The Mail-Journal - February 15, 2023

County approves first steps for IGDB Biogas tax abatement

Kosciusko County Council

President Mike Long usually isn’t too supportive of tax abatement requests, but he voiced his support for the one presented Thursday evening, Feb. 9 because it was related to agriculture.

Attorney Steve Snyder presented the five-year tax abatement request to the Kosciusko County Council on behalf of IGDB Biogas LLC, an Ohio company.

“Which, I think is bringing something to the county you’ve

not seen before,” he said. The property is at 9194 N. Orn Road, Milford, known as the Beer Dairy Farm, southwest of Milford. Snyder said IGDB has developed a process of taking “valuable stuff” out of manure. “The end product is what is called renewable natural gas. Manure goes into the digester. It’s transformed into methane. The methane is then scrubbed and made into renewable natural gas,” he said. There are certain things that obviously have to occur, he said, and that requires the digester to be located next to a dairy farm.

Dike project moving to bidding process

Memorial Day weekend is the goal to have renovations completed for the Lake Wawasee Dike. Construction cost estimates and plans received final approval Saturday morning, Feb. 11, from the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District Board of Directors.

Officials with Lawson Fisher Associates, South Bend, will be finalizing the bidding specifications this week. No date has been announced for when bids will be received and awarded.

“They recently suggested the establishment of one of these digester systems in Dekalb County. That was approved and that was approved with a 10-year tax abatement on personal property,” Snyder said, adding that for Kosciusko County IGDB was looking for a five-year tax abatement on a $4.5 million project. The project will include two digesters and the scrubber.

“One of the other keys to this project is you’ve got to be close to a natural gas line because when that methane is scrubbed and renewable natural gas is created, it needs to go directly

A public hearing on the project was one of two meetings conducted Saturday by the board. The annual meeting of the district was also conducted. No remonstrators were heard at the hearing. Aaron and Marty Meyer, 807 S. Harkless, and David and Sherry Elliott, 806 S. Koko Drive, were present to obtain further information regarding noise, construction traffic, future flooding and goal for completion. The Elliotts have given perpetual easement on their property not only for construction but maintenance.

Bill Pipp, district board chairman, explained the renovation will include 500 feet of steel sheeting, 32 feet high, driven into the ground. Construction will start at Koko Drive North and

wrap around to the Elliott property. The steel sheeting will overlap and include a 2- to 2½-foot cement cap around the dike. The same type of construction was completed at the water control device at Veteran’s Park, Syracuse. Additionally it was noted traffic will be more on Koko Drive, Palm

Drive and Pickwick Drive. Regarding the noise, Pipp stated that is part of the cost of things needed or wanted to be done. “There will be noise,” he said noting pile driving of the sheet metal will occur, but there were not many, if any, complaints with the water control device project.

County BZA not happy with contractor’s change in plans

Lucas Zartman came before the Kosciuko County Board of Zoning Appeals during its regular meeting Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, seeking a variance to permit a residence to be reconstructed. Zartman has been before the BZA board twice before regarding renovations to his prop-

erty in Tippecanoe Township.

Zartman had received a permit to replace the sill plate on his home without removing the “existing structure.” He told the board his plan was to jack up the walls of the home, replace the sill plate, put in floor joists and lower the walls back down.

However, when he attempted to do that, the walls would not come

up together. He ended up taking the walls down with the plan to remove and replace the sill plate from the walls, install the joists and then put the walls back up. However, this would have also required a permit, which he neglected to obtain.

Board member Randy Cox accused Zartman of lying to him during an earlier meeting. Zartman

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Wawasee School Board hears plea for performing arts center

Kristin Bonner, a language arts teacher at Wawasee High School, made an impassioned plea for a performing arts center during the Wawasee School Board’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 14.

Bonner noted years ago she served on a committee looking at facilities for the corporation because she wanted a performing arts center. Instead, she voted for the construction of a new North Webster Elementary School.

She went through a list of additions at the high school while also noting there has been a marked increase in the number of students participating in the school musicals and plays. “Tuck Everlasting,” the spring production, has 50 students involved.

Bonner noted the current auditorium no longer works for the following reasons: There is no workspace for sets so they have to be built on stage; the stage is land-

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Kosciusko County Commissioners has chosen its representative to serve on a committee regarding spending funds the county received from a national opioid settlement.

At its Tuesday, Feb. 14, meeting, commissioners chose Vice President Bob Conley for that role. He will serve alongside Kosciusko County Council representatives Kathy Groninger, the council’s vice president, and Sue Ann Mitchell.

Commissioners learned last month the county had received $266,561.25 as its first installment from the county opting into

Milford firefighters report a ‘busy year’

township. That’s quite a few fires for our area,” said Farber. “It’s been a busy year.”

an agreement Indiana and other states reached with Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen for their contribution to the national opioid epidemic.

As part of the payout requirements, monies will be split into restricted and unrestricted funds, with the former to be used for dealing with and combating drug abuse, including Narcan distribution and training, medication-assisted treatment for addiction and treatment for infants suffering from drug withdrawal due to their mothers using drugs while pregnant, among other things. A full list of usages for restricted funds may be found here.

Milford Town Council held a monthly public meeting Monday, Feb. 13, wherein Assistant Fire Chief Steve Farber reported a “busy year” for his department over the last year and requested residents check their smoke detectors to help stay safe.

“From last February to this February we’ve had 17 fires, structure fires. Only five of those were assists to other towns and townships. Twelve of those were in our territory. Seven of them were here in town, five in the

Conley to serve on county opioid committee

The committee held its first meeting Tuesday after the commissioners’ meeting. Daffodil Sales

Commissioners also heard from American Cancer Society representative  Janet Wartman, Carol Huffer and Jan Callaghan.

The three women spoke about the society’s Daffodil Days.

People may pay a $25 donation to give the flowers to cancer patients or $10 to receive flowers themselves. Orders are due Tuesday, Feb. 21, and may be made by contacting Huffer at bchuffer@ comcast.net or (574) 858-0051 or Wartman at janet.wartman@cancer.org or (219) 614-3282.

“We’d like to remind everybody to check their smoke detectors. If they don’t have smoke detectors, we have them. They can leave a message at the fire station and we’ll get back to them,” he added.

Farber also reported the station’s siren has not been working consistently and he is seeking quotes for maintenance. Second Assistant Chief Brian Haines added the installation date of the siren’s controller was 1957.

Maintenance is also needed on the town fire engine, which has

a cracked screen on its remote throttle control, rendering it unreadable, said Farber. The town approved a quote from Dunning Pump Service to perform the repair for $3,157.52.

The fire department has applied for ARPA funds from the Kosciusko County Council to purchase more handheld radios.

Upcoming events for the department include a multi-agency active shooter training at Milford School in March. Farber also said flyers will soon be posted with details on the department’s picture fundraiser expected to take

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Sewer board hears unique situations, new project proposal

Two unique matters, a request to take on a second project and resignation of a board member were topics at Monday’s Tippecanoe & Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District.

“We need to do anything we can to help with the cost,” said Kim Hathaway, board member. His statement reflected an extenuating situation Justin Jones, EMS C24 Lane, encountered after purchasing property a year ago. Jones was allegedly never told by the previous owner the property was within the sewer district’s boundaries.

The health department issued a septic permit, temporarily allowing a septic system to be installed. However, the permit also stated they must connect to the sewer district’s system when available. When construction plans were prepared, no structure was on the property. Only a single grinder pump was planned for a neighbor.

Steve Henschen, senior engineer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, presented two options — Jones wouldpay the cost of a grinder station, ranging from $13,000 to $15,000, or agree to pay an upcharge for a shared grinder and show proof he and his neighbor agree for Jones to pay the neighbor’s additional connection cost. An amount less than $5,000.

Jones stated his neighbor did not want the system to run across his driveway, leaving only one option. “I don’t think it’s fair, to be honest. We received no information from the person who sold us the lot.”

A solution was reached. The board approved a change order, pending USDA approval, to bring the property into the project.

“I was planning on connecting anyway. I didn’t know it passed,” said Jones. Henschen stated in a $52 million dollar project a $15,000 addition is not a huge impact on the budget. The board approved the change order with the amount not to exceed $20,000, and Jones provides a signed easement agreement and pay back debt service costs. Jones agreed. The other matter involved property at 3675 and 3663 Forrest Glenn, properties owned by Jo Swart and Kathy DeVoe. The properties were excluded in the original plan. Swart and DeVoe both spoke at the meeting. They both also own property o T24 and T40 lanes which are in the district.

Swart commented that numerous times from the beginning she asked if sewer would be provided to that property and was assured it would be. She stated discussion was held regarding building on those lots and she has been under the impression, from day one, the two properties were going to be on the system and so holding tanks were installed. However, both women admitted not receiving any information on the sewer system for those properties, but noted talking to numerous people involved in the project on the matter.

Following lengthy comments from the two women and explanation of who was included in the district, the board advised the solution was to go to the Kosciusko County Commissioners and request to be included into the district.

Second Project Ken Jones, president and CEO of JPR, presented a request from property owners on East Webster to become a part of the regional sewer district. This is the only area

County BZA not

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apologized profusely, saying it was not his intention to lie to Cox. He explained he didn’t realize he would need another permit since he wasn’t changing the home’s footprint or the walls once he got them back up. His petition was approved. A vote for a $1,000 settlement died with a vote of 2 for and 2 against the settlement.

Members of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals were not happy with the contractor for the Chapman Lake Sewer Project. The contractor came before the BZA at its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14, seeking an exception to allow four Quadcon storage containers to remain where they were placed.

After some discussion and hearing from one remonstrator and one person in support of the contractor, the board approved the exception with the following conditions: The quadcons had to be moved so they are 35 feet back from the right of way; there is no parking of employee vehicles in the right of way; and working hours are to be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with few exceptions.

Local attorney Steve Snyder came before the board representing Brian Moriarty, who owns a build-

Dike project

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The Elliotts additionally questioned landscaping and signage at the site and removal of trees, brush, etc. cut down from the construction.

Pipp responded the district and the contractors will work with the town in removing any downed trees and brush. The Elliotts were assured the property disturbed during construction will be graded and seeded.

It was noted the Elliotts could post signage on their property, indicating it was private property. They asked to be given a 48-hou notice, should any items on their property need to be moved for construction.

Todd Mikel, board member, stated

Opening day for Schrock Fields tentatively scheduled

for April 29

parks department received a grant from Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Work includes replacing the pavilion.

If all goes well, the new ball field in Syracuse will host its grand opening in April, the Syracuse-Wawasee Parks and Recreation Board heard during its brief 30-minute meeting Monday night, Feb. 13.

Opening day ceremony for Schrock Fields is tentatively slated for Saturday, April 29.

“We’ve done a lot of work inhouse,” said Chad Jonsson, park superintendent. “We’ve also ordered welcome signs.”

He said bleachers have been ordered and will be delivered soon. A welcome arch needs to be installed. Fencing is being installed this week.

“We’ve gotten to the point where practice can be doable,” said Jonsson.

around Webster Lake not on sewer and involves 182 customers. Jones has been working with the group since 2019.

The Knapp Lake Conservancy Sewer District system runs through the area to the North Webster Wastewater plant. Jones stated the town’s system has 50% capacity left. A presentation to the county commissioners on establishing a fourth sewer district in the county was met with opposition. The only solution was to ask the other three sewer districts. Turkey Creek and Lakeland declined taking on the project. Tippecanoe & Chapman is the other choice. This is due to the fact the three districts are regional sewer districts and have unlimited reach. A conservancy district cannot cross county lines.

Jones estimated the project would be around $5.3 million and would involve an inter-local agreement between the Knapp Lake system and Tippecanoe & Chapman district. It would also not affect costs to customers in the current district boundaries, and be a separate project.

Mike Ripley, one of the residents making the request, presented information to the board, indicating 86.9% of the residents are in favor. He also stated the district board would not have to do any work except be a receiver.

Jones noted the county commissioners would be asked for seed money on the project.

Jon Tyler, board president, who was initially against the joint venture, stated “I am one member of the board. We should give this very, very serious consideration. … I’m very much in favor of moving forward with this.”

However, it was felt prudent to bring the three absent board mem-

bers up to date on the request. The request was tabled until Chuck Simpson, Jeff Thornburgh and Ed Ornsby are included in the discussion.

Last Meeting

Tyler, who was among those who spearheaded the need for a sewer system around the lake and who has served on the board since its inception, announced Monday was his last meeting. “I am resigning as of March 1,” he stated, giving no reason for his departure.

