The Mail-Journal - September 21, 2022

Goshen Physicians opening North Webster location

Goshen Physicians is opening a new family medicine practice in North Webster. The office will be located in the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., Suite Renovations121. are underway for the 1,100-square-foot primary care office, which is scheduled to open in December or early 2023. The clinic will include three exam rooms and a phlebotomy room for quick and convenient lab testing. Future expansion plans include adding a procedure room and additional clinic space.“Aswe at North Webster Community Center further our mis-

sion to engage in meaningful activities and promote healthy lifestyles, we feel that starts with preventative care and education,” said Emily Worrell, executive director. “Our partnership with Goshen Health is a huge step in creating a sustainable future for our community members, town and our organization and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the addition and opportunities they bring for all of us.” Chelsea Wolf, D.O., will offer comprehensive health care for patients of all ages. Wolf is now welcoming new patients at Goshen Physicians Family Medicine Syracuse. She will transition to

the North Webster medical office as soon as construction is completed. Patients can call (574) 244-0148 to schedule an appointment.“Expanding access to high quality health care is one of the most important things we do,” said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health president and chief executive officer. “The city of North Webster shares our commitment to build a healthier community forGosheneveryone.”Physicians will host a grand opening celebration for the new facility. Details will be announced closer to the event date.

Update given on Northshore, Eastshore drives sewer project

Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District met for its monthly meeting Monday night, Sept. 19.

An update on the sewer project on Northshore Drive and Eastshore Drive was given.

Anthony Carrier of Jones and Henry Engineering stated the project is about 75% done. The roads are expected to be paved by mid-October. Both roads are currently being worked on. A sewer pipe and tap are being installed.

Five lift stations are being installed. One is being completed on Eastshore Drive and four

life stations are being put in on Northshore Drive. Tim Woodward, district superintendent, said he hopes the entire project is finished by November.

Resident David Johnston expressed some concerns about the project. “People are not happy,” he said. He asked why there was a delay in the project when it was supposed to be completed by mid-September. He was told that there was a contractor delay and

shortage of materials.

Johnston asked about oversight by the engineering firm and Carrier said he was “on-site everyJohnstonday.” also noted that Power Station No. 3 was too close to Northshore Drive.

“I think it is dangerous,” he said. He also said people should be notified when both roads are closed so people will know to take an alternate route. “It’s a safety

hazard,” he said. Johnston asked when the sewage rate increase will occur. He was told it will be when the project is completed as stated in anAttorneyordinance.

Andy Boxberger said the district is reviewing an update on porta potties, which would require just a permit or a $25 fee. “We will review it and take it under advisement,” said Continued on page 2

Trails Committee declares fundraiser a success

In its first meeting since the “Life Is Better On the Trail” fundraiser, which was held Sept. 1 at Blue Barn Berry Farm in Syracuse, the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee gathered for its regular monthly session Monday, Sept.

The19.highlight of the meeting was the announcement by Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Director Erlene Yentes that the second annual fundraiser brought in $21,269 after expenses. That number does

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Syracuse Town Council holds first hearing on 2023 budget

The Syracuse Town Council approved the first reading of the 2023 budget during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, Sept. 20. The proposed budget is $6,320,041. There were no comments regarding the budget during the public hearing.

The council approved the rezoning of 202 E. Benton St. from public use to residential at the recommendation of the Area Planning Department. The council passed the annexation of properties on Kern Road in a final vote during the meeting.

Chris Harrison from Commonwealth Engineers made the request to postpone the Main Street and Railroad Road project to the spring. The project is to expand the turn radius and add a turn lane.Harrison explained the project is running into a tight time frame with a two-week window to complete paperwork and get CSX flaggers in place before the asphalt plants close for the season. The agreement between CSX and the town and payment of $36,761 must be signed and returned.

Council member Larry Siegel asked if a Community Crossroads Continued on page 2

Luce to resign as North clerk-treasurerWebster

During the Tuesday evening, Sept. 20, monthly meeting of the North Webster Town Council, longtime clerk-treasurer Betsy Luce announced she would be retiring at the end of the calendar year.Luce, who has served the town for nearly two decades, did not give a specific reason for her

pending departure. She did say the Democrat party would be selecting a replacement for her in the coming weeks. Members of the council thanked her for her service and noted how much she would be missed.

During the open floor portion of the meeting, several residents brought their concerns before the council. Among those addressing the meeting was former North Continued on page 2

Rates lowered ordinancesewerTippecanoe-Chapmanforcustomers,rateapproved

Members of the Tippecanoe & Chapman Regional Sewer District approved a new ordinance after a few changes were made to the rates during a special meeting Monday, Sept. 19. The meeting was held in order to pass the ordinance to avoid interference with the project’s designated timeline.JeffRowe, Baker Tilly municipal advisor, was contacted by the State Revolving Fund as they were having internal discussion about getting the interim and permanent monthly bill amounts reduced. The SRF offered to lower the 2.3% interest rate on the $12.2 million 35-year loan to 0%.

This significant drop in interest eliminated $5.6 million of project costs.

As the interim and permanent monthly rates were calculated on total cost and debt services, the rates dropped significantly alongside the interest rate. The new interim rate during construction will be $59.60 per equivalent dwelling unit and the permanent rate will be $88.35.

The project now stands at $51.536 million.

Steve Snyder sent a letter requesting the consideration of seasonal rates for mobile homes.

Andrew Boxberger, attorney, reiterated state statute allows residents to be billed based on the capacity of function, not how it is chosen to be used. Board President John Tyler stated, “this is a dangerous precedent.” Seasonal rates would likely bring forth conflict, as they would be expected for everyone, not only

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Luce to resign

Webster police officer James Hastings, who was hired as deputy marshal last December.

According to Hastings, he served as a police officer in North Webster up until a month ago, when he was relieved of his duties by Town Marshal Greg Church. He added that he spent four months at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy but was unable to complete the training because of a kidney stone.

“I put a lot of time and effort into the Academy,” Hastings said. “I was 1.2 points away from graduating with honors. Then, the last week of the Academy, I had a kidney stone. I was able to pass the kidney stone, but unfortunately I was not able to finish the only thing — sit-ups, I had 60 seconds to do sit-ups. I was in so much pain I couldn’t do it.”

He noted that he had no ill will toward North Webster or the police department, including Church and deputy marshal Dave May, who was in attendance.

“The week before this happened, I passed my exit standards and I need the town of North Webster to know I didn’t just go and fail. I was in shape. I still am,” he said. “I’m not here to ask for anything, other than I want my name cleared because an officer who gets fired for any reason, it’s never good. I needed you to know I didn’t quit North Webster. I did not quit on North Webster. I did not quit on the Webster Police Department.”

Scott Kuhn, owner of Tangibles in downtown North Webster, also addressed the council with concerns about the physical condition of properties neighboring his business. He said overgrown weeds reflected poorly on his business as well as the town itself. He also brought up the issue of abandoned vehicles that are located in various places around

the town. Kuhn questioned what could be done about the problemsTown attorney Jack Birch discussed the process of citing property owners for their derelict buildings and vehicles. He said he would look into existing town ordinances to see what was in place and what might be able to be done. Members of the council shared in Kuhn’s concerns but did not offer any direct responses on what would be done to address theMayproblems.alsoexpressed his concerns, noting he had previously spoken with Kuhn about the problems and promised to address the matter further, presumably with Similarly,Church.Jennifer Weaver brought concerns about overgrown weeds in the alley between Washington and Mulberry streets, as well as a large pothole that is getting bigger in that location. Inframark Utilities Manager Mike Noe said he would address the pothole concern in the coming days.

In other business:

The council approved Noe’s request to purchase a necessary lift station pump. They also approved his request for $8,7000 to perform trench repairs near Lake Lube on South Main Street.

Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County planner and floodplain administrator, addressed the council concerning the town’s flood program recertification. He requested and received approval to move forward with the county’s recommended floodplain plans.

Tax levy rates were presented by the council. It was noted there would not be an increase in the rates from the past year, with the estimated civil max levy at $508,508. The budget is set to be adopted at the next meeting of the council at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18.

County park board delves into master plan development

One of the primary orders of business of the newly-created Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation Board is to develop a master

Duringplan.its two-hour meeting Thursday, Sept. 15, the Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Michiana Area Council of Governments to help develop that plan.

The board also approved worksheets provided by Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program for a blueway and greenway master plan, as well as a project worksheet for a “specific, low-hanging” trail project in the county, as presented by HELP Community Coordinator Amy Roe.

After MACOG Executive Director James Turnwald gave an overview of the government agency, Donny Ritsema, senior community development planner with MACOG, gave a presentation to the board on developing a master plan.

Ritsema said MACOG provides technical planning services to help communities in Elkhart, Marshall, St. Joseph and Kosciusko counties plan for the future. He said they’ve helped a number of communities put together comprehensive plans.He went through the guidelines of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the seven recommended plan chapters: an introduction, existing conditions, existing facilities, ADA compliance and accessibil-

ity, public participation, a needs analysis and an action program.

An important part of any planning is public engagement, Ritsema said. That will be a part of the county parks’ master plan process, as well as a steering committee will be created. The board later approved Vice President Troy Turley and member Matt Metzger to lead a subcommittee to form a steering committee.Ritsema said the master plan would be a six-month process. The first month is to look at existing conditions, followed by a vision and needs analysis in month two; gap and needs analysis; strategies and priorities; public review and then approval in month six.

“As far as deadlines, milestones, go, the first draft for the parks master plan is Nov. 15. We have been advised by IDNR that this was a newly revised due date so they understand this in the last couple of months this date was changed, that they are still accepting first-draft plans by Jan. 15,” he said, but they are going to make sure that the first-draft plan is completed as much as possible by Nov. 15. The final plan is ultimately due April“This15. timeline really only applies to communities or entities seeking to apply for a Land & Water Conservation Fund within that same grant year, because you’ve got to have a plan approved in that same year that you want to apply for a grant,” Ritsema explained. “However, if you are not wanting to apply for

a grant, then the plan deadline is at any time we get it completed and Metzgeruploaded.”asked if the board needed funding to start the planning or what does it take to get the planning started.

“We’re offering this plan at the reduced cost of free,” Turnwald said. “All we are wanting is, today, we’re asking for the board’s approval to move into that agreement so that we can begin working with you.”

Mike Cusick, board member, asked about a trails plan as part of the master plan. Ritsema said while trails is part of parks and outdoor recreation, he recommended a master trails plan might be a separate element from the parks master plan. However, trails will be incorporated into the parks masterOrganizationsplan. with connections to parks and recreation gave short presentations on what they do.

Among those giving presentations were Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Cori Humes and Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Executive Director Erlene Yentes. Yentes talked about plans to continue the Conklin Bay trail down to Wawasee Middle School to tentatively meet up with the North Webster planned trail.After explaining H.E.L.P., Roe said they’re in stage three of the program and have chosen trails as some of the county’s projects.

“... (I) ask you if you would potentially consider working

with us … to fill out project worksheets related to two items … that we potentially can consider for funding, for that $1 million match and also the $1.2 million (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Not all of that is going to you, but the projects they felt like would be ones that they would want to hear is a blueway and a greenway master plan,” Roe

Thesaid.other project worksheet is “they would like to look at a specific low-hanging trail project in the county we could do through the H.E.L.P. program,” Roe

Shesaid.said there are some restrictions and national objectives. The area that is funded has to be in an area with 51% or higher low to moderate income. That likely would exclude the Warsaw and Winona Lake areas, she said.

Board President Rob Bishop asked about the low-hanging project needing to be a “shovelready” one. Roe said they’d need to figure out a project for that and the deadline to get the project worksheets completed is Oct. 1.

The parks board decided Cusick and Aggie Sweeney, board member, Judy Claypool, Tippy Rive Adventures and Paddlers for Conservation and Greg Demopoulos, Kosciusko Cyclng Velo and Ride+Walk Advisory Committee would serve on a subcommittee to help complete the project worksheets..

The next county parks board meeting is 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

County public safety tower project nears completion

Kosciusko County’s project building towers to improve public safety communications in the county is nearly complete.

Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry provided that news at the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s merit board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

“They’re working on putting the last antennas on the south (tower) site at Claypool (Elementary) School, so once that’s wrapped up, they will flip the switch probably sometime next week mid-week I would say and start tuning,” she said.

