The Mail-Journal - March 15, 2023

Students Raise Money For Cancer

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North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber holds annual banquet

Local businesses were well represented at the North WebsterTippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, held Monday, March 13, in the Culver Wellness Center Room at the North Webster Community Center.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance to celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2022 and enjoy a preview of what was planned for 2023.

During the meeting, Lori Mark was named the chamber’s “Person of the Year.” Among her responsibilities, Mark sits on the Shoop Foundation board, North Webster Community Center board and is president of the Tippecanoe Township food pantry. “She’s involved with the community in many ways, so I’m sure there is not one person in this room who hasn’t been touched by her,” said Chamber Executive Director Emily Shipley.

“Year after year, Lori gives to the community yet deflects any recognition, regardless whether it’s at the

food pantry or community center,”

Shipley read from one of the forms nominating Mark for the award.

“Lori pours her heart into everything she does and the rest of us.”

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on numerous silent auction items donated from local businesses and individuals. The dinner theme for the event was “A Taste of Webster,” and included a variety of appetizers, food and dessert provided by The Owl’s Nest, Roll-N-Smoke BBQ, Chubbies Catering and The River.

Following the buffet style meal, Shipley led the Chamber’s 2023 annual business meeting, which provided an overview of accomplishments. Some of the numerous highlights Shipley noted included putting together a community guide that reached 7,000 members, gaining 10 new members to raise the total to 127 and implementing a new storefront decorating contest to add festivity to the town for the holidays.

“Not bad for a group for volunteers,” she concluded. “I am happy to say that we are well on our way to making 2023 another successful year.”

Other awards presented during the event went to Chamber Board Director Paula Miller, who was named volunteer of the year; The River, small business of the year;

and North Webster Ace Hardware, large business of the year. Additionally, Jaclynn Worrell was named as the 2022 chamber scholarship recipient.

Whalen, Farrington valedictorian,

salutatorian at Wawasee High School

Nadia Whalen and Kiah Farrington have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for Wawasee High School Class of 2023.

Graduation will be held Sunday, June 4.

Clerk-treasurer candidates detail how they would do the job

For the primary race for the Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, The Mail-Journal is asking incumbent Virginia Cazier and challenger Larry Siegel a question a week through the April 26 edition to give readers an idea how each envisions the office.

The first question candidates were asked was, “What are your qualifications to serve as clerk-treasurer? Consider this question a request to submit your resume.”

Virginia Cazier

I currently hold the position of clerk-treasurer and fiscal officer for the Town of Syracuse. Over the past few years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge and experience providing administrative support within municipal governments. During this time, I’ve stayed current with the requirements of the Indiana Clerk & Treasurer, according to Indiana Code 365-6-2.

My background consists of over 23 years of dedicated experience working for the Town of Syracuse Public Works Department. All my years of experience have greatly assisted me in the transition of becoming clerk-treasurer and helping assist the residents of our town.

Construction to soon close North Main Street, Milford

Construction on the CR 1300N extension and overpass north of Milford will cause several road closures through June 1, 2024.

Currently North Main Street, between 902 N. Main St. and 13169 N. Main St. on the north edge of Milford was slated to close Tuesday, March 14, weather permitting. Main Street will remain closed through Saturday, June 1, 2024.

A portion of CR 1300N and Old SR 15 will close in the future.

The detour route to CR 1300N is Syracuse Street/CR 1250N to CR 100E. Those wishing to access the northern portion of North Main Street or Old SR 15, East South Street or West North Street, are being detoured on SR 15 to West CR 1350N.

Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory welcomes Wyrick to board

North Webster resident Michael Wyrick was sworn in as the at-large member of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board during its Tuesday, March 14, meeting.

Following his acceptance to the five-member council, Fire Chief Jeremy Likens provided an update on repairs to Medic 78, one of the fire territory’s ambulances damaged during a service call earlier this year. Repairs to the

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Whalen is the daughter of Dave and Roxanne Whalen, Milford. She plans to attend Purdue University, majoring in environmental engineering. She has been active in band, soccer, tennis, Key Club, stu-

dent council, Academic Super Bowl, National Honor Society, book club and environmental club.

Farrington is the daughter of Darrell and Janet Farrington, Pierceton. She plans to attend Purdue Northwest to play Division 2 tennis and major in computer science.

She has been active in student council, DECA, National Honor Society, tennis, swimming and Key Club.

Milford Council approves plan for HELP grant

Milford moved one step closer to obtaining its share of $1 million distributed countywide as part of the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program after approving its strategic implementation plan Monday, March 13.

The town plans to use approximately $212,000 for the replacement of meters and hiring a consulting firm for improvements to the downtown area.

The meeting opened with a hearing on a disannexation request filed by Douglas and Helen Strycker. According to their attorney, Steven Snyder, a 50-foot setback was once part of the Zimmerman property, located on the northeast side of Milford. The setback was transferred to the Stryckers, but when annexation of the Zimmerman property occurred, the 50 feet was included.

“Disannexation is rare and can

Cattlemen Celebrate 50 Years

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only be used when the property forms a boundary of the community and this does,” said Snyder. The council voted to approve the disannexation.

The council also passed a resolution approving the creation of a tax increment financing district in the former Zimmerman property. The housing TIF district was created in conjunction with the Milford Redevelopment Commission and Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation to encourage affordable workforce housing development.

During public input, Milford resident Jessica Miller requested a change in the town’s ordinance preventing farm animals within town limits. Miller said she hoped to keep chickens, noting the “price of eggs right now.” She pointed out Indianapolis allows chickens within city limits and added, “Sustainability is big, especially with the

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My duties include overseeing the following: receipt and recording of water and sewer billing, accounts payable and receivable, management of town funds and providing monthly reports to the town council.

I attend regular and special town council meetings, prepare council member packets, and maintain records of meeting minutes, ordinances and resolutions. I also keep records of current and pending town projects as well as track grants and expenditures.

I am responsible for balancing the bank statement monthly. I’m also responsible for the budgets and year-end financial information with the State Board of Accounts and the Department of Local Government Finance to ensure all accounts are balanced. This year we were one of the first towns in Indiana to close and balance our 2022 year-end books.

Along with being clerk-treasurer and fiscal officer, I’m also the human resource officer for our town. My responsibilities include new employee E-verification with the Department of Homeland Security; management of employee payroll, health, dental and vision insurance; health saving accounts; workers’ compensation; retirement plans; and pensions.

I’m also responsible for processing payroll for our town’s elected officials. I complete the quarterly federal taxes, monthly state utility taxes, and state and county withholding taxes. I also do a variety of state, federal and county reports, W-2’s for town employees and 1099 for our vendors. I maintain the town’s insurance and file all claims, publish all legal notices and preserve all contracts, bonds, tax increment financing districts, tax abatements and other necessary documents.

It has been a pleasure serving the Town of Syracuse for over the past 25 years. I am confident with my proven knowledge and experience of municipal government operations, I will continue to make a strong contribution as your clerk-treasurer

Larry Siegel I have had the opportunity to serve the people of Syracuse on the town council for more than 20 years.

I appreciate the support and confidence from all the people of Syracuse who recently reelected me to the town council. This election has made me aware of a yet greater need to serve.

In addition to more than 20 years reviewing and approving town budgets, I am a career entrepreneur. I have 40 years of business experience computerizing and training personnel on their company accounting systems, including payroll systems, as well as building and managing the employees of my own enterprises. I have volunteered countless thousands of hours on town projects, including serving as president of the redevelopment commission, developing our technology park, redeveloping Oakwood and creating a pathway for Polywood’s expansion, as well as many other projects. All have created hundreds of new jobs and capital improvements with over an estimated $100 million dollars in increased assessed valuation. I know how the town works. I have co-authored or reviewed every ordinance and resolution adopted by the Town of Syracuse through my 20-plus-year tenure, resulting in me being intimately familiar with their meaning and intent and practice.

The clerk-treasurer is responsible to follow the direction of town council, laws of the state of Indiana, and federal laws including the IRS. The clerk-treasurer is bound by these laws and is not allowed to change or ignore their meanings to support their personal narrative. This obligation appears to be deeply misunderstood or corrupted by Virginia Cazier, the current clerk-treasurer. I have the qualifications and resources to correct this.

Editor’s Note: The MailJournal contacted Janet Alexander, Local Government Services, regarding these allegations. Alexander stated the Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer’s Office is “operating very well.” She stated she and colleague Suzy Bass “both have had many positive and constructive conversations with Virginia Cazier and we believe she is a hardworking, honest and dedicated public official.”

It is my goal to put the Clerk-Treasurer’s office back together and develop an organization that is legal, sustainable and stable through changing clerk-treasurers into the future.

When I see the need, and have the ability, I feel a need to serve.

Dike repair bids have wide range

While a special meeting of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District was called for Tuesday, March 14, two unofficial meetings were held prior to the official meeting.

The meeting was called for the sole purpose to open bids on the renovation and repair of the Lake Wawasee Dike. No other business was transacted.

However, a Facebook post on a Lake Wawasee related page encouraged lake residents to attend the meeting to voice concerns over the high water level at the lake.

Conservancy District President

Bill Pipp was made aware of the post and posted a response indicating the sole purpose of the meeting. However, four individuals attended the meeting to discuss the lake levels.

During the public meeting only two bids were received for the project. The bids, which were over $400,000 apart, were taken under advisement. The awarding of the bid will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 21.

Chris Jeeter, Lawson-Fisher Associates, engineers for the project, opened bids from Jutte Excavating, Fort Recovery, Ohio, and Milestone Contractors North Inc., South Bend.

Jutte, who did the repair work at the water control device, submitted a bid of $636,890. Milestone, who cleared the land around the dike, submitted a bid of $1,098,165.50. The engineer’s estimate is $944,000.

It was thought one other contractor would be submitting a bid, but it was not received.

Jeeter will review the bids before making a recommendation. This includes the stipulation for the ability to complete the project by June. He stated he was not surprised in the low bid response.

“In a perfect world, this would have gone to bid in late fall, before contractors had a full plate of work. With this project it was not possible due to the permitting involved,” said Jeeter.

High Water Addressed

Prior to the start of the meeting, Pipp addressed the concerns of Bob Dumford, Jim Boone and an unidentified man concerned about the high water. Concern was also expressed prior to closing the special meeting by Scott Mueller, representing the Marineland Gardens Association. Discussion with Mueller took place following adjournment of the special meeting. Pipp stated by court mandate the lake level is to remain at 858.96. It is currently at 858.94. He noted there are three buoys on the lake reading lake levels: at Leeland Channel, Turkey Creek and Dillon Creek. “There are three or four more on line to show where the water (level) is everyday,” said Pipp. He used the expression of not being able to put 10 pounds of flour in a 5-pound bag, which is the case with all the water coming into Lake Wawasee. He stated the readings are showing what is expected, the south end of the lake is the highest. It was said all that water has to funnel through smaller areas — Main Channel, railroad bridge, Front Street bridge and the water control device.

Delinquent fees topic at regional sewer district

Tippecanoe Chapman Regional Sewer District Board members

Incorrect calibration of the equipment was questioned, in which Pipp stated the equipment is calibrated regularly.

He stated that in 1942 when the lake level was set by the courts, no one had information about the lake levels and its fluctuation, nor did they think about Lake Wawasee. He indicated work is in the process of petitioning officials to allow two lake levels — one for the winter and one for the summer.

Additionally, it was stressed communication between associations and organizations is important. It was learned officials controlling the Papakeechie Dam had opened its flood gates without letting anyone know, particularly Chad Jonssen, who oversees the gates at the water control device at Syracuse. This is done yearly to bring Papakeechie Lake’s level down for better weed control outcomes.

Pipp also stated gates at the water control device are open the full 27 inches and have been for the last 2 1/2 weeks.

“In the long range, we will have historical data that gives Chad information so he will start knowing when to open the gates,” said Pipp. Currently lake level data is received by Jonssen via cell phone. That future data will also provide information how fast water leaves the lake once it comes from Papakeechie and other tributaries.

County BZA continues North Webster case, approves rest of monthly petitions

North Webster resident Michael Lauber had his petition for a variance to permit a 6-foot-by-10-foot shed to remain continued by the Kosciukso County Board of Zoning during its regular meeting Tuesday morning, March 14.

The shed in question is at zero feet from the north property line and 15 feet from the road right of way.

Matt Sandy, area plan commissioner, told the BZA the matter came to them as a complaint. Lauber told the board he thought he was on his property, had a survey done and realized the shed was encroaching onto his neighbor’s property and moved it to the property line.

The neighbor remonstrated, providing a survey done in 1989, which shows the shed is still encroaching onto his property. He asked for the shed to be moved off his property along with any other encroachments such as a fence between his property and Lauber’s.

Sandy provided the board with a letter of support from the Town of North Webster and a letter of remonstrance from the North Webster Community Center, which complained of Lauber using its parking lot for overflow parking.

When asked about the earlier survey, Lauber questioned whether the survey company was still in business. Sandy said it was. He then suggested the survey was falsified.

Lee Harman, BZA president, made a motion to have another survey done and the matter continued until the April 11 BZA meeting. The motion carried.

The board approved a request from Josh Woodcock to allow a home occupation business in a residential district and to have a 4-foot-by-8foot sign for his business in Wayne Township.

Local attorney Steve Snyder, representing Woodcock, explained his client has a mobile welding business where he goes out to job sites to do his work. Responding to one complaint regarding a semi making a delivery, Snyder told the board Woodcock would eliminate that issue by going to the vendor’s warehouse himself to pick up his orders.

Neighbors on both sides of Woodcock’s property provided letters of support and Snyder said his client was working on improving the property.

The board approved a request from Joseph Moody to allow an air conditioning unit to be 2 feet from the side property line with the stipulation clear access be maintained on the other side of the house.

Kurt Hursey of Hursey’s Inc., the construction firm building the house, told the board Moody designed his dream home and did not account for the air conditioning in his plans until the house was framed and the mechanicals were being installed. Moody spoke to the neighbor who has no issues with the air conditioning unit being that close to his property.

Terry Martin came before the board seeking an exception for a home occupation business. Martin lives in Plain Township and operates a business buying and selling firearms. He needed the exception as a requirement to receive a federal firearms license to ship firearms to customers.

Martin explained his business is focused on collectible and antique style firearms, not modern firearms.

The board approved the exception.

Tange Thompson, Plain Township, received approval for a variance to repair her home 3.5 feet from the west property line and to add a second floor. Thompson explained a large tree fell and destroyed her sunroom. The board approved the following

Tippecanoe

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damages are estimated at $6,389, which will be submitted to the insurance company.

While the unit is out of service, Turkey Creek Fire Territory has agreed to loan its third unit to TTFT to use as its second vehicle, which it has done in the past.

In new business, Likens reported the department responded to 49 EMS calls, 13 fire calls and three calls into Noble County per agreement during the month of February. He also noted the department will continue its work on relocating the town’s storm sirens and is researching the best places to place the devices.

Likens also requested and received approval to spend $3,500 for a “pump class” to instruct fire-

Monday, March 14, discussed delinquent fees for individuals who have not paid the interim rate or are late on a payment.

A delinquent report provided by Gemini billing was of particular concern to the board. Customers were allowed to forgo delinquent fees for three months of the project beginning in December, and this was supposed to be the first month charges were imposed.

The list of delinquent customers is 22 pages long, with approximately $75,000 in unpaid balances. About 20% of the customers on the list have not paid anything, while others are late in payments.