He stated Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township Trustee, will be making the appointment for his replacement.

“It’s been a pleasure and I appreciate this group. It is a really great board here that works really well together and they’ve done a great amount of work. Great engineering staff at Jones Petrie, and everyone we worked with. Thanks for all your hard work,” said Tyler

During other business the board: Heard a report from Henschen on the construction progress. He stated there will be monthly construction updates on the district’s website, allowing residents to know the construction schedule.

Approved the pay applications for contractors.

Discussed interim rates for campgrounds and youth camps that opted to have metered flow rates. Jeff Rowe, Baker Tilly, reported those customers will be temporarily billed based on estimated flow during construction. Rates will be set at a later date for the metered flow charges.

Signed a resolution including property at 29 EMS C29A lane and Lot 15 on Stanton Lake Estates Division 3 into the district. The requests had been approved by the county commissioners.

He said other work includes a flag pole that still needs to be installed and “mostly other little things.”

The Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club asked permission to use the Syracuse Community Center for a Texas hold ‘em tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 11.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, gave the financial reports from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13 and for January.

During the tree board report, Jonsson said two magnolia trees at Lakeside Park need to be replaced. Also, a request for trees to be planted at 12 properties along Kern’s Crossing, near the new ball field, was received. Jonsson said the trees will be planted in the town’s right of way between the sidewalk and the road.

The park board heard an update on the Henry Ward Park pavilion and restroom project. An additional appropriation for $12,500 was approved. The

“The money needs to be spent first and then we will be reimbursed,” said Jonsson.

A report on signage for Ward Park and Schrock Fields was given. “No smoking” signs were approved by town council and will be installed at Schrock Fields.

The 2023 project list includes work performed inside SCC. Lights and new sinks were replaced inside the restrooms.

The Syracuse Lions Club requested permission to place a little library inside the community center; the request was approved. The public is invited to place and take books inside the tiny library.

Darin Lursen, program director, gave the program report. Bingo was recently held and Lursen said 117 people attended, adding, “It was the busiest I’ve ever seen it.”

A recent euchre tournament was well attended with 24 people, he noted. Another one is at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17.

A brain fit series concludes Thursday, Feb. 16. “It’s been well attended,” Lursen said.

Upcoming programs include a Princess Party featuring the movie “Encanto” at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22.

The basketball league at SCC is still ongoing with four weeks left in the season plus a tournament.

A garage sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at SCC with nine people on the waiting list. “It is very popular,” Lursen said.

The next park board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, at SCC.

Conley to serve on

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Orders will come in to Anderson Greenhouse, 1812 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, on March 23.

In other business, commissioners:

Watched as County Attorney

Ed Ormsby opened quotes for roadwork paid for via the county’s Indiana Department of Transportation Community Crossings

Matching Grant funds. Kosciusko County Highway Department

Superintendent Steve Moriarty read the quotes. They were: Niblock, $1,568,426.54; Phend & Brown, $1,469,013.33; and Brooks Construction, $1,579,127.52. The roads being redone are Old Road 30 East from CR 450E to SR 13 and Pierceton Road from Winona

Lake to Pierceton. Commissioners are to select one of the companies at a later meeting. Approved memorandums of understanding with Warsaw Community Schools and Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. for them to opt in to the county’s new communications system for emergency and other purposes.

Approved a $19,500 quote from Design Collaborative related to painting and installing new carpeting and wallpaper in the Kosciusko County Justice Building. Moake Park also submitted a quote for $78,840. The commissioners will next meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.

Milford firefighters

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place in April. The fundraiser takes place every other year in conjunction with an area photography studio and allows donors to receive a free photo. Funds go to purchasing equipment.

of Environmental Management of the completion of the wastewater plant closure.

ing in Etna Green. Moriarty has been before the board a number of times regarding the property. This time Snyder told the board Moriarty wanted to remove the existing building and put up a new one.

After hearing from remonstrators and a member of the Etna Green Town Council the board approved the project as presented.

The BZA approved the following petitions:

• Calvin Bontrager- For a variance allowing a residence addition to remain 21 feet from the right of way of the road. The property is located on SR 13 in Turkey Creek Township.

• Jeffery Waldron - For an excep-

he reached out to the developer of the five recently sold lots near the dike.

Two of the lots will not have construction started for 2-2½ years. Permission could be sought for the contractors to use the lots as a laydown area.

The engineer’s estimate of the project is $944,000.

Chris Jeeter, LFA project engineer, stated he has been in contact with three contractors on the project: Milestone Construction, Beer & Schlabach and the contractor who did the water control device work. Robert Smith suggested Seldge Construction also be included, with Mikel suggesting two other sources be used to advertise.

tion and variance for an oversized accessory building, which is 1,296 square feet when an ordinance allows 576 square feet, and is located 15 feet from the south road right of way and 4 feet from the east property line. The property is located in Lake Township

• A Rench Investments – For an exception to change and alter a previously granted exception by changing the footprint recommended by the BZA. The property is located in Plain Township.

• Scott and Heather Grimes –For a variance to construct of a new boathouse 1 foot from both sides lines and zero feet from the water’s edge. The property is located in Tur-

Further discussion on the project focused on two bid specification questions — construction insurance and mandating attendance at a prebid meeting. The board agreed to a $2 million insurance policy requirement for any construction damage, and voted against mandating attendance at the prebid meeting.

During the quarterly meeting, Jeff Rowe, Baker Tilly Advisors, went over the 2022 and 2023 figures. It was noted there are or will be funds available for the project; however, a short-term loan may have to be sought, until tax distribution funds are received. The 2022 December funds were not deposited until January.

key Creek Township.

• Robert Magley – For a variance to construct a new boathouse 2 feet from both side property lines and zero feet from the water’s edge. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

• John Beal – For a variance to allow a carport to remain placed without permit or hearing 2 feet from the rear property line and 1 foot from the side property line. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

The board elected to continue the case of Edd Allen to the March meeting to give Allen time to provide requested information to the area plan commission.

Additionally, future tax rates are expected to drop. It was pointed out operating costs during the first year and water control device repair were paid for from the $700,000 in private donations received prior to the district’s formation.

During the annual meeting portion, Bill Pipp was reelected chairman; Carolyn Anderson, vice chairman; Jim Silcox, secretary; and David Johnson, treasurer. Silcox, who participated in the meeting via Zoom, was sworn in as the elected District 2 director. He was the only candidate for the position. Pipp’s seat as District 3 representative will be up for election in 2024.

During public input, Craig Blough of Bartel & Company Realtors and Auctioneers was on hand to discuss options for the Ron Davidhizar properties slated for demolition. However, Jay Rigdon, town attorney, noted Davidhizar had filed a request for appeal and recommended the council first schedule an executive session to consider information from Blough as well as “what I’ve heard directly from Mr. Davidhizar to see if there’s any response to make.” The meeting was scheduled for Monday, Feb. 20.

Ryan LaReau of Commonwealth Engineers reported Milford’s master utility study was 95% complete and a final report would be available to the council by the end of the week.

Town Marshal Derek Kreider said the department received a $4,000 grant from Kosciusko Community Foundation to purchase an ID printing system for both local children and town employees. The cost of the system is $5,121.50, and the council voted to pay the difference of $1,221.50, plus shipping and handling charges.

During police reports the council also approved maintenance of a steering gear on the 2015 Ford Explorer by Kerlin Motor Company at a cost not to exceed $2,053.

During wastewater reports, Mark Brubaker said the town could save around $230 per month by switching propane providers and received permission to pursue the matter.

Brubaker also received confirmation from Indiana Department

Streets, Park and Water Superintendent Steven Marquart reported he has uncovered files on Emeline, Catherine and Main streets during the process of digitizing maps related to the master utility study previously thought lost. At the March meeting of the council, he expects to provide a report on Milford’s storm water system.

The council approved an amount not to exceed $10,500 for Dan the Tree Man to trim trees throughout Milford this spring, focusing on areas around the Turkey Creek Bridge, North Main and First streets and SR 15.

The following motions were also approved: $2,140 for the replacement of grills at Waubee Lake Park pavilions by Kay Park Recreation.

• $499 for Clerk/Treasurer

Tricia Gall to attend Association of Public Treasurers conference Aug. 14-16, and $450 for Gall to attend Indiana League of Municipal Clerk Treasurers conference, March 20-23.

A $1,336 invoice for Reach Alerts and a $14,392 invoice for IPEP workers compensation insurance.

• Resolution 2023-2, allowing the clerk/treasurer to conduct financial transactions, including but not limited to the payment of payroll, bond payments, payment of monthly bills and subscriptions and receiving electronic payments of utility bills and/or fees.

• Resolution 2023-3, allowing prepayment of claims by the clerk/treasurer without council approval.

• Resolution 2023-6, approving $750 for the interlocal agreement with Van Buren Township overseeing Waubee Lake Park.

Dr. Karen Allen Keene

Brilliant Teacher And Researcher

Dr. Karen Allen Keene, a resident of Syracuse, passed away at home on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. She was 68 years old.

Born in Marion to Dale and Lois (Harter) Allen on Jan. 4, 1955, Karen spent her childhood in Syracuse. In spite of living elsewhere throughout her adult years, she never stopped calling Syracuse home. Karen graduated from Wawasee High School before studying mathematics at Butler University, earning her bachelors and masters degrees. Later she earned her doctorate in math education from Purdue University.

A brilliant teacher and researcher with a servant’s heart, Karen worked for several schools and universities. Most notably, she is remembered for her time at St. Mary’s College, Valparaiso University, North Carolina State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She also spent time with the National Science Foundation and at several smaller institutions.

An amazing wife and mother, Karen loved her family. She adored her four grandchildren and was excited to have another on the way. She was a gifted pianist, a person of faith and was always involved in the communities where she lived. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, currently a member of First United Methodist Church in Ormond Beach, Fla., where she and her husband lived when they weren’t in Syracuse visiting their families.

In addition to her husband of 16 years, Dee Keene, Karen is survived by three sons, Mitchell (Claire) Whitehead of Batavia, Ill., Bruce (Brenda) Whitehead of Warsaw, and Andrew (Claire) Whitehead of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren; and brother, Dr. Larry (Fran) Allen of Syracuse.

She was preceded in passing by her parents.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Karen and the Keene family. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Friends may visit between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Family friend, Pastor Douglas Cross, will officiate the service with burial at Syracuse Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, WACF, P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567.

County approves

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into a pipeline. Well, there happens to be a pipeline in this particular location,” Snyder said. In order to have the council consider the tax abatement at a confirmatory hearing, Snyder said the council has to look at all of those necessary elements that they’ve seen before.

“Obviously, this is not employment-intense, but it is an opportunity to establish something we haven’t seen, and that is providing a form of tax abatement benefit to agriculture,” Snyder said. He said former Councilman Tom Anglin used to give him a hard time every time he came before the council requesting a tax abatement because tax abatements were not made available to agriculture by state legislators.

“But this will be a personal property system that is owned by IGDB and it will be a part of a contract with the farm for the constant supply of manure and for the payment to the farmer of 12% of the gross income that’s generated by the natural gas that is created. There’s no expense to the farmer, in this case the dairy farm. All the expense of operating the facility is borne by the owner of the personal property and it will take three employees to do it. Roughly $52,000 a year to each employee. So, again, we’re not employee-intense, but we’re creating something we haven’t seen before and that is a benefit to the agricultural industry in the county, which you usually don’t get to do,” Snyder explained.

At Thursday’s council meeting, he requested two things: “a declaration of the real estate that is described in the declaratory resolution as an economic revitalization area, and then a preliminary determination that

the council will approve the tax abatement as requested for a period of five years and schedule a confirmatory resolution hearing for March 9 and we’ll publish notice in regard to that.”

Long said this was very similar to a project south of Plymouth in Marshall County. He said the Homestead Dairy has had one in place for a long time and the gas from the system generates electricity for the facility. He said anyone can Google it and get an idea of what’s involved.

“Here again, I’ve always been kind of against tax abatements; however, this is agriculture, which I’m involved in,” Long said, and it’s bringing business to the county, which he believes is what tax abatements should do. “I’m excited about this.”

Snyder said it also has another benefit and “that’s simply an environmental benefit because we’re creating renewable natural gas. The odor is decreased. What affluent remains after the scrubber is done creating gas, goes back into the same lagoon it would have gone in without any treatment at all. … There is the environmental benefit along with the economic benefit.”

He said the sale of the gas is to a supplier of natural gas.