Syracuse BZA communicationapprovestower

The Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals was presented three cases at the Thursday night, Sept. 15 meeting. The construction of a new parking lot, installation of a communication tower and construction of a new residence were heard by the board.

In the case of Poly-Wood LLC, the petition for an exception is to allow a parking lot in a residential district. The property is located on the east side of Maple Street, south of North Street. The parking lot is set to be constructed at 406 N. Maple

St.Steve Snyder, attorney, requested that the board allow a 60-day continuance until the next meeting, Monday, Nov. 17. There were two remonstrators,

Annie Cook and Melody Rodgers, who both live on North Street. They expressed concerns for parking lot lighting, coming from overhead lighting, semis and car lights, as Poly-Wood LLC has three shifts. They were also concerned about the sound and traffic that would affect the North Street residents. As more information on these concerns will be provided as Poly-Wood LLC continues in the planning process, the board chose to grant an Wawaseeextension.Community School Corp. presented a petition for a variance to construct a new 160-foot-tall communication tower in a residential district, within 2 miles of three existing towers and one newly permittedThetower.property is located on the west side of Sycamore Street, south of Pickwick Drive.

Trails Committee

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not include future pledges, only money collected through ticket sales, a live auction, silent auction and “Raise Your Paddle.”

The committee has begun discussing plans for next year’s event, which is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 31, 2023.

In other business, Yentes informed the committee that she and Chad Jonsson attended the meeting of the newly-formed Kosciusko County Park Board. Jonsson said the new board is focused in the creation of trails throughout the county.

The committee also discussed the previous suggestion of forming its own 501(c)(3). Currently it falls under the nonprofit umbrella of the Syracuse Parks Depart-

ment. The proposal has been languishing for more than a year, and the board agreed that a decision needed to be made soon whether to follow up on the proposal or continue with the status quo.

Yentes also provided updates on the status of several grants she has been investigating on behalf of the organization.

The board also discussed the ongoing maintenance issues at Conklin Bay. It was agreed that any repairs would wait until after the winter, so as not to subject any new materials to the elements of the

Theseason.next meeting of the committee will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at the Trails office, 813 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. The meeting is open to the public.

The school corporation was represented by Fred Low, a site acquisition expert, and Dr. Steve Troyer, school superintendent. Low noted that, as a result of topography, tree coverage and population density, specifications on the new tower could not be given, but he estimated the signal will cover roughly a 1.5-mile

Co-locationradius.with pre-existing towers would have been optimal, so this project would not be presented if that were a viable option, said Low. They also attempted to connect with surrounding existing structures, such as the water tower, but were not successful. As the structure will be under 200 feet tall, there is no requirement to have a beacon light.

After expressing these points and reviewing the maps previously submitted, the board approved the construction of the tower.David Parsons requested that the board allow a new residence to be constructed 18 feet, 6 inches to the garage from the east right of way; 14 feet, 6 inches to the house from the east right of way; 5 feet from the south property line; 4 feet, 6 inches from the west alley; and 19 feet from the north right of way. The new home is to be constructed on Hansing Street. Parsons was present and was represented by Todd Meyer, a constructor.

The board was presented with this project two months ago, and requested 20 feet of space for the driveway be included in the construction plan. Meyer’s new plan allowed for 20 feet of space, as requested. After reviewing the new construction plan and map, the board approved the project.

“Depending on how long it takes to do the tuning, then they’ll be ready to start testing, and it’s probably a couple weeks of testing, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to make it before the leaves start to fall.”

Along with that site, there are also towers near the Kosciusko County Highway Department in Warsaw and northeast of Dewart Lake in the northern part of theIncounty.otherbusiness, the board:

Heard from Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Shane Bucher that 245 people were incarcerated in the Kosciusko County Jail as of Wednesday’sBuchermeeting.also reported “three of our jailers (are) going through jail school. It’s a weeklong class, a 40-hour-based class and they’re doing it here online. So after that, they’ll be certified,” he said.

Additionally, he said the KCSO is working to hire one person for a jailer spot. It’s also working to fill the deputy position left by Chris Francis, who left to take a job with the Warsaw Police Department.

KCSO Capt. Travis Marsh

reported the office may be trying for grant funding soon for a crime scene camera and software system. Additionally, KCSO Detective James Marshall reported a grant was received for funding a helmet-mounted camera system for the SWAT team.

Volunteers needed for highway clean-up

The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers for its annual highway clean-up. Twice yearly, local volunteers work to collect debris along the Chambers oneand-a-half-mile stretch of adopted highway, which runs from Railroad Avenue to Palm Drive along SR 13.

This year’s fall clean-up will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

Syracuse Town

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Grant was involved with this project. Harrison said yes, 75% of the project would be paid through a Community Crossroad Grant. The town is required to pay the remaining 25% of the project.

The council also approved a change order which involved covering the additional cost for insurance for contractors. Harrison explained CSX has insurance requirements that did not match what was in the contract documents. The cost was $2,915 and the project was extended to May 26,The2023.council approved a request from Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, that his spending limit be raised from $3,000

to $10,000 and Town Manager David Wilkinson’s limit be raised from $7,000 to $10,000 due to expected issues coming in the future.Aurich reported he received a quote for the materials for the Lakeside Water Loop. At the July 19 council meeting, the council approved budgeting $70,000 for materials. The quote Aurich received was for $82,915. He requested $90,000 which will cover materials for the Lakeside Water Loop and piping for the Oakwood Lift Station. The council approved the additional $20,000.

Aurich also presented an agreement with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management which needs to be

Update given

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Woodward. No determination was made at the Woodwardmeeting.conducted his su-

perintendent’s letter. A multi-user questionnaire was conducted. About 60% of people responded. Those who didn’t respond will be

Rates lowered

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mobile homes.

As an example, Tyler referenced individuals who live in permanent structures and who go away for the winter; they would likely expect seasonal rates be applied to them, too. Seasonal rates would show preferential treatment from a financial standpoint as well; project costs would be covered by raising the bill on year-round users, which the board would like to avoid, especially because of the recent developments with the SRF.

To maintain fairness and stay on the project timeline, the board opted to decline the request for the time being. If seasonal rates are to be considered, the board will need time to deliberate.

The definition for non-sewage producing garage was changed, with the addition of the word “detached.”Steve

Henschen, project engineer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, discussed proceedings with the notice of awards, which should be signed by the board on or around Oct. 7.

29. Volunteers are advised to meet in the CVS parking lot where safety vests and cleaning supplies will be distributed. Help make Syracuse a cleaner, happier place that all can enjoy. For additional information regarding the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce highway clean up, call (574) 457-5637 or email chamber.com.executivedirector@sw-

signed by Bill Musser, council president, and Jay Rigdon, town attorney.FireChief Mickey Scott requested $7,960.12 from the equipment fund for emergency lights and plumbing parts on the new fire rescue boat. Scott explained the boat will have a rescue pump on it. Scott told the council the fire department has been working with a local boat company on building the boat.

After hearing the new rescue boat will cost $55,000, the council approved the fire territory spending up to $55,000. Scott also asked the council to remember Joe Anderson, who spent 50 years on the fire department. Anderson died recently.

contacted by Boxberger.

A lift station, damaged Tuesday, Aug. 30, when a major storm hit, was repaired, Woodward reported.John Magsam, head engineer, presented the claims for the Northshore Drive and Eastshore Drive project. The board approved the payment.

An air pressure release valve will be installed at the water plant, as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s wellhead phase two update plan will be approved by February 2023. It is a protection plan, said Woodward.There were no reports from officers.The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.

Patricia M. Frailey

Retired From Dana Corporation

Patricia M. Frailey, 77, Syracuse, formerly, of Wonewoc, Wis., passed away Sunday Sept. 18, 2022, at Avalon Village in Ligonier. She was born in Wonewoc, Wis., the daughter of George and Evelyn (Gates) Orsburne on Aug. 25, 1945.

Pat retired from Dana Corporation after over 30 years of faithful service. She was a member of The Eagles and American Legion, both of Syracuse. Pat worked hard during her life and truly enjoyed retirement. She had fun visiting the casinos and loved to be on Lake Wawasee.

She survived by her daughter, Shelly (Gary) Wiggs, Syracuse; two grandsons, Tylor Sweet and Quentin Sweet of Syracuse; three granddaughters, Deanna (Travis) Wisinskie, Greenfield, Wis., Joy Rodriguez of Delavan, Wis., and Megan Rodriguez, Beaver Dam, Wis.; six great-grandchildren; along with two siblings, Gary (Peggy) Orsburne, Janesville, Wis. and Gene (Ellen) Orsburne of Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kenneth Frailey in 1986; four siblings, Harlan Orsburne, James Orsburne, Sharon Tyler, and Darlene Novy; and an aunt, Marlene Smith.

A memorial service will be held in Pat’s honor, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Eastlund Funeral Home, 7458 E 1000N, Syracuse.Family and friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service at Eastlund Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville FL. 32256

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.

Carl Dean Miller Self-Employed Flooring Installer

Carl Dean Miller, 74, Syracuse, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, at Greencroft Healthcare, where he had recently been admitted for rehabilitation.Hewasborn Sept. 19, 1947, in Goshen, to Monroe and Sylvia (Kauffman) Miller. On May 7, 1965, he married Linda Wisler in Goshen.

She survives along with a son, Michael Dean (Cindy) Miller, Goshen; a daughter, Sheila (Donald) Claassen, Syracuse; six grandchildren, Tyler (Dani) Miller, Amy Richards, Audrey (Joel) Scharpenberg, Taryn Miller, Tristyn (Preston) Silcox and Blaise McGee; and seven great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is a brother, Steve (Lila) Miller, Surprise, Ariz.; and three sisters, Sharon (Dean) Pettifor, Goshen, Carol (Steve) Hostetler, Shipshewana, and Jeannie (Del) Penner, Germany.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Daniel W. Miller.

Carl was a hard worker, self-employed as a residential and commercial flooring installer since 1978. He was the definition of a “good neighbor,” sharing and helping those around him. He was a self-described “scrapper” as a hobby and loved to tinker with all sorts of things; especially buying, restoring and selling golf carts.

Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, where a 6 p.m. funeral service will be held. Nephew Scott Miller, Pathway Church, Middlebury, will officiate. Cremation will take place after the service.

Gary Bruce Kline Retired Teacher

Gary Bruce Kline, 80, Syracuse, passed away at 12:38 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Goshen Hospital.Hewas born Oct. 28, 1941, in Warsaw, to Harold L. and Alice E. (Fidler) Kline.

He graduated in 1959 from Syracuse High School, 1963 from Ball State University in Muncie with a B.A. degree and 1968 from Ball State with his master’s degree. On Sept. 9, 1961, in Syracuse, he was married to Shirley M. Weingart, who survives. He retired in 1999 from the District 200 Schools in Wheaton, Ill., as a teacher after 36 years. He grew up in Syracuse and lived in Winfield, Ill., for many years before returning to Syracuse in 1999.

He was a life member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association, served as president of the District 200 Schools Teachers Union in Wheaton, Ill., for many years and was affiliated with the Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Kline of Syracuse; daughter, Kimberly (Wayne) Rivenes of Elkhart; son, Jeffery (Kathy) Kline of River Forest, Ill.; along with his two grandchildren, Thomas Kline and Olivia Kline.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Goshen Home Care & Hospice or American Heart Association.

William Jones Beer Avid Beekeeper

William Jones “Bill” Beer, 81, New Paris, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 8:28 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Syracuse.William was born Jan. 6, 1941, to Barbara and Otto Beer Sr. in Warsaw. Bill lived his whole life on the family farm and was a 1959 graduate of New Paris High School. He served his country in the Army National Guard. On Nov. 25, 1962, he married Evelyn Swinehart in Goshen.

