Zimmer Announces Offer To Buy Swiss Company

Zimmer Holdings Inc.(NYSE: ZMH) Tuesday announced its intention to attempt acquisition of Centerpulse AG for CHF (Swiss Francs) 120 cash and 3.68 Zimmer shares per Centerpulse registered share. The offer includes registered shares represented by Centerpulse American depository shares. Based on Zimmer's closing price Monday, the offer implies a value of CHF 350 per Centerpulse share.This represents CHF 4.16 billion or approximately U.S.$3.22 billion.Zimmer also announced a related offer for InCentive Capital AG, which holds 18.9 percent of the outstanding shares of Centerpulse. According to Zimmer, the transaction:  Creates the No.1 pure-play orthopedics company in the world, possessing a unique combination of leading market positions, cutting edge technology and global scale.

Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

KABS Seeks Funding From City Of Warsaw

KABS will seek $14,000 in funding from the city of Warsaw next month, KABS director Tom Sherron told city officials Monday. Sherron and Cardinal Center President Jane Greene reviewed the issue with council Monday and said the formal request will be made next month. Sherron said they plan to seek funding from Kosciusko County, but declined to say how much before meeting with county officials. KABS is seeking funds from the city and county because of a decreased amount of state and federal funding. Sherron made a similar request last year, but was turned down by the county.The city provided about $2,000. Since then, KABS has made changes. "We've cut some fat out and streamlined our operations the best we could before coming here to make a request," Sherron said. Sherron said KABS is also seeking financial support from other parts of the community.

Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Secy. Of State Speaks At Local Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon

Indiana's Secretary of State said Monday that child abuse is the leading cause of death in Hoosier children. In Indiana, Todd Rokita told the attendees at the Kosciusko County Child Abuse Prevention Council's luncheon at Mosaique Restaurant, Warsaw, "children die at the rate of about one each week."Last year, 51 children died in Indiana as a result of abuse or neglect. The purpose of the annual luncheon is to call attention to the ongoing problem of child abuse in the state and the nation.April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Rokita was introduced by Jean Northenor, who said when she originally was asked to help the Child Abuse Prevention Council, her first thought was that child abuse didn't happen in Warsaw and Kosciusko County. She was wrong, she said, adding, "Obviously, one is too many." Rokita said that as leaders of this community, the luncheon participants have to ensure that the crime of child abuse doesn't increase as society grows.

Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Residents Complain About City's Water Quality

The plastic bucket Dixie Pifer brought with her to Monday's city council meeting was half full, or half empty, depending on the way one looks at it, of orange water. Pifer's neighbors also brought liquid exhibits in various shades of ocher. Residents of East Main and Grant streets, they informed the council that various shades of yellow, orange or brown are the standard shades of water coming from their taps. Customers of Indiana-American Water, Pifer, Patty Valentine and Berneda Runkel said they've complained about the water quality since 1996. "I have extra costs now," Valentine said, saying she purchases water to drink."I can't use the hot water.I have to buy more things to clean our home.The clothes I bought at Christmas time are ruined.My boy is sick." Valentine said the ongoing problem has been reported to state offices.

Stories BY TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Expanded Drug Testing Proposed For Students

Proposals reviewed Thursday by Warsaw Community Schools could lead to further drug testing of students and employment of a police officer at the high school. The ideas were reviewed during a public meeting at the high school Thursday night.No decisions were made. Much of the discussion involved expansion of student drug testing beyond athletes to include students driving to school and those in vocational classes. Similar programs at other schools have been adopted and upheld in court on the grounds of personal safety, officials said. Random drug testing currently involves about 500 student athletes.With the addition of drivers and vocational students, the total number would be close to 1,000 students - nearly half of the high school student body. Under the proposal, student drivers testing positive would lose driving privileges for nine weeks on the first offense.A second offense would result in a one-year suspension of driving rights.

Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KDI Helps Contract Advisers

Local companies could make short work of applying for local, state or federal government contracts with a little help from Partners In Contracting Corp. Kosciusko Development Inc.agreed to support the company, based in Portage, during Wednesday's meeting. Dennis Terry, of PICC, explained the Department of Defense awards grants to help companies succeed in the contract-writing process.Indiana is one of five states that has cut a state program that used to offer this service to businesses. Now in private hands, PICC operates in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and can offer its services to 31 counties with a $100,000 grant from the DOD. KDI doesn't have to provide funds; PICC needs marketing through newsletters, seminars, workshops, information packet distribution and mention on Web sites. "Once they learn how to do this the first time, well, it's like learning to fish," Terry said of the federal grants procurement process.

TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCS Studies High School Renovations

If everything goes as planned, Warsaw Community High School should have its new football stadium, auditorium and other improvements by 2006. Warsaw School Board members got a look Monday night at the additions and renovations planned for the high school as architect Dean Ellingworth showed the board the master plan. Exterior changes include: adding to the south end a track, football field, bleachers (with seating for 4,500) and concession areas, outdoor classrooms, separate locker rooms for football and baseball, and varsity and practice football fields. Near the tennis courts, there will be varsity and practice soccer fields, concession and restroom areas, locker rooms for tennis and soccer and additional parking.

Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Tax Bills Should Be Distributed After June 13

Provisional tax bills should be distributed to most property owners after June 13, with a due date of June 30. According to a news release provided by county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell, Kosciusko County property owners should receive the provisional tax bills from the treasurer's office for the payment of property taxes for 2002, payable in 2003, after June 13.County officials received approval from Indiana State Board of Accounts and the Department of Local Government Finance to mail the bills, according to Mitchell and county treasurer Stephanie Esenwein.The county council previously approved a resolution authorizing the provisional tax billing. The spring installment of property taxes is due by June 30.Payments not made by the due date will have a 10 percent penalty added.Voluntary payments of property taxes that were made earlier this year will be reflected on the spring bill.

DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Golfer Seeks Injunction Against USGA: Olinger wants to use cart in U.S. Open qualifying round

The U.S.Golf Association says allowing an Warsaw golfer to use a cart in a local qualifying round for the U.S.Open would give him an unfair advantage over other competitors, even though it has already granted a similar privilege to Casey Martin. Ford Olinger, a 1985 Warsaw Community High School graduate, who suffers from a degenerative condition that affects both his hips, on Thursday filed for a temporary injunction to let him use a golf cart in the local qualifier. When reached today, Olinger refused further comment until after his 2 p.m.court time in South Bend District Federal Court. "There will be a press conference after the case," Olinger said."At that time, we will talk to all media." Olinger was a golfer, football player and basketball player at WCHS.As a golfer, he advanced to the regional with a 76.

STAFF AND AP REPORTS- | July 28, 2016

New Town Manager Gets To Know Syracuse

But it's not a big deal to Redshaw. "I don't know how you define (being a people person), but I enjoy working with people," Redshaw said Tuesday."I try to keep my door open as much as I can." His priorities for Syracuse include business retention and economic development.He said he wants to accomplish those goals by being a promoter of the community and helping the town put its best foot forward.He also said business retention is not an issue that can be taken for granted. He said he will promote business retention by "public relations.Going out and meeting people, letting them know who (I am)." A good relationship with the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce will also be a priority with him, he said.

DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCS Board, Administrators Differ On McGuire Evaluation

Tonight's canceled Warsaw School Board executive session was originally called to discuss Superintendent Dr.Dave McGuire's evaluation further. But, what kind of evaluation did McGuire receive? That depends who is doing the evaluation. The evaluation is based on a 5-point scale, with 1 being unsatisfactory and 5 being outstanding.The evaluation was conducted by two groups - the school board and a group of 31 Warsaw Community Schools administrators including principals.Seventy-four percent of administrators returned the evaluation.The current school board's evaluation is compared to last year's school board evaluation of McGuire. No school board evaluation score is below a 2 (needs to improve), while no administrative evaluation on the superintendent is below a 3 (meets expectations).

DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

More layoffs seen at Dana Corp.

SYRACUSE - More layoffs in Syracuse are expected at Dana. Tuesday, at the Syracuse Town Council meeting, Town Manager Brian Redshaw presented the council with a letter from the company. The letter states Dana Corp., Traction Technologies Group, intends to transfer some carrier and case lines to other Dana facilities and sell its operations related to the manufacture of knuckles, yokes, tubes and bearing caps at the Syracuse plant. "This will result in the permanent layoff of approximately 200 employees from the Syracuse facility.While the exact date of the layoffs has not yet been established, it is anticipated that initial layoffs will begin on or about July 22, 2002, and should be completed by April 2003.All positions and jobs associated with the manufacture of knuckles, yokes, tubes, bearing caps and some carriers and cases may be affected by this action," according to the letter.

DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Stars' Benefit Riley Hospital In Akron

AKRON -ÊRosie O'Donnell.Elton John.Britney Spears.Elvis Presley.The Dixie Chicks and four dancing chickens. No, it wasn't a strange broadcast of a recent episode of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." Instead, the students of Akron Elementary School enjoyed a "Concert in the Gym" Friday for reaching a fund-raising goal for Riley Children's Hospital. Rosie O'Donnell (Katie Miller) hosted the ceremonies while introducing such acts as The Dixie Chicks (Susan Davis, Brenn Dahms, Virginia Higgins), Elton John (Julie Baxter), Britney Spears (Chrissy Niedbalski), the dancing chickens (Janet Morgan, Julia Teel, Katie Campbell, Patti Newman) and the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley (Akron Elementary Principal Brett Boggs). Teachers and other staff members at Akron were very willing to volunteer their talents for the show in front of the entire school.Special lighting and a police escort abetted in the entrance and exit of the King.

DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Elder-Beerman Store Uses Advanced Security System

Statistically, the retail industry loses $30 billion annually to theft. Retail stores like Elder-Beerman, excluding groceries, lose 1.7 percent of stock to shrinkage each year. Shrinkage may be external, internal or caused by paper mistakes, such as incorrectly stating a quantity on an invoice.External stock shrinkage is the industry term for shoplifting or theft.It's estimated that an individual pays more that $150 extra per year as businesses must increase retail prices to cover theft. Elder-Beerman of Warsaw uses the latest technology to identify theft.Most people know that many retail businesses use ceiling cameras to observe activities in a store, but the newer technology makes those cameras more useful.

M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Zoners, Planners Give Nod To Walgreens

Warsaw is one step closer to getting a Walgreens Drug Store after Monday's Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission meetings. The BZA granted Preferred Development, the company designing the Walgreens, a use variance to build a retail business in a mostly residential area. The 14,560-square-foot store is planned for the block between Center Street, Argonne Road and Market and Roosevelt streets.An abandoned nursing home sits on the northwest corner of the block. The BZA's approval was based in part on a report by Ken Herceg and Associates to change the Parker Street-Center Street-Argonne Road intersection.Herceg recommended Walgreens cede an area that measures approximately 60 feet on Center Street and 100 feet on Argonne Road.That area would be necessary for city use when the intersection is reconfigured.

Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WHA Head Provine Moves On

With the resignation of the Warsaw Housing Authority's director, Warsaw is losing one of its most dedicated public servants, community leaders say. WHA executive director Vickie Provine will be leaving the WHA June 19 after nearly 9 years.She has accepted a position with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monroe County.According to Provine, the Bloomington-area group already has a full-time staff of seven overseeing its programs. "We're sure reluctant to see you go, but we wish you well," board president Bob Kline told Provine.The board accepted her resignation at Wednesday's meeting. "Our loss is certainly Bloomington's gain," said former Warsaw Mayor Jeff Plank.While working with the housing authority he found Provine extremely dedicated and committed to serving people who are often ignored, he said. Plank called her dedication to service an increasingly rare characteristic.

GREG BROWN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

More Storms Sweep Through Area

More severe storms swept through northeastern Indiana Friday afternoon, spreading damage across Kosciusko County. The Nappanee area was still trying to pick up the pieces from a tornado Thursday evening at Mikel's Mobile Estates. The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department will have reserve officers at the mobile home park through Sunday.The officers are providing security at the scene and allowing only residents of the park access to the trailers. Sheriff Al Rovenstine said the residents are trying to gather their personal effects from the wreckage of the trailers.It is estimated that 38 of the 42 trailers in the park were damaged by the tornado. Only four people were injured and treated at area hospitals for minor cuts and bruises. There is still no sewage, water, gas or electricity in the park.Rovenstine said he expects utilities to be off most of the weekend until work crews make sure the area is safe.

TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Shuter New Fire Chief At Winona

WINONA LAKE - Kip Shuter has been named Winona Lake fire department chief, replacing the retired Roger Gelbaugh. Nominated by the department's advisory board, the town council confirmed his appointment this morning at their second meeting of the month. Shuter, Mike Cox and Ed Brown serve as assistant chiefs.Another assistant will be named to replace Shuter. With some creative budgetary manipulations, the fire department will purchase a ladder truck this year, according to town coordinator Craig Allebach. Allebach said the financial future of the department projects a $130,000 deficit within 10 years.Instead of purchasing a fire truck in 2005 and a pumper in 2001, the department will refurbish these vehicles and realize a $160,000 savings, which also allows for the purchase of the ladder truck and its equipment. There will still be a deficit - of $1,000.

TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mexican Consulate Issues Passports, IDs

From May 10-13, the Mexican Consulate of Chicago set up a mobile office in Warsaw, helping people from Mexico get passports and identification cards. More than 750 people were issued passports and Mexican Consulate identification cards, also known as matricula consular, at the mobile site set up at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.The identification cards are legal documents that show proof of identity. Locally, the Mexican Consulate worked with Sus Amigos, a Warsaw group that has a goal growing "healthy Hispanic relationships in Kosciusko County by bridging cultural gaps," said Randy Hall of Cardinal Center. According to Hall, Sus Amigos knew the mobile Mexican consulate visited Fort Wayne, South Bend and Goshen and thought that there was a need for a visit to Kosciusko County because of its large Hispanic population.

JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Neeley Battles Cancer

By Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer In January 2004, doctors diagnosed Audry Neeley, 16, South Whitley, with a malignant tumor in the area of her femur. After additional testing, Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, discovered Neeley suffered from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer most commonly found in children and young adults, which begins inside the bone structure and spreads elsewhere in the body.Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, and the sixth most common type to affect children. Neeley soon underwent chemotherapy and eventually opted to have her femur removed and replaced with a titanium implant.After additional months of chemotherapy, in December 2004, doctors at Riley Hospital declared Neeley's condition to be in remission.

Golden-Glo benefit set for Friday- | July 28, 2016

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