The Mail-Journal - June 28, 2023

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Railroad bridge to be open for holiday weekend

Cutie contest crowns new royalty

Parents, family, friends and community members crowded the gymnasium bleachers inside the North Webster Community Center Friday evening as the annual Cutie Contest looked to crown its 2023 Mermaid Festival Cutie Queen and Cutie King.

Fourteen young ladies, ranging in age from 5-7 took stage alongside eight young gentlemen, each hoping to eventually earn the crown and sash that would forever add their names to Mermaid Festival history.

In the end, Amelia Beer and Cruz Turner would earn the coveted titles of Cutie Queen and King. Beer, 7, is the daughter of Jason and Whitney Beer of Milford, while

Turner, 6, is the son of Aaron and Abby Turner of Leesburg.

Members of the court on the girls’ side, in order of finish, are Remington Nabinger, North Webster; Reagan Risedorph, Milford; and Julia Cotton, Fort Wayne. On the boys’ court are Phinneus DuBois, North Webster; Micah Snider, Pierceton; and Axel Lewallen, Leesburg.

As always, emceeing the event was Phil Metcalf, who informed the crowd that judging was based on the candidates attitude, cooperation, attire, self-confidence and appearance, saying “neatness and cleanliness counts.” Each candidate was given a score of 1-10 by each of

the six judges. Once the scores were added up, the contestants with the highest tallies were named the winners.

This year’s judges were Ed Beckner, Mona Beckner, Christopher Smith, LeeAnn Smith, Jeanette Keim and Coryn Barton.

As part of the contest, the winners of the annual Cutie Parade, which was held in downtown North Webster Wednesday night, were announced. There were three categories of entry: walking, hand drawn

Faulkner named 2023 Mermaid Festival

Queen of Lakes

Miss Hoffman Lake Jaela

Faulkner was crowned Queen of Lakes during the 77th Mermaid Festival’s annual pageant, held Saturday evening inside the North Webster Community Center. She was one of 18 contestants ranging in age from 16-22 who were vying for the prestigious crown.

Faulkner, a resident of Bourbon and a student at Manchester University, is majoring in exercise science and plans to continue her education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a doctorate in occupational therapy with a specialization in pediatrics.

“I decided to become a contestant in the Queen of Lakes pageant to further my involvement in the community, spend some time with old friends and make some new friends,” said Faulkner.

Serving as members of the Queen’s court for the coming year will be Miss Sechrist Lake, Janna Tausch, Bourbon, first runner-up; Miss Camelot Lake Chloe Bollinger,

South Whitley, second runner-up; and Miss Yellow Creek Lake Bri McBrier, Mentone, third runner-up.

The queen and her court each earned scholarship money from the Shoop Sports and Youth Foundation to use toward their higher education. Scholarship amounts ranged from $500-$2,000.

Judges for the pageant were Kelsey Nebbeling, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Terri Edmiston, Roanoke; and LeeAnn Smith, Roanoke.

The evening’s emcee, Phil Metcalf, also announced the winners of two additional awards. The North Webster Lions Club Community Service Award was presented to Miss Little Tippy Lake Alexis Stump, while the Miss Congeniality Award was given to Faulkner.

Additionally, the winners of the parade float competition were named. Each queen candidate was required to participate in the Mermaid Festival parade, held earlier in the day, and were judged for scholarship prizes. Earning the top award was McBrier, followed by Miss Center Lake Gwendolyn Frank and Faulkner.

and motorized.

Parade winners were:

Walking: Wade Anderson , first place; Mason Ruch, second; Jensen Lovely, third; and Cruz Turner, fourth.

Hand drawn: Mallory Maynard, first place; Henry Beer, second; Aubrey Granger, third; and AJ Kimmel, fourth.

Motorized: Lincoln Granger, first place; Emily Laureys, second; Zane Grady, third; and Phinneus DuBois, fourth.

Owen retires from Syracuse Church of God

Syracuse Church of God pastor Stan Owen recently retired after serving 39 years in the ministry, the last 11 years at Syracuse Church of God.

Owen graduated magna cum laude in 1992 from Fort Wayne Bible College, later known as Summit Christian College, with a major in pastoral ministries. He then went

on to earn his master of divinity degree from Winebrenner Seminary in Findlay, Ohio.

Along with his wife Cindy, Owen began his ministry career teaching youth through Bible quizzing in 1984 at the First Church of God in Columbia City, winning a number of national Bible quizzing championships. He was later hired as the

church’s Christian education director.

In 1992, he served as pastor of Zion Church of God in Hamler, Ohio. After graduating from seminary, he served on the staff at Olive Branch Church of God in Roann.

From 2006-12, he pastored Mount Tabor Church of God near Etna Green. In 2012, Owen became

Growing healthier communities through mobile gardens project

Goshen Health recently launched a mobile garden project with grant funding from the Indiana Department of Health to increase access to healthy foods in vulnerable areas. The seven garden units are equipped with basic materials and tools needed to successfully start container gardening – pots, soil, seeds, plants, hand tools and more.

“We’re excited to lead the mobile garden project, access to healthy food is so important and gardening is a valuable skillset,”

said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health president and CEO. “This is a prime example of how working together can lead to a big impact. We are grateful for the many partners that made this project possible.”

To launch the project, Goshen Health partnered with several organizations. Goshen College public health students helped identify and interview potential garden sites. Alpha Lumber and R. Yoder Construction built and donated rolling garden carts to

assure ease in transport and storage. Purdue Extension Elkhart County helped pair each site with a master gardener to serve as a resource for that site.

Current mobile garden locations include: Riverside Terrace, Rosedale High Rise, Stratford Commons, The Village Empowerment Center, The Post, McNaughton Park and North Webster Community Center.

For more information, email CommunityEngagement@GoshenHealth.com.

pastor of the Syracuse Church of God where he served 11 years until his recent retirement.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Owen has also led numerous short-term mission teams to various locations to assist and support long-term missionaries.

Reflecting on his 39-year ministerial career, Owen stated, “If God can take a hopelessly shy and introverted kid off a dairy farm and use him for God’s eternal kingdom, God can use anyone for his glory as well.”

Owen’s retirement plans include repairing small engines and restoring vintage motorcycles in addition to continuing his work with shortterm mission teams.

Syracuse Church of God is located at 104 E. Washington St., one block north of the Syracuse Public Library. Sunday worship services are held at 9:30 a.m. followed by adult, children’s and youth Sunday school classes.

Syracuse High School 60th reunion set

The 60th Syracuse High School reunion will be held the weekend of Aug. 18-20. Alumni are invited to meet at The Frog from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, for social time and a bite to eat.

A cookout and social time is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Helen and Doug Yoder’s home on Lake Wawasee. Food and drinks will be provided, but those attending should bring lawn chairs if convenient.

Prior to the cookout, classmates may want to visit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, located in the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive, across the street from Lakeside Park.

Doug Yoder has also offered to take anyone interested on a tour of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation to hear about what WACF has been doing to protect, preserve and enhance Wawasee and future generations.

‘A Sportsman’s Paradise,’ creation of the Wawasee State Fish Hatchery

The creation of Lake Papakeechie by the Northern Indiana Improvement Company led to the development of the Wawasee State Fish Hatchery.

The Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum will present a centennial program featuring this chain of events in the early 1900s at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Syracuse Community Center, North Long Drive.

The lives of highly motivated men like Charles Sudlow, George Xanders and George Miles intertwined to create a serene lake which in turn provided an ideal location for a fish hatchery to stock lakes in the area with game fish, primarily bass. Just southeast of Lake Wawasee there was a large tract of inaccessible territory with high hills, deep holes full of water, swamps and razorback ridges. Separated by low marsh lands, six little lakes were scattered about the valley.

You will be captivated by the “recreation” of what originally may at

one time have been a large single lake from which the water receded.

