Relevance Date

Valley Studies Budget

MENTONE - The needs and the wants of the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation were the topic of discussion at a budget workshop Monday night in Mentone. When all those needs and wants were added together, the total of the capital projects fund was $1,801,130. "This is a list of items possibly included in the capital projects fund," said Dr.Daniel Kramer, superintendent of the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation."Compared to prior years, it is pared down." At this point, Kramer stressed, the numbers are approximate.Until the state budget figures are finalized, most of the numbers discussed Monday night are suggestions, and few numbers are firm.The numbers that are firm at this point include required inspections and upkeep of safety items such as fire alarms and bleachers and payments and annual commitments on projects and upgrade that have already been finished such as the Akron Elementary School air conditioning installments.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

KCH Marks 25 Years

Kosciusko Community Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary Saturday and the grand opening of its women's and birthing centers. The celebration included a dedication, a dance performance by Deb Collier's School of Dance, free blood pressure and bone density testing and activities for children.Tours of the new women's and birthing centers also were given. In his opening remarks celebrating the anniversary, KCH CEO Wayne Hendrix said, "We're very pleased to share some thoughts with you and some facilities that will be very important for this community." He said during KCH's 25 years, the hospital had many board members whose vision helped the hospital grow and prosper. "It's hard to believe," he said, "this hospital is 25 years old."And although it is one of the youngest hospitals in the state, he said, he hopes it has become an important part of Kosciusko County.The hospital is the 10th largest employer in the county.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

State Senator Says WCS Should 'Go Slow'

ATWOOD - Warsaw's state legislators were on hand at Atwood Elementary Thursday to set the record straight on their support of education. State Sen.Kent Adams and Rep.David Wolkins attended Thursday's meeting in part because of a comment by Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent Dr.Dave McGuire at a meeting Tuesday at Silver Lake Elementary; McGuire said "our common enemy is ignorance on the part of our legislators." McGuire is talking to patrons of the four elementary schools slated for closing - Atwood, Claypool, Jefferson and Silver Lake.He spoke to Jefferson parents last week, Silver Lake patrons Tuesday and Atwood parents last night. He is proposing closing the four schools and building two new four-section schools - one in Winona Lake on what is now Grace College's practice soccer field, and one in Prairie Township near the northwest intersection of Ind.15 and U.S.30.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Zoners Hear Arcade Request

An arcade for children may be coming to Warsaw, at 900 S.Buffalo St. The Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals reviewed a request by Earl Hackworth, Warsaw, Monday, to implement an arcade for kids. City planner Jeff Noffsinger said this type of use is listed as a special exception and there are no special requirements that must be met.He also said the property has been cleaned up considerably over the past six months.Noffsinger said the arcade should be a welcome addition to the community. Board member Bruce Woodward asked Noffsinger if there would be enough parking.Noffsinger said there "should be ample parking on the side." Noffsinger also said the request was a "change in use, and that happens all over town." He said he felt the request was "reasonable" and was in favor of the arcade. Board member Dan Hampton said he would like to ask Hackworth some questions.Hackworth was not present at the meeting so board members tabled the request.
LAURA SLOOP, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Decision On Warsaw School Building Plans May Come Tonight

Warsaw School Board will meet at 7 p.m.today in the Washington Elementary School gym to consider last month's proposal to build two new elementary schools. At the May school board meeting, Dr.Dave McGuire, superintendent, proposed closing Atwood, Claypool, Jefferson and Silver Lake elementaries and building two new four-section schools - one in Winona Lake, to replace Jefferson, and one in Prairie Township, to replace Atwood and to take some of the burden off Leesburg and Harrison elementaries. At a meeting in Claypool June 9, it was announced that McGuire had changed his proposal and was suggesting that a new three-section school be built in Claypool, for students from there and from Silver Lake, along with the new Jefferson school.Nothing was proposed for Prairie Township. Tonight, the board will consider two resolutions: first, a 1028 resolution, required by the state when a building project is under consideration.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse May Build Community Building

SYRACUSE - Members of a committee seeking a community building in Syracuse did a little controlled dreaming Thursday as they developed a plan. Ten members met for nearly two hours and drafted a wide-ranging list of proposals for the building. The lake resort town lacks any central building for community activities, and civic leaders want to develop plans for a multi-purpose facility that would serve a broad scope of needs. The committee, acting at the direction of the Dekko Foundation, reviewed five areas of consideration: facility and location, programs, personnel, finances and equipment. "We're in a very nebulous area right now because we don't know who will be using the building," said Jim Gibson, who represents the Turkey Creek Township Museum.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Brain bleed leads to book, new adventure for former actress, Playboy bunny

As Megan Timothy explains the string of events that brought her to Warsaw Monday afternoon, one gets the sense that she is a remarkable, strong-willed woman. She currently is on the return trip to her home in Hemet, Calif., which she left Feb.28 to travel to the east coast and return home - on a bicycle.She took back roads across the southern U.S.to Pensacola, Fla., and headed north to a major book festival in Washington, D.C.in mid-May.She headed east from the Philadelphia, Pa., area on her northern route home.She ventured into Michigan, then back down to Indiana. To most people, the bicycle trip across the country and back would be a major accomplishment.Many adults don't own a bicycle, let alone consider a trip such as this.But there's more to the story.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Annexation Law's Effect Minimal, Officials Say

