitat for Humanity Friday afternoon. David Blackwell of Century 21 and Kay Young of Todd Realty in Syracuse met at Bodkin Abstract to take care of the closing service, title insurance and paperwork. The property was donated by Associates Financial Services Co.at Blackwell's suggestion.Young also has been closely involved with this project and has been making plans for the lot. Warsaw building inspector and assistant building commissioner Pam Kennedy said this is the first time she's heard of a lot being donated to Habitat in Warsaw. The first thing Habitat for Humanity needs is a corporate sponsor or a church to fund the building of a house on the property.The sponsor's donation will be tax deductible. "It's a great project," Young said.
ANITA WEISHEIT, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Breakfast Optimists Offers Child ID At Washington School

Parents who register their child at Washington Elementary School will have the opportunity to assure the safety of their student before the school year begins. The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club is partnering with SafeAssured ID of Wausau, Wisc., to conduct child identification enrollments.The enrollments will be conducted during registration times at the school this week and Monday. This is the first year the program is being offered at the school.It is geared to protect children by collecting information about the child in instances of a disappearance. The collected information will better equip law enforcement and the media to find and get the word out if a child is reported missing. Optimist Club members will conduct the enrollments during registration times on the following days this week at Washington Elementary School: Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.; and Monday, noon to 6 p.m.
JENNIFER PERYAM, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Believe It Or Not, It's Back To School Time

This August may be special to those soon-to-be freshmen - the first year of high school for the class of 2000. But for hundreds of other students in Kosciusko County, it's just another school year. Registration for the 1996-97 school year gets under way next week for most Kosciusko County school systems.The first day of classes follows for all five schools the week of Aug.19. Following is a complete registration schedule and the basic book fees for elementary and, when available, middle school students.Charges for some middle school students and all high schoolers vary based on electives taken.Most schools require fees to be paid at registration. Students may be eligible for financial assistance for books and school meals.Contact your child's school for financial guidelines and any forms needed.
DEB McAULIFFE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Emergency Planners Offer Immunizations

State law has required students in grades 9-12 be immunized against hepatitis B since the 2005-06 school year. To help students get the vaccines, and as a mini-practice run for mass vaccinations in the event of a pandemic flu, members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee are offering the shots to students during the next week. On Aug.10, from 2 to 4 p.m., the shots will be given at Wawasee High School, Syracuse; Warsaw Community High School, Aug.14, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Tippecanoe Valley Middle School, Akron, Aug.15, from 7 to 9 p.m.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Police Bust Alleged 'Meth' Lab On Armstrong Road

LEESBURG - A Leesburg man is in custody after police seized an alleged methamphetamine laboratory at his residence Monday evening. Jeromi Jay Beans, 26, of 6939 E.CR 500N, Leesburg, was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of two or more chemical precursors with the intent to manufacture.He also was served with a warrant for probation violation.Beans is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $15,000 bond. According to a press release from the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force, police received information of a possible meth lab at that residence.The property was under surveillance for a short time before Beans came home. Beans was approached by police, whom he gave consent to search his property.Officers reportedly discovered a large meth lab in a detached garage behind the residence.The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab team then arrived to seize the lab, collecting evidence and securing the chemicals.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw School Board Hears Reports On Architectural Firms

LEESBURG - Reports on architectural firms the Warsaw School Board is considering for a possible building project were given Thursday. No decisions were made.The project has no scope.And only a handful of people were in attendance at Thursday's meeting, most of which were school officials or employees. Superintendent Dr.Robert Haworth reminded the board that according to their strategic plan, they are supposed to have an architectural firm chosen by September. At the end of the 2003-04 school year, Atwood, Silver Lake and Claypool elementary schools were closed.Since then, students at those schools have been transported to other schools, causing overcrowding.The school board has since said Claypool will be reopened, but also are considering renovating and expanding Claypool and building at least one new elementary school.But no decision has been voted on.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Despite New Signs Advocate Still Seeks Red Light Cameras

Ann Sweet's dedication to safety is as strong as ever, and the eight years following her daughter's death only encourages her towards the goal of nationwide traffic security. On Oct.27, 1997, Shawnee Ulrey, Sweet's daughter, was struck and killed by a semi tractor/trailer at a U.S.30 intersection.According to witness reports, the driver of the semi disregarded a red light at the intersection before the fatal collision took place.One witness said that no brake lights flashed as the semi approached the traffic light. "I'll do whatever it takes to stop red light running in the county and everywhere else," Sweet said."There's no way, as long as I live, that I'll let what happened to my daughter rest." The seven miles of U.S.30 highway inside Warsaw city limits is ranked the second-highest thorough-fare in Indiana in regards to accident reports and traffic violations.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Moves To New Facility

The district's transfer from offices on Center Street in Warsaw to 220 S.Union St.should be complete next week, the district's board members heard Wednesday.The new location will allow for the collection of recyclable materials on a regular basis. Studebaker said she will attempt to keep moving costs under $5,000. She has sought estimates to fence the property as drivers frequently use the property as a short cut.It was noted that fencing is not required.However the director said she would like to at least fence the household hazardous wastes building. During a public hearing, county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell presented the 2002 budget, which has been advertised and set for a final hearing at next month's meeting. As described by board president Joe Thallemer, the bare bones budget is estimated at $341,236.77, a $20 increase over last year.
much-anticipated move to a new facility is nearly over, according to Kosciusko County Solid Waste District Director Sue Studebaker and district educator Rachel Brandenburg.- | July 28, 2016
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