Mr. Beer was an avid beekeeper and was a member of the Indiana Beekeepers Association. He worked with bees for many years on his family farm while working various other side jobs. He worked as a fuel delivery driver for Henschen Oil for over 29 years. After retirement, he also worked part time at Elkhart County Gravel.Billwas a founding member of the Living Gospel Church in Nappanee and was a greeter there for many years. Along with his beekeeping, Bill also enjoyed making maple syrup. He was a former member of the New Paris Lions Club and he was also an avid Purdue basketball and Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with his family, especially at Dewart Lake. He especially loved his grandchildren and cherished his time with them.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Evelyn Beer of New Paris; three children, Jeff (Amy) Beer of Milford, Jodi (Tim) Hicks of Milford and Jade Vira of Milford; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Dustin) Echard of Wabash, Treg Beer of Denver, Colo., Elizabeth Beer of Lafayette, Clayton Hicks of Milford, Tyler (Karyssa) Hicks of British Columbia, Canada, Michael Hicks of British Columbia, Canada, Jaylen Vira of Milford and Kendall Vira of New Paris; five great-grandchildren, Bretton and Coy Echard and Nash, Saeleh and Farrah Hicks; and two sisters, Evelyn Beer of Nappanee and Barbara Myers of Goshen.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Harlan, Harold, Eldon, Lawrence and Otto Beer Jr.; and a sister, Lorene Mikel.Friends and family called from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for one hour prior to a 4 p.m. funeral Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Living Gospel Church, Nappanee. Pastor Jim Kintigh officiated and burial took place in Milford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be given to the Living Gospel Church.

Casey D. Ferguson Jr. Stay-At-Home Dad

Casey D. “CJ” “Guapo” Ferguson Jr., 29, Milford, passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022.

He was born Aug. 13, 1993, in Norfolk, Va., to Casey D. and Lori Ann (Capers) Ferguson Sr.

He grew up in Virginia, graduated in 2012 from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Va., and moved to Indiana eight years ago from there. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Ashley T. Riggs, on May 19, 2018, in Warsaw; she survives. He was a stay-at-home dad. He enjoyed music and spending time with his children.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Ferguson of Milford; along with his five children, Zaniyah and La’Keea Ferguson, both of Virginia Beach, Va., Casey III, Malachi and Lorian Ferguson, all of Milford; father, Casey (Vanessa) Ferguson Sr. of Chesapeake, Va.; brother, Aaron Ferguson of Norfolk, Va.; and the mother of his two daughters, Brishaunda Jordan of Virginia Beach, Va. He will also be missed by his grandmothers, Semari Gashorn of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Margie Harper of Chesapeake, Va.; and his in-laws, Christopher and Sally Riggs of Milford, Christian “Tillie” Riggs and Joseph Riggs; in addition to many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Hampton Roads, Va.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lori Ann FergusonMiles; and family friend, Jacob Reed of Chesapeake, Va.

Visitation/life celebration will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.Preferred memorials may be given to the Casey Ferguson Funeral Fund, c/o Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN 46567.

To send condolence to the family of Casey Ferguson, please visit titusfuneralhome.com.

Births

Josiah Jay Helmuth Simon and RoseMary (Schwartz) Helmuth, Milford, are the parents of a son, Josiah Jay, born at 10:35 p.m. Sept. 14, 2022, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 8.5 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Jeanne L. Coverstone Retired Art Teacher

Jeanne Louise (Coy) Coverstone, 96, North Webster, passed away Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Syracuse.

She was born June 16, 1926, in her grandparent’s farmhouse north of Tippecanoe Lake, in which her mother was born 32 years previously. She was the only child of Carl James Coy and Kathryn Iva (Sutton) Coy.

On April 8, 1945, she was united in marriage to Dean Coverstone in the North Webster Methodist Church. Dean preceded her in death on April 29, 2018. They had been married for 73 years.

She was valedictorian of her North Webster High School class of 1944 and graduated summa cum laude from Goshen College with a degree in art education. She was the first woman to graduate from the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree in art history. She received a national education grant to participate in a 12-week seminar at the University of Illinois, compiling a treatise on art, literature and religion in colonial America. She earned a certificate in Biblical studies from Grace Theological Seminary. She was the author of a book on art appreciation entitled “Landmarks in Art.”

Jean taught art at North Webster Elementary and Junior High School and Wawasee Preparatory School. For 23 years she was the chairman of the art department at Grace College, Winona Lake, retiring in 1993 as Professor Emeritus. She was the first female professor at Grace to receive the Alva J. McClain Award for Excellence in teaching, also being named an Outstanding Educator in America in 1975.

As a youngster growing up on Tippecanoe Lake, she loved swimming, playing the piano and reading. She was a member of the Webster United Methodist Church for 70 years. While living in Arkansas she enjoyed playing the piano and organ, singing in the choir and teaching Bible study at the Cherry Hill United Methodist Church. Moving back to Indiana in 2018, she attended Calvary United Methodist Church and enjoyed Bible study. She also loved spending time with family, playing cards, board games, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and attending basketball games.

With her husband, she owned and operated Sock’s Marina on Webster Lake, The Pebble Patch Ceramic Shop and Dean’s Dungeon Ceramics and Collectibles in North Webster.

Jean is survived by three sons, Terry and wife Pam, Citrus Springs, Fla., “Dino” and wife Jeannie, North Webster, and Randy and wife Elena, Newark, Calif.; five grandchildren, Thomas (McKenzie), Ryan (Melissa), Dina, Kathryn (Morey II) and Jacob; and five great-grandchildren, Branden, Jackson, Morey III, Wyatt and Michael.

Owen Family Funeral Home, North Webster, is in charge of arrangements. There will be a private family graveside service at the Leesburg Cemetery, where Jean will be interred but her soul has gone to her heavenlyThosefather.wishing to express their sympathy may leave written condolences at Memorialtitusfuneralhome.com.giftsinhonorofJean may be given to the Grace College Art Department, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590.

James ‘Jim’ Brooks Retired From RR Donnelley And Sons

James “Jim” Brooks, 81, Milford, passed away peacefully at home, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Jim was born on Nov. 25, 1940, to Theodore “TR” and Inez Brooks in Caneyville, Ky. He moved with his family to Milford in 1953 when he was in fifth grade. He graduated from Milford High School in 1960.In September 1964, Jim married Margaret Hollar. She survives. They have two children, Kelly and Clay.Jimstarted working when he was in sixth grade, at Campbell’s Market, Milford, and worked there through high school. After graduation, he went to work at RR Donnelley and Sons, Warsaw.

On Sept. 15, 1963, he joined the Indiana National Guard Army and served through Sept. 14, 1969. He trained at Fort Knox, Ky., and Grayling, Mich., as a mess sergeant.

He returned to work at RR Donnelley and Sons following his service training, with a career spanning 42 years, working his way from a roll tender to customer service supervisor before retiring Sept. 14, 2002.

He began managing South Shore Golf Course in Syracuse in October 2005 and continued until October 2020.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 236 for 54 years and Kosciusko Masonic Lodge No. 418 for 57 years. He volunteered at the Milford Food Bank until his passing. Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed attending his grandsons’ many athletic events and golfing with the “Milford Mafia.”

Additional survivors include children, Kelly (Jeff) Carson and Clay (Mindy) Brooks; grandsons, Mason (Lynnsey), Jacob, Jared, Grant and Ty, all of Milford; brothers, Bob (Ann) Brooks and Kenny Brooks all of Milford; sister, Susan (Scott) Crist, Bradford, Ohio; nephews, Rob Brooks and Jason Brooks, Lynn Crist and Ryan Crist; and niece Annie Crist.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ted Brooks; niece, Amy Crist; and son-in-law, Darrell Krugman.

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, followed by a service at 3 p.m. at Mishler Funeral Home, CR 900N and SR 15, Milford.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Milford Food Bank.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents and incidents: Accidents 6:44 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, North CR 250E, south of East CR 550N, Leesburg. Driver: Tyler G. Larrew, 30, East Evergreen Drive, Warsaw. Larrew was traveling north on North CR 250E when a deer entered the roadway. Damage up to $5,000.

10:38 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, South Main Street, north of West Covered Bridge Lane, North Webster. Drivers: Claytin J. Markins, 17, East Lincolnway, Columbia City; Kolby T. Krider-Tonkel, 16, East Hanna Street, Columbia City; Chasity A. Lester, 46, SR 114, North Manchester; and Colin M. Huntley, 18, North Oak Street, Columbia City. Markins’ vehicle struck the back of KriderTonkel’s vehicle causing a chain reaction accident. Krider-Tonkel’s vehicle then hit Lester’s vehicle and Lester’s vehicle hit Huntley’s vehicle. Damage up to $25,000. 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, SR 13 near CR 400N, Pierceton. Driver: Michael Lauber, 45, North Stanley Street, North Webster. Lauber swerved to miss deer but hit a guardrail and the deer. Damage up to $10,000.

6:49 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, East Backwater Road, west of North CR 950E, North Webster. Driver: Angela M. McClellan, 47, South Mellwood Park Drive, Kimmell. McClellan swerved to miss a deer, and her vehicle went off the road and hit a sign post. Damage up to $10,000.6:32a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, CR 500N near EMS T8 Lane, Leesburg. Driver: Wayne Morris, 46, Cromwell Road, Kimmell. Driver struck deer. Damage up to $2,500. 8:04 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, CR 500N near EMS T7 Lane, Leesburg. Driver: Michelle Wilson, 46, CR 1400N, Elwood. Driver struck deer. Damage up to $5,000. 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, CR 1400N near East Shore Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Jeffery Cowan, 50, Chickasaw Lane, Syracuse. Driver left the roadway and struck a pole. Damage up to $25,000.

Incidents

5:53 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 100 block East South Street, Milford. Terrance R. Warren and Diana K. Warren reported the theft of a trailer. Value: $2,500.

1:57 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 100 block of EMS B6 Lane, Leesburg. Allen Kalabsa reported a theft.

Value:11:53$4,500.a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 100 block of EMS W23 Lane, North Webster. A mailbox was reportedly damaged.

9:47 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 300 block East Himes Street, North Webster. Laura A. Meinert-Bidle reported the theft of a concrete statue. Value: $500.

2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7100 block North SR 13, North Webster. Dennis H. Head reported a theft. Value: $10,000.

12:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 5400 block North CR 800E, North Webster. Kaylee M. Ashcroft reported a vehicle accident resulting in property damage.

12:34 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 5000 block East CR 1200N, Syracuse. Charles J. Stuckman reported the theft of a saw. Value: $3,000.5:44 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 9900 block North Avenue Fourth of July, Syracuse. Joe D. Navarro and Jennifer A. Navarro reported criminal mischief to a vehicle.

11:44 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 8000 block North SR 13, Syracuse. David R. Rosenberry reported the theft of items including a snow blower. Value: $900.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following accidents and incidents: Accidents

8:17 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, North Higbee Street, near West Syracuse Street, Milford. Driver: Angela Robbins, 54, East Fox Run Drive, Syracuse. Robbins’s vehicle was behind a semitractor-trailer at a stop light when the truck lurched in reverse and struck her vehicle. The semitractor-trailer left the scene. The commercial vehicle belonged to a company in Elkhart County. Damage up to $10,000.

Incidents

1:54 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 100 block of South Main Street, Milford. Online purchases were made with a person’s credit card

information. Value of $630. 11:49 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1400 block East Camp Mack Road, Milford. Rebecca A. Pena reported criminal mischief. 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, 10000 block North CR 200W., Milford. Police investigated a child ingesting tiki torch fluid while briefly unattended. Child was transported to Kosciusko County Hospital for medical treatment.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following accident and incidents:

Accident

12:10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, SR 13, north of West Crystal Flash Road, North Webster. Drivers: Patricia A. Kuhn, 77, East CR 400N, Leesburg; and Tabitha J. Morris, 28, East County Line Road, Syracuse. Kuhn’s vehicle hit the driver’s side door of the Morris vehicle when Kuhn changed lanes in front of Morris. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

11:51 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 300 block South Main Street, North Webster. Representatives for Neighborhood Fresh Market reported theft. Value: $12.12. 11:51 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 300 block South Main Street, North Webster. Representatives for Neighborhood Fresh Market reported theft. Value: $29.35.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following incidents and made the following arrest: Incidents

1:37 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 300 block West High Street, Syracuse. Police were called to the scene of a verbal altercation between a couple.4:29 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 1000 North Long Drive, Syracuse. Criminal mischief was reported at Henry Ward Park, Lakeside Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Toilet paper dispensers and night vision cameras sustained damage up to $750.

Arrest

4:27 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 100 block South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Michael Edward Alberson, 60, 15913 CR 42, Goshen, was reported for reckless driving on a moped. Alberson was transported to Kosciusko County Jail for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and refusal to submit to chemical testing. Alberson also received warnings for driving left of center and unsafe lane movement.

