The Mail-Journal - April 12, 2023

Clerk-treasurer candidates give their definitions of excellent customer service

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 of how each envisions the office.

The fifth question candidates were asked was, “What is the definition of excellent customer service and how do you plan to implement that philosophy in the Clerk-Treasurer’s office?”

Virginia Cazier

The Town of Syracuse clerk’s office is the central hub for employees, residents and visitors. We are here to provide immediate service and support to the community and

council in an accurate, efficient, professional and courteous manner. Excellent customer service is friendly, quick, flexible, knowledgeable, empathetic and respectful. My background has always been in customer service, from working at our local grocery store as a cashier my senior year, to working as a customer service representative for the largest duck produce company in the world, to working for the Town of Syracuse for over 25 years. Throughout my time in the customer service industry, I’ve gained invaluable experience in a variety of company settings. As clerk-treasurer, I strive to provide effective and efficient serContinued on page 2

County BZA addresses neighbor disputes

The Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals found itself handling a few neighbor disputes

Tuesday morning, April 11.

Engagement committee armed with information before making suggestions to school board

A group of 46 people from Milford, North Webster and Syracuse met five times from Feb. 27 through March 25 to learn about Wawasee Community School Corporation, its finances, curriculum, facilities and demographics. The final task was to put aside emotions and focus on what was best for the students

and make suggestions to the school board.

This group was called the Community Engagement Committee.

Each meeting, held at a different school building, also consisted of a facility tour by administrators of that school.

The group consisted of parents, elected officials, clergy, business leaders and teachers. Members of the group appeared to take their

task seriously as attendance ranged between 90% to 95%.

Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent, stated the group was tasked with two objectives: take a look at educational programming and how Milford is different than the other schools and help identify options for the board to consider in making decisions relating to facilities.

“It is an opportunity to invest into the facilities and input priorities,”

Troyer stated.

The five meetings were facilitated by Dr. James M. Halik, Compass-Keynote Consulting LLC. The former superintendent, noted the group was to help the school board be proactive, be a think tank and provide transparency. He stated the purpose of the group was to prepare options for the board based on the process of tours of the facilities and

Continued on page 2

Milford Council approves capital development fund rate hike

state. Currently the CCDF rate is at 0.0233 cents.

Michael Lauber’s case for a variance was continued from last month. Lauber was asking to keep a 6-foot-by-10-foot shed zero feet from the north property line of his North Webster home and 15 feet from the road right of way. Lauber was asked to get a survey done before the board made its decision. Lauber came back to the BZA with photos showing where the property pins were located, explaining how he strung a line from the pins to highlight the property line.

Lee Harman, president of the BZA, explained the board was looking for a staked survey done by a professional.

Matt Sandy, area plan commissioner, reminded Lauber a remonstrator was serious about not letting Lauber on his property.

After Harman referred to last

month’s board minutes which stated the board wanted a site survey, the remonstrator, a neighbor of Lauber’s, told the board Lauber’s fence was encroaching on his property along with the shed and several square feet of concrete.

The neighbor told the board he wanted none of it on his property. Harman asked why complaints weren’t made about the fence and concrete at the time they were installed. The neighbor said it wasn’t a problem in the past, but since there is now the shed issue and Lauber accusing his neighbor of lying about a survey done back in the late 1980s he isn’t willing to compromise on the matter.

The board ordered Lauber to get a professional survey done and submit it to the board by the May 9 BZA meeting.

Local attorney Steve Snyder represented Gregory and Tamara Moore in their petition for a variance by allowing an open pergola to remain 17 feet, 6 inches from Continued on page 2

Marina

The Milford Town Council’s Monday, April 10, meeting was preceded by a public hearing on a proposed cumulative capital development fund rate hike.

If approved, the rate would increase to 0.05 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation, beginning with taxes for 2023. This is the maximum rate allowed by the

According to Town Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, the CCDF has historically been used to purchase fire equipment. If the rate had been at the maximum allowed level, she said, the town would have collected $20,650 from 2022.

The hearing closed with no comment from the public, and the council voted to reestablish the CCDF rate at the end of the re-

quired 30-day waiting period.

The council also passed a resolution on Milford’s participation in the Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ HELP program.

The program calls for the town to commit roughly 30% of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to the program, which is $106,401 out of the $354,671 received.

During public input, the council heard of a zoning variance to Continued on page 2

County BZA

the water’s edge, when the original approval was for 21 feet.

Snyder explained the problem was due to contractor error. The contractor measured without taking into account the seawall is on an angle, so one side of the pergola is in compliance.

Showing photos of how the property has been improved and explaining the top of the open air pergola is motorized so it can be opened and closed, he asked permission to keep the structure in place.

Members of the BZA stated they wanted the contractor in front of them to answer questions regarding the matter. Sandy said he told the contractor it would be in his best interest to appear before the board.

Scott Williams, a neighbor of the Moores, remonstrated, stating the ordinance and application were clear. He told the board he spoke to Greg Moore outlining his concerns, including telling Moore he didn’t think the pergola would fit the setbacks.

Williams reported he told the contractor the pergola wouldn’t fit the setbacks when the first board was laid down. He related several conversations he had with Moore; Dan Richard, former area plan commissioner; and the contractor about the pergola.

Williams told the BZA board he felt the neighbor’s pergola being so close to the property line could have a negative effect on his property values.

Snyder refuted Williams’ claims about the effect on his property values, pointing out removing 3.5 feet of the pergola wasn’t going to make that much difference.

Williams told the board he wants the contractor to tear the pergola down and rebuild it to the approved variance.

Harman and the others instructed Sandy to send a letter to the contractor demanding he come before them on May 9 to answer their questions.

The BZA approved the follow-

ing cases:

• A petition from Maria Ortiz allowing two small sheds to remain 3 feet from the rear property line and 4.9 feet from the side line, the construction of a residence addition 10 feet from the rear property line and an open porch and addition 7.9 feet from the rear property line. The approval is conditional, pending a letter of support from the neighbors acknowledging the sheds and fence are not an issue.

• A request from Lawrence Watson to keep an RV as temporary housing on his property for four years. Watson plans to build a home on the property located in Van Buren Township.

• A request from Sherry Dykema to permit a reconstructed open porch to remain 5 feet from the north right of way. Dkyema was instructed to get an afterthe-fact permit. The property is located in Prairie Township.

• Petitions from Turtle Cove to have a property line moved and a duplex removed from the land tract. The property has historically had 15 mobile homes on it. It currently has 13, with plans to fill the two remaining spots. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• John Stukenborg’s petition to allow reconstruction of a residence in Turkey Creek Township. The variance was approved with a waiver from the county highway department.

• A request from Chris and Julie Rankin to keep three storage containers on the property for no more than two years. The property is located in Wayne Township. The Rankins need to get an afterthe-fact permit.

• A request from Zenaida Loyola to allow a carport, an accessory building, a shed and fencing on her property in Wayne Township. The approval was conditional on Loyola finding the property pins and getting a sign-off from the county health department.

• A variance for Daniel and Kathleen Schmelka to allow an

Milford Council

Continued from page 1 come before the board of zoning appeals April 11, in which a property under the name Bechtel at 203 E. Syracuse St. would seek a business permit for fiberglass and small engine repair.

“I’m not in favor of it at all,” said Councilman Ken Long. The building, he said, was initially set up for storage; however, in November the occupants started work with fiberglass without the required state permits. “They should have come to us last November when they started doing this.”

Long also noted the fire hazards related to fiberglass work, adding, “I don’t want to see another building burn down.” Long said he has already expressed his concerns to Area Plan Director Matt Sandy.

The council approved a permit for a couple residing on Henry Street to live in a trailer on the property until construction on their house, which was damaged in a fire on Thanksgiving Day 2022, is completed. The couple agreed to keep the town apprised of the situation.

Kevin Dwyer, president of the Waubee Lake Association, commented on the need for greater cooperation between the association and the council. Out of the roughly 160 homeowners on the lake, 75 are members of WLA, which “promotes the safety and health of the lake,” while the council oversees Waubee Lake Park.

Dwyer expressed concern about

exterior air conditioning unit to be placed 2 feet 8 inches from the west sideline. The property is in Turkey Creek Township.

• A variance for Glen Bontrager to permit an existing air conditioning unit to be placed 1.5 feet from the west sideline. The property is in Turkey Creek Township.

• A request from Eric Rodriguez to construct an oversized accessory building in Tippecanoe Township.

• A request from Hickory Pointe to allow an existing resident to remain 3.1 feet from the south sideline and allow a lot line adjustment to a preexisting nonconforming lot that reduces total square footage. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• A request from City Switch to install a cell tower in the railroad right of way and permitting a 185-foot tower to be closer to adjacent properties within the fall radius of 25 feet in Wayne Township.

The BZA continued the following cases:

• Edd Allen’s petition for exception allowing manufactured home sales in a commercial district. Snyder told the board he had just received the traffic study it requested. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township. His case is continued for one month.

• Jason and Jennifer Rockwell’s petition for an exception for a home-based business, a commercial recreational event center. The Rockwells were told they needed to work some issues out with state agencies before coming before the BZA. Their property is located in Van Buren Township. Their case is continued for two months.

• Eric and Marcia Bechtel’s petition for a change in variance by allowing a building to be used for a business. The property is located in Van Buren Township. The matter is continued for 30 days for the property owner and business owner to come into compliance with the state.

Engagement committee

the presence of stonewort algae in nearby lakes, which has already resulted in costly remediation efforts. He hopes to include signage at the park to bring attention to the problem and encourage boaters to clean their boats before entering Waubee Lake, thereby stopping the spread of the algae.

Representatives from Milford Kiwanis Club were on hand to request street closures, port-apotties and use of the community building for Milford Fest, May 27. The council approved the measures.

During Milford Fire Department reports, Vice President Steve Farber said rib-eye steak sandwiches will be served at Milford Fest at 11 a.m. He also thanked the community for support of the picture fundraiser. Farber also referred to a recent active shooter training exercise with the Milford and state police as “eye-opening.”

Firefighter Brian Haines said one quote for the repair of the town’s “old and outdated” tornado alarm system was roughly $33,000 for each siren, totalling around $66,000. However, the system’s problems are related to cold winter weather, he said, and it is currently “working fine.” Haines expects to have a second quote before the May 8 meeting of the council.

During police reports, the council approved Town Marshal Derek Kreider’s plan to implement Rule 35, allowing the department to have an officer draw blood in the

Clerk-treasurer candidates

Continued from page 1

vice and support. The clerk treasurer’s office employees operate in the same manner. We align our values, words and actions. As public servants, we exist to serve our community and strive to exceed expectations. We listen, are empathetic and take appropriate actions. We pursue effective and timely solutions and consider all points of view when resolving conflicts.

I always believe when you are good to people, they will remember you in a good way. The clerk’s office will manage in such a way that residents are confident in our support and services. All residents are considered our customers and will be treated with dignity and the utmost respect.

I look forward to continuing to be your clerk treasurer for the next four years. It is a privilege to serve our community for over 25 years.

As clerk treasurer I will continue to

provide exceptional customer service to all.

Larry Siegel

Serving the people of the town of Syracuse is the only reason to have a clerk-treasurer’s office. The people of Syracuse, our employees and guests come first.

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 as clerk-treasurer.

The first rule of providing excellent customer service is “Be Nice.”

No matter what the scenario, being warm, friendly and engaging when people come to the clerk-treasurer’s office goes a long way toward building trust and making our customers, employees and visitors happy.

case of an OWI involving an accident resulting in bodily injury or death. This would include watercraft, said Kreider. Deputy Adam Amsden has completed the phlebotomy training.

“We’re trying to get ahead of the curve,” said Kreider, referring to an increasing number of hospital labs opting out of providing phlebotomy services to law enforcement.

