Relevance Date

E85 Fuel Now In Warsaw; Lugar Supports E85 Bill

Warsaw is one of only two locations in Indiana to offer the new E85 fuel. E85 now is available at the Freedom Express station on Argonne Road in Warsaw.The other station is in Terre Haute.The fuel is a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and is less expensive than regular unleaded gasoline.Today's prices at the Freedom Express station list E85 at $1.69 per gallon, compared to $2.28 per gallon for regular unleaded and $2.39 for diesel fuel. According to a local Freedom Oil representative, people are coming to Warsaw from other areas and even outside Indiana to purchase the fuel for existing Flexible Fuel Vehicles. Mark Hayes, with Sen.Richard Lugar's office in Washington, said all state vehicles in Indiana eventually will be equipped to operate on E85.The Indy Racing League will switch to ethanol for fuel in 2007.
M.J. RHODES, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016

Nappanee Starts Budget Process

NAPPANEE - Nappanee Common Council members convened for their first glance at the 1998 budget during a work session Monday. Many of the marginal hikes reflected in such departments as the EMS, fire, police and clerk-treasurer's office represent the 4 percent increase in pay granted to department heads earlier this summer.However, a few changes could have some impact on both city employees and residents. That trend was most noticeable in the police department, where the city is projecting an additional $127,897 tacked on to their funds.The uppage would take into consideration the anticipated hiring of one more full-time officer in 1998, plus the costs to equip and clothe the new employee.There are also plans to hire in an additional dispatcher.
AMY WENGER, Times-Union Correspondent- | July 28, 2016

Quayle Stakes Out Positions On Taxes, Government, Values

To paraphrase CBS newsman Dan Rather, if it looks like a candidate, walks like a candidate and acts like a candidate - it's a candidate. While stressing that no decision will be made until 1999 on a possible run for the White House, former Vice President Dan Quayle had the appearance of a man with presidential aspirations Tuesday.He returned to his roots to host the fourth annual Quayle Center Golf Tournament Tuesday in Huntington. He also attended a fund-raising dinner and reception in Winona Lake for his political action committee, Campaign America.The dinner was held at the home of Dane and Mary Louise Miller. "I'm likely to run (in 2000), but we won't make any formal announcement until next year," Quayle said."First, I want to help see the Republicans retain - and increase their majority - in Congress." He said having toured the country for the last two years, he believes that his vision of American life will resonate with the voters.
DAVID A. BEALL Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Slabaugh Likes New Role As City Building Inspector

Todd Slabaugh didn't think he'd become the Warsaw building commissioner when he was hired as an inspector four months ago. When Art Heredia resigned this spring, however, Slabaugh nailed down the higher office and seems right at home. "I love it," he said of the job. Employed in the building industry most of his working life, Slabaugh's last job was with Schult Homes Corp., in Etna Green, as a quality control inspector.He spent six years as a private building inspector. "Here I thought my last job was the best job," he said of the position he took two months ago. The commissioner and Roger Long serve as building inspectors.He said the pair are making ends meet. As commissioner, he is responsible for inspecting new structures and improvement projects. Permits are required for improvements costing $1,500 or more, including material and labor.Inspectors may stop by during any phase of a project.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Developers Renovating Odd Fellows Building

Echelon Development Group, founded by Alan Clingan and Jeff Noffsinger, hate to see a good thing go to waste. Since October 2003, renovations headed by the group have saved the old 132 year-old "Odd Fellows building," on the corner of Market and Buffalo streets, from potential demolition.Echelon now plans to create apartments and "unique rental spaces" on the second and third floors, while leasing the street level to local businesses The Shuttle Shop, Simple Setting and the Solis Company. "Our interest in the building was to save it from demolition," Noffsinger said."People were saying it was a dinosaur on the chopping block and that it had no useful life left.We know that's not true." Prior to 1849, the location was occupied by the Sons of Temperance, an English-based society that abstained from alcohol.The Odd Fellows, another social order with English origins, purchased the building in 1849 and used it for meetings and order gatherings.
Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer- | July 28, 2016

Planners Table Proposal For Lake Access Law

Supporters called the proposed Lake Access Development Amendment "vitally important to Kosciusko County's lake communities" at the Area Plan Commission meeting Wednesday. Plan commission members tabled a decision after hearing about an hour and a half of comments for and against the zoning change. Plan commission Director Dan Richard welcomed the more than 100 citizens who attended the meeting, saying their presence was fantastic. He also said more than 50 letters were received in support of the amendment and the planning office received a copy of one letter to the Times-Union editor which was not in favor of the amendment. Four people spoke in favor of the amendment, a couple of people had questions, and four people spoke against it. David Tyler, representing the Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association and that organization's lake development committee, spoke in favor of the amendment.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Treasurer Says Property Tax Bills Will Be Provisional