Warsaw

Officers with Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents

11:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, North Parker Street, near Husky Trail, Warsaw. Drivers: Linda S. Needler, 73, East Ponderosa Drive, North Webster; and Reine Fisher, 58, EMS B37 Lane, Warsaw. Needler was traveling southeast on Husky Trail and was turning right when she hit Fisher’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

9:43 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, North Parker Street, north of Husky Trail, Warsaw. Drivers: Michaell A. Jamison, 65, North Second Trail, North Webster; and Maria D. Mohan, 25, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse. Jamison turned into the path of Mohan, causing a collision. Damage: Up to $5,000.

5:35 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, SR 15 near Jalynn Street, Warsaw.

Drivers: John Bauman, 66, Zimmer Road, Warsaw; Raymond Truex, 73, CR 400N, Warsaw; and Andrew Schnipke, 40, EMS W25 Lane, North Webster. Slowed traffic in an intersection led to two collisions.

3:44 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, Wexford Place, Warsaw. Driver: Jessica Myers, 35, EMS B6A Lane, Leesburg. Myers swerved to miss a vehicle that entered her lane and then struck two parked vehicles registered to Brook Pauwels of Milford and Luis Cleto of Warsaw. Damages up to $10,000.

Elkhart County

Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accident: Accident 3:53 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, US 6 and Innovation Boulevard., Syracuse. Drivers: Tosha Snyder, 31, New Paris and Justin Lord, 37, Warsaw. Both were northbound on SR 13, Snyder hit the back of Lord’s vehicle as he was slowing down to turn onto Innovation Boulevard. Snyder was issued a citation. A passenger in

Lord’s vehicle complained of back pain and signed off from going to the hospital.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked into the Kosciusko County Sept.Jail: 19 — Jerry Dewayne Newton, 53, 3487 E. 750N, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or more. Bond: $700 cash.

Sept. 18 — Katherine Ann Harris, 39, 300 W. High St., Syracuse, booked for disorderly conduct. Bond: $500 cash.

Sept. 18 — Joshua Robert Gee, 21, 7790 E. Cherokee Road, Syracuse, booked for invasion of privacy. Bond: $1,500 cash.

Sept. 17 — Kaitlin Rena Howard, 18, 107 N. Main St., Milford, booked for possession of cannabis products and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $600 cash.

Sept. 15 — Eduardo Angel Aguilar-Cuahuizo, 19, 108 S. East St., Milford, booked for driving while suspended. Bond: $450 cash.Sept. 14 — Selena M. Vanover, 48, 303 W. Boston St., Syracuse, booked for criminal mischief. Bond: $500 cash.

Sept. 14 — Jeremy Nathan Archer, 14288 CR 50, Syracuse, booked for motor vehicle theft. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Sept. 14 — Daniel Edward Lyons, 43, 9768 E. Excalibur Place, Cromwell, booked for failure to appear. Bond: $750 cash.

Elkhart County

The following person was booked into Elkhart County Correctional Facility: Sept. 17 — Luther Broughton, 22, 208 W. School St., Leesburg, booked for two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $1,500.

Noble County

The following person was booked into Noble County Jail: Sept. 15 — Jessica L. Staton, 28, 1886 S. 915W, Cromwell, booked on a warrant. No bond.

Gunkel, Darr honored by county firemen

Harold Gunkel and Dennis Darr were among four men receiving special honors at the annual Kosciusko County Fire Association Fish Fry and Awards Night Thursday, Sept. 15.

Gunkel received the service award and Darr received one of the two Friend of the Firemen Award for service and leadership outside the fie service.

The service award recognizes not only longevity but what is done during the time a firefighter serves. “It is a big deal to have stuck it out. Many of you have it and know,” said McSherry. Gunkel, who was nominated by the Sidney Fire Department, has served 40 years on the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory. “He has served in many roles throughout the service and his community. His willingness to jump in and do whatever needs to be done has saved his department and community drastically, financially and physically. His experience and knowledge has been passed down to younger generation firefighters and he is always willing to teach anyone how to be better and how to get things done faster and safer for everyone,” read McSherry of the nomination.Darrwas recognized for his contribution, effort and support of the new fire communication system.Mickey Scott, fire chief for Turkey Creek Fire Territory, spoke of how when he was approached for a location of a tower in the northern part of the county, he thought of possibilities and made phone calls. “I don’t know if we would have gotten this place secured without the help of this person,” said Scott. That tower is located on the highest point of the county. “It’s all about taking care of people,” McSherry added.

Court News

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Grumme-McDonald

Ted W. Grumme, 47, Syracuse, and Danielle M. McDonald, 43, Syracuse

Hunsberger-Wagler

Richard A. Hunsberger, 25, Syracuse, and Krista M. Wagler, 21, Syracuse

Millar-Fry

Robert G. Millar, 34, North Webster, and Haley D. Fry, 28, North Webster

Wharton-Cahill

Ashton R. Wharton, 32, Milford, and Maggie M. Cahill, 23, Milford Reyes-Rogers

Seth R. Reyes, 30, Leesburg, and Brandi L. Rogers, 31, Leesburg

Scarberry-Gillum

Jared D. Scarberry, 18, Cromwell, and Kaitlynn F. Gillum, 20, Pierceton

Moore-Farling

Jeffrey J. Moore, 24, Syracuse, and Chelsey L. Farling, 24, Warsaw Murdock-Franks

Terry A. Murdock Jr., 53, Syracuse, and Christina Franks, 51, Syracuse

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts:

Murdock — Tiarra Murdock, Syracuse, and John Murdock, Warsaw. Married: May 15, 2022. Separated: Sept. 2, 2022. There is one minor child.

Keo — Neath Pech Keo, Syracuse, and Kristi Keo, Constantine, Mich. Married: April 4, 2002. Separated: March 2022. There are three minor children.

Blocher — Jerrold Paul Blocher, Leesburg, and Amanda Christine Blocher, Leesburg. Married: Sept. 17, 2016. Separated: Sept. 9, 2022. There is one minor child.

Superior Court III

The following infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Disregard lighted signal — David D. Yotter, Leesburg, $160.50

Driving while suspended — Kenneth C. Severs, Syracuse, $185.50

Disregarding stop sign James R. Kern, North Webster, $160.50

The evening additionally included presentation of Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association pins to those with over 25 years of fire service, by John Grolich, District 5 chairman. Local firefighters among those who were given pins were: Milford — Shane Bucher, Rob Hare and Matt Mast Tippecanoe Township — Keith Gunkel, Michael Hollingsworth, Lester Mast and Matthew Nei Plain Township — Bart KammererTurkey Creek Township — BrianMarshaRichcreekMcSherry, county administrator and co-chair of the communication system committee, spoke briefly on the progress and target dates. “We’re nearing the end,” she stated. A test of the system is slated for Oct. 17. Comments were also heard from Sue Mitchell, county councilStatechairwoman.FireMarshal Stephen Jones provided a few words, echoing a comment the local

association had heard numerous times – “You guys have something special. Not every county can do this,” referring to the large gathering of firefighters who all work together.

He stressed the importance of the firefighters as being someone people can count on, how their family is important, their health and mental heath. “You guys in the fire service are the most important in the community. You’re the ones who help run the baseball Little League. Without the fire service where would a community be? It’s a family

Otherthing.”awards were presented to Shade Keeney, WarsawWayne Fire Territory, Fireman of the Year Award and Ernie Wiggins, county councilman, the other recipients of the Friend of the Fireman Award. A special Thank You Award was presented to the Roger Gelbaugh family for allowing him to serve the county fire association for numerous years.

[U.S.P.S 325-840] Vol. 61, No. 32 THE MILFORD THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE (Est. 1907)

homeaccusedSimpsonofburglarizingofadeadman

A Leesburg man was

Simpson,Norrisitems.stealinghomeertyceasedintobreakingterarrestedrecentlyaf-allegedlyade-prop-owner’sandJeffrey50,

4492 N. Sullivan Road, Leesburg, is charged with burglary, a Level 4 felony; and theft, a Level 6 felony.

On Thursday, Aug. 18, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a burglary report. Upon arrival at a residence, the deputy spoke with a woman.According to court documents, the woman said the burglarized property was owned by her son, who is deceased. She told the deputy the property was due to go up for auction in September. The woman said someone had entered the property, turned off the main power to the home,

and took several items. Among the items stolen were a log splitter, table saw and outdoor propane heater.

Later that day, deputies responded to a report of the stolen items being found at a home. The woman’s grandson said he and his friends were driving by a residence when they noticed a log splitter hooked up to a blue vehicle and a table saw in the driveway.Deputies then made contact with Simpson, who admitted to going to the residence and taking the items. Simpson said the door to the residence’s garage was unlocked. He hooked the log splitter up to his Dodge Durango and also took the table saw. When asked why he took the items, Simpson said he was down on his luck and had planned to sell the items for money.Thelog splitter and table saw were returned to the woman’s grandson.Simpson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Sept. 12, with a $15,250 surety and cash bond.

Smith gets one year probation

A Pierceton man will serve a one-year sentence on probation for criminal charges stemming from a July 2021 incident in NorthZacharyWebster.M.L. Smith, 19, 1955 S. SR 13, was charged with maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony; and battery, a Class B misdemeanor. Smith was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior II Monday, Sept.

19.On Aug. 2, 2021, an Indiana State Police detective was contacted by the Marshall County Department of Child Services regarding potential sexual misconduct with a minor. The case was ultimately referred to Kosciusko County DCS, since the incident occurred in Kosciusko County July 4, 2021.

According to court documents, the youth said they met with two friends to watch fireworks July 4, 2021. Later that day, the youth went with friends to meet three men at an industrial shop in North Webster. One of the men was Smith. The incident turnedWitnessessexual.said that Smith brought marijuana to the shop and provided it to the others, including the child. In an interview with DCS workers, the child “reported that much of the contact was consensual in nature, including the intercourse, and at no time was (the child) forced to do anything against (their) will.”

The other two men who were at the shop said Smith had told them each that he had engaged in sexual conduct with the child.

Online paperwork on this case first appeared June 30, 2022, with the allegations being brought to InkFreeNews’ attention prior to the affidavit of probable cause being filed.

During court proceedings, Defense Attorney Anthony Churchward said he and Special Prosecutor D.J. Sigler had been in negotiations for a while to reach a fair resolution to the case.

Sigler said the child and their family didn’t want Smith to be incarcerated, but wanted him held accountable for his actions.

Sigler also read victim impact statements from the child and their mother.

In her statement to the court, the victim’s mother said she did not agree the incident was consensual due to her child’s age at the“Thistime.entire situation has affected our whole family emotionally, financially and mentally,” the mother said in her statement. The mother also said the child had withdrawn from public school due to stress and bullying connected to the incident.

“In the beginning, I didn’t want Zachary to get in trouble,” read the child’s statement. “But there was the fact that you (Zachary) kept telling me not to tell anyone. The age of consent in Indiana is 16. I was 14. I feel shocked, guilty … taken advantage of, especially with the drugs and alcohol involved. I want him to be held accountable.”

Smith apologized for his actions in court.

“I’m very sorry for what I did,” said Smith. “I wasn’t raised like this.”For maintaining a common nuisance, Kosciusko Superior Court II Judge Torrey Bauer sentenced Smith to one year in the Kosciusko County Jail. Smith also received a six-month KCJ sentence for battery. Both counts will run concurrently, or at the same time. The entirety of Smith’s sentence was suspended onInprobation.total,Smith will serve one year on probation and must comply with all probationary rules, including no contact with the victim in this case. He must also pay $845.87 in restitution to the victim and their family for counseling costs.

Upon successful completion of probation, Smith may petition the court for misdemeanor treatment.

Voter registration and voting dates

The general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 8, however, there are some upcoming dates those with a desire to vote need to be Voteraware.registration for the 2022 general election ends Oct.

11. Voters can verify their registration by calling the county clerk’s office at (574) 372-2332, option 1 or visiting www.indianavoters.comEarlyvoting will begin Oct. 12 in the Kosciusko County Justice Building between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additionally people can vote in the Justice Building and at North Webster Community Center, Oct. 28 and Nov.Justice5.

Building Saturday hours, for early voting only will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours at North Webster on the speci-

fied Saturdays will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Early voting ends at noon, Monday, Nov. 7. Voting by mail has already begun. Voters can apply online at www.indianavoters.com or by calling the clerk’s office to request an application to vote by mail. Ballots will be mailed out daily starting Sept. 21 and ending Oct. 28. Applications to vote by mail deadline will be at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27.