Milford’s spring clean-up will begin Thursday, April 20, and run through Saturday, April 22.

Times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 20 and 21; and 8-11:30 a.m., April 22.

Milford employees will be flushing hydrants April 12-13.

The council also approved the following motions:

• Construction of a salt storage shed by Ace Builders at a cost of $17,000.

Placing an advertisement for the hiring of lifeguards and concession stand workers at Waubee Lake Park.

Hiring Frank Brower for parttime work starting April 20.

• Putting a surplus Milford firetruck up for sale.

• Authorizing Gall to open an account at Interra Credit Union.

Providing utility credits to two customers by averaging bills of the previous six months. One customer had a water softener malfunction, while the other had a meter malfunction.

The next meeting of Milford Town Council is 7 p.m. Monday, May 8.

Excellent customer service means consistently meeting customers’ expectations. Excellent customer service is quick, easy, personalized and empathetic. The clerk-treasurer’s office must be staffed properly so the staff can take the time needed to understand the needs of each customer they are serving, along with the many guests who visit. When Virginia Cazier is on one of her many vacations or days off, the clerk-treasurer’s office is left understaffed, especially when someone goes on break or lunch and the phone rings with people at the counter.

Excellent customer service includes qualities that deliver respect to the people of Syracuse, our employees and visitors. Listening with empathy, communicating clearly and always with a patient positive attitude is mandatory. It is important to serve our customers quickly and completely. It is important to

Continued from page 1 only a 0.3% increase the following year. Enrollment for other schools in the county was also provided, showing all schools were seeing a decrease in students.

study data.

“Your focus is to use the data. Your primary reason, we are here for the kids, what is the best interest for the majority of kids – safety, curriculum, appearance, facility use,” stressed Halik. The role of the board and its responsibility were reviewed — conduct public business meetings, represent the community, over all perspective and provide adequate facilities.

Finances

The presentation on the corporation’s finances, including bond and debt capacity, was presented by Dr. Brandon Penrod, acting business manager and financial consultant.

The focus was an overview of factors impacting school finances, historical data for the corporation, and trends, forecasts and financial impacts. It was noted the corporation tax rate is $0.5399 per a $100 assessed valuation, one of the lowest in the state.

The four major components noted were finance, operations, curriculum/instruction and promotion/relations. Each of those areas were detailed. Tax dollars are only received for the operation and debt funds. State funds are used for the other funds.

Overviews explaining revenue from state funding and property taxes were provided. Information was also made available on the assessed value and tax rates for schools throughout the county.

Information was also provided showing a decrease in the corporation’s debt service funds as previous debt service is being paid down. In essence the corporation has approximately $80 million available over the years without raising tax rates.

Enrollment

Enrollment figures from 2013 to current were provided by grade levels. These figures showed a decrease in students in seven of the 10 years. Only 2014-15 and 2015-16 showed any increase with the highest in 2014-15 at 2.2%. There was

Education

Educational program was presented by Assistant Superintendent Shelly Wilfong. Programs range from infant/toddler to 12th grade. Middle school information was provided showing the current inequity of learning experiences between Milford and Wawasee. Offering similar programs and crossbuilding collaboration is becoming difficult due to differences in Encore classes, a difference in schedules and class times and student numbers. Enrollment, number of teachers and the student/teacher ratio along with advanced programming challenges at Milford Middle Schoolwere presented.

Wilfong noted the teachers at Milford Middle School are teaching two to three subjects and it is difficult to find teachers willing to teach that many subjects. If a teacher has a job choice of teaching one subject throughout the day compared to two to three subjects, they will take the one subject choice. Details on alternative programs, graduation pathways and career and technical education programs were also presented.

Facilities

Another eye-opening presentation was the facility study, provided independently by Barton Coe Vilamaa, architects and engineers. Staff toured each of the facilities, providing floor plans, dates building plans were created, design, building capacity, additions, room usage and recommended improvements.

Syracuse and North Webster are the corporation’s two newest schools. Syracuse, with a capacity of 558, is near its limit. North Webster, however, has only reached just over half of its capacity of 641. Milford School has a capacity of 660 and as of 2020-21 enrollment was 497. Wawasee Middle School, with a capacity of 944, is 518 and Wa-

wasee High School, with a capacity of 1,306, is 949.

The study provided areas of improvements to each school, including external improvements such as extending drop-off and pick-up areas, more parking, fencing, sidewalks and improved entrances. Milford School is the oldest school in the corporation. A layout of the school showed the original building was built in 1954 with additions in 1960, 1977, 1981 and 2001. Numerous challenges in the elementary and middle school areas were noted regarding classrooms, office, specialty areas, corridors, entrances and areas underutilized.

The high school is the second oldest building in the corporation. Like Milford it has had numerous additions and renovations. The high school was originally designed in 1967. Additions were made in 1971, 1977, 1991, 2010 ad 2011. Among the challenges for this building was the office, C-wing classrooms, storage, performing arts, lecture room and CTE area. Other challenges included the athletics area. It was noted the natatorium, lecture room, LRC Rooms/Surge and some classroom spaces are underutilized. Demographics

Demographics for the corporation were provided by McKibben Demographic Research LLC, Rock Hill, S.C. Jerome McKibben’s study provided corporation forecast assumptions, population based on the 2020 census and enrollment projection for each school through 203233.

The demographics showed the largest population age groups were between 55-69, with those between the ages of 10-19 the second highest. The smallest groups were those between birth to 4 and 70 tand up. The study showed people are remaining in their homes longer instead of downsizing. These are the homes, it was stated, younger families would normally move into. Committee members were also given a view of where students live throughout the district and per school, created by Wilfong.

Syracuse Parks kicking off busy season with opening of Schrock Field

While opening day for Little League will be Saturday, April 15, a special celebration for Schrock Field is in the works. Invitations have been sent out to park board members, contractors, town council members and major donors for the official ribbon cutting which, will be held Saturday,

provide accurate and proper advice. End every encounter by asking “Is there anything else I can do for you today?” All of our departments strive to provide excellent service to the people of Syracuse and our guests.

Excellent customer service in the clerk-treasurer’s office also includes service to our town employees, assuring they receive health insurance and HSA contributions after 60 days of employment as required.

Virginia is responsible for this and is reported to have left multiple employees not covered by health insurance as required per Ordinance 2019-19. She always deflects to some cause other than her not doing her job. The clerk-treasurer has to be able to accept the responsibility that comes with the position.

Email SiegelForClerk@gmail. com and I will forward or lead you to any source documentation proving the above.

April 29.

There will be a parade of Little League teams from Syracuse Elementary School along Kern Road to the new Schrock Field, where there will be a short presentation. Teams will take to the fields shortly after the grand opening celebration.

Park employees are currently busy working on a few minor projects that still need to be completed at the ballpark. The project contractor is addressing areas where there is a large amount of runoff in the ballpark. A flag pole, purchased by the American Legion Post 223, has been installed and there will be landscaping around the base.

Pitching mounds and the dog walking stations have been installed. The lights have been turned on and pointed down so as to not interfere with neighboring homes.

National Arbor Day is Friday, April 28. The parks department will be celebrating from noon to 1:30 p.m. with third graders from Syracuse Elementary School. They will be planting evergreens along the south side of the new ballpark.

The parks department will also plant about 10 street trees in Kerns Crossing and in other areas of town. Board member Kip Schumm asked about replacing some of magnolias along Lakeside Park. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, said those would be planted in addition to the street trees.

The Syracuse Park Foundation met two weeks ago and signed a

contract to replace the Henry Ward Park pavilion and restrooms. Jonsson told the board he hopes the project will begin later this summer, hopefully in late June or early July depending on weather.

Jonsson recommended the board create a facilities improvement committee. He explained when the board created its comprehensive and project plans, the department has been ticking off projects as they are completed.

Jonsson would like a committee to walk through the park facilities, see what projects need to be done and assist in prioritizing them.

Paul Newcomber, board president, said he would be willing to help on the committee.

Darin Lursen, program coordinator, reported the Easter egg hunts held April 1 went well despite having to be moved inside due to rainy weather. Approximately 110 kids participated. “A lot of happy faces,” he reported. This year the parks department partnered with area businesses to hide several eggs in them and in area parks. It took about three days for all the eggs to be located. Lursen told the board this type of egg hunt may replace the geocaching egg hunt done in the past.

In upcoming programs Lursen reported the next Princess Parties will be Saturday, April 22. He is also working on the annual TouchA-Truck event and the Mudtastic Classic.

Obituaries

Jay Allen Vanlaningham

Lifetime Area Resident

Jay Allen Vanlaningham, 54, a lifetime resident of Milford, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Born in Goshen on Aug. 25, 1968, Jay was the son of the late Rita (Hare) Vanlaningham and Richard “Ric” Vanlaningham, who survives. He was a graduate of Wawasee High School, class of 1986. Jay was a hard worker who worked with his family at Van Cabinets for some time and for many years at Jasper Plastics in the moulding area.

Jay is remembered for his good sense of humor and his smarts. He was a collector of International Harvester memorabilia and IH toys. He liked to try his luck at the casino and time spent outdoors at home.

In addition to his mother, Rita, Jay was preceded in passing by brother, Troy Stephenson; nephew, Dustin Miller; and brother-in-law, John Nace.

Those who survive include father, Ric (Sandi) Vanlaningham; sister, Kelly (Dave) Warrick of Mesa, Ariz.; two half sisters, Naomi (Richard) Stouder, Syracuse, and Sarah Nace, Warsaw; and girlfriend, Petra DeFreeuw. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Titus Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with care of Jay and his family. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 15, at the funeral home with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jeanne Claire Smith

Owner Of Good Time Tours

With great sorrow, the Smith, Tranguch and Barata families announce the passing of our loving, one-of-a-kind wife, mother, nana, sister and aunt, Jeanne Claire (Tranguch) Smith, at home on April 5, 2023. Born in Hazleton, Pa., on Aug. 12, 1941, Jeanne was the daughter of the late John Tranguch Sr. and Mary Tranguch. Jeanne was the matriarch of her five siblings, as well as the matriarch of her own family. She often ruled the roost, could easily light up a room and had a smile that could save any party.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her brothers, David Tranguch and Lawrence Tranguch; and godson, Robert (Bobby) Tranguch. Surviving is her husband, Jeffrey, Fishers; children, Scott, Logansport, Sharon, Indianapolis, and Christopher (Jennifer); granddaughter, Sophia Smith, Syracuse; brothers, John (Judy) and Raymond (Portia); sister, Jacqueline; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Early in life, Jeanne married her most dedicated friend, partner, confidant and (eventual) caretaker, Jeffrey, in 1962. They began their married life together at Purdue University while Jeff pursued his doctorate degree and Scott and Sharon entered the world as “Boiler babies.” A move to Fort Wayne proved to bring more joy to the family as they welcomed son, Christopher, and created many lifelong friendships.

Jeanne earned an associate degree from the McCann School of Business and later owned and operated Good Time Tours, a tour bus company, for more than 20 years in Logansport. She offered a variety of excursions to her “Good Timer’s” — from dinner theaters, Broadway shows and mystery trips to Branson, Mo., Ireland, Alaska and Hawaii.

Jeff and Jeanne enjoyed many wonderful vacations together, including cruises, family gatherings in Pennsylvania, camping trips and visits to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City and many other destinations. They provided their children and granddaughter with all the love, comfort, humor and stability a family could ask for.

Jeanne often served as the caller during family games of bingo and enjoyed decorating for the holidays, entertaining friends, talking on the phone (especially with her sister Jackie and daughter Sharon), listening to music and any time spent with her beloved granddaughter Sophie. Family time was always Jeanne’s favorite time.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15, with services at noon at Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary, 12010 Allisonville Road, Fishers, followed by burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. A celebration of life reception will be from 2-4 p.m. at the Muir Woods Clubhouse, 9098 Muir Lane, Fishers.

