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Webster Looks At Possible Uses For EDIT Funds

NORTH WEBSTER - Sidewalks and curbs, purchase of a leaf vacuum and real estate, the North Webster Elementary School project and infrastructure improvements are earmarked for Economic Development Income Tax funding by the town council. To secure town's share of EDIT in July, a proposal must be passed in the form of an ordinance. Clerk Peg Lawrance advised the council changes could still be made in the form of capital improvements when they heard the second reading Wednesday. The ordinance is expected to be approved at the April 18 town council meeting. Jim McCleary was given the go-ahead to design a pier at the North Webster Town Park at a cost of $5,300, including construction. Standards for waste removal will be set for advertisement in April.Currently, Borden Waste-Away hauls North Webster refuse.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Triton Teacher Contract Approved

BOURBON -ÊA contract is binding Triton Teachers Association and Triton school board. Triton Teachers Association ratified and signed a two-year collective bargaining contract March13; Triton school board members unanimously approved the contract Tuesday. Under the contract, teachers pocket a 2 percent salary increase this year and next along with an increase in insurance deductible. Negotiations forced a wording clarification of a few instances in the contract. The contract negotiations started in August but last through the 2002-03 school year. Steve Feldman was the school board representative.Susan Dietzel represented the association in the mediation. "We are really pleased that the process has been finished," Dietzel said. In other business, the board: • Decided to host summer school in spite of the state's financial constraints.
Matthew Weigelt, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Defense Attorney Says Ralph Fisher Has Alibi

Citing the possibility of bad blood between a father and son dating back to a divorce when the boy was 7 years old, defense attorney Thomas Leatherman of Goshen told the jury in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning that "a Fisher killed Kathy Vroman, but not this Fisher." Leatherman is the attorney for Ralph Fredderick "Fred" Fisher, 47, of Goshen, who is accused of murder in the Jan.15, 2001, shooting death of Kathy Vroman, 48, of Milford.Vroman's body was found in a wooded area near Three Rivers, Mich., several days after she was reported missing.The investigation then turned from missing person to murder.At the origin of the investigation, Fisher's son, Jason Fisher, 24, of Millersburg, was charged with Vroman's murder.That charge remains pending and a trial date has not been set.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

WCS Approves $30 Million Building Bond

With little discussion and no public comment, Warsaw school board Monday unanimously approved the building program that has been under consideration for several months. The resolution for the Facilities Plan 2002-2011, which was proposed at last month's school board meeting, includes: • A new three-section school to be built in Prairie Township to replace Atwood Elementary; • An auditorium and performing arts center at Warsaw Community High School; • Outdoor physical development facilities at WCHS, including a track; football, softball and soccer fields; band practice area; and "all related infrastructure to support these facilities"; • A weight and wrestling room at WCHS; • An addition to the central office building to house technology and other support services.
Stories By Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Miller, Tom Join Economic Development Board

"It isn't that I was getting bored and looking for work," said Dane Miller, about his state-level appointment to the newly formed Indiana Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors."I'm truly honored to work on this commission for a governor, who, I think, is going to be a great leader of this state." Gov.Mitch Daniels named Biomet's Miller and Tom Farms' Kip Tom, along with several other entrepreneurs, business and manufacturing executives to the new board.The board will coordinate Indiana's economic development efforts and be closely involved in statewide strategy for growing the Hoosier economy. "I'll reprioritize things," Miller said this morning."Biomet and the family will not suffer but some other things might.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton To Ban Wheeled Devices On Downtown Sidewalks

PIERCETON - An ordinance banning wheeled devices - skateboards, bicycles and rollerblades - in the downtown business district was approved after a second reading by the town council Monday. A $25 fine will be charged to anyone violating the ordinance.The downtown business district is Ind.13 from Elm Street to Columbia Street and from Washington Street to Second Street on Market and Catholic streets. Signs will be posted when the ordinance is in effect, board president Jerry Kreger said. Paragon Medical Inc.employee Lori Adams appeared at the meeting requesting a tax abatement for personal and real property for the company, which the board approved. According to the abatement documents, Paragon will add another 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space, add $16 million in equipment over the next three years and add 192 employees by 2007.Currently, the company employs 307 people.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Two Local Dentists 'Give Kids A Smile'

All across the nation Friday, dentists and their staffs provided free dental care to underprivileged children as part of the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile" day. In Indiana, 160 dentists from 90 different offices participated in the program, serving more than 1,000 children. In Kosciusko County, Dr.Steven C.Hollar, Dr.Beth R.Schimmele and all 12 members of their staff, including three hygienists, volunteered their Friday afternoon to take part in the program. Hollar said as the President of the North Central Dental Association, which includes 270 dentists, "I felt it was very, very important locally because we do have a need." While serving only the "tip of the iceberg" of the number of local children who need the care, he said he was very proud of the program.It's not enough, but it's a start, he said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

