The Mail-Journal - May 1, 2024

WACF Earth Day Festival offers hands-on Earth education

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation will be holding its annual Earth Day Festi-

val 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

WACF is serving a free lunch of hot dogs and chips to the first 250 visitors. This annual event is meant to provide fun and education for all. Organizations from around the county will be there to guide visitors through hands-on activities on worm

composting, geocaching, monarch butterflies, native plants and bird migration, to name a few. Participants can help paint a rain barrel, learn arrowhead flintnapping and bead work, get their faces painted, or view a collection of over 200 insect

specimens, including live crustaceans.

Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation is paying a visit with some of their birds for a raptor display from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Some vendor items will be available for sale.

Water gauge to return to control device building

By DEB PATTERSON

Editor-In-Chief

A large water gauge that once could be seen on the exterior of the water control device building in Syracuse will be returned after years of absence.

Al Tehan, Syracuse, has restored that gauge, adding the latest technology to make it operable. He will reinstall the system in the next month or two after the fencing has been removed. The ultimate goal is to use the gauge to operate the control device gates as it was originally designed. The gauge was originally installed in 1953. “It’s a wonderful piece of equipment,” Tehan stated at the quarterly meeting of the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy District, Friday, April 26. “It’s an amazing piece of equipment. I think as the thing went through the years, it became in disrepair. Instead of spending any money, they kind of let it go.” Tehan acquired the gauge after being asked 10-12 years ago to recreate the gauge to once again display the lake level. Tehan noted a paddlewheel, which he has, was used to gather data. The whereabouts of that data is unknown.

He has since reengineered the gauge’s system to once again show the water level and was

ready to reinstall it in 2007. All that was needed was 110 volts to Continued on page 2

FOR BETTER ROADS The Kosciusko County Highway Department has plans to resurface 1300N from the overpass into Syracuse after overpass construction is complete. They will also be making improvements to paint lines and signage at the intersection of 300E and 1300N. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

The Kosciusko County Highway Department is planning a resurfacing project on CR 1300N after overpass construction is complete. Construction of the 1300N overpass began in spring of 2023. According to Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty, their completion goal is the end of August.

“Things definitely change; that’s an ‘if the stars align’ sort of thing,” said Moriarty. The stretch of 1300N from the overpass into Syracuse will be

resurfaced. The department will also make improvements to signage and paint at the intersection of 300E and 1300N for better visibility.

As far as road closures go, Moriarty stated the highway department will try to avoid them.

“We’ll try to keep one lane open,” he said. The total estimated cost of the resurfacing project is $1.88 million. At this time, there are no con-

crete plans for projects on 1300N beyond the overpass and resurfacing.

“We’re just concerned with doing that pavement to have a good, smooth road. In the future, I’d like to pave a couple of the offshoots of 1300 going south a little bit to connect on the bottom side of 1250N. That would be a goal. And then at some point to pave 75E south of 1300N. But, knowing when that’s gonna happen, I don’t know for sure,” Moriarty concluded.

Know who are on the ballot for May primary

By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief

Do you know who will be on your ballot when you go to the polls Tuesday, May 7?

Depending on your township, you may have different candidates for U.S. Representatives and State Representatives. Here’s a look on who will be on the ballot.

Republican Ballot

U.S. President — Nikki R. Haley and Donald J. Trump.

U.S. Senator — Jim Banks.

U.S. Rep. Third District (voters in Tippecanoe and Turkey Creek townships only) — Grant Bucher, Wendy Davis, Mike Felker, Jon Kenworthy, Tim Smith, Marlin Stutzman, Eric Whalen and Andy Zay.

U.S. Rep. Second District (Jefferson, Plain and

VanBuren townships only) Rudy Yakym. Governor — Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill and Jamie Reitenour. State Senate District 9 — Ryan Mishler. State Rep. District 18 (Tippecanoe and Turkey Creek townships only) — David Abbott. State Rep. District 22 (Jefferson, Plain and Van Buren townships only) — Craig Snow. Circuit Court Judge 54th Judicial District — Jack C. Birch and Matthew J. Buehler. Clerk of the Circuit Court — Melissa Boggs. County Treasurer — Michelle Puckett. County Coroner — Tracy Cutler-Wilson and Tyler Huffer.

Vote Center locations for primary election

Voting is now easier with the establishment of vote centers in Kosciusko County. Residents can now vote at any vote center in the county between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THINKING GREEN Melissa Bueshing helps Jazlyn Tayagua pick out seeds to plant at 2023’s Earth Day Festival. Fun With Seeds, hosted by the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club, and facepainting will be back at the WACF again this year. Photo by Deb Patterson.

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District school board seats up for election

Filing for school board elections in November will begin May 21, for the three district seats on the Wawasee School Board.

Those seats are currently held by Mike Wilson, District 1; Don Bokhart, District 2; and Steve Baut, District 3. The district seats represent the townships within the district. District 1 is Tippecanoe Township. District 2 is Turkey Creek Township.

Know who

Continued from page 1

County Surveyor — James Moyer and Ryan Prince. County Commissioner - Middle District — Cary Groninger. County Commissioner -

Vote Center

Continued from page 1

District 3 is VanBuren Township and east half of Jefferson Township. Candidates for those district

Northern District — Marcia Baumgartner, Sue Ann Mitchell and Nathan Scherer. County Council At-Large, three seats — Delynn Geiger, Kathleen D. Groninger and Rachel

Ivy Tech Community College-Warsaw Campus, 2545 Silveus Crossing, Warsaw. Leesburg Lions Community Building, 114 W. School St., Leesburg. Mentone Fire Station, 201 W. Main St., Mentone. Moose Lodge, 1815 W. Lake St., Warsaw. Mount Tabor Hall, 8424 N. 800W, Etna Green. Pierceton Community Building, 105 W. Walnut St., Pierceton. Shrine Building, Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Town Hall Meeting Room, 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake. Valley Springs Fellowship, 345 N. 175E, Warsaw. Winona Lake Senior Center, 1590 Park Ave, Winona Lake.

seats must reside in those townships.

The filing deadline is noon, Thursday, June 20.

V. Rhoades.

There will also be opportunities to cast votes for state party delegates and in some areas township precinct committemen. Democrat Ballot

The Democratic ballot will include:

U.S. President — Joseph R. Biden Jr.

U.S. Senator — Marc Carmichael and Valerie McCray.

U.S. Rep. Second District (Jefferson, Plain and VanBuren townships only) — Lori A. Camp.

U.S. Rep. Third District (voters in Tippecanoe and Turkey Creek townships only) — Kiley M. Adolph and Phil Goss.

Governor — Tamie Dixon-Tatum and Jennifer G. McCormick.

Water gauge

Continued from page 1

operate the gauge. “It’s still not in.”

Jim Silcox, district board member, and Tehan recently visited the gauge house. “There’s no electricity,” he stated. “It had all kinds of source for power going in there to power the gates, to power this, to power that. But it all had been disconnected over the years. So we’re starting from a clean slate. We have lots of options and technology at our fingertips.”

Since connecting with the conservancy district, Tehan has updated the gauge system with new electronics and technology. “It will display the actual level based upon the required level that was set … but we also thought if we have that data and we can track it by day, by week, by month, by year, could we get other input data … put it into an algorithm? And can we begin to predict and anticipate what’s going to happen to the level so we’re not always reactive?” said Tehan.

Tehan and others believe this can be done. “Technology is right for doing that … there’s a lot of that information … we could run it electronically. We could wake up some kind of electric motor once a day and move it (the gates) based upon information data … could make it eventually pretty accurate. We might move that thing an eighth of an inch, quarter of an inch in anticipation of an event ...”

Tehan did state for the first several years somebody would have to go in and make the determination to raise the gates, just by pushing a button. “Eventually you might feel comfortable enough and comfortable saying this thing works, let it go. … Dream of what might happen. What we could do.”

ditional devices will be added at Between the Lakes, at the water control device and downstream of the device.

These devices will provide better data to the town on how to manage the water control device level over time. The data collected will also provide information on how long it takes water from Lake Wawasee to get to Between the Lakes area, and out the water control device. It was noted live feeds from these devices are available on the district’s website. There was some discussion about the GPS not being accurate. Manford stated the GPS information is within 2 centimeters of accuracy, where handheld devices are within 4-6 feet. He further explained the equipment being used. Additional discussion was held regarding the location of the gauge at the railroad bridge.

Several questions were asked by Kyle Dietzen and Ken Eber regarding the data gathering, the dike being on private property, as well as the cost to pay an individual to inspect the water control device and dike and the town’s involvement.

There will also be opportunities to cast votes for state party delegates and in some areas township precinct committemen.

Some of that data information was also presented by Herb Manford with Ecosystems Connections Institute. ECI is gathering data from its multiple devices already in the lake on water levels, temperatures, inflow and outflow. Ad-

At one point the conversation between Dietzen and Bill Pipp, district board president, became slightly heated, with Pipp suggesting the next time there is a board opening Dietzen should put his name on the slate. Earlier in the meeting the board approved hiring Lawson Fisher to conduct the annual inspection on the two structures at a cost not to exceed $10,000. Prior to adjournment of the meeting, the board voted to change the time for the Aug. 23 quarterly meeting from 4 p.m. to 2 p.m. due to a conflict at the WACF facility. The Oct. 25 quarterly meeting will remain at 4 p.m., with the annual meeting on Feb. 8, 2025, set for 9 a.m. and the first quarter meeting of the district to follow at 9:30 a.m.

State of Indiana Launches SUN Bucks

Melanie

The state of Indiana recently announced that applications for the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, also known as SUN Bucks, are now open.