Perfect Night For ‘Food Truck Friday’

It was a perfect night Friday, Sept. 16 for Milford’s “Food TruckThingsFriday.”were happening in the downtown area on Main Street and in the town’s parking lot north of the Community Buildings. Food trucks and food booths were set up in the park-

ing lot offering a variety of items from hot dogs to hamburgers, sweet corn, sugar pop donut holes, Mexican food, cup cakes, ice cream, pop corn, meat sticks andVariousmore. vendors were set up on Main Street offering various pre-made arts and craft items, or make your own craft. There was even homemade bread.

The food truck participants vary from month to month and

may be different on Friday, Oct.

21.Food Truck Friday is organized by a group of four — Angie Deak, Sierra Clark-Kern, Karena Wilkinson and Tricia Gall.

This event takes place the third Friday of each month through October. It has grown by leaps and bounds since the first event in PlansJune. are already underway for the October event, featur-

ing the fall season, with music, dancers and a soup competition hosted by the Milford Kiwanis.

While the food trucks and craft vendors were around until 8 p.m. the evening fun continued with a family movie just up the street at the Milford Meeting House, 210 W. Catherine St., for a free outdoor movie “Peat’s Dragon.” Nonperishable food items were collected at that time and donated to the food pantry.

Going left of center to pass vehicle caused fatal crash involving Walorski, three others

The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office has concluded the investigation into the crash that occurred Aug. 3 on SR 19, south of CR 40. That crash killed U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, staffers Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson and Edith Smith.

All the evidence and information gathered is consistent with someone attempting to pass another vehicle on a two-lane roadway.The investigation determined the cause of the crash was Potts driving his Toyota RAV4 left of center with a contributing factor of excessive speed.

Police concluded Potts’ Toyota was northbound on SR 19, south of CR 44, traveling behind a flatbed truck. A witness traveling northbound behind both the Toyota and unidentified truck observed Potts slowing, as what was described as creating distance between the truck and his vehicle. The Toyota was then observed accelerating to a high rate of speed, closing the distance to the truck. As the Toyota neared the back of the truck, it swerved into the southbound lane at which time it collided with Schmucker’s vehicle.

The report from the sheriff’s office states evidence from the crash

reconstruction, including detailed data from the airbag control module, showed the Toyota was traveling at a speed of approximately 83 mph approximately five seconds prior to the crash. In addition, it showed the vehicle’s motor was at idle speed, showing the vehicle was “coasting,” with speed reducing to approximately 77 mph milliseconds prior to airbag deployment.The airbag control module data also showed the driver of the Toyota steered the vehicle left just prior to the crash. The amount of steering input was consistent with normal operation of the ve-

hicle and was consistent with the eyewitness account.

All cell phone information was examined from all occupants of both vehicles. There was no evidence of information that phones were being used prior to or during theInspectionscrash. of the vehicles were conducted. The inspections and evidence at the scene showed no indication of mechanical failures.

The sheriff’s office consulted with the Indiana State Police for an independent review of the collected information and conclusions. Both departments’ conclusions were consistent.

North Webster Library brings ‘TeenTober’ programming

During October, the North Webster Community Public Library is participating in the Young Adult Library Services Association’s annual TeenTober celebration.Developed by YALSA, this monthlong event strives to raise awareness of the importance of year-round teen services and connect teens with services and materials provided by their local institutions that will help them develop new skills and fuel their TeenToberpassions.merges YALSA’s successful and longstanding

Teen Tech Week and Teen Read Week initiatives into one program to celebrate teen services in libraries and enhance relationships with community partners. NWCPL’s first TeenTober program, Collage Workshop, will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3. Teens will tap into their inner artist to create a multimedia collage. Upcoming programs will provide opportunities for teens to make their own graphic novels, practice engineering with 3-D printing pens and participate in the first teen book club.

Teens can visit the library during regular hours to view the new teen space and earn a chance to win a TeenTober prize.“We are ecstatic to bring this type of programming to our teens in the North Webster community,” Hanna Kunkel, young adult librarian, said. “We are committed to providing materials and services to our teens and connecting them with community partners to help them learn new skills, discover interests and fuel their passions.” For a full list of activities and

more information about the TeenTober celebration at NWCPL, call (574) 834-7122 and ask for Hanna or visit nwcpl.org.

Find out more about YALSA and TeenTober national initiative, visit ala.org/yalsa/teentober.NWCPL is located at 110 N. East St.

Warriors fall to Minutemen in tough defensive battle

The Wawasee Warrior varsity football team fell to the Concord Minutemen 16-0 in a grind-it-out defensive battle on Friday, Sept. 16 at Warrior Field.

Concord opened the game on the first drive by marching down field and scoring on a 35-yard run by sophomore quarterback Hudson Glantz. After a missed kick on the extra point attempt the score was 6-0 Concord with 9:46 left in the firstWawaseequarter. was stopped on their first drive of the game in what would be a prelude of things to come. After a Wawasee punt, Concord took over and was driving again. Junior linebacker Brandon Kelly had two tackles for loss to set up a 4th and 1 for Concord. An offsides penalty by Wawasee then made it first and goal Concord from the 5-yard line.

Junior defensive lineman Donovan Blair came up with a big tackle for loss. Senior linebacker David Anderson then came up with a huge hit to make it 4th and goal from the 10-yard line. Concord senior placekicker Miguel Aguilar’s 27yard field goal attempt hit the left upright and bounced backwards into the end zone with just under a minute left in the first quarter. That was a huge stop for a Warrior defense that showed character, guts and resolve throughout the night.

Neither team was really able to get much going offensively during the first half. Both defenses played exceptionally well. Wawasee junior defensive back Lucas Linder had a big pass breakup which probably prevented Concord from scoring a touchdown with about four minutes left in the first half.

Concord was in prime scoring position inside the Warrior 6-yard

line with under a minute to go in the first half and the Warrior defense came up with another big stop to make it 4th and 3. Concord settled for a 25-yard field goal by Aguilar to make it 9-0 Concord at theWawaseebreak.

was driving downfield to open the second half and started to show a little life on offense after a Kelly catch and run down the right sideline. Unfortunately, that momentum was halted when junior wide receiver Hunter Tinkey uncharacteristically fumbled the ball and Concord recovered.

After Concord immediately regained possession, they returned the favor by fumbling the ball back over to the Warriors with 6:30 left in the third quarter.

Wawasee was able to drive downfield toward the end of the third quarter but senior quarterback Jaxon Brown was stuffed on a 4th and 1 quarterback keeper on the Concord 19-yard line and the Warriors turned it over on downs. The Concord defense was like a steel curtain throughout the night.

Concord had the ball on their own 19-yard line and senior defensive lineman Cameron Zimmerman came up with a big sack for a loss of 3 yards to close the third quarter.

Concord senior running back Titus Hackworth had a couple runs to open up the 4th quarter to put the Minutemen in scoring position.

Concord senior wide receiver Juan Ross then scored from 4 yards out to make it 16-0 Concord after a successful extra point attempt which concluded the scoring for the night.

Brown had 62 yards passing for Wawasee. Tinkey had 45 yards rushing. Kelly had 33 yards receiving. Anderson had a big game defensively with 8.5 tackles. Tinkey had 5.5 tackles. Kelly had one interception. Zimmerman had one sack.

Next game: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Northridge.

17-year-old Finlinson becomes national champion

Jay Finlinson, 17, Lake Wawasee, was crowned national champion in the 300 AM Enduro class at the P1 AquaX National Championship.

Earlier in September, more than 50 waverunner riders headed to Florida’s Gulf Coast for the final round of a five-venue P1 AquaX National Championship, where racers battled not only for national titles in three classes, but also to qualify for the Bahamas World Championship in November.

At the end of the two days of racing in St. Petersburg, Fla., Finlinson was crowned national champion in his Encouragedclass.by his father, Bryan, Finlinson started racing when he was only 12 years old. He is currently a senior in high school and enjoys other sports, including baseball, football, basketball and golf.

In his first season of P1 AquaX racing last year, Finlinson competed in the 200 AM class in the USA National Championship on a waverunner loaned to him by world champion rider Brian Baldwin from Denver and he raced in Michigan City and St. Pete. He won an IJSBA world title in 2019 in the AM 1100 Stock class when only 14 and finished third in the Pro-Am Ski Stock class at the IJSBA World Finals last year. He has also won many national championships in ProWaterCross.Finlinsonadmits he didn’t know how he would do when he first stepped on his supercharged Yamaha waverunner. Jay Berry from Ignite Racing Fuel in Marion and Brian Baldwin gave him valuable support. His debut was in Michigan City in early August and he won the first race. He figured he wouldn’t be in the hunt for the championship title because he missed the first two rounds due to high school golf matches, but when he found out he was only eight points behind the leader he knew he could win the series.

He lives on Lake Wawasee and the family has a little boat launch.

“Normally in the summer we try to ride about four times a week but recently I haven’t practiced quite as much, “ he says. “I have a gym membership and normally do a five-day split workout, but sometimes I work on cardio along with training on my standup jet skis. My father plays a big role in my racing life — without him I wouldn’t be doing any racing and traveling around the country. Because of him I have a great life as a teenager.”

Finlinson had never driven a supercharged waverunner until Michigan City and he describes it as “fast, really fast.” His father went to Brian Baldwin’s house so they could build the GP 1800. He very much values the sponsorship he receives. “My main sponsors are Jay Berry at Ignite Racing Fuel, who are based here in Indiana and produces a high-performance ethanol fuel; Chris Storie of Sur-Trac Trailers, who was one of my baseball coaches; and, of course, Brian Baldwin. Derek Powell, who used to race with my Dad, is constantly tuning, repairing and practicing with

Finlinsonus.” attributes his success this season to the hard work he puts into the sport practicing on the standup skis, keeping in shape at the gym and playing other sports.Hehas traveled a lot over the last few years with racing. “Obviously the big one is driving to Lake Havasu in Arizona. Most of the time I ride with my Dad in the truck and trailer, but sometimes I fly so I don’t miss as much school. It’s awesome visiting so many states, and the AquaX World Championship in the Bahamas is going to be really cool. I never thought I would ever get to race there.” Looking ahead to next year, Finlinson says he will most likely move up to the Pro 300 class if he can secure more sponsorship AquaX Bahamas World Championship returns to Nassau from Nov. 4-6.

Wawasee girls runners-up in Wawasee Volleyball Invitational

The Wawasee varsity girls volleyball team defeated Elkhart Christian 25-18, 25-20; Columbia City 25-16, 23-25, 15-8; Garrett 16-25, 25-12, 15-6; and lost to Wabash 25-27, 15-25 on Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Wawasee Volleyball Invitational at Wawasee High School. Sophomore pin hit-

ter/defensive specialist Kenzie Hackleman had seven aces. Sophomore setter Abby Duseck had six aces.Sophomore pin hitter Julie Mishler had a whopping 22 kills. Senior setter Amanda Allen and Hackleman each added 18 kills.

Junior defensive specialist Jolie Likens had 24 digs, while senior defensive specialist Sarah Beer added 16 digs.

Junior middle blocker Abbi Burelison had five blocks, while Allen had an incredible 61 assists throughout the tournament.

Allen made the all-tournament team and the Warriors went 3-1 during the tournament to boost their record to 12-6 for the season.Next game: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home against Warsaw Community High School.

Children set to learn about Hawaii

Children joining the library’s homeschool program will learn all about Hawaii, including its culture and geography, at the next session at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the downstairs meeting room. Instructor Rebekah Sceniak will also share some of her experiences from her recent vacation to Hawaii.

Storytime continues to meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Each week children enjoy stories and fun with friends. At the end, there is either crafts or coloring.

Older children and tweens can also attend Monday Funday at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26. Emilia Layne will challenge them to complete a one-of-a-kind taste-test challenge.

Anime Club

The Young Adult Services Department is pleased to have a Crunchyroll account now for its Anime Club, which will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. This account will open the way for club members to explore even more anime than previously available, including some of the latest titles just a day after they air in Japan.

Beyond anime and manga, club members will also discuss Japanese culture.

Adult Programming Mahjong continues at 10:15 a.m. every Monday and at 1 p.m. through October. Players of all levels are invited to attend, including those wanting to learn how to play.

A second board game sampler will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26. Board game enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by to play.