CCAC Celebrates 10th Season

City-County Athletic Complex is celebrating its 10th season this year. It now serves more than 5,000 local youth and adult athletes; more than 150 out-of-county tournament teams per year; approximately 130 girls, women, men, co-ed and church softball teams; and is home to the Warsaw Tiger soccer teams, Kosciusko County Soccer League, Northern Indiana Soccer League, Hispanic Soccer League, CCAC adult soccer leagues and the Pro-Life Music Festival. Andy McCleary, CCAC director, said the CCAC was formed because, with the creation of the Central Park district near Center Lake, Warsaw was faced with the dilemma of where to relocate two softball fields and a soccer field that were there.Because of the need to relocate the downtown athletic facilities and a growing need for recreational fields, the CCAC was proposed. Former mayor Jeff Plank headed up the proposal to build the cooperative facility for the community, McCleary said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City To Refinance 3 Bonds

With interest rates favorable to borrowers, the Warsaw city council decided during Monday's meeting to refinance three outstanding bonds, after hearing from Todd Samuelson of Umbaugh and Associates, Plymouth. The city stands to save $300,000 to $350,000 over the next 20 years, Samuelson said, presenting 15 pages of comparative financial schedules. Randy Rumpola of Baker and Daniels, Indianapolis, presented Ordinance No.2003-03-03 to "refund" the revenue bonds.Final reading will be during the March 17 council meeting. The action combines the outstanding balances of $4.655 million of the 1993 revenue bond issue; $1.34 million on the 1995 revenue bond issue; the principal amount of $10 million on the December 2001 lease rental revenue bond; and a new bond not to exceed $5.8 million for the interceptor project.The debt is to be repaid out of sewage works net revenues. The financial schedules and the ordinance are on view at the clerk's office.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mentone May Form Building Department

MENTONE - Hoping to crack down on unsafe and unsightly buildings, the Mentone Town Council Monday heard from state representatives on creating a building department. Donald LeBrun is a code official for the Code Enforcement and Plan Review Branch of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Division of Fire and Building Safety. He said he could help the town get the department started and provided the council with a sample building code. Councilman Roger Long said Mentone does have a part-time building inspector, but wants to give the inspector "more bite." By statute, LeBrun said, Mentone doesn't have a building department.If Mentone approves an ordinance, it will be approved by the state and Mentone can create its building department.There is "lots of home rule" the state won't meddle with. "The scope of the ordinance is just to regulate construction in the area," LeBrun said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Takes First Step Toward Approving 148-Unit Complex

The Canterbury House Apartments plat was given preliminary approval by the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday, the first step toward construction of the 148-unit, $5.6-million project. City planner Jeff Noffsinger said the apartments are expected to be completed in two phases at the 16-acre site at 1751 Husky Trail. This location is south of Deed's Creek on the west side of the road, north of Silver Fox subdivision and across the road from Harrison Elementary School. Brian Brown, of DA Brown Engineering Consultants, Kendallville, said construction could begin as early as June with 80 units of the first phase completed in about nine months. Jeff Kittle, of Herman and Associates, will own and manage the two-story apartment complex.He said this will be the 46th project in five states for his company and they have spent three years looking at this site.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Trek Through Himalayas Brings Excitement, Awe

Editor's Note: This is the third and final part of a series of stories on the travels of Warsaw Community High School Graduate Chad McKenzie.Today's story gives his impressions of Nepal and Thailand. ***** From Tibet, Chad McKenzie traveled overland to Nepal, staying for 1-1/2 months. "There, just a lot of sight-seeing and a 20-day trek through the Himalayas.Very dynamic.All along the trail - there's no other way, no other access to these villages except for this trail, and the mountains are right in your face.Snowcapped, the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen.We were right in the middle of the Annapurnas.There's lots of history in the Himalayas - expeditions.Mount Everest, of course." They spent a night at the base camp on Everest, which is approximately 5,500 meters up (18,000 feet).
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fire Department Adds To Fleet

SIDNEY - The newest vehicle, a 1999 fire-rescue truck, is tucked into the garage and ready to roll for emergencies, according to Don Ellison, fire chief and 10-year veteran of the Sidney-Jackson Township Fire Department. The 300-gallon-capacity truck is one of many "new" additions to the fire station, replacing a 1978 Ford pickup used by First Responders. Equipped with a defibrillator, oxygen and miscellaneous medical equipment, the Sidney-Jackson Township team can handle about any situation. The garage also houses a 1977 pumper and a 1987 pumper, in addition to a 1998 tanker with a 2,000-gallon water capacity. According to Ellison the 16 volunteer firemen also received new turnout gear in the last two years. Don Slater is the Jackson Township trustee and Ellison cited him as being instrumental in securing all the new gear.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Teachers Win Quiz Bowl