SUN Bucks is a new benefits program that provides families a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible school-aged child to help purchase groceries during the summer. This ensures that students continue to have access to healthy meals beyond the school year.

Children are eligible for the program if:

• The household already participates in SNAP, TANF or income-based Medicaid.

• The student has been identified as a ward of the state (foster child), homeless or migrant.

• The student attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program and

the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.

The benefits will be provided to eligible families on a separate EBT card and mailed directly to their home. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains and dairy. These benefits are available in addition to free meals that children of all ages can get at SUN Meals sites in their communities. Most eligible families will receive these benefits automatically and local schools will communicate eligibility to parents and families.

Some parents will need to apply. The following households need to complete the online

SUN Bucks application:

• Households with children attending a school operating the Community Eligibility Provision, where all meals are free to students, and who have not been notified of automatic SUN Bucks eligibility.

• Households with children attending a school operating NSLP who were not approved for free or reduced meals during the school year.

• Households with children that do not attend a school operating NSLP and who receive SNAP, TANF, certain levels of income-based Medicaid or are foster, migrant or homeless.

SUN Bucks is funded by the state of Indiana and the United States Department of Agriculture. Visit the Indiana SUN Bucks webpage to learn more about this new program and apply today.

GAUGE TO BE REINSTALLED A metal plate can be seen on the limestone building at the water control device where a gauge, placed in 1953, used to be seen. The same gauge,

Photo by Marissa Sweat-

BROWSING A number of people stopped by Jeff Moore and Duane Turnock’s booths to peruse some woodcarvings and spear fishing lures in 2023. Photo by Deb Patterson.

COMPOST IS KEY Leslie Williams, an educator with the Kosciusko County Recycling Center, creates a worm bin at the county’s recycling booth. Director Tom Ganser is shown in the background. Photo by Deb Patterson.

FOR THE BIRDS Lydia Mast and Isla Mast hop under electri-

wires on a simulated migration journey at the 2023 WACF Earth Day Festival. The Elkhart River Restoration Association will be doing a similar activity on challenges migratory birds face at this year’s event. Photo by Deb Patterson.

Larry Thomas LeCount

A Native Of Syracuse

Larry Thomas LeCount, 73, passed away Friday, April 19, 2024, at his home in El Mirage, Ariz., peacefully with loved ones at his side.

He was born Aug. 26, 1950, in Syracuse, to Paul D. and Ruth A. (Dehart) LeCount.

He graduated from Wawasee High School in 1970. He met his wife Tina in 1984 and they were married on Feb. 14, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nev.; she survives.

LARRY THOMAS LECOUNT

He was enjoying retirement and enjoyed movies, around the house projects, trains and helping to design and build wonderful and immaculate Christmas villages.

He is also survived by his daughter, Cassandra LeCount; son, Christopher LeCount; and his grandson, Tristin LeCount.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carole Buster; brother, Robert LeCount; sister, Janet Coy; and sister, Joan Stuckman.

North Webster Community Public Library —

Summer reading preregistration starts

Get ready to dive into a world of imagination and adventure as the North Webster Community Public Library unveils its summer reading program preregistration, beginning May 20. Designed for readers of all ages, from infants to adults, this program offers a diverse range of activities and incentives to foster a love for reading and learning throughout the summer months.

Parents of babies and toddlers can participate by logging preliteracy activities such as library visits and musical singalongs, earning them prizes along the way. Meanwhile readers preschool age and up can log minutes spent reading to unlock rewards tailored to their age group.

Preschoolers through fifth-graders will be rewarded every five hours of reading with a special bonus of drawing tickets for Amazon gift cards once they reach 20 hours.

Fifth through 12th grade readers can also join in the excitement, earning prizes for every hour they spend reading up to 10 hours. Grand prizes for teen summer reading drawings include a traveling picnic basket, a hammock, an inflatable lounge chair and a penny board.

Adults are encouraged to read and log minutes as well. Participants can count minutes spent reading for themselves as well as minutes spent reading to children and earn prizes along the way. Grand drawing prizes for adults include a Coleman cooler, a toolkit lantern, a travel neck pillow, an oversized camping chair and a large first aid kit.

NWCPL Closed For Staff In-Service

The North Webster Community Public Library will be closed all day Friday, May 10, for a staff training day. The library will resume normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Weekly Library Events

The following activities are set to take place at North Webster Community Public Library.

Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events.

Adult Events

Join local artist Robyn Jones at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, as she shares her journey through loss and healing after the death of her son in 2011. She will share how she found comfort through art and how she eventually connected with her son’s heart recipient. Jones is the owner of Heart Prints, a studio dedicated to bereavement art and leading parents through the grieving process after the loss of a child.

NWCPL is launching a citizen science club starting 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8. Do you enjoy activities like bird watching, stargazing or weather watching? Do you like long walks in nature or boating on local lakes? Are you interested in learning how you can contribute to Alzheimer’s research?

Then this group is for you. They will take monthly field trips, hear talks by local science experts and learn how to contribute information they glean in their own backyards. Please register.

Exercise classes will be held at NWCPL this week. Get Fit

While You Sit will be happening at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9. Let’s Move Dance class will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 9. No experience necessary, come join the fun.

Teen Events

Join in for a special Teen Video Game Night at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 6. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to the library to play video games, eat snacks and hang out with friends.

Children’s Events

LEGO builders ages 5-12 are invited to the North Webster library at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, for an hour of free-style LEGO building fun. All LEGOs are provided. For more information about any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit the library’s website nwcpl.org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

Wawasee Performing Arts And Women

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

For one night only, members of Wawasee Performing Arts and International Thespian Society performed “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” a play written by Nora and Delia Ephron. based on the book written by Ilene Beckerman. The performance was Friday, April 26. The play was being produced with permission from Dramatists Play Service.

Admittance was either a financial donation or clothing item to The Hanger, Wawasee High’s School’s clothing store. The store is overseen by Women of Today. Women of Today sought clothing items may be for boys or girls, which were clean and something a high school student would want to wear. The Hanger is open to all Wawasee High School students.

The event raised $500 in financial donations and 10 large bags of clothing.

“It was good. It was very successful,” said Julee Rauch, treasurer for Women of Today. Rauch was unable to attend the performance, but said she heard nothing but good reviews on the performance.

“We’re so grateful they did that,” she said.

“It’s about clothes and clothes are a part of your memory as a woman,” Kristin Bonner said about the play.

Bonner, a teacher at Wawasee High School, directed the cast of 10 female students, sophomores through seniors. Bonner explained the girls were going to do the play, which is done as a series of monologues, for a competition in the fall; however, delays in licensing forced the cast to pick something else for competition.

Bonner, a fan of Nora Ephron’s work, which includes “Silkwood,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle” along with “You’ve Got Mail,” still wanted to do the play. She explained she had wanted to do a play which was women focused for awhile since she had a large number of senior girls in the International Thespian Society graduating this year. Five of the cast members who performed in “Love, Loss and What I Wore” are seniors.

“They are all very good at thinking off the top of their head in front of an audience,” Bonner said of the

A friend of hers is involved with Women of Today and suggested the performance as a fundraiser for The

of Today were on hand to accept the donations and to serve refreshments during intermission.

The set for the play was very minimalist, with a row of 10 mis-

CAST OF “LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WORE” Shown is the cast of “Love Loss and What I Wore,” which will be performed Friday night, April 26. In the front row are Ava Weldy, Gwen Frank, McKenna Clay, Allys-

sa Perkins, Windsor Bonner and Samantha Rose. In the back row are Brooke Aleman, Sophia Rush, Karissa Boesenberg and Sophia Smith. Photo provided by Kristin Bonner.

cast members.

Hanger. Members of Women

matched chairs. On the sides are clothes hangers with sketches of the clothing the characters are discussing. The girls were dressed in black for the performance.

WELDED ART Ellie Parrett, a senior at Wawasee High School who loves welding, poses with a sculpture she helped create during the Wawasee High School’s art show held Wednesday, April 24. Visitors to the show were greeted by Parrett’s creation. The show also highlighted work done in ceramics, painting and mosaic work. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

8:36 a.m. Thursday, April 25, North CR 320W, south of West CR 1250N, Milford. Driver: Tarrence R. Trusty, 47, North Wabash Street, Wabash. Trusty’s vehicle hit a deer.

Incidents

5:07 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 6600 block of East Beck Avenue,Syracuse. Warren L. Bess was bitten by an animal.

4:42 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 5900 block of North CR 200E, Leesburg. Kay A. Reyes had her phone, wallet, money and credit/debit cards stolen. Value of $1,000.

North Webster

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

Midnight Wednesday, April 24, 300 block South Main Street, North Webster. Representatives for Neighborhood Fresh Market reported possible fraud.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following incidents:

Incidents

11:09 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 1100 block North Huntington Street, Syracuse. Joy L. Line reported an animal bite. 10:44 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 300 block East John Street, Syracuse. Officers investigated a report of disorderly conduct.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents 11:01 a.m. Thursday, April 25, East Market Street and SR 15, Warsaw. Drivers: Denise E. Ritter, 47, Country Club Drive, Warsaw; and Bryce C. Knepp, 22, North Ashe Court, Milford. Ritter hit a board that was sticking out the tailgate of Knepp’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000. 1:14 p.m. Thursday, April 18, SR 15, and Main Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Jessica M. Watson, 32, EMS B5A Lane, Leesburg; and John M. Lantz, 70, East CR 550N, Warsaw. Watson’s vehicle hit Lantz’s. Damage up to $5,000. Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: April 29 — Michael David Mench, 42, 309 W. Pickwick Drive,

Syracuse, booked for failure to appear – misdemeanor, parole violation – felony and probation violation – felony. No bond.

