Library Board Receives Entrance Renovation Update

The Warsaw Community Public Library is working to improve safety and accessibility to its library for visitors. The WCPL Board of Trustees received an update on the library's entrance renovations during its meeting Monday. Bob Wade, of Scearce Rudisel Architects Inc., showed design plans of the proposed entrance renovations and updated the board on interior stairway improvements. Wade said he has met with interior designers to look at new terrazzo tile for the library's interior. "This is the same tile that is used there now, but the existing seal has cracked over the years and needs to be replaced," Wade said. He said design plans also include a copper tone roof to compliment the gold letters identifying the building and make the new entrance stand out.

Winona Developing

WINONA LAKE - Big changes may be in store for the small town of Winona Lake if developments now in the planning stages become reality. Restoring the town to some semblance of its former glory is the goal of Winona Restoration Company, headed by Brent Wilcoxson, a Winona Lake resident and president of the Winona Lake Town Council. Wilcoxson and his partner, Dane Miller, have ambitious plans for the town, including restoring the Winona Hotel; developing a restaurant/marina on the lake; renovating the Beyer Home, the swan pond and residential areas; and creating a historical park-type resort that would mirror life in turn-of-the-century Winona Lake. Spurring the project was approval by the Indiana State Museum of the Billy Sunday home as a state museum site.The state requires $1.7 million to take over the museum, which can be done by private endowment or through the state budget process, Wilcoxson said.

Planners Approve Biggs Plat

More than 20 members of the public attended the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday night with concerns regarding a request from Biggs Inc.for final plat approval on the proposed Paths of Deerfield subdivision. The plat was approved on a 5-2 vote. The addition, currently zoned as a planned unit development, drew fire from residents who said traffic, property value and screening problems will arise if the construction takes place. A majority of the residents discussed the current and expected traffic problems, mainly along the intersection of CRs 75N and 175E.

County Commissioners Approve Road Vacation Over APC Opposition

Despite the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission's opposition, the county commissioners unanimously approved Ronald Koepke's vacation petition Tuesday. The vacation is for a 20-foot platted road in Indian Hills Subdivision, Syracuse, on East North Shore Drive, between lots 19 and 21. Steve Snyder, speaking on behalf of Koepke, said an easement for drainage will be provided as will a dry hydrant.The road has never been open in its more than 42 years of existence.By vacating the road, Koepke will be able to add on to his residence.No rights will be eliminated with the vacation, Snyder said, and it will get the road on the tax rolls. Matt Sandy, area plan commission, said the Syracuse Fire Department submitted a letter to the commissioners that vacating the road will have an adverse effect.When an emergency department makes such comments, Sandy said, they mean something.

'Just Peachey' Plans September Fund-Raiser

WINONA LAKE - The Just Peachey Fund representatives received permission from the town council Tuesday to sponsor "A Day At The Lake" fund-raiser in September. Connie Rufenbarger and Carolyn Condon said a 5K walk is planned as well as a tour of five homes.The speaker, they said, would be Dr.Anna Maria Storniolo from the Indiana University School of Medicine. The Catherine Peachey Fund raises money for breast cancer research and early detection. "We're hoping for a beautiful fall day to attract more than 1,000 people with a walk and a picnic," Condon said."We plan for a statewide audience." Jeff Murray from Stonehenge Golf Club appeared before the board requesting an enabling ordinance to support his liquor license to continue to sell alcohol by the drink. Murray said he was advised by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to approach the board. The request was referred to town attorney James Walmer for review.The Stonehenge permit expires in July.

Wawasee Asked To Keep Wednesdays Open

SYRACUSE -ÊWednesday is traditionally the night of the week when churches plan activities for children and the "non-churched." Thursday, a couple of Syracuse pastors approached the Wawasee Community School Corp.Board of Trustees about trying to keep Wednesdays open and not plan school activities on that night. Mick McCoy, pastor of Vineyard Church, Ind.13, said they want to work with the school board on keeping Wednesday nights open.It seems that more activities are being planned for Wednesdays, conflicting with church programs. A representative of the ministerial association said Wednesday is the night churches reach the "unchurched," but there are a growing number of Wednesday night programs. "We think it's important they get spiritual guidance too," he said.He said they would be glad to work with the school board on the issue and will be more than happy "to take the blame" if anyone complains about no scheduled school activities on Wednesdays.

