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Winona Residents, Council Still Sparring Over Canal

WINONA LAKE - Island residents involved with Winona Lake in a lawsuit over canal property rights further addressed the matter Tuesday during a town council meeting. A letter was read by Janice Nelson, who represented the Channel Owners Steering Committee, the group of plaintiffs involved in the dispute with the town. This reading came in response to a letter introduced earlier this month by the council, in which they reported all canal maintenance funds had been depleted due to attorney fees incurred during the litigation.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Moves To Soften Budget Impact

SYRACUSE -ÊWith the state cutting funding to schools due to the budget crisis, the Wawasee School Corp.Board of School Trustees took two steps Tuesday to help with their budget next year. First, the board approved a resolution allowing the school corporation to transfer money from the Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund. Director of finance Jim Evans told the school board the state Legislature approved Public Law 178-2002 to allow school boards to make such a transfer for one time because of the state budget problems.The amount a school board can transfer from the CPF, Debt Service Fund, Transportation Fund, School Bus Replacement Fund or both the Transportation Fund and School Bus Replacement Fund is determined by multiplying $0.0328 by the school's reassessment valuation.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton Kid Says Threats In Letter Were 'Just Talk'

The Pierceton boy who allegedly threatened to shoot students at Whitko Middle School told police "it was just talk." Jeffrey Baker, 13, reportedly told a Kosciusko County Sheriff's detective that "he really wasn't going to do anything because he didn't want to go to prison for the rest of his life," a police report stated. Baker allegedly wrote a letter to his girlfriend saying that he and two friends "were thinking about holding the f-----g school up with guns and s--t like that.Then headin for the border." In the letter, Baker reportedly said he had "seven accoonts on me from the cops so I might as well go for eight."The sheriff's department said they have no reports filed against Baker or proof that he had a criminal history. Baker also allegedly threatened to shoot one boy specifically and take another for ransom.The letter said that the girl to whom it was addressed would "probably be sitting at home watchin TV and you will see" Baker and the two other boys.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Seeks Grant From Homeland Security

If there's a grant out there, Kosciusko County Emergency Director Ed Rock is sure to find it. Monday, Rock presented to the Kosciusko County Commissioners an application for the 2004 Indiana Homeland Security subgrant.Within 60 days, he said, they should find out if they will receive any of the grant, which does not require any matching funds. He had no exact figure on how much Kosciusko County could receive. The grant money will be used for First Responder training, equipment and exercises. He also reported that the county received a $160,000 check for a grant he applied for on behalf of the county in 2003.The grant is for mobile data and inoperative communications.The money will be used to purchase a few 800 megahertz radios and to help set up the dispatch center to receive 800 megahertz communications.If there are any remaining dollars left from the grant, Rock said, they will take a look at what they need before purchasing other equipment.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Downtown Trees Bite The Dust

Despite some opposition, about a dozen trees along Center Street in Warsaw were removed Monday as part of the city's street reconstruction efforts. But there's a glimmer of good news for environmentalists who were angered by the tree's removal.City officials worked to gingerly remove the trees and will try to preserve the plants for a few days in case anyone wants them. The trees were taken to the city's yard waste field, where the rootballs were sacked in plastic bags.Anyone interested in the trees can contact the public superintendent's office at 372-9561. Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he isn't guaranteeing the trees will survive, but said they would be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Removal of the trees is part of a comprehensive reconstruction effort along Center Street east of the courthouse.The project includes replacement of underground utility lines as well as brick crosswalks at intersections.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cardinal Center Gives Golfers Chance To Swing For $1 Million

Forget trying to win $1 million on a reality game show. Go the easier route - where eating worms and bugs isn't required. Take a swing for a million dollars in the Fifth Annual Cardinal Center Million Dollar Hole In One Golf Shoot Out. This year, the qualifying rounds are July 12-13 from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.Golf course locations include Little Bighorn, Pierceton; South Shore, Syracuse; Swan Lake, Plymouth; Sprig-O-Mint, Bremen; and Raccoon Run, Warsaw.The finals will be held July 27 at 4 p.m.at Stonehenge Golf Course. R.R.Donnelley & Sons Co.is again the premier sponsor of the golf shoot-out.The shoot-out is a closest-to-the-pin competition benefiting Cardinal Center Inc. Cardinal Center is a not-for-profit human service organization that provides services for people with disabilities in Kosciusko, Marshall, Cass and Fulton counties and for children with needs in Kosciusko County.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Mentone To Study Sewer Rates, Increase May Be Necessary

MENTONE - By unanimous vote, the Mentone Town Council Monday agreed to have H.J.Umbaugh & Associates, Plymouth, study the town's sewer and water rates. The town is just "eking by" on the sewer fund and may need to increase its sewer rates. John D.Julien, CPA and partner with H.J.Umbaugh & Associates, told the council the company has worked with the town in the past on several projects.For the town's current problem, he said, his company can evaluate the financial situation of the utilities and make a recommendation of how the town should adjust their rates if necessary. To make the evaluation, Julien said, they will look at the last three years of the utilities' operations for trends.They will work with superintendent Brian Reed and try to see how operations may change in the future.That will be incorporated into the rate study before the recommendation is made before the council. In Indiana, rates are established in accordance with state statute.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

