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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

Greenway Progress: Bike, walking trail gets financial help, new logo

The Lake City Greenway Project received a monetary boost from R.R.Donnelley and Sons Inc.with a donation of $25,000 to cover engineering costs. The international printing company also is donating land for the first phase of the eight- mile multi-use trail. Also on hand Thursday was Steve Jones, Warsaw, winner of a parks department-sponsored logo contest. Jones, a commercial and graphic designer, composed a blue and green oval-shaped graphic which will be used for lake City Greenway promotional materials and on markers along the trail. Beginning at Trailhead Park and Chinworth Bridge, the 8- to 10-foot-wide asphalt path will run east and west parallel to old U.S.30W on the south side. Cutting across the City-County Athletic Complex and donated Donnelley property, the trail will turn south at Dewamac Park and follow Marsh Ditch to Zimmer Road in Boggs Industrial Park.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Special Prosecutor Sought In Local Prostitution Case

Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe will turn a prostitution case over to a special prosecutor to handle, and Kolbe may also pursue an investigation into the two police officers involved in the case. Angela Frye was arrested Jan.29 and charged with prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor, after allegedly initiating a sexual act during a massage while working for Dating Dynamics, Warsaw.Frye and Jeanette Fairchild, the business owner, claim nothing illegal happened. Dating Dynamics offers topless massages.Police began investigating the business after receiving numerous complaints from the public. Kolbe was forced to step down as prosecutor since he was named as a defense witness in the case, he said. Richard Brown, the Fulton County prosecutor, was named to head the prosecution against Frye.She is scheduled to go on trial July 23 at 8:30 a.m.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Census Bureau Seeks Local Enumerators

"...The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct...." - The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 2. A census of the population of the United States is required by the U.S.Constitution every 10 years. To fulfill that obligation, the federal government hires people to serve as enumerators to count people in the area in which they live who didn't complete their census forms. In Kosciusko County, the search continues for people to be enumerators, a job that pays $10.50 per hour plus 32.5 cents per mile.The job will last four to six weeks.The federal government pays workers weekly by direct deposit. "It makes it perfect for someone who wants to make a little extra money," said Leanne Coffman, who is administering the test for potential workers.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mentone Resident Thinks Leak Is Town's Problem

MENTONE - If it doesn't run through his water meter, Mentone resident Chris Zolman told the Mentone Town Council Monday, he doesn't have to pay for it. The council said homeowners are responsible to pay for the water that runs from the curb stop to the property. Zolman said he's been having a problem with the water at the end of the drive; it's been leaking for 1-1/2 months.He was told it was his responsibility to get it fixed, but he said he wasn't sure why as he couldn't find anything in the code books to indicate where it was his responsibility.The water isn't going through his meter.If someone could show him a state statute where it was his responsibility, Zolman said, he'd pay for it to be fixed, but he couldn't find any such code. Mark Hughes, councilman, said from the curb stop in, it's the homeowner's responsibility.That's the standard procedure.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

BOW Approves New Investment Service And Phone System

A new interest-bearing account was adopted by the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety Friday, allowing for a change in investment services for city checking accounts. Lake City Bank will convert the city's current investment sweep service to an Indexed Super Now Account.These accounts will earn interest compounded daily at a rate of 2.81 percent.All transfer fees assigned to this type of financial adjustment will be waived by the bank. The new account began Wednesday and will be in effect for the next two years. The board also approved plans to incorporate a uniform phone system for the offices of the Mayor, Warsaw Fire Departments, Parks Department, Oakwood Cemetery and Aviation Board. "We look forward to the convenience of the new phone service for the fact that all city departments will be connected under one telephone system," Mayor Ernie Wiggins said.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Grossnickle Served As Naval Aviator

