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Local J.C. Penney Store To Remain Open

The J.C.Penney store in Warsaw escaped the axe swung by corporate headquarters when the latter announced four store closings in Indiana yesterday. The retail giant plans to close 47 stores across the country, cutting about 5,500 jobs or 2 percent of its work force. Ken Ashpole, manager of the Market Square Shopping Center outlet and catalogue center, said no nearby metropolitan-area stores will close either. "We've had good support from the community in the past and look forward to serving the Kosciusko County area for years to come," he said. Ashpole has been manager of the local department store for the last seven years, in charge for about half of its 13-year history in Warsaw.The catalogue desk opened in 1976. Penney, headquartered in Plano, Texas, has been in a years-long slide amid tough competition from discounters and trendier retailers.Analysts blamed the company's prior management for failing to respond to changes in consumer tastes.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

5th District Hopeful Goodnight Brings Campaign To Warsaw

"I'm not Evan Bayh, but my wife's better looking and my kids are better looking than his," Fifth District Congressional hopeful Greg Goodnight joked Tuesday. Goodnight, 34, is from Howard County and is a lifetime resident of the district. Goodnight is a Democrat and hopes to be a "representative for the working people in the Fifth District."His opponent is incumbent Steve Buyer, R-Monticello.Goodnight said he's running a different kind of campaign this year. "We're going to run a grass-roots campaign.We're going to run on the ground," Goodnight said.This means Goodnight is going to do as much door-to-door, individual and one-on-one contact as possible.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Truex To Head Waste Board

Ron Truex was elected Kosciusko County Solid Waste District Board president, with Brad Jackson as vice president for the next year after several other candidates declined the positions, citing busy schedules. Tuesday the board heard good news from county auditor and district financial controller Sue Ann Mitchell when she said the district was more than $52,000 to the good. Leaving behind a year of financial uncertainty, the members were pleased with the report. Mitchell advised the board she consulted with the bank regarding a "sweep" account, which is now costing more than it is bringing to the district.She said it was set up as a commerical account and should be set up as a government account. District director Sue Studebaker said the building maintenance and repair account was not set high enough at $250.The amount was budgeted before the move to Union Street last fall.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Elder-Beerman Coming To Town, Realtor Says

Elder-Beerman, an upscale full-line department store, is coming to Warsaw. The regional chain and owners of Marketplace of Warsaw, Rein Warsaw Associates, plan to invest $2 million in renovations to the old Big Wheel and BuySmart property before the store opens in late summer or early fall, according to Gary Salyer, of Warsaw Real Estate, who arranged the deal. The vacant store was owned by Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa, which recently sold it to Rein, which is headquartered in New York City. After its sale, the 58,000-square-foot building was leased to Elder-Beerman Co., of Dayton, Ohio, Salyer said. Elder-Beerman is comparable to L.S.Ayres or Hudsons. The chain has more than 50 stores in the Midwest, including nine in Indiana.The closest store is in Elkhart.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Approves Webster School Plans

SYRACUSE -ÊSchematics for the new North Webster Elementary School were approved Tuesday by the Wawasee School Board. Gary R.Watkins, of Barton, Coe, Vilamaa Architects & Engineers Inc., Fort Wayne, presented and explained the plans. "We think this is a very good option, a good plan for the school," he said. Grade levels are in pods of five rooms each, with an additional classroom in each pod set aside for specialty classes, such as gifted and talented or students with learning disabilities.Watkins said the pods reduce noise and allow grade levels to work together. The building is designed for 700 students.The administration area is in front of the building to help with security.The media center is in the center of the school. The main entry and the parent drop-off area are separated from bus services.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Approves Rezoning For Juvenile Facility

PIERCETON - Despite protests from adjacent neighbors, the town council approved a rezoning of 60 acres to public use in the Cubs Development industrial park north of U.S.30. Lifeline Youth and Family Services Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer Mark Terrell answered questions and talked about the proposed complex Monday. The proposed facility would initially house 60 to 70 male juveniles, ages 8 to 18, in three group homes.Future plans include two more group homes, a school, a chapel and recreational facilities. "It's a secure facility, not a juvenile prison," Terrell said."They are there for two reasons.Either they made poor decisions or their parents made poor decisions.They are considered a moderate security risk." Lifeline does not accept children who need to be medicated to modify their behavior, although they may be on medication.Length of stay is from 90 days to nine months, as ordered by a judge.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Relents On CCAC Funding

A new lineup of sorts among the Kosciusko County Commissioners led Tuesday to the first outward vote of support to assist the City-County Athletic Complex. Representatives of the CCAC, returning for the fourth consecutive year in hopes of receiving any type of financial support, proposed a one-time gift of $75,000. In past years, similar pitches had struck out, but two commissioners voted into office over the past two years made the difference this time. Commissioner Brad Jackson, vowing to stand by an earlier campaign pledge, proposed a one-time gift of $50,000.Avis Gunter supported the measure. Middle District Commissioner Eddie Creighton, whose district includes the multipurpose sports facility west of Warsaw, renewed his opposition in the 2-1 vote. Creighton said he remains philosophically opposed to using county funds for recreational purposes.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Commissioners Approve CCAC, CVB Requests