April 28 — Samuel D. Moore, 45, 9486 E. 1000N, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and a warrant. Bond: $750 full.

April 24 — Sonya Louise Connolly, 56, 9177 N. 100E, Milford, booked for visiting a common nuisance. Bond: $400 cash.

April 23 — Megan Lilly Shortill, 33, 306 E. John St., Syracuse, booked for disorderly conduct. Bond: $500 cash.

April 23 — Sean Adam Dada, 40, 8164 E. Sunrise Drive, Syracuse, booked for criminal trespass. Bond: $500 cash.

Noble County

The following people were booked in the Noble County Jail:

April 29 — Robyn S. Plank, 35, 6594 N. Second Trail, North Webster, booked on a warrant. No bond listed.

April 29 — Richard W. Martin, 53, 427 E. 11150N, Lot 12, Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine. Bond: $2,500 cash.

April 26 — Shelby Jacobs Jr., 50, 226 Olive St., Cromwell, booked for criminal trespassing. No bond listed.

Letter to the editor

Check laws before starting a business

Dear Editor: Recently, I saw a commercial business operating in an agricultural district. I wished to find out about what kind of business and how it operated. I was told it did not “concern me.” When I asked about future plans for a variance of zoning change, I was asked to leave the property.

We welcome readers’ letters.

Please. If you are considering a commercial business, before you start-up, check the laws, licensing, zoning, permits, inspections, etc. Do the math before you buy to make sure your property bill will accommodate the plans now or in the future without encroachment onto neighboring property owners.

Treat your animals with

respect and care. Do not say what you are not because it is a “great” marketing tool, and it will bring more people and money. I love shopping local and having a day out. Keep your businesses your business, and it will not be my concern.

Sincerely,

Marcia Baumgartner

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

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

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

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

Syracuse Public Library

Hattery arrested for battery

Brandon Jaymes Hattery was arrested for allegedly hitting a man multiple times.

Hattery, 31, 500 Meadow View Drive, Syracuse, is charged with battery resulting

in moderate bodily injury, a level 6 felony; and battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On March 23, a Syracuse Police officer and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of an unwanted individual at a Syracuse residence.

According to court documents, a man said Hattery hit him six times on the head with a closed fist. Hattery also held the man down on a bed and hit him one time on the mouth with a closed fist. In the process of trying to get away, the man said he hit Hattery in the mouth one time. Officers noticed the man had a swollen lip. Hattery told officers the man came at him and started hitting him first.

Hattery has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance. He has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. May 20, in Kosciusko Superior Court Two.

Brickey arrested for allegedly battering pregnant woman

A Cromwell woman was recently arrested for allegedly battering a pregnant woman.

Angela Darlene Brickey, 34, 9862 E. Arthur Trail, Cromwell, is charged with domestic battery to a pregnant

woman, a level 5 felony; and domestic battery, a class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 6, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a battery at a residence in Cromwell. A pregnant woman said Brickey battered her. According to court documents, the woman said Brickey hit her in the face and three times in the stomach. A witness broke up the fight and Brickey left the residence. The deputy didn’t notice any injuries on the woman.

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Ethan P. Sanders, Leesburg, $164.50 Littering — Jeffrey R. VanHulst, Leesburg, $164

No valid driver’s license, open alcoholic beverage container during operation of a motor vehicle — Brandon P. Northrup, Cromwell, $185.50

Marriage Licenses

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

Austin Joseph Krizman, 29, Syracuse, and Julieta Magali Strugo, 27, Thornhill, Ontario Minter-Ecker

Ryan William Minter, 29, Milford, and Erica L. Ecker, 27, Goshen Schmitt-Wharton

Kylie Nicole Schmitt, 24,

— Create friendship bracelets at Craft and Sip May 9

Syracuse Public Library’s next Craft and Sip program will capture memories of summer camp as participants create friendship bracelets. From 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, participants will use the provided colored string to create unique bracelets to share with friends or keep while sipping on coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate or tea. This program is limited to 12 participants, so register online using the library’s online calendar at

https://tinyurl.com/SPLCraftandSipBracelets. For information, contact adult services librarian Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib.in.us. Mahjong Moves To Monday Mornings

Mahjong enthusiasts can now enjoy morning sessions at 10 a.m. on Mondays, starting May 6, in the downstairs meeting room. Players of all skill levels, including those wanting to learn the game, are encouraged to join the tables.

Wednesday mahjong sessions will remain in their 1 p.m. time slot in the downstairs meeting room.

F.O.L. Coffee Social

The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library will hold its last spring coffee social from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, May 8, in the library’s upstairs sitting area. The community can stop by for a cup of coffee or tea and some snacks. People can stay and chat with the Friends or take their goodies on the road.

Young Adult ‘Dungeons and Dragons’

The library welcomes young adults to its “Dungeons and Dragons” group. It will meet from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Each session features a self-contained story, so there is no interrupting a long-running campaign. The library has extra dice available for those who don’t have any or want to learn how to play a role-playing game.

Syracuse, and Trevor Wharton, 32, North Webster

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couple has filed for a marriage dissolution

The witness told the deputy she saw Brickey hit the pregnant woman a couple times in the stomach. In an interview, Brickey said she had a verbal argument with the pregnant woman, who she alleged grabbed her by the hair and hit her. Brickey said the woman hit her first, and that she hit her back. She acknowledged knowing the woman was pregnant.

Brickey was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail April 18.

in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Lewis — Nicole M. Lewis, no address

ANGELA BRICKEY

BRANDON JAMES HATTERY

given, and Michael S. Lewis, Syracuse. No minor children.

Community Corner

By MICHAEL WYRICK Guest Writer

Michael “Mike” Wyrick, North Webster, joined the Webster Lake Conservation Association Board of Directors when he and his wife, Wanda, became year-round residents of North Webster in 2016. He became the chairperson of the weed committee shortly after joining the board. He became the president of the board in 2018 when the previous president resigned for health reasons.

New to both positions, he spent the summer of 2018 learning how to do both jobs. He continues to serve as both the president and weed chair of WLCA and is also a member of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory Board.

He has had connections to Webster Lake since childhood. His aunt and uncle, Don and Annis Barker, owned a cottage on Willis Park Drive and routinely hosted family get togethers there on the Fourth of July. The cottage is still in the family today and owned by his Echelbarger cousins.

wife, Tricia. The couple has two step-granddaughters and three step-great-grandchildren — all of whom, along with other family members and friends, are always at Webster Lake for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks show.

Prior to his retirement, Wyrick was a professional insurance agent with 46 years in the business. He owned and operated the Holmes Insurance Agency, Elkhart. He was a member of several professional insurance organizations and held the designation of certified insurance counselor for more than 25 years.

He retained ownership of the agency through its 50th year of operation in 2012 and sold it to a partner in 2013 after which he continued as a consultant for two years.

PROFILE

Wyrick and his wife, Wanda, enjoyed their visits to the lake so much that they rented a duplex on the south side of the lake for three weeks in 1997. That led to their renting for the entire summer seasons in 1998 through 2000. In the late summer of 2000, they purchased a home on the lake and began a two-year remodeling of both the inside and outside of that home and were “summer residents” at the lake in that home until they replaced it with a new home at that same location in 2016 and moved to the lake full time.

The Wyrick family enjoyed being at Webster Lake each summer and became a part of the North Webster community. In 1998, they became involved with the Webster Ski Bees when their 9-year-old, Mark, learned how to ski on a Tuesday morning so that he could join the Ski Bees the following Saturday morning and ski in his first Ski Bees show that evening.

Over the next 22 years, the couple were very involved with the Ski Bees, as he served as the announcer. Wanda chose and played the music for the shows — both earning the nicknames “Voice of the Ski Bees” and “Queen Bee.”

Mark lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with wife, Laura; son, Michael, lives in Elkhart with his

He became a firm believer early on that giving back to the community that supports you is important. He was a life member of Optimist International, a service group, which programs focus on the youth of the community. He served in leadership positions in the local, district, and state levels of this organization.

He is a lifetime member of the Elks. He served on the board of directors for the Elkhart County Red Cross and served a term as county chairperson. Additionally, he was a participating member of both the Dunlap United Methodist Church and Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church.

He is now very focused on serving Webster Lake and the North Webster community as president of WLCA, in its current efforts to establish a conservancy district for the purpose of maintaining the Webster Lake Dam in the future.

A fundraising effort is currently underway to secure sufficient funds to cover engineering and legal expenses necessary for the creation of a conservancy district and additional funds needed to conclude current litigation, which will establish the Department of Natural Resources’ accrued liability under a now terminated contract under which the department was responsible for reconstruction and repairs to the dam.

Tax-deductible donations to this fund can be made to: The Watershed Foundation, c/o Lake City Bank, P.O. Box 1671, Warsaw, IN 465811671 or online at http://tinyurl.com/WebsterLakeDam. If donating by check, write “Webster Dam Project” on the memo line.

In

The

NWCC celebrating its 20th anniversary

By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer

The North Webster Community Center will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this week.

The dream and reality of a community center came true in 2004. Construction began in 2003.

The center was once the home of North Webster High School. After the high school was moved to Wawasee High School, the North Webster facility was used to teach students from kindergarten through the eighth grade. In 1990, the building became just an elementary school after the construction and opening of Wawasee Middle School.

The building ceased being used by the school corporation upon the completion of the new North Webster Elementary School. Vacant for a number of years, the building eventually became the North Webster Community Center.