It was introduced with a great hullabaloo in January and signed into law with much fanfare in May. But according to Warsaw and Kosciusko County officials, the state's new law concerning annexations, which takes effect July 1, will have little, if any, effect on county taxpayers and residents. "Other than requiring new procedures we have to set up to comply with the new law - and that's simply a matter of mechanics in the handling of the additional funds - it won't have any effect on us and the way we pursue annexations," said Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins. "I don't anticipate it's going to change the city's philosophy of only annexing when asked," Wiggins added.
DAVID A. BEALL, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Hickory Creek Residents Moved To Prairie View

It's both a happy ending and a new beginning for residents of Hickory Creek and the financially strapped Prairie View Nursing Home. Thursday the remaining 19 Hickory Creek residents moved into their own wing of the Prairie Street facility. In February, Hickory Creek administrator Katherine Pearson received word that Omega Health Care was closing the facility because of structural concerns about the building. The Omega folks are geared toward investment and own the property.Extendacare ran the business. When Extendacare dissolved more than a year ago, Atrium Living Centers, Indianapolis, took over management. Enter Jeff Carroll, Grace Village Retirement Community administrator, who learned of the dilemma while driving down Center Street where poster-waving Hickory Creek staffers and relatives of residents stood for days in the cold. "I thought about it and prayed about it," Carroll said when he learned about the residents' plight.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Syracuse Chamber Announces Results Of Ind. 13 Survey

SYRACUSE - As of Tuesday, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce had received 368 surveys regarding the Ind.13 project, chamber executive director Steven Hite reported today at the chamber meeting. Of the surveys returned, 49.5 percent said they were in support of Ind.13 as a three-lane highway; 20.9 percent said they supported it as a five-lane highway; and 29.6 percent said they like Ind.13 the way it is now. Question two of the survey asked if Indiana says a five-lane highway will cost Syracuse $250,000 and a three-lane will cost $450,000, which would the respondent support? Supporting a three-lane road would be 66.4 percent because it would suit Syracuse better, but 33.6 percent said they would support a five-lane because it would save Syracuse money.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Teen Driver Faces Multiple Charges

A Warsaw teen made his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon to face eight criminal charges. Brandon Robinson, 18, silently held back tears as Judge Rex Reed read the counts against him. Robinson is charged with three counts of driving while intoxicated causing death, three counts of reckless homicide and two counts of driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. He could face up to eight years in prison if he is convicted of the crimes or pleads guilty.He is still in custody of Kosciusko County Jail with his bond set at $10,000. Robinson is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol Friday night when his pickup struck a car in Warsaw, killing three people in the car and critically injuring two others. Reed entered the preliminary pleas of not guilty to the crimes.Robinson and his attorney have 20 days to change the plea or it becomes the formal plea.
TIFFANY SHAW, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pullins, Kleopfer 2006 Cuties

NORTH WEBSTER - Shane Pullins and Elizabeth Kleopfer of Syracuse were named the 2006 Cutie King and Queen during Friday's Cutie Pageant.They were selected from a field of 16 boys and 28 girls ages 4 to 6 years old. The eight children selected for the Cutie Court received a total of $30,000 in educational bonds from the International Palace of Sports. Brought out in small groups the casually-dressed youngsters are urged smile, wave and stand in place.Stepping up to bright lights shining up from the edge of the Community Center stage, many circled their eyes with fingers and thumbs against the glare ...the better to spot their parents in the large crowd. The children wear shorts or long pants and no make up. Some wiggle a bit and the occasional "Hi, mommy!" was heard.The boys were a bit more enthusiastic, leaping and jumping in excitement.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

3 Arrested On Drug Charges

PIERCETON - Three men were arrested at Regency Point Estates around midnight Tuesday in connection with drug violations. Ismael Rodriguez, 33.8280 U.S.30E, Lot 106, Pierceton, was preliminarily charged with dealing more than 3 grams of cocaine and maintaining a common nuisance.He is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $10,000 bond. Also arrested, and of the same address, were Fernando Enciso, 26, and Nestor E.Campos, 26, for maintaining a common nuisance.Each is being held on $2,000 bond in the KCJ. A common nuisance is defined as any place where drugs are used or sold.Undercover police reportedly were able to purchase drugs at the residence on three occasions in the past week. According to a press release from the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force, police began watching the trailer where the men lived after an informant told them drugs could be purchased at that location.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Whitko Looks At Gym Roofing Bids

