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Andrews To Resign From Webster Council, Plans Move To Florida

NORTH WEBSTER - Kay Andrews is resigning from her town council seat and as Tippecanoe precinct 1 committeewoman, effective immediately. The 17-year officeholder plans a move to Naples, Fla., where she has accepted a position as a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch. "The opportunity came up and it's something I always wanted to do," said the Lake City Bank assistant vice president."It just came about a little sooner than I expected." A Bluffton native, she has lived in North Webster for 19 years.She'll head south Friday. "It's really hard to leave.I'll miss my daughter and grandchildren."But she expects them to be frequent visitors to the Sunshine State. The five-term councilwoman said the hardest part is leaving her elected position. Andrews was re-elected to her fifth term last fall.She was joined by two new council representatives, Jon Sroufe and Jane Shepherd, and a new clerk, Betsy Luce.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Influenza vaccine policies reviewed

With this season's influenza season waning, health officials are reviewing the past while looking toward the future. Wednesday, at the Kosciusko County Board of Health, County Health Officer Dr.William Remington Jr.said Chief Public Health Nurse Deborah K.Frank gave approximately 1,000 flu vaccines this year.With the shortage of vaccines this year because of one manufacturer's inability to provide half of the nation's doses, Remington said, it was a frustrating season. "I think we hit it pretty good as far as our role in Kosciusko County," he said.Not everyone in the county who wanted a shot probably received one, but in Kosciusko County, Remington said, they rely more on the private sector providing their patients with the vaccine.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

State Reduces Distribution Of EDIT, COIT Funds

National and state economic problems continue to hit Kosciusko County as county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell found out this week. Thursday, she told the county council the county is more than $2.7 million in the red in the Economic Development and County Option Income Tax funds. For the next three years, beginning in 2004, the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance will reduce the entire county's share of COIT by 10 percent, approximately $990,000 per year.EDIT distribution for the entire county will be reduced by 5.7 percent, approximately $241,990 per year.The reductions are being made to pay back the state what it estimates it overpaid the county.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Silver Lake's Town Park Closer To Reality

SILVER LAKE - The town of Silver Lake is a few steps closer to finalizing plans for a town park to occupy the old Marathon Station site. Town council president Brenda Wadkins said last month the town plans to put a gazebo in the old parking lot, adding benches and a brick sidewalk to make the area a "sitting park." "Things are proceeding.We had hoped for Silver Lake Days.I don't think that's going to happen," Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter said Tuesday."We are open for ideas.These are preliminary plans so we really want input.This is the town park." Hollopeter said the town will be selling 4- by 8-inch and 8- by 8-inch bricks to the public to raise money for construction of the new park.The bricks will be engraved with whatever the buyer chooses and placed in the park. Council members discussed reasonable prices with audience members before deciding to sell the smaller bricks for $75 each and the larger bricks for $125 each.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Biomet Confirms Association With Morgan Stanley

Biomet Inc.(NASDAQ:BMET) Thursday confirmed Morgan Stanley & Co.Inc.is assisting it in exploring strategic alternatives focused on enhancing shareholder value.The company stated no decisions have been made, and there is no assurance this exploration will result in any specific action. Daniel P.Hann, interim president and chief executive officer, said, "We believe that this review is a prudent exercise and is consistent with management's commitment to our shareholders and team members." The company also stated it does not expect to disclose developments with respect to its exploration of alternatives unless required. Biomet Inc.and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market products primarily used by musculoskeletal medical specialists in surgical and non-surgical therapy, which are distributed in more than 100 countries.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Arts, Culture Celebration Scheduled This Weekend

It's been months in the making, and the first annual Celebration of Arts and Culture is sure to have something for everyone. Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., the Center for Arts and Culture will bring together musicians, theater troupes, choirs, artists and other performers in the former Eagles Building, 117 E.Center St., Warsaw. Admission is free, with entertainment, demonstrations and activities geared for all ages. The three-story Eagles building has an enormous first floor and lower level, home of an antiques mall just a couple of years ago.Since then a retail business selling mattresses occupied the space, which recently relocated.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Fatal Accident At Dexter Axle

NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊA Bluffton man is dead after a work-related accident at Dexter Axle in North Manchester Sunday afternoon. Jerry D.Huffman, of Bluffton, was found unresponsive lying on the ground beside his tractor-trailer at Dexter Axle around 12:31 p.m.Sunday.He later was pronounced dead by the Wabash County coroner. Although the accident remains under investigation, officers from the the Wabash County Sheriff's Department believe Huffman was injured while trying to secure a load on his semi-trailer.The specifics of Huffman's injuries were not released. At the scene, the Wabash County Sheriff's Department was assisted by North Manchester Life Med and Chester Township Fire Department.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Paragon Expansion Ahead Of Schedule

PIERCETON - In July 2004, When Paragon Medical Inc.announced plans to expand its Pierceton facilities, the company expected to break ground in 18 months.Those plans are now nine months ahead of schedule, and ground was broken Tuesday on a 50,000- square-foot manufacturing facility.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Rocks Miff Webber St. Residents

Not long ago, Webber Street simply ran into the waters of Pike Lake. But now rocks and boulders have been placed at the end of the drive, a decision many surrounding neighbors feel is unfair. During Warsaw's City Council meeting Monday, Mayor Ernie Wiggins said the rocks had been placed on the end of the street as a safety issue, to prevent vehicles from driving into the lake.However, resident Frances Lane said the barrier blocked neighbor's access to the lake and asked for them to be removed. "I'm not happy because someone did this without taking the rest of us into consideration," Lane said. She said that for years, neighbors were allowed to fish, swim and walk the shoreline in the area. Councilmen questioned whether Lane's deeded property gave her legal access to the lake.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

YMCA Helps Warsaw Man Fight For Normal Life

Brad Johnson is just like everyone else. Johnson plays the game of life every day and Johnson faces the risks many face every day. But Johnson is not just like everyone else. "A drunk driver ran over me on my motorcycle on purpose," the Warsaw man said."I wasn't going fast enough to suit him and he was drunk." The 1979 accident broke his spine in eight places. "I pretty much recovered from that incident, but I wasn't able to do things like play golf," Johnson said. Up to that point, he was very active in sports.He ran approximately 10 miles and played golf nearly every day. Since the accident, Johnson has suffered broken bones, including breaking his spine 16 times. Johnson, 45, also has had eight major spinal surgeries and 40 surgeries altogether. The doctors gave up hope and said he would never walk again. "My whole life is changed," Johnson said. Now Johnson fights every day just to regain strength.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

YMCA Experiences Growth, Considering Further Expanson

Been to the YMCA lately? If not, you may know others who have, because at the end of February, YMCA membership reached 8,006. That is, according to executive director Tom Garland, an "all-time high in membership, so it's been a hopping place." Asked why there's been so much growth, he said the YMCA offers more and growing programs with a great program staff.Facilities and equipment are upgraded as much as they can be.Much of the membership increase has been because more families are joining the association and the YMCA tries to be as family-oriented as possible. Because of the rapid growth, Garland said, the YMCA is working with the fairgrounds on a parking lot."That's our biggest need," he said.If the new parking lot becomes a reality, the next step, he said, will be to look at the possibility of facilities expansion.It is all part of the YMCA board working on the long-term plans for the organization's growth.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wayne Trustee Offers Service Program

Dan Slone, the Wayne Township trustee, has a new program for residents applying for rent or utility vouchers - community service with the Warsaw street, parks or Kosciusko County's Solid Waste Management District. The trustee's office is a kind of last stop for financial aid because first-time applicants will be sent to charitable organizations, like Combined Community Services, the Salvation Army and Our Father's House, first.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Cuts Six Teachers

Six teachers and the assistant athletic director at Warsaw Community High School and three elementary school counselors won't have their contracts renewed for the 2003-04 school year, the Warsaw School Board decided Monday. By unanimously approving a move from block scheduling to a five-period trimester system at WCHS, the administration could cut several teachers from the high school without compromising classes. All teachers cut were either considered non-permanent, in the first two years of their contracts, or semi-permanent, within the third through fifth years of their contracts.(In years six and beyond, according to superintendent Dr.David McGuire, teachers are considered permanent, or tenured.) Teachers who won't be returning are: Rachel Higgins, family and consumer science; Susan Mishler, physical education and assistant athletic director; Kelly Morrow, art; Lois Padilla, math; Troy Rudd, Spanish; and Dayna Yoder, middle school math.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