Gemini billing recommended sending out a second letter to the billing address of the individuals who have not paid, as they sent the initial notification letter to the property address, to give customers another chance to make their payments.

The board authorized the distribution of a second letter and stated the letter must indicate that delinquent fees will go into effect in May.

The board decided to include two vacant lots in the project, despite not having heard from the property owners, since they signed the easements early in the process.

Steven Henschen, senior engineer with Jones Petrie Rafinski, explained the properties, located at EMS T13B and Chapman Lake Drive, had already signed the necessary easements to be included in the project.

The engineering committee felt it would be appropriate to include them without any added cost to the property owners and the board agreed to prepare change orders to incorporate the properties into the project.

Board members also approved the recommendation to include two property owners across the street from the district boundary. The engineering committee’s recommendation was based on an official notification letter issued to both property owners at the beginning of the project.

The inclusion of the properties will require a petition to be presented to the county commissioners for approval.

Board members discussed the issue of property owners who have not signed easements for the installation of shared grinder stations. According to the board, while they have the authority to force connections and install the stations, they prefer to give property owners notice and an opportunity to ask questions.

They proposed sending a letter to properties with signed easements, informing them that their neigh-

bors have not signed and offering to install the type 2 grinder station fully on their property. If the neighbor does sign an easement, a lateral will be installed to connect to the grinder station.

The board emphasized that any additional costs incurred would be the responsibility of the property owner who had not signed the easement.

In other business, the board approved:

The election of Jeff Thornburgh as board president, following the departure of Jon Tyler.

“I think it goes without saying John Tyler did a great job of giving us three years of volunteer time and his leadership to get to this point in the project. And we hate to see him go, but I would like to thank John publicly for his views,” said Thornburgh.

A request from Henschen to consider five new individuals to be inspectors on the project.

Three disbursements totaling $7,241.13, which brought the total balance for the district’s books to $425,759.56. They also discussed and approved disbursements for the month of March, which included payments of $96,579.

A request from Jennifer Ransbottom of JPR to explore the possibility of getting iPads and moving entirely to an online portal where they will be more efficient and save paper.

Milford residential TIF district moves forward

Members of the Milford Redevelopment Commission gathered for their regular monthly session Monday morning, March 13. Present was one of the commission’s two new members, John Beer, who replaced Charlotte Siegfried, who resigned at the end of 2022. The other new member, Steven Baut, the appointee to the commission from the Wawasee school board, was not in attendance.

Alan Tio, chief executive officer of

the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, provided an update on the residential TIF district the commission is seeking to create for the planned housing development in northeast Milford.

He reported on his ongoing conversations with Miller Brothers Builders, the Goshen company tasked with construction of the new homes. Tio also updated the commission on proposed new legislation at the Indiana Statehouse regarding the creation of TIF districts.

Milford Clerk-Treasurer and

commission member Tricia Gall said the requisite TIF district approval meetings are progressing as planned. Commission representatives received approval from the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission March 1.

Appearances were planned with the Milford Town Council Monday and the Wawasee Community School Corporation board Tuesday. These meetings will precede the required public hearing, which must take place before the commission’s next meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, April 10.

Syracuse Parks approves fundraiser for New Hope Pet Rescue

to have the pavilion built. He hopes for construction to start in July.

cases:

• Beth Ann Prater for variance to allow a 12-foot-by-40-foot addition to her home 35 feet from the right of way from the road where 50 feet is required in Washington Township.

•Joel Scharpendberg for a variance allowing a residence addition to remain as constructed 6 feet from the north property line in Van Buren Township.

• David Brosky for a variance to allow an open carport 19 feet from the right of way from the road and 1 foot from the side property line in Tippecanoe Township.

• Darlene Guthrie for a variance to allow an accessory building to remain 8 feet from the property line in Prairie Township.

• Lavern Bontrager for an exception to allow a home-based business with five unrelated employees.

The board also approved continuing to the April 11 meeting the case of Edd Allen, who is seeking an exception to allow manufactured home sales in a commercial district in Tippecanoe Township. The board asked Allen to provide a traffic study at the February meeting and he is still working to get it done.

fighters to properly use the pump apparatuses on the department’s fire trucks. The cost will possibly be split with Turkey Creek Fire Territory if members of that department elect to participate in the training. Likens also received approval of approximately $8,000 to fund various training exercises for members of the department.

Township Trustee Chris Francis informed the board he is exploring ordering new badges for department members. He is negotiating with a company to produce the badges, which currently are priced at $75 each. Once he settles on the exact number of badges needed, he is hoping to negotiate the price down to $60 for each piece. He will inform the board of his progress at its next meeting on April 18.

The Syracuse Park Board approved New Hope Pet Rescue renting the gym at the Syracuse Community Center for a fundraiser that will feature The Strays, snacks and a cash bar with a licensed bartender. The event will be held from 5:3011 p.m. Saturday, March 25, with tickets sold at the door. Proceeds will benefit New Hope Rescue.

Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson updated the board on the Schrock Field. Most of the bleachers have been installed, dugout benches have been installed and scoreboards have been recomputerized. “We’ve got a whole lot of little things to do,” Jonsson said.

Jonsson and Darin Lursen, program coordinator, will be meeting to discuss the new Harold Schrock Athletic Complex opening day festivities on April 29.

The Kosciusko County Convention Recreation and Visitors Commission has awarded a $40,000 grant for the Ward Park Pavilion. Jonsson said the grant, along with other grants, donations from individuals and funds in the park improvement budget should be enough

Jonsson showed the board signage for Ward Park and Schrock Fields. The signage will be located at the entrance and by Ward Park pavilion. Board member Kip Schumm asked about dog bag dispensers. Jonsson said there will be two dispensers in Schrock Field.

The tree board recently received an award notification from Tree City USA for 2022. This is the 22nd time the Town of Syracuse earned the award. The town also received a Growth Award from the Arbor Day for the 17th time.

The town will celebrate Arbor Day on April 28. Jonsson said the event will be held 1-2:30 p.m. at a location to be announced. The park department will be working with third graders from Syracuse Elementary School.

The parks department will also be planting street trees in Kerns Crossing after receiving requests from residents.

Jonsson reported the director of Syracuse-Wawasee Trails has resigned effective Feb. 28. The park board is handling some of the dayto-day activities of the SyracuseWawasee Trails.

Milford Council

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younger generation.”

Council President Doug Ruch reiterated a statement made at previous meetings, “If you want farm animals, live in the country. If you don’t, live in town,” and explained Milford’s history of roosters, ducks and horses creating complaints.

Councilman Ken Long asked what Miller planned to do with the waste, pointing out the ammonia level was too high for use in a garden. “If numerous people want to do it, that’s a lot more waste to deal with,” he said.

When Miller suggested a petition may be circulated, Ruch remained firm. “We’ve already crossed this bridge. No farm animals in the town of Milford.”

Miller also suggested Milford’s text alert system could be used to notify residents about town council meetings. Crystal Welsh of engineering firm

Abonmarche was also on hand to apprise the council of Milford Chapel’s plans to connect to the town’s sewer. The council voted to approve the connection as long as the town’s requirements were met. Ruch said the tap fee was greater for the outof-town address, 321 Beer Road. Wastewater Superintendent Mark Brubaker said grease traps would also be needed for the church’s kitchen.

Street, Water and Park Superintendent Steven Marquart requested letters be sent to seven homes not in compliance with Milford’s trash ordinance. Clerk Treasurer Tricia Gall agreed to send the letters, setting a deadline of April 24, which is the Monday after the annual spring cleanup, now set for April 20-22. Fines for noncompliance can reach up to $500 per day.

The council approved Marquart’s request for $2,200 for G&G to clean Milford’s catch basins. Approval was

Board member David Johnston asked about the parks department taking over the trail system. Jonsson said he would like to see the county park system taking over the trail system.

Park Board President Paul Newcomer asked, if the trail went under the county parks system, how it would affect the park foundation. Jonsson said it would not affect the park foundation, which handles various other entities.

Lursen reported the Indoor Garage Sale went well despite the snowstorm the day before. Basketball just finished for the season.

Upcoming events include a fishing auction Saturday, March 18, and the Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 1, with a rain date of Saturday, April 8. Children ages 0-3 will have their egg hunt at 10 a.m., children ages 4-6 will have their egg hunt at 10:30 a.m. and children ages 7-10 will have their egg hunt at 11 a.m.

The parks department is also partnering with the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce for scavenger hunts for golden eggs.

Printing parties are starting up again. Registration has already started to trickle in.

also given for Dixon Engineering to paint and dry-inspect the water tower for $5,400. Town Marshal Derek Kreider received approval for the purchase of a side-by-side four-wheeler using grant funding.

During Gall’s clerk reports, the council voted to purchase two computers for $1,090 each from MicroByte. Approval was also given for Pay Professionals to process payroll for $61, plus $2.35 per check and another $2 per check for third parties. Milford’s contract with Boyce Systems/Keystone Consulting Services for financial software support will be renewed for $8,765.

The council approved street closures and portable restrooms for upcoming Food Truck Fridays to run the third Friday of each month from June to October. “We have a lot lined up for this year,” said Gall. The clerk/treasurer’s office will be closed for Good Friday, April 7.

Rebecca Irene Doll Owner Of Doll’s Decorating

Rebecca “Becky” Irene Doll, a well-known and well-loved resident of Milford, went to be with the Lord at 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023. She was at home surrounded by those she loved.

Becky was born Dec. 8, 1935, the daughter of Theo and Naoma (Speheger) Beer in Milford. On March 27, 1954, she married Arnold “Pete” Doll and together they shared nearly 69 years of marriage.

Becky loved people and would help anyone in need. She was a very hard worker, painting and hanging wallpaper for 16 years before opening her own business, Doll’s Decorating in 1974. She was also very involved in the community, serving on the Leisure Living Board, the K21 Foundation Board and numerous Milford Planning Committees through the years. Becky was very musically inclined and loved to sing. She especially loved to break out in song to her grandchildren. She got great pleasure cooking and swimming with them. She was a member of Wawasee Community Bible Church and served as choir leader at special events. Becky loved her family and was loved dearly by them.

Becky will be greatly missed by her husband, Pete Doll of Milford; their three sons, Dan (Kiley) Doll of Culpeper, Va., David (Bobi) Doll of Milford and Dick (Julie) Doll of Milford; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; along with two siblings, Mim Speicher of Syracuse and Bernie (Peg) Beer of Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings, Marguerite, Phillip, Alan and Mary.

A funeral service will be held in Becky’s honor at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Wawasee Community Bible Church, 2035 E. 1300N, Milford. Pastor and nephew, Tom Speicher, will officiate. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Wawasee Community Bible Church. There will also be visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service on Friday.

Memorial contributions in honor of Becky may be given to the church.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mishlerfhcc.com.

Gary Wyatt Hentze

Former Lake Patrol Deputy

Gary Wyatt Hentze passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

Gary was born July 11, 1931, in Bellevue, Ohio, to Johnnie S. Hentze and Virginia B. Wyatt. Gary graduated from Jackson Township Commissioned High School in Roanoke in 1950. He earned a bachelor of science in education in 1954 and a master of arts in education in 1961 from Ball State Teachers College. His first career was in education — teaching math and coaching basketball at Kuhner Junior High in Muncie and in high school in Farmland and Winchester.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and Reserve and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He joined American Airlines in 1966, flew the Boeing 707, 727 and MD-80 domestically. He was an avid runner for many years and used his runs to explore the cities he traveled to on layovers. He married Sally Jo White Grim on Oct. 24, 1985. He retired as a DFW-based American Airlines Captain in 1991.

Gary lived life to the fullest and his laughter was contagious. In retirement, he filled his days with woodworking and fixing things. He was lifelong fan of Hoosier basketball and a dog lover. His calendar was busy attending the games and tournaments of his grandsons. He was affectionately known as the unofficial Mayor of Woodland West. Gary loved visiting with the neighbors on his walks and he knew no strangers.

He summered in Syracuse and quickly found ways to connect locally by serving as a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Lake Patrol reserve deputy patrolling the lakes. Gary’s garage was always open and was a gathering place for neighbors and friends. He enjoyed taking the grandchildren out tubing, skiing and even on lake patrol rides. Summers meant Indiana sweet corn, fireworks on the lake and enjoying plenty of sunsets on the back porch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Hentze; brother-in-law, Joe Etter; and daughter-in-law, Lorna Hentze.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; sister, Jackie Etter Paul; and eight children, Karla Kae Crawford, John Paul Hentze, Robert Scott Hentze, Elizabeth (Beth) Anne Hentze Owens and son-in-law, Dr. Joe Allen Owens, Joseph Michael Hentze, Monty Ray Grim, Andrew Joseph Grim and daughter-in-law, Beverly Grim, and Jill Ann Banister and son-in-law, Graham Banister. Grandchildren include Morgan Blades, Travis Hentze, Pierce Hentze, Kaylynn Hentze, Grant Owens, Jake Hentze, John Hentze, Constantine Grim, Nicolas Grim, Alexander Grim, Olivia Grim and Jack Grim; and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Wawasee Conservancy Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Burial was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas.

Barbara Jean Hanford

Barbara Jean Hanford, 75, Leesburg, died Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Mabel Miller

Former Avon Representative

Mabel Miller, 97, North Manchester, formerly of Milford, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Parkview Hospital in Wabash.

She was born Jan. 30, 1926, the daughter of Silas and Mona (Prater) Howard in Magoffin, Ky.

On Jan. 5, 1985, she married Earle N. Miller; he preceded her in death Dec. 24, 1997.

She is survived by two children, Voila (Doug) Cripe of Winona Lake and Donna (Ernest) Acord of North Manchester; a stepson, Dick (Diane) Miller of Huntington; four grandchildren, Rick Cripe, Brad Cripe, Nicole (Roger) Brown and Ryan Shaneberger; seven great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Effie Allen, Dean Howard and Ilant (Chandler) Shepherd, all of Silver Lake, and Forrest (Mary) Howard of North Manchester. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clayton Howard, Silas Howard Jr., William Howard and Gradon Howard; and a stepdaughter, Barbara Floyd.

Mabel worked at Woodcraft in North Manchester for over 30 years and also enjoyed selling Avon for many years. She was a kind, yet strong and independent woman that would always let you know where she stood. She helped raise her younger siblings and stayed close to them as they all grew older. Mabel was also a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Goshen. She will be missed and always remembered.

A funeral service was held in Mabel’s honor at 3 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 461 W. 900N, Milford. Pastor Andrew Wollman officiated. Family and friends were received from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service on Monday. Burial took place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mishlerfhcc.com.

Judy Clutter

Former Post Office Employee

Judy Clutter, 80, Venice, Fla., formerly of North Webster, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

She was born June 15, 1942, in Warsaw, to Stanley and L. Ruth (Ringler) Hamman.

She graduated from North Webster High School in 1960. On June 21, 1968, she married Thomas “Jay” Clutter, who preceded her in 2016. She worked at the post office in North Webster for many years. She also, along with her husband Jay, operated Ye Old Pub and Joyland of North Webster. She was an active member of the Harvest Chapel of Venice, Fla., as well as the North Webster Church of the Brethren.