About the time the waters of Lake Papakeechie were rising behind its dam and embankments, the state of Indiana started funding state fish hatcheries. The ideal location was

right there at the marshy area between the dam and Lake Wawasee.

Master Gardener and Papakeechie resident Joyce Arleen Corson will share her efforts in mitigating the nearby wetlands.

Mark your calendar now for “A

Sportsman’s Paradise,” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8. in the Syracuse Community Center. Take time also to visit the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

LRSD discusses restaurant’s grease violations

The new district administrator was welcomed at the Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees’ meeting Wednesday night, June 21.

Lichelle Parker is the district’s new administrator.

A majority of the meeting, however, centered around Lakelife Restaurant’s grease violations.

Samples were tested and show the restaurant is violating code. Astbury Water Technology tested the samples, most recently three times. The restaurant’s owner had the injector pump cleaned. However, while the pump and grease traps were cleaned, high levels of grease were still detected.

Joe Gallas, owner of Lakelife, said the levels shouldn’t be high and argued he was in compliance twice. Test results show otherwise. “They need to be cleaned more frequently,” said President Jim Haney.

“It’s not ideal — sewage and grease,” said another board member. “You don’t want to pump to a grease trap.”

A board member said it’s about accountability of the customer, and a grinder pit was installed.

“It was installed correctly,” stressed Gallas.

“No, it wasn’t,” said Rich Dan, one of the trustees. “There’s no due diligence.”

“Ever since the grinder pit was put in, there’s been a problem,” said Gallas. He said he has done everything he can to fix the problem.

When asked if he called the health department, Gallas said he did not.

The state prohibits any waste going into a grease trap. Gallas argued that grease traps don’t eliminate it all. If it has 25% grease in a trap, it must be cleaned.

One board member disagreed, stating Gallas has done his due diligence to solve the issue. “He’s not dragging his feet,”

said Bob Marcuccilli, a board member. “I feel Lakelife has improved our district.”

The board decided Gallas needed a written plan to fix the problem.

“We need a plan from you that it’s going to be fixed. You’re not in compliance,” said Dan. Lakelife’s sewer bill has been $2,500 each month, said Gallas.

“That’s too high,” he said. Several board members agreed.

“I don’t agree with it; it is not right,” said Marcuccilli of the bill.

The board discussed a financial impact study of rate changes to commercial users.

After debating whether to eliminate outdoor seating, which reflects on a businesses’ sewer bill, the board voted to eliminate outdoor seating counts for the two restaurants in the district — LakeLife and Barbee Hotel — by a vote of 4-2, effective Aug. 1.

The board agreed to continue conducting testing sample. Gallas has until July 31 to submit a written plan outlining how he intends to fix the problem and to contact

Options for Sunday morning include boat-in church service at the S.S. Lillypad. The boat leaves the dock behind The Frog Tavern at 7:30 a.m. and anchors in front of the Oakwood Resort.

Classmates can also meet at the Yoder’s home again at 10 a.m. to watch the antique wood boat parade around Lake Wa-

wasee while enjoying a cup of coffee and light snacks. Those who haven’t RSVPed yet are asked to do so as soon as possible for planning the cookout. RSVP to Steve Yoder by email, scsjyoder@aol.com; by phone/ text, (860) 798-4229; or mail, 105 Fairview Drive, South Windsor, CT 06074.

Railroad bridge

Continued from page 1

week and a half before repairs are started on the west side. Work on the west side of the bridge is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

Inside each bay, the concrete on the walls and ceiling will be patched and smoothed over, and then covered with a carbon fiber wrap which will extend from the water line up around and over the bay to were the stone bed for the railroad tracks begin.

The carbon fiber wrap has the strength of 1/4 inch of steel but is installed like wallpaper. Divers are also expected to do an inspection under the water line. After it is installed, painters will come in and put a coat of UV protective paint over the carbon fiber wrap for added protection.

The bridge should look brand new when completed. The opening

to both bays will also be 3 3/4 inches higher than before.

Syracuse Town Councilman Nathan Scherer, who spearheaded a committee made up of representatives from Syracuse Lake Association, Wawasee Property Owners Association and Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, said the structure of the bridge was fine, but concrete falling from the roof of the bridge created a safety issue for boaters.

“There have been a number of people over the years who tried (to get the bridge repaired),” Scherer said. “The railroad is notorious to work with … the timing (here) was perfect.”

Scherer credits those who did a lot of work in earlier attempts to get the bridge fixed along with an opportunity to get in touch with the right people at CSX this time around for the project’s success.

Meet and greet with Eric Doden set for June 30

Local Realtor, Eric Hamm, will host a meet and greet for Eric Doden, a candidate for Indiana governor. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 30, at The Owls Nest, 7369 CR 800N, North Webster. Cocktail hour will be 5-6 p.m. with the reception being from

6-7 p.m.

The event will be open to the public and anyone interested in attending is asked to visit facebook.com/EricHammanLuxuryRealEstateGroup, and click the link to RSVP for the event. There is no charge for the event.

the county health department.

The treasurer’s report was given by Mike DeWald.

“We have a positive cash flow. What’s unique is we sold three grinders for $16,000,” he said. “We are in good shape.”

In other news, the board:

• Heard Astbury’s monthly report and panel and pump inventory.

• An engineering update was given by DLZ’s ferric chloride project.

• Send customer protocol reminders to customers in the district to not turn breakers off.

• Amend a resolution pertaining to Indiana PERF participation.

• Table an amendment to section 5.4 of the district’s use ordinance pertaining to port-apotties.

• Have a bid notice for the sale of a roll-off container; bids will be opened at the next meeting.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, at the district’s office, 5002 E. CR 100N, Warsaw.

Mermaid Festival parade doesn’t disappoint

The parade celebrating the 77th edition of the North Webster Mermaid Festival marched down Main Street under blue skies and a hot sun on Saturday afternoon.

An hour’s worth of marching bands, floats, emergency vehicles, Queen of Lakes candidates, political hopefuls, motorcycle, fancy cars and off-road toys delighted the crowd that lined both sides of the street. Candy-seeking kids did not leave with empty bags, as seemingly everyone had handfuls of goodies to share.

The parade began with the presentation of the colors by the American Legion color guard. Wawasee High School graduate and current Ball State Univer-

sity sophomore Devin Van Lue offered his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner to set the parade mood.

Each of the Queen of Lakes candidates offered their interpretation of the festival’s theme, “Life is Better in North Webster.”

Afterward they traded their floats for their formal gowns as they made their way to the North Webster Community Center for the annual pageant.

The top three pageant-hopeful parade entries won scholarships for their float creations. The results were announced later in the day during the Queen of Lakes event. Earning first place was Bri McBrier, Mentone; followed by Gwendolyn Frank, North Webster; and Jaela Faulkner, Bourbon.

Dillon Creek poses challenges to WACF

Dillon Creek contributes significantly to Lake Wawasee’s water quality as it is the lake’s main source of water inflow. The banks of Dillon Creek were collapsing, exposing soil and potentially sending large quantities of sediment into the watershed.

Additionally, the Wawasee Inlets Nutrient Study proved Dillon Creek to be the main contributor of high volumes of sedimentation with muddy plumes into Lake Wawasee after long rainfall. With the huge drop in elevation in the three miles from Cromwell to Lake Wawasee, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation had to slow the water into the

creek by lowering the grade and preserving the creek’s shoreline.

To slow the water, riffles, small rock dams, were placed every 200 feet along the creek. The riffles created pools that allow sediment to settle out before reaching the lake. Grass waterways were also installed to help the riffles filter the runoff from the fields. The grass waterways will also aid in helping slow the water.

Due to the effort of the grass waterways, grass filter strips, rock riffles and streambank stabilization, an expected 178 pounds oh phosphorus and 54 tons of sediments will be prevented from flowing downstream annually

NWHS alumni will meet July 15

There will be a casual gathering of North Webster High School alumni from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at the North Webster American Legion Post 253, located on SR 13.

