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Child Care Needs Debated

Kosciusko County Foundation's efforts to address child care issues didn't take long to catch fire Wednesday. An invitation to child care givers, business representatives and other interested groups brought out two dozen people during a meeting in Warsaw. In less than two hours, the group debated various aspects of the issue and began formulating initial plans for action that would qualify the county for future financial government support. The availability of new funds is the result of welfare reform that includes new provisions for child care to ensure single parents are able to work. The program was led by Rick Mappin, a representative of the Dekko Foundation.The not-for-profit organization serves a six-county area and is interested in serving as a conduit with other private foundations and corporations in Indiana to assist in child care needs. Organizers hope to prioritize concerns and needs and then formulate a plan of action by July.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Residents Hear Plans For Juvenile Facility

PIERCETON - Plans for a proposed juvenile facility and housing opportunities for low-income residents were presented to the Pierceton Town Council Monday. Representatives of Corrections Corp.of America and county officials explained the proposed facility to council members and citizens present and pointed out that Kosciusko County is one of 10 counties which will be involved in this project. "Our kids are having trouble out there," said Charlotte Nesbitt, executive director of CCA's Southwest Indiana Regional Youth Village at Vincennes."As a partnership, we can have a secure environment for our children, where they get schooling ...(and) the help that they need." The facility proposed locally would be not only a partnership among counties, but also with CCA, and would require no upfront money from Kosciusko County.CCA is a for-profit business which operates correction facilities throughout the United States.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Cops Seize Records Of Lending Firm

LEESBURG - Police seized records of a financial lending company Thursday while serving a search warrant at a Tippecanoe Lake home. Computers and financial records were among the items removed from the home-based Fedfinancial Group Inc.at 42 EMS T6 Lane.No charges have been filed in connection with the investigation that started last April 18. Officials with the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department were alerted to a possible loan scam after $75,000 was sent to the local company by a Bloomington company for the closing costs on a $3 million loan.The loan was never finalized, police said, and attempts to have the $75,000 returned have been unsuccessful.Police said the contact between the two companies has been via the Internet. The case is being investigated as theft at this time, with a total of $192,500 considered stolen.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Wal-Mart Supercenter Plans Moving Forward

Plans for a Wal-Mart Supercenter are moving forward. Wal-Mart wants to relocate on property at Ind.15N and U.S.30. City Planner Jeff Noffsinger said Bob Petro, owner of Bruce Petro Olds, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Inc., has filed a request to rezone the land south of his dealership from C3 (arterial, commercial and single family residency) to C5 (special commercial zoning). The land, owned by Petro Family LLC, is approximately 56 acres. "We have signed a purchase agreement," Bob Petro said. "This ground is where Wal-Mart is proposing to locate," Noffsinger said. "Our Wal-Mart engineers are working on the final site plans with input from the city," Wal-Mart store manager Gary Elders said. He also said they have worked with the city on traffic studies and have made some modifications requested by the city.Elders said the first step is to get the land rezoned to C5. "We have to get the rezoning done," Elders said.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Asked To Upgrade Polling Places

Not all polling places in Kosciusko County are as handicapped accessible as required. Tuesday, County Clerk Sharon Christner requested the county commissioners sign an agreement to make the polling places handicapped accessible.She also wanted permission to submit an order for materials to fix the polling places.A committee of handicapped and non-handicapped persons will be formed to study what work needs to be done at the polling places.Christner will apply for a state grant to cover the costs. Aaron Rovenstine, county sheriff, said the county jail received some prisoners from Miami County.Marshall County also has requested Kosciusko County Jail hold some of its prisoners.He also gave the commissioners a report on Justice Building security, which estimated 700 people a day came in and out of the facility. Permission was granted for Ed Rock, Emergency Management director, to apply for a grant for radios for the sheriff's department, fire and EMS.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Reapers Bring Solemn Message To Prom Goers

SOUTH WHITLEY - The bell tolls.Two gloomy, robed figures pass through the high school halls. Another student is gone. Whitko's Students Against Drunk Driving made a symbolic effort Friday to remind their peers not to drink and drive this weekend at the prom. The grim reapers this period were played by Whitko juniors Jamie Brown and Patty Walters.Their victim was underclassman Jamie Engle. Their features hidden with hoods, Brown and Walters made their way out of the choir room to Engle's class, ringing the death knell every few steps.In Engle's place they left a paper flower - a reminder of the drunk-driving tragedies that claim so many lives. Every 32 minutes (how often a life is claimed by a drunk driver) a student was snatched from a class.They were brought back out for display in the morgue (cafeteria) at the end of the day. As Whitko students filed out at the end of the day they passed their friends lying, toe tags attached, covered with sheets.
GREG BROWN , Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Residents Honored For Possessing 'Hearts Of Gold'