She is survived by three nieces, Barbara (John) Stringer of Syracuse, Dyanne Tracy of Beaver Island, Mich., and Michelle Brandt of Fort Wayne; four nephews, Ken (Cindy) Hamman of Warsaw, David (Kathy) Tracy of Fort Wayne, Dan (Susan) Tracy of Chicago, Ill., and Clayton Clutter of Petosky, Mich.; two sisters-in-law, Janet Hamman of Warsaw and Joyce Logan of Half Moon Bay, Calif.; a brother-in-law, John (Deloris) Clutter of Fort Wayne; and several great- and great-great-nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind many friends in Indiana and Florida.

Along with her husband Jay, she was preceded by her first husband, Rex Hostetler; son, John Hostetler; and brother, Stanley Hamman Jr.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at the North Webster Church of the Brethren. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, is handling arrangements.

Nancy J. Hann

Retired Receptionist

Nancy J. Hann, known to many as Nana, Syracuse, passed away with her family by her side on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the age of 87.

Born in Goshen on Jan. 15, 1936, Nancy was the daughter of Walter and Helen (Ganger) Churchill.

After graduating from high school, she continued her education at secretary school and worked as a receptionist for Goshen Surgical Center until her retirement. Nancy continued to work part-time at Artistry and Gold in North Webster.

Kindhearted and outgoing, Nancy was a social bug who made friends out of strangers. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, spending time outside gardening and playing with her dogs, Tebow and Snickers. Most of all, Nancy loved her family; her great-grandchildren were her life.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her daughter, Debra (Keith Bope) Lewallen; granddaughters, Christine (Don) Drake and Keisha (Carl) Clevenger; and great-grandchildren, Dillon and Casey Drake.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Frederick “Fritz” Hann.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services is entrusted with Nancy’s care. A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday, March 18, at North Webster Cemetery.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Anne Edwards

Former Radiology Technician

Elizabeth Anne “Libby” White Edwards, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023. She was born Feb. 13, 1942, in New Castle, to Robert E. “Bob” White and Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” McGuff White.

Libby was a lifelong resident of New Castle and also enjoyed many summers at Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana. She was a parishioner at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, where she attended St. Anne’s Parish School. She graduated in 1960 from New Castle Chrysler High School and went on to earn a degree as a radiology technician from Ball State University. Later in life, she worked as a program coordinator for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Libby was an active member of her community in many civic and social organizations: Agenda Literary Club, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, P.E.O. Sisterhood, State Assembly Women’s Club, College Club, Henry County Community Foundation, Indiana University East Danielson Center, Henry County Youth Center, Henry County Literacy Coalition, Adult Basic Education Program for New Castle Community School Corporation, New Castle Area Vocational School, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, 10th Pan American Games and the New Castle Memorial Day Parade Committee.

Libby is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Betty White; her sisters, Mary Josephine Sutherland and Jane Vern Bennett; and her brother, Robert E. “Bob” White II.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mari Anna Miller Shepherd (Christopher) of Indianapolis and Niccole Edwards de Campos (Sergio) of Washington, D.C. Libby is also survived by her grandchildren, Emma Elizabeth Johnson, Mateo Niccolás Campos, Andrés Patrick Campos, Hayes Christopher Shepherd and Aleta Elizabeth Shepherd.

A private burial and funeral mass will be held for the immediate family. Libby’s family invites friends to join them for a reception from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Twin Lions, 1327 Broad St., New Castle.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Elizabeth A. Edwards Named Fund at Henry County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 6006, New Castle, IN 47362 or to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, in memory of Elizabeth A. Edwards, at 102 N. 19th St., New Castle, IN 47362.

You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Elizabeth Anne “Libby” White Edwards.

Morris R. Stewart

U.S. Army Veteran

Morris R. Stewart, 88, longtime resident of Dewart Lake, passed away quietly at Grace Village Rehab on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Born in Fishers on Oct. 23, 1934, Morris was the son of the late Ross Stewart and Mildred (Johnson) Stewart. He spent his formative years in Hamilton County, graduating from Carmel High School in 1952. Morris was married to Kathryn “Jean” Coplen on Jan. 25, 1953.

An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army, Morris served as a personnel specialist from 1954 to 1956 before transferring to the Army Reserves and returning to college. He completed his undergrad at Purdue University, graduating in 1959.

Morris was a lifelong learner and found a calling in education. He taught in Noblesville for several years, moving with his family to Syracuse in 1972. Morris found a home at North Webster Elementary, where he taught for nearly 24 years; he retired in 1995.

From 1967 to 1976, Morris and his wife, Jean, managed Quaker Haven Camp. They were longtime members of Dewart Lake Friends Church and were quite active in the church for many years. The pair enjoyed traveling to see their children and grandchildren, wintering in Sebring, Fla., for several years before Jean’s passing.

In addition to Kathryn Jean Stewart and his parents, Morris was preceded in passing by three brothers, John William, Warren and Fred Stewart.

He is survived by five children, Michael (Lee Anne) Stewart of Syracuse, John Stewart of Cicero, Eric (Lori) Stewart of Arnold, Md., David (Jeff Hutchins) Stewart of Chicago, Ill., and Kathy (Tom) Anglin of Nappanee; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Syracuse is entrusted with care of the Stewart family. No public services are planned at this time.

Memorial gifts should be directed to Quaker Haven Camp or Dewart Lake Friends Church.

Written condolences may be left for the family at www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

7:07 p.m. Saturday, March 11, North SR 15, north of West Levi Lee Road, Warsaw. Drivers: Jesus Montalvo, 25, East Prairie Street, Leesburg; and Melissa A. Kinsey, 61, Gordon Road, Elkhart. Montalvo’s vehicle hit Kinsey’s head-on; his vehicle then left the roadway, rolling onto its passenger side. Montalvo fled the scene on foot. He was later located and treated for minor facial injuries at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. He was arrested. Kinsey complained of knee and right forearm pain. A passenger in Kinsey’s vehicle, Anita K. Stalter, 76, Goshen, complained of chest pain. Both Kinsey and Stalter were taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital for evaluation. Damage up to $10,000.

12:50 a.m. Thursday, March 9, North CR 1000E, south of East CR 1350N, Syracuse. Driver: Terry L. Miller, 60, North Venetian Way, Cromwell. Miller’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000.

8:17 p.m.

Wednesday, March 8, North SR 13, north of East Waco Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Parker Lenfestey, 18, EMS B33A1 Lane, Warsaw. Lenfestey failed to negotiate a curve and hit a pole. Damage up to $25,000.

8:59 p.m.

Tuesday, March 7, Old Road 30 East, west of South Brallier Road, Pierceton. Driver: Myles M. Lauber, 21, North Stanley Street, North Webster. Lauber’s vehicle hit a raccoon. Damage up to $2,500. Incident

gated the following incident:

Incident11:37 a.m.

Sunday, March 5, 100 block of EMS W31 Lane, North Webster. Police were called regarding a battery. The female victim reported an altercation with an individual being shoved and struck, causing her to fall to the cement floor. The victim also reported hitting her attacker three times in the face. Police report the victim did attempt to get a gun from her vehicle but was stopped by others at the scene. Information has been sent to the prosecutor’s office.

Syracuse

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

Accidents

6:26 p.m. Friday, March 10, North Huntington Street, north of East County Line Road, Syracuse. Driver: Scott D. Biesemeyer, 40, East Mock Road, Milford. Biesemeyer’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $25,000.

2:41 p.m. Thursday, March

9, West Polywood Way, south of North Maple Street, Syracuse.

Drivers: Maria E. Cervantes Lopez, 51, Nye Street, Warsaw; and Talon A. Hueston, 35, U.S. 6, New Paris. Cervantes Lopez said she didn’t see Hueston’s vehicle. Her vehicle hit his. Damage under $750.

11:45 a.m. Thursday, March

9, 405 N. Huntington St., north of West Henry Street, Syracuse.

Drivers: Brian D. Meade, 50, West CR 200S, Pierceton; and Derek A. Barth, 51, West Lincoln Street, Kimmell. Meade’s vehicle backed into Barth’s. Damage under $750.

March 11 — Cassandra Elizabeth Cantrell, 45, 13191 N. 100E, Milford, booked for possession of paraphernalia and hold for other jurisdiction. Bond: $150 and no bond.

March 11 — Jesus Montalvo, 25, 103 E. Prairie St., Leesburg, booked for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Bond: $450 cash.

March 10 — Melani Kathleen Clayton, 59, 427 E. 1150N, Milford, booked for failure to appearmisdemeanor. No bond.

March 10 — Jay Bodkins Riley Jr., 36, 427 E. 1150N, Milford, booked for probation violationfelony. No bond.

March 9 — Heaven Lee Tendziegloski, 34, 15534 US 6, Syracuse, booked on a warrant. No bond listed.

March 8 — James Robert Carpenter, 35, 11531 N. SyracuseWebster Road, No. 2, Syracuse, booked for possession of meth, possession of marijuana/hash oil/ hashish, possession of schedule II, III, IV controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

March 7 — Cody Hawken Osborn, 37, 61 EMS W23 Lane, North Webster, booked for court. No bond listed. Elkhart County

The following people were booked in Elkhart County Jail:

Several injured in SR 15 accident, one driver fled on foot

A Leesburg man fled on foot from the scene of a two-vehicle accident on Saturday, March 11, on SR 15 in which several people were injured.

At 7:07 p.m. Saturday, March 11, Plain Township Fire Department and Lutheran EMS were dispatched to a head-on collision accident just in front of Lucky 7 Car Store, Warsaw.

According to a witness statement in Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office report, a southbound Ford Es-

cape collided head-on with a Jeep Renegade as the Escape was attempting to pass multiple vehicles.

The Escape went off the east side of the roadway and rolled over, coming to rest on the passenger side.

The witness reported the driver of the vehicle got out and ran towards the area of Wihebrink Landscape Management.

He was identified as Jesus Montalvo, 25, East Prairie Street, Leesburg. Montalvo was deemed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash after he was located.

He was transported to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and a blood draw was conducted.

The driver of the Jeep was identified as Melissa A. Kinsey, 61, Gordon Road, Elkhart. Kinsey complained of knee and lower leg pain. A passenger in her vehicle, Anita K. Stalter, 76, Springbrook Drive, Goshen, complained of chest pain. Both were transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital for further evaluation.

Milford Police Department assisted with the pursuit.

Miller receives four years in prison on two burglary cases

and made the decisions I did,” said Miller. “Going back to drugs was the worst decision. I should’ve done better, and I’m sorry.”

found at the scene connected the incident to Miller.

12:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 11, 4600 block East CR 650N, Leesburg. Julanna M. Allen reported the theft of a license plate.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident

Incident 3:21 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 300 block of West Boston Street, Syracuse. Tonya J. Clow had a license plate stolen.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident:

Accident

March 8 — Dustin Curtis Wright, 32, 302 N. Harrison St., Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine and two counts of driving while suspended-conviction of criminal offense. No bond listed.

March 6 — Johnny Ed Glasscock, 36, 18866 Red Cedar Road, New Paris, booked for domestic battery-aggravated assault. No bond listed.

March 4 — Hector Diaz, 51, 311 Ulrich Drive, Milford, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. No bond listed. Noble County

On June 27, 2021, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a burglary at Hursey’s Inc. in Syracuse. The business’s owner said someone unbolted a gate, entered a fenced-in area and stole two pickup trucks. Evidence

On Aug. 2, 2021, a KCSO deputy responded to a burglary at Pack Rat Storage. Miller cut the lock off a storage unit and stole multiple items. Meth was also found in Miller’s vehicle at the time of the incident. Miller’s co-defendant in that case, Autumn L. Snare, was sentenced this month.

4:59 p.m.

Friday, March 3, South Main Street, near West Section Street, Milford. Driver: Gavin C. Hunziker, 19, North Village Drive, Leesburg. Hunziker’s vehicle left the roadway due to slick conditions and hit a tree. Damage up to $50,000.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investi-

3:06 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2000 block of Walton Boulevard, Warsaw. Drivers: Storm M. Stapleton, 27, North CR 450W, Warsaw; and Walter H. Palmer, 80, East Vawter Park Road, Syracuse. Stapleton struck Palmer’s vehicle while backing out of a parking spot. Damage up to $10,000.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County Jail:

The following people were booked in Noble County Jail:

March 7 — Sharon E. Berner, 59, 9262 E. Doswell Boulevard, Cromwell, booked for operating with schedule I or II controlled substance. No bond listed.

March 6 — Navor A. Briones, 40, 3757 N. 900W, Cromwell, booked for operating without ever obtaining a license. No bond listed.

Mother sues business for allegedly over-serving alcohol to deceased son

The mother of a Cromwell man who died after a vehicle-pedestrian accident is suing a North Webster business for allegedly over-serving alcohol to the man.

Lydia Espinoza is acting as the personal representative of the estate of Eric Espinoza, 21, Cromwell. At 3:49 a.m. Sunday, March

20, 2022, Eric Espinoza was walking north on SR 13 when he was hit and killed by a vehicle.

Lydia Espinoza is suing 13Sirens LLC, doing business as Nightshift Gentleman’s Club, 114 E. Washington St., North Webster.

On or about March 19, 2022, to March 20, 2022, Eric Espinoza was a patron at the business and was served alcohol.

The suit states Nightshift Gentleman’s Club was negligent for furnishing alcoholic beverages to Eric Espinoza, “with actual knowledge that Eric Espinoza was visibly intoxicated at the time the alcoholic beverages were furnished (to him).”

The suit alleges Eric Espinoza being over-served was the direct cause of Eric’s death.

Lydia Espinoza is requesting compensation for the damages, including funeral and burial expenses. She is also requesting a trial by jury.

A Warsaw man will serve four years in prison for two burglary cases, including one in Syracuse. In the first case, Terry L. Miller, 40, Warsaw, was charged with burglary, a level 5 felony. Miller was also charged with burglary, a level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor, in a second case. Four additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Miller was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One Thursday, March 9.

For each count of burglary, Special Judge Tony Garza sentenced Miller to three years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with two years executed and one year suspended on probation on each count. Miller also received a six-month sentence for methamphetamine possession and a two-month sentence for paraphernalia possession. The three counts in Miller’s second case will be served concurrently, or at the same time. Both cases will be served consecutively to each other.

Miller has 292 days of jail time credit. He must also pay a total of $5,500.43 in restitution.

In total, Miller received a sixyear sentence, with four years executed and two years suspended on probation.

At sentencing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek noted Miller’s extensive criminal history.

Defense Attorney Jay Rigdon said Miller is a trustee at the Kosciusko County Jail.

“He’s expressed a willingness and desire to get away from the life he’s led,” said Rigdon on Miller.

“I don’t know why I snapped

Letter to the editor Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer requested primary debate

Dear Editor, My name is Virginia Cazier, clerk-treasurer for the Town of Syracuse. On Feb. 6, 2023, when I learned of another person running for this position in the primary, I requested a debate.

We welcome readers’ letters.

From my understanding, there was no response from my opponent. Instead of a debate, the paper will send candidates weekly questions until the primary.

Virginia Cazier Syracuse

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signature will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Emailed letters will be accepted but the above information must be included.

We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity.

Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: The Mail-Journal, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

[U.S.P.S 325-840] ISSN 2834-3999 Vol. 62, No. 5

Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

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Obituaries

Delores ‘Babe’ Hepler

Milford High School Graduate

Delores E. “Babe” Hepler died Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Waterford Crossing HealthCare.

KCSO working on acquiring drug-detecting dog for jail process

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is working on bringing a drug-detecting dog to the Kosciusko County Jail.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Merit Board heard that

news from KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand at its meeting on Thursday, March 9.