The Smith family would like to thank Paradigm Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care, whose incredible staff, particularly Rochelle, often went above and beyond to make sure Jeanne’s final days and weeks were comfortable and that her every need was met.

Memorial donations may be made to VFW Auxiliary, Italian Heritage Society of Indiana Scholarship Fund, Alzheimer’s Association and Trinity Episcopal Church, Logansport.

Dennis P. Garland Sr.

Retired Iron Worker

Dennis Paul Garland Sr., a resident of rural Syracuse, passed away at home unexpectedly at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was 70 years old.

Born in Knox on Friday, Nov. 28, 1952, Dennis was the son of the late Victor and Blanche (Beecham) Garland. He was a 1971 graduate of Knox High School, where he was inducted in the school’s Hall of Fame for basketball.

Later, he attended Indiana State University before being drafted to the United States Army Reserve. Dennis served stateside in an active role for several years before he was honorably discharged, returning home to meet the love of his life, Tina Kemery. Tina and Dennis were married on April 28, 1989, after meeting at work more than five years before. They shared 39 years together before Dennis’ passing.

Professionally, Dennis was an iron worker; he assembled structures, moved heavy equipment and helped build our communities. He was a proud union member of Local 292, working most of his career for Don R. Fruchey out of Fort Wayne. He retired in 2007.

Dennis was quite happy in retirement. He had always enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting and working in the garden. He was a lifelong IU Basketball and Notre Dame Football fan. He enjoyed competitively fishing, especially at the annual Fruchey sponsored charity outing. He had a good sense of humor and was truly a gentle giant. More than anything, Dennis loved his family; he was incredibly proud of his children and loved his grandchildren dearly.

In addition to his wife, Tina Garland of Syracuse, Dennis is survived by five children, Cole (Brittany) Garland of Leo-Cedarville, Shelly (Alex) Truty of Macy, Heather Williams of Warsaw, Michael (Amy) Garland of Leiters Ford and Dennis (Stacy) Garland Jr. of Gulf Port, Miss.; 11 grandchildren, Destiny (Seth) Syndram, Braxton Tennant, Kennedy Tennant, Faith Williams, Edward Truty, Braysen Stambaugh, Hazel Williams, Kyle (Dakota) Garland, Colby Garland, Katherine (Stone) Dalton, Avery Garland and Jaxon Garland; several great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Donna (Richard) Beauchamp, Peg (Arnold) Risner, Sandra (Bruce) Bennett and Steven Garland.

His parents and two brothers, Butch and David Garland, preceded him in passing.

Titus Funeral Home-Owen Chapel, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with Dennis’ care. Friends may gather there from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 13. The Titus staff will lead the family in a life celebration service at 6 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to castforkids.org.

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

Laura Preston (Hyndman) Keller

Former Syracuse Resident

Laura (Hyndman) Keller, resident of Sidney, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Laura was born Jan. 23, 1960, in Gary and moved to Syracuse in 1969. She graduated from Wawasee High School in 1978. In 1999, she married Ralph Keller, who preceded her in death in 2002.

She had two children, James Jeffrey Hyndman and Alberta Mae Keller. She is also survived by her brother, Jeff; sister, Cindy; and uncle, David Hyndman.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 2425 W. 19th Ave., Gary.

Gene Kay

Owner Of Rum Keg Liquor Store

Gene Kay, a longtime resident of Syracuse and Boner Lake, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter at his side at 11:45 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2023. He was 87 years old.

Born in Morocco on Jan. 8, 1936, Gene was born as Charles Eugene Kay, though everyone knew him as Gene. He was the son of Charles E. and Mary (Daily) Kay and a 1954 graduate of Morocco High School.

Having learned the value of hard work at an early age, Gene was a longtime employee of Bachi Corporation, spending much of his career in sales. In retirement, he was the owner-operator of Rum Keg liquor store in Cromwell.

More personally, Gene is remembered for his love of the outdoors; he was a fisherman, hunter and bird watcher. He was also a golfer and longtime member of Maxwelton Golf Club. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a die-hard Cubs fan. He liked to share his catches with his family, neighbors and friends. He also liked pie, westerns and time spent on the lake.

Married to Gerry Miner on May 24, 1993, the pair spent nearly 30 years together before his Friday morning passing. Also surviving with memories to cherish are three children, Scott (Maryanne) Kay of St. Augustine, Fla., Steven (Gail) Kay of Anna Maria Island, Fla., and Shawn (Mitch) Hile of Goshen; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in passing by his parents.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is trusted with care of Gene and the Kay family. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, at The Lodge, 13900 N. Eastshore Drive, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, Gene would have appreciated gifts to New Hope Pet Rescue as he was an animal lover; envelopes will be available at the memorial gathering.

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

John Crabtree

John Crabtree, 82, North Webster, died Monday, April 10, 2023. Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral HomeOwen Chapel of North Webster.

Commissioners Approve H.E.L.P. Strategic Plans

Kosciusko County and several of its towns have moved closer towards making improvements using some American Rescue Plan Act money.

At its meeting on Tuesday, April 11, Kosciusko County Commissioners approved strategic investment plans for doing projects as part of the county’s participation in the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program.

The state created H.E.L.P. to assist local governments with spending their ARPA money on projects to better their communities in four specific areas: Advancing E-Connectivity; Enhancing Quality of Place; Promoting Community Wellness; and Strengthening Local Economies. Kosciusko County was selected to participate and county representatives invited any of the county’s cities and towns to take part as well, with Pierceton, Mentone and Milford joining on.

Through H.E.L.P., the state is promising the county and the participating towns special funding to use along with their ARPA money. The county also hired a H.E.L.P.

Alcohol permit continued for Blank Slate

A new alcoholic beverage permit for Blank Slate LLC, 105 W. Main St., Syracuse, was continued during a Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission meeting Thursday, April 6. No representatives for the LLC were present at the meeting and State Excise Officer April Tackett said an orange sign informing the public about the permit was not posted at the business.

Additionally, during the meeting South Shore Ventures LLC, 10601 N. SR 13, Syracuse, was granted a beer, wine and liquor — restaurant permit.

Other local businesses receiving permits with no violations were: Harry’s Tab & Grill, 132 S. Main St., Milford, beer, wine and liquor — restaurant; and Wilby’s Inc. doing business as Wilby’s Gas & Goodies, 11200 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, beer and wine dealer — grocery store.

During other business, a

transfer of ownership for an alcoholic beverage permit at a Pierceton gas station was approved. Gurpinder Singh, representing 1330 Deli Mart LLC, attended the meeting. The business is United Deli, located at 7487 E. Old Road 30, Pierceton.

Singh has recently acquired the business.

Currently, the gas station does sell alcohol as the business has a different permit under its former owner, United Oil Corporation. This permit was renewed at the meeting.

In other business, the board approved a permit renewal for Warsaw’s Hacienda Mexican Restaurant after hearing about a violation.

Scott Bidwell, a consultant with Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis; and HMR Acquisition Company Inc. CEO Tammy Boetsma, attended the meeting as representatives for Hacienda.

Bidwell and Boetsma both said a manager at Warsaw’s Hacienda location was busy

when she forgot to check for identification and sold alcohol to a minor. Both the restaurant and employee have paid fines as a result. Boetsma told the board the manager was written up but is still employed with the company.

The following permits with no violations were approved:

• Dolgencorp LLC, doing business as Dollar General Store No. 7654, 9554 W. SR 25, Mentone. Beer and wine dealer – grocery store.

• El Cielo Restaurant & Bar, 520 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. Beer, wine and liquor – restaurant.

• GB License LLC, doing business as GoPuff, 109 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw. Beer and wine dealer – grocery store.

• Tili LLC, doing business as Oak & Alley, 2308 E. Center St., Warsaw. Beer, wine and liquor –restaurant.

The local ATC’s next meeting will be held at the Kosciusko County Courthouse at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 4.

community coordinator, Amy Roe, to facilitate the process. She was present at Tuesday’s meeting.

The plans lay out the projects the county and three towns wish to do. For the county, those are: creating a canoe/kayak launch at James Lake; extending a greenway west of Warsaw by creating a road between Chinworth Bridge and North CR 350W; improving broadband infrastructure; and working on an initiative to help with health aspects countywide.

Following commissioners’ approval, the Kosciusko County Council will also have give their blessing to the plans. Roe said at the end of April she and Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger will also meet with state officials to iron out final details.

County leaders should soon after that be able to determine which of the projects the county and towns wish to do may be accomplished.

In other business, commissioners:

• Allowed Kosciusko County Health Department Administrator Bob Weaver to apply for about $41,000 in ARPA money administered by the state for lead testing for kids.

• Approved contracting with Securus Technologies for communications for Kosciusko County Jail prisoners. Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith said inmates can use secured tablets to video chat with family and friends, view their mail and see commissary and educational information among other things. He noted each inmate will get one free 20-minute video visit a week.

• Allowed the Kosciusko Area Bus Service to return more than $323,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act monies it was unable to use to the Indiana Department of Transportation.

• Approved acquiring right of way for two properties near a bridge near Hand Avenue as the bridge will be reconstructed over Walnut Creek.

• Approved a request from Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry to apply for $77,790 in grant money for “energy-related projects.”

• Approved a quote from MacAllister for maintaining generators at the county’s public communications safety towers for $5,823 for three years.

Commissioners’ next meeting is 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.

Accidents/Incidents

All charges made by law enforcement are allegations and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Kosciusko County

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

9:41 a.m. Sunday, April 9, East Defreese Road, west of EMS D18 Lane, Warsaw. Driver: Jason D. Brogdon, 42, East CR 800N, Syracuse. Brogdon’s vehicle hit a guardrail. Damage under $750.

6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 9, North SR 13, south of East CR 800N, North Webster. Driver: Denise E. Green, 39, North Jefferson Street, Silver Lake. Green’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $1,000.

2:53 p.m. Friday, April 7, North

SR 13, north of North Grandview Drive, Syracuse. Drivers: Kaylie

N. Piper, 27, East Asbury Lane, North Webster; Allyson M. Eppert, 19, North Placidview Lane, Milford; and Gary D. Jones, 34, Meadow View Drive, Syracuse.

Piper’s vehicle rear-ended Eppert’s, which resulted in Eppert’s vehicle being pushed into Jones’. Piper complained of head, chest and leg pain and was treated at the scene. Eppert complained of leg pain and was taken to Goshen Hospital. Three passengers in Jones’ vehicle complained of pain and were taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. Abigail Pischke, 13; Parker L. Stephans, 12; and Taylor Stephens, 11, all of Syracuse, complained of general body pain. Damage up to $100,000.

6:02 a.m. Thursday, April 6, North SR 15, north of West CR

1000N, Milford. Driver: Angela M. Belcher, 51, EMS C27C Lane, Warsaw. Belcher’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

3:53 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, North CR 1000E, near East CR

750N, Cromwell. Driver: Shania L. Kuta, 27, South Parkside Drive, Cromwell. Kuta’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

9:39 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4, North SR 13, south of East CR 850N, North Webster. Driver: Sarah A. Slone, 26, South CR 750E, Pierceton. Slone’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $2,500.

11:17 a.m.

Tuesday, April 4,

3592 E. 750N, Leesburg. Driver: Christopher J. Courtois, 31, Latta Street, Warsaw. Courtois was backing his vehicle from a driveway when he hit a parked vehicle.

Damage up to $5,000.

7:46 a.m. Monday, April 3, North SR 13, near North Grandview Drive, Syracuse. Drivers: Justin K. Pedler, 32, South Edgewater Drive, Syracuse; and David A. Nakasen, 22, Birchdale Drive, Fort Wayne. Pedler’s vehicle rearended Nakasen’s. Pedler said he had some neck pain but did not seek treatment at the scene.