Adult services librarian Becky Brower continues to offer chair yoga 9:30 a.m. each Thursday. Chair yoga is perfect for adults looking to improve their balance or for a less strenuous exercise.

Mark your calendars now for the library’s next open mic night, which will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Bring your favorite poem or short story or share an original piece you’ve written yourself. Each speaker will have five minutes to share. There will be light refreshments served.

Urinary incontinence the last medical taboo

Urgent calls to the bathroom are more often looked upon as an embarrassment rather than a medical problem.Urinary incontinence often goes unreported, according to epidemiologists and health experts who believe the true number of people with the disorder is far higher than recorded.Oftenreferred to as one of the last real medical taboos for many, urinary incontinence affects 3 in 10 women and is more prevalent than diabetes, hypertension or depression among female patients, say experts.Dueto the embarrassing nature of the symptoms, nearly half of these women are too ashamed to discuss the problem with healthcareWhileprofessionals.itsprevalence among men

is much lower, it does affect 1 out of 10 adult males. The rate rises to a third of men older than 65 years of age.Itmanifests itself in a variety of forms The three main types are: Stress urinary incontinence, which is an involuntary loss of urine with an increase in abdominal pressure caused by such physical activity as coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting, or exercising. With SUI the urinary sphincter lacks sufficient strength to prevent leakage when abdominal pressure causes an increase in bladder pressure.

Urge urinary incontinence occurs when there is involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong sensation of the need to void. It can occur when the bladder is irritated or overactive or, most commonly, when the ability to suppress bladder activity is lost.

Mixed Urinary Incontinence, which occurs when a patient’s

symptoms include a combination of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence.

Other forms of urinary incontinence exist. The condition may appear as a side effect of a surgical procedure, or it may stem from a neurological disorder or a disease like Alzheimer’s disease.

The most common form is SUI and is typically caused by nerve damage, muscle damage or weakness, and damage to the support of the bladder and urethra.

While a majority of sufferers believe it’s a normal part of aging, urinary incontinence is not inevitable as you grow old. Simple lifestyle and dietary changes, regular exercise and medical care can treat the symptoms.Aswithany medical issue, discuss any signs of urinary incontinence with your primary care physician.MatureLife Features Copyright 2022

Roundup

Soccer Varsity Boys Sept. 14 lost to Columbia City 3-0. Sept. 20 lost to Goshen 9-0. Next match: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home versus Concord on the grass field.

Junior Varsity Boys — Sept. 14 lost to Columbia City 3-0. Sept. 17 lost to Warsaw 13-1; lost to Westview 7-3. Sept. 20 lost to Goshen 5-0. Next match: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home versus Concord on the grass field.

Varsity Girls — Sept. 15 lost to Elkhart Christian Academy 6-2. Sept. 20 lost to Northridge 3-0. Next match: 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Plymouth.

Boys Tennis

Varsity — Sept. 14 defeated Manchester 3-2. Sept. 15 defeated Mishawaka 5-0. Sept. 19 defeated NorthWood 3-2. Next match: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, NLC Championships at NorthWood.

Junior Varsity — Sept. 14 defeated Manchester 3-0. Sept. 19 defeated NorthWood 4-0.

Girls Volleyball

Varsity — Sept. 15 lost to Concord 25-16, 23-25, 22-25, 19-25. Sept. 17 defeated Elkhart Christian 25-18, 25-20; defeated Columbia City 25-16, 23-25, 15-8; defeated Garrett 16-25, 25-12, 15-6; lost to Wabash 25-27, 15-25. Next game: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home

versus Warsaw.

Junior Varsity — Sept. 15 defeated Concord 25-17, 25-16. Sept. 19 defeated Clinton Christian 25-20, 25-15, 25-20. Next game: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home versus Warsaw.

Freshman — Sept. 15 defeated Concord 258, 25-15. Sept. 17 lost to Carroll 14-25, 14-25; lost to St. Joe 25-20, 21-25, 8-15; lost to Snider 19-25, 25-21, 12-15; defeated Hebron 25-16, 25-16. Sept. 19 defeated Clinton Christian 25-14, 25-13. Next game: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Plymouth versus Plymouth/Warsaw.

Girls Golf

Sept. 14 Whitko (216); Wawasee (220); Rylee Firestone shot a 45; Francie McDonald shot 55; Taelyn Tom shot 57. Sept. 16 Sectional winner Culver Academies (324); seventh place, Wawasee (458); senior Rylee Firestone fired a 101; senior Molly McDonald shot 112; senior Ava Pohl shot 131. Next match: Season is completed.

Football Varsity — Sept. 16 lost to Concord 16-0. Next game: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Northridge.

Junior Varsity — Sept. 17 lost to Concord 35-20. Next game: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at home versus Northridge.

Freshman — Sept. 15 lost to Plymouth 2812. Next game: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at home versus Concord.

Wawasee High School homecoming festivities kick off week of Sept. 26

The Wawasee High School homecoming festivities will kick off Monday, Sept. 26, and

conclude with the homecoming court event during halftime of the varsity football game on

Friday, Sept. 30.

The underclassmen homecoming court members are freshmen Kingston Meerzo and Abby Speicher, sophomores Adrian Miller and Alexis Gunkel, and juniors Titus Taylor and Brooklynn Gibson.

The senior king and queen candidates are Jaxon Brown and Sydney Baker, Joe Hackleman and Addyson Ritter, Dylan Stump and Ashlyn Rose, and Cameron Zimmerman and Nadia

ThisWhalen.year’shomecoming theme

is “Lettuce Celebrate.” Homecoming festivities will include student dress-up days, a student talent show open to the public, student-only “Color Wars,” a student-only pep rally and a public parade in which the community is encouraged to participate.

Student dress-up days include: Monday; “1000 Island, Hawaiian theme”; Tuesday, “Elderberry Vinaigrette, Elderly Day theme”; Wednesday, “Blue Cheese, Opposite Day theme”; Thursday, “Ranch, Western theme” and Friday, “House, Green and Gold theme.”The talent show will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Wawasee High School. The event is open to the public and will include a $5 cover charge at the

door. The “Color Wars” are for students only and will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the highTheschool.parade will start at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Polar Kraft on Chicago Street and run through the Wawasee High School parking lot before concluding at Syracuse Elementary School. All parade entries must arrive no later than 4 p.m. to be placed in line.

Any business, club or organization interested in participating in the parade can call the Syracuse Community Center at (574) 457-3440 or pick up a parade participant entry form at 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse. Entry forms may be returned by email to Chad Jonsson, Syracuse Parks, cjonsson@syracusein.org or can be dropped off at the Syracuse Community Center.Parade participant entry forms can also be returned by emailing Kathy Myers at kmyers@wawasee.k12.in.us or can be dropped off at the Wawasee High School main office, 1 Warrior Path, Building 1, Syracuse.

The homecoming football game versus Warsaw Community High School will start at 7 p.m. with the halftime homecoming court event concluding the week’s festivities.

Syracuse man is active in the community

Being retired means David Johnston of Syracuse gets to volunteer and give back to the community he calls home.

Johnston grew up in western Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended Milikin University in Decatur, Ill. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He and his wife bought a home in Syracuse in 1982, sold it, and bought another home on Syracuse Lake in 1994. “We were living in Illinois at the time,” he recalled.

He worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for 35 years before retiring in 2000. He was manger of organizational development.

He and Kathleen, his wife of 42 years, have three adult children, Timothy, Christopher and Jeremy, and six grandchildren.

They attend Grace Lutheran Church in Syracuse. “I am on the church council,” he said. “I was president for the last five years. I participate in all of the church’s activities of the outreach programs.”

Johnston said he became involved in the community when he moved to northern Kosciusko County. He also serves on the board of Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District.He

has also served on the Syracuse Park Board for the past six years. He got involved around the time he helped organize a coed softball league. “They were looking for volunteers,” he said of the park board.

“We have also worked with the Kosciusko County Drug Prevention program for the past four years,” he said of himself and his wife. “We teach lifestyle skills to students.”Hehas been a volunteer with Teen Parents Succeeding for the past 13 years. Johnston is also involved in the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. “We take (Grace College) students out to test the waters of Syracuse Lake,” he said.

Bridge Results

So why does he volunteer with so many organizations? “We love it,” he said. “We love living here. It’s a feeling of community. We love the people, and we love the area.” drivers

Biddinger receives national award

Eric Biddinger, a nursery and compliance officer with the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, has received the 2022 Carl Carlson Distinguished Achievement Award in Regulatory Plant Protection.

The award comes from the National Plant Board, a nonprofit organization of plant pest regulatoryBiddingeragencies.isthefirst inspector from Indiana to receive the honor, which is a national recognition of field level inspectors’ service. The Horticulture Inspection Society nominated Biddinger for the Carlson award after presenting him its Robert McAdams Award, which recognizes superior achievement of professional development in horticulture inspection. Biddinger serves as central regional secretary for HIS.

Biddinger has been with DNR since 2006 and serves Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami and St. Joseph counties, managing USDA compliance as well as the state quarantines of spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, spotted lanternfly, kudzu and other regulated and exotic pests.

Biddinger also maintains division technologies and has developed nursery and phytosanitary databases, which have helped all DEPP inspectors maintain better records.

Syracuse Lions Club kicks off annual nut sale

The Syracuse Lions Club is launching its 2022 sale of Terri Lynn Nut products this month; the sale will run through the end of October.

glassUse leftoversfor

This annual fundraiser helps the Lions Club provide community services such as vision screening for school children, free books for third graders, scholarships for high school graduates and eyeglass assistance.Funds also provide donations to help support the efforts of other community organizations such as the food pantry, Syracuse Library, parks department and community center.

The discovery of plastic particles in human blood has magnified the warning about keeping leftovers and buying food in plasticHugecontainers.amounts of plastic waste are dumped in the environment and microplastics now contaminate the entire planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People were already known to consume the tiny particles via food and water, as well as through inhalation.Keeping food and drinks in glass containers in your home can decrease hazardous risks to your Maturehealth.LifeFeatures

Terri Lynn products include varieties of premium nuts, snack and party mixes and candy, all of which are known for exceptional quality. Perennial favorites include giant cashews, pecan halves, walnut halves, deluxe nut mix and harvestPricesmix. start under $10 and most regularly packaged products (1 pound air-tight bags) are under $15. Select Terri Lynn Nuts products will be available for sale at the Syracuse Fall Festival on Oct. 8. Orders can also be placed with any Syracuse Lions club member, or online at the club’s Terri Lynn storefront at the web

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, Sept. 20; Thursday, Sept. 15; and Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Senor Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center.

Winners Tuesday, Sept. 20 were Jean Cowan, first, and Ronnie Pierog,Winnerssecond.Thursday, Sept. 15 were Jean Cowan, first, and Dick Adams,Winnerssecond.Thursday, Sept. 13 were Suzie Wilt, first, and Jean Cowan, second.

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 2012

Navy Seaman Nicholas G. Waikel, son of Melissa L. and Thomas L. Waikel of Milford, recently graduated with honors from Basic Quartermaster School. Waikel is a 2009 graduate of Wawasee High School and joined the Navy in August 2011.

On Sunday, the Milford United Methodist Church, 208 W. Catherine St., welcomed its district superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Cindy Reynolds. She delivered a message and helped with the dedication of a piece of land near the building. The church purchased the lot just south of the church thisThesummer.Milford United Methodist Church has a new view out the back door. A home located behind the church, at 106 West St., was torn down earlier this week. Beer and Slabaugh was on site Monday and Tuesday and used a backhoe to bring down the shed, garage and house.

20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2002

Last week, thanks to the Milford Lions Club, it was a nice touch to see many American flags waving in the wind along Main Street to commemorate the brave members of police and fire departments, Emergency Medical Services and those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. The oneyear anniversary of the date was a solemn and bittersweet day.

Josh Auer, who recently turned 9, is quite proud of the sunflowers he planted in the back yard at the

home of his grandparents, Bob and Carolyn Auer of Milford. His grandfather says each week when Josh comes to visit, he immediately hurries out the back door to check on the spectacular plants, which he has cared for since planting them early this summer. Josh is a third-grader at Milford Elementary School.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 16, 1992

The Rev. Verne Leininger’s fifth anniversary as pastor of the Bethel Church of the Brethren in Milford was observed by the church Sept. 6. A member of the church, Berniece Dwyer, commented upon the contributions which both the pastor and his wife have made in the past five years.