Editor's note: This is part of a series of interviews with World War II veterans.The articles will continue in each day's edition until May 28, prior to the World War II Memorial Dedication and Recognition Day, May 29. "Sixty-two years ago, the United States was bombed at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese," said Paul Grossnickle, 79, setting the climate for his eventual service as a World War II fighter pilot for the U.S.Navy."That's what really started the Second World War in the Pacific.The Japanese didn't realize they had awakened a sleeping giant.In none of the preceding wars were we attacked, so everyone wanted to do their part for the war effort. "Whoever was able-bodied and of the right age went into the military.Those who didn't, stayed here and did all their work with the war effort.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zoners Look At Walgreens Proposal Tonight

The proposed Walgreens Drug Store project returns before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals at a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m.in city hall. The petitioner, Preferred Development Inc., Chicago, is requesting a use variance because retail development is not permitted in residential districts. The company intends to build a 14,560-square-foot building with 72 parking spaces on the block bordered by Center Street, Argonne Road, Market and South Roosevelt streets. The area has a mix of zonings: C-3, commercial to the north; R-2, residential to the south; R-2 and R-3 residential and office to the east and C-3 and R-2 commercial and residential to the west. There are six single-family houses and an empty commercial building on the block.Surrounding properties are zoned residential, to the east, south and west and commercial to the north and west.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Funds Missing

Following an audit by the State Board of Accounts, approximately $27,000 was found missing from the Kosciusko County Solid Waste District's accounts in 1999 and 2000. The financial review is regularly scheduled once every two years, according to district chairman Joe Thallemer. At that time and since her appointment as director in September 1997, Marsha Eikenberry also served as the district's controller. State Board of Accounts representatives met with KCSWD directors and Kosciusko County commissioners Avis Gunter and Ron Truex, county councilman Maurice Beer, Winona Lake councilman Rolly Ortega and Warsaw city councilman Thallemer Wednesday in executive session an hour prior to the regular meeting. The accountants' preliminary findings reportedly show that unauthorized cashed checks, misuse of district property and unauthorized vacation days added to the district's loss. On first study no one other than Eikenberry is implicated in the theft.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Couple Serve Together In Bourbon EMS

BOURBON - It's a family affair for Ken and Lee Ann Cretcher when it comes to service as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for Bourbon's all volunteer ambulance service. The Cretchers are officers in the service; Ken is president and Lee Ann vice president, serving the past two years.It's been a busy term: it was during this time Bourbon purchased an old service station and converted it to house the service's two ambulances and a meeting and training room for the EMTs.State-mandated shower and laundry facilities were added as well as a small kitchen area that could be used in case of widespread power outages or other disasters.Much of the work was done by volunteers, including the Cretchers.
MARILYN GOCHENOUR, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Leesburg Sewer Project Proceeding On Schedule

LEESBURG - The Leesburg Town Council met Monday for its regular monthly meeting. Joe Tierney, GRW Engineers, provided an update on sewer project activities, which are proceeding on schedule.He and members of the town council responded to several questions posed by residents and business owners attending the meeting. Questions address during the meeting included: • "Should estimated costs be broken down for specific locations in Leesburg and for other, more specific items?" Rick Stookey, Leesburg town council president asked, adding, "We're all in this together."Plans are to include all locations in the town.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Ku Klux Klan Rallies In Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Syracuse Elementary teacher Lera Reinholt has the support of the Ku Klux Klan whether she wants it or not. The Klan rallied in Syracuse this afternoon in support of Reinholt, a fourth-grade teacher who has come under fire this week for a worksheet distributed in her classroom.The paper asked students to fill in information about the workings of the Klan, and also contained a word search with some offensive racial terms. The Klansmen arrived at 12:15 p.m.to a crowd of about 200 people.One Klansman rolled down his car window and directed a string of invectives at media behind a fence. "It's all about white power.F*** the niggers! This is my land.Send the niggers back to Africa!" Sixteen Klansmen got out of their vehicles and 12 put on robes and hoods.Another put a bandana over his eyes to hide his identity.
DEB McAULIFFE, Times-Union Staff Writer, AND GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Schools Discusses Liability Of Leesburg Rec. League Restrooms