All North Webster High School graduates and their guests, along with the NWHS junior class of 1968 and guests, are invited to attend this funfilled evening of mingling, reminiscing and music of the era.

A meal option to be served at 6 p.m. will be available at $15 per person for those who wish to dine. No RSVP is required if you choose to not dine at the American Legion.

Meal options to be made

into Lake Wawasee. Keeping the supply of phosphorus and sediment low is crucial to protect and improve the water quality through the watershed. WACF is in year five of the WINS project. Through this study, WACF continues to measure nutrients and sediment in the lakes as well as identifying opportunities to improve the water quality.

First Ladies First a big hit

The Wawasee High School auditorium was the site for Chautauqua’s annual Patriotic Speaker Series on Sunday, June 25.

After hosting Abe Lincoln in 2021, and Thomas Jefferson in 2022, this year brought a woman’s perspective, featuring Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, who were the wives of the first and second presidents of the United States.

Carol Spacht and Kim Hanley, reenactment actors from the American Historical Theatre, performed as Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, respectively, for a crowd of more than 200, a number of whom stayed for pictures with the two ladies.

Many anecdotes were shared by both ladies. The audience learned that Abigail Adams went to Mr. Adams law clients to collect fees to help make ends meet because he was traveling out of town.

She appreciated the respectful way he shared information with her, saying, “He didn’t speak to me like a woman, but in a respectful fashion.”

As the first two First Ladies, they reminisced over their titles;

should they shared their husband’s titles, such as “Madam President.”

Martha commented that she never referred to George as “your excellency” which amused the audience.

Since George was a farmer, Martha wondered if she was a “farmerette.”

The two women shared similar passions, and knew the legacy and trail they were blazing.

Children asked a number of questions. One question was “What were your husband’s favorite food?”

Abigail said John Adams liked a roast, with potatoes and vege-

tables. Martha said George liked “soft foods” because of his teeth.

Other questions included one about slavery and another about their age when their husbands became President.

The women remained for picture taking sessions afterwards to the delight of many who took advantage of the occasion.

The audience was offered an opportunity to vote for next year’s speaker.

Will it be Ben Franklin? Dolly and James Madison? Teddy Roosevelt? Or someone else?

Stay in touch with Chautauqua at chqw.org or their Facebook page to find out.

Local student athletes named Academic All-District

The Academic All-District teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, have been announced for the remainder of the 2022-23 athletic seasons.

Trine University had 26 student-athletes represent the institution on their respective All-

District teams.

The following area student received Academic All-District honors: Syracuse — Carol Haldeman, part of the women’s track and field team at Trine. Haldeman is majoring in exercise science-pre physical therapy 3+3.

available are entrees of broasted chicken with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy or Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and beef gravy. A choice of vegetable of either green beans or broccoli will be included with the meal, as well as a dinner roll and choice of beverage (coffee, iced tea or lemonade).

Prepayment is required. For more information or questions, email cathyshipley@embarqmail.com or call (574) 527-8074.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents

12:01 p.m. Monday, June 26, North CR 800E, near East McClintic Road, Syracuse. Driver: Addison M. Coy, 16, EMS B18 Lane, Pierceton. Coy’s vehicle left the roadway, hitting a guide wire on a utility pole. Damage up to $5,000.

2:21 p.m. Friday, June 23, West CR 1350N and North CR 50W, Milford. Tyler B. Kociuruba, 28, Hyde Park Drive, Winter Park, Fla. While trying to avoid an animal Kociuruba swerved his vehicle causing it to leave the roadway. Damage up to $5,000. d

9:42 a.m. Thursday, June 22, East CR 900N, east of North SR 13, Syracuse. Drivers: Stephen D. Conrad, 59, West Roberts Street, Marion; and Paul V. Austin, 73, North Majestic Way, Syracuse. Conrad backed up his vehicle to make room for another vehicle. His vehicle hit Austin’s. Damage up to $5,000.

8:01 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, East CR 700N, west of North CR 200E, Leesburg. Driver: Karen S. Manges, 60, North Street Apt. 2, Topeka. Manges’ vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $25,000. Incidents

5:52 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, 11500 block North Ogden Point Road, Syracuse. Margo J. Shugart reported the theft of a boat. Value: $13,000.

9:49 a.m. Monday, June 19, 6900 block East Waco Drive, Syracuse. Benjamin T. Brunner reported criminal mischief to mailboxes. Milford

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

11:39 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 325 E. Camp Mack Road, Milford. Driver: Anita K. Hogan, 58, East South Street, North Webster. Hogan was trying to turn around her vehicle when it went up and over a pole used to mark parking spaces. Damage up to $1,000.

6:44 a.m. Tuesday, June 20,

309 W. Emeline St., Milford.

Drivers: Steven A. Call, 34, West Emeline Street, Milford; and Scott M. Grabowski, 49, Dutch Settlement Street, Dowagiac, Mich. Call’s vehicle hit Grabowski’s head-on while Grabowski was attempting to enter a parking lot. Damage up to $2,500.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following accident and incidents: Accident

Lightning strikes home at Lake Wawasee

of $570.

1:48 p.m. Thursday, June 22,

300 block of South Main Street, North Webster. A purse was turned in to the North Webster Police Department.

Syracuse

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

Incidents

8:51 p.m. Friday, June 23, 900 block South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Officers investigated a report of a possible sex offender registration violation.

3:10 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

400 block North Lake Street, Syracuse. Officers were called in reference to an overdose.

4:04 p.m. Wednesday, June 21. 700 block North Huntington Street, Syracuse. Officer dispatched in regard to a vehicle hitting a pole. The driver had fled before police arrived. No further information available.

Arrests

12:49 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

400 block North Lake Street, Syracuse. Officers were called in reference to an overdose. Brittany Griffith, 36, 403 N. Lake Street, Syracuse was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia and transported to the Kosciusko County Jail.

8:05 a.m. Tuesday, June 20.

600 block West Polywood Way, Syracuse. Aaron Bonee, 30, 952 W. Centennial Street, Nappanee, was arrested for driving with a suspended prior. He was stopped due to speeding. Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident and incident:

Accident

7:38 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2400 block Jalynn Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Cody Timmons, 34, Main Street, Leesburg; and Amanda Torres, 43, Lake Street, Syracuse. Timmons vehicle rear-ended Torres’ vehicle.

Damage up to $5,000.

Incident

10:04 p.m. Monday, June 26, 4300 block North Sullivan Road, Leesburg. Representatives for the City of Warsaw reported damage to police property.

Elkhart County

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

Incident

8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, Christopher Faulkner, New Paris, reported fraudulent activity.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County

Jail:

June 22 — Brittany Nicole Griffith, 36, 403 N. Lake St., Syracuse, booked for meth possession and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

June 22 — Charles Douglas Zollinger, 34, 5583 N. 825E, North Webster, booked for probation violation – felony, possession of meth, possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle, possession of paraphernalia, driving while suspended with a prior suspension, battery – misdemeanor, a foreign warrant and domestic battery – simple assault. Bond: A combination of $6,750 surety and cash and no bond.

June 22 — Noah Wayne Albino White, 27, 51 E. Camp Mack Road, Milford, booked for neglect of a dependent/child violations and obstruction of justice. Bond: $30,250 surety and cash.

June 22 — Cheyenne Kay Honeycutt, 26, 51 E. Camp Mack Road, Milford, booked for neglect of a dependent/child violations, assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice. Bond: $30,250 surety and cash.

June 22 — Shane Dale Cox, 45, 1102 N. Lakeview Ave., Syracuse, booked for possession of meth, possession of a legend drug or precursor and possession of a Schedule II, III, IV controlled substance. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

June 22 — Sara Sue Zollinger, 80, 9774 E. Bald Eagle Drive, Cromwell, booked for theft. Bond: $600 cash.