Councilman Tony Ciriello made the motion to approve a declaration of the real estate described in the declaratory resolution as an economic revitalization area and a preliminary determination that the council will approve the tax abatement as requested for a period of five years and schedule a confirmatory resolution hearing for March 9. Councilwoman Kathleen Groninger seconded the motion and it was approved 6-0.

Councilman Dave Wolkins was not at Thursday’s meeting.

James F. Tarr

U.S. Army Veteran

James F. Tarr, 89, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Although he lived on Dewart Lake, he was a winter resident of Fort Myers, Fla. He would have been 90 on April 26. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Marion Berning; five children, Gregg Tarr, Fort Wayne, Debi Rookstool, Syracuse, Cindy Ryan, Largo, Fla., Teri Schroer, Munster, and Lisa Batchelder, Larkspur, Calif.; and 13 grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, David Tarr, Fort Wayne.

As a young man, Jim went to Korea, serving in the Army. Thereafter, he graduated from the university to become a teacher at South Side High School in Fort Wayne for 30 years. Upon retiring to his lake home, he became a talented artist and owner of Tarr Outdoor Advertising between hours of golfing and fishing.

A celebration of his life will be held this summer.

Keri Lyn Fisher

Casey’s General Store Employee

Keri Lyn Fisher, daughter of Kermit and Lyn Fisher, passed away unexpectedly at home in Syracuse Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. She was 48 years old.

Keri was born in Elkhart on July 17, 1974. She spent her formative years and most of her adult life in the Elkhart area where she attended Elkhart Memorial High School. Keri rarely knew a stranger and made friends easily. In 2014, Keri moved to Syracuse; she made friends quickly in Syracuse, too. Working at Casey’s General Store, Keri flourished. She knew most everyone and made an effort to befriend new customers. She was a hard worker.

Kind and genuine, Keri always made time for others. She enjoyed Danielle Steel novels and watching “Yellowstone” and “Dateline” on TV. She was an avid Notre Dame and Kansas City Chiefs fan. She liked to cook, bake and loved family cookouts. She liked time on the lake and rarely was without a smile. More than anything, Keri was a proud mother and grandmother. She was a fantastic mother who loved her family dearly.

Keri is survived by the family she loved: fiance, Martin Bigler of Syracuse; children, Brandon (Amber) Bigler of Cromwell, Katlyn Middleton of Peru, Mackenzie Middleton of Elkhart and Autumn Fisher of Syracuse; grandchildren, Malerie and Maxx; parents, Kermit and Lyn Fisher; niece, Reagan Fisher; and nephew, Micheal Fisher.

She was preceded in passing by an infant son, Christian Fisher; brother, Kraig Fisher; and by her grandparents.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services is entrusted with the care of the Fisher family. Services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, with doors open for one hour prior. Viewing was from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the funeral home. Those attending are encouraged to wear their favorite ND gear. Burial took place at Milford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Written condolences may be left at www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Births

Deanna Kate Kuhns James and Patricia Kuhns, Milford, are the parents of a daughter, Deanna Kate, born at 12:34

Wawasee School

Continued from page 1

locked; there are 58 broken seats and there is no slope to the floor, making it hard to see around taller people; and the dressing rooms are tiny and smell bad.

After pleading her case, Bonner presented the board with letters from Wawasee alumni stating how impactful participating in the performing arts was, both during high school and after. She read excerpts from letters written by two past valedictorians who are pursuing STEM careers. Both stated their time in performing arts helped them in their careers.

Dr. Shelly Wilfong, assistant superintendent, provided the learning report. She noted she and the committee have been collecting data regarding the effectiveness of summer school. “There’s room for improvement,” she told the board. She and the committee have been discussing more effective ways to approach struggling kids. They are looking at a “during

Kosciusko County Election Board amends vote center plan

The Kosciusko County Election Board made amendments to the vote center plan for the upcoming election at its Monday, Feb. 13, meeting.

County Clerk Ann Torpy determined a vote center for Nappanee is not necessary this year. While there will be voters from Winona Lake, Syracuse, and Nappanee, in 2019, only four ballots were cast by individuals from Nappanee within Kosciusko County.

The board found it hard to justify the allocation of resources to a third voting center that did not see much traffic and came to the agreement that Nappanee voters may just use one of the other locations, Syracuse being the most convenient.

They also discussed poll worker training and critiques from the public on election proceedings.

Torpy noted state law requires inspectors to attend training, but it would be ideal for other workers to be knowledgeable about their positions.

but waiting in line is part of life.

Sometimes you just have to wait,” President Randy Girod said.

The board plans to help provide the poll workers with the skills and tools they need for the voting process to run smoothly through training sessions, but they acknowledge that waiting is an inherent part of the voting process.

Torpy added complaints about waiting are not often heard during presidential elections, despite the longer lines. The board hopes the training will increase the efficiency and flow of local elections for the public.

The board established the following dates for voting:

The public test date will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, in the Kosciusko County Justice Building basement to ensure all equipment is functioning properly before voting begins.

Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, in the Kosciusko County Justice Building, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw.

p.m. Feb. 14, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 7 pounds and was 19 inches long.

school year program,” whether that be tutoring after school or something else. Wilfong also noted summer school is only half-day for approximately three weeks after the school year.

School officials have a difficult time convincing parents to give up part of their summer, and with summer school being a half day, this causes problems with child care and transportation. It is also difficult to convince staff to participate as well.

In his report, Dr. Stephen Troyer, superintendent, followed up on the South Shore and Milford Tax Increment Finance Districts. A Zoom meeting is being set up with Baker Tilly, a certified public accounting firm, to discuss the matter with board members.

Troyer expects the TIF districts to come before the board at the March school board meeting.

The corporation’s technology team received kudos throughout the night for its work in restoring the corporation’s computer

Many of the surrounding counties require their poll workers to attend a training session and offer an additional wage for their participation. The board agreed this is a fair expectation and plan to offer roughly an additional $20 to poll workers who attend the training.

“It’s a human reaction to try to be as expedient as possible,

system after it was attacked by ransomware last month. Wade Wirebaugh, director of technology, noted the hackers attempted to access Wawasee’s systems two days after its initial attack and were unable to get back in.

The board approved stipends for the technology staff who worked through the weekend of Jan. 20-22 for the 30-plus hours they put in bringing the corporation’s computer systems back on line.

The first of several community meetings made up of school personnel and representatives of Milford, North Webster and Syracuse will be held Monday, Feb. 27, at Wawasee High School. The 47-member committee will be looking at school programs and facility needs.

In public input, Rich Rhoades, Milford, asked for an update on the Wawasee Veterans Wall. Troyer said the designers were working on it.

Women of Today presented

Vote centers will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, and Saturday, April 29, at the Kosciusko County Justice Building and Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse.

Monday, May 1, will be the last day for early voting. The Kosciusko County Justice Building vote center will be open from 8 a.m. to noon.

a $2,500 check to be distributed evenly among all Wawasee schools to be used to assist kids as needed.

The board accepted the following donations:

• $10,000 from the Korenstra Family Foundation.

• $1,300 for the wrestling team from Knights of Columbus.

• $1,150 for gymnastics from the Knights of Columbus.

• $1,300 for the swim team from Knights of Columbus.

• $1,000 for FFA from Johnny Poppers, Nappanee.

• $500 for the super mileage car from Main Channel Marina.

The board approved the Wawasee FFA chapter to send two teams to Danville for a horse judging contest May 5-6.

The board also approved overseas trips to Germany/Austria/ Switzerland; and an Ecosystems of Ecuador trip, which would include visiting a cloud forest, the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents and incidents:

Accidents

2:42 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, East CR 1300N, east of North CR 300E, Syracuse. Driver: Merlin L. Barker, 55, North Main Street, Syracuse. Barker’s vehicle left the roadway and hit a fence. Damage up to $10,000.

1:20 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, South Higbee Street, south of Turkey Creek Drive, Milford. Driver: Maycol Ramos-Martin, 19, Wilson Avenue, Goshen. Ramos-Martin’s vehicle left the roadway and rolled at least one time. Ramos-Martin sustained minor injuries to his elbow and lower arm area. A passenger in his vehicle, Nelson Vijil, 18, Goshen, also sustained similar injuries. Both refused medical attention at the scene. RamosMartin and Vijil were later taken into custody for suspected alcohol consumption. Damage up to $25,000.

4:17 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, North CR 300E, north of East CR 1100N, Milford. Driver: Eric J. Barker, 52, EMS T13 Lane, Leesburg. Barker believes his vehicle hit standing water. He lost control and the vehicle overturned, ending up on the driver’s side. Damage up to $25,000.

burg. Representatives for Norfolk Southern Railroad reported a hit-and-run accident resulting in property damage.

12:24 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 100 block EMS T34C Lane, Leesburg. Ryan M. Sherman reported theft and criminal mischief. Items stolen include a weed eater, Apple Watch, and clothing. Value: $1,260.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident

12:43 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, 5600 block North CR 825E, North Webster. Katarina N. Cobbs reported criminal mischief to a security light.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accidents and incident:

Accidents

Monday, Feb. 13, 1

7:49 a.m.

Warrior Path, Syracuse. Driv-

ers: Braden R. Frye, 17, CR 46, New Paris; Hunter W. Miller, 17, South CR 900W, Pierceton; and Kelley L. Miller, 44, North Parkway Drive, Syracuse. Frye’s vehicle hit the back of Hunter Miller’s, which then hit the back of Kelley Miller’s. Damage up to $25,000.

Gillespie arrested on charges after allegedly battering woman

Holt, 32, 209 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 13 — Jonahlyn Phaeth Quirk, 31, 209 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 12 — Deanna Marie Geberin, 29, 8563 E. Asbury Lane, North Webster, booked for possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug and possession of marijuana. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 11 — Tasha Marie Manges, 42, 529 Prairie Drive, Syracuse, booked for possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 11 — Billy Taylor Schroll, 30, 8268 E. Wade Lane, North Webster, booked for domestic battery and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 10 — Joel G. Katzer, 37, 834 E. Beer Road, Milford, booked for domestic battery. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Daniel U. Gillespie, 65, 7782 N. CR 400E, Leesburg, is charged with criminal confinement and domestic battery resulting in moderate injury, both level 6 felonies; and domestic battery, interference with reporting a crime, and intimidation, all class A misdemeanors.

On Feb. 4, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic complaint near Leesburg. A woman said Gillespie battered her after an argument over a television remote control. According to court documents,

Gillespie allegedly yanked the woman’s right arm, used the heel of his hand to hit the woman’s jaw and shoved her head back, causing extensive pain. He also threatened to pour hot food down the woman’s shirt.

Gillespie also took the woman’s cellphone to prevent her from calling for help. As she fled the scene, Gillespie threw a ceramic bowl

at her and attempted to close the residence’s garage door to stop her from leaving. The woman was eventually able to go to a neighbor’s residence and seek assistance.

The deputy noticed red abrasions on the woman’s right arm, neck, and jaw line. Gillespie told the deputy he threatened to pour hot food down the woman’s shirt, took her cellphone and tried to prevent her from leaving by shutting the garage door. He said the woman pulled his hair and left the home. Gillespie was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Feb. 4, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.

Teenager arrested following a police pursuit in Milford

A Millersburg teenager was recently arrested after fleeing from law enforcement, while in possession of marijuana and alcohol.

hit another vehicle and finally stopped. Its driver was later identified as Morgan.

Feb. 9 — Charlie Gutierrez Tello, 21, 8993 E. 500N, North Webster, booked for failure to appear. Bond: $500 cash.

7:20 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, East Camp Mack Road, west of North CR 150E, Milford. Driver: Gretchen A. Conrad, 55, East Camp Mack Road, Milford. Conrad’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

7:05 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, North Old SR 15, north of East Kilmer Drive, Milford. Driver: Tyler C. Holderread, 30, Sixth Street, New Paris. A deer collided with Holderread’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

4:06 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, South Huntington Street, south of West Chicago Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Blanca I. Lozano, 69, West North Street, Syracuse; and Sarah A. Miller, 52, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse. Lozano struck Miller’s vehicle as she was turning right onto the access road. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

4:15 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 8. Police were notified of a runaway.

Warsaw

Feb. 9 — Debra L. Treece, 63, 463 E. 650N, Leesburg, booked for failure to appear. Bond: $500 cash.

Feb. 9 — Katie Renee Fisher, 44, 12788 N. Bishop Road, Syracuse, booked on a probation violation. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 9 — Alexander Wayne Montileaux, 28, 212 E. Emeline St., Milford, booked on a probation violation. No bond listed.