KCSO Training Coordinator

Sgt. Travis Shively, who’s overseeing the process, discussed the matter.

“We have interviews for a corrections handler later this after-

Congressman Yakym reacts to enforcement action to protect Hoosier corn exporters

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following statement Monday, March 6, after the United States Trade Representative’s office announced it would initiate formal talks with Mexico as outlined in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement regarding Mexico’s proposed ban of imports of genetically modified corn:

“I am pleased the Biden Administration is taking this longoverdue action that will help protect Indiana farmers and our ag economy by holding Mexico to its trade commitments.

“Mexico’s proposed ban on most U.S. corn imports is in direct violation of the USMCA,

which is why I wrote a letter to the Biden Administration in January imploring them to enforce the trade agreements we have on the books.

“Going forward, I will continue to fight for a level playing field and go to bat for Hoosier farmers and the hardworking men and women who help feed our nation and the entire world.

On Jan. 25, 2023, Reps. Yakym and Greg Pence (IN-06) wrote a letter to USTR and U.S. Department of Agriculture signed by other Republican Members of the Indiana delegation urging USTR to prioritize resolving Mexico’s proposed ban on imports of most U.S. corn.

Gordon facing criminal charges after accident resulting in serious injury

An Etna Green man was recently arrested after a serious vehicle accident involving an individual being flown to a South Bend hospital for injuries he sustained.

Dustin Eugene Gordon, 32, 210 S. Main St. Lot 9, Etna Green, is charged with causing serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body, a level 5 felony; and possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony.

On Oct. 29, 2022, a Milford Police officer responded to a two-vehicle accident on SR 15, near Turkey Creek Drive. Involved in the accident were Gordon, who was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze; and Jonathan Connolly, who was driving a 2003 Volkswagen.

According to court docu-

ments, Ligonier Police Department’s assistant chief said Gordon was traveling north on SR 15 when his vehicle crossed the center line and hit Connolly’s vehicle. Connolly had to be extricated from his vehicle and was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital. He sustained a broken arm, possible damage to his aorta, and a broken, dislocated hip.

Gordon complained of back pain after the accident. The Milford officer noticed Gordon was exhibiting signs of intoxication.

Upon searching Gordon’s person, the officer found a piece of paper containing fentanyl, a narcotic drug, inside Gordon’s sock.

After the accident, Gordon was taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, with a certified chemical test showing Gordon had marijuana, a schedule I controlled substance, in his blood. Additional testing for fentanyl is pending.

Gordon told the officer he had used fentanyl earlier in the day and that there was only residue left on the paper.

Gordon was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Friday, March 10.

Court News

Small Claims

The following small claim has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Wild Thing Accounting and Tax LLC, Syracuse v. Caroline Crow, $2,116.52

Superior Court III

The following fines for traffic violations were assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Passing a stopped school bus when stop arm is out and activated — Lucky K. Ahidi, Syracuse, $185.50

No valid driver’s license, operating motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Andrew M. Taylor, Syracuse, $210.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy:

noon,” said Shively. “We’ve got three people that have applied for that spot.”

“We thought we had a dog. Unfortunately, that fell through yesterday,” he said. “So we’re still in the process of … what we’re looking for that part of it.”

In response to a question from Board Member Travis McConnell, Shively said the K9 would be mainly focused on narcotics detection.

“We’re going to train it in evidence search and tracking as well, so that if we have let’s say a dementia patient or missing child or whatnot, we can use that dog, which is a non-bite dog,” he said. “Even though most of our (regular) dogs would probably do it without any issue, at the end of it … we know ahead of time that if (the new) dog goes out, it’s something that the kid can play with, the adult can play with so to speak while we’re waiting on emergency services to show up.”

He said the new dog should also be easier to take out to elementary schools, etc., for demonstrations.

While running for office, Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith had said bringing a drug-detecting K9 to the jail was one of his priorities. New Officer

The board also approved the conditional hiring of Isaac Adams as a merit deputy.

Adams is a Warsaw Community High School graduate and comes to the KCSO after more than 10 years with the North Manchester Police Department.

KCSO Patrol Commander Lt. Mike Mulligan said the KCSO still has two deputy positions left to fill.

New Treatment Program

The board also heard the KCSO is considering bringing a new drug treatment program to the jail.

The program would be like one currently operating in Dearborn County, which KCSO leadership, the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office and others recently took a look at.

McKeand said the considered program would “supplement our (Jail Chemical Addiction Program).”

It would help more with when inmates “get out of custody,” he said.

“I believe where we’ve fallen short is the reintegration portion of those (current) programs,” said McKeand.

“This program … encompasses … mental health, improvements in the jail, substance abuse programs in the jail for the total population and then it adds a component that actually helps with the integration of that person to continue that treatment outside of jail,” he said. “We’re going to work hard to try to bring that here in the near future.”

Miller-Zachary

Jennifer L. Miller, 42, Syracuse, and Thomas J. Zachary, 38, Syracuse

Kaiser-Slick

Paula S. Kaiser, 65, North Webster, and Ronnie G. Slick, 68, North Webster

Marriage Dissolutions

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

Combs — Cynthia M. Combs, Milford, and Donald L. Combs, Warsaw. Married June 1, 2014; separated April 13, 2022. No

minor children.

Cole — Katherine Cole, Syracuse, and Miles Cole, Syracuse. Married Sept. 17, 2016; separated Feb. 22, 2023. Two minor children.

Katzer — Kelley Katzer, Warsaw, and Joel Katzer, Milford. Married Dec. 12, 2010; separated Jan. 11, 2023. Four minor children.

Babe was born June 26, 1940, to Elmer and Florence (Marquart) Hepler in Bourbon. She graduated from Milford High School in 1958. She worked as a clerk at Syracuse’s Burger Dairy store and Ben Franklin dime store, as well as in the laundry service at Milford’s Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth (Burton, deceased) Manges of Bremen and Marilyn (Oscar Espy, deceased) Shaw of Vernon, Fla., along with six nieces, five nephews and several great- and great-greatnieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, Robert W. Hepler, and younger brother, Gary “Toad” Hepler; nephew, Stan Shaw; and niece, Bobbi Sue Schiffer.

At Babe’s request, no services will be held. A celebration memorial will be planned for a later date. Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, is in charge of arrangements.

~ Cid Ricketts Sumner, Sudden Glory, 1951

A mighty force who will not be forgotten

The Milford community lost a matriarch Friday, March 10, with the passing of Becky (Beer) Doll. She was one of the people you went to if you thought something needed to be done in Milford, and she believed it should be done.

Becky, a 1953 graduate of Milford High School, lived and worked in Milford. She loved her hometown, but not as much as her family. She, along with two others — Jean Treesh and Della Baumgartner —were a force to be reckoned with when they set their minds on a project. It was these three who spearheaded a revitalization to the downtown area. The trio, often called the wicked witches of Milford by those they went after, cleaned up the town. They fought, and won, to get derelict buildings removed for new businesses such as a doctor’s office, bank building and had a hand in having the old town hall torn

down and rebuilt.

While she was never on the town council, she was a great ambassador for her beloved community. She also fought to keep a school in Milford when a new middle school was being discussed.

It was Doll who spearheaded signage on the north and south ends of town on SR 15, welcoming visitors to “A nice place, nice town and nice people.”

You always knew where you stood with Becky. She told it like it was and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. But she did so in a kind and friendly manner. I don’t believe she ever held a grudge, and if she did, you didn’t know.

Because she grew up in Milford and was a local business owner, she knew everyone. It was fun talking with her of the days of her youth, the happenings in town and businesses of days gone by. She was a wealth of information on people and places.

I always enjoyed talking with her about her high school days and stories she would tell about

my father, Dallas Fox, and others of my family whom she knew. The stories they would never tell us.

There were many things Doll had a hand in, many behind the scenes. She brought the first senior living center to Milford — Leisure Living. She served on the K21 Foundation Board and was active with Milford Area Development and other community planning committees.

In 1987 she was recognized for some of her work, particularly involving Milford Public Library. She received the Citizen’s Award from the Indiana Library/Trustee Association.

Doll spearheaded the creation of the Friends of the Library, serving as its president for a number of years, and was instrumental in securing a share of profits from the 1986 Milford sesquicentennial activities for the library renovation project.

While her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many family members will dearly miss her, Milford will miss her as well.

Milford area cemetery cleanup upcoming

Cemetery cleanup in Van Buren Township will take place April 1-15. This includes Milford Cemetery, CR 60; Mt. Pleasant, Bowser Road and CR 250E; and Salem, CR 900 and CR 200. Mt. Pleasant and Salem are owned and managed by the Van Buren Township Trustee’s office, using tax dollars for maintenance. Milford Cemetery is owned and managed by the Milford Cemetery Association and is a nonprofit whose only income is from the purchase of burial spaces and donations. Any decorations and grave blankets remaining after April 15 that are not secured on the foundations or headstones will be removed and disposed of by cemetery maintenance personnel. Any faded or torn decorations will also be removed by cemetery maintenance personnel, regardless of location on gravesite.

If you have items you want to keep, remove them before April

15. There will be a dumpster at Milford Cemetery, located by the toolshed on Roy Auer Drive for disposal of trash. Decorations/trash at township cemeteries must be taken off-site. New decorations may be placed after May 1.

Perennial plantings must be maintained by lot owners. Leaf-bearing trees, shrubs and bushes should not be planted. All gravesites must adhere to cemetery rules concerning placement of decorations and plantings.

For the benefit of safety, shepherd hooks, glass decorations or glass vases are not permitted. Encroaching on another burial space is not permitted. For the purpose of mowing, gravesites should be clear of anything that would hinder the ability of maintenance crews to mow and trim around foundations.

The trustee’s office and the Milford Cemetery Association thank the friends and family

members of deceased loved ones for abiding by the cemetery rules, allowing the maintenance personnel to efficiently and properly maintain the cemetery as a beautiful place for visitors to honor their loved ones.

Community groups will be doing trimming around foundations at Milford Cemetery the week before Memorial Day services. Volunteers are welcome. More information will be coming regarding date and time.

Questions regarding Mt. Pleasant and Salem cemeteries can be directed to Diane Perry, Van Buren Township trustee, at (574) 658-9686. For Milford Cemetery, call (574) 453-8676. Copies of rules for all cemeteries can be viewed at milfordindiana.org.

The wonderful thing about a day, any day, was that it could suddenly break into the unexpected, burst visibly into splendor...

Salazar looking forward to 2023 baseball season

Wawasee varsity baseball coach Joe Salazar is looking forward to the 2023 baseball season.

Salazar has five returning letter winners who will provide leadership for the underclassmen and newcomers.

Returning letter winners include Gavin Malone, Dylan Stump, Ty Brooks, Hunter Fiedeke and Kaleb Salazar. Salazar spoke about some of his expectations for the upcoming season. He mentioned leadership as the key ingredient for his team to succeed.

“Ty and Kaleb were all-conference performers last year. We hope for the same or better contributions this year. We are looking for Gavin, Hunter and Dylan to contribute more in all phases of the game.”

He also addressed some of the challenges he foresees for the up-

coming season.

“We are overall a young and inexperienced team, but we have good athletes who will learn quickly and contribute in all areas. Pitching is a concern until we get more experience, but I feel once guys feel comfortable and throw more innings, we will get to where we need to be.”

Salazar said the underclassmen and newcomers to the team are hard workers. He expects them to immediately contribute this season.

“We have some strong juniors who are returning from a year off and some sophomores who are hard workers who I expect to help contribute this season as well.”

He has not been able to see the freshmen play very much, but mentioned that many are talented multi-sport athletes.

When asked about what he is most looking forward to about this season, Salazar said, “The season. It’s finally starting. We have a lot

of work to do, but we are setting our goals high and looking to do better than last year.”

Malone, who will play catcher,

said, “I’m excited to see how the team does this year. As long as we keep working hard, we should do pretty good.”

Boys and girls track compete at IWU Hoosier Indoor Qualifier

tance medley relay team of Kessler, Winters, Taylor and Allen finished in 12:11.34 and placed 14th.

McRobbie discusses upcoming girls softball season

Wawasee girls head softball coach Chloe McRobbie is excited about the upcoming season.

McRobbie took some time to think about her roster and give fans a preview of what is to come. She has the luxury of returning a nice mix of proven and upand-coming talent. She spoke about returning letter winners and newcomers to the team. She touched on each player’s role for the upcoming season.

“Senior Arisai Garcia was our shortstop last year. This year we see her playing shortstop and catching. She has been working hard in the offseason and is dedicated to making her last high school softball season a success.”

She noted that junior Haylee Allen “was an ace pitcher last year and will play a similar role

this year. She is a great infielder and will be used in multiple positions when not pitching. She has high expectations for herself and is looking to gain even more recognition this year than in years past,” said McRobbie.

Discussing some seasoned veterans, she added,“Junior Jaclynn Worrell has been our starting center fielder her freshman and sophomore year. We foresee Jaclynn playing center field for us again this year. Jaclynn is a slapper and power hitter from the left side and will be a force to be reckoned with at the plate.”

She also mentioned junior Brooke Catron as being a strong utility player who will most likely play 3rd, 2nd and/or outfield this year.

She highlighted some underclassmen and expressed her excitement for their continued development. Sophomore Evelyn Duncan will be utilized as

a pitcher.

“When Evelyn is not pitching, she will play infield for us. She is a powerhouse at the plate and we expect her to do big things with her bat this season,” noted McRobbie.

She noted that sophomore Alexis Gunkel has played “a little second base and outfield for us in the past.” This year she sees Gunkel stepping up into a bigger role while being utilized as a second baseman and outfielder.

She talked about sophomore Sylvia Dixon being new to the game. “She has made bounds and strides since her first season playing softball and the coaching staff is excited to see her continue to grow this season.

“Sophomore Ava Couture is a player who is new to the game, she is another strong utility player. We foresee Ava playing infield corners and outfield this

WAWASEE HIGH SCHOOL Athlete of the Month

We Would Like To Recognize Hunter Miller (Senior Wrestler)

As Our Athlete Of The Month For March

Hunter Miller has been a member of our wrestling team for all 4 years of high school. He earned his 100th overall win this past year and concluded his high school career with 111 career wins. He culminated his senior season with a 6th place finish at the IHSAA State Finals Championship while earning Sectional Championship honors along the way!

Hunter will attend Trine University next year.

574-457-4002

year,” said McRobbie.

McRobbie mentioned that she has a “small but talented roster.” There are 12 girls in the program and figuring out the best rotations could be challenging. She said, “Although we are excited to work with a select group of girls who are dedicated to the sport of softball, unforeseen absences of players could make finding the perfect rotation challenging.”

She touched on expectations for the newcomers. She mentioned freshman Heatherlynn Holder, who moved to Wawasee from California this year.

“Heatherlynn is a strong infielder and will definitely make a positive impact on our team.”

“Freshman Iliana Burelison is going to be joining our pitching staff for this upcoming season. When she is not pitching, we see her playing in the outfield. She is a hard worker and very coachable. We believe she will have a great freshman season,” she said.

She talked about sophomore Olivia Dailey transferring from Warsaw High School. “She is predominantly a catcher but can play infield and outfield too. She is a great versatility player to add to our roster this season.

“Sophomore Natalie Katzer is new to the sport of softball but has proven that she is a natural at the sport. She is one of the strongest kids at Wawasee and she brings strength and energy to our team.”

