WINONA LAKE – Winona Lake Parks Department employees had a brief scare Thursday after a quick-moving storm crossed the lake while two teenagers were out on a paddle boat. The teenage girls rented a paddle boat from the park office shortly before the storm arrived. Park employees became alarmed after the teens disappeared from sight amid heavy rains, said Holly Hummitch, parks director. Officials called police and water rescue crews began looking for the girls. Responders arrived at the park as well as the shores of the fairgrounds further to the west. Park staff began walking along the shores in search of the girls and then found the paddle boat docked in the backyard of a private residence, an indication the girls were no longer on the lake, Hummitch said. The incident happened shortly after 4 p.m.