Landyn Nicholas Morgan, 19, 512 E. Washington St., Millersburg, is charged with resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor and reckless driving, both class C misdemeanors.

On Jan. 21, a Mentone Police

officer was on patrol on SR 15, in the area of Milford, when he saw a vehicle traveling 90 mph. The officer attempted to pull the vehicle over and a pursuit began. According to court documents, the officer attempted to catch the vehicle at speeds over 100 mph. The suspect vehicle almost

Morgan told the officer he fled because his vehicle’s registration was false and fictitious. Officers searched the vehicle and found a vape pen containing THC and numerous open containers of alcohol.

A passenger in Morgan’s vehicle also said Morgan fled because he was afraid of losing his vehicle and due to the marijuana and alcohol in his possession.

Morgan’s initial hearing is at 1 p.m. March 2, in Kosciusko Superior Court Three.

Sherman arrested after alleged domestic incident

incident.

children said Sherman head butted the woman.

6:25 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, North SR 15, south of West CR 400N, Warsaw. Driver: Deborah R. Gillum, 56, East CR 1000N, Syracuse. Gillum’s vehicle collided with a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, 8100 block East Cherokee Road, Syracuse. Nancy Hagen and Jeffrey R. Morgan reported a hit-andrun vehicle accident resulting in injury.

7:51 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1400 block East Camp Mack Road, Milford. Isaac S. Pena reported a vehicle hitting a structure.

5:32 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 400 block West Tanya Avenue, North Webster. Officers investigated a protective order violation.

1:43 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 300 block Smith Street, Lees-

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents:

Accidents

12:32 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, East Armstrong Road, north of North Old SR 15, Leesburg.

Driver: Richard D. Hagan, 36, East South Barbee Drive, Pierceton. Hagan said he lost track of where he was and missed a T intersection. He struck railroad tracks and traveled on them, hitting a change over station and damaging it. His vehicle later became dislodged from the tracks. Damage up to $10,000.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County Jail:

Feb. 13 — Courtney Marie

Public defenders assigned to Bandy, Lehman cases

The two men currently in custody for allegedly murdering 17-year-old Laurel Jean Mitchell in 1975 have had public defenders assigned to their cases.

James J. Abbs, Albion, is serving as the lead public defender for Fred Bandy Jr., 67, Goshen.

Sarah E. Ober and J. Seth Tipton, Avilla, are also serving as co-public defenders for Bandy.

Aaron J. Stoll, Fort Wayne, is serving as the lead public defender for John Wayne Lehman, 67, Auburn. Bart L. Arnold, Fort Wayne, is serving as a co-public defender for Lehman. Lehman and Bandy are currently being held in the Noble County Jail without bond following the murder of Laurel Jean Mitchell, a North Webster teenager whose body was found in the Elkhart River Aug. 7, 1975. Her cause of death was drowning, with an autopsy showing signs Mitchell made “a violent struggle to survive.”

During an initial hearing Wednesday, Feb. 8, Bandy and Lehman were informed by No-

ble Circuit Court Judge Michael Kramer they each face a charge of murder in the first degree. With current Indiana law, an individual convicted of murder faces a prison sentence between 45 to 65 years, with the advisory sentence being 55 years. However, since Mitchell’s death occurred in 1975, if the men are convicted of first-degree murder, both Bandy and Lehman could be sentenced to life in prison, which was the maximum possible prison sentence at that time.

Not guilty pleas for both Lehman and Bandy were entered on their behalf by Kramer. Bandy’s and Lehman’s arrests happened Monday, Feb. 6. An affidavit of probable cause states DNA evidence and witness testimony connect Bandy and Lehman to Mitchell’s murder.

A pretrial conference for both Bandy and Lehman is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, in Noble County.

Feb. 8 — Heather Marie Whitaker, 32, 72833 CR 29, Lot 27, Syracuse, booked for failure to appear — felony and a probation violation — felony. Bond: $10,500 surety and cash.

Feb. 8 — Kevin Cleon Clark, 46, 103 Holiday Lane, Cromwell, booked for theft. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Feb. 7 — Joanna Margaret R. Baker, 33, 408 W. Wildwood Drive, Syracuse, booked on a foreign warrant. No bond listed.

Feb. 7 — Nicholas Scott Ashkins, 36, 8575 E. Hatchery Road, Syracuse, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

Elkhart County

The following person was booked in Elkhart County Jail:

Feb. 8 — Christopher Lee Hahn, 40, 9952 N. Happiness Drive, Syracuse, booked for two counts of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated-endangerment. No bond listed.

Noble County

The following people were booked in Noble County Jail:

Feb. 12 — Jose D. Segovia, 43, 3757 N. 900W, Cromwell, booked for operating without ever obtaining a license and operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more. Bond: $5,000.

Feb. 9 — Michele L. Amaya, 42, 3757 N. 900W, Cromwell, booked for probation violationadult. No bond listed.

Feb. 8 — Joanna M. Baker, 33, 408 W. Wildwood Drive, Syracuse, booked on two warrants. Bond: $2,500 and no bond.

Ryan M. Sherman, 48, 82 EMS T34C Lane, Leesburg, is charged with domestic battery with a child under 16 present, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor. On Jan. 31, a woman contacted law enforcement regarding a domestic incident, which occurred Jan. 30 in Leesburg. A Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy spoke with the woman about the

According to court documents, the woman told the deputy Sherman grabbed her arm, put her against a wall and head butted her. Four children were in the home when the incident occurred. Two of the

Court News

Superior Court III

The following infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — David D. Fiant II, Cromwell, $160.50; Martha E. Granados, North Webster, $160.50 No valid driver’s license — Sukhwinder Singh, Syracuse, $160.50

No valid driver’s license and speeding — Tyler K. Riggin, Cromwell, $185.50

Child restraint system violation (child at least 8 but less than 16) — Jason L. McPherson, Cromwell, $50

Child restraint system violation (child less than 8 years old) — Jason L. McPherson, Cromwell, $50

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couple have filed a marriage dissolution in the

Kosciusko Superior and Circuit

Courts:

Stufflebeam — Aimee

Stufflebeam, North Webster, and Joshua Stufflebeam, Pierceton. Married: Aug. 25, 2012. Separated: Feb. 7, 2023. There are three minor children.

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have

The deputy noticed bruises on the woman’s left eye, outer left arm, the back of her shoulder, and the right side of her neck.

Sherman said he was trying to get the woman to leave the residence. He told the deputy he walked her toward the door and his head hit her in the face.

Sherman was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Feb. 1, with a $6,000 surety and cash bond.

applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Griffith-Fancher

Austin J. Griffith, 30, Syracuse, and Raven R. Fancher, 26, Syracuse

Denton-Conway

Tyrus M. Denton, 33, Syracuse, and Kelly M. Conway, 27, Syracuse

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Council chooses two for opioid committee after split vote

The county will be receiving a lot of money from the national opioid settlement, but who should sit on the opioid committee for the county was a bone of contention for the Kosciusko County Council Thursday, Feb. 9.

Council President Mike Long said two new committees were brought to his attention, the first being the opioid committee that needed two members. Long suggested council members Kathleen Groninger and Tony Ciriello.

When no one made a motion for Groninger and Ciriello, Long made it but Councilwoman Joni Truex told him he couldn’t make a motion as he is the council president. Long said it’s been done before. Ciriello then seconded Long’s motion, but the motion failed 3-3 with Truex and Councilwomen Sue Ann Mitchell and Kimberly Cates voting against it and Groninger, Long and Ciriello voting for the motion. Councilman Dave Wolkins was absent Thursday.

Truex asked Long’s thought process for nominating Groninger and Ciriello. Long said Groninger is involved with Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, “which ties into it,” and Ciriello has dealt with opioid addictions and deaths for some time.

Cates said she appreciated the nomination of Groninger, but her concern was that committee would be dealing with “hundreds of millions of dollars” and Mitchell would be better suited for that.

“This is a really big deal for our county,” Cates said and she nominated Groninger and Mitchell. Before seconding the motion, Truex asked Mitchell for her opinion.

“I would assume that this would be the committee that would be looking at the money and figuring out how to spend it best to do the most for the county,” Mitchell said. “And that’s what we learned at the legislative thing this week, is that this is a pretty big deal and it has a very short window. By the 27th of February, you’ve got to have it figured out.”

There’s also a grant that has to be applied for, she said. Truex asked Mitchell if she would be willing to serve on the committee and Mitchell said she was reluctantly willing. Truex seconded Cates’ motion and it passed 6-0.

The other committee Long brought before the council was the security committee, which County Administrator Marsha McSherry said wasn’t a new committee and has been existing for years. New appointments were needed. The council voted 6-0 to name Ciriello to the committee.

The council also approved Ciriello to take Long’s place on the Emergency Management committee, as requested by Long. Long said Ciriello has “many more years of experience in that area than I would ever hope to.”

In other business, the council:

• Heard from Mitchell that the Association of Indiana Counties is doing a fourth-grade essay contest. Children within the school corporations can win $100 and it will be awarded at the Northeast AIC district meeting.

The AIC website is at https://

www.indianacounties.org/.

• Revisited the dollar amount for transfers the county auditor can authorize for county departments. The council discussed it previously in 2019 and approved a resolution April 11, 2019, that allowed the auditor to approve all transfers and appropriation adjustments that are $10,000 or less.

After some discussion Thursday of reducing it to $500, as suggested by Truex, or keeping it as it is at $10,000, the council tabled the discussion until the end of the first quarter of the year. Mitchell said the council will be able to look at the transfers made to date in 2023 and re-evaluate them. She said the number of transfers recently has been “record-breaking.”

• Heard an update on the county park board from the board’s president, Rob Bishop. The five-year master plan, is required for most grants including those from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The deadline to submitting a master plan to the DNR is April 15, and Bishop said they moved their April meeting up to April 13 to approve the master plan.

• Approved Superior Court I Judge Karin McGrath’s request for two additional appropriations of $12,500 each for her two juvenile probation officers, who are co-coordinators for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative grant.

• Approved Prosecutor Brad Voelz’s request for additional appropriations from the Senior Prosecutor HUB grant.

The grant comes from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney Council and is particular to the Title IV-D and Child Support Division ran by Bishop. The Hub grant is for Kosciusko County IV-D staff to do the work throughout northern Indiana.

Voelz said the money he was requesting the council to appropriate was rolled over from 2022 to 2023. It includes $4,800 for grant salaries; $384, social security/Medicare; $562, retirement contributions; and $8,115 for operating expenses. Voelz said this year Kosciusko County will discontinue the grant and not be the HUB county any more for

the Child Support Division.

• Approved two grant applications as requested by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Chris McKeand. The first was to apply for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Local Body Camera grant for $31,920. The second was to apply for the 2023 DNR Marine Patrol grant for $15,000. The commissioners already approved the grant application requests.

• Approved a 2023 salary ordinance amendment for Jared Jones, who was promoted to work release director, as requested by McKeand. His annual salary will be $66,394.

• Approved Community Corrections Director Barry Andrew to apply for a $350,775 Community Corrections grant for 2023 and an $82,746 Drug Court grant. The commissioners approved the applications Jan. 31.

• Approved the additional appropriations for the American Rescue Plan Act recommendations as presented by County Administrator Marsha McSherry. They included $32,992 for Claypool Police Department radio enhancement; $37,067 for Beaman Home upgrade grant; $18,860 for Combined Community Services transit grant; $14,141 for Syracuse Police Department programming radio system; $18,458 for Milford radio enhancement; and $154,273 for KCSD communication radios.

• Approved a salary ordinance amendment for a fulltime housekeeper to be paid $15.60 per hour and a transfer of $26,910 in county general fund from part-time housekeeping to full-time housekeeping to cover the remainder of the year for that position.

• Approved two transfers requested by the county clerk for printers for the voting machines. One transfer was for $6,250 from election board sheriffs to other equipment, and the other transfer was for $5,000 from voting machine repair to other equipment.

• Was introduced to Kip Shuter, the assistant emergency management director who will take over for Director Ed Rock when he retires at the end of March.

Two from Cromwell face theft charges

spoke with a woman about a theft in Cromwell. The woman said she allowed Clark and Henwood to stay in a tent in her backyard June 19, 2022.

According to court documents, the woman said she saw both Henwood and Clark loading multiple items of her property into a vehicle and leaving. The pair told the woman they did not steal anything.

The stolen items, with a total value of $305, included several sets of tools, jeans, a surge protector, a box fan, and two candle holders.