June 20 — Matthew Steven Foreman, 29, 403 W. Tanya Ave., North Webster, booked for domestic battery in the presence of a child. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Elkhart County

The following person was booked in Elkhart County Jail:

June 20 — Brandon J. Hattery, 30, 500 Meadow View Drive, Syracuse, booked on a hold for another jurisdiction.

Noble County

The following people were booked in Noble County Jail:

June 19 — Misty D. Nicodemus, 3757 N. 900W Lot 212, Cromwell, booked for operating while intoxicated and criminal mischief. Bond: $5,000.

June 19 — Luis Gutierrez Najera, 21, 102 E. Second Street, Cromwell, booked for warrant arrest. Bond: $2,500.

Lightning struck a home on North Ideal Beach Drive, on the west side of Lake Wawasee, Sunday afternoon, June 25. Turkey Creek Fire Territory was called to 11126 N. Ideal Beach Drive shortly before 4 p.m.

Extensive heat and smoke damage was sustained to the front and second floor of the home according to Turkey Creek Fire Territory Chief Mickey Scott. Thermal imaging cameras were used to check the home for any fire evidence behind walls, ceiling and attic areas.

Evidence of a lightning strike could be seen on the south side of the residence, where a cable was burned off and siding melted. Firefighters broke out two windows to allow the heat and smoke to exit the home.

The initial call was to 11123 N, Ideal Beach Drive, according to the fire department’s CAD report. A neighbor reported the lightning strike and reported smoke coming out of the home. No one was at the residence at the time.

The home, according the Wawasee Property Owners Neighbors directory, is owned by Brian and Tracey Heald.

Electric and gas to the residence was disconnected.

Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory was called for a full assist and Milford Fire Department was requested for manpower.

Damage has been estimated at $80,000 to the contents and $40,000 to the structure.

Just minutes prior to the Ideal Beach Drive call, Turkey Creek Fire Territory was responding to an electrical fire near 13631 N. 750E where wires were down.

Additionally while responding, to the Ideal Beach Drive call, the department received a report of an

electrical fire at 406 S. SyracuseWebster Road. Electrical lines, downed by a tree, were reported smoking behind the residence. They also received a fire alarm at 7566 E. 1000N, Syracuse.

Watkins arrested after vehicle pursuit results in drug discovery

A North Webster man was recently arrested after a vehicle pursuit resulted in the discovery of drugs.

Douglas Patrick Watkins, 44, 8712 E. Wesley Lane, North Webster, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a narcotic drug, both level 5 felonies; possession or use of a legend drug and resisting law

Court News

Superior Court III

enforcement, both level 6 felonies; unlawful carrying of a handgun, resisting law enforcement, and driving while suspended, all class A misdemeanors; and possession of paraphernalia and reckless driving, both class C misdemeanors.

passing a vehicle in a no-passing zone. At times, Watkins’ vehicle reached 90 mph. The vehicle then abruptly stopped and Watkins attempted to flee on foot. While being taken into custody, Watkins admitted to throwing a handgun from the vehicle but said it did not belong to him. He also said he threw a syringe from the vehicle. A K9 unit at the scene alerted to illegal drugs in Watkins’ vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a smoking pipe with meth residue, and 10 capsules identified as a legend drug. Two pills identified as Oxycodone were also found in Watkins’ wallet.

10:18 p.m.

Sunday, June 25, North SR 13, south of CR 900N, Syracuse. Driver: Tyler E. Coy, 35, EMS B62 Lane, Warsaw. A deer ran into the side of Coy’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000. Incidents

2:09 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 100 block East Washington Street and North Main Street, North Webster. Heidi S. Orr reported a vehicle accident.

6:59 a.m. Friday, June 23, 100 block of East Esterbrook Drive, North Webster. Maria’s House of Pancakes had a stereo, iPod and money stolen. Value

June 25 — Larry A. Negrete, 54, 607 W. Polywood Way, Syracuse, booked for possession of marijuana. Bond: $600 cash.

June 23 — Eric Michael Maxson, 34, 313 E. Smith St., Milford, booked for possession of meth, possession of marijuana/ hash oil/hashish and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

June 23 — Colin Harker, 52, 11821 N. Syracuse Webster Road, Syracuse, booked for battery – moderate bodily injury –felony. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Castillo arrested for allegedly threatening to kill a police officer

Anthony Castillo was recently arrested for allegedly threatening to kill a police officer. Castillo, 24, 4075 E. CR 1050N, Syracuse, is charged with intimidation, a level 6 felony; criminal mischief and possession of marijuana, both class B misdemeanors; and possession of paraphernalia, a class

C misdemeanor. On June 17, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an incident where Castillo threw food at a woman and broke a bedroom door. Syracuse and North Webster Police officers assisted at the scene. According to court documents, Castillo allegedly refused to leave a room and threatened to kill a police officer. Castillo continued threatening to kill police until officers forced entry into the room. Officers found a smoking vape and two THC cartridges in the room Castillo was in. Castillo was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail June 17 with

and cash bond.

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Lindsey A. Babin, Syracuse, $160.50; Jason T. Clutter, North Webster, $160.50 Disregarding stop sign — David A. Jackson, Milford, $160.50

Failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle displaying flashing red/white — Vivian D. Davis, Leesburg, $160.50

No valid driver’s license, speeding — Justin F. Sowders, Syracuse, $185.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Jerry M. Neata, Leesburg, $25

No valid driver’s license Andrew J. Solina, Milford, $160.50

Driving while suspended, failure to register — Jordan W. Graham, North Webster, $210.50

Improper display of license plate — Cody A. Walker, Syracuse, $160

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Alexander-Lamb Braxton Ryan Adam Alexander, 22, Milford, and Breann Marie Howard Lamb, 22, Milford Custer-Holbrook Brandi S. Wright Custer, 40, Syracuse, and Dekota A. Holbrook, 26, Syracuse

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couple have filed for a marriage dissolution in the Kosciusko Superior Court: Compton — Amy Foster Compton, Syracuse, and Chad M. Compton, North Webster. They were married July 22, 2006, and separated June 20, 2023. Two minor children.

On June 16, an Indiana State Police trooper was patrolling near Cromwell when the trooper saw a vehicle owned by Watkins, who had a license status of suspended prior. Upon identifying Watkins as the vehicle’s driver, the trooper attempted to pull the vehicle over. According to court documents, a pursuit ensued, with Watkins running a stop sign, traveling at 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, and

Watkins has a prior conviction for driving while suspended in Elkhart County. He also has two pending criminal cases for drug possession.

Watkins was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail June 16, with a $25,250 surety and cash bond.

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Trails committee maintains

Conklin Bay boardwalk

Much anticipated repairs to the Conklin Bay boardwalk were recently completed by replacing railing boards. Since the boardwalk is a major trails system attraction, the broken boards were quite noticeable to trail users. Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee partnered with Syracusebased Fawley & Sons, Inc. to complete the effort.

North Shore Children’s Parade on July 2

An Independence Day tradition will return to Wawasee’s north shore.

At 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 2, The North Shore Children’s Parade will begin at the vacant lot on the west end of East Eli Lilly Road.

The parade is for the families

and children who live along the parade route, from the Winter’s cottage on the west to the Fanning’s cottage on the east.

The procession, which in recent years has included 60-70 participants, will continue down the sidewalk near Lake Wawasee to celebrate the patriotic holiday.

There will be refreshments for the kids on the east end. Marchers are encouraged to wear festive July Fourth apparel. Along the way, residents not participating in the parade will wave and cheer them on from their front yards.

Fire departments called to Serenade Foods

Milford and Plain Township fire departments along with Turkey Creek Fire Territory were called to Serenade Foods, 9179 N. 200E, Milford, for a fire around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, June 27.