McRobbie is looking forward to this year’s crop of pitchers.

“I am excited to see how our seasoned pitcher, Haylee Allen, will do on the mound. She gets more and more dominant in the circle every year due to how hard she works all year long. I believe she will have a great deal of success as our ace pitcher.”

McRobbie is also excited to see Duncan get more mound time alongside Allen. “These two will be a great pitching duo for the upcoming season,” she said.

The Wawasee boys and girls track and field teams competed in the Indiana Wesleyan Hoosier Indoor Qualifier meet Saturday, March 11, at Indiana WesleyanIndoor Sports Complex in Marion.

First-year boys track coach Chase Pinion said the team was able to “get some early season competition experience.”

Some notable performances included distance runner Hunter Allen clocking in at 11:02.25 in the 3,200-meter run. Sprinter Hunter Tinkey blazed to the finish line in the 60-meter dash, finishing in 7.30 seconds.

Cameron Zimmerman exploded for a 19-5 jump in the long jump competition and finished the 60-meter in 7.64 seconds. Luke Sharp threw the shot put 37 3/4.

The 4x200-meter relay team of Tinkey, Linder, Boyer and Zimmerman won their heat, placing seventh overall with a time of 1:37.26. The 4x400 relay team of Linder, Boyer, Baugh and Winters finished in 3:52.94, placing 14th.

The 4x800 relay team of Kessler, Waugh, Speybroek and Baugh finished in 9:52.39 and placed 17th. The 4,000-meter dis-

“I was happy to see our guys find some success this early,” said Pinion. “Among the many notable performances, some personal records were achieved. Their excitement from this weekend will hopefully fuel their competitive drive as we kick our outdoor season off in the coming weeks.”

The girls competed hard with numerous Lady Warriors placing in their respective events.

Wawasee distance runner Mia Hodgson placed eighth in the 3,200-meter run, finishing in 12:09.66. Sprinter Isabel Schwartz came in 13th place in the 60-meter sprint, finishing in 8.55 seconds. Kaydence Shepherd came in 18th, finishing in 8.60.

The girls 4x800 relay team placed ninth, finishing in 11:00.40.

The 4x200 relay team placed 12th, finishing in 1:58.20. The 4x400 relay team came in 16th, finishing in 4:49.63.

Shepherd placed 11th in the long jump with a jump of 14-4 3/4. Schwartz placed 18th, jumping 13-6 3/4.

Emma Yoder placed second in the shot put, throwing 34-7. Brooklynn Gibson came in fourth, throwing 33-0.

Solid waste board to sell former Syracuse recycling drop-off site

The Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District is planning to engage in a sealed bid process on land of the former Syracuse recycling drop-off site. The site is located on the southeast corner of Sycamore Street and Pickwick Drive.

During a Tuesday, March 14, meeting, Recycling Depot Director Tom Ganser said an appraisal on the 0.49 acre of land was recently completed. The appraised value for the land is $55,000.

Board President Brad Jackson said he and Ganser will work together on selling the property and providing those who have previously expressed interest in purchasing the land with more information. A private entity, as well as representatives with Wawasee Community School Corporation and the town of Syracuse, have shown interest in the acreage.

In other business, Ganser and City Attorney Scott Reust told the board they met with GFL Environmental in February to further discuss a host fee agreement.

“They were favorable in listening to our concerns and we also talked

about instituting some kind of escalation clause,” said Ganser.

Ganser said the GFL representatives they spoke with will discuss the meeting they had with their supervisors. The agreement is still in the negotiation process.

Reust commended Ganser for his overall knowledge during the meeting with GFL.

“It’s obvious that he knows what he’s talking about,” said Reust. “He has the respect of the other guys who came to the meeting because they know (Tom) knows what he’s talking about, he’s so knowledgeable.”

The board also:

Learned from Ganser that Warsaw’s Waste Management location on North Boeing Road is offering recycling drop-off.

Approved a $2,000 quote from Cottage Watchman Security Systems, Pierceton, for new software for the Kosciusko County Recycling Depot’s security cameras.

Learned the recycling depot will attend the Warsaw Home & Outdoor Show from March 24-26 at the Warsaw Community High School Tiger Recreation and Activity Center.

The district’s next meeting is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11.

WHS students and faculty raise money for Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund

Students at Wawasee High School raise money for cancer patients in Kosciusko County. Last year, students raised money for the American Cancer Society. This year, and last, the decision was made to raise money for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, which is administered by K21 Health Foundation.

A committee of high school students and faculty: Ava Pohl, Sam Rose, Finnley Jones, Zoey Halsey, Ava Weldy, Penelope Jones, Annabelle Davis, adult sponsor Jeremy Can Lue, Principal Geoff Walmer, Athletic Director Brent Doty and boys basketball coach Jon Everingham, all contributed to these donations possible.

They collaborated with Syracuse Elementary, Milford School, North Webster Elementary, Wawasee Middle School, local busi-

nesses and family members to get the whole school corporation and community involved.

On Friday, Jan. 20, a live radioa-thon was on 93.7 FM The Mix at Wawasee High School. Members of the community came in and shared their cancer journey with the listeners. A pep rally was held during the school day with Pastor Chis Kroger of Vineyard Community Church, where he shared his journey with cancer with students and staff.

Later that evening, raffle tickets, silent auction, T-shirts and cotton candy were available. Boys basketball teams from WHS and Plymouth wore matching cancer fundraiser jerseys, and the cheerleaders helped with passing the hat during both games. Overall, the students, faculty and community members were able to raise just under $5,000 for the foundation.

Kid’s business fair March 18 in North Webster

A kid’s business fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., North Webster. Kosciusko County’s largest kid’s business fair has been running strong for many years, as this is the 14th year for the event.

The fair is designed to give children the opportunity to learn about owning and operating their own business and selling a product or service.

“We have 106 businesses this year, with everything from homemade maple syrup, artists selling acrylic paintings and a lot of food and jewelry. Last year, we had 70 businesses. It’s really impressive what they have come up with,” said NWCC Executive Director Emily Worrell of the businesses.

Children are encouraged to come up with an idea, make it themselves or provide a service and earn money. Parents are encouraged to be lesson givers, supportive helpers and silent partners.

500 Festival brings Indy 500 to Syracuse Elementary School

The 500 Festival visited Syracuse Elementary School as part of a mobile study trip for the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program Wednesday, March 8.

The program was presented by Indiana University Health.

The mobile study trips immerse Indiana’s fourth-grade students

in the world of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500, exploring their important place in Indiana’s history and culture. The education program is a combination of classroom work, based on an Indiana Academic Standards-based curriculum. A study trip brings classroom material to life.

Fourth graders at Syracuse El-

ementary participated in various interactive racing stations covering topics such as health and nutrition, driver equipment, flags and science of an Indy car.

The program is offered to schools free of charge and the 500 Festival provides all resources, including an Indy car that was featured on the trip.

The entry fee is earned through the child’s business or borrowed from an investor (parent or assisting adult) with the expectation it will be repaid in a timely manner.

Parents of younger children may sit in their space, but the children are to be responsible for the setup, sales and interacting with the customers.

The Kehoe Kids Project, a youth-run, nonprofit philanthropic organization, will have a booth, too. It will have a silent auction and bidding ends at 1 p.m.

Town of North Webster to sell backhoe

North Webster Town Council met for its regular session Tuesday evening, March 14.

In department reports, Mike Noe reported the utilities department is prepared to sell its unneeded backhoe. Council member Dave Waliczek said he has already received an unofficial offer of $15,000 for the machine. Noe also said his department has been busy filling potholes throughout town and encouraged residents to inform the town of streets that need servicing.

Additionally, Noe showed the council reusable mesh retaining bags to be put in street drains designed to catch detritus and prevent it from entering the drainage system and the lake. He said the bags are around $50 each and that he will be testing them this spring.

In his police report, Chief Greg Church informed the council that the new police vehicle the town ordered is being built and should be delivered within a month. In February, the police department responded to 135 calls for service and utilized 626 officer hours.

In other business, Rick Pharis of Triad Associates informed the council he would officially open bids for the Community Crossings Matching Grant project at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29. The bids would be closed at 11 a.m. that morning and pre-

sented to the council which will be meeting in a special session at that time to consider Pharis’ recommendations. Pharis added he has already been notified by a few contractors who plan to submit bids. An official notice will be placed in area newspapers in the coming weeks.

Tippecanoe Township Trustee

Chris Francis addressed the council regarding an email sent to members by the architectural firm working on the township’s fire station and adjoining properties. Francis believed the email was sent prematurely and wanted to clear up any confusion it might have caused.

He also provided an update on the township’s progress on the fire station, which includes tearing down the former theater adjacent to the building. The township is hoping to receive a blight grant to help pay for the theater’s demolition.

The event is sold out for the children. No admission will be charged for visitors.

Cash prizes will be awarded in each grade division for Highest Business Potential, Best Presentation and Most Original Idea.

The grade divisions are kindergarten to second grade, third to fifth grades, and sixth to eighth. “Be sure to bring plenty of cash,” said Worrell. Call NWCC at (574) 834-1600, ext. 222, for more information.

First public open house for county parks master plan held in North Webster

About a dozen people turned out for the first public meeting for the Kosciusko County Parks DepartmentTuesday evening, March 14, at the North Webster Community Center.

Rob Bishop, president of the county parks department, explained the series of open houses was Round 2 for public input before the board finalizes its five-year master plan. “What we’ve learned is there are substantial grant funds available, but you have to have a county park board and a five-year master plan.” The first round was a survey in which approximately 600 people participated. The deadline to finalize the master plan is April 17.

Noting there is no park staff, “not even a mower,” Bishop said the next step for the county park board is to do a master plan for the trail system. One long-term goal is to connect the Nickel Plate Trail in Rochester to the Pumpkinvine Trail in Goshen through Kosciusko County.

Troy Truley, vice president of the county park board, walked several people through the exhibit which highlighted the recreational assets already existing in the county.

Those attending the open house were asked to select three goals they thought were most important for the county park board to address and then determine which strategies would best meet those goals. “I’m just happy there’s a countywide effort for parks,” said Tom Edington. “Especially for a county with a lot of tourism.”

Paige Hubner, office manager

Steve Lockridge is new KABS General Manager

Steve Lockridge is the new general manager of Cardinal Services’ Kosciusko Area Bus Service.

Kosciusko County Commissioners heard that news at its meeting Tuesday, March 14, from former KABS General Manager Tony Peterson before he gave the organization’s quarterly report.

The position has been vacant since Chad Kaltenbach left last year.

“He started in February and comes with 30 years of experience in the transportation industry doing route sales, training and managing drivers,” said Peterson regarding Lockridge. “He’s been happily married for 34 years to Laura and has a son and daughter.”

As for the quarterly report, Peterson said from October to December 2022, KABS did “8,475 trips and covered 33,873 miles.” Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger inquired about the amount of drivers KABS had.

“It’s getting better,” answered Peterson. “We’ve actually gotten a couple more drivers. We’re down one driver.” ARPA Funding Requests The commissioners also unanimously approved a number of requests for using some of the county’s American Rescue Plan

Act money from the federal government.

Those, which were previously approved by the county’s ARPA committee, consisted of:

• $44,000 for security cameras, new doors and electrical and lighting at The Beaman Home’s charity store Mary Ann’s Place.

• $5,836 for a metal detector for Kosciusko County Work Release.

• $32,000 for radios for the Milford Fire Department.

• $23,898 for gutters and ceiling insulation for the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County’s cat house and paving for the AWL’s parking lot.

• $10,952 for radios for three Warsaw Police Department detectives.

• $86,322 for body camera equipment for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

• $252,800 for roof repairs and new windows at the North Webster Community Center.

• $19,100 for items for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kosciusko County, including fingerprinting for its staff and volunteers and training manuals.

All requests will also have to be approved by the Kosciusko County Council before funds can be spent.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved transferring grant money it had given to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice over

to Stillwater Hospice as KHCH recently was taken over by Stillwater. The grant money will still help Kosciusko residents, said KHCH Executive Director Glenn Hall, now Stillwater’s Kosciusko community outreach director.

• Reappointed Bob Marcuccilli to the Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees.

• Appointed Kip Shuter to replace Ed Rock on the county’s public safety tech committee as Rock is retiring as the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency director.

• Allowed Rock to apply for two $150,000 grants for cybersecurity and security cameras around the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

• Appointed Kosciusko County Prosecutor Brad Voelz, Groninger, Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry, Kosciusko County Patrol Commander Lt. Mike Mulligan, Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge Mike Reed, Mike Speigle from Kosciusko County Court Security and Kosciusko County Councilman Tony Ciriello to the county’s security committee.

• Approved four contracts with Koorsen Fire and Security for fire suppression and fire alarm equipment for county buildings for $13,833.40. The commissioners’ next meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.

Grants could help put security cameras around courthouse

hopefully this is something that can go through.”

for the Watershed Foundation, reviewed the goals and strategies. She said she was thrilled to see goals and strategies to get people out on the water being addressed.

The next public open house will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Bell Memorial Public Library in Mentone. The final open house will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the Warsaw Community Public Library.

Construction of veterans memorial moving ahead at Wawasee High School

Milford resident Rich Rhoades has been in conversations with Wawasee Community School Corp.

Superintendent Dr. Steven Troyer about a memorial wall for veterans to be built on Wawasee High School premises. The memorial will honor Rhoades’ uncle and Medal of Honor recipient, Harry J. Michael.

Rhoades was present at the Tuesday, March 14, school board meeting to encourage the memorial be built in a conspicuous location to ensure all students would be able to view it. “Should be right out there in the public space, right by the ticket taking area, right on the cement.

“The whole premise of this is to not only honor veterans, but that we educate the kids on why they have the freedoms today,” said Rhoades.

Troyer said he met with Dave Baumgartner, who presented some plans he has been working on with a former WHS alumni out of Chicago to come up with a design.

Troyer said it is going to take more private funding and Baumgartner will be there next month to present the final details of the proposal.

Good news was received about the results of the iRead 3 testing for third graders.

The testing has been completed for first-time testers in third grade, with the state passing rate at 70%. However, Wawasee School District has surpassed the state with an overall passing rate of 79%. Students who did not pass will have the opportunity to receive intervention and retake the test during summer school in June.

“The goal of the state is to have 95% of third graders passing the iRead 3 test within two years. I hope that we reach that goal,” said Dr. Shelly Wilfong, assistant superintendent.

Syracuse has opted to do iRead 3 assessments for second graders, which will provide them with an opportunity to practice the test and help teachers identify areas of focus for the following year.

The test is not mandatory for second graders, but passing the test will allow them to bypass remediation in the future. A new initiative, Indiana Learns Tutoring, was discussed from the Indiana Department of Education. The program provides tutoring to fourth and fifth graders who did not pass both the reading and math portions of the iLearn test.

Teachers have volunteered to provide after-school tutoring, which is paid for through state funding. The district plans to track the growth of these students compared to those who did not receive tutoring and evaluate their performance on future iLearn tests.

Troyer provided an update on the Community Engagement Committee’s progress. Over the past three Monday evenings, school leaders, teachers and community members have been working together to discuss school finance, academic programming and a recent facility study. Monday the group will be wrapping up with a demographic study and breaking out into smaller groups to discuss options.

The Community Engagement Committee will conclude its work on March 25, and an executive committee will be formed to summarize the ideas generated and prepare for a presentation to the board at its regular meeting in April. The board

will then consider the options presented and determine how the district will proceed with investments in facilities and programming.