For the fourth year in a row, Harvey Miller, former general manager of WRSW, stepped up to the microphone and delivered 75 questions to Quiz Bowl participants. Four Warsaw Community High School teachers and their principal took the top honors, answering 59 of the 75 questions correctly. R.R.Donnelley & Sons sponsored the winning team of Pam Chastain, Dan Kuhn, John Snyder, Jennifer Brumfield and Joe Conlon.The team of teachers won last year, too, sponsored by Reinholt's Town Square Furniture.Educators also took first place in 2000. The Community Quiz Bowl drew 29 five-member teams, each paying $150 to participate in the Warsaw Community Foundation for Public Education fund-raiser. In second place was the Grossnickle Eye Center team, with 55 points (they placed third in 2002), and Source One Insurance received the third-place plaque for answering 54 questions correctly.Grossnickle placed third in 2002 and Source One was second in 2001.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Suspect In Phillips' Death Appears In Court

Jason Ryan, the man arrested for the 2001 murder of Jill Phillips, appeared in Kosciusko Circuit Court this morning for an initial hearing. Ryan, 29, of Phoenix, Ariz., was arrested in Tennessee last week and booked into Kosciusko County Jail Saturday on a preliminary charge of murder.No bond was set. This morning, he was represented by Warsaw attorney Michael Miner.Miner told the court he may not represent Ryan throughout the entire legal process due to Ryan's financial situation.If Miner withdraws, Ryan will be appointed court-ordered legal counsel. Allegedly, Ryan murdered Phillips, his reported ex-girlfriend, in April 2001.Phillips' body was found June 10, 2001, in Turkey Creek, near Syracuse. According to police, Phillips and Ryan may have one child together, though paternity is being disputed.It is unknown who has custody of the child.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Denies CCAC Funding One More Time

After watching Kosciusko County officials turn down the City-County Athletic Complex for yet another year, Candy Wolkins couldn't contain her emotions Thursday. So after county council denied a one-time request for $50,000, the CCAC board member stood up and criticized some of the officials for what she thought were weak excuses and lack of community support. For the fourth straight year, the county voted against funding, this time, 4-3.In doing so, some council members suggested they consider somehow using Convention and Visitors Bureau revenues from the innkeeper's tax. Soon after the vote Wolkins stood up, apparently unable to hold back her feelings.In a polite but terse impromptu speech, she questioned why the county continues to stand alone when industry, private donors, the city and CVB have combined for nearly $1.8 million. "The commissioners and the council throughout this have turned their back on us," Wolkins said.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

LCA Project Leaning On New Approach

Call it a modern version of a barn raising.Or a "habitat" for Christian schools. Or just call it a modern day innovation that is based on goodwill, volunteerism, a lot of coordination and prayers.Lots of prayers. Lakeland Christian Academy officials and supporters of the school's building program heard a presentation Tuesday night by a consultant from Utah who has built a construction model for Christian schools based widely on in-kind gifts, discounted prices of materials and volunteerism. And, like a traditional barn raising, it's the type of project that is completed so quickly it can leave a community in awe. LCA's timeline appears to be an awesome challenge.Initial excavating at its new campus on County Road 250E was completed two months ago, and organizers hope to begin construction within a month and aim for completion by this fall.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'New Beginning' For Child Care In Milford

MILFORD -ÊNew beginnings for a nonprofit organization may create a need for financial assistance. New Beginnings Child Care, Milford, is offering room sponsorships to help fund the remaining equipment needed for their new facilities.Needed equipment includes everything from playground equipment, books, toys, computers and other equipment to help furnish the interior. "We're setting up a new shop, basically," said New Beginnings president Mark Baumgartner. Each room in the center is up for sponsorship for a designated price.Sponsorships range from $250 to $2,000.Several rooms have already been purchased.Companies who have sponsored rooms include R.R.Donnelley & Sons, Phend & Brown and R.P.Murphy. Sponsors will have their club, business, organization or individual name on a wall plaque at the facility.Rooms are limited and contributions are tax deductible. Those interested in sponsoring a room can contact New Beginnings director Amy Marra at 658-9440.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Three Nabbed In Syracuse Drug Bust

SYRACUSE - Three people were arrested Thursday night when police executed a search warrant at a Syracuse residence after receiving information that there was a "major drug seller" living there. Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said the information that led the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force to the residence came from Goshen police after a traffic stop Thursday morning in their city. The Kosciusko County SWAT Team was deployed to assist in securing the residence while police served the search warrant.Rovenstine said the Syracuse Police Department also played an integral part in the investigation. Three of the seven people, including two who attempted to leave in a vehicle, were taken into custody at the residence.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Driver's Licenses Become More Difficult To Alter

Very few people ever say they like their pictures on their driver's licenses. Now, driver's licenses will be changing, but Hoosiers shouldn't expect better pictures.In fact, the driver's license photos taken will be kept in a digital database, so residents should make sure their photo is as good as it can get. In the next 10 to 12 weeks, Indiana residents who renew or receive their driver's licenses will notice a major overhaul in the look of their license. "The whole format will be changed, it'll be digitized," said Alpha Garrett, public relations spokesman for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She said the driver's license number and the expiration date will be in green.A bar code with demographic information, such as height and weight, will be encoded on the back. "It'll be kind of like a credit card in that it won't have the plastic cover," she said.It will have a plastic coating, however.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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