Twelve Kosciusko County residents were honored Wednesday night for their selflessness and their service to others. The second annual Heart of Gold Awards competition sought to recognize people for doing things to "brighten others' lives," said Kosciusko County Foundation Executive Director Suzie Light. The winners were chosen by a committee that used a blind selection process - names, addresses and other identifying information were left off the nomination forms as the committee considered the entries.The selection process was so blind, in fact, that some committee members were considered and not recognized. Winners of the Heart of Gold Award received plaques and monetary awards in varying amounts.The funds were then used by the winner to donate to a charity of their choice.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Eight Candidates Seek Sheriff's Job

Eight people are seeking the office of sheriff of Kosciusko County in hopes of replacing the man who's held the position longer than anyone in county history. Sheriff Al Rovenstine's retirement has prompted an outpouring of interest unseen recently in local politics. Candidates include five Republicans and three Democrats. Republicans include: Mike Hobbs, 52, a former Leesburg town marshal who has nearly 20 years experience with the sheriff's department.He is a patrol sergeant and has advocated elimination of the buddy system that dominates the department structure.He lives in Milford.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Candidate Profiles

Compiled by David A.Beall, Times-Union Staff Writer Warsaw Candidates Republicans Mayor Ernie Wiggins Residency: Lifelong Warsaw resident. Occupation: Certified Public Accountant. Public office held: Current Warsaw mayor, former city councilman. Top three issues: • Sewer treatment facility to set stage for industrial development. • Maintain a strong tax base through controlled growth. • Maintain conservative fiscal principles in managing city finances. Clerk-Treasurer Elaine Call Residency: Lifelong Warsaw resident. Occupation: Clerk-Treasurer. Public office held: Current Clerk-Treasurer. Top three issues: • Maintain excellence in service to the public. • Maintain highest level of financial responsibility, honesty and dedication in performing all duties. • Maintain the highest technical standards in the operation of clerk's office.
look at who's running in Tuesday's city elections- | July 28, 2016

Ivy Tech Celebrates 20 Years In Warsaw

Lowell Landis remembers the early days of Ivy Tech State College in Warsaw when it began with a few classes 20 years ago in various parts of the community. At the urging of then-mayor Dale Tucker and business leaders, including Dalton Foundries' executive Matt Dalton, Ivy Tech's South Bend campus decided to offer some trial classes in Warsaw. Although the start was meager, the demand was instant. After announcing that classes would be available, the office was inundated with 340 calls, Landis said.That resulted in about 200 students taking classes during the first year or so. For years, administrators dealt with a lack of office and class space.Some classes were held in various parts of the county including Chore Time in Milford. Landis, along with his wife and an unpaid part-time secretary, oversaw the campus, which initially operated at First National Bank of Warsaw.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Locke Flew Fighters At Iwo Jima, Japan

Editor's Note: This is the next installment in a series of articles about local veterans of World War II.The series continues daily through Memorial Day. -n-n-n-n- When Don Locke was a boy, living in hilly Switzerland County, his dreams were filled with visions of flying over the countryside. Years later, when he took his first lessons in a PT-19 aircraft, head and shoulders sticking out of the cockpit, goggles plastered to his face, he knew his dreams were true. Locke's family moved several times when he was a child, starting out on Warsaw's Lake Street, moving to Wakarusa, then to Nappanee.He grew up in Switzerland County.The one-room schoolhouse he attended in the county seat, Vevay, was the same one his father attended when he was a boy. The family returned to Kosciusko County when Locke was a sophomore.They settled in Dutchtown, and Locke graduated from North Webster High School in 1939.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Frantz Led Platoon Into Saipan

The 4th Marines hit the Japanese stronghold of Saipan the morning of June 15, 1944.Hitting the beach under heavy artillery, the 4th was escorted by an Army amphibian tank battalion. One platoon was led by Don Frantz, now 87, who makes his home on Harrison Street in Warsaw. "I was the senior first lieutenant at the time and I had the honor of going in first.That is as hot as it gets," Frantz said of the start of a 24-day battle that left 4,200 U.S.soldiers dead and 12,000 wounded.The Japanese were ready for the invasion, fighting viciously to hold their long-established strategic position on the 14-mile-long, five-mile-wide island.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Library Friends To Help During Move

MENTONE - Friends and acquaintances come and go over the years.The best friends are always there to help when the going gets rough. In January, Friends of the Library reformed to aid the Bell Memorial Public Library and the library board's intention to occupy part of the Frank Manufacturing building at the corner of Broadway and Ind.25.There are plans to include a senior citizens' center and day care at the site.The library will occupy 4,178 square feet of the space. While the library board and town council have applied for and received grants, former Friends of the Library, anticipating that the move will come with expenses, decided it was time to regroup. "We know there will be needs for the library," said Jacque Bradley, Friends president."We'll see what we can do." Bradley is a "new" member of Friends, unlike Linda Cochran who also was a member in the 1980s during the Friends' first incarnation.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Lakeland Daycare Board Issues Statement