Nearly $125,000 was approved for expenditures by the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission Thursday following presentations by the City-County Athletic Complex and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. CCAC director Ethan Bontly and CCAC board president Paul Scheuer gave a presentation about the facility.Counting league play, tournaments and high school matches, more than 60,000 people (a 50 percent increase over 2004) are expected to use or visit the grounds this year. Bontly and Scheuer asked that the county match Warsaw's contribution of $36,000, which was approved. Larry McDermott, director of sales at the Ramada Plaza, said he was overwhelmed by the presentation.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KDI Chair Discusses Meeting With County Council

Roger Moynahan reviewed his and Joy McCarthy-Sessing's appearance at last Thursday's county council meeting during the Kosciusko Development Inc.board of director's meeting Wednesday. Moynahan, outgoing chairman of the board, said he thought the council was supportive of additional funding for the organization. Moynahan and Sessing first approached the county council in February, asking for a total of $100,000 per year for four years to foster economic development.One year ago the county council advised them to solicit support from other city and town councils, too, which they did. Moynahan repeated the request for additional funding during the county budget hearings. When the county-KDI contract arrived, the only financial guarantee was for a maximum of $33,250.KDI will receive $25,000 and the county matches fundraising efforts, up to $33,250. The council advised Moynahan that the commissioners must make a recommendation regarding the additional funds.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cardinal Center Receives $18,000 Grant From Pfleiderer Trust Fund

Cardinal Center was awarded an $18,000 grant for use in the renovation of the building at 1802 E.Winona Ave. 1st Source Bank, as Trustee of the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust, announced the grant earlier this week. The renovation will permit the Healthy Families and First Steps employees to move from the Head Start Building on South Buffalo Street. These employees provide training to families and therapy to children in family homes. The moving of the Healthy Families and First Steps employees from the Head Start Building will provide the space needed to accommodate the 35 Head Start students now served in portable classrooms at Jefferson Elementary School. The renovation also will provide space needed to accommodate expansion of the human resources department and the supervisors needed to manage the 150 employees who assist adults with disabilities in the residential program.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

County Welcomes Visitors Center

Motorists on U.S.30 will be hard pressed not to see the new Kosciusko County Visitors Center. Just look for the Big V. Local officials got an up-close look at the facility as the Convention and Visitors Center held their grand opening reception and ribbon cutting.Many compliments were given about the building, which features a big V-shaped sign. "It's a beautiful building," said county commissioner Brad Jackson."It's a great location.I think the foyer's a great idea." The foyer features a 24-hour touch-screen computer built into the wall that will help visitors plan their stay in the county.Addresses and phone numbers of local accommodations are provided via the computer as well as other county information.A phone is located by the computer for visitors to use to make reservations.Local attractions will be added later to the computer system.If a visitor needs a printout, that will be available at no charge.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Internet Business Shut Down By State Atty. Gen.

Warsaw resident Nikki Brindle has agreed to cease doing business and to an attachment of the first $500,000 of any and all personal property for restitution to more than 100 consumers in the United States and Canada. The civil agreement between Brindle and the Indiana Attorney General's office was reached Jan.16. "Brindle took advantage of unsuspecting consumers by misrepresenting that she would deliver products that they purchased," Carter said."This agreement is a step toward getting money back to those she took from and stops her from taking advantage of others." Brindle, of White Wolf Designs, 2603 E.Pine Drive, was arrested Oct.13 for fraudulently selling electronics over the Internet.She was subsequently sued on charges of Internet fraud by State Attorney General Carter.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

No EDIT This Year?

If no town or city council in Kosciusko County moves on the economic development income tax within days, it could be a dead issue for 1998. Deadlines apply on when councils must advertise for public meetings to discuss EDIT and on how long county offices have to circulate information. According to state law, the entire issue must be addressed between Jan.1 and April 1 of each year.So far in 1998 no council in the county has passed a resolution calling for the tax. EDIT has been a recurring theme for four years as Syracuse, Winona Lake and Warsaw have supported the tax as a means of paying for expensive infrastructure projects. But each year the tax has been defeated by the Kosciusko County Council, the largest entity in the County Income Tax Council. Last year the issue didn't even come up. Still, it's an issue that's not going away, at least while many towns, including the city of Warsaw, have projects that could be funded by EDIT.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Program Urges Residents to 'Lighten Up'

