The Mail-Journal - May 3, 2023

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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Wawasee Summer League opens first season on Schrock Fields

Wawasee Summer League held special opening day festivities Saturday, April 29, which included the dedication of the new Harold Schrock Fields, preceded by a parade featuring players, coaches and area emergency responders.

The parade, composed of all 19 teams dressed in a colorful array of uniforms, made its way from Syracuse Elementary School down Kern Road to the new fields, where a crowd of relatives and well-wishers waved and snapped photographs as they arrived. Waiting at the gates to Schrock

Fields were representatives of the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department, board of directors and selected players held a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the crowd filed into the complex.

Doug Schrock and Morgan Beer, a league player, wielded the scissors. Patrick Moore, Wawasee Summer League commissioner, led a dedication ceremony for the fields, which included Syracuse Park Board President Paul Newcomer and an honor guard from American Legion Post 223.

Noting the roughly 400 players participating in the 2023 season, Moore highlighted “a successful year of registering.”

Continued on page 2

Cazier wins clerk-treasurer primary in landslide

While voter turnout for the primary was low with only 168 of the 2,258 registered voters casting a ballot, their choice was clear. Republican incumbent for clerk-treasurer Virginia Cazier, led in all four precincts against Syracuse Town Councilman Larry Siegel, who challenged her for the office.

In Turkey Creek Precinct

2, Cazier led with 73.91% of the vote, while Siegel received 26.09%.

In Turkey Creek Precinct

3. Cazier led with 67.12% of the vote, while Siegel received 32.88%.

In Turkey Creek Precinct

4, Cazier led with 75.93% of the vote, while Siegel received 24.07%.

In Turkey Creek Precinct

5, Cazier led with 100% of the vote, while Siegel received zero.

Only 15 citizens cast their vote in the precinct. “I’m just thankful for my friends and family in town who supported me,” Cazier

said when contacted after the results were in. “I’m happy to serve. I love my town. I love my job. I love the people I work with.

Scherer wins District 4 primary

Scherer defeated his two opponents at that time.

Nathan Scherer, Republican candidate for the Syracuse Town Council District 4 seat, defeated his two opponents in the May 2 primary.

Scherer received 53.90% of the vote versus his opponents, Brian Woody’s 25.97% and David R. Rosenberry’s 20.13%.

Only 168 of the 2,258 registered voters in the town cast ballots in the town primary.

“I’m excited since I was caucused in only to serve for a short term,” said Scherer. “Now I can seek a full term of my own and finish projects we started. ... It’s exciting to be able to continue on and serve the town.”

Scherer was appointed Feb. 7 at a Republican caucus to fill the remaining term of Larry Martindale, who had resigned. As in the primary,

Heather Harwood named 2023 Wawasee Flotilla Commodore

Heather Harwood, a lifetime area resident and executive director of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, will lead this year’s Lake Wawasee Flotilla activities celebrating the theme “Luau on the Lake.” The 2023 Wawasee Flotilla will start at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1.

Harwood grew up in Goshen where her father was a Presbyterian minister. She spent her summers, along with brother George Hardie, swimming, skiing, sailing and developing a lifelong appreciation for the natural beauty

of the lakes.

After college she became a “California Girl” and for 12 years lived in southern California where she became a landscape architect at a firm where she met her husband Hamilton. While in California, they welcomed their daughter Molly, who now resides in San Francisco.

Heather, Hamilton and Molly returned to Kosciusko County and moved to Syracuse Lake as she became executive director of the WACF, a post she has held for

Continued on page 2

WHS Academic Hall of Fame See Page 8

Scherer is a native of Syracuse and has four children. He has been a business owner and entrepreneur for almost 20 years.

Scherer carried all four precincts over his opponents.

Woody was the second highest vote recipient overall in precincts 2 and 4, and Woody and Rosenberry tied for votes in precincts 3 and 5.

Seats for District 3 and District 5 council positions were also up for election. Cindy Kaiser, District 3, and Bill Musser, District 5, were both unopposed on the Republican ballot.

Overall 7.44% of the registered voters for the town of Syracuse cast ballots. County records show a total of 2,258 registered voters, with only 168 voters casting ballots. In the 2019 election there was a

5.38% turnout; however, the total number of registered voters was 3,733 with 201 ballots cast. There were no Democrat candidates for the town council primary.

Indiana’s Largest Marina

Heather Harwood

25 years.

Under Harwood’s leadership, the WACF has grown to a professional organization which holds approximately 1,000 acres in the Wawasee Watershed, taking action to ensure the lakes’ health and vitality now and for generations to come.

Harwood also operates a highly successful landscape architecture business with a focus on landscape architectural design, native habitat restoration, site drainage and erosion control, land planning, graphics and computer aided design.

She has completed the Master Gardener training from Purdue University and has

worked to enhance the beauty and sustainability of countless local lake properties.

She is a lover of the lakes and can be seen skiing in the early morning hours or enjoying a hike at one of the many properties of the WACF. She still works closely with her brother and mentor George as a partner in art, landscaping and restoration. Harwood has also served on the Merry Lea Environmental Center board of directors, the Indiana Lakes Management Society and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards.

The Wawasee Flotilla Parade will launch at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1, starting in front of the Wawasee Spink and moving counterclockwise around the lake. Registration is required to be eligible for an award/prize (no charge).

Registration forms will be available at local retailers, Team Tuttle Mortgage LLC or call (574) 457-3775 or email hollytuttle@yahoo.com.

Souvenir T-shirts and sweatshirts will be available online at flotilla.orderpromos.com.

The Flotilla Road Race will be held Tuesday, July 4, at Lakeside Park, Syracuse. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.

Indiana taxpayers will send millions more to charter schools in new state budget

Indiana lawmakers gave charter schools major funding boosts in the next state budget after advocates ramped up lobbying efforts in the 2023 legislative session to extend more benefits to the traditional public counterparts.

New appropriations for charter schools are part of a $1.487 billion increase in tuition support for schools of all types. Much of that was shadowed, though, as Republican legislators touted new dollars to fund a nearly universal expansion of the state’s Choice Scholarship voucher program — which allows families to receive vouchers to attend private schools. Charter schools, specifically, are set to see about the same tuition support increase as traditional public schools.

But the new biennial budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 makes three significant changes to charter finances.

• It increases the bonus Charter and Innovation Network School Grants they can get to $1,400 per student — up from its current level of $1,250.

• It includes $25 million in new capital grants for brickand-mortar charter schools to access for facilities costs.

• It funnels a portion of property tax operations funding growth to charter schools in Marion, Lake, Vanderburgh and St. Joseph counties.

In addition, lawmakers drew the greatest pushback from Hoosier school officials and tra-

ditional public education supporters with a provision in Senate Bill 391 that would force school districts in those four counties to also share referendum funding with charters.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has until Monday to sign or veto the Senate bill or the measure will automatically become law.

The bill requires school districts in the four counties to provide a proportional share of referenda adopted after June 30 with area brick-and-mortar charters. In other counties, sharing those funds would remain optional, at least for now.

Debate on the bill late Thursday night noted Allen County was left out of the sharing.

Republican lawmakers who supported the bill maintained during public testimony those counties were chosen because, collectively, that is where a “majority” of the state’s charter school students are located.

Indiana charter schools with enrolled students who live within the boundary of school districts that get voter approval for an operation or safety referendum would receive a per-student share of the local property taxes collected.

School districts that are distressed units are exempt, per the legislation. Currently, that means the Gary Community School Corporation would not be subject to referenda sharing.

Indiana’s nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency estimates that school districts in the four counties received $210.1 million in school operating or safety referenda revenue in 2022. If Senate Bill 391 had been law, those districts would have been required to distribute about $23.9 million to charter schools.

About 29,000 and 29,700 nonvirtual charter students are expected to be enrolled in Indiana in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Separately, Senate Bill 391 extends Indiana charter schools’ authorization up to 15 years.

Current law allows charters to be approved by the state for up to seven years.

GOP proponents pointed to new “accountability” and “transparency” requirements that are also laid out in the bill. For example, charter schools that take part in a district’s referendum would be required

to support the campaign and promotion to get it to pass. And charters would also have to hold a public hearing on its annual budget before it is adopted and submitted to the state.

The bill further provides that school corporations that share referenda with eligible charter schools are not subject to Indiana’s existing “$1 Law,” which requires public school districts to sell or lease vacant or unused instructional buildings for a single dollar to public charter schools. Under Indiana’s current school finance system, state tax dollars are used to provide comparable per-pupil funding to district and charter schools.

Traditional public school districts can also levy local property taxes to pay off debt and for their operations funds. But charter schools can’t, putting them at a disadvantage for paying for certain expenses, like transportation or facilities costs.

Under the new budget requiring operations sharing, school corporations are estimated to lose $9.3 million to charter schools in 2025, and another $12.5 million in 2026, according to a legislative fiscal analysis. Over time, as levies increase, the amount school corporations transfer to charter schools will increase more.

The state also gives charter schools an extra $1,250 per pupil to compensate for their lack of property taxes.

Bumping that amount up to $1,400 per student is expected to increase charter school revenue by an estimated $4.5 million — up to $6.0 million — in both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

Still, charter school critics have long argued that such schools are not obligated to serve every student in a given community — unlike those in traditional public school districts. That’s because capacity limits student enrollment.

The public charters also have private boards and are therefore not accountable to voters, opponents say.

“School choice” supporters maintain that parents deserve the right to more flexibility and customization in their children’s education. Doing so requires increased access to private schools, but also public charters.

Wawasee Summer

Continued from page 1

In fact, along with T-ball players, the final tally should exceed 450 boys and girls ages 4-14, he later clarified.

Harold Schrock Athletics Complex, originally located at 900 Polywood Way, was “three years in the making,” said Moore, and was finally realized thanks in part to

donations by Larry Martindale and Dick Pelletier, who together raised $250,000 “for the kids in this community.”

That amount was then “matched a couple times over,” by organizations and individuals including Polywood, K21 Health Foundation, Doug and Jeannine Schrock and others.

Dam and Dike Conservancy District to meet May 16

The complex, which is managed by Syracuse Parks Department, moved to its current location off Kern Road following an expansion project at the Polywood facility.

A moment of silence was also observed for Jamie Beer, who died unexpectedly on April 26. Beer served a full three-year term as commissioner of the Wawasee Summer League and was a long-standing board member for both the league and the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department.

Beer was “a great father, coach and administrator. … He was a servant at heart,” said Moore. “He had been looking forward to this for four years.”

The ceremony concluded with Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith throwing out the first pitch to catcher Michael Parker.

Obituaries

James Martin Beer II

Wawasee Summer League Commissioner

James “Jamie” Martin Beer II, dedicated father of three, son, brother and friend to many, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at his home in Syracuse.

Jamie entered this world on Oct. 3, 1978, missing his father’s birthday by hours, hence why he was named after his dad. He was born into a sports loving family and was a very passionate fan of Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.

Jamie was often the loudest in the cheering section and you rarely ever saw him without his beloved Cubs hat on. Jamie transferred that love of sports into his high school athletic career as an outstanding football player. As he transitioned into life as a parent, he greatly enjoyed coaching his children in various sports and, in more recent years, he served a full three-year term as commissioner of the Wawasee Summer League and was a long-standing board member for both this same organization as well as the Syracuse Parks and Recreation.

His many generous volunteer hours were instrumental in maintaining the program, the fields and in building the new baseball/softball fields that will celebrate their inaugural season in a matter of days, an event he was so looking forward to.