SYRACUSE - Lakeland Community Services Daycare issued a press release Tuesday regarding its closing last Friday. According to that information, the day care's board of directors met Monday to discuss the future of the center. "The board wishes the community to know we have discovered obligations in excess of $50,000.This includes payroll taxes, utilities, insurance and other operational expenses.The board accepts the responsibility for failing to monitor acceptable business practices in the operation of the center.To reopen the center, it is essential to have financial support from the community, both corporate and individual," the release says. The board states they do plan to renovate the center and restructure the program so day care can once again be offered. Anyone wishing to make contributions can mail them to Lakeland Community Services Inc., P.O.Box 122, Syracuse, IN 46567. To be personally contacted, leave a message at 457-4983.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Homelessness Hits Home

By David Slone, Times-Union Staff Writer There are three myths about homelessness in Kosciusko County. Myth 1: Homelessness does not exist in Kosciusko County. Myth 2: Most homeless in Kosciusko County are Hispanic. Myth 3: The homeless people in Kosciusko County are "just passing through." These statements were determined to be myths by a recent assessment conducted by the Salvation Army. Kelly Haulk, a senior at Grace College, began interning with the Salvation Army in January.She is working toward a degree in social work. According to Salvation Army Community Ministries Director Ken Locke, one of the first projects Haulk was assigned was an assessment on the county's homelessness.
Local study explodes myths about problem in Kosciusko County- | July 28, 2016

Lt. Gov. Visits Winona Lake

WINONA LAKE - Indiana Lt.Gov.Joe Kernan visited Winona Lake Friday as part of an Enjoy Indiana Week visit. He toured the Billy Sunday Home and Visitors Center, promoting places and events across the state. Speaking to a small group of citizens in the Sunday Museum, Kernan said that more than 120,000 Hoosiers owe their livelihood to the tourism industry. "Tourism represents more than $6 billion in economic activity," Kernan said."And much of that is outside money. "Each out-of-state visitor spends an average of $700 during their stay." The Democrat said that with gas prices continuing to climb, many families will make decisions based on economics and will stay close to home. An important part of Indiana's getting the word out about attractions is the www.enjoyindiana.com Web site, which has about 150,000 "hits" per month. "You have so much to be proud of here," he said of Winona Lake.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Auditor Releases Info On Property Tax Bills

To inform Kosciusko County residents about their tax bills, county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell has provided answers to several frequently asked questions. 1.Where is my real estate tax bill? Kosciusko County tax bills normally due May 10 will be delayed.For bills to be due May 10, they should have been mailed by April 26.Indiana law requires a taxpayer be given at least 15 days notice prior to the due date. Because of the many delays and changes in reassessment process, the final assessed values have not yet been established.The state Legislature was forced to change the assessment process from a reproduction cost basis to a market value basis due to a tax court decision.Assessments should more closely represent the actual value of property.County officials continue to work on completing the reassessment.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

WHA Director Announces Resignation

Angie Shirk announced Monday that she is resigning as executive director of the Warsaw Housing Authority. Shirk, who has served as the agency's director since June, has decided to step down from the position to spend more time with her family. Because of the amount of time required to fulfill the job duties, Shirk said, she didn't feel her job or her family were benefiting from her 100 percent. Shirk's last day is May 12, but she said she may be back with the agency in some capacity in the future. "I've enjoyed getting to know and working with members of the community and serving the residents of Warsaw and Kosciusko County," Shirk said. The announcement of Shirk's resignation came during Monday's WHA board of commissioners meeting. The search is on for a replacement for Shirk.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Recognizes National Day Of Prayer

SYRACUSE - The First Annual Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Prayer Breakfast was held Thursday at Oakwood Inn.The Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association collaborated with the chamber to sponsor the event, which was planned to recognize the National Day of Prayer. The master of ceremonies was Dr.Daniel Haifley, pastor of Grace Bible Baptist Church, Syracuse.Others participating in the program were: Syracuse Police Chief Tom Perzanowski; Randy Webb, Christian Motorcycle Association; Dr.Richard Brungardt, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce; Dr.Lorne McCune, president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association; the Rev.Harlan Steffan; and Dr.Mark Stock, superintendent of Wawasee Schools.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Marchers' Freedom Comes With Cost To Community

They have a right, under our Constitution, to have their march and espouse their particular world view. And they are doing it at a significant cost to the taxpayers of Warsaw, Kosciusko County and the state of Indiana. They are members of the Ku Klux Klan, who have selected Warsaw as the site for a march. Because of the propensity for controversy, additional police officers will be brought to town. "Firm costs aren't available for what this community will have to pay, but over 200 law enforcement officers from all over northern Indiana who are here will be on overtime," Capt Steve Foster, of the Warsaw Police Department, said."Plus, you have fire department personnel that will have to be on hand, EMS personnel, county highway and city street departments on hand. "If they all average five hours, that's 1,000 man-hours at the overtime rate - that's $20,000," he added.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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