The Leesburg Summer Recreational League wanted to build public restrooms on the ball diamonds at Leesburg Elementary School. But now there's a liability question the Warsaw School Board needs answered first. Previously, Bruce Ferguson asked the school board for a letter to the State Board of Health approving the summer program to hook the bathrooms up to the school's sewer system.The school board approved Ferguson to work with board attorney Max Reed on drafting the letter. Monday, Reed said when he contacted Ferguson, Ferguson didn't have information on the league's structure, but told Reed to contact William Trump.When Reed contacted Trump, Trump allegedly told Reed he "is the summer league."There is no corporation, no limited liability corporation, no not-for-profit set up.Reed said Trump told him he appointed himself as president.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Triton OKs $350,000 For Capital Projects Fund

BOURBON - The Triton School Board approved a resolution Monday to appropriate $350,000 for the school corporation's capital projects fund. The money will be spent on a project to bring Triton Junior/Senior High School's auditorium lighting system up to insurance standards.Superintendent Ted Chittum said the resolution simply gives the board permission to spend money on projects not previously planned for in the school corporation's budget.Chittum said each step of the auditorium lighting project will come before the board for approval when cost estimates are received. The board also approved several employment recommendations, including hiring Jill Finley, of Plymouth, to replace kindergarten teacher Linda Bowdler.Bowdler announced her retirement earlier this year.However, Monday, the board approved a motion to rescind her retirement as she has accepted another half-time position with the school corporation.
TIM ROBERTSON, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

WCHS Building Trades Class Hosts Open House May 25

The Warsaw Building Trades Open House is May 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday night, the Warsaw School Board heard a presentation about the building trades program and its 24-year history.The house this year is in Summerfield Estates, 1370 S.Sandal Court, Warsaw, and is the home of Ron and Tammy Neiswonger. Tom Heiman has been the program instructor for the past 20 years, taking over building trades in 1986.When he started as instructor, the students built houses valued at $65,000-$85,000.Now the houses run more than $300,000. "We try to make it as realistic as a construction site as possible," said Heiman. The program, which includes students from other area high schools such as Whitko, builds one house per year.Currently, there is a 45-year waiting list.The class is a two-year training program so the students can go into the work force or post-training.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Logan Extension Includes Significant Sewer Work

Warsaw City Council took a preliminary step toward financing a major road project that would reduce congestion on Ind.15S. Logan Street extension, a half-mile stretch that would connect the street with Rozella Road and cost more than $2 million, could begin next year if no unexpected road blocks show up. The proposal is considered a state project and will depend greatly on federal funds.Eighty percent of engineering and construction costs will be paid with federal funds, and the city's share is expected to be $492,000. On Monday, city council took the first step toward seeking a general obligation bond for $1.5 million that includes enough money to extend sewer service to the southwest part of the city. Consultants who prepared the proposal said the $1.5 million figure was higher than needed and was targeted for cautionary reasons so that enough will be secured for the projects.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Millar Named District Biologist For Kosciusko County

He's always enjoyed animals. As a child, he wanted to be a zookeeper or veterinarian.But, through a chain of events, Randy Millar became an assistant property manager and certified biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Recently, with the department's reorganization, Millar was named as the district biologist for Kosciusko County, while still maintaining his duties as the assistant property manager of Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area. His duties as assistant property manager include helping to maintain public lands.As the district biologist, he will assist private landowners. "I'm willing to help (private landowners) with wildlife management issues," Millar said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Olinger Wins Right To Ride Cart In U.S. Open Qualifier

SOUTH BEND - A Warsaw man won his dream Friday afternoon - the chance to play in a qualifying round for the U.S.Open, despite his disability. Ford Olinger was granted a temporary injunction against the U.S.Golf Association in U.S.District court allowing him to use a golf cart at the local qualifier Monday at the South Bend Country Club.Olinger suffers from a degenerative hip disease that makes walking painful. The USGA argued that Olinger should not be allowed any different treatment then the other golfers and should not play if he could not walk the 18 holes.Olinger said he suffers from avascular necrosis. The temporary injunction will allow Olinger to play Monday.If he is successful, he will travel to Orlando, Fla.to play in a 36-hole sectional qualifier on June 8.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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