The initial call reported a structure fire inside the plant, 20-feett long and spreading. The plant was evacuated.

According to Milford Fire Chief

Virgil Sharp, a grease fire erupted in the fryer vents. It was quickly extinguished.

A full assist was requested from Plain Township and Turkey Creek Fire Territory. Turkey Creek responded with its ladder truck for easy access to the roof, where the fire appeared to have taken place.

When fire departments arrived, occupants of the building were standing across the road in the parking lot, with several persons from Serenade Foods on the roof

Woman arrested after domestic incident in Syracuse

A Fort Wayne woman was recently arrested for allegedly battering a man.

Elizabeth

Lynn LoveBarngrover, 41, Fort Wayne, is charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a

class A misdemeanor.

On April 30, a Syracuse Police officer responded to a domestic incident. A woman said a man and Love-Barngrover had a physical confrontation. LoveBarngrover left the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

According to court documents, the man said after a short argument, Love-Barngrover scratched and clawed at his face. The officer noticed scratch marks with fresh blood on the man’s neck and both sides of his face.

Love-Barngrover was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail June 18, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.

with fire extinguishers.

Firefighters concentrated their attention to the fryer vent on the roof.

All departments went back into service at approximately 10:35 a.m.

“The plastic railing boards pulled away because the material expands and contracts due to temperature swings,” stated Steve Coyle, committee project lead, who identified best practices for attaching plastic boards. “Predrilling holes and using washers allow the boards to move during the four seasons.

“Fawley & Sons took the new specifications to a higher level. Instead of just enlarging holes they slotted them to allow lateral movement. They also improved existing expansion joints installed at major failure areas and even custom built a narrow work bench that allowed walkers to pass by safely.”

Committee Chair Kay Young said she was pleased with the excellent results and how quickly work was completed. “I hope that future repairs are minimal

but we’ll look to great companies such as Fawley’s who happen to be located across from the boardwalk and enjoy the trails.  It was nice for the crew to hear passerby’s thanking us for working hard to maintain the trails!”

The Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee, part of the SyracuseWawasee Parks Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, coordi-

nates the planning, construction and maintenance of the local trails system. Their current emphasis is on “Wawasee South” extending trails along SR13 to Wawasee Middle School and possibly connecting with North Webster in the future. If you have questions about the Trails, boardwalk or repairs, call (574) 675-6433.

L.I.T.E. recognized for recovery efforts

The Indiana Recovery Network recently announced Living in Transition Effectively has been awarded and recognized as an official recovery community organization.

The award was given by IRN in conjunction with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division Of Mental Health And Addiction.

The two-year certification was given in recognition of L.I.T.E.’s meeting of the quality standards set forth by the IRN’s Recovery Community Organization application process, according to Heather Rodriguez, director of IRN.

“A Recovery Community Organization is an independent, grassroots, nonprofit organization providing a variety of activities

available to all community members recovering from substance use, not restricted to individuals enrolled in a specific educational, treatment or residential program,” noted L.I.T.E. co-founder Tammy Cotton. Cotton and her husband, Chris Cotton administer

the organization from the Milford Methodist Meeting House, located in the former

Scenes from the 2023 Mermaid Festival

Community Corner

Keith making most of scholarship opportunity

When Sydnee Keith attended Wawasee Middle School, two guys visited her classroom and told students about a summer job caddying at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.

Keith, who grew up on Dewart Lake, went home and told her parents about the caddying opportunity. Her dad asked if she had ever seen the movie Caddyshack. She watched the movie and ended up going in for caddy training the very next weekend.

She said caddying was difficult at first. She didn’t know much about golf. There were many successful people and she didn’t quite know how to talk to them. It took a couple years to build a reputation and understand how to build rapport with the golfers. Now she has golfers exclusively requesting her caddy services.

“I didn’t realize at that time I could eventually get a scholarship,”

Keith said. “I was just trying to make some money in the summer and not put an extra burden on my parents.”

fall of her senior year of high school. The scholarship provides four years of paid tuition and housing to 24 leading universities nationwide. Keith decided to attend Indiana University in Bloomington.

She said, “I’m really excited about living in a house (Evans Scholars house) for four years. Everyone is very smart, talented and a good influence on others.”

Keith is currently unsure about her major, but would like to minor in sign language interpreting. She had a teammate on her Concord High School swim team who was deaf. She felt like her teammate didn’t have a lot of people who could communicate with him and he was often overlooked. She wanted to be there for him and be able to communicate with him, so she dropped her Spanish class and took four years of sign language in high school.

PROFILE

“Sydnee checked all the boxes,” said Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation Representative Chris Hoke. “We recruit caddies in the spring and a handful emerge as potential candidates. Currently, there are 15 total caddies at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club and Sydnee is the current scholarship recipient. Austin Fleming is working in the pro shop now and is at Purdue on the Evans Scholarship.”

Hoke noted there may be more scholarship recipients emerge from the group.

Keith applied for the scholarship during the

Hoke, who outside of his role with WGAESF, is the superintendent of schools for Northwestern Consolidated School District of Shelby County, said, “This scholarship opportunity fundamentally changed my life and most of the people of significance in my life are directly related to this scholarship.”

Hoke was a past scholarship recipient and studied engineering at Purdue. “I learned about being a leader and understanding that people are from different backgrounds, but we’re really very much alike. Communal living will teach you that.”

Keith laughed as she said, “I’m an only child, so they said I’m going to have 50 new brothers and sisters.”

In 1930, the Western Golf Association and amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established Evans Scholars Foundation to send deserving caddies

Pops concert a flag waving tribute

The storm that blew through the Syracuse region on Sunday caused the annual Patriotic Pops concert to be performed in the Wawasee High School Auditorium. It didn’t damper the spirit of the more than 350 people who braved the weather to hear the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s tribute to the American spirit.

It was a family fun time for all with a balloon artist, face painter and glow necklaces for children; Chautauqua distributed an American flag to all who attended.

The program was kicked off by

North Webster’s Phil Metcalf who got the flag waving started, then introduced the honor guard from the Syracuse American Legion Post #223 with all standing while the orchestra played the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The Philharmonic, led by Director Troy Webdell, played patriotic favorites such as “Armed Forces Salute,” “1812 Overture,” “National Emblem March” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Other popular music included Leonard Bernstein’s “Theme from The Magnificent Seven,” John Wil-

liams’ “Selections from The Empire Strikes Back” and John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post March.”

The audience joined in with handclapping for much of the music.

The annual Pops concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is made possible from funding from Chautauqua-Wawasee, Kenneth & Lela Harkless Foundation, Elizabeth Hooley, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Floyd & Betty Lou Lancia, Judy Pursley, Steel Dynamics Foundation, Wawasee Property Owners Association, James & Kay Young and Al Zacher.

Former area educator and WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

An open house is being held from 1:30-3 p.m. Monday, July 3, to celebrate the 100th birthday of former area educator and World War II veteran Charles Garner.

The open house birthday celebration will take place at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

Garner, who resides in Syracuse, was born in Fulton County. He lived on a farm with his parents, Virgil and Edith, and his four siblings: two brothers and two sisters.

He attended high school in West Township, graduating in 1941. While attending Indiana Central College in 1942, he signed up with the reserves.

“April 13, 1943, the Army wanted 10 of us from college and we all went in the same day,” Garner said. He was first sent to Fort Harrison, then on to Camp Sibert in Alabama. In 1944 he was sent to Liverpool, England. He was at Omaha Beach during the Invasion of Normandy. Between 1947 and 1985, Garner worked as a science and math teacher at both Syracuse High School and Edgewood Middle School, a principal at Leesburg High School and as an assistant principal at Warsaw Community

High School.

Garner and his high school sweetheart, Maybelle, were married on Jan. 1, 1943. He and Maybelle had three sons together: Charles Jr. (Bud), John and Jim. The two were married for more than 53 years, until Maybelle’s passing in 1996.