Troyer stated this has been a great opportunity for authentic community participation and dialogue between schools and stakeholders. “It is clear the district is committed to engaging with the community and making decisions in the best interests of the students and the district as a whole.

“I’ve appreciated the work and commitment by the group and have enjoyed the open and honest communication about some critical issues we’re facing,” said Troyer.

Congratulations was given to several school groups, including DECA students, who had a great performance; 12 middle school; 34 high school at the Indiana State DECA competition in Indianapolis. Nearly 2,000 Indiana students competed for an opportunity to represent Indiana DECA at internationals in Orlando, Fla., next month.

The board accepted the following donations:

• $500 for WHS Student Council from Ryan and Amy Thwaits.

• $700 for Key Club from Kiwanis Club of Lakeland.

• $500 for Key Club from Kiwanis Club of Wawasee.

• $3,155 for WHS Band from Knights of Columbus.

• $1,590 for WHS Cheerleaders from Knights of Columbus.

• $500 for WHS Hall of Fame from Knights of Columbus.

Approval was given for the hiring of Rachel Rozow as a temporary Milford School eighth grade science teacher and Debbie DeRolf as a substitute bus driver.

The resignations of Giselle Vega as a Milford Elementary ESL Paraprofessional and Miranda Zorn as a North Webster Elementary cafeteria worker were accepted.

If awarded two $150,000 grants, Emergency Management Agency Director Ed Rock told the Kosciusko County Council Thursday, March 9, that one of them will go toward installing close-circuit TV cameras around the courthouse.

Late Wednesday afternoon, March 8, he said, “we received an email of the availability — it’s called a NOFO (Notice Of Funding Opportunity) — for the State Homeland Security grant program and it also is a reimbursable grant. In that NOFO, you find out that you can actually submit for two separate topics under this. Each of those can go as high as $150,000.”

Rock said the intent the county EMA has, with the council’s permission, is to write a priority grant for increasing the county’s cybersecurity.

If awarded a grant for cybersecurity, Rock said the money will go toward securing the county’s server rooms. He said they’re not as protected as they should be.

With the other $150,000 grant he wants to apply for, Rock said, it would be for “enduring needs.”

Any dollars that are under State Homeland Security Program has to be tied to terrorism. Rock said cybersecurity is an easy one to tie to terrorism. “The enduring needs that we have, that we had discussion on … one of the other topics that we would like to submit for under enduring needs is to install close circuit television cameras around the courthouse. It’s a project that we would have liked to have done already, but this gives us an opportunity to fund that because it’s not already on someone’s budget to do,” he said.

For the grant, it has to be a topic that isn’t already a budget item.

Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell asked if the $150,000 would cover all of the camera project or just start the project.

Though Rock had not seen the proposals yet as of Thursday’s meeting, County Administrator Marsha McSherry said she actually has drawings of it.

“We got proposals a couple years ago, and it was just put on hold,” she said. “We’ve had a few incidents around the courthouse that it would be convenient for, so

A couple years ago, McSherry said the quote for the cameras and installation probably totaled around $130,000. Since then, she said the price has likely increased to $150,000 or more.

The plan would be to cover all of the exterior of the courthouse with cameras. The Justice Building is covered as far as external cameras, but there’s nothing currently on the courthouse.

The grant must be submitted by April 25. The council unanimously approved for Rock to apply for both $150,000 grants.

Attorney Steve Snyder returned before the council Thursday requesting they confirm the declaratory resolution that they approved in February “declaring the economic revitalization on the Beer area on the Beer dairy farm and approving the tax abatement provisions for the digester that is to be constructed there.”

At the Feb. 9 council meeting, Snyder presented a five-year tax abatement request on behalf of IGDB Biogas LLC. The $4.5 million project includes two digesters that will take manure from the Beer dairy farm and eventually convert it to renewable natural gas, which will be directly transmitted into the natural gas pipeline. IGDB will provide all the services, which will create three jobs at an average annual salary of $52,000. The property is at 9194 N. Orn Road, Milford.

“It is an unusual opportunity for a tax abatement connected to the agricultural industry,” Snyder said.

A public hearing was held for the tax abatement, but there were no remonstrators. The council approved unanimously.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Chris McKeand requested the council’s approval on several transfers.

“At the beginning of the year, we re-evaluated a lot of the functions of the sheriff’s department. I’d call it restructuring. The sheriff and I earlier approached the wage committee with the restructuring that we thought was needed to move forward successfully with the operation of our department,” he said.

To the wage committee, he said they presented multiple changes

and job descriptions. They already approached the Merit Board about “replacing that into the merit rules, certain ranks.”

Also being re-evaluated are the rank of corporal, lead dispatch, Jail Chemical Addiction Program coordinator, financial administrator and kitchen coordinator and cooks.

Mitchell said the recommendation of the wage committee was the council approve it. “This is merely restructuring back to what it was,” she said.

The council approved the request unanimously.

In other business, the Council:

• Approved February encumbrances totaling $1,996,781.51, as requested by County Auditor Rhonda Helser.

Mitchell said, “I just want to say, remember in January when we got the last balance sheet and it looked like we were really, really strong with $2 million. There’s our $2 million right there. So these are things that have been spoken for, could have been paid for, but the bill didn’t come until after the end of the year (2022).”

Payroll also was a part of it.

• Approved the State of Indiana Opioid Settlement Match Grant application for $202,500, as requested by the opioid committee. The county commissioners approved the application Feb. 28.

• Approved the transfer of $103,785 as requested by County Assessor Gail Chapman to pay the vendor hired to do a portion of the county’s commercial/industrial assessments.

• Approved an additional appropriation request from Rock for a $19,900 grant the EMA wrote in 2022.

• Approved McSherry’s request for an appropriation adjustment. The county received an insurance claim payment for $15,788 after a vendor damaged a limestone panel on the west side of the Justice Building.

• Approved signing the Senior Prosecutor HUB Grant cooperative agreement with the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, as requested by Prosecuting Attorney Brad Voelz.

• Reappointed Emily Shipley to another four-year term on the Lakeland Regional Sewer District. The term expires April 18, 2027.

Township officially closes on building sale

Tippecanoe Township Trustee

Chris Francis informed the township board that the sale of the township’s building, 102 S. Morton St., has officially been sold to North Webster Church of God.

Closing on the building’s sale took place earlier Tuesday. According to Francis, the church plans to expand its Turning Point Counseling services. Francis plans to have the township

moved out of the building by next Friday and into its new space at the North Webster Community Center by the end of the month.

Francis advised the board of estimated costs to install previously discussed paved drives at North Webster Cemetery. He said the cost to pave the south drive only was $17,250, while the cost to do the entire project as planned was $39,600.

He recommended approval of the higher amount using unspent money from last year’s “rainy day

fund” and money from this year’s budget. The recommendation was unanimously approved by the board.

Francis also noted he has been doing repairs at Mock Cemetery, including pothole and signage repairs. In other business, Deb Minear was officially approved to serve a second term on the North Webster Community Public Library’s board of trustees as the township’s appointee. This will be her second term in that role.

Community Corner

Miller loves the game of golf

Maxwelton Golf Club Professional Kyle Miller grew up in Goshen and is a 2005 Goshen High School graduate. He played golf all four years and his home course was Maplecrest.

Miller started working at Black Squirrel Golf Club when he was 13 and always looked up to course owner Tony Krebs. He also admired Maplecrest head golf pro John Guipe.

Miller attended Indiana University for a year and then decided he wanted to be in the golf industry. He moved to Orlando, Fla., to attend a 16-month junior college program at Golf Academy of America.

ing and he found out the new club pro at Maxwelton had left midseason. He asked the owners if he could forward them his resume.

“If I didn’t do it, I would have regretted it the rest of my life. I had an interview and am looking forward to year four here,” he said.

“There have been a lot of improvements. Bob Carlson, the former club pro and owner, passed away about five years ago and new ownership took over. They put a lot of money back into the course. They totally renovated the clubhouse.

PROFILE

“We’re currently putting up a halfway house on the course that will have restrooms and a little snack/concession area for outings and weekend play,” he said.

Reflecting on the program and his time in Florida, he said, “You learn the industry inside and out from groundskeeping to food and beverage to managing and operating a course on a daily basis. It was a great time. I got to play a lot of golf. The first month after moving to Florida, I met my wife Leah. We’ve been married 11 years and have two kids.”

After Miller graduated, he worked as an assistant professional at Windermere Country Club in Orlando, Fla. He also worked at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in Palm Beach, Fla., and Champions Club in Stewart, Fla.

“About eight years ago, we moved to Kansas City, Mo., where my wife got her first job in the medical industry. I did the stay-at-home dad thing for a couple years,” he said.

Four years ago, Miller and his family were visit-

Miller said people can always find a game at the club. “There’s 20-30 guys that play here everyday at noon, Monday through Thursday. We have another big game at 1 p.m. that’s a shotgun where we get 36-40 players. There’s a ladies league that plays on Wednesdays.”

“We have a great team here in the pro shop with me and Alex Yoder, who has been here since I started. Austin Bender has been in the industry since he was a teenager. We have a fantastic membership base,” he said.

For Miller, it’s really all about relationships. “I love getting to know people on a personal level. People come here to have fun and that is our main goal — for people to come out and enjoy themselves,” he said.

“We have a member here, Neil Boston, who hand draws a portrait of our club champion every year.”

He mentioned Bob Carlson’s legacy and ability to maintain active membership with many members being around for as long as 50 years.

“We have a very loyal membership. In the morning, players can come get a round of golf in and hit the lake in the afternoon,” he said.

Miller gushed about the Town of Syracuse. “Syracuse is an awesome little town. It’s kind of a

golf cart town. There is a strong sense of community here. It’s a great community.” His passion for the game can be summed up in this quote.

“I love golf because you can play it your entire life. It’s very unique in that aspect. You can enjoy yourself, put your phone away, get away from work and spend time with your friends and family.”

Kosciusko cattlemen celebrate 50 years

The Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association celebrated 50 years Tuesday, March 7, at their annual meeting. The association hosted a dinner in Leesburg and founding member Leon Tucker spoke, recounting various achievements the group has made in the past 50 years.

Other featured speakers included Jeff Sherfield, president of the Indiana Beef Cattleman’s Association, and Emma Melcher, IBCA’s consum-

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, March 7, and Thursday, March 9, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners Tuesday were Jerry Hetrick, first, and Jean Cowan, second. Thursday winners were Jean Cowan, first, and Mary Prescott, second.

er education and production relations director.

The Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association was founded in 1973 by cattlemen Leon Tucker of Milford, Everett “Buss” Tom of Leesburg, Ernie Rhoades of Pierceton and extension educator Don Frantz.

When the group was started, Kosciusko County was populated with cattle feedlots, KCCA director Bruce Lamb said. The county was also home to many major feedstock companies.

“The purpose of the organization was to promote the production of quality beef; sponsor education programs and demonstrations for cattle producers of Kosciusko County; promote cooperative programs of improvement, marketing and promotion of Kosciusko County cattle; and develop leadership and unity of purpose among producers of the county,” Lamb said, reciting the mission of the organization.

Looking back at the highlights, Tucker noted several things that had a personal impact on him.

Among them were bringing beef to the classroom at the local high school, the Kosciusko County Showcase Sale and the purchasing of 4-H beef animals.

“It was to all our benefit for them to start this organization,” Lamb said.

He listed 14 different initiatives

the association either sponsored or hosted throughout the years, including beef promotion at local supermarkets, the Beef Up the Blood Supply campaign with the Red Cross, hosting state beef field days, offering a 4-H beef scholarship and giving Ag Day presentations for county children in the fourth grade, among other things.

Kosciusko County is home to two IBCA presidents: Lamb, who is the current president, and Bob Biship of Leesburg. Lillie Rookstool of Oswego served as president of the National Cattlewomen’s Association. Tucker and Tom, two of the founding members, have received the Outstanding Cattlemen Award.

Other members receiving various cattlemen awards include Vic Virgil in 1985, John Camden in 1998, Brian Deatsman in 2009 and Scott Nelson in 2010.

The KCCA received the IBCA Outstanding Affiliate in 1976, 1983, 1985, 1986, 2000 and 2002. The award has since been discontinued.

“Maybe that’s why it’s not given, because we’ve won it quite a few times,” Lamb said, eliciting a laugh from the members.

The 2022 county born and bred winners and the 4-H consumer beef project winners were recognized during the meeting. Awardees include Collin Deatsman, Caleb Lechlitner, Haley Nelson and

Hayden Lechlitner. Crestview Farms in Syracuse was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dennis and Lesley Darr, Scott and Kelly Kaiser and Jon and Katie Lechlitner received the honor. Other awards given include the Ribeye Award, given to a youth who shows outstanding service at the KCCA fair stand, and the Beef Promoter/Supporter Award recipient was Aubrey Miller of Pierceton. The Beef Promoter/Supporter Award winner was Scott Sands of Silver Lake.

Sherfield offered an update on the happenings within Indiana Beef. The latest is Country-of-Origin Labeling, or the American Beef Labeling Act, which is back before Con-

gress. IBCA is fighting against this due to the agreement the United States made in 2015 with the World Trade Organization to discontinue county-of-origin labeling.

“The United States had a $1 billion judgment against us if we did not get rid of COOL. One billion dollars. That stayed in place, so if that comes back in violation of the World Trade Organization, Canada and Mexico can force that to go into effect, plus, on top of that, trade tariffs,” he said.

Melcher gave an update on educational opportunities in the cattle industry. She reported that the IBCA offers a scholarships for high school seniors and college students within the organization, which are avail-

able until April 10. Hoosier Beef Congress drew in about 1,200 youth showmen.

She encouraged everyone to reach out with their concerns.

“We’re here for you guys. We are the voice for you all,” she said. “If you have a problem, a question, a need, anything that you can’t necessarily be done at a county level, come to up.”

Upcoming KCCA events include Ag Day and Taste of Ag on April 11. Those interested in donating ground beef for the Cattlemen’s Association booth at Taste of Ag should reach out to Purdue Extension Ag and Natural Recourses educator Emily Kreska at eluc@purdue.edu or call the county extension office at (574) 372-2340.

Mobile Meals drivers

It happened in North Webster... 30 years ago

Hometown boy one of nation’s

10 YEARS AGO, MARCH 13, 2013

Tonya Bowser and Tammy Kratzer spent last week in Ormond Beach, Fla., visiting Linda Zimmerman. It was Tonya’s ever first visit to the sunshine state. They traveled to many small towns, such as Sanford, St. Augustine, New Smyrna and Flagler Beach, eating fresh seafood each day and browsing several antique shops.

Karilyn Metcalf of the Dixie Sternwheeler Inc., shared, “The Dixie Boat organization is interested in finding people, who have or know of models or replicas of the Dixie. It would be fun to know who made them, when and where they were made, and if photos are available. Anyone with this information can contact DSI, P.O. Box 674, North Webster, IN, 46555 or call Karilyn Metcalf (574) 834-2385.

20 YEARS AGO, MARCH 12, 2003

Following a luncheon at an area restaurant Feb. 27, members of Hi-Neighbors Club adjourned to the social room in Grace Village, Winona Lake,

where they were greeted by Hilda Mock, hostess for the day.