Jamie was a 1997 graduate of Wawasee High School and a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County. Outside of his aforementioned volunteer work, Jamie’s life revolved around his children and family. In 2021, Jamie became a grandparent to his beloved grandson, Stetson. For the 18 months they shared together on this earth, they formed an exceedingly strong bond which brought a joy to his life that was evident to everyone who saw them together.

Jamie is survived by his mother, Deborah Beer of Syracuse; his son, Devin (Chelsea) Beer of Goshen; his two daughters, Mackenzie and Morgan Beer, both of Milford; three brothers, Jared (Rebecca) Beer of Syracuse, Joseph Beer of Indianapolis and Cameron (Michelle) Beer of Indianapolis; a sister, Candace (Jeffrey) Adams of Wooster, Ohio; his beloved grandson, Stetson Beer of Goshen; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Beer, as well as his grandparents, Donald and Ruth Beer and Lois McMillen.

A life celebration took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 1, at Titus Funeral Home-Owen Chapel, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Funeral services followed at 1 p.m. Burial took place at Milford Cemetery, Milford. Pastor Billy Hesketh presided.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that a memorial donation be made to offset funeral costs and allow his children to lay their father to rest. To leave a condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Allen Yoder

Former Eli Lilly Employee

Thomas Allen Yoder passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, April 27, 2023, after fighting a rare lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Tom was born Feb. 21, 1940, in Goshen. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Nancy Freed, on July 30, 1960.

She survives along with four children, Kirby (Jennifer) Yoder, Kim (David) Phillips, Katrina (Ben) Pobanz and Emily Yoder; six grandchildren; and three siblings, Gary Yoder, Kent (Linda) Yoder and Nancy McClain.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald L. Yoder and Janet (Cripe) Kiefer.

Tom attended Middlebury High School, where he grew and developed into a well-rounded young man. After graduating high school in 1958, he matriculated to Purdue University, where he studied industrial engineering, was a member of the Triangle Fraternity and the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. Tom completed his formal education with a master’s in industrial engineering in 1963.

Tom and Nancy and family moved to Indianapolis, where Tom enjoyed his 31+ years of service for Eli Lilly, wholeheartedly believing he worked for the best company in the world.

Tom and Nancy love Lake Wawasee and purchased their lake home in August 1973. They made many repairs over the years on the 100-year-old cottage and poured much love into their summer home that holds a lifetime of memories. They thoughtfully rebuilt the cottage in 2000 in a larger replica of the original home in Vawter Park.

Raising their family in and around the lake, Tom turned his energies to work with friends, existing and new, to ensure other families might also enjoy the lake the way they have. He did this by serving for nearly 30 years in various roles in WACF (Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation). Perhaps his greatest contribution would be the assembly of more than 1,000 acres of watershed and wetlands, which ensures the lake’s resources for future generations.

Tom’s grounded nature came from a lifetime of being a faithful follower of Christ. The greatest gift he shared with us was his acts of service. His faith was demonstrated by quietly walking and living it every day. He was a perfect example of a husband, a father, a son, a sibling, a friend, a coworker and a volunteer.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service Tuesday, May 2, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial followed at Forest Grove Cemetery, Middlebury.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, www.secondchurch.org; or Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation at www.wacf.com.

Peter Blaine McFarland

Peter Blaine McFarland, 56, South Bend, died Friday, April 28, 2023.

Palmer Funeral Home Hickey Chapel, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.

Becky Wilson

Becky Wilson, 82, Muncie, formerly of Leesburg, died Friday, April 28, 2023, at her home.

Arrangements are currently pending at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Theodore Alles

Theodore “Ted” Alles, 78, Milford, died Monday, May 1, 2023, at home.

Arrangements are currently pending at Mishler Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Milford.

Patricia Ann Leksich Co-founder Of Pat’s Chicago Dogs

Patricia Ann Leksich, 72, Bradenton, Fla., passed away on Dec. 9, 2022, in the presence of family.

Pat and Greg were residents of Syracuse for 20 years and the founders of Pat’s Chicago Dogs.

She was born in Vallejo, Calif., on Feb. 1, 1950, to Anna and Clarence Geisler, who preceded her in death, along with her sister, Peggy Braa; and daughter, Kimberly Harvey-Abela. We mourn the loss of our loved one while rejoicing in the knowledge that she is now home in heaven.

Pat leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Greg Leksich; her daughter, Susanne Rippey, with children, Bethany Wesley and Caleb Rippey; son, Joe Leksich, with children, Keaton and Makenzie, who reside in Indiana; Kimberly’s children, Andrew, Nick and Megan Harvey, who reside in Michigan; her sister, Laura Bara; and brother, John Geisler.

The most beautiful accomplishment of Pat’s life was the 53 years of marriage she shared with Greg. Their love for each other was evident in their daily loving acts of care for each other. Holding hands and playful banter started from day one and lasted until the end. They built a beautiful life based in faith while loving each other in heart and soul.

A memorial service for Pat will be held at Saturday, May 13, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne. Family and friends are welcome. Visitation in the main hall will be at 10 a.m. and mass at 10:30 a.m. A committal service will be at 11:30 a.m. at Oratory of St. Mary Magdalene (across the street). A social luncheon will be from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Life Center (St. Vincent Campus). Chicago hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches will be served in memory of Pat’s legacy, Pat’s Chicago Dogs.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to A Mother’s Hope Pregnant Women’s Shelter at www.amothershope.org.

Manchester University announces new president

Following a comprehensive national search, the Manchester University Board of Trustees Monday, May 1, unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Stacy H. Young as the 16th president of Manchester University, effective July 1.

A member of the Manchester class of 1996, this is a homecoming for Young. Serving students in higher education for more than 24 years, Young is currently president of Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Mich. Her broad array of experiences over those years have come together to make a perfect fit for Manchester.

“I feel like I’m being called back home to serve,” Young said before Monday afternoon’s introduction to students and employees in North Manchester and Fort Wayne.

“I never dreamed I would have an opportunity to lead the institution that started my passion for higher education. Manchester truly changed my life,” Young said later Monday in Montcalm’s announcement.

“Members of the presidential search committee are impressed with Dr. Young’s commitment to Manchester’s mission and values, her passion for putting students first and her track record of leading an organization that stresses the importance of serving others,” said John Gilmore, president of the Manchester’s board of trustees.

“She is a strong advocate for the liberal arts and, with experience in managing a two-campus institution, understands well the need for both of our campuses to succeed together in advancing Manchester’s mission.”

Her proven strengths include growing enrollment, building relationships and effectively communicating.

“Dr. Young has been a leader in statewide and regional organizations in Michigan that are charged with advancing the interests of higher education. She will bring energy and a love for teaching and learning to her work,” Gilmore said.

He gratefully acknowledged the

No COLA or 13th check for Indiana retirees

Despite billions in state reserves, fixed income retirees who are part of the Indiana public pension program won’t be getting a bonus benefit from the legislature this year.

The Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) blasted the General Assembly for omitting the costof-living adjustment (COLA) or 13th check from the state’s two-year budget process, noting that one or the other has been included almost every year in recent decades.

“Since 1985, retirees have received some level of pension adjustment every year through a 13th check or COLA to support the ever-heightening cost of living they face,” said Jessica Love, RIPEA’s executive director. “And now, in 2023, when inflation is the highest it’s been since the 13th check started in 1991, legislators approved a budget that leaves out public employees altogether? These retirees deserve better.”

House lawmakers placed the blame squarely on the Senate, saying that House Bill 1028, which obligated $37.8 million one year followed by $38.2 million the next to supplement retiree pay, passed their chamber unanimously but never got a hearing in the Senate.

ready have money.

“So, funds designed for this very purpose will now just sit there – untouched – while some retirees’ lives will truly shatter over the loss of the 13th check. And they won’t shatter just because they won’t receive the $150 to $450 that retirees could have gotten, which is significant in and of itself for many,” Love said. “They’ll shatter because, with each approval of a 13th check or a COLA, state government showed it cared, at least a little bit, until now.”

While both the COLA and 13th check seek to augment retiree pensions, they do so in different ways. The 13th check is an additional, one-time check on top of the year’s other monthly payments while the COLA is a percentage increase for all payments moving forward.

Cherry noted roughly twothirds of those pension earners get $200 or less. Under a 1% COLA, they would get an additional $2 monthly, or $24 over the next year. A 13th check, on the other hand, would net them an additional $200.

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray observed that having to find ways to support retirees every two years wasn’t as efficient as having a long-term plan.

faithful stewardship and service of President Dave McFadden, Manchester class of 1982, who is retiring June 30.

“Those of us who served on the search committee are confident that Dr. Young will hit the ground running as she takes the baton from him July 1. We are excited about Manchester’s future under her leadership and the continuing impact the University will have on the lives of future generations of students,” Gilmore added, thanking the search committee.

“Our entire 21-person presidential search committee carefully and thoroughly reviewed each one. We are convinced that Dr. Young’s knowledge of higher education, track record of proven leadership, commitment to the communities she has served, finely tuned teambuilding skills, and her passion for Manchester make her an excellent choice to be the 16th president,” said Trustee Dave Haist, presidential search committee chair and a member of the Manchester class of 1973.

Young received her bachelor of science in accounting from Manchester. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Bethel University in Mishawaka, and a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich.

She is the sixth president. She will be Manchester’s second female president. Jo Young Switzer, Manchester class of 1962, was the first.

“Many of these people are old retirees and when they retired, their income wasn’t that great or they never worked that many years… The 13th check was definitely the way to go but the Senate didn’t want to act on it,” said bill author Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield. “Our Senate brethren are going to have to answer for that because our phones are going to be ringing off the lines and all we can say is, ‘We tried; the Senate didn’t do it.’”

Pensions offer flat amounts over the course of one’s retirement but, due to inflation, rarely keep up with the costs of living. Other types of government payouts for the elderly are annually adjusted, including Social Security, which saw a 8.7% adjustment last year following a record-breaking 9.1% inflation peak in June.

Pensions to roughly 97,000 Indiana retirees are determined by years of service spent working for state government, from teachers and law enforcement to gaming agents and conservation officers.

Cherry and other advocates argued that legislators had the money to fund either a 13th check or a COLA, especially following ongoing inflation and an unexpected $1.5 billion windfall last month.

Additionally, lawmakers left $2.7 billion in reserves accounts with the caveat that anything over $3 billion must go to paying unfunded debt.

But notwithstanding that revenue, the monies don’t even have to come from the budget, Cherry and Love observed, because the state has dedicated funds for this purpose that al-

“I have said before, I’d like to try and see us get out of the 13th check business and move to a COLA,” Bray, R-Martinsville, said.

Bray noted budget negotiations at one point offered a COLA of 0.4%, something everyone agreed wasn’t sufficient. Instead, Bray said the issue of a COLA or 13th check will need further analysis.

“We have charged this to go to a study committee to figure out how we can do that in an ongoing way to provide a COLA at least every other year, every budget year, to provide some benefit or cost of living allowance to the folks who are receiving those pensions,” Bray said.

The budget itself tasks the Indiana Public Retirement System with compiling a report by November 1 analyzing several scenarios, including ways to fund a 0.5% COLA annually. The research must also include the fiscal impact to state and local government as well as the possibility of creating a supplemental allowance reserve account for post-retirement benefits for certain state police retirement funds.

Cherry agreed a long-term solution needed to be found but bemoaned the lost opportunity this budget cycle. He vowed a 13th check would be one of the first bills he filed in 2024, a non-budget year that typically doesn’t advance many state expenditures.