An “early” birthday party was held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 6, for Milford resident Pearl Haab who will be celebrating her 75th birthday Oct. 6. The special party was held at the Dewart Lake home of Pearl’s son and daughterin-law, Terry and Lorelei Haab.

Peg Custer of Milford recently returned from Anaheim, Calif., where she attended the national convention for Brite International. As a director, Peg was also invited to attend the one-day director’s conference for specialized management training.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 22, 1982

The night deposit driveway at the First National Bank, Milford Branch, has been closed to driveable traffic. The driveway was closed Thursday following a decision by the Milford Town Board

last Tuesday evening to let the bank close the drive. With the closure of the drive the town has gained three additional parking spaces for uptown merchants.

Ron Conley, Milford Street Superintendent, has completed erecting speed limit and school zone signs on all streets leading to the Milford Elementary and Junior High Schools. Conley said 20 mph signs were erected prior to the opening of school but the slow school zone signs have just been added.

50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 20, 1972

Valerie Steffen, a senior at Wawasee high school, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Steffen of Milford, left Friday, Sept. 8, to spend a year of study in Avignon, France. Avignon is in the southeast section of France, about 50 miles due north of the Mediterranean.Milford Lions club president Arlo Beiswanger, on behalf of the club, accepted the district 25-G banner, denoting the club as the home club of the governor. The banner was presented in honor of district governor D. G. (Bud) Seely of the Milford club. It was given to Milford by the Elkhart Lions president Bill McBride. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kizer of Milford are traveling out west. They left Wednesday, Sept. 13, and will be returning by October 2. Mr. Kizer will be attending the postal convention at Salt Lake City and then they will be traveling to Albequerque, N.M. While there they will be visiting with his brother.

Local couple goes to Greece

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 2012

Larry Martindale and Dick Pelletier from the Wawasee Kiwanis Club attended the Milford Lions meeting to talk about the new athletic complex in Syracuse. The project gained traction quickly, turning into a half million dollar project. The goal was to have enough readily available space for the local youth leagues in the next year. Pelletier said they have raised $350,000, which is almost enough to begin theAshleyproject.Hall was the winner of a basket from Brandy’s Baby and Toddler Shop of uptown Syracuse. The basket is a sam-

pler of some of the items sold in the shop, including pacifiers, bibs, bottle drop-ins, a bottle warmer with a car charger and a fetal

Mayormonitor.Allen Kauffman is announced as the guest speaker at the annual Chamber Awards Banquet that will occur in January. He planned to share some of the accomplishments and issues he has seen during his term.

20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2002

Kassidy R. Biddle and Jon H. Grumme, both of Syracuse, were united in marriage on Sept. 14 in the Garden of Roxanne Arnott in Syracuse. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Andrew Hardie. The couple plans to reside in WawaseeSyracuse.High School senior Amanda Wong, Syracuse, was chosen to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. Wong was one of only 400 students from around the country to take part in this six-day conference, getting the chance to interact with key leaders from the three branches of government, the media and the international community.VelcieStetler, Syracuse, celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 3. A potluck dinner was held at Don Parcell’s Barn. All friends and family were invited to join the celebration.

19 months Syracuseold.Boy Scout Troop 728 celebrated its 45th anniversary and held an honor’s court on Sept. 10. The involved members of the troop received rank advancements, merit badges and service honors at the court.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 22, 1982

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Stiver of Syracuse returned from the American National Insurance Marketing Conference that took place in Athens, Greece. Tom was honored as a speaker at one of the business sessions and was recognized for several awards.

Reporter Franchesca Stevens and cameraman Bill Hentch were in Syracuse interviewing a number of citizens on the recent controversy over the new Syracuse Town SyracuseHall.Parks hired Jim Garner as a full-time maintenance supervisor and Teresa Wellborn was hired as lifeguard supervisor and program director.

50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 20, 1972

Taxes: $1,119.16 plus approx. $425.00 Conservancy and $15.00 dtich assessment.

REAL ESTATE TERMS & CONDITIONS DOWN PAYMENT: 10% down payment on the day of the auction with the balance in cash at closing. The down payment may be made in the form of cash, cashier’s check, personal check or corporate check. Your bidding is not conditional upon financing, so be sure you have arranged financing, if needed, and are capable of paying cash at closing. Any announcements made day of the sale take precedence over printed matter.

ACCEPTANCE OF BID PRICES: All successful bidders will be required to enter into purchase agreements at the auction site immediately following the close of the auction. All final bid prices are subject to approval by the Sellers.

AUCTIONEER NOTE: Your bidding is not conditional upon financing, so be sure you have arranged financing if needed. For more information on financing or inspection, contact Hahn Auctioneers, Inc.

Phil

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 16, 1992

The memorial to commemorate the site of the 1927 to 1968 Syracuse High School and the 1969 to 1990 Syracuse Jr. High School was near completion. All that will remain of the school is a reconstructed wall made of stone and brick from the original building, saved before the demolition. There will also be several construction plaques and a bench installed by the time the project is finished.

David and Angela Rader, 11955 N. Pine Road, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter. Renee Nicole Rader was born at 12:50 a.m. on Sept. 5, 1992, in Goshen General Hospital. Renee has a brother, Trent, who is

The announcement is made of the engagement of Jayne Allyson Poynter of Syracuse to Douglas Gall of Elkhart. The prospective bride was a 1966 graduate of Syracuse High School and 1970 graduate of Goshen College. The prospective bridegroom is a 1966 graduate of Elkhart High School and will graduate in the spring from Indiana University of South

JaniceBend.Marie

Hamell and Robert F. Meyer were joined in marriage on Sept. 9 by Rev. Walter C. Burcham at the Syracuse Church of God. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Hamell of Syracuse and Mrs. Edward Meyer and the late Mr. Meyer of East Sparta, Ohio.

Susan Wilson and Michael Mitton were joined in marriage on Aug. 27 by Rev. August Lundquist at the Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wilson of North Webster and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mitton r 2 Veedersburg.

It happened in Milford … 50 years ago Steffen to study abroad for one year

It happened in Syracuse ... 40 years ago

Running with the bulls in Pamplona

Gerard Gausselin and Tom Herald had a crazy idea. It was a bucket list item.

Both men worked hard their entire lives and finally hung it up when they were 70 years old. Now it was time to enjoy some experiences they put off over the years. They contacted their friend John Marshall in Naples, Fla., and all three men decided they were going to run with the bulls in Pamplona,SittingSpain.down on a sofa in Herald’s condo overlooking Lake Wawasee, the two men reminisced about their recent experience. They looked like they had just finished and were wearing the same clothing and red scarves they wore during their July run.

“They cancelled it the past two years. We found the dates of the festival and arrived a day after the festival started. We walked around and took a tour of where to go and what to do and were told we needed to stay away from the outside walls,” said Gausselin.

“Would I do it again? I don’t know. Probably not. We talked about it for years and then COVID happened. We decided if we were going to do it, we better do it,” said Herald.“Itwas an eight-day festival. We picked the day after it started to take part in the running after being in Madrid. The centrifugal force of the animals makes the walls dangerous and you really need to stay away from the walls,” said“TheGausselin.biggestthing I think — the scariest thing is the people. There were 1,500 to 2,000 people participating and you really had to be careful about being knocked down and trampled,” said Herald.

“We had to be there two to three hours before the start of the run. The police sift through the runners and make sure nobody is too intoxicated or under 18 years old,” saidAfterGausselin.thepolice separate those runners who are unable to participate, all participants gather and wait for the thunderous sound of the“Thenbulls.you get started and say to yourself, ‘Feet don’t fail me now.’ You’re running for your life, quite frankly. I was running and was right in the middle. Tom and John were a little ahead of me. Two guys fell down right in front of me and I either had to jump over them, which I couldn’t do, or run around them and get close to the wall. I ran to the wall and hoped the bulls weren’t going that way. By the time I got there, the third bull was already by me,” he said.

“There are eight to 10 bulls per race. The streets were not very wide. The thing is you’re so close to the bulls. It’s over very quickly. It only lasts about 10 minutes,” said Herald. “It’s a 0.53-mile run. It’s quick,” said Gausselin.

“At dead man’s curve, the bulls can lose their footing. You don’t know what they’re going to do,” said Herald. “We were told not to position ourselves at dead man’s curve,” added Gausselin. “Those bulls are very fast and can get

pretty nasty,” added Herald.

“I got knocked into a wall. You get hit and you start running again,” said Herald. “I was going to run two days in a row, but after doing it once, I said to myself, ‘Well, I’ve done it,’ and decided once was enough. I’m done,” said Gausselin.

“Afterward, John Marshall, Tom and I went to the plaza and were having beers and cigars. A young guy noticed we were speaking English and asked where we were from. We said the U.S. He said he was from Lucerne, Switzerland, and was part of their sports authority. He was there for the festival and the Hemingway Experience.“We asked him if he was going to run and he said, ‘No, that’s way too dangerous.’ John Marshall

said, ‘We did it!’ The young guy looked at us and said, ‘What year?’ We told him we just finished. He was in disbelief,” Gausselin said, laughing.“Wewent to the arena afterward to watch the bulls fight to the death. No animal is spared,” said Herald. “We were about two boxes down from the king’s and queen’s seats, but they were not there that day. The mayor of Pamplona and his wife were there. This was just steeped in tradition. The matadors are rock stars,” said Gausselin.“Pamplona was wall-to-wall people 24/7 for eight days straight and then it just kind of went back to being a sleepy little village. It’s amazing how it transforms itself in that way,” said Herald. The

North Webster Church of the Brethren hosts three-day Harvest Fest

10 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 19, 2012

North Webster Town Council handled important business at its meeting Tuesday evening at North Webster Community center but a bit of levity popped up concerning the issue of stump removal.The stumps are in the town’s right of way in an alley. Rick Monroe, North Center Street, had asked if the council had any problems with the removal of five tree stumps from a property where they have right of way. The council tuned to Jack Birch, town attorney for an opinion.

Gary John Alto, 53, North CR 840E, Pierceton, led police on a chase reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour Wednesday evening. The pursuit ended when Alto crashed his motorcycle.

20 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 18, 2002

Lakeland Kiwanis of North Webster met Monday morning. The speaker for the day was Jerry Dain, manager of Quaker Haven on Dewart Lake. He gave a history of the Presidentcampground.EdnaLawson called the Sept. 4 meeting of the Hoosier Auxiliary of Barbee Conservation Club to order. She read a poem titled “September Watercolors.” The meeting was held in Barbee Lakes Conservation Club Building. “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Anniversary” were sung to members celebrating in September.

30 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 16, 1992

North Webster Church of the Brethren hosted a Harvest Fest 1992, a three-day period of “Spiri-

tual Renewal,” beginning Friday, Sept. 25, at the church on CR 600N. The speaker was James

Eshelman.Dancelessons were offered Camp Crosley in North Webster. This eight-week session of dance lessons this fall were held at its facility near Little Tippy Lake. The dance instructor was Shirley Bell.

40 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 22, 1982

Merline Cassell, owner of Cassell Oil Company, presented a program on “Oil Exploration” for the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, North Webster, Monday, Sept. 20. Cassell showed an electric log of an old oil well indicating the different depths at which oil and gas fields are located.

Deb Wagoner and Kathie Yoder of Vogue Studio in North Webster attended a trichoanalysis seminar in South Bend, that was sponsored by Maly’s of Michigan.

50 YEARS AGO, SEPT. 20, 1972

Mrs. Orva Miller entertained the Anna Bowers W.C.T.U. September meeting last week. Due to illness of the president, Mrs. Miller opened the meeting in usual form. Mrs. John Denbo gave devotions and Mrs. Joe Barrett led the pledges.Theannual Fruchey family reunion was held Sunday in the Larwill Conservation club house. Among the 63 present were guests from Michigan, Ohio and Elkhart in addition to surrounding areas. North Webster area residents who attended were Mrs. Stanley Vanator, Mrs. Glen Vanator and daughters and Mrs. Dale Cremeens and children.