Stephanie Esenwein, Kosciusko County treasurer, said county offices have worked hard trying to get property taxes under control. But because surrounding counties are behind, Kosciusko County again will have to send out provisional bills with a due date of June 18.Reconciliation bills will be sent out approximately Nov.10. Hopefully, this year, taxpayers will receive a more accurate figure on their provisional bills, but Esenwein said they won't be "true bills."The spring provisional bills will be billed at 45 percent of last year's tax bill. Kosciusko County Auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said this year the county will be able to bill for mobile homes and personal property as part of the provisional bills where they were not able to last year. Later, Mitchell said certified property values have been finalized.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Senior Housing Coming To Mentone

MENTONE - "(The Chamber of Commerce) cannot think of anything better for this community than senior housing," said Mentone Chamber of Commerce representative Rita Price Simpson. Monday, the Mentone Town Council agreed, approving the go-ahead for a development team from Garden Court Inc.to set up proposals for grants to build apartments for senior citizen in Mentone. "This is a win-win situation for everyone," said Council Member Mark Hughes. "This project is no cost to us, and it is important to our town," said Jack Simpson, council member. The chamber of commerce decided to allot $10,000 to get the ball rolling in the project last week.The money will be put in escrow to cover expenses not covered by grants in the project.
JEN GIBSON. Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Biomet Asks To Buy Land From County

The county owns it, Biomet wants it. A piece of land, that is. The property is just over a half acre off CR 250N.Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent and Engineer Rob Ladson told the county commissioners Tuesday it actually is a county-maintained road that dead-ends before entering Biomet's property.He said he was contacted by Biomet about purchasing the property. "It's a low-volume road," said Ladson."It's actually a hassle for us." There were some questions about how the county acquired the property in the first place.Depending on how the county received the property will determine how the county can get rid of it, county auditor Sue Ann Mitchell said. Commissioner Ron Truex instructed Mitchell to investigate the property further.After Mitchell reports back, Truex said, the commissioners will make a decision on it. Later, Mitchell presented to the commissioners the tentative tax billing and distribution schedule for Kosciusko County.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Pierceton To Ban Wheeled Devices On Downtown Sidewalks

PIERCETON - An ordinance banning wheeled devices - skateboards, bicycles and rollerblades - in the downtown business district was approved after a second reading by the town council Monday. A $25 fine will be charged to anyone violating the ordinance.The downtown business district is Ind.13 from Elm Street to Columbia Street and from Washington Street to Second Street on Market and Catholic streets. Signs will be posted when the ordinance is in effect, board president Jerry Kreger said. Paragon Medical Inc.employee Lori Adams appeared at the meeting requesting a tax abatement for personal and real property for the company, which the board approved. According to the abatement documents, Paragon will add another 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space, add $16 million in equipment over the next three years and add 192 employees by 2007.Currently, the company employs 307 people.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Approves $26M Building Contract

Contracts for the construction projects at Warsaw Community High School were approved Monday by the Warsaw School Board. For the base bids and the alternates that were accepted, the total cost was $25,320,294. Bids were received from 98 companies and accepted from 22, said Steve Bluhm, the project manager from Construction Control Inc. Only three alternate options were accepted, all for the sports complex: visitor bleachers for $228,501, and bleacher walking surfaces for the base bid bleachers ($14,910) and for the visitor bleachers ($6,769). Alternate options not included in this construction project but to be added later and paid for through the Capital Projects Fund were a guidance office area and large group instruction room ($323,251), soccer and tennis locker/service building ($872,185) and visitor restroom building ($429,424).
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Safe Kids Group Establishes Permanent Car Seat Fitting Station

California was the only state to receive a perfect score. Indiana and 23 other states flunked. Flunked for inadequate laws to protect children riding in vehicles; for allowing children to ride completely unrestrained in the back seats of cars; and for allowing children to ride in nothing more than a seat belt designed for an adult. "We don't do enough enforcement," said Darlene Eherenman, Kosciusko County Safe Kids Chapter Coordinator, on why Indiana scored so badly."We don't do enough awareness." The study, in which all 50 states and the District of Columbia were rated on how well their laws protect children who are riding in vehicles, was conducted by the National Safe Kids Campaign. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year in the United States about 1,800 children under age 14 die in motor vehicle crashes and more than 270,000 are injured.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Deana Carter To Perform July 29 In Central Park

Country Music Award winner and two-time Grammy Award nominee Deana Carter will appear in Warsaw for the July 29 country concert. Headlining the Blues and BBQs July 15 concert is Anthony Gomes.Also appearing that day are Doc Wadkins and the Hardpack and Southside Denny, according to parks department activity director Janelle Wilson. The Warsaw Board of Works approved a slew of performance contracts Friday. Board members opened bids for Phase II of the downtown streetscape project from Cluney Landscaping in the amount of $143,000 and from Pioneer Associates in the amount of $133,745.The bid award was tabled until the next BOW meeting March 18. The board also: • Approved a three-year contract with Wildman Uniform to supply mats for city hall and the parks department. • Approved a contract with Arrow Services to provide treatment for termites at Center Lake Pavilion for $2,980.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Local Police Take Advantage Of Technology