Clark was previously convicted of theft in Goshen in April 2021.

Clark was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Feb. 8, 2023, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.

North Webster native gives back to the community

Nicole Nabinger lives, works and helps out the community in North Webster, and is raising her family in the very same hometown she grew up in. Giving back to the community is important to the Kosciusko County native.

Born and raised in the heart of the lakes, her parents own a floral shop where she works. Her parents, she said, taught her to work hard and have a good work ethic. She has an older sister, Ashley.

She graduated from Wawasee High School in 2004. She attended Tri-State University (now Trine) in Angola, where she obtained dual degrees in criminal justice and forensic science with a minor in chemistry. She graduated in 2008.

“For most of my life, I wanted to work crime scenes,” she said.

At one point, she had aspirations to work for the FBI. However, she got a state government job as a caseworker with the Department of Child Services.

“I investigated child abuse and neglect cases,” she said. “I enjoyed being able to help people.”

If there were allegations, she would assist parents to get the resources they needed. “Everybody struggles, and so I tried to help the best I could,” she explained.

Nabinger first started as a case worker in Elkhart County before being transferred to Kosciusko County. “I had never been exposed to certain situations, but I learned a lot,” Nabin-

ger stated. She was a caseworker from 2009 to 2019. After leaving her job as a caseworker, she started working for her parents, Steve and Sue Ward, at their floral shop, Sue’s Creations.

“I have learned how to deal with the public. It’s not just a floral shop,” she stated. “I really enjoy making people smile. My parents have taught me a lot, especially about having a good work ethic.”

She married her husband, Trent, in 2010, and they have three children: Jaxon, 10; Colton,7; and Remington, 5. The children attend North Webster Elementary School. The couple met in 2004 and own a gun shop, a home-based business they started in November 2020. Her husband is a full-time North Webster firefighter and paramedic; he started as a volunteer when he was 18.

One of her hobbies is scuba diving. She is a certified deep diver.

“It’s the most calming, peaceful feeling,” she said of diving under the water. She has gone as deep as 130 feet, and she likes scuba diving in quarries in Ohio and under the water in Webster Lake.

She is also active in Cub Scouts and is a den leader. “I try to attend all the events,” Nabinger said.

She said having her kids in Scouts helps teach them life skills, such as integrity. “It’s a positive thing,” she said.

Her daughter is involved in gymnastics and even has the same teacher Nabinger had when she was younger.

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows:

a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy

SPEC walkathon winding down

I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful February weather we’ve been having. Wasn’t last weekend beautiful?

The walkathon is starting to wind down, and we still have sponsorship money coming in. Good news: We made our goal, thanks to all the generous and kind people in our community.

The winners of the walkathon and the prize presentation will be posted in The Mail-Journal Wednesday, Feb. 22, along with pictures of some of the winners. It has been a great year for us here at the senior center and that’s all due to you.

Our hot lunch program keeps gaining more people. It’s a great place to enjoy a good meal and sit around and visit with friends. Please stop in and try us out.

While you are there, you can check out our beautiful Valentine tree. If you want to join us for lunch, call Merita at (574) 834-1193.

Don’t forget, we play euchre from 9-11:30 a.m. every day, and we have a tournament every month on the third Thursday.

You can call me if you have any questions about our activities here.

Speaking of activities, our casino trips start Monday, March 20. We are going to go to the new Four Winds Casino in South Bend. To get a seat on the bus, call me at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224. I hope to see or

A warrant was issued for Henwood’s arrest in October 2022.

Syracuse Drivers Feb. 20-24

MONDAY — Closed

TUESDAY — M. Smith

WEDNESDAY — P. Smith

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners Tuesday were Jean Cowan, first, and Wanda Wyrick, second. Thursday winners were Mike Wyrick, first, and Jean Cowan, second.

THURSDAY — C. Hill

FRIDAY — S. Stump Milford Drivers

Feb. 20-24

MONDAY — Closed

TUESDAY — D. Haney

WEDNESDAY — D. & G. Cooper

THURSDAY — C. Wappes

FRIDAY — S. Weisser North Webster Drivers

Feb. 20-24

MONDAY — Closed

TUESDAY — B. & K. Turner

WEDNESDAY — D. Senger

THURSDAY — J. Parcell

FRIDAY — A. Mock

Wawasee basketball coach resigning at end of season

Wawasee High School

Boys

Basketball Coach Jon Everingham will be resigning his position at the end of the season. The following is a statement from Everingham regarding his resignation, which was submitted to school officials Monday, Feb. 6:

“After much prayer and discussion with my family, I informed the boys basketball team after practice on Monday, Feb. 6, that upon completion of the season, I would be resigning as the head boys basketball coach at Wawasee.

“Over the last few weeks, I realized my time coaching here would be completed and wanted to make sure the message to my team, and the reasons for which I made the decision, came directly from me.

“I have had an amazing 20-year coaching career and worked with and for some of the best in the business at Grace College, Trine University, Prairie Heights High School, Goshen High School, Argos High School, DeKalb High School and here at Wawasee High School. I love coaching basketball and building relationships with young people and the competition basketball provides.

“Coaching basketball has always been about building young men up to be great husbands, fathers and productive community members. I’m proud of all of my players, both who they are becoming and who they’ve become. I love coaching, but my role as a husband and father is the most important thing in my life. Being the head coach of a basketball program is very demanding of your time.

“I am excited about being able to be more present with my wife and kids moving forward to support their passions as well. I would like to reiterate that my

decision to resign has not been affected by any outside influences and was my decision to make.

“I would like to thank my wife and family for all their love and support over the last seven years as the basketball coach (at Wawasee). Our journey together as a family has not always been easy professionally, but one that I will cherish and be thankful for many years to come.

“I would like to thank my coaching staff for their loyalty, commitment to our program and support of my family and me. I have been blessed and fortunate for all the love and support as the coach here at Wawasee over the years. During my tenure here, I have felt supported by Wawasee Community School administration.

“I would like to thank superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer, Athletic Director Brent Doty and Principal Geoff Walmer for their support of our program, our team and myself. I am truly walking away knowing that I have their full support for me personally and professionally.”

Administration Statement

The following is a statement from the Wawasee Community School Corp. administration regarding Everingham’s resignation:

“On Monday morning, Feb. 6, Wawasee High School boys basketball coach, Jon Everingham, met with school administration to inform them of his decision to step down as coach at the end of the season.

“Coach Everingham has contemplated this decision for some time and after having conversations with his family and loved ones, decided this was the best time to step away from basketball.

“A recent letter to the editor of a local news outlet was posted this week. Coach Everingham’s decision to step away is unre-

lated to this letter and was made well before publication.

“Although Coach Everingham was not asked to step down, we accept his resignation and wish him and his family the very best moving forward.

“Wawasee schools prioritize a safe environment for our students and staff. We are committed to holding our coaches and employees to the highest academic and extracurricular standards, including Coach Everingham.

“Our preliminary investigation into the allegations raised in the letter to the editor have shown

those facts may have been misportrayed or misconstrued. We stand in support of Coach Everingham, and all of our Wawasee staff and coaches, and we are thankful for their time, effort and commitment.

“We would like to thank Coach Everingham and his wife Carly for their time here with the Wawasee basketball program. We are excited about the future of the program and look forward to identifying the next head coach to lead this group of talented student-athletes at the conclusion of this season.

Warrior girls swim team finishes 7th at state

The Warrior girls swim team finished in 7th place Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Indiana High School Athletic Association State Finals at the IUPUI Natatorium in Indianapolis.

Warrior sophomore Julie Mishler edged Carmel senior Meghan Christman for 3rd place in the 50 free, finishing in 22.88.

Warrior senior Alexis Mishler narrowly beat Carmel junior

Grace Dougherty to take home 5th place, finishing in 23.31.

Julie Mishler narrowly edged Carmel senior Erin Cummins for 3rd place in the 100 free, finishing in 50.16. Alexis Mishler came in just ahead of Carroll senior Kirsten Lee, finishing in 51.22, taking home 5th place.

The 200 free relay team of Julie Mishler, Kiah Farrington, Alexis Mishler and Addison Beasley placed 3rd, finishing in 1:34.71. The 200 medley relay team of Alexis Mishler, Hayden

Neer, Farrington and Julie Mishler, placed 6th, finishing in 1:45.69.

“The girls finished 7th as a team, besting last year’s program best of 12th place. Addison Beasley, Alexis Mishler, Hayden Neer, Julie Mishler, and Kiah Farrington all brought home hardware, with Julie bringing home two individual thirds. Alexis brought home two individual 5th-place finishes. The Mishler sisters teamed up with Hayden Neer and Kiah Farrington for a

6th-place medley relay finish,” said head coach Jason Scott.

“Later in the meet, Addison Beasley, Kiah Farrington and the Mishler sisters teamed up to bring home a 3rd-place finish in the 200 free relay. Addison also finished 14th in the 200 individual medley and 19th in the 100 breaststroke. The 400 free relay of Kiah, Addison, Hayden and Emma Yoder finished the meet with a 23rd-place finish. Great meet with a great group of girls,” said Scott.

Warrior boys wrestling finishes 4th at East Chicago semistate

The Wawasee Warrior boys wrestling team finished in 4th place at the East Chicago semistate Saturday, Feb. 11, at East Chicago Central High School.

Kaleb Salazar, 106, finished as runner-up. Salazar defeated Twin Lakes’ Grant Marohl in the first

round and won by majority decision over Wheeler’s Aidan Diaz in the quarterfinal. In the semifinal, Salazar defeated Crown Point’s Logan Haney by decision. Lake Central’s Mason Jones, 39-1, defeated Salazar by decision in the championship round.

Cameron Senter, 113, finished in 4th place. Senter defeated Calumet’s Andrew Williams by major-

ity decision in the first round and North White’s Liam Siburcrist by decision in the quarterfinal. Hobart’s Seth Aubin defeated Senter by decision in the semifinal. McCutcheon’s Aidan Dallinger won by decision over Senter in the 3rdplace match.

Hunter Miller, 152, finished in 3rd place. Miller defeated Calumet’s Quentin Falls by technical fall in the first round and Lake Central’s Chase Kasprzak by decision in the quarterfinal. Mishawaka’s Beau Brabender defeated Miller by fall in the semifinal. Miller won in sudden victory over Penn’s Bryce Denton in the 3rdplace match.

Donovan Blair, 195, finished as runner-up. Blair defeated Hobart’s Jake Sparks by decision in the first round and won by sudden victory over Crown Point’s Antho-

ny White in the quarterfinal. Blair went on to defeat Tippecanoe Valley’s Bazle Owens by decision in the semifinal before bowing out to Mishawaka’s Christian Chavez, 40-0, by fall, in the championship.

Other Wawasee wrestlers who participated in the semistate meet but did not place are Colten Sutton (126), Titus Taylor (132), Logan Stuckman (138), Ethan Rodriguez (145), Gavin Malone (170) and Cameron Zimmerman (182).

Salazar, Senter, Miller and Blair will represent the Warrior boys wrestling team in next weekend’s state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Next meet: State Finals — Session 1: 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Session 2: 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Session 3: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.

Warrior boys basketball team beats Westview, falls to Goshen

The Wawasee Warrior boys varsity basketball team defeated the Westview Warriors 69-62 Tuesday, Feb. 14, at The Hardwood Teepee. Wawasee jumped out to a 6-2 lead behind six early points from sophomore guard Maddux Everingham. Westview junior guard Wiley Minix was on fire throughout the first two quarters, scoring 18 points in the first half. Senior forward Collin Roberson nailed a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 3:38 left in the 1st quarter to give Wawasee a 14-9 lead. Westview heaved a desperation shot at the end of the 1st quarter from well past half court, hitting nothing but net. Westview led 18-16 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.

Maddux Everingham opened up the 2nd quarter with another 3-pointer. He was 6-for-11 from 3-point range for the game. Junior forward Collin Ziebarth drained a trey from the left corner, bringing Wawasee within one, 25-24, with 2:15 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Sophomore guard Myles Everingham had a nice floater in the lane right before halftime. Westview led 28-26 at the break.

Wawasee came out of the locker room at halftime and burned down the nets in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Wawasee shot 66.7% from 2 and 62.5% from 3 in the 2nd half, outscoring Westview 2215 in the 3rd quarter. Wawasee made five 3-pointers in the 2nd half and went 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. Roberson was an absolute man on the boards, pull-

ing down a whopping 14 rebounds for the game. Myles Everingham was busy getting his teammates involved with seven assists.