According to Dennis Wagoner, board president, the idea for a community center came about after a Ball State study was conducted on how “we could improve the town’s appearance.” Specifically, said Wagoner, was what to do with the old high school: keep it or take it down. It was either that or it was going to get torn down, he said. The cost to tear the building down was $250,000.

The Wawasee School Corporation gave the old school to the board for $1.

Milford High School Alumni Banquet set for June 8

The Milford High School 99th Alumni Banquet will be held Saturday, June 8, in the Milford School cafeteria, 611 W. Emeline St. The classes of 1949, 1954, 1959 and 1964 will be honored at this year’s alumni gathering. Guy Zimmerman, class of 1948, will serve as the master of ceremonies. There will be a social hour starting at 5 p.m. with a catered dinner served at 6 p.m.This year, the Milford School cafeteria staff will prepare and serve the meal. The program for the evening will begin at 7 p.m. In addition to graduates, anyone who attended Milford School at any time in the past is invited. Past faculty, friends, parents and family members are always welcome to attend. Class photos and mementos are also appreciated. Reservations are $18 per person, the same price as last year (a small effort to control inflation) and are requested by Saturday, June 1, one week prior to the June 8 banquet. Checks should be made out to the Milford High School Alumni Association.

Mail reservations to: Mary Duncan, Milford High School Alumni Association, 118 E. Mock Road,

Milford, IN 46542. Duncan can be reached at (574) 658-9537. If you cannot attend, letters and/or donations are always welcome to support the alumni association. Table space may be reserved for

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners Tuesday were Bob Merchant, first, and Jean Cowan, second. Thursday winners were Kay Sutton, first, and Dick Sutton, second.

any class wishing to sit together. Please notify Duncan for table reservations by the Saturday, June 1, deadline. Additional information about the banquet may be obtained from any of this year’s officers:

President Ron Baumgartner, class of 1962, (574) 528-1294; treasurer and reservations, Mary Duncan, class of 1962, (574) 658-9537; or Secretary Margaret Brooks, class of 1960, (574) 658-4640.

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers May 6-10

MONDAY — M. Smith

TUESDAY — P. & L. Stump WEDNESDAY — D. & K. Matz

THURSDAY — C. Hill FRIDAY — P. Smith Milford Drivers May 6-10

MONDAY — M. Webb

TUESDAY — S. Wuthrich WEDNESDAY — J. & K. King THURSDAY — J. Kammerer FRIDAY — K. Stanley North Webster Drivers May 6-10

MONDAY — TBA TUESDAY — Bart’s Watersports

WEDNESDAY — P. Perry

THURSDAY — R. Chambers

FRIDAY — J. Parcell

“We thought that was a good deal,” Wagoner said. “So, it was really a community effort. We decided to renovate it.”

The Shoop Foundation and The Dekko Foundation donated funds to get the project started. In addition the K21 Foundation and Kosciusko County Community Foundation, as well as North Webster residents, also helped with funds to renovate the building.

The center is now home to 13 tenants. The YMCA and Senior Primelife Enrichment Center have been at the center since its inception, said Emily Shipley, executive director.

“After 20 years, we are full,” she said.

The YMCA is getting renovated this fall. Shipley said the facility just renewed its lease agreement for five more years.

“It will get a fresh look,” said Shipley of the YMCA.

Shipley said the center is a hub for a lot of meetings and is also a voting poll center. The center also houses Goshen Physicians Family Medicine with Dr. Chelsea Wolf, who practices family medicine.

Wagoner said other future plans include resurfacing the parking lot and building outdoor pickleball courts.

Shipley said the center offers

many opportunities, both educational and for personal growth. Indoor pickleball, yoga and cardio-infused drumming class are some of the physical fitness activities available to adults.

“Pickleball is very popular,” Shipley said. She said YMCA and Muscle Activation Kosciusko will be doing some seminars this year. The center also has open gym sessions and walking in the winter. The Culver Wellness Center offers a space to work out, too.

Wagoner said thanks to donations, fundraisers and grants, the doors have been able to stay open to the public. The center is not funded by tax dollars, he said.

“It is truly the heart of the community,” said Shipley. “We have so many opportunities. We are constantly full. It’s a very active place.”

“We have a very good crew,” said Wagoner. “This includes our board members that also help maintain stability.” Shipley said on Thursday, May 3, guests who visit the center’s office will receive a small gift. For more information, visit nwcommunitycenter.org or its Facebook page or call (574) 834-1600.

YEAR-ROUND RESIDENT Michael “Mike” Wyrick of North Webster is pictured in New Hampshire. He is president of the Webster Lake Conservation Association. In 2016, he and his wife moved to Webster Lake full time. Photo provided by Michael Wyrick.

GROUNDBREAKING IN 2004 North Webster Community Center board members and officials from MSKTD were present in 2003 for a ground-breaking ceremony at the center.

front from left are NWCC board members Gloria Shipley, Larry Kinsey, Carole Gilbert, Kay Andrews and Dennis Wagoner. In back are Jon Sroufe, president of the NWCC board; Jeff Morgan, NWCC board member; Mark Allen of MSKTD and the Lakeland Youth Center; grant writer Bob Murphy of Murphy and Associates; Carol McMillen, LYC director; and Jeff Hile of MSKTD.

general contractor for the remodeling project was Robert E. Crosby Inc., Fort Wayne. File photo.

THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY — The North Webster Community Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The center, which opened in 2004, is full with 13 tenants, including the YMCA and the senior center. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

GUEST SPEAKER Jon Roberts, right, was the recent speaker at the Lakeland Kiwanis meeting. Jon and Betty Jo spent several days recently traveling the Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn.

sights along the Mississippi are very exciting and beautiful. Shown with Roberts

Brandon Dennis.

Wawasee teams draw byes for sectionals

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Almost a month prior to the start of the postseason for high school baseball and softball teams, Wawasee knows their road map to a sectional title. Both baseball and softball drew a bye in the sectional pairings, held Sunday, April 28, and will each need just two wins to claim the trophy.

The Warrior baseball team will open sectionals against West Noble. The Warriors and Chargers will serve as the second semifinal in the sectional 22 bracket at Fairfield. The semifinal matchup will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25. East Noble is the defending sectional champion and will take on NorthWood in the first game.

Wawasee defeated East Noble in the regular season 11-6 back on Friday, May 12.

Wawasee lost to East Noble in the first round last season. Lakeland and Fairfield can be found in the second game of the first round.

The Warriors did win the 2022 sectional taking out three opponents on their way to their eighth sectional title in program history.

The Lady Warrior softball team will play the winner of the East Noble versus Lakeland contest over at Fairfield as well. East Noble is the defending sectional 21 champion.

NorthWood also drew a bye and awaits the victor of West Noble and Fairfield in the bottom half of the bracket.

Wawasee won the 2021 sectional

FAST BALL IN WATER Wawasee senior Ryan Menzie pitched half the game against Goshen Friday, April 26, before the contest was postponed to Saturday due to rain. Photo by Nathan Pace

title but will look to end the streak of losing in the first round each of the past two seasons. Wawasee has won a total of seven softball sectionals and will look to match the number of sectional titles won by the baseball team.

The Lady Warriors are have played four games with the other teams in the sectional, splitting the

games with a 2-2 mark.

Dates and times have yet to be finalized for most sectional games.

The softball sectional tournament will begin on Monday, May 20, and conclude by Saturday, May 25.

Baseball sectionals are two days later starting on Wednesday, May 22, with the sectional final likely on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.

Wawasee golf takes on 15 teams in home invite

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Wawasee boys golf hosted its own invitational Saturday, April 27, and finished well in the top half of the 16-team field at the Maxwelton Golf Course. The Warriors shot a 348 as a team with juniors Myles Everingham and Maddox Everingham leading the charge with an 86 each. No Warrior placed himself inside the top 10 but Myles and Maddox were just four strokes away from tying for the 10th spot. Preston Scherer shot an 87 to finish third on the team, but had the best front nine for the Warriors with a 40. His front nine score put him on pace to finish in the top 10 of the event but he shot a 47 on the back-nine.

Senior Weston DeLong was the final Warrior to have his score count towards the team tally with an 89, while classmate Mason Shoemaker shot a 91.

Columbia City won the Wawasee Invitational with a score of 330. Fairfield was second at 337 and Plymouth third at 338. Northridge earned the fourth spot at 343. Goshen and Wawasee were tied for fifth at 348. It was the largest meet Wawasee will host all season.

an 86 to tie for first among his teammates. Photo by Nathan Pace.

On Thursday, April 25, Wawasee competed against Manchester and Whitko at Maxwelton. Wawasee defeated the two schools at the Wawasee Invitational and did so earlier in the week in the meet Thursday. The Warriors had a team score of 160 and Manchester was second of the three schools with a 181.

DeLong earned low medalist for the meet shooting a 38. Shoemaker had a strong day with a 40. Once again, Myles and Maddox Everingham had the same scores, this time shooting 41s. Scherer rounded out the varsity team with a 44.

The junior varsity team won their match too, shooting a 202 to better the 224 from Manchester. Clayton Ousley and Sawyer Grimes shot a 49 each.

The first week of May will be busy for the golf team starting with an away match with Tippecanoe Valley at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. Wawasee will host Jimtown at Maxwelton on Thursday, May 2, also at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the varsity team will travel to the Concord Invitational at 1 p.m. taking place at Bent Oak Golf Club.