“It’s got to be fixed and what we need to do is have a base adjustment – then maybe a 1% COLA would work,” Cherry said. “But giving a 1% COLA with inflation at 6, 7 or 8%… everything you turn around and touch costs more. It’s not the way to treat our retirees.”

Accidents/Incidents

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

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

following incident:

Incident

2:22 a.m. Friday, April 21, 300 block Alexis Drive, Milford. Jessica R. Glasgow reported the theft of a wallet from a vehicle.

Value: $500.

Annis faces strangulation and domestic battery charges

He choked her with his hands.

lice Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents

12:26 p.m.

Monday, May 1, East U.S. 30, west of South CR 325E, Warsaw. Drivers: John P. Imler, 76, NE Wawasee Drive, Syracuse; and Sherita M. Roper, 44, Biscayne Avenue, Warsaw. Imler failed to yield the right of way, causing a collision. Damage up to $10,000.

10 p.m. Saturday, April 29, South Main Street, south of West School Street, Leesburg. Drivers: Floyd L. Eash, 18, North SR 19, Etna Green; and Draven M. Baker, 20, CR 52, Nappanee. Eash was attempting to turn into a parking lot when he hit Baker’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

7:40 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 110 W. Van Buren St., Leesburg. Driver: Todd A. Wilson, 53, West Fairview Avenue, South Bend. Wilson was backing his vehicle when he hit a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

7:04 p.m. Saturday, April 29, East Bowser Road, west of North CR 375E, Syracuse. Driver: Santiago C. Gonzales, 37, South Kinder Drive, Syracuse. Gonzales’ vehicle hydroplaned and made slight contact with a guardrail. Damage up to $1,000.

8:21 a.m. Friday, April 28, North SR 13, near East CR 900N, Syracuse. Drivers: Ronald S. Sombronsky, 76, East Woodys Lane, Syracuse; and Karilyn S. Metcalf, 74, South Dixie Drive, North Webster. Metcalf was approaching the SR 13 and CR 900N intersection when Sombronsky’s vehicle pulled into her path of travel. Sombronsky had to be extricated from his vehicle and sustained a head injury. Metcalf sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg and foot area.

Both Sombronsky and Metcalf were taken to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Damage up to $100,000.

7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, EMS T15B Lane, south of EMS T15 Lane, Leesburg. Drivers:

Tabatha L. Corn, 42, EMS T15A Lane, Leesburg; and Mallory R. Mulligan, 18, South CR 300E, Warsaw. Corn was backing her vehicle when she hit Mulligan’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

5:57 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, North SR 13, south of East CR 800N, North Webster. Driver: Destiny D. Baugher, 20, East Harrison Avenue, Wabash. Baugher’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000. Incidents

12:03 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2800 block of East CR 1100N, Milford. Teresa Calhoun had a grill, fiddle and Tony Stewartsigned helmet stolen. Value of $1,850.

1:17 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 9800 block North Lincoln Road, Syracuse. Brian J. Davies reported identity deception.

North Webster

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

incidents:

Accident

11:15 a.m. Thursday, April 27, South Blaine Street and West

Effie Mae Street, North Webster. Drivers: Mary L. Roberts, 83, North CR 375E, Warsaw; and Christopher L. Rinehart, 42, North Main Street, North Webster. Roberts pulled out in front of Rinehart’s vehicle, causing a collision. Damage up to $25,000. Incidents

2:18 p.m. Friday, April 28, 400

block West Washington Street, North Webster. Ramona F. Bauch reported the theft of pontoon

fuel. Value: $122.35.

2:18 p.m. Friday, April 28, 400

block West Washington Street, North Webster. Thomas R. Paso reported the theft of pontoon fuel. Value: $158.19.

2:18 p.m. Friday, April 28, 400 block West Washington Street, North Webster. Representatives for Clarks Marine Inc. reported the theft of pontoon fuel. Value:

$512.

2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 700 block South Mary Lafern Street, North Webster. Representatives for Socks Marina Inc. reported criminal mischief to a fence.

3:53 p.m. Monday, April 24, 300 block South East Street, North Webster. Officers investigated a report of intimidation.

Syracuse

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

Accidents

5:33 p.m. Friday, April 28, East Bowser Road north of SR

Drivers: Barry L.

13, Syracuse.

Lamb, 49, East CR 600N, North Webster; and Zackery R. Clark, 21, South Edgewater Drive, Syracuse. Lamb turned right without looking if anyone was coming, and his vehicle hit Clark’s.

Damage up to $5,000.

7:48 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, West Bowser Road, west of South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Driver: Almalyn M. Beller, 44, East Palm Drive, Syracuse. Beller’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $1,000.

Incidents

12:01 p.m. Friday, April 28, 1100 block of North Indiana Avenue, Syracuse. Kristine Terrell reported criminal mischief to the hood of her vehicle. Damages less than $750.

11:55 a.m. Thursday, April 27,

11:20 p.m. Saturday, April 29, South SR 15, north of Tiger Lane, Warsaw. Driver: Jacob A. Wright, 19, East CR 575N, Leesburg. Wright’s vehicle left the roadway and hit a NIPSCO pole. He was taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital for high blood pressure and a nosebleed. Damage up to $10,000.

4:15 p.m. Friday, April 28, Husky Trail, north of Canterbury Lane, Warsaw. Drivers: James E. Brake, 76, South Harkless Drive, Syracuse; Kyle J. Voirol, 33, East LaPoint Drive, Milford; and Angela N. Woodcock, 33, North Algonquin Drive, Syracuse. The brakes on Brake’s vehicle failed causing his vehicle to hit the back of Voirol’s vehicle, which was pushed into the back of Woodcock’s vehicle. Brake’s vehicle was towing a trailer, which also was damaged. Damage up to $25,000.

Elkhart County

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

4:42 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 69000 block of CR 127, New Paris. Officers investigated a protective order violation.

4:15 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 68000 block of CR 21, New Paris. Jay D. Warstler reported the theft of a wallet from his vehicle.

12:15 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 68000 block of CR 23, New Paris. Representatives from New Paris Launderette reported the theft of money from vending machines.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County

Jail:

April 30 — Autumn Renea McClurg, 33, 210 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

April 29 — Billy W. Silcox, 52, 427 E. 1150N, Milford, booked for driving while suspended prior. Bond: $450 cash.

April 29 — Ronnie Lee Hicks, 57, 550 N. Harrison St. Apartment B., Syracuse, booked for child seduction and possession of methamphetamine. Bond: $15,250 surety and cash.

April 29 — Victor Joseph Waikel, 21, 204 N. Perry Drive, Milford, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

April 28 — Todd Allen Wilson, 53, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with prior and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Alan James Annis, 36, 413 S. Harkless Drive, No. 1, Syracuse, is charged with strangulation and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, both Level 6 felonies; and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. According to a probable cause affidavit, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene of a domestic battery Tuesday, Jan. 31. The suspect, Annis, had left the scene before the deputy’s arrival.

The deputy spoke with a woman, who said she was trying to sleep when Annis went through her cellphone. She said Annis confronted her in her bedroom and had a crazy look in his eyes as he attacked her. Annis took her to the ground and got on top of her.

Someone else came into the room and told Annis to stop choking the woman. Annis insulted the other person and pushed them out of the room. Annis got back on the woman and punched her multiple times in the face.

The deputy saw the woman had bruising around her right eye that extended to her cheek and nose. She had dried blood coming from her nose, red irritation on her forehead with markings, and the side of her face was irritated and swollen. Her left cheek was approximately double

the size of her right cheek. The woman said her jaw popped during the altercation, she was in pain and had a red mark on her neck. She said Annis likes to hit her in the face. The deputy spoke with the person who tried to stop Annis from harming the woman. They said they heard yelling from upstairs, it got louder, and a man arrived to pick up Annis. The individual went upstairs, and Annis told them to leave. The person said they saw Annis on the woman. The deputy asked the person if Annis ever hit the woman, and the person said yes. The person added it looked like Annis was strangling the woman. Annis was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail Saturday, April 15 on a $5,250 surety and cash bond.

Hicks arrested in Syracuse after Bikers Against Predators catch

Ronnie Lee Hicks, who is showing addresses of 550 N. Harrison St. Apartment B and Shipshewana, was recently arrested after an online group working to expose child predators caught him trying to meet with who he believed was a 13-year-old girl in Syracuse. Hicks, 57, is charged with child solicitation, a level 4 felony; and possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine, both level 6 felonies. On April 29, a Syracuse Police officer responded to a report of child solicitation. The officer spoke

with representatives from Bikers Against Predators.

According to court documents, the BAP representatives said Hicks drove to a business in Syracuse with intentions to meet and pick up a 13-year-old girl.

In text messages with Hicks, the decoy indicated their age and said they were in middle school. Hicks allegedly asked the decoy

for nude photographs and spoke about sexual acts. He also told her where he lived in case she wanted to come over to visit.

Upon searching Hicks’ person, the officer found plastic bags containing meth. The officer also found plastic bags containing cocaine on Hicks’ moped. Hicks admitted to using meth the night prior.

During an interview with the officer, Hicks admitted to asking the decoy for nude pictures and talking about sexual acts after being told their age. Hicks was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail April 29, with a $15,250 surety and cash bond.

Sombronsky, Metcalf injured in crash

Ronald S. Sombronsky and Karilyn S. Metcalf are in Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne, following a two-vehicle crash Friday, April 28. The crash occurred at 8:21 a.m. on SR 13 at CR 900N, Syracuse.

Sombronsky, 76, East Woodys Lane, Syracuse, suffered a head injury.

Metcalf, 74, South Dixie Drive, North Webster, suffered numerous injuries including a fracture to the lower leg.

A witness, who was southbound on SR 13, told an officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Sombrosky had stopped his 2017 Chevrolet Equinox on CR 900N at SR 13, and then pulled out into the path of Metcalf’s 2011 Nissan Altima.

2:10 a.m.

Sunday, April 23, 100 block East Epworth Forest Road, North Webster. Officers investigated a report of criminal mischief. Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the

12055 N. Syracuse North Webster Road, Syracuse. Michael L. Nordin reported a theft from his residence that is under construction. Items valued at $500.

3:58 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 200 block of East Main Street, Syracuse. Gary L. Ball reported a theft of building supplies.

Items valued at $3,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Po-

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

No valid driver’s license and operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — David W. Tucker, Milford, $210.50

No valid driver’s license and speeding — Luis S. Reyna, Milford, $185.50

Disregarding stop sign — Karina V. Velazquez, Leesburg, $160.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Brendan A. Freeman, Milford, $25

Failure to register — Bernard M. Andersen, North Webster, $160.50

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior Court: Garcia-Garcia Juarez — Kristin M. Garcia, Milford, and

David Demetrio Garcia Juarez, Puebla, Mexico. They were married April 4, 2008, and separated June 16, 2022. Four minor children.

Clevenger — Jason Clevenger, Milford, and Chelsi Clevenger, Milford. They were married March 19, 2013, and separated May 10, 2021. Three minor children.

Marriage Licenses

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

Michael J. Hochstetler, 20, Wakarusa, and Vonda K. Schwartz, 20, Milford

Roy-Stachnik

Mark E. Roy, 59, Fort Wayne, and Nancy Stachnik, 61, Syracuse

Carson-Kaplan Tina M. Carson, 52, Syracuse, and Thomas E. Kaplan, 57, Syracuse

April 26 — Cameran Michael Carver, 32, 4027 E. 450N, Leesburg, booked on two counts of possession of methamphetamine, on a probation violation, and driving while suspended. Bond: $15,750 surety and cash.

