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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

County To Deal With $0.6M Shortfall

No matter how much planning and budgeting takes place, sometimes shortfalls still happen. Tuesday, at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting, county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said the insurance and retirement benefits for the county employees will cost the county more this year than the county anticipated during budgeting last year.Without an additional appropriation, the county will not have the money to pay for the benefits. The insurance shortfall for this year, which will hit about September, will be approximately $300,000.The retirement shortfall will be $200,000 with a possible shortfall in Social Security of $100,000. Mitchell said the county council will be informed of the matter at its 7 p.m.Thursday meeting, and she will ask them for an additional appropriation to cover the shortfall. "We're going to spend it.You have to have the additional appropriation to do it," Mitchell said.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Two Held On Drug Counts

Kosciusko County Drug Task Force officers, working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested two Warsaw residents on felony drug charges. David M.Walker, 41, and Kelly S.Walker, 40, both of 3321 N.CR 600E, Warsaw, were arrested Tuesday.David Walker was preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of marijuana, and is held on a $20,000 bond. Kelly Walker was charged with maintaining a common nuisance and is held on a $2,000 bond. The Walkers' arrests follow an investigation spanning several months that began with the DEA's arrest of a Kentucky man and his Noble County wife. Their arrests led police to the Walkers' residence, where they recovered a pound of methamphetamine, 30 pounds of marijuana and $16,000 in cash.A federal investigation continues regarding that recovery.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Tippecanoe Watershed Eligible For CSP Monies

INDIANAPOLIS - The U.S.Department of Agriculture has announced a sign-up period for the Conservation Security Program, authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, will be March 28 to May 27 in 220 watersheds covering about 185 million acres in every state and the Caribbean.Administered by the natural Resources Conservation Service, CSP is a voluntary program supporting ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of natural resources.The national $202 million budget will allow NRCS to offer an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 contracts to eligible farmers and ranchers. Among this year's 202 nationally selected watersheds, the Tippecanoe, Middle Wabash Deer, Middle Wabash Busseron and Upper Maumee watersheds include portions of Indiana and represent nearly 7,300 farmers.In addition, USDA is offering sign-up opportunity to producers in the 18 CSP pilot watersheds of 2004, including the St.Joseph and Auglaize watersheds in Indiana.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Lugar Rep. To Be In Warsaw Tuesday

Phil Shaull of U.S.Sen.Dick Lugar's Fort Wayne office will be in Kosciusko County Tuesday from 11 a.m.to noon in the Warsaw Community Public Library, Room A. Shaull will be available to meet with area residents who may be experiencing problems with the federal government or who may have an opinion to expess on a particular subject. The constituent services staff assists residents on a wide variety of iSsues, including passports, immigration, employment, pensions, education matters, military and veteran concerns, Social Security and Medicare problems, IRS and postal issues, consumer complaints and housing and emergency assistance needs. Lugar also maintains a special projects staff to assist local elected officials, citizens groups and not-for-profit organizations in obtaining information on proposed projects related to agriculture, education, housing, roads and highways, small business and environmental concerns.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Sus Amigos' Mentoring Program Honors Students, Employers

Employers, educators and students gathered Tuesday to honor Sus Amigos Mentoring Program participants. The banquet was sponsored by Zimmer, a Partner in Education with Warsaw Community High School.The mentoring program matches qualified Hispanic students with a job offered by employers.Sus Amigos hopes to encourage young Hispanic students to stay in school, make good grades, plan for their future and attend college. This year, five WCHS juniors took part in the program.After working with a mentor-teacher to determine his or her interests, each student was matched to an employer in Warsaw.Tania Gomez works for Bowen Center and recently was nominated to the National Honor Society; Fanny Nunez works for the YMCA Jefferson Kids Club and has been nominated for the Indiana Girls State Award; Alexandra Patino is with the First Steps & Healthy Families programs at Cardinal Center; Jesus Ramirez works for Papa John's Pizza; and Mario Briseno works for Ace Hardware.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Biomet To Acquire Interpore

Biomet Inc.announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Interpore International Inc.under which Biomet will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Interpore for $14.50 per share, in cash, representing a total equity value of approximately $280 million. Based in Irvine, Calif., Interpore focuses on providing innovative products for spinal surgery.Its three major product groups - spinal implant products, orthobiologic products and minimally invasive surgery products - are used by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in a wide range of applications.Interpore's net sales in 2003 were approximatley $67.5 million.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Officer Honored