From Russia With Love

BY ROSA HATFIELD, Times-Union Correspondent At the beginning of this year, Ekaterina lived in a baby house in Russia with 70-75 other infants under 2 years old. But she spends her days now in her Bourbon home showered with love and attention. In late 1995, Ralph and Paula Meyer knew they couldn't have children of their own and decided to adopt.After calling around, the information they received wasn't too promising.They were hearing about a three- to five-year-wait with no guarantee a baby would be found for them even after they were approved. Paula talked to her supervisor, Vicky Truelove, at NCI and learned about another option.Vicky had adopted a child from another country.She was also in charge of an organization called Hand In Hand International Adoptions.
Bourbon couple adopt child from overseas- | July 28, 2016

Peppel Conducted Surveillance While Serving In The Air Force

Larry Peppel always knew he would enter the military. "My father served in World War II.My grandfather was in World War I, in France," he said."There was no doubt in my mind I'd go into the service.I owed that to my father and grandfather.I made up my mind to do the best I could for myself." Born and raised in Ohio, Peppel attended Syracuse University in Rochester, N.Y., on scholarship.He secured a job with a telephone company there, telling them it was quite possible he would be drafted. "That first year I aggressively looked for an opportunity to enlist," the 62-year-old Kosciusko County Red Cross executive director said.That opportunity came with a guarantee from the Air Force for Officer's Candidate School."I signed on with the Air Force and had a bit of delay there because there was a backload." After completing OTS in July 1966, the Air Force told the second lieutenant they needed pilots.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Creakbaum Manned .50 Caliber Machine Guns

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. Escorted by their lucky pups, the 387th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 5th Armored Division, drove across Europe in a systematic fashion during World War II.Don Creakbaum, a recently graduated Beaver Dam schoolboy, manned four .50 caliber machine guns for 18 months during the saga. At American Legion Post 49 in Warsaw, Creakbaum recently pored over a series of maps detailing the 387th's trip with his wife of 58 years, the former Nondus Barber. After landing on Utah Beach June 30, 1944, the division battled for the port of Cherbourg during July.Then they turned, fighting from hedgerow to hedgerow in the Normandy region.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

City Eyes Annexation, Land Swap

The city of Warsaw is taking separate action on two properties involving a sale and an annexation. In a complicated exchange involving land near Hidden Lake on the city's northern edge, the city is prepared sell part of a tract it owns and trade the other portion in exchange for easements needed for sewer lines, city planner Pat Hudson said. United Water Indiana wants to buy part of the tract from the city.The expected price is about $11,000, which is the same as when the city purchased the land a few years ago from Indiana Department of Transportation, Hudson said. United Water needs the property for well fields. The city's 23-acre property is located north of Hidden Lake, which is accessible from Ind.15 near Smith Tire. The exchange of land for sewer easements involves a group of investors who own land surrounding Hidden Lake. Hudson said part of the land could be developed for commercial property around the lake.
Staff Report- | July 28, 2016

Reserves Sworn In

To earn their badges, officers in the program completed 35 classes and 150 hours of training under the supervision of certified trainers. The May 7 ceremony, held before an audience of families, friends and supporters, took place in the Kosciusko County courthouse.Judge James Jarrette of the Kosciusko County court system conducted a formal swearing-in ceremony, and Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department Capt.James Springer presented certificates for the successful completion of classes and practical workshops in driving skills, defensive tactics, firearms, building searches and traffic stops.Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine acted as master of ceremonies for the evening.
Sixteen reserve officers representing law enforcement agencies in four counties recently were sworn in after completing the 2005 Kosciusko County Reserve Academy training program.- | July 28, 2016

CVB Breaks Ground For New Facility

Before the year ends, Phil Fozo, president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors, would like to see the new Kosciusko County CVB building completed. The center will be located off U.S.30 on Capital Drive, west of SYM Financial and Bob Evans Restaurant, in Warsaw. The CVB and visitors center will serve as a distribution facility for travelers looking for information on Kosciusko County, including hotels, restaurants, attractions and festivals.There will also be room available for the center to expand its literature to include information on regional and statewide tourism. Fozo said part of the 3,000- square-foot center will be open 24 hours a day.There will be an automated hotel reservation system available. Milestone Construction Inc., of Syracuse, and architect Sam E.Leman Jr.have estimated the construction to take six months.Preliminary plans are for a grand opening of the center to be held in December.
DOUGLAS SANBURN, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