April 26 — Dylan Forest Hanna, 31, 10515 N. Grove Road, Milford, booked for being a habitual traffic violator, operating a vehicle while intoxicated prior, two counts of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, disorderly conduct, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and operating without an ignition interlock device. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Another witness, who was northbound on SR 13 in front of Metcalf’s vehicle, stated the Metcalf vehicle did not have the headlights operational at the time and was hard to see. He also saw Sombronsky’s vehicle stopped at the intersection.

The Kosciusko County FACT team was contacted for further investigation. Damage was estimated up to $100,000.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, North Webster Police Department and Indiana State Police responded along with Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory and Turkey Creek Fire Territory. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.

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Cardinal Services self-advocates donate $5,000

Self-advocates from Cardinal Services, with the support of a grant from AWS Foundation, presented $5,000 in donations to other area nonprofits recently in celebration of Pay it Forward Day Friday, April 28.

Self-advocates are people with disabilities, who work to make their communities more inclusive and accessible. With the grant from AWS Foundation, members met to discuss those organizations (apart from Car-

Hanna arrested for driving under the influence

Dylan Forest Hanna is facing multiple charges after deputies discovered him driving under the influence.

Hanna, 31, 10515 N. Grove Road, Milford, is charged with battery to a public safety officer and resisting law enforcement, both level 6 felonies; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; operating a vehicle while intoxicated and violation of specialized driving privileges, both class C misdemeanors; and a habitual vehicular substance offender enhancement.

On Wednesday, April 26, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling in Syracuse when he saw a vehicle without illuminated taillights cross the road’s center and fog lines several times. The deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, and its driver pulled over to the right side of the roadway as if to stop, but then accelerated.

According to court documents, when the vehicle stopped, its driver was noncompliant with

the deputy’s verbal commands. The driver was later identified as Hanna. Multiple deputies responded to the scene. Hanna shoved one of the deputies with his left hand and forearm.

Deputies utilized several techniques to take Hanna into custody, during which Hanna was resistant. The deputies also noticed Hanna exhibiting signs of intoxication.

While being taken to a local hospital per his request, Hanna allegedly yelled profanities and was belligerent. Results of a certified chemical test are pending.

Hanna was granted specialized driving privileges in Kosciusko Superior Court Two Feb. 28, 2022, with an expiration date of April 28, 2024. With his driving status, Hanna can only operate a vehicle equipped with a fully functional ignition interlock device. Hanna’s vehicle was not equipped with an interlock device.

Hanna has prior convictions for operating a vehicle with a specified amount of alcohol 0.08% or greater, operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction within five years, and operating while intoxicated resulting in serious bodily injury.

Hanna has already been arrested and released on bond. He has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in Kosciusko Superior Court Three.

dinal) that make a difference in their lives. Each organization chosen by the group is a champion of inclusivity in the community.

The Cardinal Services SelfAdvocates were proud to present a $1,250 award to each of the following organizations:

• Kosciusko Community Senior Services.

• Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.

• The Magical Meadows.

• Animal Welfare League. Cardinal Executive Director Vickie Lootens applauded AWS Foundation for empowering selfadvocates to make the gifts.

“Like everyone else, the people we serve want to give back, and we are grateful to AWS for giving them a tangible and meaningful way to that,” Lootens said.

Pay it Forward Day was started in 2007 to show that a small act of kindness can have a big impact. AWS Foundation tasked self-advocates with selecting

nonprofits in their communities that have had an impact on their lives and to donate to them. Selfadvocates nominated local nonprofits who they volunteer with, who provide services to them,

and who make a positive impact in Kosciusko County.

“Cardinal Services has so often benefitted from the generosity of others,” said Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO. “The

idea of celebrating Pay it Forward Day in this way is to allow those with disabilities to experience the joy and internal satisfaction that comes from giving to others.”

Warrior boys golf finishes fifth in Wawasee Invitational

The Wawasee Warrior boys varsity golf team finished fifth out of 15 teams Saturday, April 29, at the Wawasee Invitational at Max-

welton Golf Club. Wawasee had two teams compete in the event: Wawasee Green (varsity) and Wawasee Gold (junior varsity). Columbia City won the event with a team score of 307. Northridge (314) was second. Hunting-

ton North (319) took home third. Fairfield (322) finished fourth and Wawasee Green (327) fifth.

Lakeland’s Ben Keil was the medalist for the event with an individual score of 70.

Wawasee senior Jay Finlinson led the team, shooting 80. Sopho-

more Myles Everingham shot 84; senior Vaughn Dyson, 85; junior Weston DeLong, 80; and sophomore Maddux Everingham, 83. The Wawasee Gold team finished in 13th place with a team score of 412. Preston Scherer shot 92; Clayton Ousley, 100; Rhys

Jonsson, 105; Sawyer Grimes, 117; and Cole Young, 115.

Wawasee defeated Manchester and Whitko Thursday, April 27, at Maxwelton Golf Club.

Wawasee had a final team score of 162. Manchester (187) finished second and Whitko

(234) third. Finlinson shot a sizzling 39 to finish as the medalist. Myles Everingham shot 40; Dyson, 41; DeLong, 42; and Scherer, 47. The junior varsity team was victorious with Josh Long (42), leading the way.

Lady Warrior softball storms back to defeat Plymouth

Wawasee defeated Plymouth, 5-4, Wednesday, April 26, at Wawasee. Plymouth was up 4-0 after four innings. The Lady Warriors put

together a furious rally in the 6th and 7th innings, scoring five runs to clinch the victory. Each team had five total hits and four errors.

“Haylee Allen was in the circle and had six strikeouts,” said head coach Chloe McRobbie. “Ari Garcia

led the team with two hits and two RBIs. Garcia hit a walk-off double and scored two runs in the 7th inning to secure the victory. Jaci Worrell, Allen and Brooke Catron also contributed a hit tonight.” Next game: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at home versus Warsaw.

Warrior baseball loses to Plymouth

Wawasee lost to Plymouth, 14-6, Wednesday, April 26, at Plymouth High School. Wawasee scored five runs in the first three innings. Plymouth led 12-5 heading into the 4th inning. Plymouth added two more runs and Wawasee added one for the final tally.

Roundup

Girls Tennis

4/27: Lost to Warsaw 5-0. “Very well played match by all of the Wawasee girls. We just could not get ahead,” said head coach Amanda Hare. Softball

The Wawasee Lady Warrior softball team will play Fairfield at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the first round of the Indiana High School Athletic Association softball sectional at NorthWood High School. The winner of the Wawasee/Fairfield game will play Lakeland at 5:30

p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at NorthWood.

Baseball

The Wawasee Warrior baseball team will play East Noble in the first round of the IHSAA baseball sectional following the opening game at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, between Lakeland and West Noble at NorthWood High School. The winner of the Wawasee/East Noble game will play the winner of the Lakeland/West Noble game at noon Saturday, May 27, at NorthWood.

Ty Brooks, Kaleb Salazar and Dane Cripe each had two hits. Reed Ridenbach and Gavin Malone each had one hit. Salazar, Cripe and Ridenbach each had an RBI.

The Warriors had eight total hits. Plymouth had 13 hits. Next game: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at Warsaw Community High School.

Queen of Lakes Pageant applications being accepted

The North Webster Lions Club 77th Mermaid Festival is rapidly approaching. On Saturday, June 24, one of the highlights of the festival is the Queen of Lakes Pageant sponsored by the North Webster Lady Lions.

The pageant has all the glamor, thrill and excitement of those shown on television. The pageant is open to ladies aged 15-23. With years of history, the title of Queen of Lakes is still a very prestigious achievement that includes scholarship money.

Early bird registration fees are $130 if received no later than May 15. Entry fees received after May 15 will be $150. All registrations must be received by June 3.

The applications and rules may be printed from northwebsterlionsclub.com under Applications. Additional information is available on Facebook at Queen of the Lakes Pageant. Questions may be directed to quee-

nofthelakes@outlook.com.

The Queen of Lakes Pageant will be held Saturday, June 24, at the North Webster Community Center located on SR 13 in North Webster.

Contestants must arrive by 10 a.m. All contestants must participate in the Mermaid Festival parade at 4 p.m. and then participate in the Queen of Lakes Pageant, being judged on “Life is Better in North Webster” theme wear and formal gowns, at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of the North Webster Community Center.

The organizational/informational meeting for the pageant will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at Ken Strong Productions.

The Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation will provide scholarship certificates totaling $5,000 that will be awarded to the Queen of Lakes and her Court to be applied to their college education.

The Lady Lions will provide a $100 Community Service Award and a Miss Congeniality Award. Queen of Lakes parade prize scholarships awarded by the Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation will total $1,500.

We

Organizational meetings are being held now. If interested in helping with the planning of the 77th Mermaid Festival Pageants, join the group at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at the North Webster Lion’s Den, located in the Tippecanoe Township Community Building located across the street from the Mermaid Festival Fairgrounds, two blocks west of the in-town stoplight at the corner of Washington and Morton streets.

Bumgardner resigns as head wrestling coach at Wawasee

Wawasee head wrestling coach Frank Bumgardner resigned after eight seasons, leading the Warrior wrestling program to 161 team wins during his tenure.

He led Wawasee to five sectional titles, a state championship in class 2A, a state runnerup finish and a top-four finish.

Bumgardner said, “I stepped away because of my family. Faith is very important to me. We’ll see what God has in store.”

When Bumgardner graduated from college, his intention was to teach and coach at his alma mater Whitko, but he did not get a teaching offer. He had done his student teaching at Wawasee Middle School with Susan Mishler and Tamie Spangle.

“Susan called me and said there was an opening in seventh grade math. I asked about an interview and she told me that I already had my interview. The job was mine if I accepted,” said Bumgardner.

Of course, he accepted.

Bumgardner initially taught school at Wawasee Middle School and coached at Whitko.

At one point, he thought he might be done with coaching. He was then asked to be the head wrestling coach at Wawasee High School.

“It was a wild ride to start, but once we got going, it was just family. I have zero regrets. We had many great memories. We were 1-21 the year before I started. Eight years later we have over 20 staff members, including coaches, administrators and parents. We have one of the biggest high school teams Wawasee has ever had,” he said.

Bumgardner noted the program has consistently put four to six student athletes on the academic all-state team. Many student athletes have entered college or the military.

“We’ve preached that there are many paths to success. You have to define what success is for you and your future and go after it,” said Bumgardner.

He noted just this year, senior wrestlers Gavin Malone and Hunter Miller have decided to wrestle in college. Senior Cameron Zimmerman is also pondering playing a sport in college.

Bumgardner has taken a unified approach for the program

and built it up from kindergarten through 12th grade.

He and his wife have led missions trips for nearly 13 years. Numerous kids have given their lives to Christ.

“Results are a byproduct of your success. We’re focused on building people first. That created a culture where people really wanted to be a part of it,” he said.

During his first year coaching at Wawasee, they had about 20 kids go out for wrestling.

“I asked what they did before. They told me they would wrestle for about 20 minutes or so and then run for 40-45 minutes.

I was wondering why they were running so much. They told me they had to get in shape. I told them, ‘Ok, we’re going to wrestle. For two hours straight, we’re just going to wrestle,’” he said.

At the Warsaw super duals that same year, the team was praying The Lord’s Prayer before the meet. He asked three seniors if they were praying to win the tournament and they were not sure how to answer.

He mentioned how the Bible talks about hypocrisy.

He told them, “We are either not going to pray or we are going to pray every single day because that’s what we value. What are you going to choose?”