Wawasee continued to be on fire during the 4th quarter, outscoring Westview 21-19. Wawasee played very hard and put together a total team effort, coming out with a victory over a good Westview team.

Maddux Everingham led the team in scoring with 28 points. Roberson had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Myles Everingham had 10 points and seven assists. Ziebarth had 9 points, five rebounds and two assists. Senior forward Peyton Felger had a nice allaround effort with four rebounds and five assists. Freshman guard Nolan Holzwart had five points, three rebounds and three assists.

Roundup

Basketball Boys JV basketball — Feb. 10 lost to Goshen 36-16. Feb. 14 defeated Westview 47-35.

Next game: 6:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at home versus East Noble.

Boys freshman basketball — Feb. 9 defeated Mishawaka 40-26 at home in 1st round of Frosh NLC Tournament. “We won a battle against an aggressive Mishawaka team. I’m very happy with our composure and sportsmanship and proud to be a part of this basketball program,” said coach Andrew Wilson.

Feb.11 defeated Northridge 34-24 in 2nd round of Frosh NLC Tournament. “Great game versus a very tough Northridge team. They made it close at the end, but team defense and some made free throws sealed the game for us. Great win,” said Wilson.

Feb. 11 lost to Concord 4424 in the championship of the Frosh NLC Tournament.

“Very proud of my team for

their growth on and off the court this season. Making the championship game showed the heart and determination in these young men. I am excited to see where they go in the future.

“Thanks to our managers for a great season! We appreciate all the hard work you do and all the snacks were delicious! Thanks to all the parents, guardians, ‘taxi drivers’ and fans! We literally couldn’t do it without you.

“Congrats to Concord on a well-earned championship. I can promise my team won’t forget this loss. Go Warriors,” said Wilson.

Next game: Season completed.

Gymnastics

Feb. 9 at Elkhart High School: Finished in 2nd place with 85.95 points. “Morgan Reel placed 2nd on vault with a 9.0. Olivia Ousley placed 3rd all-around,” said coach Molly Liston.

Next meet: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at home versus Huntington North.

The Warriors fell to Northern Lakes Conference foe Goshen 6045 Friday, Feb. 10, at Goshen.

The Warriors shot the ball efficiently, connecting on 47% of their 2-point jump shots. Goshen outrebounded Wawasee 29-17, scored 17 points off turnovers and outscored the Warriors at the free-throw line 20-5.

Goshen dominated the paint, outscoring Wawasee 20-10 down low. The RedHawk defense clamped down throughout the night, garnering 30 defensive stops. The Warriors had 19 defensive stops.

Both teams basically matched each other in scoring from the field. Goshen’s 15-point winning margin mostly came from the free-throw line. Wawasee had 12 points on four 3-point baskets, while Goshen did not connect on one 3-pointer throughout the night.

Ziebarth led the Warriors in scoring with 12 points. Roberson led the Warriors with five rebounds. Myles Everingham and Felger each had three assists. Ryan Eldridge led Goshen with 19 points and Quinn Bechtel added 18 points.

Next game: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at home versus East Noble.

Don’t Turn A Blind Eye, Take Advantage of these Services Today!

To Place A Classified Ad, Call (574) 457-3666, Syracuse Or (574) 658-4111, Milford

It happened in Milford … 20 years ago

William Evans receives Korean War Service Medal

10 YEARS AGO, FEB. 13, 2013 Milford Police Department has undergone some changes in recent weeks. Shawn Castillo has resigned from the force, leaving the station with only one parttime officer. However, Marshal Rich Miotto has been looking for reserve officers and recommended Refugio Ramirez be added to the force as a reserve deputy. Ramirez has been part of the Mil-

ford Police Department before.

He was sworn in at the Milford Town Council meeting Monday.

On Jan. 26, students from Milford School competed at the Indiana State School Music Association’s district solo and ensemble contests for band and orchestra.

All nine students who competed received a gold in their events.

20 YEARS AGO, FEB. 12, 2003 Students in Cayle Woodard’s

CLASSIFIEDS

Phone Or Fax In Your Ad

Before 11 A.M. Tuesday MILFORD 574-658-4111

FAX 800-886-3796

WARSAW 574-269-2932

FAX 888-371-2934

Please

SYRACUSE 574-457-3666

$925 ONLY

*15 Word Maximum ONE COLUMN BOXED

INDEX

ANNOUNCEMENTS ....................A005-A100

BUSINESS SERVICE...................C010-C430

EMPLOYMENT.............................E010-E080

FARM ...........................................G010-G070

FINANCIAL ..................................H010-H030 INSTRUCTION .............................K010-K020

ANNOUNCEMENTS

industrial technology class at Milford School are making race cars out of wood. The students will then race them once they are completed.

Teresa Klein of Milford placed second in two categories of the 2002 Doll Doctors Association Restoration Contest. She entered two categories: Period Costuming With a Wig and Restoration of a Naked Composition Doll. The contest is nationwide and worldwide. Klein has a doll restoration shop in her home west of Milford.

William L. Evans of Milford recently received his Korean War Service Medal along with a letter of appreciation from the president of South Korea. Evans served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and retired from the Army after 24 years of service.

30 YEARS AGO, FEB. 10, 1993

The Milford School girls’ basketball team won the Camelot Basketball Tournament championship with an exciting 2423 victory over Wakarusa on Monday. The visiting Wakarusa squad had three shots at the basket in the final seconds but couldn’t get the ball to fall. Kari Beer and Elizabeth Cole led the winners with six points apiece. Milford ended the season with an 8-6 record.

Shawn Krull of Milford has been honored for his achievements in FFA (swine). He was recognized for his accomplishments during the recent Livestock Breeders Association’s annual banquet held at Purdue University. Shawn, whose parents are Hubert and Beth Krull, is currently a student at Purdue.

It happened in Syracuse...40 years ago

40 YEARS AGO, FEB. 16, 1983

Rev. and Mrs. Paul Tinkel of Milford will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary at an open house on February 27. Rev. and Mrs. Tinkel were married February 27, 1953, in Oak Hill, W. Va.

Suzanne Schwartz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Schwartz, has been named the February Music Student of the Month by Milford Elementary School’s music teacher Donna Pollen. Suzanne is a fourth grader at Milford who enjoys singing and dancing.

Joe Pointer, former Milford resident, called on Monday to relate the fact it was a day he remembered well with mixed emotions. It was at 6 a.m. on February 14, 1942, that Pointer and 20 other Kosciusko County men entered the armed forces during World War II.

50 YEARS AGO, FEB. 14, 1973

An announcement was made at the Milford Area Development Council’s meeting Monday night that house numbers for each home and mobile home in the town limits are now ready for distribution. The initial work on the project started in the spring of 1971 when the town board approved an ordinance for numbering the streets and MAD agreed to purchase the numbers for each home.

Father and daughter, Rolland and Rosa Hernandez of Milford, celebrated their birthdays jointly last week. Joining them with cake and ice cream were Kim Vanover, Meta and John Blackburn, Mrs. Marion Deeter, all of Milford; and Mrs. James Holderman of New Paris. Mr. Hernandez is a member of the county highway department crew.

Lake Syracuse condo plans hit slight snag

10 YEARS AGO, FEB. 13, 2013

Howard Brembeck’s old suite in the Oakwood Inn is the command center as J.R. Parent, who with his father, Dr. Rex Parent, and brother, Jason Parent, purchased the Oakwood Inn. Work on the rooms on the first and second floor is well underway with repairs to drywall done and old dated fixtures and wallpaper removed. Parent said the focus is to create a cottage like feel in the rooms.

Cruzin’ is always fascinated by the bison at Anderson’s place on DeFreese Road southeast of Dewart Lake. Usually driving by once a week, it’s fun to see what pasture they’re in, how many of them there are, if there are any babies and what they’re doing. This week, the bison or more commonly called, buffalo, were enjoying hay and moved nary a muscle when the car stopped for the photo.

20 YEARS AGO, FEB. 12, 2003

Representing the Wawasee Kiwanis at the annual District Ki-

wanis Convention in Indianapolis Saturday were Tom and Jan Hodgson, Bob and Chris Trame and Randy Wamsley. The event was held in the Sheraton at Keystone with the convention being chaired by Jim Redslob of Lakeland Kiwanis. During the annual convention the local club was awarded first place for a single service project — their efforts in raising $50,000 for the Syracuse Community Center through its memorial brick program. Two individual awards were also received: Dick Pelletier received the distinguished club president for 2001-02, and Wamsley received the distinguished club secretary award.

Spring is surely on its way. Word has been received that Pat’s Chicago Dogs will open for business Wednesday, Feb. 26.

30 YEARS AGO, FEB. 17, 1993

Seated on a warm ice fishing box waiting for a bite, for some reason Gary Price, Boston Street resident, became a curiosity to some of the

young children skating nearby. They soon surrounded him to see how the fish were biting and to watch the process. After sometime of this friendly gathering the fisherman gave up his seat to one of the little girls so that she could warm her hands over the lantern for a while. What a nice guy!

Town workers Pete O’Connell and Butch Robinson were observed last week putting up a new street sign at the northeast corner of Main and Huntington streets. The sign post now carries three signs: the names of Huntington Street and both East and West Main streets.

40 YEARS AGO, FEB. 16 , 1983

Plans for 30 new condominium units along the shores of Lake Syracuse caught an unexpected snag at last night’s Syracuse Town Board meeting. The board voted to table the proposed rezoning of the property, located at the site of the Syracuse Enterprises plant, until the next meeting. The property covers

It happened in North Webster...40 years ago

two acres on the north and south side of Medusa Street. Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Sauer of Fort Wayne have announced that the first scholarship of the Robert E. Sauer, Jr. Memorial Foundation will go to Wawasee Prep school, Syracuse.

50 YEARS AGO, FEB. 14, 1973

At a February meeting of the county Alcoholic Beverage board last week, a beer, wine and liquor retailer’s permit was granted from the Golden Door, Inc. 107 West Main street, Syracuse, (the former Pickwick Lounge location) to Merrill K. Norris, Pickwick Road Syracuse. Dr. and Mrs. Wendel R. Shank of Syracuse returned last Saturday from a two week volunteer eye-care mission in the Dominican Republic. Held in La Vega, a town of 15,000 in the Cibao Valley, over 7,000 persons were seen with 3,500 pairs of glasses dispensed and 300 surgical procedures performed.

Vice brothers purchase The Flower Shop

10 YEARS AGO, FEB. 13, 2013

Even with the warmer weather, members of the Indiana Vintage Snowmobile Association got out to the North Webster Community Center to show off their vehicles.

“It wasn’t as many people as if we’d had the races, but it was a lot,” said Jeff Corn, president of the IVSMA.

Welcome Jessica Hardy, who is the new programming and event coordinator for the North Webster Community Center. Jessica and her husband, Brent Kado, are the talent behind the two movies that have been shot in the last couple of years in town, and she teaches the improv class at NWCC.

20 YEARS AGO, FEB. 12, 2003

There were 24 people present for the Jan. 21 meeting of Barbee Lakes Conservation Club held in the conservation building. Mark Lawson, president, led as a pledge to the American flag was repeated in unison. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Vanessa Shafer. Edna Lawson gave the treasurer’s report.

Star-pattern quilt blocks for the Catherine Peachey Breast Cancer Project quilt were brought to the Jan. 27 meeting of Lakeland Quilt Club held in North WebsterTippecanoe Township Community Building. Those bringing blocks were Beverly Voland, Mary Cummings and Roberta Sowers.

Members of Lakeland Kiwanis Club in North Webster met Feb. 3 with president Neva Hartman

conducting the meeting. Speaker was Michele McCoy, a graduate of Wawasee High School and owner of Simply Scrapbooking in Warsaw.

30 YEARS AGO, FEB. 17, 1993

North Webster-Tippecanoe

Township Library Services Authority recently had five new board members appointed to the eight-member board. The board members were chosen by members of North Town Council and Tippecanoe Township Trustee.

Women from the North Webster United Methodist Church attended the UMW District Spiritual Retreat in Warsaw Feb. 5-6.

40 YEARS AGO, FEB. 16, 1983

Over 40 area merchants and interested township patrons met in a North Webster restaurant last week to officially form a North

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, that the Town of Silver Lake, Indiana, will from this date accept bids for:

Webster Chamber of Commerce. James L. Salisbury was nominated and approved as the new president. Assisting Salisbury will be Charles Lawrance as vice president, Walter Corbin as treasurer, and Nadine Gooding as secretary.