County Council, CVB Disagree On How Funds Should Be Spent

The Kosciusko County Council and Convention and Visitors Bureau commissioners agreed to disagree, as they have for two years, during Thursday's council meeting. Phil Fozo, president of the CVB Commission, and commission member Joe Banks, approached the council Thursday to release $60,000 withheld from the 2003 CVB budget. In May, the council approved a CVB budget of $290,000.The CVB board funds come from a 5 percent hotel and inn tax.Listed expenses include $133,573 for three employees and benefits, $11,750 for supplies and $218,177 for other services, such as professional services, communication and transportation, printing, advertising and insurance. The CVB commission members serve at the pleasure of the county council, county commissioners and Warsaw City Council. The council began asking for an itemized budget in 2001.Prior to 2001, since 1989, the CVB commission was given a lump sum to spend.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Leesburg Kwikmart Robbed At Gunpoint

LEESBURG - Police are looking for a suspect in a Thursday night armed robbery of a Leesburg convenience store. According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, a white man entered Katie's Kwikmart on South Main Street and pointed a silver handgun at a male employee and ordered him to the floor.The suspect then allegedly told a 17-year-old female employee to put the money from the cash register into a bag and not to "push any buttons," referring to an alarm system. The cashier, who was mopping the floor when the masked suspect entered the store about five minutes before the 10:30 p.m.closing time, told the man she didn't have any bags and placed the money on the counter.
Ruth Anne Lipka, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

County Gets Great Financial News From State

A check for $1,967,298 was expected to be received by Kosciusko County Tuesday, according to county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell at Tuesday's Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting. The approximate $2 million is the county's share of a revenue growth exceeding the Indiana State Budget Agency's forecasts of the County Option Income Tax.The total of the revenue growth is $5,159,532, and besides a share of it going to the county, the money also will be distributed to townships, towns, cities and libraries in Kosciusko County. Of the townships, Wayne Township will receive the most - $157,170.Scott Township will receive the least - $2,460. The city of Warsaw will receive the most money - $1,459,157 - of the cities and towns in Kosciusko County.Syracuse will get $287,746 and Winona Lake will receive $186,095.The town of Sidney will receive the least, $2,070.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Waste District Works Toward Purchase Of Collection Site

Steps towards the possible purchase of a building at 225 S.Union St.for household hazardous waste collection have been taken by Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District Director Marsha Eikenberry. Not necessarily with the approval of the KCSWMD board, however. Wednesday, Eikenberry told the board that after they toured the building last month, she talked to the district's attorney, Mike Armey, about the building.She said he told her she should get a phase I environmental study of the property completed and get the property appraised.Armey helped Eikenberry find a company to do the environmental study for only $1,400. "There's no environmental problems with that property whatsoever," Eikenberry told the board. John Shively, of Title I, will complete an appraisal of the property next week.The appraisal will cost approximately $680.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Jury Seated As Grevenstuk Trial Resumes

Timothy Grevenstuk is back in Kosciusko Circuit Court to face a charge of arson causing bodily injury. Grevenstuk, 17, is accused of setting the fire that destroyed the Leesburg Grace Brethren Church in July 1997. Grevenstuk's first trial in May was declared a mistrial because a potential witness allegedly threatened the daughter of a juror. The jury for this trial was selected by noon Monday and included an alternate juror as a precaution against another mistrial. Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe said the court took steps to protect against another mistrial, but he could not comment on the precautions.Picking the alternate juror is the first time it has been done in the time Kolbe has been prosecuting attorney, he said. Kolbe said that during opening statements he said what he believed the case would show. "It's a two-part trial," Kolbe said.First, he will attempt to show that the church fire was not accidental but was an incendiary fire.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Postal Service Lists Sites For New Webster Post Office

NORTH WEBSTER - Seven sites are under review as potential locations for the new North Webster Post Office. The town now enters a 30-day period when residents can review the site list and comment on which site is most suitable. After the 30-day comment period, the postal service will send a team to evaluate the sites. The sites are: • Two vacant lots on the southwest corner of Himes Street and Linda Lane. • A building and lot on the southeast corner of Main and Himes streets. • Two hundred feet east of the northeast corner of Main and North streets. • A building and lot on the northeast corner of Effie Mae Street and Linda Lane. • North end of the strip center at the southeast corner of Ind.13 and Epworth Forest Road.Also, the vacant one-acre site on Epworth Forest Road behind the strip center. • South end of the strip center at Ind.13 and Epworth Forest Road. • East end of strip center at the southeast corner of Main and North streets.
GARY GERARD, Times-Union Managing Editor- | July 28, 2016

Silver Lake Looks At Enhancing Water Quality

SILVER LAKE - "It's all about taking small steps together as a community to reach a common goal," Commonwealth Environmental Training representative Andrew Kennedy told the Silver Lake Town Council Tuesday evening. "Everyone can benefit from the maintenance and enhancement of the water quality of Silver Lake," he said. Kennedy then gave some examples of possible ways to decrease the amount of sediment that flows into Silver Lake.For example, Kennedy said the proposed dredging project to clean out the channel is a good start, but "it's no good to clean it out and open it up if you don't prevent it from filling back in." He also mentioned the stabilization of a bank in town, helping hold the soil to the land so it doesn't flow into the lake. According to Kennedy, the nutrients locked in the sediment cause algae and other growth in the lake.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
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