He then walked away. Bum-

gardner has a picture of them praying as he walked away. They came back and said they wanted to pray every day.

Bumgardner said, “I wanted them to take ownership of it on their own, not just because coach recommended it. The next tournament I asked, ‘What are we going to pray for?’ We never prayed for results. We prayed that we were going to wrestle hard today. From day one, after practice we’re going to pray and do some devotions,” he said.

Bumgardner said they of course could choose not to participate in prayer and devotions after practice. He just had some optional prayer and devotional time after each practice. He only had one student athlete walk out in his eight years as head coach and that was only for one day. The next day that athlete decided to join in the prayer and devotional time.

It was not an easy decision for Bumgardner to walk away.

“It’s not easy to walk away. It’s time for me to spend more time with my family, and be a dad and husband and truly live that out,” said Bumgardner.

The Wawasee wrestling program now boasts 25 sectional championships in school history, which is more than any other sport. Bumgardner was a huge part of that legacy. He has truly had a great run.

Warrior boys track and field finishes seventh at John Reed Relays

The Wawasee Warrior boys track and field team finished in seventh place at the John Reed Relays Friday, April 27, at East Noble High School.

“The Warriors braved the cold, wet weather and competed hard,” said head coach Chase Pinion. “Major marks achieved by the Warriors: Quentin Taylor broke the five-minute barrier for the 1,600-meter run. Joshua Trujillo pushed past the 40-foot line in shot put for the first time.”

Wawasee defeated NorthWood, 71-60, and lost to Mishawaka, 88-44, in a dual Northern Lakes Conference meet Wednesday, April 26, at NorthWood High School.

First place finishers overall included Lucas Linder in the 100

and 200, Cameron Zimmerman in the 300 hurdles and Braxton Gonzalez in the discus. Top three finishers overall included Hunter Tinkey and Bradyn Pike in the 200, Josiah Boyer in the long jump and 200, Quentin Taylor in the 800 and Derek Bontrager in the 110 hurdles.

“This meet was a big one for us tonight. We were up against two good teams and were able to clinch our second NLC win,” said Pinion.

“I was proud of how well our guys fought for it,” he said. “The score was really tight between us and NorthWood all night. This was a great opportunity to see how our boys would handle that kind of pressure.

“They really thrived in that situation. Energy was high and there were a lot of positive attitudes. This team just keeps im-

New Wawasee boys basketball coach Lefevre excited to get started

school sports in the future.”

mendation, Lefevre would get the job.

New Wawasee boys head basketball coach Lou Lefevre is excited to get started at Wawasee. Lefevre started his coaching career at the ripe age of 20.

“I was just one of those sports crazy kids. My whole life revolved around sports. I didn’t learn much about how to fix my car,” Lefevre said, laughing.

Coach Lefevre has always had an analytical mind. When he watched sports growing up, especially basketball, he would always comment on how he thought the players should be executing on the court. He said, “It would drive my friends crazy. I always watched sports with that kind of analytical thought.”

Lefevre originally had his sights set on playing basketball and studying engineering at Rochester (New York) Institute of Technology, but after one year, he decided to transfer to Central Connecticut State University and study teaching.

Lefevre said that many of the student athletes at Mary Immaculate Academy were Polish and spoke Polish as their first language. This came in handy on the basketball court because they could call out plays without the other team knowing what they were saying.

Lefevre experienced early success and decided he really loved coaching and wanted to pursue it as a career. He has had many successful moments and numerous championship teams throughout his 37-year career.

Lefevre said some of the best moments are when former players come back and talk to his teams and tell them what an awesome experience they had being a part of his program.

He said, “When they look back and say, ‘Boy, that was special,’ that really means a lot.”

Lefevre said he was keeping track of new job openings and sent his resume to Wawasee.

“I knew nothing about Wawasee. I decided earlier I wanted to coach somewhere else after the season was over. I thanked North Harrison for everything. The people there were awesome.

“As jobs came open, I sent in my resume. Wawasee contacted me and seemed very interested. It was a long way. Coach Everingham has been tremendously helpful. He really built a solid foundation here. He has built something here that I can build on,” said Lefevre.

Lefevre said Everingham took him around and introduced him to some of the current players, which he really appreciated. He really feels like they are a great group of kids and looks forward to coaching them.

proving meet to meet and that’s really exciting,” Pinion said.

Next meet: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, versus Plymouth/ Warsaw at Plymouth High School.

Legendary coach Bill Detrick headed the men’s basketball program at that time. Lefevre went to Detrick’s office and asked if he could walk on to the team. Detrick had a better idea. He pulled out a clipboard with a job opportunity to become boys head varsity basketball coach at nearby Mary Immaculate Academy.

Lefevre said, “I was only 20 years old. I didn’t have any coaching experience.” Coach Detrick was confident that with his recom-

Lefevre talked about what a special limited window of opportunity there is for young men to experience high school sports, especially high school basketball in Indiana.

He said, “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play high school basketball in Indiana. From my perspective, I can keep coaching, but they have a short window of time to play in high school.

“I want them to look back and be proud of the effort they gave. I want them to have a valuable, awesome experience. That’s what leads current players to potentially want to get involved in high

“They spent a whole day with me during the interview process and I was just really impressed. There were other places I thought might be the ideal place for me, but after going up there (to Wawasee) that all changed. It really seemed like the right place for me,” he said.

Lefevre was very impressed with the administration and leadership. Everyone he met seemed like a really good person. He just walked away from the interview process feeling like this was a great fit.

He said, “I really got a very positive feel. I sensed they had the same vision as I did and are going to be very supportive.”

37 named to Academic Hall of Fame

Thirty-seven seniors were honored at Wawasee High School’s annual academic hall of fame banquet Thursday night, April 27. 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. “It’s an honor and shows the hard work you put in,”

said Principal Geoff Walmer.

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

“We have the students choose a K-12 educator because it takes all of us to get the students this important night,” said Walmer.

“So we’re excited to have all the educators here tonight, including those who are not currently work-

ing at the high school. Students, I know this means a great deal to those you have invited.”

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.

Ken Long, a welding teacher who came to education recently, was one of those teachers invited to attend. Long also welcomed everyone to the banquet. He noted he was attending at the invitation of a student he had not had in class. “I had to sit down and chat with him about it a bit,” he said. Walmer closed out the evening addressing the students

being honored.

“I want to close out this evening by sharing a few words to the phenomenal human beings who will be high schoolers for just a few more weeks.

“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 our academics, I challenge you to combine that with a 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.

“Lastly, parents, guardians and educators in this room, job well done. It takes a village to raise a 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 fully funded by local sponsors this year: Ace Hardware of North Webster, Ace Pest Control Inc., Bass Audiology, Bud’s Body Shop, Crossroads Bank, Culver Family Foundation, Dynamic Floral Design, Knights of Columbus No. 6323, Lakeland Kiwanis, Lions Club of Syracuse, Northern Lakes Realty and The Papers Inc.

We’re not kitten: States moving to ban declawing of cats

Lawmakers in more than a dozen states have filed legislation this year to outlaw the declawing of cats, which many animal advocates and some veterinarians say is a cruel deforming of felines’ bodies and impedes their natural instincts to climb and scratch. Maryland last year joined New York, which prohibited

declawing in 2019, as the only states that bar the practice. But some U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania; Austin, Texas; Denver; Madison, Wisconsin; St. Louis; and eight cities in California have their own bans, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. And nearly 40 foreign countries do, too.

Opponents of the bans, including groups representing

20 activities at Earth Day Festival this year

What’s better than a free hot dog lunch, free activities for the kiddos, free goodie bag for the family and free admission and parking?

That’s what you’ll find at Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, where there’s something for all ages. Head on out to the LevinsonLaBrosse Wetland Educational Center. You’ll see the white tents set up around the Ruddell Pavilion. There you will walk around and enjoy an educational, activity filled time learning about the watershed and how each person can do a little part to make the Earth a better place.

Try to identify several waterfowl with Ducks Unlimited; purchase a Jeff Moore wood-carved bird or a Duane Turnock fish spearing lure (they make great Christmas gifts).

Learn what birds encounter during their migration from

Elkhart River Restoration. WACF will teach you about water runoff and help you sign a pledge to increase conservation efforts.

Plein air painter David Broerman will have some of his paintings on display.

Kids activities will be found in the booths hosted by Syracuse Lions and Chautauqua Wawasee. Make a native plant seed ball with Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club. Learn how to do Native American beadwork with Angie Butler, while Geoff Mesaros demonstrates how to make an arrowhead out of rock.

Learn what plants are native or not with an activity by KWWIP. The Kosciusko Recycling Educators will be helping each person make a worm compost container.

WACF hopes to see you at the Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6. WACF is located at 11586 SR 13, Syracuse.

Cutie Parade, Pageant registration open

The North Webster Lions Club is prepping for the 77th Mermaid Festival Cutie King and Queen Contest and Cutie Parade. This year’s Mermaid Festival theme is “Life is Better in North Webster”

As part of the annual tradition all children vying for either the king or queen title must participate in the Cutie Parade, which is slated from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 21. The rain date for the parade will be Thursday, June 22.

The parade lineup will begin at 5:45 p.m. at the North Webster Church of God.

While the parade is a requirement to participate in the Cutie Pageant, the parade is open to all children under the age of 14 as of June 1. Additionally, children participating in the Cutie Parade can also participate in the festival’s general parade Saturday, June 24.

Parade entries can be hand drawn, motorized — such as golf carts or small garden tractors — or walking. Participants are also reminded to bring their confirma-

tion letters to the parade.

The Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation will provide scholarships totaling $30,000 for the parade. Scholarships totaling $20,000 will also be provided for the pageant.

The Cutie Pageant is Friday, June 23, at the North Webster Community Center. Registration will begin at 6:15 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. The pageant itself promptly starts at 7 p.m.

The pageant is sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club and The Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation. It is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 7 as of June 1.

An admission fee of $5 for all adults and $2 for children not participating in the pageant will be charged at the gate.

Both the parade and pageant require pre-registration. Applications are available online or by calling the Mermaid Festival hotline at (574) 834-4316.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 16. No late entries will be accepted.

Lake Wawasee: ‘Points of Interest’ historical cruise

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum are once again teaming to sponsor a historical tour of Lake Wawasee.

The two-hour cruise will launch from The Frog Tavern in Syracuse at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 18. All tickets must be purchased in advance and are available from chqw.org. Boarding begins at 12:45 p.m.

Enjoy local historian Ann Garceau as she narrates the cruise of the lake, highlighting various “Points of Interest,” aboard the SS Lillypad II. The program handout is a map of the lake for attendees to follow along.

other veterinarians, argue that sometimes declawing is appropriate for cats — and their owners. In the latter group are people for whom deep cat scratches might hamper their ability to work, such as infectious disease lab workers. They also say blanket bans undermine veterinarians’ ability to make medical decisions based on a pet’s needs.

Declawing opponents point to a seminal study published in 2018 in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery on the procedure. It found that declawing cats resulted in a “significant increase in the odds of developing adverse behaviors,” such as biting, licking the fur and skin raw, displaying aggression, urinating and defecating in inappropriate places and showing signs of back pain.

“It’s a needless and painful mutilation that results in decreased mobility, chronic pain, and mental anguish that can manifest as avoidance of a litterbox and hiding due to a feeling of vulnerability,” PETA spokesperson Catie Cryar wrote in an email to Stateline.

What does it involve?