Damage up to $10,000. Incidents

3:59 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 4200 block North Sullivan Road, Leesburg. Officers investigated a report of a disturbance.

2:07 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 100 block EMS W23 Lane, North Webster. Gene E. Reed reported fraud. Value: $150.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following accidents, incidents and made the following arrests:

Accidents

5 p.m. Friday, April 7, North CR 175E, south of CR 1300N, Milford. Driver: Stanley E. Kilmer, 71, West Catherine Street, Milford. Kilmer’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000. North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following accidents:

Accidents

8:16 a.m. Monday, April 10, 5745 N. 750E, North Webster.

Drivers: April J. Wolfe, 43, North CR 525E, Warsaw; and Dena L. Parzygnot, 51, EMS T13 Lane, Leesburg. Wolfe’s vehicle backed into Parzygnot’s. Damage up to

$1,000.

6:56 p.m. Saturday, April 8, North SR 13, near East Fourth Street, North Webster. Driver: Draven J. Frazier, 22, South Washington Street, Sidney. The front brakes on Frazier’s motorcycle locked up, resulting in Frazier going over the handle bars with his motorcycle landing on top of him. Frazier complained of left hip pain. Damage up to $2,500.

4:03 p.m. Saturday, April 8, North CR 700E, near East CR 500N, North Webster. Drivers: Serena E. Yocom, 34, North CR 700E, Leesburg; and Dustin L. Hoffman, 26, North Barbee Road, Warsaw. Yocom was turning south onto CR 700E when she hit Hoffman’s vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, West South Street, west of South Main Street, North Webster. Drivers: Mark Antosik, 66, EMS B37 Lane, Warsaw; and Carrie R. Boarman, 35, South Dixie Drive, North Webster. Antosik was backing out of a parking space and failed to see Boarman’s vehicle. Boarman complained of tightness in her shoulder but refused medical treatment. Damage up to $5,000.

Syracuse

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

Incident

9:22 a.m. Friday, April 7, 700 block of East Lake View Road, Syracuse. Items were stolen from the Oakwood Inn. Value of $962.10.

Arrest 11 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 525 Railside Drive, Syracuse. Daniel Dewayne Clark Jr., 28, was arrested for battery. Bond $600.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents, incidents and made the following arrests:

Accidents

10:04 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 600 N. Bay Drive, Warsaw. Driver: Linda L. Bender, 76, West CR 1250N, Milford. Bender said she thought she hit the accelerator instead of the brake. Her vehicle hit a building. Damage up to $25,000.

Elkhart County

Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following incident:

Incident

12:46 a.m. Friday, March 31,

Letter to the editor Chamber tour

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We welcome readers’ letters.

10000 block Oak Street, New Paris. Chelsea Zartman reported her home was vandalized.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County Jail:

April 10 — Brian Glover, 58, 8601 E. Hatchery Road, Syracuse, booked for a probation violationmisdemeanor. No bond.

April 10 — Daniel Dewayne Clark Jr., 28, 525 Railside Drive, Syracuse, booked for battery. Bond: $600 cash.

April 9 — Douglas Patrick Watkins, 44, 8712 E. Wesley Lane, North Webster, booked for possession of a controlled substance, driving while suspended prior, possession of marijuana with a prior, and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

April 9 — Clayton Tyler Chancey, 29, 208 W. North St., North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and OWI with a BAC of .15 or more.

Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

April 6 — Daniel Arthell Johnson, 36, 8100 E. Wade Lane, North Webster, booked for domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman. No bond listed.

April 6 — Jacob Tyler Reiff, 29, 10765 N. Syracuse Webster Road, Syracuse, booked for driving while suspended. Bond: $500 cash.

April 6 — Miles Robert Cole, 35, 401 N. Lake St., Syracuse, booked for criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Elkhart County

The following person was booked in Elkhart County Jail: March 31 — Jamison C. Tanner, 47, 4799 N. 700E, Leesburg, booked for possession of methamphetamine. Bond: $3,000. Noble County

The following person was booked in Noble County Jail:

April 5 — Tony J. Jacobs, 39, 3757 N. 900W, Cromwell, booked for battery-bodily injury. No bond listed.

Five injured in three-vehicle chain reaction crash on

SR13

Five people were injured following a three-vehicle chain reaction crash on SR 13, north of North Grandview Drive, Friday, April 7. The accident occurred at 2:53 p.m. Gary D. Jones, 34, Meadow View Drive, Syracuse, was stopped southbound on SR 13 in a 2004 Ford Explorer, waiting for traffic to clear to turn into Wawasee Area Conservancy District. Allyson M. Eppert, 19, North Placidview Lane, Milford, was stopped behind Jones’ vehicle, in her 2008 Nissan Altima when it was struck from behind by a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan driven Kaylie Piper, 27, East Ashbury Lane, North Webster.

Piper stated she did not see the vehicles stopped prior to the accident. The impact of Piper’s vehicle hitting Eppert’s vehicle pushed it into Jones’ vehicle.

Piper complained of head, chest and leg pain and was treated at the scene. Eppert complained of leg pain and was taken to Goshen Hospital.

Jones was not injured. However, passengers in his vehicle: Abigail Pischke, 13, Syracuse; Parker L. Stephens, 12, Syracuse; Taylor Stephens, 11, Syracuse, all complained of pain and were taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. Damage was estimated up to $100,000.

Court News

Marriage Licenses

Kosciusko County

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

Vuittonet-McGriff

Kyler M. Vuittonet, 36, Syracuse, and Holly D. McGriff, 39, Syracuse

Gibbs-Monreal

Alicia S. Gibbs, 39, Warsaw, and Olivia N. Monreal, 26, Pierceton

Fitzpatrick-Sautter

Hanna Fitzpatrick, 23, Warsaw, and Michael Sautter, 23, Warsaw

Roesner-Barker

Jeffery D. Roesner, 46, Winona Lake, and Ann M. Barker, 49, Winona Lake Redden-Llewellyn

Donta W. Redden, 25, Warsaw, and Kalynn M. Llewellyn, 20, Warsaw

Griesmann-McCarty Victoria K. Griesmann, 30, Claypool, and Robert M. McCarty, 31, Claypool Borkholder-Chupp

Marriage Dissolutions

Kosciusko County

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

Salyer — Tasha Salyer, Milford, and Stanley Salyer, North Webster. They were married June 22, 2012, and separated Oct. 21, 2022. Two minor children.

Weaver-Armstrong — Jonathan Weaver, Leesburg, and Tiffany Armstrong, Leesburg. They were married Dec. 26, 2021, and separated March 6, 2023. No minor children.

Watkins — Crystal Watkins, Leesburg, and Samuel Watkins Jr., Pierceton. They were married Aug. 5, 2016, and separated Dec. 10, 2022. Three minor children. Adams — Richard D. Adams, North Webster, and Sandra J. Adams, Perrysburg, Ohio. They were married May 3, 2002, and separated Jan. 5, 2011. No minor children. Elkhart County

The following couple have filed a marriage dissolution in Elkhart County Courts:

Johnson arrested after battering pregnant woman, stealing firearm

Daniel Arthell Johnson, 36, 8100 E. Wade Lane, North Webster, was recently arrested after allegedly battering a pregnant woman and stealing items from her.

He has been charged with domestic battery to a pregnant woman and theft of a firearm, both level 5 felonies; domestic battery with a child under 16 present, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On Dec. 26, 2022, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy went to a location in North Webster regarding a domestic incident. A woman said she and Johnson had a verbal argument, which turned into a physical incident after Johnson

allegedly used his left hand to grab the front of her neck and “choke slam” her onto a bed. According to court documents, Johnson gathered his belongings and took the woman’s 2017 Nissan Maxima and a loaded firearm without permission. The deputy noticed red marks around the woman’s neck and throat area. She said she was pregnant and Johnson knew about the pregnancy. A child was in the home during the incident and heard the woman and Johnson screaming and yelling.

On Jan. 9, the woman told the deputy Johnson returned her vehicle and firearm. Further investigation showed Johnson was involved in a vehicle pursuit with the Elkhart Police Department Dec. 30, 2022. Johnson used the Nissan Maxima during the pursuit.

Johnson is currently on pretrial release for the aforementioned Elkhart County case. For the Kosciusko County case, Johnson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Thursday, April 6.

nity outreach activities.

Thank you to the chamber for organizing this event and to our AIA hosts, Andrea and Dave, for their hospitality and comprehensive tour of their facility. AIA is one more reason to be proud of our small community.

We are doing big things.

Kathleen and David Johnston

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Council listens to public comments on airport authority

Comments to the Kosciusko County Council Thursday evening, April 6, on moving the Warsaw Municipal Airport from a board of aviation commissioners to a city-county airport authority weighed heavily on two factors: economic growth and taxes.

The council asked a few questions during the 95-minute meeting in the old county courtroom attended by about 80 people, but mostly they just listened. No votes or action were taken.

City Perspective

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer led a delegation from the city, with local community members and elected officials speaking in favor of the airport authority. The city council on March 20 unanimously approved a Warsaw BOAC recommendation recommending establishment of the airport authority. It’s now up to the county council to make a decision.

He talked about how the county is the envy of almost every county in Indiana with its abundance of lakes, productive farm ground, a “good balance of population and quality of life.”

Thallemer added, “We are abundantly blessed with a legacy of high-tech manufacturing that goes back to the turn of the century. Not the last turn of the century, but the one before that.”

Thallemer said the county’s manufacturing industry continues to grow and expand. “Our manufacturing partners create opportunity for every person in this county with skilled, high-paying jobs and sustainable career paths. For every direct manufacturing job, an additional 1.42 jobs are created that support industry and workforce needs,” he said.

Seven of the 10 top-paying taxpayers in the county are orthopedic manufacturers and five of the top 25 county taxpayers are agriculture businesses, he stated.

“I don’t think there is one person in this room who enjoys paying taxes,” Thallemer said. “I know I don’t. But, for the benefit of our local taxpayers, most counties don’t enjoy the broad economic base we are blessed with, all from the investment industry makes in Kosciusko County.”

Thallemer concluded by saying local partnerships the Warsaw Airport has with industry create “a synergy that drives our local economy and opens many more doors when we work together. Those partnerships are inseparable and will only strengthen with your support of this resolution.”

Approximately half of the meeting was a presentation by Airport Manager Nick King and attorney Don Tribbett. King talked about what the airport brings to the community, its economic impact, the users of the airport, recently completed infrastructure replacement projects and those projects going on in the next couple years.

“Economic impact the biggest driving factor behind an airport.

Currently, we support about 117 jobs at Warsaw Airport and our labor income is over $6.8 million. Our GDP for the airport is just over $12 million, and we as an airport have a direct output of $23 million. That number is brought to us by an INDOT Office of Aviation who did an economic impact study in 2022,” King said.

He said the Warsaw Airport is in the top five airports in the state and is just shy of an $860 million a year economic impact to the community.

During public comments, resident Terry Martin questioned the accuracy of King’s figures and said he’d rather the issue go to a public referendum. However, the only way the airport authority can go to a referendum is if the county council approves the resolution and then, during the 30-day remonstrance period, 456 signatures are collected and verified by the county clerk’s office, according to Tribbett and Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell.

King also spoke about some of the users of the airport, which includes the larger biomedical companies like Zimmer Biomet and DePuy Synthes, but also companies like Image Air Charter, Explorer Van, Polk Equipment Group, PWI, Silveus Insurance, Chore Time Brock, Louis-Dreyfus and others.

Concerning recent projects, King said the north-south runway was replaced in 2019. The AEP power line lowering project has been talked about for decades, and will cost around $7.6 million.