April 15 Postmark Only Available Until 5 p.m. Today

If you didn't mail your tax return by 5 p.m.today, you may just be out of luck, although Worth Tax Service is offering a glimmer of hope for late filers and electronic filing still may be an option. Post offices around the county are closing at 5 p.m.and any filings dropped off after that will receive a April 16 postmark on them. The tax returns are due postmarked by midnight tonight. The Warsaw Post Office closes at 5 p.m.today.Any filings dropped off after that in the drop boxes will be postmarked April 16, according to a post office spokesman. This is the third year the post office has not stayed open late on April 15.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

W. Lake's Wilcoxson Disputes Conflict Of Interest Accusations

WINONA LAKE - When do private enterprise and public responsibility clash? At what point does an elected official, who also is involved in community development projects, cross that invisible line into conflict of interest? Brent L.Wilcoxson is president of Winona Lake's town council; he's also a developer in Winona Lake.Many of the decisions he makes as a councilman ultimately affect his livelihood. Charges of conflict of interest began while Wilcoxson was running for town council in 1995.Issues involved include: • Use of town equipment and personnel for work on private property while he was a candidate. • Having the town pave Terrace Drive before his historic homes tour. • Reduction of the sewer rate for the Winona Hotel. Some Winona Lake residents believe Wilcoxson is entitled to his development projects or to serving as town council president.They just think he shouldn't do both at the same time.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

'Junk' Cars, Skateboards Top Pierceton Town Council Agenda

PIERCETON - A skateboard park may be in the works if the group attending Monday's Pierceton Town Council meeting is any indication. Annie Espinoza addressed the town council representing the 15 youths, mostly boys, about the skateboard ordinance, which specifically prohibits skateboarding in the business district - from Washington to Second streets and from Columbia to Elm streets. Council president Jerry Kreger said a girl approached the town council about 18 months ago to organize a park.She was going to solicit donations, Kreger said, and the town would provide liability insurance.The triangle-shaped piece of land north of the "mill" on Mill Street was available.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Settles Employees' Suit

A 20-month-old lawsuit against Warsaw Community School Corp.by two former employees has been settled. Monday, the school board approved the settlement agreement with Janet Helton and Mary Scott.The school corporation will pay only a $5,000 deductible.The school corporation's insurance company, Indiana Insurance Co., will pay the undisclosed settlement. Max Reed, school board attorney, presented the agreement to the board and recommended they approve it.The $5,000 is the deductible the board has in every case."I urge the board to go ahead and pass a resolution to adopt this," he said.After Helton and Scott sign the agreement, Reed said the suit will be settled. "The result is the lawsuit will be dismissed and never raise its ugly head again," said Reed. He said they are fortunate both sides were able to reach a settlement.The two plaintiffs had asked for a jury trial.If that would have happened, Reed said they could not be sure of the outcome.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Exception Sought For Home Business

Property along Market Street could be the location of a new business after a decision by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday. Aaron and Jillian McClone, currently Leesburg residents, were granted a special exception for a home occupation at 2016 E.Market St., a property the couple want to buy, pending BZA approval of the exception. The decision will allow the home to be used both as a residence and the location for a technology company, MTECH Audio Video Security Data. The board denied the McClones' additional request for two identification signs near the building.Members said current residential zoning would not permit the request. "We encourage business, but we have to recognize the residential zoning regulations," board president Dan Hampton said. Bruce Woodward, who abstained from voting on the matter, represented property owner John Dobbins, who opposed the request.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Two Seniors Receive Local Scholarships

Two Kosciusko County high school seniors learned Wednesday that they will receive "full-ride" scholarships starting next year to the colleges of their choice. Stephanie Campbell, a senior at Warsaw Community High School; and Michelle Lamb, a senior at Wawasee High School, are this year's recipients of Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships, awarded through the Kosciusko County Foundation. The scholarships pay full tuition and required fees, plus an allocation for books and required equipment - for four years - to any Indiana public or private university, said Suzanne Light, director of the foundation. Light notified the students and their families Wednesday evening by personally delivering bouquets of balloons, mock checks and congratulatory letters to their houses.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

WCS May Re-Open Claypool School

Claypool Elementary School likely will be reopened - the question, though, is when. Warsaw Community Schools board of trustees held a special meeting Monday to discuss the Claypool situation. Board member Chuck Sauders opened the meeting Monday with a motion that would have opened Claypool this fall with contingencies.His motion failed by a vote of 1 to 6. School board members had concerns and questions about Sauders' motion.His motion was made in consultation with Eisenhower principal Chris Gensinger and Washington principal Tom Ray.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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