Titus Funeral Home Would Like To Recognize

Allen As Our Athlete Of The Month Haylee is a Senior softball player at Wawasee High School. During her high school softball career, Haylee has rewritten the pitching record books for Wawasee Softball. Last year, she became the single season and career strikeout holder in Wawasee High School Softball history! Then, just earlier this month, recorded her 500th career strikeout during a win over NLC rival Warsaw. Along with her accomplishments as a pitcher, she also contributes significantly on the offensive side for the Warriors. This past Monday she recorded 3 hits (single, double and triple) and 5 RBI in a 13-1 win over NLC opponent Concord on top of 10 strikeouts on the mound. Haylee will continue her softball career at Bethel University next year.

Wawasee baseball, Brooks, regain momentum at home

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Senior Ty Brooks saw an opportunity to get his team back on track last week. He came through both on the mound and at the plate for Wawasee. Brooks tied the school record for strikeouts in a game with 15 against Plymouth on Wednesday, April 24. The defensive effort fueled Wawasee to a 4-3 victory.

“I felt really good Wednesday,” Brooks said. “I was trusting all my pitches. I didn’t have to work too hard to locate them.”

Brooks also had a key home run to put his team up 2-0 against Goshen on Friday, April 26. His swing carried the ball just past the 320’ needed to get over the left-field wall. Wawasee would go on to beat Goshen 6-0 Saturday, April 27, after having play postponed mid-game due to rain on Friday.

“I did not think the ball was going over,” Brooks said. “One, I thought it was foul and two I didn’t think it was going to get there. I’ll take that one, especially in the rain. At the plate I feel really confident right now. My swing feels smooth, I confident going up there ready to attack.”

Brooks, a future Indiana State Sycamore, is glad to see his

teammates have stayed together after a difficult stretch of four losses in five games.

“We had a group talk and figured out baseball is just a game and just to glorify God through the sport. It’s so easy to get distracted. Just to go out there and have fun and enjoy the opportunities God has given us to play the game,” Brooks said. “We have really good chemistry right now. The energy has been unbelievable. If we carry that energy through the rest of the season we are going to win a lot of baseball games.”

Against Plymouth, Wawasee scored all four of its runs in the fourth inning after trailing 1-0.

A bad throw to first helped score a couple of Warrior runs in the inning. Freshman Ryan Mack, junior Kane Dukes and junior Dane Cripe all recorded an RBI in the inning to push Wawasee to a 4-1 advantage. Against Goshen, Wawasee outhit the visitors 6-2, and the Redhawks committed four errors.

The Warriors had just one error in the game. Senior Ryan Menzie and Kaleb Salazar combined for five strikeouts. Junior Kane Dukes had a game-high two hits.

The two wins against Goshen and Plymouth came after some disappointing defeats, including

players had to work on the little things and work on encouraging one another.

“We’re kind of going the right direction now,” coach Joe Salazar said. “A lot of the guys are more confident and being better teammates so that’s pumping everybody up. They are holding each other accountable more and cheering each other on and going up with more confidence.”

To keep his pitchers fresh and healthy, Salazar says each pitcher starts on weekly rotation with Brooks getting the nod on Wednesday games. The Warriors fell Monday, April 29, at Concord 1-0 to fall to 6-6 this season. Wawasee is 2-5 against Northern Lakes Conference teams but 2-1 against NLC foes at home. The six wins for the Warriors is double the three wins the team finished with in 2023.

Wawasee will host Warsaw at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, with a chance to earn another NLC victory.

Wawasee will host Mishawaka at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in another NLC game. The Warriors lost the first meetings with both Warsaw and Mishawaka this season.

Warrior track recognizes a large senior class

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

While the 2024 track and field season may feel still feel young Wawasee hosted its final home meet of the year Wednesday, April 24. The boys and girls track programs recognized their seniors prior to the boys taking on Mishawaka and NorthWood. “It was a brisk but great night for the Warriors to celebrate their large senior class,” coach Chase Pinion said. “Love this team’s mindset and desire to compete.” Wawasee did not win the event as a team but Pinon said he was pleased with the performance by his players and senior leaders.

Four seniors competed in the 100 meter dash, 200 and 4x100 relay in Titus Taylor, Anthony Hughes, Hunter Tinkey and Lucas Linder. Linder had the best time on the team at 11:37 in the 100 and 23.61 in the 200. Hughes had the best team performance in the long jump at 16’7”. In the distance events it was senior Stone Shipley who had team best 2:20.99 in the 800. Senior Landen Kessler represented Wawasee

two at home to NorthWood and Jimtown. Coach Joe Salazar said his

PARTY AT THE PLATE — Wawasee senior Ty Brooks, right, celebrates with his teammates including junior

Kane Dukes, number four, after his home run against Goshen Friday, April 26. Photo by Nathan Pace.

ONE MORE SENIOR DAY — Wawasee senior Donovan Blair takes in his third senior day of the school

with his mother Donna Masgrove Wednesday, April 24. Blair had senior days for football, wrestling and track and field as a three-sport athlete. Photo by Nathan Pace.

TEAM BEST SCORE — Wawasee junior Myles Everingham is pictured on the 18th hole in the Wawasee Invitational Saturday, April 27. Everingham shot

53 seniors named to Academic Hall of Fame

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

Fifty-three seniors, including four sets of twins, were honored at Wawasee High School’s annual Academic Hall of Fame banquet Thursday night, April 25.

Those being honored had achieved a cumulative GPA of 10.0 or higher at the end of the 10th semester on Wawasee’s 12 point scale.

“Students, you’ve dedicated countless hours on your studies and projects while balancing after school activities and part-time jobs,” said teacher Paula Fiscus. Fiscus spoke of her own experi-

ence attending the banquet first as a student, then as a mother, and as an honored teacher.

Along with their parents, each student was encouraged to choose a teacher or staff member from all levels of their education to recognize as a person who had a major impact on their life.

Noting 53 will go down in Warrior History, Fiscus told the students, “You exemplify what it means to be a warrior.”

Geoff Walmer, principal, greeted the crowd.

“The teachers that are here, who work at Wawasee High School, they know I think they are amazing,” he said. “Those who don’t

work here, how amazing is it they (the students) reached back to middle school and elementary school?”

John Snyder, assistant principal, said, “Thank you to everyone who is here. When I look around the room, we remember you as freshmen. We were coming out of COVID. We challenged you... you did great things.”

Each student was then called up to be presented with their plaque. It was also an opportunity for them to present the teacher or staff member they invited with an award.

Walmer closed out the evening addressing the students being honored.

“I often struggle when I refer to you or others refer to you as students. You are human beings just as I am. You have incredible gifts and talents in certain ways that are far beyond any gift or talent I have...

“The reason I share this is for you to always remember that of others. While I have the title of principal and you may view me that way, I too, am a human being just trying to make the best of my time here. The educator sitting next to you is also a human being just trying to do their best during their time on this earth.

“As you proceed in the coming

years, remain humble in your approach. Be thankful for your gifts and talents and recognize the gifts and talents in others and encourage them.

“While you’ve each proven yourself to be strong in your academics, I challenge you to combine that with the humbleness that is just as admired, an attitude of encouraging and supporting others that is admired as much as your academic success.

“When you combine your gifts, talents and strong work ethic with this humbleness and approach to life, you will be the change in whatever community you are in that is so desperately needed.

child as we all know and everyone sitting in this room was a key contributor to the village of each honored senior this evening.” The Academic Hall of Fame banquet was prepared and served by members of the Wawasee Culinary Arts program. The potted petunias that served as centerpieces on the tables were

Wawasee girls tennis achieves NLC win

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

Growing pains have been present for a young Wawasee girls tennis team but the Lady Warriors earned their first win of the season Tuesday, April 30. The 3-2 win over Mishawaka was also the first victory in Northern Lakes Conference play. Wawasee had to grind out two of the three points with Molly Beer at No. 2 singles and Josie Sabin at No 3 singles needed three sets to take the their matches. Wawasee’s No. 1 doubles team of seniors Alison Clark and Kenley Stewart continued their winning season taking their match in straight sets.

The Warriors also had success on the junior varsity side against the Cavemen with Ella Beer, Makayelynn Toumey, Amia Crespo, Tionna Bontrager and Alicea Miller earning wins in singles. Foreign exchange students in Claudia Campal and Sofia

Sports Roundup Wawasee

April

Caligara picked up a point in junior varsity with a win in their doubles match. Wawasee won two more junior varsity matches in doubles with the duo of Jaretxy Garcia and Corissa Knepper with the duo of Sara Timmons and Anna Shock earning wins.

The victory was a needed one for Wawasee after a couple of 5-0 defeats to Goshen and Warsaw. Toumey was the lone Warrior to win her junior varsity match against Goshen on Wednesday, April 24, as she railed from 5-0 deficit to win 7-5.

Wawasee was swept by Warsaw Thursday, April 25, with the Lady Tigers winning every varsity set. Wawasee will host another NLC opponent in Northridge on Wednesday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m.

KEY VICTORY — Wawasee junior Molly Beer gave Wawasee a chance it needed to top Mishawaka Tuesday, April 30, with a win at No. 2 singles. Photo by Nathan Pace.

“Lastly, parents, guardians and educators in this room, job well done. It takes a village to raise a

Knights of Columbus No. 6323; Lakeland Kiwanis Club; Northern Lakes Realty; Syracuse Hardware; and The Papers Inc.

Senior Makayla Holder earned three walks and two stolen bases.

April 30 — Wawasee took out Goshen 6-1 to move to 9-6 and 4-3 in NLC action. Allen

the whole game and

contributed on offense with two

and two

nine

She

Ashlynn Corn had a team-high three hits with an RBI. Senior Natalya Holder and sophomore Abigail Wiley each connected on two hits. Sophomore Melissa Bontrager earned two RBIs. Wawasee will next play at Warsaw on Wednesday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. Girls Track

April 30

Shepherd won both the 100 meter dash and the long jump events.