Inez Caywood opened the business session. Edelva Butt led as the pledge to the American flag was repeated in unison. North Webster Lioness Club met Feb. 20 in North WebsterTippecanoe Township Community Building. Guests present were Kristine Harris and Mary Cundiff. As members arrived, they were served a supper of chili soup, shaved turkey and roast beef sandwiches, veggie tray, cheese tray, fresh fruit salad and homemade cinnamon rolls. Bonnie Corn, Sue Corn and Connie Williamson were hostesses. Barbara Ludwig displayed a Warsaw Tigers pattern quilt she made for her grandson in black, orange, brown and bright gold colors. It was shown during the Feb. 24 meeting of Lakeland Quilt Club held in North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Community Building.

30 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1993

A North Webster hometown boy is one of the most awarded

television news people in the country. Scott Rensberger, a 1980 graduate of Wawasee High School, now of the Denver, Colo., area has received more than 50 national, regional and local awards throughout his eightyear TV news career.

Norma Roose was welcomed as a new member March 1 when Lakeland Quilt Club met at North Webster Community Building. Rita Slankard was a guest. Helen Hoy presided. Kathy Warner called the roll.

Wilma Plotner gave the secretary’s report.

40 YEARS AGO, MARCH 16, 1983

The newly formed North Webster Chamber of Commerce met recently to establish necessary priorities that will embody the chamber’s future as it relates to Tippecanoe Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Engelberth observed their 30th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Hawaii. They returned home March 6.

It happened in Milford … 50 years ago

Bouquets to Doug and Jeanie Bowser on the birth of their twin sons. Brent Joseph weighed in at seven pounds, 10 ounces and Kyle William tipped the scales at six pounds, 12 ounces. 50 YEARS AGO, MARCH 14, 1973

A Valentine party was held

Feb. 20 to honor junior auxiliary members and boys state and girls state delegates have been named at North Webster. Mrs. Lowell Coverstone was in charge of games and assisted by Linda

Howe and Trudi Gumbert.

The Church of the Brethren women’s meeting was held Tuesday in the home of Mrs. Lewis Richcreek. Members contributed stuffed toy patterns. Members of the Anna Bowers Women’s Christian Temperance Union met at the home of Mrs. Orva Miller last Tuesday night. Guests were welcomed by the hostess, who led in the pledge to the flag. Mrs. Jesse LeCount read from the sixth chapter of Galatians for devotions.

Omar Baumgartner retires from railroad

10 YEARS AGO, MARCH 13, 2013

Owen Donahoe and Dorinda Brito, both of Milford, are among several dozen young people who are about to wow audiences with their stage skills during Wawasee High School’s production of “The Thoroughly Modern Miller” next weekend. The show brings the audience into the life of a young woman in the Roaring ‘20s who is looking for both love and to move up in her career.

Students from Milford Mid-

dle School who received no disciplinary referrals during the second trimester were given the opportunity to go bowling March 1. They are Christy Carson, Liz Hardy, Hannah Haines, Madison Wilson, Rachel Starrett, Alexandra Fiscus, Kayla White, Madeline Batista and Ashley Beer.

20 YEARS AGO, MARCH 12, 2003

After continued debate, the Milford Town Council agreed to purchase a new 2003 Chevrolet Impala police car from McCor-

mick Motors in Nappanee. The price, after a $1,500 trade-in value, is $18,225. The decision was made at Monday night’s town council meeting.

Remodeling work is nearing completion at Pill Box Drugstore on Main Street. Store employee Rita Vanlaningham was seen restocking some shelves while John Trier put up new shelving on the south wall.

With over five years of providing maintenance service to Leisure Living , Bob Wolferman is going to retire. The folks at

Leisure Living know Bob as an easy-going pleasant guy who is a loyal friend and does a lot of nice things for residents and the site manager.

30 YEARS AGO, MARCH 10, 1993

Milford resident Dorothea Kerlin, 94, is reported to be doing quite well after undergoing major surgery for a broken hip Saturday afternoon, March 6, in Goshen General Hospital. She had fallen on the ice near her home earlier that day.

Former Milford resident Dorothy Williams will celebrate her 80th birthday Thursday, March 11. She was an English teacher for 23 years at Milford High School. It’s reported that Mrs. Williams still keeps quite busy with various volunteer projects — and plans to move back to Milford this coming fall.

40 YEARS AGO, MARCH 16, 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Vanderveer of r 2 Milford will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on March 19. An open house will be held in their honor on Sunday, March 20, at the Turkey Creek Church of the Brethren from 2 until 5 p.m. Their children will serve as hosts.

Darrell Orn presided over the meeting of the Milford Senior Citizens held Sunday, March 13. During the business meeting, Vera Schell was selected as Milford’s Senior Citizen queen. She will compete with other Kosciusko County queens later this season.

MS 250 Gas-Powered Chain Saw; Poulan Pro 5.5 Horse Self-Propelled Lawn Mower; Lincoln 225 Welder; Misc. Hand Tools; Electrical Hand Tools; Wrenches; Pliers; Nuts & Bolts; Red Coleman Lantern and Other Kerosene Lanterns; Misc. Fishing Items; Fishing Poles; Tackle Boxes; Double Wheel Emery Grinder; Milwaukee Sawzall; 20 Gal 2 hp Portable Air Compressor; Misc. Farm Hand Tool Primitives; Antique Wash Boards; Folding Chairs; 8' Plastic Tables; 6' Fiberglass Step Ladder; Aluminum Extension Ladder; 24" Diameter Dinner Bell w/Pulley; Buescher Trombone w/Case; Kenmore 15 Cubic Foot Chest-Type Freezer; 5 Gal. Shop Vac; Stihl Gas-Powered Leaf Blower; Echo Trimmer; 5' Tall Antique Glass-Front China Cabinet; Oak Stepback Cupboard w/Glass Top Doors; Full Size Bed w/Box Spring and Mattress; Oak Commode; 5’ Tall Glass-Front Door Bookcase; Black Painted 3-Drawer Dresser; Kohler & Campbell Piano w/ Bench; 4-Drawer File Cabinet; Riccar Sewing Machine and Cabinet; Old Antique Typewriter; Some Farmall Tractors and Precision Farmall Tractor, All In Box; New Beige Two-Cushion Love Seat and Pillows; 3-Cushion Overstuffed Couch; Several TVs; Yellow Antique Drop Leaf Table; Old Men’s Schwinn Bicycle and Antique Ladies Bicycle; Old Wood Chairs; Universal Plastic Yard Cart; Small Front-Tine Rototiller; Older Simplicity Snowblower; Walk-Behind Antique Cultivator; 5 Gal. Crock; Hay Sign; Railroad Jack; Set of China Dishes; Tea Leaf Molds; Approximately 50 Varied Size Cast Iron Skillets and Cast Iron Pots; Countertop KitchenAid Mixer; Aluminum Pots and Pans; Silverware and Plates; Oak Dining Room Table w/4 Chairs and 8 Leafs; Oak Queen Size Bedroom Suite w/Chest of Drawers and Dresser w/Mirror; Plant Stand; Rockers

Ron Geyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Geyer, Milford, will receive a student merit award at the annual convention of the Industrial Designers Society of America on March 18. Ron, a senior majoring in industrial design at Purdue University, will give a slide presentation of his projects at the awards dinner Friday evening in Chicago.

50 YEARS AGO, MARCH 14, 1973

Omar L. Baumgartner, 227 North Marion Street, Ottumwa, Iowa, formerly of Milford, recently ended a 45-year career in railroading with his retirement. Affectionately known to his many friends in the Milford area as “Duck,” Baumgartner began his railroad career as a fireman for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad May 26, 1928.

The Milford Senior Homemakers 4-H club meeting for the month of March was held on Tuesday, March 6, in the home of Deb Hartman, r 1 Syracuse. The American pledge was led by Sandy Gerencser and the 4-H pledge by Robin Auer. A bake sale was discussed and will be held on Saturday morning, April 28. Posters will be made at the next meeting.

Woodling Tire and Auto Inc. replaces Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Service

Tuesday, March 14, Woodling Tire and Auto Inc. officially opened its doors with a ribboncutting ceremony.

The new shop, located at 817 S. Huntington St., is a result of a change in ownership that occurred after nearly three decades. The former business, Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Service, had been a fixture in the community for over 50 years and had gained a reputation for its high-quality tire products and expert auto repairs.

The new owner of Woodling Tire and Auto, Randy Woodling, had been the owner of Monteith’s Best-One Tire & Service in Syracuse for many years before he decided to take the plunge

and become the owner of his own business. According to Woodling, he wanted more ownership of the business, and Monteith’s no longer wanted him to bear the company name. Thus, Woodling Tire and Auto was born.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, employees of Woodling’s and members of the community, who gathered to celebrate the new business and offer their support.

While the name has changed, the services provided by the auto shop will remain largely the same. The new business will continue to offer top-notch automotive services, including tire sales, repairs and maintenance, as well as general auto repairs and maintenance.

Chautauqua-Wawasee programs set for 2023

After many months of planning, the 2023 programs are now set. All the favorite annual programs are returning, plus a number of new ones. The intent is to balance programs across the four Chautauqua pillars: Arts, Education, Faith and Recreation. Here is a snapshot.

The 2023 season began Feb. 10 with the Ball State University Singers whose newest member is Syracuse’s own Devin Van Lue!

The Purdue Varsity Glee Club performs in Syracuse every other year and will return in 2024.

In April, Michael Spath will lead a 3-day series to be held in Goshen. The first of the three programs is titled Religion Before Adam & Eve, followed by The Creation of Modern Religion, and the third program

Religion: Present & Future. The series explores why understanding religion is important for our faith today, as we continue to search for meaning and understanding of our place in the universe.

In May, the popular S.S. Lilypad Points of Interest Historical Cruise returns, narrated during Wawasee cruise by local historian Ann Garceau. The Wawasee Fine Arts Festival returns for the ninth year at Oakwood, followed by the annual Taps

Across the Water Memorial Day weekend tribute to veterans and those who have sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom.

To celebrate Independence Day, Abagail Adams and Martha Washington present First Ladies, First!, performed by Kim Hanley and Carol Spacht, members of the American Historical Theatre. Later the same day, the annual Fort Wayne Philharmonic Patriotic Pops concert will perform on the lawn of the Oakwood Resort Inn.

In July, a new program titled Wawasee - Walk Down Memory Lane, will be of particular interest to those who have a long history with Syracuse and/or Wawasee. The program will feature three old film clips: a 1937 film cruising around Wawasee’s shoreline, a Spinks Hotel promotion and short clip of the Chinese Gardens. After viewing the film clips, attendees will have the option, via an open microphone, to share memories. Also, old family home movies will be solicited for showing at a 2024 program.

In August, Chautauqua’s family fun phone videos program returns at the Pickwick with the expectation of a record number of fun clips of dogs, kids, moms, dads and all kind of family silliness.

Then, on Labor Day weekend the Digging Through Indiana History 3-Day Series will feature T.J. Honeycutt presenting

information about the Treaty of Paradise Spring, and author Lynn Brown will present information from her book “Furs and Fevers.” The following week, two Miami Nation Elders, Diane Hunter and Dani Tippman, will talk about the history of Miami people, their stories and their use of plants as food and medicine. November features two programs: We all say we love nature, but Does Nature Love You

Back? Cliff Kindy, John Edgerton and Dani Tippman will facilitate a workshop exploring how plants teach us, feed us and heal us, and provide plants to touch, smell and maybe taste. The 2023 season ends with the annual community favorite Old Fashioned Christmas in Oakwood. Stay in touch with Chautauqua on the web www.chqw.org or ChautauquaWawasee on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or get added to its e-newsletter list.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Wawasee Property Owners Association, P.O. Box 427, Syracuse, Indiana 46567 has applied to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, under IC 14-15-7-3 and 312 IAC 5-3-1, for a permit to conduct a Fireworks Display. This event is scheduled to be held on July 1, 2023 on Wawasee Lake, in Kosciusko county. Any person objecting to such an event may do either or both of the following:

A. File a petition with the central office of the division requesting an informal hearing. The petition must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) individuals who are at least eighteen (18) years old and who reside in the county where the event will occur. A hearing under this clause is governed by 312 IAC 2-3.

B. Request the division notify the petitioner in writing when an initial determination is made to issue or deny the license. Following the receipt of notice under this clause, a petitioner may request administrative review of the determination under 312 IAC 3-1. hspaxlp

LEGAL NOTICE

Dewart Lake Community Friends Church, PO Box 356, Syracuse, IN 46567, has applied to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, under IC-14-15-7-3 and 312 IAC 5-3-1, for a permit to conduct Summer Boatin Services. This event is to be held on Sunday mornings, May 28, 2023 through September 3, 2023 on Dewart Lake in Kosciusko County.

Any person objecting to such an event may do either or both of the following:

(A) File a petition with the central office of the division requesting an informal hearing. The petition must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) individuals who are at least eighteen (18) years old and who reside in the county where the event will occur. A hearing under this clause is governed by 312 IAC 2-3.

(B) Request the division notify the petitioner in writing when an initial determination is made to issue or deny the license. Following the receipt of notice under this clause, a petitioner may request administrative review of the determination under 312 IAC 3-1. hspaxlp

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF HEARING ON PROPOSED CUMULATIVE BRIDGE FUND

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Kosciusko County, Kosciusko, County, Indiana, that the Kosciusko County Commissioners will consider at 100 W. Center St. – Old Courtroom, Warsaw, IN at 9 o’clock am on March 28, 2023, the establishment of a Cumulative Bridge Fund under the provisions of Indiana Code 8-16-3 for the purposes as follows: For all uses as set out in IC 8-16-3. IC 8-16-3 Cumulative Bridge fund to provide funds for the cost of construction, maintenance, and repair of bridges, approaches and grade separations.

The tax will be levied on all taxable real and personal property within the taxing district and will not exceed $0.10 per $100 of assessed valuation. The proposed fund will be levied beginning with taxes due and payable in the year 2024. Taxpayers appearing at such hearing shall have the right to be heard thereon. The proposed tax rate for the Cumulative Bridge Fund is subject to certification by the Department of Local Government Finance.

Within 30 days after the date of the adoption of the cumulative fund by the Kosciusko County Commissioners, the Kosciusko County will publish a Notice of Adoption.

Upon publication of the Notice of Adoption, 25 or more taxpayers in the taxing district may file a petition with the County Auditor not later than noon 30 days after the publication of the Notice of Adoption setting forth their objections to the proposed fund.

Dated this 3rd day of March, 2023.

It happened in Syracuse...40 years ago Augsburger named to National Conference of State Legislatures

10 YEARS AGO, MARCH 13, 2013

Winning the 2013 Wawasee Kiwanis Trivia Night competition was The Papers team: Mike Deak, Rebekah Whirledge, Martha Stoelting, Angela Deak and Sarah Wright. Local public libraries are working together with the Wawasee High School Library to help students and give them access to electronic resources.

20 YEARS AGO, MARCH 12, 2003

The Syracuse Park Board elected new officers and discussed the process of selecting new board members during its regular monthly meeting Monday, March 10. Bill Musser was elected president of the board and Nancy Duemig, secretary.

Wawasee High School is trying to prepare student for life outside of school. The Education to Careers Based Learning opportunities lets students participate in cadet teaching, internships and service learning.

30 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1993

Fearing that an afternoon fire could cause congestion at the town parking lot on the south side of the fire department, Syracuse Fire Chief Jerry Byrd confronted the Syracuse Town Council last night (Tuesday) about the possibility of a designated area for fireman parking.

