Daniels Chairs Local Development Meeting

The state Economic Development Corp.met at Biomet Thursday with Gov.Mitch Daniels chairing the board. Established a couple of months into Daniel's term of office, both Dane Miller, CEO of Biomet, and Kip Toms of Tom Farms, was named to the IEDC. Lead by Indiana Secretary of Commerce and IEDC CEO Patricia R.Miller, formerly of Vera Bradley, IEDC is organized as a public/private partnership governed by a 12-member board. The IEDC focuses its efforts on growing and retaining businesses in Indiana and attracting new business to the state. Pat Miller opened the meeting of the 12-member board discussing how the corporation has downsized from 12 to five regional offices for "speed and flexibility.

Alcohol A Big Risk For The Unborn

Editor's Note: This is the first of a two-part series on fetal alcohol syndrome.The first part deals with the definition and prevalence of the disorder.Part two will discuss treatment and intervention. Jane picked up the shot glass and downed the whiskey in one quick swallow.She picked up the half full glass of beer and took several drinks. The looks she received from the other patrons of the bar made her uneasy. She opened her purse and removed the compact, checking her makeup and hair briefly before tucking it back into her purse. What were they staring at, she thought.I don't see anything wrong. It couldn't have been because she was drinking whiskey - lots of people were doing shots. She was over 21 so it wasn't like she was doing anything illegal.She wasn't even planning on getting drunk.She was just going to have a couple shots of whiskey and a few beers and then get back home before the baby sitter started to worry.

View From The Front

Pfc.Jonathan J.Springer was born and raised in Columbia City, and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1998.He attended the University of Saint Francis on a football scholarship and studied communications and business. Springer enlisted in the Army and graduated from the Defense Information School's journalism school in October 2003.In January, he deployed with the 16th MP Brigade (Airborne) and currently is at Victory Camp, Iraq, where he handles all media relations.He has offered to e-mail periodic reports to the Times-Union. His parents, Jim and Kathy Spr,inger, and his sister, Jessica, live in Warsaw. ---- Baghdad, Iraq - Setting up a successful Iraqi police force is a mission that is currently under way here; having model Iraqi police stations and well-trained police officers is a must for the sovereign country to be able to stand on its own.

Cardinal Center Launches Hole-In-One Fund-Raiser

The Cardinal Center made a quick "c-note" when master of ceremonies Charlie Smith bet Clint Pletcher he couldn't hit a golf ball within 25 feet of the pin. Pletcher eyed the practice green at Raccoon Run, 90-yards away, and dropped one 24' from the pin.Smith got out his checkbook. The bet got the Cardinal Center's $1 Million Hole-In-One Golf Shoot Out off to a good start as the event's many sponsors and members of the media attempted to qualify for the big payoff July 25. This is the Center's sixth year of hosting the event.This weekend five golf courses are open for others to qualify for a chance at the top prize - $1 million split between the ace golfer and Cardinal Center. The top five finishers from each course, who usually come within 18 inches of or inside the designated hole, will be part of the final competition at Stonehenge Golf Club July 25.

Wrongly Accused Orbans Win Suit Against Warsaw

INDIANAPOLIS - "It's been a long seven years," said Warsaw resident Richard Orban."We feel vindicated.We are extremely relieved." That was Orban's reaction shortly after receiving word that he and his wife Janet won a case against the city of Warsaw, former Warsaw Police Officer R.Paul Schmitt and Indiana Department of Revenue investigator Rick M.Albrecht in Marion Superior Court II June 29.The Marion County jury heard eight days of testimony in the case and returned with their verdict after about four hours of deliberation.

Biomet Reports Dividend Despite Lawsuit Charge

The stockholders of Biomet Inc.will be getting a tidy little dividend Aug.6 despite the company having to absorb a $55 million charge against earnings. The decision to pay 14 cents per share to shareholders of record as of July 9 is a reflection of the confidence the board has in the Warsaw-based biomedical firm. "The declaration of this dividend is an expression of appreciation for the continued support of our shareholders and reflects the board's confidence and optimism in Biomet's operational direction," said Dane Miller, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Biomet. In the financial report released by the company today, Biomet had a 12 percent increase in net sales for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year (ending May 31) with $205,080,000.That translated into a gross profit of $143,088,000.

Center Partners Acquires Group Dekko

NEW YORK PRNewswire - Centre Partners Management LLC today announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Dekko Technologies, Inc.and the stock of Pent Technologies, Inc., collectively, known as Group Dekko. Dekko Technologies in North Webster is a Group Dekko company. The investments were completed in partnership with key members of Group Dekko's senior management team an through a newly formed entity, Group Dekko Holdings, Inc. Founded in 1952, Group Dekko is a leading provider of highly engineered electrical, wire, plastic and metal subcomponents, finished products, fixtures and related assemblies for the office furniture, transportation, lighting, appliance, medical device and consumer product end markets.