Addie Powell took home first place honors in the 400. Emma Yoder continued her strong senior season in the throwing events winning both shot put and discus. Wawasee won the 4x100 relay with a team of America Benitez, Isabel Schwartz, Chloe Linder and Kaydence Shepherd.

Wawasee will travel to Plymouth on Friday, May 3, to take on two NLC foes in Plymouth and Mishawaka.

LEANING TOWER Fifth graders at Milford Elementary participated in a STEM day on Friday, April 19, organized by the Purdue Extension Office. Kids did a variety of activities built around scientific principles. Karis Hight, left, and Aleana Schmidt are pictured trying to make a paper tower stable enough to balance a tin can on top. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

ROLLING ALONG Fourth grader Paxton Stuckman, right, played the recorder in Michele Payton’s music class at North Webster Elementary School last week. For his recorder test, he played the song “Merrily We Roll Along.” Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

ACADEMIC HALL OF FAME This year, 53 seniors were honored in the academic hall of fame. These students earned a cumulative GPA of 10.0 or higher over 10 semesters. Shown in the front row are Talan Ball, Morgan Anderson, Adaline Haynes, Haylee Allen, Chloe Rodgerson, Summit Shaw, Olivia Siri, Senate Shaw, Allison Clark, Chloe Linder, Kaydnece Shepherd, Sophia Rush, Kylie Perkins, Delaina Avery, Lilly Coy, Allyssa Perkins, Kasey Becola and Mya Taylor.

In the middle row are Layna Avila, Brooklyn Gibson, Emma Yoder, Zachary Ringler, Stone Shipley, Ty

Brooks, Caleb Wiseman, Mason Shoemaker, Samantha Rose, Windsor Bonner, Kenley Stewart, Sara Timmons, McKenna Clay, Libby Haab, Emma Jackson, Anthony Brace and Titus Taylor.

In the back row are Elliette Pulley, Emma Young, Kamren Voss, Kayla Voss, Landen Kessler, Joshua Lesko, Daniel Wilson, Weston DeLong, Nathan Harper, Lucas Linder, Grant Krull, Lynk Klinefelter, Madalyn Loftis, Kaylie Frayer, John Hoy, Donovan Blair and James Pearson. Not pictured is Emma Lowery. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

dy Alexander, Eric Rydin, Philip Parker, Samuel Adams and Ernest Taylor

Kissane, CTB executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “The majority of them have been

Thomas and Merlin Kalar Jr.

10 years of service — Grant Mast, Justin Klase, Marcus McBroom, Blanca Worthman, Michelle Pachynksi, Howard Hapner, Patricia Compton, Julia Agardy, Christopher Streeter, Ismet Dubinovic and Kendra Pillard

Five years of service

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTRE DAME’S OBSERVER STAFF VISITS THE PAPERS The staff of Notre Dame’s student-managed newspaper made an early morning visit to The Papers’ printing plant recently. After an all-night effort to write, edit, and graphically compose the morning issue, these 11 students arrived in time to witness that day’s edition roll off the presses around 6:30 in the morning. Todd Clark, plant manager, welcomed the group and conducted the tour.

The Observer has been serving the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, and Holy

Cross campuses for over 58 years. The Papers has been responsible for printing and campus delivery of The Observer since the mid-1980s and considers the student-run publication to be one of its oldest and longest-running accounts.

In the picture from left to right are Liam Kelly, Gray Nocjar, Maddie Ladd, Marissa Panethiere, Caroline Collins, Liam Price, Aynslee Dellacca, Tyler Reidy, Isa Sheikh, Thomas Dobbs, and Peter Mikulski. Photo by Todd Clark.

BUYERBEWAREThePapersIncorporatedcannotscreenalladvertisements toeliminatepossibilitiesoffraudor misleadinginformation.Ifitsoundstoo goodtobetrue,itusuallyis.Persons respondingtoadsareadvisedtocontact theBetterBusinessBureauinyourareaor theIndianaSecretaryofState’sFraud Hotlinebeforesendinganymoney. 1-800-223-8791

It happened in Milford ... 20 years ago

White Horn Eatery has been sold

10 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2014

During Saturday’s Indiana Lions state convention, Past District Governor D. G. “Bud” Seely received the Ambassador of Good Will Award. It is the highest award a Lion can receive from the international association.

Milford Elementary School students were treated last week to a special performance by Brooks Hartley, an eighth grade student at Wawasee Middle School. As part of Autism Awareness Month in April, Hartley, who is affected by Asperger’s Syndrome, was invited to share his skills with a yo-yo, along with a few magic tricks.

Hartley will travel in June with his parents, Casey and Jennifer,

to the Midwest Regional Yo-Yo Championships in Minneapolis.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 28, 2004

Franklin the Turtle visited Milford School’s Scholastic Book Fair the week of April 19. After taking some time to shop, Franklin visited the elementary classrooms and had his picture taken with the students. Franklin was played by Hannah Rozow, a sixth-grader at Milford School.

White Horn Eatery has been sold. The building has been purchased by Milford resident Julian Hernandez, who recently moved to the area from California. Milford will be getting a new restaurant at that location.

Realtor Dan Harstine tells The Mail-Journal Hernandez has

worked in restaurant management and had been previously working in the pizza and Italian food industry, so that may be an indicator as to what type of restaurant Milford will see. Hernandez plans to start remodeling this week and hopes to have the place up and running in two months.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1994

Jeremy Potter, a Milford Middle School student, was announced as the winner in a designing contest for the cover of the Rozella Ford Women’s Golf Association 1994 membership book. Potter received a gift certificate for a Big Foot pizza from Pizza Hut.

Milford Cub Scout Patrick Jones and Girl Scout Heidi

Haines took a breather to pose for the camera during an effort to clean the west end of Syracuse-Milford Road Saturday. The two Scouts joined approximately 15 other Scouts from Milford Girl Scout Troop 248 and Milford Cub Scout Pack 3747. Six Scout leaders and four members from The Mail-Journal editorial staff also joined in the effort, using approximately 20 15-gallon barrel bags to clean refuse near the intersection of Old SR 15 and Syracuse-Milford Road.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1984

Bobi Doll and Jill Wolferman of Bob’s Shear Success in Milford attended a spring Redken Seminar at the Sheraton Inn in Fort Wayne on April 30. The seminar featured Jenny and Mark Bluestein from Saint Louis, Mo. Mark taught make-up skills and Jenny showed new cutting techniques. Brad LeCount, a member of the Wawasee High School class of 1984, has been accepted for a training program in environmental control technology at Interstate Technical Institute, Fort Wayne. His program will begin July 2 and conclude Dec. 19, 1985. Upon successfully completing his training program, he will be awarded an associate’s degree in applied science in environmental control technology. LeCount is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert LeCount, Milford.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 1974

Kim Augsburger, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Augsburger of Milford, was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. She was among four students who received this honor. Kim is a senior at Wawasee High School.

Marine Pvt. Mark S. Dean, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Dean of r 2 Milford, graduated from basic training at the Marine Corps recruit depot, Parris Island, S.C. Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Beer, worthy matron and worthy patron of the local Eastern Star chapter, and associate matron and associate patron, Mr. and Mrs. Joe O. Estes, were among those attending the 100th session of the OES grand chapter in Indianapolis last week.

APRIL MEMBER OF THE MONTH Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware was named the April Member of the Month by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. Shown in front from left are Jeanetta Slabaugh, board member, Horizon Bank; Martha Stoelting, ambassador; Amy Henry, Teresa Antonides and Tricia Small, Ace Hardware; Ashley Dillon, Executive Director Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber; Melody Cusick, Re/ Max Partners; Rachell Hatfield, The 3863; and Rita Davis, Re/Max Partners. In back are Angie Robbins, Ruoff Mortgage; and Mason Slabaugh-board member, Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. Photo provided by Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.

It happened in North Webster ... 30 years ago

Todd and Katrina Davis parents of a daughter, Madison Kay

10 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2014

Brigette Lindeman’s first grade class at North Webster Elementary School participated in a kid Olympics recently. They planned everything, from which events to hold to the location of each event. It took several weeks of planning as they thought through possible problems they would face. May is National Historic Preservation Month, and North Webster Community Public Library invites the public to visit its Local History and Genealogy Center to see the many ways the staff is working to preserve local history. You will find historic displays of old photographs, artifacts and memorabilia

from North Webster’s past, including North Webster School. 20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 28, 2004

During the April 12 meeting of the Lakeland Quilt Club, Mary Cummings taught the 18 members present a lesson on how to make a “Twisted 9 Patch” quilt. Nancy Peterson has quilted two of Ruth Dunkers’ charity quilts. Helen Hoy showed eight toss pillows and a Roman stripe quilt. Cumming and Elaine Rider were hostesses.

The 49th anniversary of the founding of the Backwater Friends Club was celebrated with a dinner party. President Laura Coverstone was hostess for the evening. Mary Stump gave the invocation.

in

Milford Public Library

Sign up for spring story time

Stinky, smelly is the theme for this week’s story time at Milford Public Libary. Join Miss Maureen for all things stinky and smelly. Enjoy a snack of Oscar the Grouch’s trashcan filled with stinky cheese and gummy bugs. Make a smelly sock puppet for craft. Story time is for children ages 3-6 and is at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. If you haven’t already registered your child, call (574) 658-4312 and sign up today.

LEGO Saturday LEGO Saturday is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 4. You can bring family or friends and work on the May LEGO Challenge, which is to build anything related to Star Wars. The library owns a big Yoda LEGO kit that everyone could work on together all month and see if you can get it finished. The library provides the LEGOs and you build whatever you like.