Cryar said the term “declawing” is a misnomer because the procedure involves the removal of tendon, bone and muscle, not just nails. She said it is akin to removing a person’s finger at the first knuckle.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners agrees. That group’s policy says that most declawing is not medically necessary and that “scratching is a normal feline behavior.” The cat vets group said owners should be instructed on safe ways for cats to scratch, such as training them to use designated scratching posts instead of furniture. But in some states, veterinarians have helped defeat proposed bans.

In Virginia, for example, a bill that would have prohibited declawing of cats was, as the committee chair put it, “laid gently on the table,” on a 6-4 vote after testimony against it from Susan Seward, representing the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Seward said veterinarians often are asked to declaw a cat “because of the medical needs of the owner,” citing two HIVpositive clients who wanted to minimize their risk of bleeding from cat scratches. She said another vet in the Fairfax County area, near Washington, D.C., works in a biohazard area and any animal bites or scratches could keep them out of work for two weeks or until their wounds healed.

“We simply ask the committee to trust Virginia’s veterinarians to do the right thing,” and to give the animal doctors

discretion, she said. “We ask that you not, in effect, criminalize veterinarians for performing a procedure.”

Virginia Democratic state Del. Wendy Gooditis, who sponsored the bill, said at a hearing that she has owned dozens of cats, including declawed ones she adopted from a shelter. Echoing PETA’s language, she urged her colleagues at a January hearing to “look at your hands; it’s the equivalent of your fingers or toes being chopped off at the first knuckle.”

She said declawed cats are “more likely to bite. They are no longer that soft pet sitting on your lap while you watch Netflix.” And, she added, “a cat scratch … is a lot less dangerous to your health than a cat bite.”

Last month, the Illinois House approved a bill to prohibit declawing; Senate committees are now considering it.

State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, the Democrat sponsoring the ban in the Illinois House, said her intent is “not to challenge vets or experts. I do not see how this would hurt the relationship-building of the vets and the owner,” she said in an email to Stateline. “There are other ways to build relationships, not by hurting the animal.”

Hernandez said she is hopeful the Senate will act swiftly,

arguing that people who decide to declaw their cats are more concerned about their furniture than their animal’s welfare. The New Hampshire House also approved a bill last month that would bar declawing.

Republican state Rep. Mike Bordes, the primary sponsor, made a similar argument in a hearing last month, arguing that the “majority of people get their cats declawed to save their furniture. … It’s used for convenience, not medical purposes.”

Bordes called the procedure an “old barbaric treatment” for cats. Under questioning from committee members, Bordes said he did not have statistics on how often the procedure is performed in New Hampshire, but he said some veterinarians urged him to sponsor a ban because they don’t want to perform it.

Dr. Jane Barlow Roy, a New Hampshire veterinarian representing the American Veterinary Medical Association with 400 members in the state, said the group’s membership is divided evenly on the issue. But, she said, passing a law “takes away the ability for us to make decisions on medical care that we have worked so hard to build. … This would circumvent our professional judgment.”

Maggart joins WACF team

Emily Maggart has joined the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation team, replacing Priscilla Brown as development officer. Brown had been with WACF since 2020. Her work helped build stronger connections in the community and meet, and at times exceed, fundraising goals.

She jumped in and, through her passion for WACF’s mission and positive spirit, raised the bar for development efforts. She is now in gifts officer-donor relations with Beacon

Health Foundation.

Maggart joined WACF April 11. She has vast experience in fundraising and development and a passion for growing community partnerships and donor relations. Maggart has a degree in communications and public relations from Purdue University. Maggart grew up in Syracuse and is familiar with the area, even spending time on the lakes. She also was a past student of Pam Schumm and Cindy Peterson, two WACF board members.

This event is always popular, so get your tickets early. Garceau will share her knowledge about historic hotels, events, property owners, restaurants, entertainment venues, boat taxis, marinas, other points of interest and littleknown facts as the SS Lillypad proceeds around the shoreline of the lake. Snack food will be provided along with a cash bar.

If you have questions, contact Debbie at (574) 377-7543 or debbie@chqw.org. ChautauquaWawasee is a nonprofit organization striving to help make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family.

Community Corner

Bob Dailey takes over as new president of Dixie Sternwheeler

Bob Dailey and his wife Leila vacationed in North Webster for many years. Leila used to attend church camp at Epworth Forest.

Dailey started his career as a high school math and physics teacher. He decided to attend theological seminary midlife and became an ordained minister.

He was a minister at churches in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. He retired in 2012 after serving as a minister for 16 years at First Christian Church in Bedford. He has also been heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Dailey and Leila always wanted to own a home in North Webster, but were not sure if they could afford it. In 2010, they were able to purchase a home across the street from the Dixie Sternwheeler. They moved to North Webster full time in 2012.

After a year of retirement, Dailey was tired of sitting around. He got back into ministry and is the associate pastor at North Webster United Methodist Church. He has also been heavily involved with the Dixie Sternwheeler.

Dailey started off as a Dixie crew member and then became a captain. He is going into his eighth year as captain.

Former Dixie Sternwheeler president Karilyn Metcalf told Dailey she needed to retire. Dailey told her he would become the new president of the Dixie if they would have him. He recently stepped into that role in February.

Dailey said, “We still continue the many things that have been done with the Dixie over the years. It’s a symbol of North Webster and means a lot to the residents and businesses here. We had a new shaft put on the paddlewheel. We have changed the location where we will be selling tickets. We will be selling tickets at the cove about a half block from the Dixie.”

Wawasee Art Festival —

Kim Marcadis works in a very special pottery studio and gallery space

“I moved to Charlotte, N.C., in 2004 and started throwing pottery as a hobby after work,” said Kim Marcadis. She is one of several local artists who will meet at the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 27. The festival is free and open to the public.

tion operates on a sliding pay scale.

“The public cruises begin May 26, during the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. The last public cruises are on Labor Day, which is Sept. 4. We still do private charters until the end of September,” said Dailey.

For Dailey, the most enjoyable part of the Dixie is meeting people and hearing their stories.

PROFILE

The Dixie keeps track how many people ride each year. Before the COVID pandemic, the Dixie would average around 13,000-14,000 patrons per year. The past two years, the average attendance was 12,000 people. Tickets are still $7 per person.

Dailey said, “Part of what Karilyn was doing was the scheduling of charters. Leila is doing that now. We schedule charters at the times we don’t have public cruises. We have public cruises seven nights a week during the summer and all afternoon and evening on Sunday. People can schedule a private trip with the boat at other times.”

The minimum cost for a private charter is $175 for up to 25 people. The charter reserva-

“I enjoy meeting all kinds of people and hearing their stories of times they rode the Dixie when they were children and are now bringing their children back to ride the boat. People really enjoy the presence of the boat coming around the lake every day,” he said.

The Dixie Sternwheeler truly offers affordable, wholesome, family fun throughout the summer.

Dailey said, “We really pride ourselves on being a good family experience. We’re the oldest sternwheeler in the state from what I understand. Dixie Day is when we celebrate the birthday. Dixie Day is July 29. This year will be the 94th birthday of the Dixie. For Dixie Day, we will have two additional public cruises at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.”

For more information, visit ridethedixie. com or email ridethedixie@hotmail.com.

For charters, please call (574) 551-7717.

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers May 8-12

MONDAY — M. Smith

TUESDAY — C. Manning

WEDNESDAY — D. & K. Matz

THURSDAY — B. Martz

FRIDAY — P. Smith Milford Drivers May 8-12

MONDAY — B. Harkness

TUESDAY — A. & C. Haab

WEDNESDAY — D. & G. Cooper

THURSDAY — M. Webb

FRIDAY — K. Stanley North Webster Drivers May 8-12

MONDAY — J. Parcell

TUESDAY — J. & K. Caskey

WEDNESDAY — J. Binkley

THURSDAY — R. Chambers

FRIDAY — J. Parcell

In 2005, Marcadis became a studio assistant at Clayworks, the fourth largest nonprofit pottery studio in the country. Over that 10-year period, she cleaned, loaded and unloaded kilns, made glazes, mixed clay and repaired kilns and wheels. “I learned about pottery as a studio assistant, working with other potters, taking classes at Clayworks and attending many workshops from potters.”

In 2016, Marcadis moved back to North Webster and repurposed her grandfather’s garage off Backwater Road as a pottery studio and gallery space. Her pottery is mostly functional work thrown on the wheel. “I do some hand-built work using slabs of clay, forming them into birdbaths, plates and platters. I use the pottery surface as a canvas for my paintings, which I paint on with underglazes and then cover with a clear glaze,” said Marcadis.

As a child, she explored many art forms such as weaving hot pads, woodburning, leatherworking, bead work and paintby-number. She took all the art classes offered in middle and high school. “I got the pottery bug from my middle school art teacher, Josette Abrams, who introduced me to throwing pottery on the wheel. I came to the art room over my lunch break and made pots.”

To make mugs, bowls and utensil jars, Marcadis throws a lump of porcelain clay. She rolls out slabs of clay and forms them over wood molds to make plates and platters. She follows several steps, from adding attachments to her work to the final bisque firings and clear glazing so the pottery is vitrified and can contain liquids without leaking. Her pottery is dishwasher and microwave safe.

The Wawasee Fine Arts Festival is sponsored by ChautauquaWawasee.

You can find Marcadis at marcadisarts.wixsite.com/home, on Instagram at instagram.com/ kmarcadis or on Facebook at facebook.com/kim.hillmarcadis.

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met on Tuesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 27, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Tuesday winners were Mike Wyrick, first, and Bob Merchant, second. Winners Thursday were Bill Thompson, first, and Dick Sutton, second.

FUNERAL CHAPELS

For more information on the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood, visit chautauquawa-

wasee.org. Chautauqua-Wawasee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Syracuse Public Library — Friends of the Library to host coffee social

The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library will hold their last coffee social before summer from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 10, in the library’s upstairs sitting area. Chat with the Friends and grab a cup of coffee and some snacks when you visit the library. Don’t forget to browse the Friends’ ongoing book sale, which has a selection of books and DVDs.

Donations toward the book sale can be delivered upstairs during library hours; do not place donations in the library’s outdoor drop box. All donations should be clean and gently used. The library does not accept magazines, textbooks, Bibles, books without jacket covers, cassette tapes, ripped or stained materials, encyclopedias, dictionaries, greeting cards or VHS tapes. Book Club Picks

The adult book club will read “The Coroner’s Lunch” by Colin Cotterill in May.

The novel takes place in Laos in 1978 and follows Dr. Siri Paiboun as he unwillingly becomes the appointed national coroner of the new socialist Laos. His lab is underfunded, his boss is incompetent and his support staff is quirky.

When the body of the wife of a prominent politician comes through his morgue, Siri has reason to suspect the woman has been murdered. To get to the truth, Siri and his team face government secrets, spying neighbors, victim hauntings, Hmong shamans, botched romances and other deadly dangers.

Discussions are at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, on Zoom and 1 p.m. Thursday, May 18, in person. Books are available at SPL or digitally through the Hoopla and Libby apps. For information about the adult book club or to receive a Zoom invitation, contact Becky Brower at bbrower@ syracuse.lib.in.us.

Meanwhile, the young adult book club will read “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus. On a Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention. But Simon never makes it out of that classroom. According to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident.

Pick up copies at the library.

A digital e-book and audiobook are available on Libby. The discussion occurs from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Email Michelle Parker, mparker@syracuse.lib. in.us, or Amber Weber, aweber@ syracuse.lib.in.us, with questions.

RPG Group Meets

SPL’s RPG Dice & Drama Night group will explore the pastoral fantasy role-playing game, “Wanderhome,” from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The game features traveling animal-folk, the world they inhabit and the way the seasons change.