Town Takes Steps Toward Fireworks Safety

SYRACUSE - The Syracuse fireworks will be done differently this year after a minor explosion at last year's Fourth of July celebration sent debris into the nearby crowd, injuring some of the spectators. Larry Hunter, Syracuse fire chief, said the fireworks would be launched from two barges floating on Lake Wawasee, similar to how the Wawasee "Big Bang Boom" fireworks display has been done in the past. "In this respect, we feel that it will be easier to make a good perimeter to keep people back from it to where we should not have any problem," said Hunter, "We feel that it should be a lot safer." There will also be a new company setting off the fireworks this year. Melrose Pyrotechnics has taken over the fireworks display for not only Syracuse but for Lake Wawasee's and Warsaw's displays as well. The fireworks will begin at dusk on July 5.

Fisher's Attorney Seeks Details Of State's Evidence

If the defense attorney wants to physically view some of the evidence expected to be exhibited during the Jason Fisher murder trial in September before his deadline for filing discovery, he may have to take a helicopter ride. Michael Miner, court-appointed attorney for Fisher, 22, of Millersburg, told Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed during a hearing Wednesday that he has a problem with how some of the information was received from the prosecution. Fisher is accused of killing 48-year-old Kathy Vroman, of Milford, by shooting her Jan.15 at his business, Country Car Co.in Milford.Her body was later recovered in Michigan. Charges are pending against several people, including Fisher's father, Ralph Freddrick Fisher, 46, of Goshen, in this and related cases.The murder is believed connected to an auto theft ring.

ICLU Addresses Overcrowding At Local Jail

Sheriff Al Rovenstine received a letter from the Indiana Civil Liberties Union regarding the overcrowding of the county jail. "It appears from a review of the state jail inspector report that the Kosciusko County Jail is overcrowded 100 percent of the time," wrote Kenneth J.Falk, attorney for the Indiana Civil Liberties Union."I am wondering if there are any plans to build a new jail or to take other steps to keep the population down...." The letter was presented Tuesday night to the Kosciusko County Commissioners. Kosciusko County personnel director Ron Robinson said, "We knew sooner or later it would grace our doorsteps." The Kosciusko County Commissioners told Mike Miner, county attorney, to write a response to the letter but Miner was unavailable for comment at press time. In other business, the commissioners have switched health insurance companies and were faced with a controversial question during Tuesday's monthly meeting.

Horseshoe Pitchers Stake Out Points In Thursday Tournament

The clang of steel against steel was heard ringing from the Kosciusko County Fairground's camping area where the horseshoe tournament was under way Thursday afternoon. The annual tournament began at 4 p.m.with five men, two women and one reluctant junior participating. "Go ahead and sign up," organizer Stan Loy advised Susie Hamilton about the junior division."All you have to do is throw one shoe for the trophy.You're the only one here." "For real?" Hamilton asked.She signed up, stepped to the 30-foot line and gave the U-shaped device a toss.It landed in the pit, not quite close enough for a point. "Now throw it back," Loy instructed.She did, this time coming within 6 inches of the stake to score one point. The regulation distance for horseshoes is 40 feet with a 3-foot fault mark at the 37-foot mark. Women, boys aged 16 and younger and men 70-years-old and older have the option to pitch from a distance of 30 feet.

Whitko Sees Suggested Renovations

PIERCETON - Whitko school patrons and the school board got initial impressions of renovations to the high school and the price tags for three options. Barton Coe Vilamaa architect Dana Wannamacher presented three versions of facility improvements Monday.James Elizondo of City Securities Corp.gave costs. Over the last few months, Whitko school district patrons were asked to list and prioritize upgrades to Whitko High School, which was dedicated in 1971. Over the years, the heating and cooling system has kept some areas too warm and others too cold.Moisture condensation is a problem.A ramp in the "A" wing was not built with wheelchair-bound students in mind; nor are many areas handicapped accessible.Back in the '70s mentally handicapped children didn't attend public schools. Citizens have waited patiently to exit the gymnasium after events because there are few exits.The wrestling team routinely treks to the Middle School, outside Larwill, to practice.

Four People Injured In Akron Fireworks Accident

AKRON - Four people were injured Saturday during the finale of the fireworks display in Akron. No names were available. According to Akron Fire Department Chief Joe Day today, the incident occurred during the finale when the multi-shot boxes, known as cakes, were being fired off.The cakes are a smaller part of the finale.One of the cakes' bottoms blew out and the cake fell to its side, shooting shots off in five directions, including into the crowd. Three of the people transported to Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, had burns, while the fourth person had flash burns to her eyes, but her eyesight was recovering at the site, Day said.All four - which included a husband and wife and a teenage girl - were treated and released. In addition, a fireman's vehicle was damaged.