PIERCETON -ÊFour bids received for the Whitko High School gym reroofing project ranged from approximately $96,000 to a high of $129,000. The bid accepted by the Whitko School Corp.Board of School Trustees Monday was the lowest bid by C.L.Schust, Fort Wayne, for $96,834. According to Superintendent Dr.William Worl, C.L.Schust's bid was even lower than the quote they gave the school corporation several months ago. "The low bid is clearly the best of the four," said Worl. Approximately half of the cost will be paid by the school corporation's insurance because the damage to the roof was caused by wind.The roof, once repaired, should be good for another 15 to 20 years, school board member Michael Braddock said. Under the school corporation's maintenance plan, the high school roof - like all the schools' roofs - will be monitored, Worl said.The reroofing will begin soon and the project should be completed by Aug.19.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Murder-Suicide In Kimmel, Victim Has Local Ties

KIMMELL - Ronnie Slone, 33, Kimmell, allegedly killed his wife Margaret Slone, 37, with a single gunshot wound Wednesday, according to a Noble County Sheriff's Department press release, before setting their garage on fire and shooting himself in an apparent murder-suicide. Margaret Slone is the daughter of Chuck Hammack, Leesburg, and Jane Hammack, Ligonier. On Thursday, a Noble County Sheriff's Department Deputy alerted fire officals to a fire at the Slone residence in a detached garaged.Investigation into the fire revealed that Ronnie Slone was alive but unconscious in the bedroom of the couple's residence, lying next to his deceased wife.According to the sheriff's department press release, Ronnie Slone was transported to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, where he was pronounced dead at 12:49 a.m.Friday from the self-infliced gunshot wound. Investigators have determined the garage fire was intentionally set using gasoline, according to an Associated Press story.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Commissioners Introduced To Sheriff's Interns

Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine introduced four interns at the Kosciusko County Commissioner's meeting Tuesday. They are: Kory Fields, a sophomore at Indiana University; Dan Meza, a Warsaw Community High School graduate and now a full-time jailer; Ashley Wyatt, a University of Indianapolis junior who has worked summers for the department the last three years; and Travis Nichols, a senior at Ball State University who will graduate when his internship is complete July 23. Ed Rock said the new security identification cards are about 98 percent complete.He advised the commissioners that a national domestic bioterriorism conference, usually held in Alabama, will be in Kosciusko County in August. Commissioner Ron Truex said he attended part of a recent District II, seven-county exercise and was impressed with the organizing and planning efforts of emergency service agencies.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Task Force Battles Domestic Violence

Making an organized effort to combat what was called "a blight on our community" was the purpose of the Kosciusko County Domestic Violence Task Force, which met for the first time this morning. Organized as a result of a Kosciusko Leadership Academy white paper by Andrea Halpin and Becky Moreno, the task force's purpose is to provide a way for all areas of the community to coordinate their efforts. For example, law enforcement officers can work with school officials and members of the medical community to help set up screening programs for possible domestic abuse victims. Kosciusko Superior Court James Jarrette told the task force that domestic violence may not be a visible problem in the community, but he believes it is widespread.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Manchester School Board Hears Report On Soccer

NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊSoccer is alive and well in North Manchester. Tuesday night at a short regular meeting of the Manchester Community Schools Board of Trustees, Debbie Chinworth of the Manchester Soccer Club made a quick statement about the program. The Manchester Soccer Club has leagues for children in first through third grade, fourth through sixth grade and seventh and eighth grade. Tuesday night, Chinworth spoke of a letter the club sent to board members and administrators asking for a junior high soccer team, an improved practice field, new equipment and increased funding for games played on Good Field. Chinworth said after the letter was sent out, the club received a letter from Manchester Junior/Senior High School Principal Nancy Alspaugh regarding the requests.
JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Milford Continues Work On Budget

MILFORD -ÊFor the second time in two weeks, the Milford Town Council met to discuss the 2001 budget. Clerk-Treasurer Charlotte Siegfried told the board the park department budget was approximately the same as last year, at $20,373. The council discussed whether or not to provide a mower for the town to do its own mowing of the local park or if they want to continue to contract the mowing. Councilman Bob Phillips said he would like to see Utilities and Street Department Commissioner Dallas Winchester take it over because "everything he touches turns to gold."He said he didn't see a problem with having the grass mowed by contract, but he thought it may be better for the town to do it themselves. A part-time employee could do the mowing, said councilman John Lehman, but the town would have to have him do more than mow.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Groundbreaking Date Still Not Set For New Mentone Building

MENTONE - Despite the rumors, no dates are set for the demolition of the old Mentone town hall or the groundbreaking of the Mentone Community Emergency Services Building. "We don't have any firm dates," said Jim Moyer, Harrison Township trustee."We're stuck on the bidding paperwork." The bidding for the work has been advertised. Moyer said, from his perspective, the project began in 1996.The Mentone Fire Department approached the Fire Control Board and presented the conditions and size of the town hall and fire station at that time.The FCB searched for new property, buying a block on West Harrison Street. Moyer said they then began to pursue state and federal grants.One of the first requirements they faced for grants was land ownership - not a problem.But the next requirement was a problem - most grants require matching funds.At that time, no matching funds were available.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
Previous Next