Stay Sharp Kits Available Stay Sharp Kits are great for individuals who are experiencing memory loss or cognitive issues. Come to the MPL and check out

May

4th

with you. Photo provided by Milford Public Library.

a Stay Sharp Kit to improve your mental speed.

Stay Sharp Kits include: a book and three to four activities — puzzle, card games, etc. — that spark conversation and stimulate brain activity. The library owns two kits, one with a garden theme and the second is for history buffs on World War II. Kits can be checked out for three weeks. See the display in the adult area of the library.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING OCRA PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

The Town of Milford is pursuing a planning grant funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Community Development Block Grant program, aimed at economic development, public facilities, and housing projects. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges, Milford aims to revitalize its local economy and enhance community well-being through the Milford COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. This strategic framework fosters economic growth, improves the quality of place, and promotes a vibrant downtown corridor, leveraging community strengths for sustainable growth and resilience. To select the firm for the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, Milford will use a Qualification Based Selection process, with Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) available through the Milford Town Clerk. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 13th at 7:00 PM at the Milford Community Building (111 S Main St, Milford, IN 46542). This hearing provides information about the planning grant application process, timeline, and overview of the proposed Milford COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. It also allows citizens to express their views on the plan and the selection process for the conducting firm. Milford’s grant application seeks $50,000 from OCRA’s Community Development Block Grant, with a 10% town match, totaling $60,000.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1994

Todd and Katrina Davis, North Webster, are the parents of a daughter, Madison Kay, born at 5:47 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. She weighed 7 pounds, 4-1⁄2 ounces and was 21-1⁄4 inches in length. Madison Kay has one sister, Megan Mae. The Lakeland Kiwanis Club, North Webster, celebrated 25 years in existence with a dinner and presentation. Jerry Badskey, is the club’s last charter member. He received a commemorative plaque noting his 25 years of committed service. Also there to celebrate was Bill Lieber, immediate past international president; Dennis Yoder,

district governor; and Dennis Judy, club president. North Webster Past Chiefs Club met at the home of Jeanette Bockman. Carmen Danner read minutes from the March meeting. Sandra Keck presided during the business session. Catherine Bause placed high and Wilma Mitchell placed low. Phyllis Engel received the door prize. Corrinne Staples and Dee Vanator were hostesses.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1984

Mr. and Mrs. David (Sherri) Fry of North Webster are the parents of a son, Jon David, born April 25, in Kosciusko Community Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds and measured 21 3/8 inches long. Maternal grand-

parents are Mr. and Mrs. William Gooding, North Webster.

Mr. and Mrs. John Oswald announce the engagement of their daughter, Pamela Ann, to Bryan M. Brown, North Webster. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Bowen, North Webster. A July 14 wedding is planned.

Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi Iota

Xi sorority, North Webster, initiated three new members. Kathy White, incoming president, conducted the ceremony in the home of Cyndi Heckaman. The new members are Norma Eisaman, Beth Winnebald and Judy Parsons.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Walls of

‘Best of Show’ to junior Nick Miller

10 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2014

Tessla Stephen and Braxton Myers, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, Indica Monroe, born at 7:17 a.m. April 26, 2014, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 6.7 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. It came as a big surprise Saturday night when Past District Governor D.G. “Bud” Seely, a Milford Lion, received the Ambassador of Good Will Award at the Indiana Lions State Convention. Seely is the sixth Lion in the state who is not a past international director to receive the award. He is the second Lion from District 25-G to receive the award, the other being PID Jim Cameron of Syracuse.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 28, 2004

Mrs. Perrin’s class at Syracuse Elementary School participated in the “I love to read challenge” sponsored by WSBT 22. The class read 18,839 minutes in one month. The top readers

were Lauren Griffin, 1,160 minutes; Megan Goralczyk, 1,024 minutes; Amarae Stouder, 826 minutes; and Michael Miller, 810 minutes.

Melissa Tusing, Syracuse, is completing her journalism internship through the department of journalism at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Tusing, Syracuse.Tusing, a senior majoring in photojournalism and minoring in classical cultures, is completing her internship through Sunrise Photo, North Webster.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1994

During spring break, Steve and Kim Conrad, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse, and their boys, Stephen, 9, Michael, 7, and Jeffrey, 4, spent the week in Clearwater, Fla., with Kim’s mother and father, Dr. Ken and Ruth Webster. Everyone enjoyed the beach during the good-weather week. One day, the boys visited grandma’s kindergarten class.

Notice of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Town of Milford COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP)

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Milford is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified consulting firms (the “Contractor”) to assist in the development of a comprehensive COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP) for the downtown corridor of Milford.

The CERP will serve as a strategic framework and actionable roadmap to revitalize the local economy in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Contractor will work collaboratively with the Town and stakeholders to develop a plan that addresses the unique needs and opportunities of Milford’s downtown.

SOQs should be submitted in a sealed envelope and mailed to the Town of Milford, 121 S. Main Street, Milford, IN 46542, and must be received by 4:00 PM (EDT) on May 31, 2024. Please address the envelope to: Attention: Town of Milford COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP) RFQ.

The RFQ document can be accessed on the Town of MIlford’s official website at http://www.milford-indiana.org/ or obtained from the Clerk Treasurer’s Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM (EDT). For inquires or to request a copy of the RFQ, please contact the Clerk Treasurer’s Office at (574) 658-4519 or via email at town.clerk@milford-indiana.org. The RFQ document will be available for distribution beginning May 1, 2024.

Any questions or requests for clarification regarding this RFQ should be submitted via email to the Clerk-Treasurer at town.clerk@milford-indiana.org with the subject line: “Town of Milford COVID-10 Economic Recovery Plan (CERP) RFQ,” by 4:00 PM (EDT) on May 15, 2024. This project is funded by the Indiana Office of the Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) with CDGB-CV funds. hspaxlp

Jim Pounds, local Syracuse carpenter, has been remodeling the house he and his wife Ruth own on Huntington Street. Ruth runs the Kid’s Station children’s consignment business on the lower floor. Jim is making the upstairs into livable quarters for them.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1984

More returning “snowbirds” include Robert L. and June Laudeman of 156 North Shore Drive, Syracuse, arriving home from a winter at their villa home in Avon Park, Fla. June and Bob report a good winter but that they are glad to be home among old friends. Mr. and Mrs. LaMar Stoops arrived their East Shore Drive, Syracuse, home Friday from a winter at their home at Woodstock, Fla. located between Fort

Myers and Naples. And Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thornburg arrived home Monday night from Scottsdale, Arizona, to spend the summer at their North Shore Drive home.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 1974

Navy Lieutenant Sanford A. Millet, husband of the former Miss Nancy L. Stump of 712 S. Huntington Street, Syracuse, has graduated from the naval postgraduate school here where he earned a master of science degree in computers system management. Nick Miller, a Wawasee High School junior, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller of r 3, Syracuse, won “best of show” at the Wawasee high school art show held on Sunday. Nick had displays in linoleum print, watercolor, pencil, acrylic and oil.

provision of excellent and affordable service to the households of Pierceton. Pierceton’s grant application seeks $90,000 from OCRA’s Community Development Block Grant, with a 10% town match, totaling $100,000. The grant application deadline is June 21, 2024. A public hearing will be held on May 13, 2024, at 6:30pm at the Pierceton Community Building located at 105 W Walnut St, Pierceton, IN 46562, USA. Interested citizens are invited to provide comments regarding these issues either at the public hearing or by prior written statement. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities or with limited English proficiency can be requested at the contact information below. This project will result in the displacement of no individuals or businesses. Information concerning the proposed project may be obtained from: Myra Mast Pierceton Town Clerk-Treasurer Pierceton Town Hall (8 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday) 574-594-2231 hspaxlp

North Webster are the parents of an 8 pound, 1 1/2 ounce daughter, Nicole Lee, born on April 23 at Goshen Hospital. She has a brother, Travis Alan, 2. Alice Kissinger and Catheryn Bause were hostesses for the recent meeting of North Webster Pythian Sisters. Thelma McCorkle and Ethel Engle gave the convention report. Mary Rensberger and Mrs. McCorkle are chairmen of the card party May 1 at the K and P Hall, North Webster. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Loo, North Webster, are the parents of a 7 pound, 6 ounce daughter, Tiffany Michelle, born April 27, at Goshen Hospital. Tiffany has a sister, Jolie Ann, 3.

STAY SHARP KIT Shown

Church Around The Lakes

Christianity in decline!?!

By PASTOR LEE COMPSON Milford First Brethren Church

Almost every week it seems I come across a new article, survey or piece of research that touts the decline of Christianity in America. Church membership is declining, younger generations are identifying more and more as “nones” when it comes to religious affiliation and our society is becoming more and more “secular” according to the metrics.

I’m not going to debate the evidence and you can Google those articles when you are finished with this one. I am more interested in thinking through how Christians should respond.

Some will panic — blaming various groups and outsiders for what is being lost. Others are going to grasp at power — believing the solution is found in winning elections and passing ‘Christian laws.’ The former ignore the fact that “do not fear” is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible. The latter neglect to define what makes a law “Christian” or who’s version of “Christian” (Baptist, Brethren, Charismatic, Seventh Day Adventist?) gets to create the laws. I would rather respond by em-

bracing the potential this decline may offer us as Christ-followers. This decline doesn’t worry me too much because of two main factors:

• The good news of Jesus is bigger than the USA. The Church, the people of God, is a worldwide movement and the Gospel is transforming hearts and lives around the globe. Even if it is not advancing in our culture, there are bigger things going on.

• This decline may compel American Christians to get back to what can be called “early Church living”.