King said the airport is funded by grants, oil and fuel sales, land leases, hangar rent, cash farm ground rent and tax funding. The large, necessary capital projects are what’s putting the stress on the air-

port’s annual budget, he said. If the airport authority goes through, he said the state-allowed tax rate maximum is 3.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. King said the maximum rate — along with fuel sales, excise tax, circuit breakers, etc. — would give the airport an operating fund of just shy of $3.2 million. Another fund would be about just over $200,000, for a total of $3.475 million annually.

Tribbett talked about the legal structure and board for the authority. He said airport authorities are a creation of state statute, which controls what they can and can’t do. He said if the county council approves the authority, there is a 30-day remonstrance period. If no remonstrance is properly filed, the authority will come into existence either on July 1 or January 1. The goal in this case is for the authority not to come into existence until January 1.

The airport authority board would have six members, three appointed by the city mayor and three appointed by the county commissioners. The city and county councils would have authority to review and revise the authority’s annual budget.

Economic Impact

Two state representatives and a representative of 2nd District U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym’s office spoke about the economic impact of the airport on the community.

District 22 State Rep. Craig Snow said the biggest part of his job Thursday was listening and try to figure out more what the authority is all about. He said he had talked to King and representatives of the airport authorities in South Bend and Fort Wayne and had looked at the state statute on airport authorities.

“If there are questions you have after all of this, there are things we can change in the statute to kind of help shape Kosciusko County,” Snow said, though it probably won’t be this year.

“This is truly a local issue. It’s a difficult decision for you all. The city made its decision, of course. I personally love economic development,” he said.

Griffin Nate, district director for Yakym, read a letter to the county council from Yakym. In part, the letter states, “As the Orthopedic Capital of the World, the economy of Warsaw and Kosciusko County more broadly requires reliable and accessible transportation infrastructure.

“The Warsaw Municipal Airport serves as a critical cog in the orthopedic industry supply chain, from incoming inputs to outgoing lifesaving devices on delivery. It also serves as a selling point for businesses looking to grow and create jobs in Kosciusko County. The Warsaw Municipal Airport is a valuable resource in promoting economic development in our community.”

District 18 State Rep. David Abbott said he saw the airport authority as a great opportunity economically.

“What I see here, with what we’re doing with U.S. 30, the airport would be a critical companion to that — those initiatives to improve those. It’s critical to keeping not only what we’re doing now. We need to look forward,” he said.

Industry Representation

Jim Lancaster, a lifetime community member and Zimmer Biomet’s president of its global reconstruction business, brought Zimmer Biomet’s support for the airport.

“Zimmer Biomet has an incredible presence in our community, not only as the largest employer, but also in various ways in which the company invests in and leverages the amenities Warsaw has to offer. One of them is our local airport,” he said.

“The Warsaw Airport has and will continue to be an invaluable aspect of our infrastructure at Zimmer Biomet. We live in a unique community that may be small, but has a mighty opportunity to continue to do great things.”

Zimmer Biomet recognizes the importance of the long-term maintenance and vision needed for the airport, he said.

Bob Vitoux, OrthoWorx CEO, said the community is blessed with great bases in agriculture and orthopedics, as well as many other companies.

“But I think it has to think about what does the future hold in store? So that’s what I would really encourage the council to think about, not where is the puck today, but where is the puck going?” he said.

There are many orthopedic companies in Kosciusko County already, with many other companies wanting to come to this community, he said. Other speakers on the city’s behalf included attorney and BOAC

President Jay Rigdon; KEDCO CEO Alan Tio, represented by Suzie Light; Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President Rob Parker; and Dan Robinson, BOAC member and co-owner of Robinson Construction and Westhill Development.

Rigdon said the BOAC has worked very hard to make sure the airport is an economic asset for the community, not just for the city of Warsaw, but for all of Kosciusko County.

Light talked about the county investing in its own economic growth.

“If we do not invest in our economic growth, in a few years we will see the opposite of a thriving community. We will see a dying community,” she said.

“Taking off her KEDCO hat,” Light said she and her husband live in Wayne Township and their family business owns property in Warsaw and Winona Lake. They are conservative and frugal.

“But for us to say, ‘Don’t tax us because we don’t use the airport’ is foolish,” she said. Not all Wayne Township residents use the Warsaw-Wayne Township public library, nor do they all have children in school, but they support those things with their tax dollars “because we benefit as a community from those important valuable things that create valuable community citizens. Those important businesses that use the airport are valuable community businesses. I want our community to be vibrant and thrive, because I want it to be

a place my grandchildren want to come back to and live in and call home.”

Parker talked about how, without growth, the community dies, while Robinson talked about his support for the airport authority. Public Comments

Jeremy Morrison, who owns Morrison Aviation Services at the airport, said he was in favor of the airport authority. He called it an investment into the community.

Gary Parker mentioned the city will have a new mayor come January 1, so the county should wait until he gets into office and see if he can help the airport out.

Don Zolman said he thought the matter also should go to a referendum. While there was a good turn-

out Thursday, he said the county’s population is over 80,000.

He said he wasn’t against progress and development in the community, but there should be orderly development. He said he could see a lot of pluses for improving the airport, but “I think the people promoting this need to sell us. Sell me on what you’re wanting to do.”

Warsaw Councilman Mike Klondaris spoke about how the city has been working diligently to attract new businesses to the community while retaining current businesses.

Dr. Lee Harman, Warsaw resident and former school superintendent, said, “I’m compelled to speak because I care about this community. I’ve never wanted to live any-

place else. I’ve lived here my entire life. I see this, to me, as a slam dunk. We ought to have this airport expansion.”

He asked the council to think about retention of the assets the county has and how important the airport is to retaining those assets.

“Think about the economic impact if this does not happen as it’s been laid out here. I understand it’s going to cost money, but there is such a thing as the common good.”

Two people spoke against the airport authority. Cathy Lemberg supported a referendum on the issue, while Plain Township Trustee Craig Charlton said not only should it be on a referendum, but the industries that use the airport, not the people, should pay for it.

Neil Meyer welcomed as newest board member

At the Tippecanoe and Chapman Sewer District meeting Monday, April 10, Neil Meyer was welcomed as the new board member for the district.

Meyer was appointed by Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township Trustee, to replace Jon Tyler, who resigned in February.

The board discussed various financial matters and addressed the issue of delinquent customer accounts.

Board member Chuck Simpson highlighted that there are approximately 130 customers who have not paid anything on their accounts since December. A letter sent out Wednesday kindly reminds those customers there are no overdue payments or penalties yet, but they may be subject to penalties in the future.

In addition, it was mentioned that Gemini, the billing service provider, has set up an online payment option, with over 100 people already signed up for the service.

In the last month, progress has been made on unsigned easements, with the number of unsigned easements reduced to 58 at Tippecanoe Lake and 34 at Chapman Lake. Improvement is likely due to the “last chance” letter sent to property owners, resulting in increased communication and engagement.

To save costs and increase efficiency, a letter was sent to customers with shared drainages, informing them grinder stations would be placed as close to the property line as possible. The goal is to minimize future costs and disputes between property owners.

Tony Croy, a property owner on 300 East, Syracuse, expressed his frustration about a main line running directly in front of his house and through his property. Croy and his neighbors were not informed about the sewer project since they were across the street and not included in the district. Croy now wants to opt into the

program and is willing to pay the $15,000-$20,000 hookup charge to be included.

Henschen explained the process to Croy, stating that the first step is to approach the board and express interest. If the board deems it feasible, Croy would then need to go back to the commissioners and request to join the district. Once the application is accepted, and if the property is within 300 feet of the line, Croy would be responsible for the hookup charge.

A change order, which included fewer customer-driven changes but still resulted in additional costs, was presented. The main cost drivers were the installation of two new grinder stations on a property, amounting to around $27,000. Installation of a 6-inch high-pressure gas line on Armstrong Street added another $9,000.

“That’s the depth we read our pressure sewer, we couldn’t go above it because that gets us into potential freezing conditions. We want to stay in 5 foot depth so as a result we had to drill under and when we drill down and come back up we create some high points in your pipe and we can’t have high points in our forest. Or else it’ll be a place where air gets trapped in the line and actually can block a sewer line. So we had to make it deeper,” said Henschen.

Attorney Andrew Boxberger addressed the difficulties in meeting deadlines for posting public notices in newspapers twice before meetings, as required by statute. He suggested that the board pass a resolution allowing the second publication to be online, which would streamline the process and make it easier to meet deadlines and give the public easier access to updated information.

If the board agrees, a designated person would need to sign the proof of publication, with Jennifer Ransbottom or someone from JPR potentially filling that role. The board seemed open to the idea, and Boxberger suggest-

ed bringing the resolution to the next meeting for adoption.

A decision was made to purchase an annual subscription of Boardly, a board planning application, for each board member, which will save Ransbottom

hours of paperwork and contribute to a reduction in paper usage. Each member will bring their own laptop to meetings to use the software, making the board’s operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. Price: Adults ... $6.00 • Kids Under 12 ... $2.00

Warrior baseball team falls to Whitko in nailbiter

The Wawasee Warrior varsity baseball team lost a real

nailbiter to Whitko, 9-8, Tuesday, April 11, at Wawasee High School. The Warriors led 3-2 after three innings before Whitko scored three runs in the fourth

inning, taking a 5-4 lead. The Warriors scored three runs in the fifth inning, regaining the lead with a 7-6 advantage and led 8-7 heading into the final inning.

Whiko rallied, scoring two runs in the final inning to stun the Warriors on their home field. The Warriors ran out of gas and were held scoreless in the final inning of play.

Ty Brooks and Hunter Fiedeke each had two hits. Reed Ridenbach, Ryan Menzie, Gavin Malone, Kane Dukes each had one hit. Brooks had eight strikeouts and Kaleb Salazar had two. Wa-

wasee had eight total hits and Whitko had six. Each team committed four errors. Next game: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at home versus Columbia City.

Lady Warrior tennis loses season opener to Westview

The Wawasee Lady Warrior tennis team lost 5-0 in their season opener to Westview, Tuesday, April 11, at Westview Jr.-Sr. High School.

Wawasee #1 singles senior

Kiah Farrington was defeated by Westview senior Paige Riegsecker, 7-5, 7-5, in a very close match. Westview #2 singles junior Maddie Stults defeated

Wawasee sophomore Mackenzie Hackleman, 6-0, 6-0.

Westview #3 singles senior

Bailey Kenner defeated Wawasee freshman Makayelynn

Toumey 6-1, 6-1.

Westview #1 doubles seniors

Ella Clark and Ava Brown defeated Wawasee juniors Allison Clark and Kenley Stewart, 6-1, 6-0. Westview #2 doubles senior Ella Yoder and junior Jen Osorio-Luna defeated Wawasee sophomores Aubrey Gerber and Hannah Likens, 6-1, 6-0. This is a young Lady Warrior tennis team with many firsttime players. They will continue to improve as the season matures.

Lady Warrior head coach Amanda Hare said, “It’s the first match of the season. I have told the girls to drink plenty of water. We’re really excited for the season. All 19 girls are just super excited. We have so many matches in the upcoming weeks.”

Next game: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Goshen High School.

WAWASEE HIGH SCHOOL Athlete of the Month

Titus Funeral Home Would Like To Recognize LUCAS LINDER (Junior)

As Our Athlete Of The Month

Lucas is a Junior who is currently a member of the Boys Track & Field team and also participated in Football this past Fall. During the West Noble Boys Track & Field meet on 3/28 Lucas placed 1st in all four events he competed in. The 100 Meter Dash, 200 Meter Dash, 4x100 Meter Relay & 4x400 Meter Relay.

Lady Warrior softball loses to Columbia City, defeats Fairfield

The Lady Warrior softball team lost to Columbia City, 15-0, Tuesday, April 11, at Columbia City

High School. Columbia City jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one inning and never looked back. Ava Couture and Brooke Catron had the only two hits for the Lady Warriors.