Technology and computerization are changing the face of local law enforcement and making major changes in how today's police forces operate. Seven years ago the Warsaw police had no cellular phones or computers, and used only basic typewriters, pagers and radios. Now with computers, fax-modems, laptops, alpha-numeric pagers, cellular phones, body video and laser radar, police officers have access to unlimited information at the flick of a switch. "The technology helps us to do our jobs better and faster and more efficiently," said Warsaw Police Chief Craig Allebach. Around 1991 the police force made its opening moves into the modern era by buying several mobile phones for squad cars before cellular technology was available in Warsaw, Allebach said.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

SL Council Responds To Rumors, Allegations

SILVER LAKE -ÊRumors alleging that Silver Lake Town Council is illegal were dispelled by council president Stan Williams this morning. Allegedly, the town council was not sworn in, though Williams says every member of the board was sworn in by a notary.He said they have documentation from Sharon Christner, Kosciusko County clerk, proving their legality. Typically, the swearing-in process is done in a public town meeting, though town attorney Vern Landis said he doesn't believe it has to be a public ceremony. In January, the town also passed an ordinance allowing the board to execute documents on behalf of the town. Another allegation against the board involves using incorrect procedures for depositing town funds.According to Indiana law, a government entity must deposit funds received by the next business day following their receipt.Not depositing according to procedure is a felony. Landis said he is unaware of the funds being improperly deposited.
KRISTA PRIMROSE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Miller Brings Campaign To Kosciusko County

Gubernatorial candidate Eric Miller made a campaign stop at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Wednesday, visiting with supporters attending the GOP's fish fry. Miller was greeted by a crowd of more than 60 well-wishers waving "Miller for Governor" signs and many wearing the red, white and blue "It's All About You" T-shirts. Miller, 53, of Avon bounded from his recreational vehicle to cheers and applause and began to deliver one of his characteristically energetic speeches. "Hold up your hand if you want higher taxes!" he said."Hold up your hand if you believe in same-sex marriage!" No hands were raised, but they were in response to pledges to marriages defined as between one man and one woman and protecting the sanctity of life. Miller's campaign actually began two years ago and he hasn't wavered from his pro-family, pro-tax reform stance.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Cold, Cold, Cold!

And Associated Press Reports The season's biggest blast of arctic weather canceled all area high school basketball games Friday night and continued to make driving difficult on many of Kosciusko County's area roads. Blowing and drifting snow made driving difficult Friday night.However, police responded to few if any serious accidents. Road conditions remained poor. "They're all blowing and drifting," said a dispatcher for Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department."We've had several people hit snow drifts and get stuck, but we've only had one or two actually accidents. The dispatcher said county snow crews quit plowing at sundown Friday and were expected to begin again about 5:30 a.m.today. An additional inch or two of snow that fell Friday - on top of the estimated five inches that accumulated Thursday - was swept around by winds that peaked at 40 mph.
Dan Spalding, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Winona Hears About Possible Greenway Delay

WINONA LAKE - The greenway project may be delayed another six months, according to information town coordinator Craig Allebach supplied to the town council Tuesday. Allebach said he, councilman Jerry Clevenger, Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins and greenway committeeman Jeff Noffsinger visited with Indiana Department of Transportation officials Thursday. "They said the funding was there, but we will have to reapply for the grant," Allebach said."So will Warsaw.Awards will be announced in July. "It's funny, though, because we signed and executed a contract for $760,000 to begin the project that INDOT sent us." The town also has a letter from INDOT officials indicating that funding for construction would be $648,000 and that the figure of $550,000 also was approved. "I think there's a lot of confusion.Their filing system seems to consist of moving around cardboard boxes that are stacked from the floor to the ceiling," Allebach said.
TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Wawasee Looks To Cut $175,000 In Expenses

SYRACUSE - In the next couple of months, Wawasee Schools will have to find a way to cut $175,000 in expenses, according to Superintendent Dr.Mark Stock. Wherever the cuts come from, though, Stock told the Wawasee School Board Tuesday, they will do their best to protect the academic core - reading, writing and math. By order of Indiana Gov.Mitch Daniels and Chuck Schalliol, state budget director, in January, monthly payments to schools will be reduced starting in March to start meeting a cap on school spending that lawmakers included in the current two-year budget. For the fiscal year, the state is withholding $26.7 million from the schools' 2005 fiscal year tuition support appropriation beginning in March.The second level of withholdings begins in July for the rest of the calendar year and totals another approximate $25 million to $26 million from the 2005 calendar year spending authority.
DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016

Warsaw Revises Athletic Code Of Conduct

Final revisions to Warsaw Community High School's athletic code of conduct were hammered out Monday by the Warsaw School Board. Most of the additions were clarifications of existing policies or terms. But the board removed the requirement of 50 hours of community service from the penalty for a first violation of the athletic code's drug and alcohol policy. Previously, a student-athlete, on first violation of the policy, would be suspended from participating in athletic competition for 365 days, and would be required to complete 50 hours of community service. With Monday's revisions, the community service requirement would be added to the penalty for a second violation, with the third violation being suspension from athletics for the duration of the student-athlete's high school career.
Laurie Hahn, Times-Union Staff Writer- | July 28, 2016
Previous Next