The group is geared toward players aged 16-25 and welcomes RPG beginners. Each session features a self-contained story, so there’s no need to worry about interrupting a long-running campaign.

Sailing season begins soon at Wawasee Yacht Club

Once again, members of the Wawasee Yacht Club came together recently for a morning of teamwork and delicious pizza.

For the past 88 years, active and social members have donned boots and coats or even sunscreen to “open” the club located at 6338 E. Trusdell Ave. in Syracuse. The commodore of the club traditionally posts the cleaning and moving jobs that need to be done in the spring in preparation for the sailing season that typically begins around Memorial Day weekend.

Tables and chairs and small boats are moved off the clubhouse indoor porch and onto the outside decks and piers. The yard arm, which holds the flags of the four sailing fleets (E Scow, Lightning, Sunfish and I-20), is hoisted in the middle of the long pier that jets out into Lake Wawasee.

Inside the clubhouse, members clean windows, sweep the floor, clean the kitchen and ready the

upstairs meeting room and porch for the many sailors who attend the functions of the summer.

The junior sailing program brings many children, ages 8-15, to the club from late June through the end of July for basic and advanced racing classes. The E Scow Open Regatta and Lightning Hoosier Regatta, scheduled for June 10-11 and Sept. 30-Oct. 1, are always highly anticipated by sailors.

This year, there will be a Learn to Race Clinic with Casey Call on June 9, two cocktail parties, a poker run, a scavenger hunt, a brunch and an annual turtle race. At the end of the season, awards will be presented to members of the four fleets.

This year, officers include Betsy Berry, commodore; Mike Blackwell, vice commodore; Dave Newcomer, member at large; Greg Moore, rear commodore; Steve Wolfer, treasurer; Terry Moorman, secretary; Jeff Schmahl, junior sailing; Andrew Allen, docks and harbor; Dale Thompson, building and

grounds; and Casey Call, race chair. The mission of the club is

to foster, promote and encourage the sport of sailboat racing and to promote the science of

seamanship. Social and active memberships and junior active memberships are available to

the public. For more information, visit wawaseeyachtclub.com.

Your passion makes a difference.

What makes a great nurse? It takes selflessness to put your patients above all else. Bravery to help someone through their time of need. And dedication to push yourself to be better tomorrow than you were today. In honor of National Nurses Week, we’re celebrating the men and women who do all that and more within our very own walls: our Parkview nurses. You inspire us all with your compassion, knowledge and unwavering commitment to your patients and community.

Happy Nurses Week.

Rick Henvey Chief Executive Officer Parkview Health

Juli Johnson Chief Nursing Executive Parkview Health

WARSAW 574-269-2932

FAX 888-371-2934

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It happened in Milford … 40 years ago

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Lawn

Eudora Hurd plans for retirement

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 2013

Jerry Pallota came to Milford School Friday, but before that, fourth-graders tried to match his motto “Read a Zillion Books” by creating a wall dedicated to all the books they’ve read this school year. The wall of books, where kids have handwritten every single book they’ve read so far this year, was expected to have 5,106 based on the Accelerated Reader passed tests list in the literacy department. That comes out to 50,342,468 words read since August, amongst the 62 fourth-graders at Milford. That’s about 82 books per kid in just eight months. It’s not quite, “a zillion,” but still incredible.

In April Jan and Pat Appenzeller received a delivery that was unusual, even for them: a 125-year-old horse-drawn, steam firefighting engine. Built by Silsby Manufacturing Co. of Seneca Falls, N.Y., the rig was probably among the ninth model engine the company produced. It is not known where it went into service. The unit bears a plate indicating it was rebuilt in 1908, and it seems to have been taken out of service in 1912. Somehow it found its way to the basement in Boston, from which a private collector in Idaho redeemed the vehicle and recently commissioned the restoration.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2003

The Old 15 Bait & Tackle shop, located at 9053 Old SR 15, Milford, has been open for about a month now. The shop sells nightcrawlers, minnows, redworms, frozen catfish bait, bobbers, hooks, fishing poles and other things a fisherman might need. According to John Arthur, who runs the shop,

Miscellaneous Farm G070

he has already had several people stop in and fishing season hasn’t even really gotten started yet.

Nicole Geiger-Pergrem, medical assistant at Milford Family Physicians on Main Street, ran in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21. While the 5-foot-tall runner has participated in races since her days as a student at Taylor University, this is her first competition in the Boston Marathon. Nicole worked on training for the big event for the previous four months. Around 20,000 individuals competed in the race.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 28, 1993

The following Milford wrestlers were honored at the school Thursday, April 1, for their achievements this past season. They are Josh McClintic, outstanding wrestler; John Morehead, most valuable wrestler; and Daniel Martinez, outstanding wrestler.

Mrs. Michael Reuter, the former Marie Schori, Milford, observed her 96th birthday Tuesday, April 20. We’re told that Marie is the oldest member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Milford.

Tamara N. Munson, 407 S. Main St., Milford, will graduate Saturday, May 15, from Purdue University’s School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, with a bachelor of science degree in environmental health. Munson is a 1989 graduate of Wawasee High School. Her parents are Dan and Nilah Brown, Milford, and Dee and Lissa Munson, Warsaw.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1983

Joshua Flenar, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Flenar, Milford, was guest of honor at a party given for his first birthday. Those attending were Joshua’s brother, Nicholas, Mr. and

It happened in Syracuse ... 20 years ago

Mrs. Robert Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Hall, all of Milford; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Flenar, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Flenar, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Flenar and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lamirand, all of Warsaw. After Joshua’s gifts were opened, a clown cake and ice cream were served.

Trisha Avery, a Milford student and resident of r 5 Syracuse, found a balloon sent by Lori Dolce recently. It seems Lori’s school is participating in Weekly Reader’s Writing Pals program via balloons. Lori is a student at Longfellow School in Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Eudora (Mrs. Robert) Hurd has announced plans for her retirement from the post as secretary at Milford Elementary School, a job she has held for the past 20 years. The school now has just over 380 students and as secretary Mrs. Hurd has had occasion to wear many different hats.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1973

Residents of West Catherine street were surprised on Tuesday morning when they found May baskets at their front doors. In keeping with the tradition of the day the youngster or youngsters who delivered the baskets during the early morning hours shall remain un-named.

Cindy Rapp of Milford placed first in the curtain acts at the Share the Fun contest held last week. Cindy will represent the county 4-H clubs in the sub-area contest at Triton high school tonight.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rich of Milford are observing their 25th wedding anniversary today, May 2. The former Eunice Harms of Forrest, Ill., and Arnold Rich of Cullom, Ill., were married May 2, 1948, at Saint Paul’s Lutheran church in Forrest, Ill., by Rev. M. E. Schroeder.

Syracuse Fire Department receives its first GPS system

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 2013

To select the new head varsity football coach, Wawasee High School chose to promote from within. During a brief meeting late Monday afternoon in Syracuse, the Wawasee school board unanimously approved the hiring of Josh Ekovich, age 28, to replace Tom Wogoman who resigned earlier this year and is now the head football coach at Northridge High School.

Cruzin’ heard a great story involving two Syracuse families with Nappanee roots. Now is the time to start singing “It’s A Small World.”

It all starts with Jerry Ganshorn’s mother, Mabel Cain Ganshorn.

It turns out she worked for Tom Prickett’s family in Nappanee when Tom was about 1 and older.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2003

Less than 24 hours after laptop computers containing a location program were installed on the two ambulances of the Syracuse Fire Department, the technology proved itself useful. “We used it on three calls already to locate residences. It works,” says Mickey Scott, Syracuse fire chief. Syracuse Fire Department is the first in the state to add the TerraView2 global positioning satellite system, a concept to help decrease response times.

There’s some good news and bad

news for shoppers of Poppycock’s, South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Many have noticed and wondered about the for sale sign in front of the business. Owner Tammy Kratzer is not closing her doors, at least until it sells. She stated she has no plans for the future, but felt it was time to relax and just be a mom.

30 YEARS AGO, APRIL 28, 1993

Good Response has been received by Kris Pierce on his idea of putting together an under 21 club, a place for those under the age of 21 to go and have a good time, in Syracuse. Pierce has had this idea for some time and sent out surveys to area high schools, in which the students have responded favorably. The club would consist of pool table, video games, darts, a dance floor and a concession stand.

One secretary in town specially honored on Secretary’s Day was Dee Muraski, who works for the town water treatment plant. Her gift of appreciation from co-workers was attendance at a seminar at Indiana University/South Bend titled “Assertive Communication.” Dee said the morning seminar was a learning experience and was helpful to all those attending.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1983

We’re moving into the computer age rapidly. Three people that are eminently sure of this are Joel Robbins and Mike Neff, Wawasee High School teachers, working under the directions of Dick Wysong, director of vocational and adult education at the high school, and Rich Taylor of the Commodore Corporation.

Townsman Merl Smith took a negative view to all this employment and progress taking place in our midst. He’s afraid the community will grow too fast and lose all its small town flavor. “I like to come up here (to the Syracuse Cafe) and Continued on page 13

Summer reading early registrations start soon

Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to earn prizes for reading? Are you interested in connecting with your community?

If so, consider joining the North Webster Community Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. And for the first time, NWCPL’s Summer Reading Program will be open to readers of all ages — children, teens and adults.

This year’s theme is “All Together Now” and the library is excited to promote reading, not only as a solo activity, but as a way to connect to other people. Read books together as a family or read to learn about new languages or cultures — all these and more fit with this year’s reading theme. Plus, the library is planning several cooperative community challenges, so stay tuned for ways you can get involved and connect with your community.

Early registration begins Monday, May 22, so stop by the library

soon if you have any questions or you would like to learn more about the summer reading program. The following activities are set to take place at the library. Attendees do not need a library card to participate.

Adult Events Cookbook club, 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 9. This month’s theme is “Spring Greens.” Bring a recipe and/or a dish to share.

Adult craft class, 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 9. This month they will be making homemade Mother’s Day cards. The class is free, but please register in advance by calling the library.

“Empower Me to be ClutterFree,” part two, 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11. Offered by the Purdue Extension, this class will teach de-cluttering strategies and storage solutions and discuss emotional barriers to letting go of “stuff.” Register in advance for this three-part class by calling

the library.

Fiber Arts Friday, 10 a.m. Friday, May 12. If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, come meet with like-minded yarn enthusiasts and work on a project or come and learn a new skill.

Teen Events

Have the after-school blues?

Stop by from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, May 8, to hang out with friends, play board games and battle in Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. Snacks, coffee and pop will be provided. No registration is required.

Teens are invited to a special summer kickoff party at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 26. Celebrate the last day of school and the start of summer reading with kiddie pools, popsicles, sidewalk chalk and more. Register by May 19.

For more information about any library events, call (574) 8347122, visit nwcpl.org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

It happened in North Webster ... 50 years ago

Three early morning fires investigated

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 1, 2013

North Webster Elementary School students were treated to a family fun night Friday at Paige’s Crossing, Columbia City. North Webster Parents-Teachers Organization held the evening to celebrate a successful school year. Winning new bicycles during the bike raffle were Sydni Ewing and Dylan Tom.

Webster Lake Conservation Association maintains the dam to control the lake’s water level, according to DNR regulations. It is allowed to lower the water level during the winter months, while maintaining a continuous water flow for wildlife downstream. Their volunteers maintain a database documenting the water level at the dam.

The community service committee of the Lakeland Kiwanis Club, led by Mike Williams, met at 6 a.m. Monday to consider some handson projects for the community.