Webster Mainstreet Committee Looks To The Future

NORTH WEBSTER - The North Webster Mainstreet Committee, sponsored by the Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, met Thursday to discuss projects for 2001. Approximately 35 people met in the community building to discuss topics ranging from visions and values to change and results. Dennis Wagoner, the committee co-chairman, opened the meeting by reminding the group that it was about one year ago Ball State University conducted a study to help North Webster define improvements. Wagoner listed last year's improvements.These include renovations to a few merchants' buildings, new business openings, installation of awnings, flower pots and benches in the downtown area, a Farmer's Market and additional street lights. Grant applications have been made for a feasibility study for future use of the North Webster Elementary School when the new school opens in 2002, sidewalks, greenways and a pier improvement at the park.

Lawsuit Seeks To Remove Council Members From BZA

As members of the Syracuse Town Council, Barbara Carwile and Larry Siegel should never have served on the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals, an attorney says. But because they did, two petitions brought before the Syracuse BZA this year must be reheard. On May 15, Syracuse attorney Steve Snyder filed petitions in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 on behalf of Douglas and Jeanine Shrock and also for Grace Lutheran Church.In part, the Shrock petition challenges the makeup of the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals because "it's not properly constituted," Snyder said Friday. The Shrock petition asks the court "to issue a writ of certiorari to the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals" and "to enter an order modifying the illegal decision of respondent made on April 17" denying their variance request.

Mentone Continues With Waste Treatment Plans

MENTONE - Completion of an income study shows that Mentone qualifies for grant funding and allows the town to move forward on a wastewater project. Shannon McLeod of Priority Project Resources, Indianapolis, told Mentone Town Council members during Monday's regular meeting that this is the first hurdle required toward application for an Indiana Department of Commerce planning grant. According to the results of the income survey performed by Ball State University, 53.2 percent of Mentone residents are considered to be low- to moderate-income households. The next step in the project - deciding whether to move forward - was approved by the council, which signed a letter to contract McLeod's services for preparing the information and submitting the grant application.

Remember When 12.17.2012

10 Years Ago   Bill Holder has been making maps for a while now and currently serves as Kosciusko County’s Geographic Information System director. Holder, along with Chasity Schooley, who oversees parcel maintenance, responds to a variety of requests from county departments. “In time, each township will use GIS to calculate property tax assessments,” Holder said from his courthouse office. Plans are to have the information available on the Internet as early as March.25 Years Ago    Beaulah Caudill’s bungalow is stuffed with quilts. There are piles of them on her beds. Her cedar chests are filled. So are her closets. All are products of her handiwork, and the 76-year-old still has plans for more. “I see them first up here,” says the septuagenarian, pointing to her head. “If I get something in my head, I can make anything ... they turn out as good as the ones I see in my mind.” She says that most of her work has been given away. Come spring the Caudills plan to do something new. “I think we’ll have an auction.”50 Years Ago   Warsaw High School Senior Mike Valentine   added “American Legion State Oratorical Contest Champion” to the list of laurels he has won this year. Mike, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lowell (Rusty) Valentine, Warsaw, won the state oratorical contest recently at Rushville over three other finalists. All four had previously won local and regional contests. This was the first year Mike had even entered the American Legion-sponsored speech contest.75 Years Ago    Heavy rains Wednesday afternoon followed by below-freezing temperatures made the Lincoln Highway between Warsaw and Columbia City impassable for several hours before midnight. Prompt action on the part of the state highway department released 100 trucks stalled between the two towns about midnight. Traffic on Warsaw streets and walking on sidewalks was difficult Thursday morning because of the glaze of ice which covered city streets, with temperatures a few degrees below freezing.

Syracuse Councilmen Critical of WACF over Oakwood Opposition

SYRACUSE –  Syracuse town officials on Tuesday accused the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation of betraying its stated mission by muddying the water surrounding Oakwood development plans.

KREMC Announces 2011-12 Scholarship Winners

Kosciusko REMC President and CEO Steve Rhodes recently announced the winners of the 2011-2012 KREMC Scholarship Program.

Legal Notice of Planned Improvement - Husky Trail

Airport Looks To Expand Runway, CR 100E Closure Necessary

Warsaw Municipal Airport is considering expanding its east-west runway by 1,500 feet.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory

Commission Moves Marketplace Financing Plans Forward

Warsaw Schools Moves Forward With Warsaw Community High School Building Project

Leesburg Councilwoman Chairs Walkways Project

Warsaw Planners Discuss Sign Ordinance, Complete Streets Policy

During its meeting Monday night, Warsaw Plan Commission reviewed updates to its sign ordinance.

Plan Commission Denies Rezoning For Grocery Store