At the age of 74, Garner went on a date with a lady he knew from church, Priscilla. The two later married and were together for over 21 years, until her passing in December 2019.

Garner was honored as Veteran of the Month at a Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting in 2012

and received a quilt at a Threads of Valor ceremony through Kosciusko Community Senior Services and the Liberty Sewing Circle in May 2019.

Garner has 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two greatgreat-grandchildren with another one on the way.

He continues to make jam every week to give to family, friends and people in the community.

In addition, he enjoys reading the newspaper, feeding and watching the birds in his backyard and sending cards. He still drives, attends church and goes on day excursions with family and friends.

Some of his favorite places to go out to eat are Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, Chubbies in Syracuse and The Boathouse in Winona Lake.

The family said Garner would love to receive birthday cards from former students and friends, and issued the following request:

“This handsome man is our dad.

We love him to pieces and he is turning 100 on July 3rd! He is always sending cards to people to life their spirits, wish them happy birthday, speedy recovery or any other occasion that arises. We would love for him to get a shower of 100 birthday cards this year. Would you be so kind as to send a card to:

to college. The first two Evans Scholars enrolled at Northwestern University. Since then, 11,815 men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars. There are currently 1,100 Evans Scholars enrolled at 24 leading universities nationwide. Hoke said it’s one of the largest private scholarship foundations in the country.

“It’s a financial need based scholarship, it’s based on academics, caddy record and community service,” he said.

“With the upperclassmen in the house, they can always help me with whatever I need, so I think I’m set up for a pretty good freshman year,” Keith said.

Mobile Meals drivers

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

Syracuse Drivers July 3-7

MONDAY — No delivery

TUESDAY — No delivery

WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland

THURSDAY — P. Smith

FRIDAY — K. Young Milford Drivers July 3-7

MONDAY — No delivery

TUESDAY — No delivery

WEDNESDAY — C. & J. Wagoner

THURSDAY — C. Wappes

FRIDAY — R. & P. Haab

North Webster Drivers July 3-7

MONDAY — No delivery

TUESDAY — No delivery

WEDNESDAY — R. Chambers

THURSDAY — C. & J. Spickelmier

FRIDAY — J. Parcell

Bridge Results

North Webster Bridge Group

The North Webster Bridge Group met on Tuesday, June 20, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Tuesday winners were Wanda Wyrick, first, and Bill Thompson, second.

To Place A Classified Ad Call (574) 658-4111, Milford

It happened in Milford … 30 years ago Howard retires

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 26, 2013

Shedding the all-brown uniform for a golf polo and flip flops, Gary Yoder has retired from UPS after 40-plus years of service to the local community.

Another beautiful young Milford girl represented the community this weekend. Madeline Batista, now a freshman at Wawasee High School, competed in the Miss Indiana Competition in Indianapolis. Batista won the Outstanding Teen Award for Kosciusko County in January.

“She was very poised, she looked like she had all the confidence in the world,” Jody Batista, mother, said. “I

from WCHS

was very proud of her.”

Ali Reith, a Purdue University student, lives in Milford and is a summer intern at Satori Crystal Boutique in North Webster. Reith, a junior at Purdue, is pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 25, 2003

Jessica Hochstetler, a senior at Taylor University-Fort Wayne, was awarded the Senior Public Relations Award for excellence in public relations and named a returning member of Alpha Chi during a special recognition convocation chapel held May 14 on the Fort Wayne campus. She is the daughter of LaVerne and

Kathy Hochstetler, Milford, and is majoring in public relations.

Former Milford resident Dorothy Gall, now of New Paris, is a contestant in the Senior Queen pageant being held at the Elkhart County Fair. She is sponsored by the New Paris Chamber of Commerce. Before retiring, Dorothy was a Milford Elementary School teacher instructing kindergarten, second and third grades. She is a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Alpha Nu chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Kosciusko County Extension Chorus.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 23, 1993

Rhonda Wilson of Milford was the first Living Link Missionary of the Goshen Christian Church. Wilson recently returned from spending close to a year in Honduras as a missions nurse. She is currently working at the church as the youth coordinator.

Ray and Erna (Dippon) Bray, 404

W. Emeline St., Milford, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Wednesday, June 16. On Sunday, June 20, at the Bray home, a get-together and luncheon were given in their honor by the couple’s children: Betty Myers, Mary Ellen Troup, Larry Bray and Jerry Bray.

After 32 years of teaching high school physics, Silas Howard has announced his retirement from Warsaw Community High School. He and his wife, Dorothy, have resided in Milford since 1959, the year in which he began teaching at Milford High School.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1983

Longtime Milford Elementary School teacher Anne Watts was honored Friday at Viewpoint on the Lake in Warsaw on the occasion of her retirement from education. Mrs. Watts is retiring after 24 years in education, the last 21 of which have been in the Lakeland Community School Corporation.

Former Milford businessman Joe Hamsher, owner of the New Paris race track for 34 years, was honored at a special program Sunday. He was presented a reclining chair and a color television set, as well as two huge cakes with racing figures. He is now assisted in the race track business by his son, Rick, and daughter, Jody.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 27, 1973

Miss Cynthia Rapp of Milford was one of 20 enterprising Hoosier 4-H club members named this week as state achievement winners when the 1973 Roundup opened at Purdue university on Monday. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rapp of r 2, Miss Rapp has completed her junior year at Wawasee high school.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Steffen of Milford will be welcoming their daughter, Valerie, home from France Sunday, July 1. Val has been attending school in France since September of 1972. When Val returns she will be bringing two French girls with her. Their names are Francoise Albert and Christine Levallois. They will be staying with the Steffens for the month of July.

The Aberrant Emporium celebrates with ribbon cutting

Syracuse officially has a new business as part of its downtown landscape.

The Aberrant Emporium, 710 N. Huntington St., was welcomed to the community Friday, June 23, with a ribbon cutting ceremony provided by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.

“The business is actually modeled after an older business, ‘The Creative Fish,’ that was here when I was in high school,” said owner Alle Lantz. “It was all local artists … I wanted to bring that back. I know a lot of artists and there’s nowhere to really sell your art around here. So instead of having to mess with internet and that’s not very fun, I wanted to have somewhere for myself to sell my work and also

for local artists to sell their work.

“We plan on having different classes every month. In July, I’m having a certified Bob Ross instructor come to teach a painting class. I’m pretty excited about that.” Lantz, a co-owner of the business with her husband Martin Lantz, is a native of Syracuse and a 2008 graduate of Wawasee High School.

It happened in North Webster ... 20 years ago Kuhn Lake woman joins the fire department

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 26, 2013

A program to spray the waters of Webster Lake for weeds upset a couple people swimming, or who had children swimming, at the North Webster Public Beach last Wednesday. Local grandmother Polly Mock was concerned when they got to the public beach at North Webster Town Park and the water was being sprayed with what she understood to be insecticide.

Anyone itching to be in a movie? Flowfeel Filma, based in Chicago and North Webster, announces its third film, “In the Valley,” to be shot in September. Some of the casting has been done, but several roles and production positions are open.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 25, 2003

Kuhn Lake resident Lynn Gans is the only female member of the North Webster Fire Department. Gans joined the department as a volunteer simply because she wanted to serve the community she calls home. Gans works fulltime as the manager of the North Webster Family Dollar store.

Old Oak Miniature Golf Course in North Webster is open and will be celebrating with a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 23, 1993

Navy Fireman Recruit Ray L. Roberts, son of Dick and Sandy Roberts, 8920 Backwater Road, North Webster, recently returned aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, homeported in San Diego, Calif., from a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf as the command

ship of the battle group.