The Lady Warriors defeated Fairfield, 5-2, Monday, April 10, at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School.

The Lady Warriors led 1-0 after one inning and exploded for three runs in the second inning, taking a 4-0 lead into the third inning.

The team hit a dry spell, going scoreless in the next four innings. Fairfield mounted a comeback and closed the gap to 4-2 heading into the fifth inning. The Lady Warriors held Fairfield scoreless during the final three innings and finally managed to score a run in the seventh inning to seal the deal.

Haylee Allen was in the circle and pitched 11 strikeouts. Ari Garcia led the team at the plate with three hits and four RBIs. Allen also contributed one hit and one RBI.

The Lady Warriors are now 3-2 on the season.

Next game: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Westview Jr.-Sr. High School.

Families enjoy local Easter egg hunts

Several local Easter egg hunts were hosted Saturday, April 8. The North Webster Lions Club’s annual egg hunt started at 9 a.m., at the ball fields in North Webster.

Cash prizes and hard-boiled eggs were furnished by Creighton Brothers. Toddlers and children 12 and under participated in the hunts.

Children who were lucky enough to find a golden egg were rewarded $2. Special eggs included a small fortune. Any child who found a special egg was rewarded $10. One special egg provided a toddler the opportunity to win a stuffed bunny rabbit.

The Milford Kiwanis Club hosted an egg hunt at Milford School. The Easter bunny arrived on a Milford Fire truck at 10:15 a.m. The event was open to children third grade and under.

Milford Kiwanis chapter president Paula Stokes said, “We have hidden over 1,000 eggs today and they are filled with goodies. I want to give a shout out to the Milford Fire Department for transporting the Easter bunny.”

The North Webster Church of God partnered with Camp Crosley to host an egg hunt with 20,000 eggs for children 12 and under. The hunts were split into age appropriate hunt zone times. Free hot cocoa

Community Corner

Cazier enjoying role as Turkey Creek Township trustee

New Turkey Creek Township trustee Joe Cazier is originally from the Rome City area, where he spent the first 30 years of his life.

He then moved to Kendallville where his family had an office supply business located on Main Street, which he ran for 25 years.

Cazier said, “Retail was just getting tougher and tougher with the internet. We ended up closing the storefront and kept it going as a commercial entity. We were able to do that for quite a while.” The business still has some customers, but Cazier has moved on and currently works as the fleet and fuel manager at Yoder Oil in Elkhart.

Cazier moved to Syracuse about six years ago after meeting his wife, Virginia. He got involved with the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission. “I was on the board. I was also on the board of zoning appeals,” he said. Cazier left the planning commission about a year ago when he was hired at Yoder Oil. He left the zoning appeals board when he became a trustee.

“The planning commission met in the middle of the day, so I could no longer do it. I was still on the board of zoning appeals. Someone mentioned to me they were looking for a trustee. I thought I’d wait and see. I thought it would be very interesting. Nobody else was really signing up so it was an easy election,” said Cazier.

Cazier said his clerk Tish Replogle and Turkey Creek Fire Territory chief Mickey Scott have really helped get him up to speed. He also mentioned that other trustees have really helped him.

Cazier talked a little bit about his trustee role. “I took over Jan. 1, 2023. It’s a four-year term. It’s technically a part-time position, but it’s still a lot of time. I’m easily putting in 20-25 hours a week.”

it takes longer with the paperwork, etc. We’re kind of that stopgap to help in between. We’re not supposed to be permanent help, but we help them with that transition,” he said.

PROFILE

He noted that the township trustee helps take care of cemeteries owned by the township. He just sold a plot last week. “When someone is interested, I need to help them with that. There are seven cemeteries within the township,” he said.

He files all the reports with the state board of accounts. He also takes the minutes for the fire territory and the township meeting, which are on the same night.

“One night a week, I sit in the office for people who need assistance. If a mother loses her job and is waiting for unemployment to step in and she is about ready to get evicted, I can step in. That’s the real value of trustees. We can come in an instant and get them help.

“You go to other government agencies and

Some of Cazier’s short-term goals involve improving the technology. “Our office is a little bit behind with our technology. I am working on getting set up with the same accounting system as the fire territory. We need to do monthly engagements with them and yearly filings with the state board of accounts.” He is also working on getting a functional website up and running. He said, “We don’t have a website. I want to get a website set up that communicates the assistance I can offer, but also assistance around the county, like food banks, cemeteries, etc., so people can get online and learn a little bit more about the township.

“I’m trying to get these goals accomplished by the end of the year. In the short term we are probably going to put some of the trustee funds into CDs. That’s another short-term goal I will be addressing,” he said.

Last week, the city just ordered a new fire truck. Cazier sent in the check for payment.

“It takes three to 3 1/2 years from the time you order one to receive it. You really have to think ahead and plan out your equipment replacements. Mickey does all that. I’m just the guy who gets the money to the right people when it’s ordered,” said Cazier.

Mobile Meals drivers

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

Syracuse Drivers

and doughnuts were provided. The Sanctuary of Syracuse hosted its first “Easter Eggstravaganza” from 2-4 p.m. Area businesses provided prizes for the children. Food, games and a bounce house were also located on-site.

Sunday school director Fred Ethridge said, “It’s something we wanted to do for the community so they could be part of it. Many local businesses donated prizes. We wanted to be able to reach out and serve the community.”

April 17-21

MONDAY — M. Gordon

TUESDAY — P. & L. Stump

WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland

THURSDAY — C. Hill

FRIDAY — P. Smith

Wawasee High School band programs host 5th annual Mattress Fundraiser April 29

If you are looking to replace a bed in your home, now is the time.

Wawasee High School Band Programs are excited to announce they will be hosting the fifth annual oneday Mattress Fundraiser 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29.

For that day, the high school commons will be transformed into a mattress showroom. For information about the sale, visit bit.ly/beds4wawasee23.

There will be 30 mattress styles on display in all sizes for customers to try, priced below retail. Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, bed frames and mattress protectors will be available as well.

The brands, including Simmons Beautyrest, Therapedic, Southerland, Intellibed, Innomax and Wellsville, come with full factory warranties and are made to order.

Mattresses are available two to three weeks after the fundraiser. Delivery is available. Best of all, the Wawasee High School Band Programs benefit from every purchase.

The company, Custom Fundraising Solutions, first introduced The Mattress Fundraiser to the Cleveland, Ohio, market in 2005. The company now has nearly 100 locations and works with more than 3,000 schools nationwide. The unique business model helps schools raise thousands of dollars in just one day, and to date, the company has given back over $50 million.

Watch vimeo.com/637591323 to learn how the Mattress Fundraiser works. Contact david.barnwell@cfsbeds. com or call (765) 413-4664 for more information.

Milford Drivers April 17-21

MONDAY — L. Kammerer

TUESDAY — TBA

WEDNESDAY — J. & C. Wagoner

THURSDAY — M. Webb

FRIDAY — R. & P. Haab

North Webster Drivers

April 17-21

Bridge Results

TUESDAY — J. Parcell North Webster Bridge Group The North Webster Bridge Group met Thursday, April 6, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners were Mike Heimann, first, and Kay Sutton, second.

MONDAY — G. Smith

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Discussion centered around plans for the rest of the year at the monthly meeting of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce held Monday at North Webster American Legion Post 253.

Keegan Ballantine, second grade, North Webster Elementary School, was chosen as a finalist in the artist of the week contest by “Artsonia.” It is the largest art museum in the world for young artists. Art teacher Josette Abrams has created an online art gallery for all her students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Robert Frank Walker of North Webster was named April’s Veteran of the Month at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. Walker served in the Navy between 1942 and 1946.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 9, 2003

Hi Neighbors Club members met March 27, in the home of Mary Ellen Haney with Connie Mock as co-hostess. As the

meditation, Margaret Darr, secretary, read a poem titled, “Time to Be Glad.” Roll call response was “Tell us about an experience involving odd weather conditions.” Inez Caywood presided. Harriet White gave the treasurer’s report.

There were 21 members present for the March 24 meeting of Lakeland Quilt Club held in North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Community Building. The business portion of the meeting was called to order by Nancy Peterson. Jackets were modeled by Barbara Ludwig, Juanita Robinett, Roberta Sowers and Janet Richcreek.

Darla McCammon entertained members of Rural Neighbors Club in her home March 26. She gave a meditation about patriotism. President Linda Torpy gave the humor report and led the group in pledges to the American and Christian flags and the club creed. Judy Shepherd read the minutes of the February meeting.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 14, 1993

Tom and Mary Lee Willman celebrated their 40th wedding

It happened in Syracuse ... 10 years ago

anniversary with a family dinner party April 4 in Warsaw and a family outing at Pokagon State Park over the Easter weekend.

Backwater Friends Club members met recently at the home of Laura Coverstone. Sara Rhodes, assistant hostess, gave the meditation. Lois Lundy led group singing and Edith Hoffert gave the treasurer’s report.

Lakeland Kiwanis Club met at 6:30 a.m. Monday, April 12, in the Church of God, North Webster. Guests included Bob Salisbury, Kiwanis lieutenant governor for division H; Laura Ann Nickels, Wawasee Key Club president; and William Bryant, Key Club member. Georgia Fisher and Susan Shepherd were the guest speakers.

40 YEARS AGO, APRIL 13, 1983

Maude Cameron, Williston, Vt., curator of the International Palace of Sports Wax Museum, lectured to 155 school children during the week of March 30 and 115 students from grades six, seven and eight at North Webster Elementary School came to watch her repair the

museum’s wax figures. Dorothy Dye was hostess for the April 6 meeting of Tippy Lee Club. She was assisted by Marilyn Hartman. Devotions were given by Irene Robison and the lesson “Multipurpose Furniture and Inexpensive Decor” was presented by Katie Shively. Joyce Wright was a guest at the April 6 meeting of Monroe Hilltoppers held at the home of Betty Cotton. Pansy Michaels served as assistant hostess. 50 YEARS AGO, APRIL 11, 1973 Gene Berghorn, owner of Palace of Sweets, Syracuse and North Webster, has his own way of drumming up business. On Saturday, he released 100 helium-filled balloons in front of each store. Several of the balloons contained certificates for prizes. Guests at the Kiwanis meeting were Ron Richey, Stan Evans, and Ted Kolsky. Attendance pins were awarded to Ralph Akers, one year; and Dean Hartle and Peck Wilson, each two years. A citation card was given to Sherm Bryant for bringing in a new member, Larry Hinsley.

WHS and Ball State graduate works on visual effects for blockbuster

10 YEARS AGO, APRIL 17, 2013

This is from Kathy Boyts, “Here is a great gift idea for Mother’s Day. Creative Fish Art Gallery is continuing to offer photography classes.

This news in from Beth and Dan Klaybor, “Our daughter Karly Klaybor is credited in the new movie called ‘Oblivion’ that is coming out April 19 starring none other than Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. Very exiting! Besides graduating from Wawasee High School, Karly is a Ball State grad of last May. Her degree is in telecommunications-production option and

that’s just what she did on the film. She was visual effects production assistant for digital domain.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 16, 2003

Area seniors can take advantage of van transportation to the Syracuse Community Center, as well as for shopping trips and other local errands while it is at the center. Lois Dodds, Bill Baumbaugh and Victor Beachler caught a ride Tuesday morning with Jeannie Kuczewski, the driver.

A landmark in town — Lil’s Anchor Bar — has changed hands. Jim and Julianne Conder, Syracuse, purchased the establishment from Larry and Sandy Haviland and will have a grand opening on May 2. According to Jim Conder, he will not be changing the name, nor will he be giving up the barbershop business.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 21, 1993

Toddler Seth Long received his first traffic ticket Friday afternoon from Syracuse Police Chief Rovery Ziller. As reported last week in this column, the 2-year-old boy was in his car

movie

seat. Mom parked the car at his grandfather Rover Long Sr.’s home on Main Street, April 8, and ran into the house. She took only enough time to place a gift on the counter, as no one was home. In those few moments, Mikki reported the child put the car into drive and it went through the garage. There were no injuries.