President Jean Cowan gaveled the general membership meeting to order.

20 YEARS AGO, APRIL 30, 2003

The North Webster Tippecanoe Township Library Board met Thursday, April 17. Meetings are usually held the second Thursday, but April’s was changed due to spring break. Helen Leinbach, library director, passed out a copy of new books and the quarterly report.

North Webster Elementary School has quite a display of photos of military men and women with ties to the Lakeland area. Just inside the school’s main entrance is a full wall exhibit of photos of and letters from U.S. troops and veterans. There are even crayon-drawn pictures and letters produced by the children in honor of the soldiers.

Brandie Hamman and Kristine Harris were installed as new members by vice president Janice Williams April 17, during the regular monthly meeting of North Webster Lioness Club. The group met in North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Community Building. President Diana Welker opened the business session by leading a pledge to the American flag.

Syracuse Fire

Continued from page 12

have coffee with you fellows. If all this keeps up, I’ll get squeezed out of my place at this table,” Smith joked.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1973

Dan and Linda Stephan of Huntington are moving to Lake Wawasee and plan to open a realty company, to be known as Beaty Associates, Inc. Their office will be located on the south shore of the big lake, and this column would predict

the handsome young couple will do well in their venture here. They are associated with Richard Beaty, who has been in the real estate business since 1958. The new firm wants to zero in on lake properties.

If you wondered why a number of students were seen on the street last Wednesday forenoon, and not in school, a number of fourth grade students under teacher Mrs. Sharyn O’Hare were interested in learning more about local businesses.

30 YEARS AGO, April 28, 1993

The Lakeland Kiwanis Club met at 6:30 a.m. April 26, at North Webster Church of God. Mary Riffle, Lt. Gov. Division 14 Indiana District Key Club International, and Laura Ann Nickels, Wawasee Key Club president, gave reports on the honors the club had received at the recent district convention.

The 47th anniversary party of Efficient Homemakers Club was held April 15, at an area restaurant. Hostesses for the evening were Shelly Judy, Judy Clayton, Debbie Trojan, and Connie Hawkins.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1983

Dr. Mike Williams will soon be opening his practice in the Warner addition at North Webster. He is expected to be in North Webster around July 15.

The fifth grade classes at North Webster Elementary School have been reviewing what they learned on their melody instruments last year, to prepare for their summer lessons in band and orchestra. Karlyn Metcalf is the teacher.

Karen Parr was hostess for the April 26 pledge service of Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. Those pledged were Cindy Heckaman, Yvone Polise, and Paula Mitchell.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 2, 1973

Local, county and state police are continuing their probe into three fires that occurred in the early morning hours last Tuesday in North Webster. The fires were at Augsburger Food Place on SR 13 in North Webster, North Webster Package Store, and Culver’s Grocery at Yellow Banks.

Lakeland Kiwanis ladies’ night and fourth anniversary were observed with a dinner April 23, at Wawasee Prep. Jerry Badskey, president of the club, presided over the meeting. Table grace was given by Hazen Sparks. Pack 26 Cub Scouts and Webelos met Monday night, April 23, at North Webster school’s cafeteria. There were 29 Webelo awards presented and eight awards given to Cub Scouts. Steve Williams will be the new pack master.

Milford Public Library —

Build a frog for May LEGO Challenge

Spring story time began Wednesday, April 5. You can still register your children for story time. Story time is for children ages 3-6 years old. It is offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The sessions themes are: “Wiggly Worms” and “Stuffed Animal Tea Party.” Bring your children and listen to some fun stories, make crafts and share a treat with your story time friends.

May LEGO Challenge

The monthly LEGO Challenge for May is to build a frog. The winner will take home a new LEGO kit. Be sure to enter the challenge by May 27. Children ages preschool thru eighth grade are invited to submit a photo of their creation to milford@milford. lib.in.us. The library staff will choose a winner from the submissions. They have a challenge each month during the school year.

LEGO Saturday is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 6. The whole family is welcome to come and build things with the library’s collection of LEGOs.

ADMINISTRATION

CASE NUMBER 43C01-2212-EU-000196

Notice is given that on April 24, 2023, John M. Crabtree was appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of John E. Crabtree, deceased, who died April 10, 2023. All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claims with the Clerk of the Court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claims will be forever barred.

Dated at Warsaw, Indiana on April 24, 2023.

CLERK, KOSCIUSKO CIRCUIT COURT Paul A. Stoelting #15655-43 203 N. Huntington Street Syracuse, IN 46567 (574) 457-2000 hspaxlp May 3-10

Church

The best version of you

“I am the best version of myself!” “I want to be the best version of myself!”

What do we mean by this popular mantra?

“I have lost twenty pounds, got a big raise, and my kid moved out of the basement, best version of myself”? “I’m down to five percent body fat, got a promotion, won five rounds of bingo Saturday night, best version of myself”? More cynically, “I left my spouse and kids so I have more ‘me time’ now, a new vehicle and the Cubs are winning, best version of myself”?

What do we mean by “best version of ourselves”? “Best version” thinking seems very self-centered and self-congratulatory. Who gets to decide if you are the best version of yourself? You, your co-worker, next door neighbor, or your teenage daughter?

And if you don’t feel you are the best version of yourself, don’t worry, your best version is out there somewhere in the metaverse.

In the upcoming election I can imagine Joe Biden declaring, “I am the best version of myself!” to which Donald Trump replies, “That’s great Joe, but I am the PERFECT version of myself!”

Are you only the best version of yourself and not the perfect version of yourself? Even on our “best version” days, none of us is the “perfect version.”

1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

“Best version” thinking has to be tempered by reality. None of us will ever be our best or perfect version of ourselves. The path to the best version of you is being honest with God about your sin, your weaknesses and failures. The road to the best version of yourself is confessing your sins and shortcomings to God and running to Jesus and his cross every day.

A Christian approach would be, “Who cares about being the best version of myself? Today I’m going to love God with all my heart and love those around me like God loves me!”

Matthew 16:24-25 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to

Around The Lakes

save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’”

Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, don’t put yourself first, be willing to take up your cross and sacrifice for others. Now that sounds like a good version of you. Jesus tells us true life is found laying aside your self-centeredness. Philippians

2:3-4 urges, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to

your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Don’t worry about what version of yourself you are; instead, love and be interested in the people around you. Ask Jesus to daily make you into his glorious version of you.

We will never be our best version in this life, but the good news is the grace and forgiveness of Jesus is always there for us when we aren’t our best version.

North Webster UMC hosting Nelson’s chicken sale

North Webster United Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship is hosting a Nelson’s chicken and pit-tatoes sale Saturday, May 13, at the Ace Hardware parking lot on SR 13 in North Webster. The sale starts at

10:30 a.m. until the chicken is sold. Presale tickets are available at the church office or from a women’s fellowship member. The proceeds will be used for missions and building maintenance.

MILFORD CEMETERY’S annual volunteer day will take place Tuesday, May 23. The Milford Cemetery Association is a nonprofit cemetery association whose board of directors are all volunteers. The association is dedicated to maintaining and managing the Milford Cemetery, which does not receive any tax dollars for maintenance.

It has been a tradition for many years to have a community volunteer day to spruce up the cemetery before Memorial weekend. The Ancil Geiger American Legion takes care of placing flags on veterans’ grave sites and the Milford Volunteer Fire Department does the same for volunteer firemen. The cemetery board is asking volunteers to bring weed trimmers and rakes to clean up around the headstones at any time during the day. There is a dumpster near the storage shed for trash. The rain date will be Wednesday, May 24. For more information, call (574) 453-8676.

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THE ONE and only fundraiser of the year for the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club is underway right now. Help support the group that provides flowers for the town parks and town hall, gives and maintains the uptown hanging baskets, awards college scholarships and more!

Just order red geraniums and pick them up from the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, between 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 12. Call or text Martha Stoelting at (574) 528-0850 or send her a PM on Facebook by May 7.

The geraniums are a vibrant red and come in flats in 18 plants. Flats are $27 each. Checks and cash accepted at pickup. The club continues to be grateful for the 63 years of support from the community.

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IN ONE of its first “Summer at The Center” events, at North Webster Community Center, Kellie Shidler will be walking people through the step-by-step painting instruction to create their own 16-inch summer sign. Come have a relaxing morning of painting and friends and leave with a sign painted by you that will take you through the summer. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 13. Cost of the class is $40 and is nonrefundable.

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MILFORD DEPUTY Clerk Shanna Maust is retiring after serving the town for 35 years. People may stop by the clerk’s office to wish her well between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, May 4. There will be cake while it lasts.

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THE THIRD annual Women of Today 5K Trail Run and Walk will be held Saturday, June 10, at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse. Race start time is 8:30 a.m. Sign up by May 9 to guarantee a shirt. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Syracuse/SecondAnnualWomenofToday5K. —o—

THE NORTH WEBSTER Community Center has started a community garden group. The supplies will be delivered Thursday, May 25. If interested in volunteering or being a garden leader, email eworrell@nwcommunitycener.com.

“We may end up with quite a bit of gardening supplies. I am so excited about the response we had. We are really looking forward to providing a garden spot for our community,” said Worrell —o—

MONDAY, MAY 1, The Milford Public Library joined several other libraries in the area by going fine free.

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THE KNITTING Club meets the first and third Thursday of the month at the Milford Public Library. All skill levels welcome; no library card needed. Meet in the teen area at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4.

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WAWASEE YACHT Club’s race committee is seeking help for racing activities for the upcoming 2023 season. If you want more information about

helping or are interested in helping, reach out to the RC chair at caseycall99@gmail.com or (317) 508-1147.

THE 2023-2024 NORTH WEBSTER Community Guide is here. These will begin popping up all over town at retailers, offices and other organizations. Grab one at the chamber’s visitor center located in the North Webster Community Center. A community event calender, information about its members and lake maps are all included with some other nuggets of good stuff.

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CAMP MACK in Milford will host a community open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Come out to the campgrounds and learn about what Camp Mack has to offer everyone. Light snacks will be provided. —o—

THE FRIENDS of the Syracuse Public Library is seeking book donations for its ongoing book sales. Donations should be gently used. Donations can be paperbacks, hardbacks, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and antique books.

The library does not accept magazines, high school and college textbooks/required reading, books with no jacket covers, Bibles, cassette tapes, ripped or stained materials, materials with mildew, encyclopedias or dictionaries, greeting cards or VHS tapes. All donations should be dropped off at the upstairs circulation desk. Those donating are asked to not drop donations into the outdoor drop box.

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INDIANA BOATER education classes will be June 2-3 at NWCC. The classes will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 2, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 3. To register for any of these events, visit nwcommunitycenter.org.

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JUST A reminder to those who have a child or grandchild attending Milford School. The spring concert will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 4. —o—

NORTH WEBSTER Community Center will be hosting several events as part of its “Summer at the Center” series. In partnership with Science Central, its first ever Science Camp will be this summer. It is a free camp for children in second through sixth grade. The first session is Monday, June 19. Space is limited. Contact the NWCC for more details, (574) 834-1600. —o—

THE WEBSTER Ski Bees will have its first show June 10. The show is at 6 p.m. at North Webster Town Park. —o—

INDIANA’S FREE fishing day is Sunday, May 7. Check out Waubee Lake in Milford or the lakes in Syracuse or North Webster for some great fishing. —o—

ATTENTION, PARENTS! Are you looking for activities for your kids to be involved in this summer? Then check out kcountyevents. com which highlights almost 40 organizations in Kosciusko County that offer programming for