Downtown Days Set For Weekend

Get ready for a weekend of fun with Warsaw Downtown Days, starting Friday. Downtown Days is the annual celebration of downtown Warsaw and this year Warsaw will celebrate the 125th year of Warsaw being incorporated as a city. Paula Bowman of Kaleidoscope is the chairman of the Downtown Days celebration and put together the schedule for the three-day event. The celebration starts at 9 a.m.Friday, beginning with craft sales and the opening of the kiddie area.The food court will be on Buffalo Street, between Center and Market streets. The kiddie area, sponsored by St.Anne's Episcopal Church and Kiwanis, is bigger and more secure this year and will include rides for children like a moonwalk, bungee run, fast-pitch fast kick and a caterpillar obstacle course.Parents may leave their children in the kiddie area to give them time to explore and look around the festival.Children will not be allowed to leave without their parents' consent.

Courthouse Renovations On Schedule

Courthouse renovations, mostly "unseen" upgrades to the heating, air conditioning and electrical systems, are on schedule, according to county administrator Ron Robinson. Kosciusko County Commissioners also heard Tuesday that basement-level offices have been moved to the Justice Building.Several offices have been completed with the installation of ceiling fans and new lighting. Improvements to the courthouse steps also are underway and Robinson said Atlas Co.stonemasons should return next week.The stair's side panels had to be quarried and fashioned to match original designs. A chandelier will hang from the old courtroom's central medallion again.The design features four opaque globes in a 4-foot diameter ring with a central brass globe, which will hang 11 feet from the ceiling.The design is on display in the commissioner's room, on the northeast corner of the third floor of the courthouse.

Public Works Approves Wastewater Contracts

Kiefer Consulting and M.K.Betts Engineering presented contracts to Warsaw's Board of Public Works Friday regarding proposals for services and recommendations for the wastewater utility department and the rebuilding of two tanks at a plant on Market Street. The board approved the contracts, allowing $7,470 to be spent for Kiefer services, including soil sampling, a provision of fertilizer and lime recommendations for local farmers and information regarding application rates for biosolids, the soil-like residue found in sewage after the wastewater treatment process. M.K.Betts will receive no more than $10,000 to rebuild secondary tanks at the wastewater plant.

Local Woman Headed To Chicago For Cancer Run

Juanita Dirck-Foley knows what it is like for her family to battle cancer and lose. Her aunt, Josephine Reffitt, and grandmother, Oma Adams, both died from breast cancer. But the Warsaw native also knows what it is like for her family to battle cancer and win.Her mother, Julie Foley, is a breast cancer survivor, healthy for more than three years, and Dirck-Foley has fought alongside her every step of the way. The fight continues Sept.8-10 when Dirck-Foley hopes to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Expo in Chicago with her mother.The event is a 60-mile walk participated in by thousands, and raises money for breast cancer awareness and research. Dirck-Foley's journey to Chicago has not been an easy one.

Milford Day Care Center Hosts Garage Sale

MILFORD - New Begin-nings Child Care of Milford will host a massive garage sale Friday in hopes of raising more money needed to match a state grant. Organizers expect about 45 families to participate by bringing items to the sale, which will be 7 a.m.to 5 p.m.Friday at the child care center at 109 W.Catherine St., Milford. The organization has raised about $65,000 through fund-raisers.The money will be used to match a state grant from the Indiana Department of Commerce.New Beginnings has applied twice for financial support, but was turned down for lack of matching money. The organization plans to apply again, said a spokesman.

Chicago Fed President Visits Warsaw

He's one of the men who guide the financial course of the United States. And Thursday, Michael H.Moskow, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, was in Warsaw on a kind of information-gathering mission. "We travel around - it's very important for us to do that, to get input from people in business, people in government, people in labor unions, people in community groups, as to what's happening in the economy," Moskow said Thursday morning in a conference room at Lake City Bank."That's an extremely important part of what we do, gathering that ...anecdotal information." The key to formulating monetary policy, he said, is making a forecast of the future, and part of that process includes finding out what people think is happening now and what they think will happen in the future.

Manchester OKs Road Salt Bid; Buys Police Software

NORTH MANCHESTER - Wednesday evening, the North Manchester Town Council approved bids for road salt from three companies.However, only one contract will be awarded. As is normal practice for the council, all three bids received were approved.The final contractor then will be decided by town manager John Mugford after he receives more information from each of the bidders. Mugford will choose between Morton Salt of Chicago, which bid $60.52 per ton; Cargill Salt of St.Clair, Mich., which bid $51.94 per ton; and North American Salt of O.P., Kan., which bid $50.24 per ton.Once Mugford makes his decision, he will notify the board. The town currently pays $48.75 per ton for the salt from Morton Salt, so each of the bids reflects a higher price.