Tim and Tom Vice, both of Warsaw, are the new owners and operators of The Flower Shop, SR 13, North Webster. The Vices purchased the business from Lynn Stalter Monday, Jan. 31. The Vices grew up in the Tippecanoe Lake area.

Refreshments were served by Sue Gerke Feb. 7 following the monthly meeting of North Webster Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary. The meeting was held at the fire station.

50 YEARS AGO, FEB. 14, 1973

of Van Buren Township, Kosciusko County, Indiana, do solemnly affirm under the penalty of perjury that the preceding report contains the information required by Indiana Code 36-6-4-13, and is true and correct that the amounts with which I am charged in this report are all of the amounts received by me, and that the various items of expenditures credited have been fully paid in the amounts stated, that such payments were made without express or implied agreement that any portion thereof shall be retained by or repaid to me or to any other person.A complete abstract that contains the statements required under Indiana Code 36-6-4-13(a)(5) and (a)(6) is available for inspection in the county auditor’s office.

I further affirm that a complete and detailed annual report, together with all accompanying vouchers showing the names of persons having been paid money by the township have been filed as required by law in the office of the County Auditor and that copies of such annual report are in custody of the Township Board and the State Board of Accounts. Said report is subject to inspection by any taxpayer of the township.

Rebecca L. Alles, Van Buren Township Trustee Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) to before me, the Chairman of the Township Board of Van Buren Township at its annual meeting, this 24th day of January, 2023.

Stephen F. Unruh, Van Buren Township Chairman

This report was received, accepted, and approved by the Township Board at its annual meeting, this 24th day of January, 2023. Van Buren Township Board Stephen F. Unruh Robert Beer Shane Bucher hspaxlp

(1) The removal of disposable Solid Waste within Town Limits for residential homes. Sealed bids will be received by the Town of Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer, for the Town of Silver Lake, until 4:00 p.m. prevailing local time on the 8th day of March 2023. All bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud in the Silver Lake Town Hall during the Council Meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The Silver Lake Town Council will take bids under consideration, making sure all requirements within the bid is fulfilled.The Silver Lake Town Council will discuss their individual considerations, motion, and award the accepted bid at the April 12, 2023, Council meeting set to begin at 7:00pm. Bids shall be clearly marked “Removal of Disposable Solid Waste” , mailed to the Town of Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer, PO Box 159, Silver Lake, Indiana 46982, or delivered to the Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer located at 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, Indiana 46982.The Town of Silver Lake does not accept responsibility for the timely arrival of sealed bids. The Silver Lake Town Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to delete any portion thereof or waive informalities in the bidding process. Bid specifications are available at the Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer’s office and bidders are strongly encouraged to obtain bidding particulars prior to bid submission.

Date: February 9, 2023 Tonya Conley, Clerk-Treasurer Town of Silver Lake 260-352-2120 hspaxlp F.15-22

January Kiwanis make-ups included Homer Shoop at Midtown Club, Miami; Kenneth Smith at Englewood, Fla., on the fourth; Dan Watson at Findlay, Ohio, on the third; and Otto Fultz at Winter Haven, Fla., on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th; Ralph Akers at Goshen on the 30th, and Robert Day at Manitowoc, Wis., on the 30th. Kenneth Smith distributed flyers on the ecology. The program was given by Bob Jones of the Syracuse Redevelopment Corp.

The North Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary met at the fire station last week with Mrs. David Burns opening the meeting with the pledge to the flag. National Scouting Week is being observed by troop 26 and Cub Scout Pack 26 of North Webster with plans to attend church in a body Feb. 18. Mrs. Strombeck announced this group has one of the highest new registrations in the district.

Daffodils will be delivered for

The American Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Days March 23. The deadline to order daffodils with site coordinator Carol Huffer is Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society’s oldest and most beloved fundraising programs that provides hope to everyone touched by cancer by offering daffodils to donors in appreciation for their contributions. As the first flower of spring, the daffodil represents hope and renewal to cancer patients and those affected by the disease and a chance to believe there is hope.

The American Cancer Society impact includes:

• Investing $3.1 billion in cancer research since 1991, contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths.

•Advocating for high-quality, affordable health care for everyone, including closing the Medicaid coverage gap, through the American Cancer Society Action Network.

•Education and advocating for healthy lifestyles and environments, including promotion of regular screening, and being a trusted source of screening recommendations for health care professionals.

•Providing multiple support

Ryan’s Place expands Camp Hope to Syracuse

Ryan’s Place is offering a oneday Camp Hope from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Syracuse Elementary School.

Ryan’s Place in Goshen is a nonprofit organization that provides grief support to children, teens and families at no cost.

programs for people with cancer and their caregivers, including a home away from home with the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge communities when they need to travel for treatment and free access to cancer information via its 24/7 helpline.

•Being the only nonprofit supporting people with all types of cancer though advocacy, research and patient support.

• Ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

Daffodil Days is an opportunity for people to join the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Dollars raised through Daffodil Days help improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

For a $10 donation, donors will receive one bunch of freshcut daffodils. For a $25 donation, donors can give a Gift of Hope, a bloomed bunch of daffodils in a vase, delivered to a cancer patient currently in treatment.

Ball State University Singers pay visit to Syracuse

Huffer can be contacted by bchuffer@comcast.net or (574) 858-0051.

CTB Inc. recognizes employee milestones in 4th quarter 2022

CTB Inc. has recognized those who achieved work milestones during the fourth quarter of 2022. The company congratulates the following employees for their recent anniversaries:

45 years of service — Steven

Crim

35 years of service — Joann

Boyer

30 years of service — Elizabeth Cripe, Kevin Brady

25 years of service — Keith Flanery, Paul Duffy

20 years of service — Wayne

Whaley

15 years of service — Lester

Bishop

Five years of service — Chad Sechrist, Penny Stafford, Tauren Thompson, David Ginn, Joshua Hornish

“We are pleased to announce the work anniversaries that

took place during the fourth quarter of 2022,” said Michael J. Kissane, CTB executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

“We have known some of these people for up to 45 years, and their contributions cannot be understated as our company continues on the global mission of Helping to Feed a Hungry World®.”

When a child attends Camp Hope, they have a chance to be with other children and share exKOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA CASH & INVESTMENTS COMBINED STATEMENT - 2022 Local Beginning Cash Ending Cash Fund & Inv. Balances & Inv. Balances Number Local Fund Name January 1, 2022 Receipts Disbursements December 31, 2022 Governmental Activities 0001 Clerk’s Trust SAR $980,266.87 $6,851,271.25 $6,902,960.63 $928,577.49 0002 Clerk’s ISETS Support SAR 14,559.24 752,224.43 755,673.40 11,110.27 0008 Sheriff’ Commissary 214,927.72 917,416.19 942,102.05 190,241.86 0009 Sheriff Crime Stoppers 21,173.15 6.55 21,179.70 0.00 0010 Treasurer Cash Change SAR 500.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0011 Treasurer Unsettled Tax SAR 3,211,822.77 5,984,312.54 3,211,822.77 5,984,312.54 0012 Sheriff Inmate Trust Account SAR 79,588.02 2,470,393.74 2,466,539.38 83,442.38 1000 County General 14,419,391.82 23,978,156.72 21,651,575.77 16,745,972.77 1101 Sheriff Accident Report 5,650.25 9,504.00 10,142.79 5,011.46 1112 County Edit Fund 8,614,819.73 5,369,333.79 4,581,675.02 9,402,478.50 1116 City & Town Court Costs 39,865.19 18,224.09 9,583.35 48,505.93 1119 Clerk Document Storage Fee 295,102.09 55,738.52 4,578.21 346,262.40 1122 Community Correction User Fees 1,178,201.88 308,982.98 306,663.88 1,180,520.98 1123 Community Transition Program 2,000.00 1,750.00 0.00 3,750.00 1127 KCCRVC Comm 826,898.50 907,232.13 599,552.91 1,134,577.72 1131 Assessor Ed/Sales Disclosure 126,402.66 23,825.00 8,417.14 141,810.52 1135 Cum Bridge 1,315,790.29 721,285.36 681,698.78 1,355,376.87 1138 County Cum Capital Developmnt 3,540,948.89 2,374,710.21 1,524,494.71 4,391,164.39 1148 Drug Free Communities-KCODE 75,551.12 76,756.10 68,403.19 83,904.03 1150 Electronic Data 30,467.49 210.00 0.00 30,677.49 1152 Local Emergency Planning 46,522.51 7,886.39 12,007.15 42,401.75 1155 County Extradition 11,011.22 1,295.61 2,694.83 9,612.00 1156 Gun Permits 39,857.53 118,067.02 24,599.49 133,325.06 1158 Gen. Drain Improvement 523,774.56 382,114.21 531,086.12 374,802.65 1159 County Health 1,108,484.14 1,308,132.99 1,032,203.12 1,384,414.01 1160 County ID Security Protection 92,673.66 16,563.00 5,162.95 104,073.71 1168 Health Maintenance Grant 226,377.42 48,859.00 13,810.73 261,425.69 1169 Local Road & Street 979,075.73 1,304,050.51 352,173.04 1,930,953.20 1170 Community Crossing Grant 785,234.70 1,467,292.44 2,252,527.14 0.00 1173 Highway- MVH Restricted 2,218,408.51 3,139,894.76 4,355,909.29 1,002,393.98 1175 County Misdemeanant Fund 0.00 48,121.38 48,121.38 0.00 1176 Highway-MVH 2,970,889.13 3,635,520.27 3,221,911.17 3,384,498.23 1181 Plat Book Fund 71,490.95 42,570.00 51,580.50 62,480.45 1186 Rainy Day Fund 3,681,874.74 0.00 313,951.90 3,367,922.84 1189 Records Record Perpetuation 767,599.32 281,313.24 217,318.32 831,594.24 1191 Riverboat Revenue Sharing 0.00 451,757.02 451,757.02 0.00 1192 Sex & Violent Offender Adm Co 33,429.36 6,066.00 0.00 39,495.36 1193 Clerk Sheriff Pension 6,740.39 73,557.53 80,297.92 0.00 1200 Supplemental PD Services Fund 618,518.90 183,767.43 14,393.30 787,893.03 1201 Surplus Tax 172,296.75 170,145.49 170,255.55 172,186.69 1202 Surveyor Corner Perpetuation 250,345.73 82,815.00 45,621.28 287,539.45 1204 Tax Sale Redemption 35.00 161,909.84 161,909.84 35.00 1205 Tax Sale Surplus 1,762,939.50 972,879.23 1,328,317.02 1,407,501.71 1206 Local Health Dept Trust Acct 44,811.47 34,596.35 67,421.42 11,986.40 1213 CASA 0.00 27,123.37 27,123.37 0.00 1217 County Elected Officials Train 98,577.54 16,663.55 9,064.83 106,176.26 1222 Statewide 9-1-1 625,995.54 753,792.58 929,714.72 450,073.40 1224 Property Reassessment 2015 982,434.42 14,250.05 302,519.47 694,165.00 1228 LOIT Special Distribution 14,737.01 0.00 14,737.01 0.00 1237 Opioid Restricted Fund 0.00 187,050.69 0.00 187,050.69 1238 Opioid Unrestricted Fund 0.00 79,510.56 0.00 79,510.56 2000 Adult Probation User Fees 350,193.24 224,689.64 136,660.25 438,222.63 2050 Juvenile Probation User Fees 45,323.74 1,686.00 1,250.00 45,759.74 2200 Alternative Dispute Resolution 47,256.95 7,115.00 3,000.00 51,371.95 2501 Drug & Alcohol User Fees 14,044.78 200.00 0.00 14,244.78 2502 Jury Fee 4,919.77 7,360.55 0.00 12,280.32 2503 Pre-Trial Diversion Fund 290,329.85 151,573.39 145,298.34 296,604.90 2504 Infraction Deferral 57,829.24 33,660.00 44,618.22 46,871.02 2505 Town & County User Fees 1,276.74 12,987.89 13,583.93 680.70 2506 Problem Solving Court Fee 179,216.21 53,014.00 24,530.89 207,699.32 2545 Offender Transportation Fund 2,312.50 1,062.50 0.00 3,375.00 2600 Drain Reconstruction 46,747.25 330,184.35 376,931.60 0.00 2700 Drainage Maintenance 1,970,369.44 1,420,781.87 1,269,155.10 2,121,996.21 4009 Sheriff Sale Fund 10,340.69 7,400.00 11,034.60 6,706.09 4014 Health Clinic Administrative 94,013.83 59,379.55 61,954.08 91,439.30 4021 Crime Stoppers 0.00 21,173.70 0.00 21,173.70 4108 Emergency Management Donation 8,452.34 7,000.00 3,350.25 12,102.09 4111 D.A.R.E. Donations 779.22 0.00 0.00 779.22 4112 Sheriff Donation Fund 45,123.17 13,900.00 14,690.19 44,332.98 4115 JCAP Donations 52,313.69 16,236.28 53,945.30 14,604.67 4116 Camp HERO Donations 7,299.67 4,458.53 4,280.22 7,477.98 4117 Help Program Donations 0.00 2,000.00 816.50 1,183.50 4118 Kos Co Park & Rec Donation 0.00 7,600.00 0.00 7,600.00 4200 Probation Past Restitution 11,422.02 0.00 0.00 11,422.02 4400 Redevelopment Comm Dreyfus TIF 175,344.90 69,344.71 1,410.00 243,279.61 4425 Redevelopment Com 30 West TIF 244,362.33 60,956.48 1,410.00 303,908.81 4430 Redevelopment Com Leesburg TIF 24,952.87 67,773.42 1,410.00 91,316.29 4440 Redevelopment Com Co-Op TIF 264,098.89 143,539.39 1,410.00 406,228.28 4450 Redevelopment Com VanBuren TIF 117,095.89 112,569.42 1,410.00 228,255.31 4700 Employee Health Insurance Fund 4,341,374.68 5,368,386.76 4,599,306.01 5,110,455.43 4900 Law Enforcement Data Access 59,900.00 39,900.00 80,000.00 19,800.00 4902 Ineligible Deduction Fund Coun 54,400.65 0.00 12,471.09 41,929.56 4904 Promotional Fund 1,964.32 2,752.97 2,232.95 2,484.34 4921 Dreyfus TIF Bond Repayment 216,426.53 481,010.12 451,426.53 246,010.12 4925 Redevelop Comm Trupointe TIF 156,994.99 97,343.40 110,024.34 144,314.05 4928 MVH Wheel Tax/SurTax 404,422.21 2,441,178.48 2,401,696.23 443,904.46 4929 Co Sheriff Cont Education 1,324.13 3,642.19 3,899.00 1,067.32