Nicole Searfoss, daughter of Minona Searfoss and Michael Searfoss, and Amanda Sohl, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. James Alexander, have been chosen by North Webster American Legion Auxiliary Post 253 to represent Wawasee High School at the 52nd annual session of Hoosier Girls’ State.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1983

Steve Stucko, 18, spent two years as an auxiliary fireman and one year as a regular fireman with the North Webster Fire Department. At the current time, he is one of the youngest fireman on the department.

Theresa Kellogg, 1982 Queen of Lakes, presented this year’s

Tournament of Knights winner, Brian Walls of North Webster, with the trophy proclaiming him Sir Lancelot Du Lac, following his victory Saturday afternoon.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 27, 1973

More than 80 members of the Middle Kingdom of the Society of Creative Anachronism will gather in North Webster June 30 to stage Arthurian jousting exhibitions in connection with the annual tournament of Knights and Lady of the Lake Mermaid parade, International Palace of Sports officials announced today. Indiana Secretary of State Larry A. Conrad will be in North Webster next Saturday. He will serve as grand marshal of the Mermaid Festival parade.

It happened in Syracuse ... 30 years ago Teller is body builder after work

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 26, 2013

Syracuse Lions President Judy

Jarrett received the Golden Lion award from Charles Haffner at the club’s annual banquet held Wednesday at the Syracuse Community Building. Haffner and his wife, Ann, present the award annually in memory of Gus Duehmig. In presenting the award, Haffner said Jarrett was successful in raising to the top and increasing club membership as well as involving the club in new activities. The first award was presented in 2006 to Duehmig’s widow. Others who have received the award are Doris Yoder, Stan Fox, Sam Fryback, Paul Rush and Barb Grumme.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 25, 2003

It took 90 minutes and two tiebreakers before six judges selected the 2003 Mermaid Festival Cutie King and Queen from a field of 95 participants. In the end, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Brooklyn McCulloch, 4, of Syracuse and a bubbly Dominic Pecoraro, 5, of Fort Wayne donned the crowns and ultimately claimed the $5,000 scholarships.

Queen Brooklyn McCulloch is the daughter of Todd and Sirena McCulloch, Syracuse.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 23, 1993

Syracuse customers may recognize Deb Miller as a teller who handles money at First Federal Savings Bank. But if they dropped by The Fitness Firm some evening they’d still see her dealing with different denominations. After work, however, the numbers are attached to weights.

Miller is in training for Saturday’s National Physique Committee Body Building competition in South Bend. She’ll compete in the

women’s light weight division. Miller, 28, is a relative newcomer to competitive body building.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 29, 1983 Bob and Roselyn Jones arrived home, Syracuse, Monday evening from their trip to Scotland and England, and report having a wonderful time. They had occasion to visit daughter, Wendy, a student at the University of Edinburg, Scotland, who is at the time working on her doctorate dissertation. The Joneses rented a car and motored to the Scottish Highlands, then went into England to visit such places as Cambridge and Oxford, but were unable to get into London.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 27, 1973

A surprise party was held at Saint Andrew’s United Methodist church Saturday afternoon, June 30, in honor of the 90th birthday of Harry Slusser, r 4 Syracuse. The party was from 1 to 5 p.m. with a dinner at 2 p.m. served by the women of the church. Around 150 people were in attendance. Slusser has two children, Mrs. Randall Slusser of Rock Island, Ill., and Meredith E. Bradford of Chicago, Ill. He also has four stepchildren, Mrs. Glen Biller, Syracuse; Dewey Baker, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Dwight Baker, Goshen; and Mrs. Henry Patton, Tavares, Fla.

A new business will open Friday in uptown Syracuse — Greer’s House of Gems. Leonard H. and Shirley M. Greer, who operated a service station and auction south of Syracuse for a number of years, have purchased the uptown building of Dr. Herschel Coil and will open their new business at this location.

Around The Lakes

By JOYCE ARLEEN CORSON, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

Color your flag with flowers

Red, white and blue were the colors that made up the American flag when it was officially adopted in 1777.

These colors and their significance trace back to the birth of this country, and their meaning was explained when the great seal of the U.S., which incorporates these same colors, was created in 1782: “White signifies purity and innocence. red, hardiness and valor, and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”

MILFORD KIWANIS recently presented their first scholarship award to Evan Brower in the amount of $1,000. Brower is the son of Ken and Mary Brower, North Webster, and plans to attend Purdue University-Fort Wayne in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Brower became interested in engineering while participating on the Supermileage team at Wawasee High School. He is looking forward to competing at the Supermileage world competition to be held in Bangalore, India, in October. Pictured with Brower are Milford Kiwanians Paula Stokes and Rich Bender. —o—

THE SYRACUSE community was shocked at the sudden death of Becky Brower, who was the adult services librarian at the Syracuse Public Library. Patrons are encouraged to leave memories of Brower on the bulletin board behind her desk at the library. A remembrance is being planned for 4-6 p.m. Monday, July 24, in Community Roots, the outdoor space behind the library, as long as the weather cooperates. The library will close early that day so staff members can attend as well.

THE FRIENDS of the Library book sale is from is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at North Webster Library. Stop by to get some good summer reading material at a great price! —o—

THE STORM that hit the area Sunday afternoon had an unexpected casualty in Syracuse as one of the football goalposts on the Wawasee High School field was taken down to the turf. “Our football boys moved the goal post off the field,” said WHS head football coach Jon Reutebuch. “It was broken at the weld between the post and the crossbar. It appears that the (track) mats were picked up by the wind and slammed into the uprights last night during the storm that rolled through, bringing it down.” —o—

FIREWORKS IN North Webster will be at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 1. The WLCA organizes and contracts for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, which has been a highlight of the July 4 holiday at Webster Lake for many years. The rain date is Saturday, July 8. For more information, visit lakewebster. net. The fireworks are funded exclusively by donations to the WLCA fireworks fund from the residents and businesses of Webster Lake and North Webster area. Neither WLCA membership due nor donations to its weed control fund are used to pay for the annual fireworks show. —o—

HARVEST COFFEE in Milford recently posted this message on their Facebook page: “Teachers and staff: do you have an Amazon wish list? Or a wish list on another website? Private message us or comment with your list and we’ll see if our friends here can help fulfill your wish list.”

If you’re interested in participating, go to the Harvest Coffee Milford Facebook page and send a message, or email milfordharvestcoffee@gmail.com. —o—

LOCAL REALTOR Eric Hamm will host a meet and greet for Eric Doden, a candidate for Indiana governor. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 30, at The Owls Nest, 7369 CR 800N, North Webster. Cocktail hour will be 5-6 p.m. with the reception being from 6-7 p.m. The event will be open to the public and anyone interested in attending is asked to visit facebook.com/EricHammanLuxuryRealEstateGroup, and click the link to RSVP for the event. There is no charge for the event. —o—

THIS HOLIDAY weekend is perfect for creating those cell phone videos to submit to the third annual Chautauqua Family Fun Film

Festival. Get those phones out and have fun recording family and friends enjoying themselves biking, boating, having fun on the water, barbecuing and even getting the pets in on the action. Then, access the link on the Chautauqua-Wawasee website, chautauquawawasee.org/events, or on its Facebook page. Be sure to shoot your video in the landscape (horizontal) position. Chautauqua-Wawasee requests videos be kept to no longer than 2 minutes.

Then attend the film fest, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Pickwick Theater. There is no fee to enter the film fest or to attend the event. There are cash prizes for categories such as best dog video, best kids video, best tubing fun and more.

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“I HOPE everyone had a great week,” said Nancy Gray, director of Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in North Webster. “At last we are getting a taste of our Indiana summer. The Mermaid Festival went off without a hitch and the weather stayed perfect. The North Webster Community Center had a float in the parade this year. Emily Worrell, the director of NWCC, invited me and Jean and Richard Cowen to represent the senior center on the float. It was such fun. We threw a lot of candy along the route.