STATE OF INDIANA ) COUNTY OF KOSCIUSKO ) SS: NATTI CROW LAKEHOUSE LLC, ABBEY N. GUSTAFSON, STEVEN R. SCHLOSS AND CHARLES N. SCHLOSS, RICHARDv.Plaintiffs P. GIBSON, MELISSA L. GIBSON, RENATE RUNYON AND ANY OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED Defendants.HEREIN,

NOTICE OF COMPLAINT TO QUIET TITLE TO AND ADVERSE POSSESSION OF REAL ESTATE

To the within named Defendants and any persons claiming an interest in the real estate described herein:

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Plaintiffs have filed an action to quiet title to and for adverse possession of real estate in this matter. The real estate which is the subject of this action is described as follows: A tract of land in the Quarter of Section 4, Township 34 North, Range 7 East, Turkey Creek Township, Kosciusko County, Indiana, more particularly described as follows:Commencing at the intersection of the North line of the South half of the Northwest Fractional Quarter of said Section 24 and the East line of a vacated portion of Lung lane; thence South 04˚29’52” West (basis of bearings established by INDOT VRS Base, using NAD83 Indiana West coordinate system), along the East line of said vacated portion, 82.64 feet to a Mag nail; thence South 13˚33’40” West, along the East line of said vacated portion, 51.79 feet to a point on the East line of Lung lane; thence South 13˚46’48” West, along said East line, 102.36 feet to a 1/2” leaning pipe at the Northwest corner of a tract of land conveyed to the Walls Family Irrevocable Personal Residence Trust in Document No. 2010100482 recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Kosciusko County, Indiana; thence South 13˚30’07” West, along said East line, 49.28 feet to a Walker cap pin at the Northwest corner of the property conveyed to the Natti Crow Lakehouse, LLC in Document No. 2020120877 recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Kosciusko County, Indiana; thence South 13˚51’04” West, along said East line, 50.00 feet to a Broken Walker cap pin at the Point of Beginning also being the Southwest corner of said Lakehouse property; thence North 88˚37’00” East, along the South line of said Lakehouse property, 148.98 feet to a Walker cap pin; thence South 12˚17’19” West, 6.86 feet to a Walker cap pin at the Northwest corner of the property conveyed to Renate Runyon in Document No. 2011070790 recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Kosciusko County, Indiana; thence South 16˚23’01” West, along the West line of said Runyon property, 28.66 feet to the intersection of said West line and the Easterly extension of the property conveyed to William J. & Terry A. Pipp in Document No. 200600013853 recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Kosciusko County, Indiana; thence North 77˚52’40” West, along said Easterly extension and along said North line, 138.49 feet to a 5/8” rebar at the Northwest corner of said Pipp property; thence North 69˚09’00” West, 4.27 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 2581 square feet more or less. If you claim any interest in the real estate described herein, you or your representative must file a response to Plaintiffs’ Complaint within thirty (30)days of the last date of publication of this notice. If you fail to so respond, the Court may grant the relief sought by Plaintiffs.

Dated: Sept. 15, 2022.

Stephen R. Snyder, #413-43

Ann Torpy, Clerk Kosciusko County Courts 121 N. Lake Street Warsaw, Indiana 46580

Snyder Morgan Federoff & Kuchmay LLP 200 West Main Street Syracuse, IN 46567 Telephone: (574)

It happened in North Webster ... 30 years ago

Pamplona San Fermines Fiesta originated in 1591. Next up for Gausselin and Herald — skydiving.

Around The Lakes

Pastor Paul Burris: where the old is new again

The Rev. Paul Burris has served in the ministry for 30 years, has led or participated in 25 missions trips and is now pastoring his seventhButchurch.hestill recognizes the value of embracing the part of a newbie.

“Right now I’m just listening,” Burris said of his most recent calling, helming Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse.

Burris took the position in July, replacing Pastor Mindy Huffman. He hails primarily from the Indianapolis area, one of six children — three boys and three girls — of a United Methodist pastor who now lives in Fort Wayne and is still active in the church.

“He has been my mentor and anchor throughout my life and my ministry. My mother was always supportive of my father’s ministry and did a wonderful job raising six children.”Burris’ wife, Lisa, was born and raised in northern Indiana, and lived for 10 years in Missoula, Mont., where her family owned a canoe and kayak store. Burris spent 15 years after high school living in Colorado, but found a kindred spirit in the Midwestern gal he has been married to for 10 years.“We share many of the same interests, including a love for the outdoors and the Denver Broncos. Our connection to the West is one of the reasons we were attracted to each other.”

But the bond goes much deeper than compatible geographical predilections. “She has been a blessing in my life. Her love for God and others is one of her greatest strengths. I thank God daily for bringing her into my life.”

In 1992 “God called me back to Indiana and into ministry,” said

Burris, who graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis with an M.Div. in 1997 and was ordained an elder in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church two years later. He listed his “main passions” as “preaching and teaching, children and youth ministry, music, missions and outreach and potluck dinners.” Consequently, he hopes to get Calvary’s members “on board with missions trips.”

His prior trips have included hurricane relief work in New Orleans and Lake Charles, La.; missions work in Jamaica, Haiti, West Virginia and Tennessee; and, for the past six years, annual visits to the Henderson United Methodist settlement in Frakes, Ky.

Burris commended Calvary for its present community outreaches, particularly the church’s monthly community dinner, available free to visitors from 5:30-7 p.m. the second Friday of each month. “The church does well with the dinner and serves about 120 people a month,” said AcknowledgingBurris. that many churches, including Calvary, are struggling back from the blunt

trauma of the government-mandated COVID shutdowns, Burris endorses the incorporation of live streaming and other internet tools to keep parishioners connected to the“Thechurch.challenge in a post-COVID world is to find new ways of doing things.” In his last church in Warren, sermons, Sunday school, Bible class and other activities were all broadcast live over the internet.Butthe Burrises refuse to discount the value of face-to-face fellowship. “Lisa and I are excited to get to know the people in the community and the church, so we can figure out what God has planned, because we don’t know on our own.”

For those riding the fence about venturing through the doors of a church or taking the plunge into a life of spirituality, Burris recommended, “Just show up on Sunday morning. To me, it’s as simple as that. It all starts individually. My whole understanding is to love God and love our neighbor. Then we can find out how to live in harmony with one“Ifanother.youare not showing up or watching church online, you are not getting the tools you need to find ways to incorporate worship into your life. The church needs to find ways to be present in the community.”Calvary United Methodist Church is located at 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. For more information, call (574) 457-3778 or visit syracusecalvaryumc.org.

offWalkWawaseestepsSept.25

The Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association will sponsor its annual Wawasee Walk from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.

The approximately 2.5-mile walk will commence at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse, proceed to the Rose Garden Recovery Community home at 72876 CR 29 and return to the community center. Two routes will be available.

The purpose of the event is “to bring recognition and support to the Rose Garden, Habitat for Humanity and Compass,” among whom all the proceeds from the walk will be Participantsdivided.can support the cause as either a walker or sponsor. No preregistration is required.Formore information, visit wawaseecompass.org.

EARLIER THIS month, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation hosted Syracuse and North Webster second graders. “It’s for the Birds” was the theme of the event, which included five different activities about birds that kept the kids moving and learning. Pictured is Pam Schumm, WACF education officer, leading the discussion with some of the students.

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GET YOUR creepy costumes ready. The North Webster Community Center is sponsoring “Haunted Halls” from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The center is looking for vendors and welcomes all businesses that don’t usually have trick or treaters to set up an area in the center to host a safe trick or treat for children. If you are interested in setting up a booth or a table to decorate for haunted halls, contact the NWCC at (574) 834-1600. Visit the center’s website or its Facebook page for more fun activities taking place.—o—

ARE YOU looking for a way to give back or volunteer? Milford Food Bank is now servicing 150 food pantries and they are looking for a few volunteers to help with the great need. First, they are looking for non-CDL drivers to help on an as-needed basis in an effort to build a volunteer team of drivers to help with pickups and deliveries. Secondly, they are looking for a person who loves to plan and organize fundraisers. Buying all the food costs money, and if you have a heart for helping out in this area, they could use you.

Lastly, they need volunteers to help at the Food Bank, packing and sorting items. This is a job anyone can do and they would love to have regular volunteers who can help. They also embrace groups that want to volunteer. Regular volunteer hours are 1 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 a.m. Thursdays. If you are interested in helping out in any way, please reach out to Angie Higginbotham via Facebook messenger and she will put you in touch with the right person. Alternatively, you can email the food bank at milfordfoodbank@gmail.com.—o—

VENDORS ARE still being sought for the 14th annual Fall Harvest Festival which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Lakeside Park in Syracuse. This familyfriendly event is hosted alongside the final date of the season for the Artisans & Farmers Market. To reserve a spot, call the park department at (574) 457-3440.

take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Syracuse Eagles, 12889 N. Kern Road. The scholarship is a component of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and benefits Wawasee graduates who are involved in community service and are looking to become a firefighter or emergency responder.

A tenderloin and fries basket is available for $12 beginning at 5 p.m. Pre-sale of shirts and koozie are available at preorder.mitchpricelegacy.com. The event also will include gun raffles, a 50/50 drawing, bake sale and DJ. Tickets for the gun raffle are available at Price Auto Repair, 11517 N. SR 15, Milford, or at Syracuse Eagles. The cost is $20 per ticket or six for $100. Eight guns will be raffled, including rifles and handguns. For more information, call Riley Price at (574) 529-4634.

SYRACUSE PUBLIC Library is launching its annual autumn food drive to assist the Syracuse Food Pantry and area little pantries as they experience a greater need for food items and personal hygiene items. You can drop off supplies at the SPL donation box, located in the Main Street entrance. A list of the most needed items can be picked up at either circulation desk. As supplies come in, SPL will distribute them to the Syracuse Food Pantry and the local little pantries, located at the Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory Station 1 and Wawasee High School adjacent to the Academy building.

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NORTH WEBSTER’S American Legion Sportsmen Night and Gun Bash will be 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. The event will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $30 and are available from the bartender at the Legion, 756 S. SR 13, North Webster. For more information, stop by or call (574) 834-4297.

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THE SYRACUSE route of the Mobile Meals program, sponsored by the Syracuse-Wawasee Ministerial Association, is in need of volunteer drivers. Drivers deliver meals to the shut-ins and homebound. The time requirement is 1 1/2 hours one day a month, your choice. If interested, call Pam Smith, volunteer coordinator of the Syracuse route at (574) 457-6356, or Calvary United Methodist Church at (574) 457-3778.

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JUST A reminder that this is fall cleanup weekend in Milford. Bring your refuse to the town garage, 600 N. Main St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday. They also will have a metal recycling dumpster. You must be a resident of the town of Milford to participate. For more information, visit milford-indiana.org.

CHAUTAUQUA-WAWASEE—o— is gearing up to host the National Convention of North America Chautauqua Organizations. As part of the convention, Chautauqua-Wawasee will be hosting a Cliff Kindy workshop from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Oakwood Resort Event Center. This workshop is free, but participants are asked to preregister at 401817917207?aff=ebdssbcitybrowsethor-and-peace-seeker-cliff-kindy-tickets-eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-au-

Kindy will share about his many Christian Peacemaker Team journeys and how he became a part of CPTs. The workshop will explore and discuss how Christians who are passionate about peace can pursue the vision of peacekeeping.

THE LAUNCHING spot for The Dixie is getting repaired. Pictured is Bob Plank of North Webster, who recently was seen working on the new catwalk that broke a couple of weeks ago. The Dixie was built in 1924 and continues to serve as a historic working landmark for the community.

IT’S NEVER too early to start thinking about Christmas! The American Legion Riders of Syracuse Post 223 is holding a toy drive dinner beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. All profits from the dinner will go toward purchasing toys for the Toys for Tots program. The cost is $18 per person, which includes brisket, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll. Carry-outs are available The Legion is located at 1008 S. Huntington St., Syracuse

THE SECOND annual Mitchell J. Price Memorial Scholarship fundraiser will

“IT IS a busy Monday morning; the casino bus just pulled out headed for the Four Winds Casino and it looked like we had a nice busload,” said Senior Primelife Enrichment Director Nancy Gray. “Keep in mind we only have one more trip to Four Winds this year on Oct. 17. Call me if you want to get on board.

“The euchre tournament was Sept. 15. We had four tables and some wonderful snacks thanks to Mark Herring and the Rise’n Roll Bakery. It was a fun afternoon. The winners that day were Mark Lathamer, first place; Wayne Price, second place; Fred Clark, most loaners; and Judy Clark, this month’s low man. If you are interested in joining us next month, our tournament will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. Give me a call for more info on the casino trip or the euchre tournament at (574) 8341600, ext. 224.”