Jenny Seward and Nancy Glon, of Country Corner Gifts, spent Sunday and Monday at the Chicago Apparel Mart. Nancy reports with great excitement about the spring clothing — designer seaters and oneof-a-kind items — that will be available from their store.

40 YEARS AGO, APRIL 20, 1983

Bob and Marg Troutman reportedly had a time of their lives several days last week when they chartered a 40-foot Morgan sailboat with another couple at St. Petersburg and sailed the Tampa Bay.

Realtor Harlan Steffen reports that he and his wife Evylyn visited Gaylord Jones, a patient in the Rehabilitation Section of the Naples (Fla.) Community Hospital and found him in good spirits and making the expected recovery from a stroke he suffered several weeks ago in Vero Beach. 50 YEARS AGO, APRIL 18, 1973

Tom Prickett is driving a 36-year-old Dodge truck, with a sign on the side “Chickbloom Hatchery.” It was originally the property of Michael Reuter, owner of Chicklboom Hatchery, long since out of business. Foo and Faye Wong have not been able to move into their new Daytona Beach, Fla., condominium, long since completed, because the state is finding fault with the seawall, according to son Corky. Corky is running the business back home, and doing a good job of it. Served 550-odd on Palm Sunday.

Dingeldein promoted to vice president of engineering for Brock Grain Systems

Mark Dingeldein has been promoted to vice president of engineering for Brock Grain Systems, according to Jack Stambaugh, vice president and general manager for the CTB Inc. business unit.

Internet,

Must

This

If

In his new position, Dingeldein will oversee all Brock engineering groups for storage, handling, conditioning and structures.

A CTB employee for the past 25 years, Dingeldein previously held the positions of grain handling project engineer, engineer-

ing manager (storage), unit general manager for Milford and Kansas City operations, customer service manager and new product development director.

Prior to his employment with CTB, Mark worked as chief engineer for a large company that specializes in concrete placement equipment, where he designed and developed products mostly for large international civil projects.

A graduate of LeTourneau University, Longview, Texas, Dingeldein received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. More recently, Dingeldein graduated from Indiana University, Fort Wayne, with a master of business administration in 2013.

A native of Warren, Pa., he currently resides in Milford.

Emily Austin sees and shares the beauty of everyday journeys

Local artist Emily Austin has always loved art. Because of that love, she majored in drawing, painting and graphic design at Grace College, where she learned how to refine her watercolor techniques and how water, paper and brush interact.

She counts among her mentors at Grace College faculty members Joseph Lehmann, Tim Young, Terry Armstrong and

Kim Reiff.

“I did a study abroad at Handong Global University in South Korea, focusing on industrial and media design,” said Austin. She and her team wrote, illustrated and published a book while there. She completed her master of arts from Signum University. Austin will join over 30 other artists May 27 on the lawn of Oakwood Resort for the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival. She will sell watercolor originals and prints based on her trav-

2023 Milford Family Fun Fest

The 2023 Milford Family Fun Fest is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 27, on Main Street. This community event is a longstanding tradition that brings entertainment to family and friends from around the Milford area year after year. Milford Family Fun Fest embodies the town motto: “Nice People. Nice Town.” The event will feature a wide variety of vendors, food stands and live entertainment. Sponsored carnival rides are provided at no cost to attendees.

Over the past two to three years, festivals were virtually nonexistent, impacting our normal life. Thankfully, a committed group of volunteers now spends hours to bring us together for an unforgettable experience that creates memories.

Continuing the Milford Family Fun Fest tradition is essential to maintaining the vibrant and inclusive community we all love.

The overwhelming approval of the Milford Family Fun Fest is present in smiles, laughter

and participation. This is exactly what the committee wants. However, while organizers work to keep it affordable, putting on an event this size requires a large budget. Multiple gracious sponsors contribute funds to make this happen. These local organizations and individuals value the concept of community and goodwill.

Each year, thousands benefit from a few who are happy to make Milford Family Fun Fest a reality. As costs continue to rise, the committee is searching for more who are willing to contribute and keep this event top-notch.

Individuals and organizations wishing to give a tax-deductible gift, become a sponsor or reserve a booth can make checks payable to Milford Lions Club, P.O. Box 102, Milford, IN 46542. The Milford Lions Club will hold a breakfast Saturday, April 22, with proceeds benefiting the Milford Family Fun Fest.

Updates and information will be posted on the Milford Family Fun Fest Facebook page.

It happened in Milford … 30 years ago

els, architectural scenes and fantasy, plus greeting cards and bookmarks. Many of her works will be matted. The festival runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“The Oakwood Fine Arts Festival is like a bit of home. It is so nice to meet different people from around the town. I like being able to make connections at this festival that always has a nice mix of different artists working in different media,” said Austin.

Austin’s studio in her Syracuse home is filled with her art and packaging and shipping materials for sending items to her customers from her shop on Etsy. Personal mementos, an article about one of her brothers, family photos and many of her sketches hang from a large corkboard. “I sometimes listen to books on tape or a podcast while I work.”

Many of Austin’s works are quite colorful. “People really like the colors in my works. I use bright, rich colors and I paint a lot of detail. Art connects people with diverse ways of seeing the

world. Art shows different systems of value and different ways to appreciate what is around us,” said Austin.

Austin has been a J.R.R. Tolkien fan since 2001 and creates artwork in that same fantasy vein. Tolkien was an English writer and author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” He was known for intricate world building, attention to detail and immersing readers into his world filled with hobbits, elves, orcs and dragons.

“I wrote my master’s thesis on the ‘Lord of the Rings,’” said Austin. Austin features scenes from the Hobbit such as the gardens, Lothlorien forests and hobbit holes in some of her artwork. Her work, along with the work of several other Tolkieninspired artists, appears in the 2023 HarperCollins Tolkien calendar.

Over the years, Austin worked in design at Bowen Center, DePuy and Biomet. She was a photographer for Grace College and worked in graphic design and for various other business-

es. Currently, she is a self-employed artist and a board member at Lakeland Art Gallery in

Warsaw. In the future, her main goals are to illustrate projects, book covers and calendars.

APC gives recommendation for Pierceton rezoning

A favorable recommendation for a business in Pierceton was granted at the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission meeting Wednesday, April 5. LexLil Contracting’s petition was to rezone 2.41 acres from a residential district to a commercial district. The property is located on the east side of First Street and 126 feet south of Church Street.

The owner, Matthew Stephens, was at the meeting and said he wants to build a pole building. He wants to use the pole building to store inventory and other merchandise. There will be some

Chambers joins sales staff at Milford Motors

10 YEARS AGO, APRIL 10, 2013

Milford Town Marshal Rich

Miotto noted at Monday night’s meeting of the Milford Town Council a scam has been making the rounds in the area. The fraud comes through the mail as a postal money order, asking the victim to send personal information to the sender, who will then supposedly release the funds and make the money order valid and able to be cashed. Miotto would like to remind citizens if they receive something like this, to report it. Don’t give out any information over the Internet and use caution, he added.

Area firefighters have been kept busy battling grass fires started by property owners with good intentions, but quickly get out of control. Milford Fire Department was called to a grass fire at 3:49 p.m. Thursday at 8271 N. 300E when the property owner was burning trash and the fire spread burning debris and grass around the barn. The barn never caught fire.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 9, 2003

Jessica Klein, 18, Milford, was recently awarded the Valley Chapter Scholarship by the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association/Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council Inc. in Indianapolis. This award is offered to interior design students in the area. She is the daughter of Phillip and Teresa Klein, Milford.

Harry and Lila Orn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by traveling for the month of February to visit family and friends. The Orns spent 10 days with Darrell and Evelyn at Bradenton, and spent time with the other siblings. Bill and Marge, from Goshen, also spent time with the other siblings.

John “Jack” Beck, a former elder at Christian Church of Milford, was recently named this year’s winner of the Exchange Club of Goshen’s “Book of Golden Deeds” award for his outstanding record of volunteer service to the Goshen community.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 7, 1993

Dennis Chambers has recently joined the sales staff at Milford Motors. Chambers, a native of Milford (class of 1964), has been

away from the area for the past 22 years, the last 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Don and Monica Bice of Milford recently visited with their son, Keith, at Butler University, Indianapolis, for Parents Weekend. They enjoyed a banquet hosted by Delta Tau Delta Fraternity where Keith is a pledge.

Members of the Milford Lions Club have adopted a two-mile section of SR 15 north of town. Saturday nine members of the club braved the early spring weather and collected 34 bags of trash.

40 YEARS AGO, APRIL 13, 1983

A birthday party was held in honor of Joshua Hunsberger’s sixth birthday in the home of his parents, Bruce and Vickie Hunsberger, Milford, on Friday, April 8. Dinner was served to Joshua’s guests, Brandon Bucher, Greg Replogle, Matthew Replogle and Roger Townsend. Cake and ice cream were enjoyed by those present after the dinner.

Stan and Betty Scott have sold their Vanes Point home on Dewart Lake to their granddaughter

April

Sherry (Whetten) and her husband, Gary Klenke, and plan to move April 30 to a home they recently purchased at Sun City West, an 8,000-home retirement community about 40 miles west of Phoenix, Ariz.

50 YEARS AGO, APRIL 11, 1973

Milford volunteer firemen burned three old buildings at Redman Park, Dewart Lake, Sunday morning for owner James Kline. Kline plans to clear the park area and make it into a recreational trailer park. It will include a small store and an improved bathing beach, the home builder and developer stated.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wuthrich of r 2 Milford celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on April 3. Mr. Wuthrich, son of Mrs. Laura Wuthrich of Milford and the late Peter Wuthrich, was married on April 3, 1948, at the home of Rev. Noble W. Neff of Milford, to Delilah Miller, daughter of Marshall Miller and the late Marie (Whitehead) Miller. The Wuthrichs farm land west of Milford and have lived on their farm for the past 24 1/2 years.

activity outside, he said, and some equipment will be stored outdoors. There will be some limitations as only a certain percentage of the property can be used for outside storage; APC Director Matt Sandy said approximately 10,000 square feet can be unscreened.

A neighbor asked if the business will be expanding because she is concerned with viewing outside storage. Stephens said he plans on planting pine trees as a barrier if the plans are approved. APC gave him a favorable recommendation. Pierceton Town Council will hear the case at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10.

Thomas Hardy’s petition was continued to Wednesday, May 3. He wants preliminary plat approval for an agricultural II subdivision on a 3.27-acre tract of ground. The property is located on the west side of CR 700 East in Jackson Township.

Timothy and Darci Lynn Posthuma’s petition to rezone ground from an agricultural district to an agricultural II district was given a favorable recommendation. The property is located on the north side of CR 300 North, north of CR 175 East in Plain Township. The county commissioners will hear the case at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 25.

Michael Jackson’s petition was approved. He was asking for preliminary plat approval for a residential development on a 5.64acre tract of ground on three lots. The property is located on the east side of Jackson Street

in Atwood in Harrison Township. He wants to build a house on the property, possibly in late fall.

A continuance of a case for Edd Allen was heard. He’s petitioning for an appeal requesting to amend self-imposed restrictive covenants associated with the original rezoning request to rezone the property in question to commercial, as amended through previous cases by allowing modular home sales and display as shown on the submitted site plan. The property is located on the west side of SR 13, at the intersection of CR 400 North in Tippecanoe Township. The case was continued again until May

3, in order to complete a traffic study at the intersection. Also, a favorable recommendation was granted for a proposed use in a public use district. The recommendation is for Joe’s Kids. It has outgrown its space and wants to move to a church on Lake Street in Warsaw. Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the case next. Since the usage doesn’t fit the criteria, it can be heard as an exception by BZA. In other news, the board approved three final plats. The next meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at the county courthouse, Warsaw.

Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer receives certification

Syracuse Clerk-Treasurer

Virgina Cazier was recently informed she has received her Indiana Accredited Municipal Certification from the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk-Treasurers.

The certification denotes Cazier’s dedication to continuing education of municipal law, financial reporting, HR responsibilities, serving Syracuse residents and the maintenance of public documents.

Cazier received word she received her certification from Cindy Morrison, IAMC, clerktreasurer for the Town of Dale, and Vicki Kitchen, IAMC, MMA, CPFA, clerk-treasurer of the North Liberty.

In their email to Cazier, Mor-

rison and Kitchen praised Cazier on her dedication as a public servant.

Cazier noted this is the first of several certifications clerktreasurers can earn through the IAMC. The next certification she could earn is certified municipal clerk. Cazier explained each certification takes about two years to earn and is based on a clerktreasurer’s experience, training and continuing education.

The state legislature is expected to pass a bill requiring clerktreasurers to continue their education and to be certified in order to hold office. Currently anyone can be elected to the Clerk-Treasurer’s office regardless of their experience or training.

Around The Lakes

North Webster Community Public Library — National Library Week April 23-29

The North Webster Community Public Library would like to wish everyone a happy National Library Week coming up April 2329. National Library Week is a time when communities all over the United States get to celebrate libraries and everything they offer. Libraries are more than just information storehouses — they provide educational and entertaining programs, free internet and the use of technology, meeting rooms and study spaces, plus a wide variety of items to borrow for free. For example, NWCPL offers patrons not only books to check out, but also movies, TV shows, music CDs and Wi-Fi hotspots. Plus the library is currently working on expanding their Library of Things, which includes items like knitting needles and other nontraditional items that will be available to borrow as well.

And if you needed one more reason to love your local library, did you know that the library no longer charges overdue fines? No more worries about returning your books a day late — they even

have automatic renewals for most items.

NWCPL offers free library cards to residents of Tippecanoe Township, plus any students or teachers in the Wawasee School District. So if you haven’t visited your local library in a while, take this opportunity to check out NWCPL. You never know what you may find.

In honor of National Library Week, NWCPL will be hosting a library themed escape room on Monday, April 24, and Wednesday, April 26. Time slots are 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Monday and 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. Come solve puzzles, find clues and unlock locks to “escape” in this fun game. Call the library to reserve your preferred time slot.

The following activities are set to take place at the library. Attendees do not need a library card to participate.

Adult Events Beginning Genealogy Part Three, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20. Kosciusko County genealogist Faye Myers will be teaching basic genealogy skills, such as finding sources and creating family trees.

Syracuse Public Library —

Please register in advance by calling the library.

The Friends of the Library book sale will take place Thursday through Saturday, April 20-22. Hours for the sale will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Prices range from 25 cents to $1 and there will be a wide variety of items for sale, including large print, cookbooks, Christian fiction, DVDs, CDs and more.

Teen Events

Teen Mindfulness Club, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. If you ever feel stuck in a cycle of negative emotions, Mindfulness Club may be for you. This month they will be learning the science behind emotions, plus tools to get us through tough times.

Youth Events

Baby and toddler story time, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18. Join in for songs, rhymes, stories and more. For ages birth to 36 months.

For more information about any library events, call the library at (574) 834-7122, visit nwcpl.org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

Build a Peeps diorama

Children and their adults can create Peeps dioramas at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, in the Syracuse Public Library’s downstairs meeting room. The library will provide all the supplies and snacks for the evening. Supplies are limited for this program, so plan to show up a little early and be considerate with the supplies.

Earlier in the week, children can also attend LEGO Club at 4 p.m. Monday, April 17, and story time and homeschool class at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 19. Homeschool class will learn about Earth Day.

From Coloring To Games

Young adults can relax at the library from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, during Color & Chill in the Rosalyn Jones

Room. Soothing music will play while young adults color and enjoy snacks. The library also provides a variety of coloring pages.

Return from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, in the Rosalyn Jones Room for young adult game night. The group will sample “Cat Chaos: Celebrity Edition,” a fast and frantic card game. Swap, grab and claw your way to victory by collecting cat suits. Ages 16-25 are welcome to attend.

The Syracuse library will also hold a special after-hours “Magic the Gathering” session from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 21, in the downstairs meeting room. Come for casual play and enter the drawing for prizes. The library will also provide snacks.

Knock on the side door by the staff parking lot, as the library will be closed during this program. This program is open to ages 16 and above.

Adult Programming

The adult book club will discuss “A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, on Zoom and at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, in the downstairs meeting room. Email Shelly Krueger at skrueger@syracuse.lib.in.us for a Zoom invitation.

The Workshop, the library’s adult writing group, will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in the downstairs meeting room. Those interested in writing, whether prose or poetry, can attend. Bring a piece to share or listen to others read their work.

Christians should shine in the darkness

I really liked the story I heard the other day about the teenager who lost a contact lens while playing basketball in the driveway. He searched for a little while and gave up.

His mother then took up the search and didn’t stop until she found it.

“You’re a lot better at finding a lost contact than I am,” the teenager told his mom.

“That’s because you were looking for a tiny piece of plastic, and I was looking for $150,” she told him.

Jesus talked a lot about searching. He told about a shepherd who left 99 of his sheep to search for one that was lost. When he found it, he rejoiced.

He told about a woman who had 10 silver coins and lost one. She lit a candle didn’t stop

searching until she found it.

“And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repen-

THERE HAS been some activity at the Milford Food Pantry this week. Passersby may have noticed a crew removing all the concrete in front of the pantry. New concrete is being laid in front and on the west side of the pantry to make it easier for the forklifts to bring in loads. The old pavement was so broken the drivers were concerned about losing a load.

A crew was out early Tuesday morning pouring the new concrete. The work is expected to be completed by the end of this week, but it can’t have forklifts or other vehicles on it until it cures properly.

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THE KNIGHTS of Columbus in Syracuse, 414 S. Sycamore St., will host an all-you-can-eat pancake sausage and scrambled egg breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, with proceeds benefiting Lee Ann Stewart’s Fusion Dance Team. Carryout will be available. Price is $6 for adults and $2 for kids and under.

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NORTH WEBSTER now boasts having Indiana’s only 14-hole miniature golf course, located at Ace Pest Control, 634 N. Main St. There is no fee to play, although donations are welcome and will be forwarded to Riley Children’s Hospital through the local Kiwanis Club. Equipment is provided at Ace Pest Control. —o—

THE FRIENDS of the Milford Library are auctioning off a painted decorated chair through silent auction. The whimsical chair was done by local artist Golden Seaton. It was purchased by Dave Martin and enjoyed for a few years and now Martin has donated it to the Friends. Proceeds from the chair auction will go toward the Milford library. The auction ends Monday, May 1. The chair is currently on display at the library where patrons can place their bid.

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LAKELAND YOUTH Center will have tickets for its annual daddy daughter dance on sale starting Wednesday, April 19. Once again, there are two nights to pick from: 6-8 p.m. Friday or Saturday, May 19 or 20. Once a night is selected, they cannot be switched due to limited availability.

The dances will be held at the Quaker Haven Activity Center, 111 EMS D16C Lane, Syracuse. Each night will include dancing, crafting and snacks and dads and daughters will have an opportunity for a special photo to be taken.

This event sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate to get your tickets soon. —o—

J.H. WATKINS will have painting classes at 6 p.m. June 8, 10 a.m. June 10, 6 p.m. July 13 and 10 a.m. July 15 at North Webster Community Center. —o—

THE MILFORD Water Department will be flushing hydrants Wednesday and Thursday, April 12-13. Milford residents may experience discolored water, changes in volume and pressure.

THE SYRACUSE Parks Department still has a few openings for the princess parties planned for Saturday, April 22. Mirabel’s Fiesta will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive. Cost is $15 per person. Sign up by calling (574) 457-3440 or send an email to parkoffice@syracusein.org.

REGISTRATION FOR the ninth annual Mudtastic Classic is open. The event will be held Saturday, June 17, on the trails near the Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes and Wetlands Education Center, located on SR 13, 1 mile south of Syracuse. The mud run will feature several fun and challenging obstacles along trails near Lake Wawasee. Both adults and kids, ages 7-14, will have an opportunity to participate in teams or as individuals. This event has a limited number of registrations, so don’t wait to sign up.

THE SONS of the American Legion, North Webster, will have hand-breaded or grilled fresh tenderloins with all the fixings from 5:30-7 p.m. or until sold out the first Monday of each month. It is open to the public and dine in and carry out is available. To place an order to go, call (574) 834-4297 and press No. 2 for the canteen.

Fellow Legion auxiliary members are very close to 100% membership. If you have not renewed your membership for 2023, reach out to Alyssa Schmucker so she can get you active. The Legion needs auxiliary members to help support veterans, their families and the community; contact the Legion if you need assistance with renewal or if you have someone new who wants to join. —o—

THE FRIENDS of the Library will be hosting a big spring clearance book sale at the North Webster Community Public Library April 20-22. —o—

DO YOU know a high school student who will be completing their junior year this year and who is interested in earning scholarship money?

The North Webster Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce awards a scholarship each year to a student who maintains the chamber’s marquee south of town from May 31 to June 1. The chamber is accepting scholarship applications to a student who would be interested in this workbased scholarship. Applications are due Friday, May 5.

Scholarships are available online at northwebster.com; email questions to nwttchamber@gmail.com. —o—

AMERICAN LEGION Post 253, North Webster, is hosting Big Bingo Sunday, April 23. Doors open to those who have purchased presale tickets at noon. Doors open to the public at 1:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 2 p.m. Presale tickets are $40 until Monday, April 17. The price after that date is $50. Extra cards are available for purchase. No refunds. There is limited seating. Bring a 253 coozie for a surprise gift. Must be over 18 years old to play and must have a valid ID. Food will be available for purchase. No carry-in food or drinks are allowed. Proceeds will go toward programs benefiting local veterans.

some 30 years ago that my friend Jean Brown in Wurtland, Ky., lost a diamond out of her ring. She was frantic. She searched through the house looking everywhere for that diamond. She got out the broom thinking she’d find it by sweeping the floor. All her searching was futile. That diamond was gone.

Her daughter, Dee Dee, told her not to worry, that they’d find the diamond as soon as it gets dark.

When the sun went down, Dee Dee turned the lights off. Then she shined a flashlight across the floor. Sure enough, there was the diamond, sparkling in the darkness. That’s the way it ought to be with Christians. They should sparkle brightly in this dark world.

It may not be easy to find a lost sheep, a lost coin, or a lost contact. But it should be easy to spot a Christian.

LITEHOUSE RECOVERY Home, 208 W. Catherine St., Milford, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Tours of the home and the adjacent meeting house will be available, along with refreshments and information about Litehouse. —o—

SPRING SPORTS season begins Saturday, April 15, as the first games for Lakeland Youth soccer and flag football will be played at Wawasee High School. Parents, picture day will be Saturday, April 22. Check with your child’s coach regarding what time their team photo will be taken and get a photo order form.

DIXIE DAY has been scheduled for Saturday, July 29. The 14th Annual Dixie Day Festival celebrates 85-plus years of the Dixie Boat being afloat on Webster Lake. The craft fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a vendor or food application, visit northwebster.com. For more information, email nwdixieday@ gmail.com or call (574) 527-9701.

THIS YEAR’S Kids Business Fair was a success with over 100 businesses at the North Webster Community Center and over 1,200 shoppers, but one young entrepreneur, Adam Wolfe, handed his donation to Habitat For Humanity of Kosciusko County — a check for $190. Pictured is Ben Logan, left, director of Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County, and Wolfe.