Sixty-one percent of American adults are overweight or obese. And in 2000, Indiana was the 12th most overweight state in the country when the states were ranked by number of obese residents, according to information provided by Marsh Pharmacy Assistant Pharmacy Manager Leslie Plumlee, R.Ph., R.D. "It's a problem," Plumlee said."...It's not something we should be proud of." However, as part of the Lighten Up Indiana campaign, Marsh Pharmacy and the YMCA are sponsoring a weight management program, "On Your Weigh to Health," that empowers people to make healthy choices leading to long-term weight loss. Plumlee will lead the classes that will meet Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.at the YMCA beginning Feb.26.Registration begins Feb.11 at the YMCA.Cost for the program is $175 for members and $225 for nonmembers.The class will last 12 weeks.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cardinal Center Provides Varied Services

Families of young children with developmental disabilities may not always know what to do or where to turn. Cardinal Center Inc., 811 South Buffalo St., Warsaw, can help. Several services provided by CCI are available for children as well as their parents.The programs include First Steps, Head Start, Healthy Families, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). "There's a lot of families who know we're here," said Candy Townsend, of CCI. First Steps provides services that meet the families' needs to ensure the developmental progress of children.Children are involved in the program from birth to 3 years who have delays in their development or have a medical diagnosis.Physicians may sign statements for some of the children who may be at risk for developmental delays, said Townsend. Once the children in First Steps reach age 3, CCI works with the family, child and school system to help them with the transition to public schools.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners OK 2 Plats,1 Rezoning

Both preliminary plats and one rezoning petition before the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission were unanimously approved, but not without some remonstration. Carey Excavation Inc.petitioned to rezone property from an agricultural district to a residential district.The property is on the north side of CR 500N, 1,320 feet west of CR 675E in Tippecanoe Township. Steve Harris, representing Dave Carey, said the property is surrounded on three sides by three platted areas.He said the rezoning would be compatible with the area and he doesn't think there will be a problem with septic systems and drainage.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Ivy Tech Feeling The Pinch Of Growing Pains

Whether or not there's a deadline depends on who you talk to, but everyone does agree on one fact - Ivy Tech's days at Lakeview Middle School are numbered. Joann Walgamuth, dean of Ivy Tech's Warsaw campus, believes the college has until its lease is up - in June 2002 - to find a new home.Dr.Lee Harman, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, says there's no hurry.Dr.Steve Grill, former Ivy Tech dean, says it was always understood that the Lakeview site was temporary. Whatever the reason, moving out of Lakeview is an inevitability that Ivy Tech must face.To muster community support for the move, and to help find a suitable facility, Walgamuth and Dr.Virginia Calvin, regional Ivy Tech chancellor, met last week with business and community leaders to discuss the situation. Adding to the problem, Walgamuth said, is the fact that no financial help will come from the state until at least 2003.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waggoner Seeks Second Term As County Prosecutor

Charles R.Waggoner announced he is seeking re-election as Kosciusko County prosecuting attorney. Waggoner, 51, a Republican, was elected in 1998. A Franklin native, Waggoner became interested in the law as an Indiana State Trooper. "I testified during some interesting corruption cases," he said recently, "and got to know some really good prosecutors." Waggoner began his 20-year career with the state police as a dispatcher, promoted to trooper in 1972.In 1980 the Federal Bureau of Investigation invited then-Sgt.Waggoner to spend a semester of study at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He completed his law degree at the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, while still with the state police.In 1989 he passed the bar and served as assistant to ISP's commander of the investigation division. He came to Warsaw in 1991 when he accepted a position as director of corporate security (Worldwide) for the Zimmer Division of Bristol-Myers Squibb.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Red Light Bill Sails Through Committee

INDIANAPOLIS - State Sen.Kent Adam's Senate Bill 3, to allow local government automated traffic enforcement devices on state roads, "sailed" through the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee hearing Tuesday with a vote of 8-to-1, with Sen.Bob Jackman (Milroy) casting the nay vote. "Jackman took a poll in his community, showing 55 percent of the community against it," Adams said from the Statehouse Tuesday."They don't understand what the bill does.It's a matter of education." The senator representing Warsaw was pleased with the committee's vote, though, which reflected more support than last year. Local representatives speaking during the hearing were Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, Warsaw Police Department Lt.Bret Richardson and Ann Sweet.Others sent written support.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Housing Authority Fares Well In HUD Self-Grading System

The local housing authority is above average on most of the areas in a self-grading system instituted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Catharine Walker, executive director of the Warsaw Housing Authority, reported to the board of directors Monday that the agency has attained 100 percent in many areas in which the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) requires 90 to 98 percent compliance. The WHA is required to have 5 percent of its units inspected annually, and is currently at 80 percent compliance.Also, the "lease-up" of budgeted units should be at least 90 percent; the WHA has 93 percent of Section 8 certificate units filled and 124 percent of the voucher units filled.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016
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