Leisure Pools and Spas Company, Syracuse, owned by Tim Yoder, will

open a new store in Goshen later this month. It will be located on U.S. 33.

40 YEARS AGO, MARCH 16, 1983

State Senator John Augsburger, a representative from Syracuse, has been named to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Natural Resource Committee by Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton. Augsburger said the committee will deal with issues such as acid rain, clean air and water, groundwater management, hazardous waste management and facilities and low-level radioactive waste management.

Joe Todd plans to start a “Name The Syracuse Lake Condominiums” contest soon. Readers of The MailJournal will be able to submit their own name for the project, located at the old Syracuse Enterprises plant site.

50 YEARS AGO, MARCH 14, 1973

Margi and Martin Stevens, wellknown leaders of Leisure Painters group at Syracuse, with locations at Stone Lake near Middlebury and in Texas, are sponsoring another Paint In in Old Mexico, March 17 through 24.

Members of the Primary Mothers club of Syracuse met Saturday, March 10, for a Saint Patrick’s party with their husbands as special guests.

Kosciusko County Commissioners hspaxlp Mar.8-15

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Town of Mentone, Indiana, by and through its Town Council, hereinafter referred to as the Owner, will receive sealed bids for the Town of Mentone, Indiana Washington Street Storm Sewer Improvements that consists of the following improvements:

The installation of approximately 397 lineal feet of 24-inch diameter storm sewer, three 60-inch diameter manholes, and incidental items associated with the work.

Sealed bids sent by delivery service for which receipt by Owner is documented in care of the Town of Mentone, 201 West Main Street, Mentone, Indiana 46539 or delivered in person will be considered by the Owner at a regularly scheduled Town Council public meeting, provided the proposals are delivered prior to the start of the public meeting, at 6:30 p.m., local prevailing time, on April 5, 2023, at 201 West Main Street, Mentone, Indiana. Proposals received after the bid opening process has begun will be returned unopened.

The work to be performed and the proposals to be submitted, including any and all separate and combination proposals, shall include sufficient and proper sums for all General, Construction, Installation, Labor, Materials, Tools, Equipment, Taxes (both Federal and State), Permits, Licenses, Insurance, Service Costs, and so forth, incident to and required for the construction of the facilities.

All materials furnished and labor performed incident to and required for the proper and satisfactory execution of the contracts shall be furnished and performed in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents as defined in the General Conditions of the Construction Contract, and any addenda thereto, prepared by the Engineer, EMANS Engineering. Said Bid Documents are on file with the Owner, Town of Mentone, Josh Shepherd, 201 West Main Street, Mentone, Indiana 46539, 1-574-353-7198.

Each proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the title of the project and the name and address of the Bidder.

Each Bid shall be accompanied by a Certified Check or acceptable Bidder’s Bond made payable to the Owner, in a sum of not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the highest aggregate proposal, which check or bond will be held by the Owner as evidence that the Bidder will, if awarded a contract or contracts, enter into the same with the Owner upon notification to do so within fifteen (15) days of said notification. Contractor to be qualified to perform Public Work in accordance with IC 5-1613-10. Approved performance and payment bonds guaranteeing faithful and proper performance of the work and materials, to be executed by an acceptable surety company, will be required of the Contractor at the time of contract execution. The bonds shall be in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price and must be in full force and effect throughout the term of the Construction Contract plus a period of twelve (12) months from the date of substantial completion. Liquidated damages in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) per day of delayed or unsatisfactory completion of the Contract, beyond the agreed upon completion date, shall be paid by the Contractor to the Owner pursuant to the terms and conditions of the written contract ultimately entered into by the successful bidder and Owner. hspaxlp Mar 8-15

NOTICE OF HEARING ON

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF HEARING ON PROPOSED CUMULATIVE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Kosciusko County, Kosciusko, County, Indiana, that the Kosciusko County Commissioners will consider at 100 W Center St – Old Courtroom, Warsaw, IN at 9 o’clock am on March 28, 2023, the establishment of a Cumulative Capital Development Fund under the provisions of Indiana Code 36-9-14.5 for the purposes as follows:

For all uses as set out in IC 36-9-14.5. IC 36-9-14.5 Cumulative Capital Development fund to provide money for any purpose for which property taxes may be imposed within the county as specified in this code.

The tax will be levied on all taxable real and personal property within the taxing district and will not exceed $0.0333 per $100 of assessed valuation. The proposed fund will be levied beginning with taxes due and payable in the year 2024. Taxpayers appearing at such hearing shall have the right to be heard thereon. The proposed tax rate for the Cumulative Capital Development Fund is subject to certification by the Department of Local Government Finance.

Within 30 days after the date of the adoption of the cumulative fund by the Kosciusko County Commissioners, the Kosciusko County will publish a Notice of Adoption.

Upon publication of the Notice of Adoption, 25 or more taxpayers in the taxing district may file a petition with the County Auditor not later than noon 30 days after the publication of the Notice of Adoption setting forth their objections to the proposed fund.

Dated this 3rd day of March, 2023.

Kosciusko County Commissioners hspaxlp Mar.8-15

LEGAL NOTICE

The Silver Lake Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Chief Deputy Marshal. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Salary to be determined. Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Tier 1 or Tier 2 graduates in good standing are strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of the United States and must have reached his or her twenty-first birthday as of the date that the basic training ends

• Applicants must have high school diploma or achieved their equivalent GED

• Shall possess the strength, agility, vision, and hearing necessary to complete all requirements of the appropriate board-approved basic training program. The applicant shall have no physical or mental impairment that creates a safety hazard for self, other students, or training staff while participating in basic training.

• Shall possess a valid driver’s license from the state of residence

• Shall be of good reputation and character as determined by a police department character and background investigation on the applicant

• Shall not have been convicted of any felony or any other crime or series of crimes which would indicate to a reasonable person that the applicant is potentially dangerous, violent, or has a propensity to break the law.

• Pass a reading and writing examination

• A dishonorable discharge from military service shall disqualify the applicant, and a discharge other than honorable may be grounds for rejection

Those interested may pick up an application for employment at the Silver Lake Town Hall during regular business hours. Questions may be sent to SLPD@TOWNOFSILVERLAKE.COM

Town Marshal Jason P. McGlennen hspaxlp Mar.8-15

Webster, IN 46555

4. Window Replacement North Webster Elementary School 5745 N. 750 E. North Webster, IN 46555

5. Professional Development Building Near Corporation Office in Syracuse Each bid proposal shall include all labor, material and services necessary to complete the project in strict accordance with the drawings and specifications as prepared and on file in the office of: Barton Coe Vilamaa Architects & Engineers 225 Airport North Office Park Fort Wayne IN 46825 Bids will be opened and read aloud in the order above at 2:15 p.m. after the submission of proposals in the Wawasee Community School Corporation administrative offices at 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse, IN 46567. Bids received after that time or in another location shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

One set of plans, specifications and related legal documents will be sent digitally to all prospective bidders requesting bid documents. Plans will be available through Eastern Engineering plan room along with other plan rooms. All work to be completed under one single prime contract.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 20, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at Wawasee Middle School located at 9850 N. State Road 13. Attendees will be allowed access to the buildings after.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified check, a cashier’s check or a bid bond executed by a surety company which is authorized to do business in the State of Indiana, made payable to Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc. and in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid. In the event a bidder withdraws its bid or fails to execute a satisfactory contract within ten (10) days after the contract is awarded to such bidder by Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc. may declare the certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond forfeited to Michael Kinder & Sons, as liquidated damages.

A bid may not be modified, withdrawn or cancelled by the bidder for Thirty (30) days following the time and date designated for the receipt of bids without the consent of Wawasee Community School Corporation and Michael Kinder & Sons. Michael Kinder & Sons reserves the right to reject any and all bids or waive any or all informalities, irregularities and/or inconsistencies in, or with respect to, any or all bids. The Bidder must supply all the information required by the bid or bid proposal form. MKS/Wawasee Community School Corporation hspaxlp Mar.15-22

Annual Southern gospel concert

Saturday, March 25

Trail, Nappanee.

Doors open at 1 p.m., with all seats general admission.

Around The Lakes

Milford dairy farmer Phil Gingerich has bestowed the community with an annual Southern gospel concert for 32 years and counting.

But that counting may soon come to an end.

“I may go one more year,” said the 65-year-old owner of Gingerich Dairy, who wants to devote more time to family and farmwork. “I will really miss doing the concert. It’s the work that has to be done before the concert that I won’t miss.”

This year’s concert will feature gospel groups Legacy Five and Triumphant Quartet, and will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Sammlung Platz event center, 758 N. Tomahawk

The first concert launched in humble fashion in 1991 “with just some local groups at the Milford Middle School gym,” said Gingerich. “Around 200 people came to that free concert.

“Dave Matz was the vice principal at the school, so when I came in to pay for the gym use, he said, ‘Why don’t you get the Cathedral Quartet in?’ So I got up the nerve to call them and they actually said yes and that started the Southern gospel series in 1992.”

The first Cathedral Quartet concert drew 800 attendees, and the phenomenon steadily grew in popularity. “After the fourth year, we had 1,700 people at the middle school gym and it was standing room only and they told me we

could not have that many people in the gym again,” Gingerich recalled.

“The next year we went to the Wawasee High School gym. In 1999, the year the quartet retired, we had 2,500 people in the gym to see their last concert in Syracuse.

“After the Cathedrals retired, we started with Legacy Five and have had them every year since. About half of those years we had another group with them.”

Some years Gingerich has arranged three concerts, featuring groups such as Gold City, Anthony Burger, The Martins, Common Bond, Greater Vision, Freedom Singers, Ernie Hasse, Ivan Parker, Jim and Melissa Brady, Garment of Praise, Brian Free and this year’s co-headliner, Triumphant Quartet.

This is the third year Sammlung Platz has served as the event’s venue.

Gingerich credits the performers’ local and regional fans for keeping his motivational fire lit. “Every year people thank me and encourage me to keep it going.”

He noted the highlight in his annual labor of love as “having groups come to our house for lunch and sharing time with our children and milking cows.”

It isn’t just about the music or the entertainment. Gingerich finds gratification in the deeper reaches of the performances.

“When someone is hurting and a certain song that was sung had a message in it they needed for that moment, that’s exciting to hear.”

Tickets are $25/person, with children 10 and under admitted free. Tickets may be purchased by calling Gingerich at (574) 5180281 or visiting itickets.com.

For more information on the performers, visit legacyfive.com or triumphantquartet.com.

LAST WEEK employees at The Papers corporate office in Milford enjoyed a delicious cake created by Anna Sherman of Cub Scout Pack 3726 in North Webster. The cake was purchased by The Mail-Journal’s owner/publisher Ron Baumgartner during the scout pack’s annual cake sale. There were 35 cakes baked, of which three were donated.

This year’s theme was “Ninjas,” and the cake purchased by Baumgartner earned the “Best of Theme” for the Cub Scouts. The cake sale was deemed very successful and broke sales records. Proceeds from the sale will be used to help fund camp fees for scout members. Pictured above are Baumgartner and Editor-In-Chief Deb Patterson, holding the prize-winning cake.

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THE NORTH Webster American Legion is celebrating a birthday with a party at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18. On that day 104 years ago, members of the American Expeditionary Force convened in Paris for the first American Legion caucus. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.

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ARE YOU looking for networking opportunities? The Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce will host a professional networking event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Brew City Roasters. Interested in hosting a networking event? Contact Sierra Clark-Kern at the Chamber at sierra@ swchamber.com.

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“HAPPY ST. Patrick’s Day to all my friends reading ‘The Mail-Journal,’” writes Nancy Gray, director of Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in North Webster. “Hope you have had a great week. Isn’t our St. Paddy’s day tree gorgeous? We can thank Kay and Jack Dabler for that. They change it out every month. Be sure to stop in and check it out when you are in town.

“If you haven’t got your seat on the bus for the casino trip, do it now. We are going to the brand new South Bend Four Winds Casino. Give me a call at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224, to sign up.”

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NORTH WEBSTER Church of God is excited to partner with Camp Crosley again for its annual Easter egg hunt to be held Saturday, April 8. With 20,000 eggs, there are plenty of eggs for everyone ages 0-12. The egg hunts are split into four age-appropriate hunt zone times so you can watch each of your kids participate.

While you are waiting on the egg hunt, your family can enjoy free hot cocoa and donuts, a petting zoo, a craft and story. You also can find the Easter Bunny walking around the grounds ready for photos. Preregister for the event by going to tinyurl.com/nwcogegghunt23. Parking and check-in at the event will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the event officially beginning at 10 a.m.

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ATTENTION FISHERMAN: The Syracuse Community Center will be hosting a live public auction of fishing tackle and equipment at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18. There will be a great selection of name brand fishing equipment, including rods and reels. There also will be a large selection of fishing apparel and accessories. Additionally, they will be selling fishing lures one hour prior to the sale.

MUSCLE ACTIVATION Kosciusko is coming to the North Webster Community

Center. Formerly known as Training By Tanner and Optimal Muscle Activation, the business will move into its new location Monday, April 10. They will continue to see clients at the Syracuse location until March 31.

It was noted on the NWCC’s Facebook page, “Karen (Tanner Byrd) and Sarah (Hurst) are going to be perfect partners for the center and we are excited to have more opportunities available for our community.” —o—

LAKELAND YOUTH Center has announced the annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 19, or Saturday, May 20, at Quaker Haven Activity Center. Dad and their daughters may only register for one night and, once registered, the night chosen cannot be switched due to limited availability.

The dance will take place at Quaker Haven Camp. Tickets will be $40 for dads and free for the young ladies. Registration will be found at lakelandyouthcenter.com and will open Thursday, April 13. —o—

WITH THE daylight savings time change last weekend, Dollar General in Milford has once again changed their nightly closing time. You might remember a couple months ago the store was closing at 6 p.m. because of a lack of lighting in the parking lot. A few weeks ago, the time was extended until 7 p.m. since the evenings were getting lighter as the calendar moved further away from the winter solstice. Now, with the springing forward of the clocks, the store has announced it will be open until 8 p.m. each day.

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AWANA CLUB has begun at North Webster United Methodist Church. The first session took place this past Monday, but sessions will continue weekly through Monday, April 24, at the church located at 7822 E. Epworth Forest Road.

Each session includes Bible study led by caring teachers, indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, music and movement and snacks. You can register online at northwebsterumc.org/awana, or call the church at (574) 834-2871. The director, Susan Chamberlin, can be contacted at susanc@northwebsterumc.org.

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THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Syracuse Parks Department for the communitywide Easter egg hunt. Local businesses can sign up to have a special Easter egg hidden at their location. There is no registration fee, but registered businesses are asked to donate a prize. If you’re interested, send an email to sierra@swchamber.com by Friday, March 17.

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MILFORD KIWANIS recently donated $500 to Boomerang Backpack, an organization that provides a weekly bag of food to help supplement weekend meals for schoolaged children. Susan Cripe, pictured below on the right with Kiwanis President Paula Stokes, spoke to the club about food insecurities facing area youth. She said there are 378 students in our school district who participate in this program. Boomerang also provides a Snack Shack at Wawasee High School.

The Kiwanis’ mission is to help kids by donating to community projects, such as Boomerang Backpack. Money for the Kiwanis’ programs is raised through local fundraisers, including the pancake breakfast that will be held from 7-10 a.m. this Saturday, March 18, at the Milford Community Building. The cost for the breakfast is a freewill donation.