WINONA LAKE - Following Terry Howie's announced retirement in February, the Winona Lake town council recognized one of its longest-serving police officers in town history Tuesday with an opening session in his honor. Town officials, family and friends took time to show their respect for Howie and his 24 years of service to the Winona Lake Police Department by remembering his achievements. Council President Rolly Ortega presented Howie with a plaque of recognition, a picture of Howie when he first joined WLPD, his badge, identification card and the gun he carried during his service. "There's not enough words to say thank you," Ortega said."You've done so many wonderful things for the community and we appreciate your dedication to Winona Lake." Ortega remembered first meeting Howie while he was attending Grace College and reported his camera stolen.Howie was chief of security at Grace at the time.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Sheriff's Deputy Gets Standard Sentence For Drunken Driving Offense

The standard sentence for a first-time drunken driving offense was handed down Tuesday to a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputy. Douglas K.Brumfield Jr., 31, of Warsaw, pleaded guilty during his initial hearing in Kosciusko Superior Court 2 to driving while intoxicated.Judge James Jarrette ordered Brumfield to serve six days of a 60-day jail sentence. Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said Brumfield got the same sentence as about nine other people who went before the judge on the same charges.Brumfield began serving his jail term immediately.He is currently on a 30-day unpaid suspension from his police duties, a disciplinary action agreed to Friday by the KCSD Merit Board. Brumfield also must pay a $50 fine and $332.50 in court costs.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

WCDC Still Deciding Fate Of Comstock House

Members of the Warsaw Community Development Corporation continued discussions Tuesday regarding ownership of the Comstock House. President Clint Pletcher addressed the organization's financial liabilities in operating the facility, a 130-year old building which currently houses low-income residents in the downtown area. "We might be painting ourselves into a corner with certain issues," Pletcher said."It's been a successful program so far but (it's) becoming a source of financial burden." Bruce Woodward, who represented the property Tuesday, said he contacted state officials from the Indiana Housing Community Development Corporation.Because of past grant monies received for the project, a new owner of the Comstock House would be required to follow state regulations, including renting the property at a fair market value. "If the property is put on the market at a bargain price there would be investors willing to take on the compliance," Woodward said.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Person Of The Year

Jon Sroufe (C) was honored as North Webster's Person of the Year at the North Webster Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Tuesday evening at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. Pictured with Sroufe are his wife, Win, (L) and Kay Andrews, chamber board member. Sroufe owns an orthopedic manufacturing facility in Ligonier and recently moved back to North Webster. He has served on the board of directors of the Palace of Sports Foundation and was instrumental in securing funds from the foundation to help transform the old North Webster Elementary school into the North Webster Community Center. Sroufe also serves as president of the board of directors for the community center. Sroufe said, 'It's a great honor. I am truly honored by the distinction,' adding that he was 'just in the right place at the right time.' Also recognized at the banquet were Anita Wagoner for her efforts on the downtown beautification project, and Mary Gerard, chamber vice president and two-term former president. Speaker for the event was Joy McCarthy-Sessing, president of Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Al Disbro
Photo by Al Disbro- | July 28, 2016

Dispatcher, Fireman Honored By City Council

James and Marsha Kilgore were at the Warsaw City Council meeting Monday to honor the woman who saved their lives. Jackie Treft, dispatcher for Warsaw Police Department, received a plaque from Chief Craig Allebach and Mayor Ernie Wiggins for "going beyond what is normally expected."Treft's response to a 911 call and her concern and follow-through were responsible for saving the Kilgores' lives after their near-fatal exposure to carbon monoxide. The Kilgores, who are both teachers, hugged Treft as they thanked her, and James Kilgore said, "She has touched an awful lot of people by her outstanding action." Wiggins also thanked Treft for "taking such an interest in the people she deals with." The city council also recognized Capt.Larry Baker, of Warsaw Fire Department, for being selected the "1996 Outstanding Fireman" by the Indiana Council of Fraternal, Veterans and Social Societies Inc.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Construction Company Files Suit Against Bank

C.R.I.Construction recently filed a lawsuit in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 against Farmers State Bank. The suit results from the November arrest of Marvin Christopher Whitehead, 39.Whitehead was an employee of C.R.I.and admitted stealing more than $356,102 from the business by depositing business funds into a fake account at Farmers State Bank. Whitehead opened an account at the bank in the business' name, deposited clients' payment checks and then had cashiers' checks made out to himself to cash. According to the suit, the bank should be liable because no information provided by Whitehead was ever verified. Farmers State Bank should have contacted the business owner, president, chief financial officer or other C.R.I.executive to verify Whitehead's financial authority, the suit alleges.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Farmers Eligible For Low-Interest Loans

Due to the severe storms that occurred on Oct.24 and 25, 2001, Kosciusko County farmers, as well as those in Greene, Jasper, LaPorte, LaGrange, Newton, Noble, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vigo, Warren and White counties, are eligible for low-interest emergency loans through Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in Benton, Clay, Elkhart and St.Joseph counties are also eligible for emergency loans related to the storms. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. Loan applications are available to any applicant with a qualifying loss in the counties named. The approval is limited to applicants who suffered qualifying production losses only.Applications will be received through Oct.7.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016
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