Wawasee High School’s auditorium was jumping, jiving and wailing last Friday evening as Chautauqua-Wawasee welcomed the Ball State University Singers to Syracuse. The show choir featured around two dozen talented performers on stage for a 90-minute performance filled with rousing show tunes, soulful ballads and popular numbers straight from recent Top 40 charts.

The show also provided a homecoming of sorts for 2022 WHS graduate Devin Van Lue, one of several freshman members of the troupe, which also includes singers and band members hailing from Warsaw, New Paris, Goshen and Columbia City.

solo

singing number on the same stage which he graced in various performing arts roles during his

Reiff named February Veteran Of The Month

Samuel Ralph Reiff is the February Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month. Reiff, Irsh Lake, was recognized at the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14. Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell presented Reiff with a certificate and read biographical information on him, including the following.

Reiff, the son of Ralph and Lilly Reiff, was born on March 1, 1928, in Pierceton. He worked on his family’s farm with his four siblings and went to Pierceton School.

Church

After school, he farmed and worked at Arnolt Corp. On Oct. 9, 1950, Reiff was drafted into the U.S. Army. His basic training was at Fort Benning, Ga. Reiff then went to Frankfurt, Germany and was assigned to a medical company in the 8th Infantry Division known as the Pathfinders. He worked as a combat medic and a driver for the commander of his medical company.

Reiff, who became a corporal, served almost two years before being honorably discharged on Sept. 12, 1952. He returned to Warsaw and the Barbee Lake area, farming again and working at DeGood Trac-

Around The Lakes

tor Sales, Warsaw. He married Geraldine Karst, and they raised four children and spent 69 years together before she passed away. They have seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He said a few words Tuesday after he received his certificate.

“It was something I really didn’t care about doing, but I’m glad I did,” he said, referring to his military service. “It made a man out of me.”

He also referenced the “pretty nice job” he had transporting the commander around and recalled the ticker tape parade that was held when he shipped out.

The church in 2023

Editor’s note: The Mail-Journal emailed a questionnaire to the leadership of local churches and Christian ministries requesting responses to the following questions:

• What do you think will be the most important issue for believers in 2023?

• What goals do you or your church or organization have for 2023?

• How is your church or ministry preparing to serve the Kingdom and community in 2023?

• What advice would you give to the readers on how to handle the challenges of 2023?

The Mail-Journal church page will publish the responses in a series of articles as they are received. This is the fifth article of the series.

Christian Church of Milford

Steve Wilson is the lead pastor of Christian Church of Milford, 201 Henry St.

The church holds Sunday worship services at 10 a.m. and hosts several ministries, including adult Bible study at 9 a.m. Sunday, a nursery for infants and toddlers, children’s church, youth group and a Shine Kid’s Club that meets at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays for Bible study, snacks and game for older elementary students. For more information, call (574) 658-9151, email ccmilford@ mediacombb.net or visit christianchurchofmilford.com.

Pastor Wilson provided the answers to the questionnaire.

What do you think will be the most important issue for believers in 2023?

There are always so many issues that clamor for our attention, and in a culture that used to be so accommodating to people of faith the confusing cacophony of

lost focus and lost hope is especially loud. We see the decline of faith and culture all around us and we pray for revival. We search for the issues that might turn the hearts of the children back to the faith of their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to understanding the pain of their children.

However, I think the issue year after year is the same, “Who is God to me?” and the second most important issue is similar to it, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus was asked a similar question regarding the most important commandment and he said it was to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength and secondly to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We have wandered so far from our foundations, we need to rediscover that the Lord our God is One (and He ain’t me), and then realize that my neighbor might be from a group I have always

believed I should avoid and love him anyway.

What goals do you or your church or organization have for 2023?

The Christian Church of Milford has been rediscovering the simple truth that Jesus is the rock upon which He builds His church. Growing the church isn’t about separating people by their assets or heritage, but about uniting people in biblical love and making disciples of all nations.

In 2023 we plan to continue cultivating relationships that encourage everyone to take one more step toward Jesus through participation in small groups, ministry teams and worship.

How is your church or ministry preparing to serve the Kingdom and community in 2023?

CCM partners with the other congregations of Milford and the Syracuse Wawasee Ministerial Association in support of the Milford Food Bank, the food pantry, and Compass Ministries. We also sponsor the Milford Fest Prayer Tent, which is a cross-congregational gathering place for prayer and promoting summer activities for families. This summer we will begin offering a variety of sports clinics for area youth on Saturday mornings.

What advice would you give to the readers on how to handle the challenges of 2023?

My advice would be to spend more time getting to know God through reading the Bible, prayer and intentionally building relationships with real people.

Because we are all so busy, spending more time with God and real people might mean spending less time with social media and stressing over people you don’t know doing stupid things in Washington or Hollywood. I think that would be a really smart trade-off for making 2023 a better year.

FFORMER SYRACUSE Police Chief Tom Perzanowski and his son, Ryan, recently did “daddy duties” for Lt. Col. Ryan Mayfield, who is currently deployed with the U.S. Army.  Mayfield is the husband of Mandy (Perzanowski) Mayfield, a former Wawasee tennis standout and former captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Grandpa Tom filled in with grandson Miles at the annual Doughnuts with Dad while Uncle Ryan filled in with nieces Stella and Ruby at the annual daddy-daughter dance. The Mayfields currently live in Georgia and the Perzanowskis reside in Florida. It was reported that all had a memorable time.

THE NORTH Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce annual banquet will be at 5 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the North Webster Community Center’s Culver Family Wellness Center. People may vote for the Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year and Person of the Year to be recognized at the banquet by visiting northwebster.com.

WAWASEE COMMUNITY Summer League has decided to partner with Lakeland Youth Center again to make registering easier for you. Parents may register online with their Lakeland Youth Center account to play T-ball, machine pitch, softball and baseball.

Registration deadline for ages 7-14 (minors, majors, softball and 14U) is Monday, March 20. Registration deadline for ages 4-7 (T-ball and machine pitch) is Monday, April 17. All questions should be emailed to wawaseesummerleague@gmail.com. For further information, visit wawaseesummerleague.org. —o—

THE MILFORD Scouts — Pack 3747 and Troop 747 — are sponsoring their first-ever chili and soup cook-off from 5:307:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, inside the Milford Community Building. Everyone is invited to participate by entering their favorite chili or soup.

All who attend can sample any and all soup entries and vote for their favorite in each category, as well as the best overall soup. Freewill donations will be accepted. Additionally, there will be a silent auction in which attendees can place their bids.

Gift cards will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners. All proceeds go to the Milford Scouts for uniforms, events, resident camps, Scout fees and all the awesome things they do in scouting. Call Roxanne Gonzales at (574) 518-1830 or Santiago Gonzales at (574) 5180988 for further information. If you’d like to enter a soup or chili, email your entry to s.gonzales2552@gmail.com or turn it into Patricia Gall at Milford Town Hall.

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THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for large and small business of the year, volunteer of the year, new business of the year, organization of the year, teacher of the year and ambassador of the year. Nominations must be completed by Wednesday, March 1, and the Chamber’s annual dinner will be held Thursday, March 23. Visit the Chamber’s website is swchamber.com.

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WOMEN ON Wheels is seeking area ladies for a bicycling club. If you or anyone you know would enjoy riding together and hanging out with new and old friends, this might be for you. It’s a great way to get in shape and have fun at the same time. If you’d like more information, contact Shelley Binney at (574) 526-2079.

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EVEN THOUGH the calendar will only read Feb. 22, it actually will be the last Wednes-

day of the month. As such, Milford First Brethren Church will be hosting its monthly free community dinner, which will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. at the church, 110 W. Catherine St., Milford. There is no cost for the meal, so grab your family, friends and neighbors for a meal and fellowship.

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WANT TO get in shape this year?

North Webster Community Center hosts open gym from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. NWCC also hosts a coed adult volleyball league and a men’s adult basketball program.

Also, a cardio-infused drumming class, using stability balls and real drumsticks, is also held at NWCC. The class offers a core focus and a total body experience. No experience or rhythm is required. This is a cardio workout for all fitness levels. Come and burn calories, release stress and tension, and most importantly have fun. Class times are at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The cost is $5 per individual class or $40 per punch card. Class location is Culver Family Wellness Center North Wing.

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THE TOWN of Syracuse recently received a nice shout-out on onlyinyourstate. com. Writer Tori James did a nice piece highlighting “The Unassuming Town of Syracuse, Indiana, is one of America’s Best Hidden Gems for a Weekend Getaway.”

In the piece, James provided a bit of town history, highlighted the natural beauty of both Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake, the trail system and opportunities to boat and fish. James also highlighted some local favorite places to eat, such as Chubbie’s Pub & Grub, The Channel Marker Restaurant and Back Porch Restaurant. Other local spots mentioned in the article include the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, The Blue Barn Berry Farm, Oakwood Resort and the Dixie Haven Resort. —o—

CHECK OUT these new Tshirts designed to show your pride in North Webster! The official North Webster Community Center swag is available for pre-order on its website or in the office. A portion of every order comes back to NWCC. Visit nwcommunitycenter.org/shop-1 to order one. Sweatshirts are also available for purchase.

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NORTH WEBSTER American Legion Post 253 Junior Sharp Shooters Team invites children interested in going through a book work course on firearm safety and shooting to join. It is a four- to six-week commitment.

The course is for boys and girls ages 10-18. The team practices at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the North Webster American Legion, 729 S. SR 13, and is currently seeking new members. Class starts Wednesday, Feb. 22. Those interested can contact Jon Custer at (574) 527-1579.

The Legion will host a St. Patrick’s Day bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 17. Concessions start at 6 p.m. Prizes are a 50/50 cash split. Concessions will be hot dogs, sloppy Joes and desserts. For more information, call (574) 834-4297. —o—

REGISTRATION IS still open for Harvest Coffee’s free “Coffee Cupping” event. Join Turning Point Coffee Company for this coffee tasting at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Harvest Coffee, 207 N. Higbee St., Milford.

This is a wonderful opportunity to try new offerings, learn about the cupping process and expand your palate. They will kick off the event with a coffee presentation before diving right into tasting several coffees. Stick around for a Q&A session on all things coffee. Registration is free but space is limited. RSVP by emailing milfordharvestcoffee@gmail.com.