The New Testament was written to a people who had no cultural power. And it never instructs

them to violently revolt in order to achieve greater rights or more influence. Instead, over and over again, it encourages Christ-followers to reflect the grace of God in our lives.

One example of this is Colossians 4:5-6 which states, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

The apostle Paul is urging us to live in such a way that our graciousness in word and deed will help the Kingdom of God advance. We don’t need to panic or sell out for power to do so. We would do well to simply live by the wisdom and love of Christ.

Instead of selfishness, may the world see genuine care.

Instead of materialistic greed, may the world see generosity.

Instead of pensive fear, may the world see abiding hope.

And if you are not a Christian and have made it this far, I will hold myself and my church to that standard. I won’t be perfect and neither will my church. But those are the qualities that we will aspire to live by. Because we see the potential that comes with the decline.

ILFORD HELD its annual spring cleanup last week. Ac cording to Superintendent Steve Marquart,163 people brought items to the event. He and his crew filled 10 30-yard dumpsters of refuse as well as two dumpster of recyclable metal. According to Marquart, the proceeds from recycling the metal helps pay for the semiannual cleanup, although it doesn’t cover all the town’s ex penses to rent the dumpsters.

‘No

Name Quartet’ to perform annual Mother’s Day concert

No Name Quartet will be performing its annual Mother’s Day concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the Winona Lake Grace Church, 1200 Kings Highway. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The event is hosted by the Northern Lakes Gospel Promotions. For more information about Northern Lakes Gospel Promotions or to stay up-to-date on upcoming events, visit facebook.com/ NLGospelPromotions.

The No Name Quartet has been intentionally flying under the radar as a music group for nearly 20 years. Although one of the best kept secrets in the region, they continue to delight audiences with their mix of gospel and inspirational music, onstage humor and blending vocals. The group started as a smaller version of the men’s ensemble at their local church. What was just getting together to sing for fun, grew into a highly-requested quartet that has risen to sing the national anthem at Banker’s Life Field House , Indianapolis, as well as recently singing alongside well-known gospel artists The Booth Brothers, The Guardians, Triumphant Quartet and Wes Hampton of the Gaither Vocal Band.

Even with these notable performances, the No Name Quartet still regards its annual Mother’s Day concert as the one most enjoyable. Performed annually, the concert takes place at the group’s home church in Winona Lake. NNQ loves the local church and considers the intimacy of the

church sanctuary as one of the best venues for communicating gospel truth through song.

Another strong value of the group is the importance of family. Often, when NNQ is performing an area concert, lead vocalist Bob Jackson’s dad, Delane, will join the group to play his style of gospel piano as a prelude. Jeff Secaur, baritone, includes his song-writing son, Aaron, as a featured performer at the Mother’s Day concert. Tim Yocum, first tenor, and Mike Yocum are brothers and have kept audiences laughing at their sibling rivalry for years.

Although the group has intentionally stayed out of the spotlight, the No Name Quartet continues to shine the light on the Lord they sing about. He is the one worthy of all the praise. For more information about NNQ, visit nonamequartet.com.

Michael Booth, of Booth Brothers, will be performing as a special guest. As part of the Booth Brothers, Michael has been honored to grace the stages of venues around the world and privileged to receive an abundance of honors, such as Grammy nominations, GMA Dove Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, chart topping songs and more. Though he is grateful for all the accolades, communicating with an audience about a mighty God is what motivates him to keep standing before audiences.

In addition to his work with the Booth Brothers, Michael has stepped into a solo career, having

B G L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

provided.

released several solo projects over the years. In recent years, he has broadened his reach as a solo artist, and enjoys sharing his music with audiences across the country. There will be limited seating guaranteed for the first 500 in attendance. There is no ticket required to attend this concert; however a generous freewill love offering will be received.

To acquire additional information regarding this annual musical event, call Wende Roberts at (574) 457-6875 or email at nlgospelpromotions@gmail.com.

Word of Truth Ministries offers services, Bible study

Anyone interested is welcome to attend services and Bible study at Word of Truth Ministries, according to Pastors Mike and Deloris Kelley.

Sunday services take place at 10 a.m. and at 6 p.m. The church also offers a Wednesday night Bible study.

The church is located at 210 E. Catherine St., Milford.

Pictured above are town employees Tad Freed, Angela Heltzel and Frank Brower, un loading one of the steady stream of vehicles on Thursday morning, the first day of the event. If you didn’t make it to this one, it is assumed the department will hold a similar event in the fall, as it usually does.

IT’S TIME to dust off those cars, trucks and motorcycles. In less than a month, the American Legion Riders of Syracuse will be having their sixth annual cruise in, on Friday, May 24, at American Legion Post 223 in Syracuse. Food and fun for everyone!

EARLY VOTING at the North Webster Community Center for the primary election will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the Sroufe Executive Room; directional signs will be posted. —o—

LIVING IN Transition Effectively, better known as L.I.T.E. will be hosting “Lite the Nite” from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 11. The event will happen at the Milford Methodist Meeting House, 210 W. Catherine St.

From 4-6 p.m. that evening, local organizations will be on hand to provide resources and demonstrations. Afterward, from 6-8 p.m., there will be live music, food trucks, clowns, kids’ activities and more. If you would like further information, call (574) 306-0006 or email info@liteinkcj.org

TURKEY CREEK Fire Territory would like to give a public shout out to WHS student Isaac Winters for his work on this community project as a part of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy. Isaac prepared these tie-dyed blankets for youth in need that TCFT will use as a tool to help calm younger kids in a stressful situation.

Winters is pictured above, displaying one of his blankets, standing next to EMS Chief Quinn Hunter. Thank you, Isaac, for your contribution and thoughtfulness to help your younger peers. Well done! —o—

THE NEW spring edition of the Webster Lake Conservation Association newsletter, Webster Waves, is out. Check it out at lakewebster.net. The newsletter features articles from President Mike Wyrick, Financial information, weed treatment updates and upcoming events, such as the Dixie boat ride June 15 and fireworks July 6.

THE MILFORD Lions Club is teaming up with Harry’s Tap and Grill for a fundraiser to benefit the 2024 Milford Lions Festival.

All day on Tuesday, May 7, you can stop by Harry’s, located at 132 S. Main St., Milford, and enjoy your choice of three different meals, including a cheeseburger and fries, three beef tacos or two chili cheese dogs for $10 each. The Lions Club will receive $2 from each meal sold.

THE NORTH Webster Community Center

would like to honor and celebrate local veterans with personalized yard signs. People can sponsor personalized yard signs a veteran’s information for $20 each. They can be purchased online at nwcommunitycenter.org. The deadline to purchase is Friday, May 4. Call (574) 834-1600 for more information.

The

MARK YOUR calendar for the annual Waubee Lake Kayak Poker Run, on Saturday, June 8. The cost is $15 per hand, with all proceeds going to the Waubee Lake Fourth of July fireworks show.

Sign in at the Waubee Lake boat launch with

be provided by Matt Onken from 1-4 p.m. There will be a pontoon in the middle of the lakes with drinks available for a donation.

Additionally, organizers are still in need of volunteers for a stop along Grove Road and Camp Mack Road. If anyone would like to be a stop, it would be appreciated. They will provide a flag for your pier and colored bands. There also will be having a bake/plant sale at the park pavilion. If you’d like to donate to it, bring it by around 10 a.m. on the day of the event. —o—

THE DIXIE stern wheeler in North Webster is getting some repairs. Ron Erb and Rick Owens were seen working on the boat last Thursday. The Dixie is 95 years old this year. The bearings on the boat were changed and new steps were installed. They are also putting in new wiring for speakers and painting the deck. Looking spiffy!

SHANNA ZOLMAN Mahaley, the Wawasee High School graduate, who went on to star at the University of Tennessee and into the WNBA, is returning to Syracuse for a program at Wawasee High School. She will speak at a Chautauqua-Wawasee sponsored event, discussing her family, basketball career and faith journey. The free event is from 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, in the Wawasee High School gymnasium.

After retiring from basketball, she worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the greater Seattle area and now spends her time raising her two sons, Zolman and Creed, alongside her husband, Antwan Mahaley. She is also a speaker for the Pat Summitt Leadership Group, as she shares at forums and workshops on the legendary coach’s Definite Dozen leadership principles.

DON’T FORGET, the indoor batting cages at North Webster Community Center are open and available to use in case of inclement weather.

MILFORD FOOD Bank now has a place for you to take much of your recyclable goods. In front of their building on Emeline Street, just on the east side of the railroad tracks, you’ll find bins for both clean cardboard and for any type of metal, including aluminum cans. The proceeds from the recycled goods helps to fund the food bank’s mission of making food available to those who might not otherwise have it.

If you would like further information, or would like to volunteer your time or money to the Milford Food Bank, call Bill Doege, operations manager, at milfordfoodbank@gmail.com. —o— THE AMERICAN Legion Auxiliary, North Webster, is looking for a chaplain. If you or someone you know are interested, let the nominating committee members know. They are Cindy Kennedy, Jeanne Reiner or Lila

APPLICATIONS FOR this year’s Memorial Day parade in Syracuse are now available at the American Legion Post No. 223 or on mywawasee. com or Facebook. Applications can be dropped off at the post or mailed to American Legion Post No. 223, P.O.Box 6, 1008 N. Huntington St. Syracuse, IN 46567 C/O parade committee. —o—

PASTOR LEE COMPSON

NO NAME QUARTET

No Name Quartet will be performing its annual Mother’s Day concert at 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 12, at Winona Lake Grace Church. Photo provided.

SPECIAL GUEST — Michael Booth of The Booth Brothers will perform at the concert as a special guest. Photo