“We had a hectic day last week. We arrived at work to find out we had no water in the building. We had so many workers in the building. We had roofers, plumbers and power sprayers outside. We brought in bottled water and a port-a-potty. What a day but we made it.

“I have new items coming in for the thrift shop. Have you checked us out lately? Come on in. If you have any questions on any of our programs, call me at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224 or if you have any questions about the lunch program, call Merita at (574) 834-1193. Here it is the Fourth of July already. I wish you all a wonderful holiday. We will be closed July 4. Enjoy and be careful and stay safe.”

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TONIGHT IS the last Wednesday of the month, which means Milford First Brethren Church will have a free dinner from 5-6:30 p.m. This month’s meal is a haystack supper. The church is located at 110 W. Catherine St. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a meal with your neighbors!

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BE SURE to check out Free Family Film Fest Wednesdays at Pickwick Theater. Several Syracuse businesses have and are sponsoring the film fest. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with show time at 10 a.m.

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RECENTLY, THE guys from Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory in North Webster saved a life. While cleaning up from multiple vegetation fires, the C-shift received a call to assist at the North Webster Public Library for a baby rabbit that had become stuck in a storm drain. Lt. Jeff Lewis and Firefighter Miguel Numez came to the rescue and successfully removed the live baby bunny. They are happy to report that the bunny was doing well and was sent to an animal rehabilitation center.

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THIS WEEKEND will be full of fireworks and fun. Just a reminder the noise from fireworks can be really scary for our pets. Help them out by keeping them indoors when the fireworks start. You don’t want to be looking for a terrified pet who has run off into the dark. Inside, provide them a spot where they will feel safe until the noise stops. Closing the windows and turning the air conditioner on can help muffle the noise level of the fireworks.

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THE SYRACUSE Public Library is offering a new writing club for teens. Teens and young adult writers are welcome to attend the YA Writing Club from 2-3 p.m. Friday, June 30, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Club members will find inspiration, learn how to hone their craft, explore the writing habits of their favorite authors, find helpful writing resources and have fun. Writers of all forms and genres are welcome. For more information contact Sarah at swright@syracuse.lib.in.us.

Choose any flowers in a combination of red, white and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July or any other patriotic holiday throughout the year. Red: carnations, roses, anthurium, and zinnia. White: lilies, Queen Anne’s lace, lily of the valley, carnations and daisies. Blue: hydrangea, cornflower, statice, larkspur and delphinium.

The iconic red rose is the most recognized flower in the world, and its red color is symbolic of the red color in the American flag. Plus, it’s the national flower of the United States!

When promoting the rose to be the national flower in 1986, Sen. J. Thomas Heflin so eloquently wrote: “All flowers are delicate, each can refresh and amuse, and that is the reason I feel no flower should loose. Still the rose is universal, its support has a strong voice, so there should be no question that the rose is the choice”.

The word “pansy” derives from the French word “pensee,” which means “to think,” “reflect upon” or “ponder.” Symbolizing thoughtfulness and remembrance, pansies are perfect for remembering those who have fought for our country.

A popular wildflower, red poppies, Flanders Field, signify memory, consolation, and death and have been long regarded as a symbol of

Maxwelton Ladies League results

The Maxwelton Ladies League continued play with a game of “Three Blind Mice” Wednesday, June 21.

Norine Troeger and Clare Baumgardt finished in a tie for first place. Becky Arnold won the chip-in contest. Theresa Gunden and Kathy Baumbaugh were the low putts winners.

remembrance for the military and fallen soldiers. Usually worn or displayed on Memorial Day, red poppies fit in with a patriotic holiday.

Nasturtium is a flower that blooms in bright red, orange and yellow colors and is commonly associated with patriotism, conquest and victory in war. Also symbolizing patriotism, love, loyalty and strength, these cheerful, warm blooms add a pop of color to any garden or bouquet.

Fragrant and colorful freesia symbolize freedom. A sturdy bloom with flowy petals, Feesias make a great cut flower because they have a long vase life. Add them to your patriotic bouquet of freesia stems and hand them out to guests as a beautiful and patriotic party favor.

These charming star-shaped white flowers fit perfectly with any

patriotic theme as their shape resembles the stars on the American flag. Additionally, Edelweiss flower symbolize strength and courage, which make them perfectly patriotic.

Also known as Nerine lilies, these wonderfully unique blooms have tall, spiky stamens surrounded by long curving petals that resemble a firework display when bunched together. Growing in colors such as bright pink, warm reds and white, Guernsey lilies also symbolize freedom and good fortune, making them a perfect choice for celebrating the Fourth of July.

Not only is the blue color appropriate for patriotic arrangements, but blue irises also symbolize hope, faith and courage. Pair the blue irises with red roses and white daisies for striking, patriotic display.

COMPLETE HARDWARE • PAINT • LUMBER

SYRACUSE

113 W. Main St. Uptown Syracuse

574-457-3266

www.shopsyracusehardware.com

TOOLS • GUNS • AMMO

We moved to a lease program. The machines in the photo were all in operating condition when taken out of service in April of this year.

The leasing company offered no trade-in and we have no use for these machines today.

Machines may be inspected between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is no guarantee or warranty offered or implied. THIS IS A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE OFFER.

FULL LIST OF PRINTERS & COPY

Catherine Abbitt/Jefferson School Memorial Scholarship

The Bob and Kay Ahrns Scholarship Fund

American Teen Scholarship

Cecil Armstrong Educational Endowment

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Fred and Nedra Beebe Scholarship Endowment

The Max and Kathryn Beigh Educational Endowment Fund

The Helen and Carl Berkey Educational Endowment

The Everett and Fern Besson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ben Bibler Body for LIFE Memorial Scholarship Fund

Scott “Bibs” Bibler Memorial Scholarship Fund

Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Fund

Lisa Anne (Boggs) Fawley Memorial Scholarship Fund

Darrell Boling Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bott Science Scholarship Fund

The Priscilla and George Bowser Educational Endowment

Edward and Huldah Brandenburg Scholarship Endowment

Breakfast Optimist Club of Warsaw, Indiana Scholarship Fund

Robert E. and Susan R. Brennan Scholarship Fund

Payton David Brettell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Camelot Scholarship Fund

David L. Carey Memorial Scholarship Fund*

Carlson Family Educational Fund

The William J. and Louese B. Chinworth Scholarship

Claypool Knights Legacy Scholarship

Deborah M. Cooley Memorial Scholarship Fund

Donny R. Craw Memorial Scholarship Fund

Henry and Martha Daniel Memorial Scholarship Fund

DePuy Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Megan Easterday - Harrison Elementary Scholarship

Ronald C. and Doris A. Everson Scholarship Fund

William E. Farrar Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robert and Julia Ferguson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ralph and Lucetta Frantz Scholarship Fund

Dorothy Frauhiger Memorial Art Scholarship

Lance Cpl. David Fribley Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Edward B. and Mary Edith Funk Educational Endowment

The Gasaway Education Fund

Merl M. and Jean M. Gibson Scholarship Fund

Gill Family Charitable Endowment General Scholarship

Gill Family Charitable Endowment Veterinary Scholarship

Gill Family Charitable Endowment Vocational Scholarship

The Robert T. and Emma Gilliam Memorial Fund Endowment

Chauncy L. Griffith Educational Fund

Steve Grossnickle Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jeanette Harvuot Memorial Scholarship Fund

Paul, Gloria and Judy Heiman Scholarship Endowment Fund

Roy Hine Performing Arts Foundation Fund

Phillip D. Hochstetler Scholarship Fund

The Deborah Hohman Animal Care Scholarship Fund

Brady Houck Scholarship Fund

Indiana Vac-Form, Inc. Scholarship

Stephen G. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund

Teresa K. Jones Memorial Scholarship

KCH Medical Staff Scholarship Fund

The Kay A. Kindig Memorial Scholarship

Dan Kinsey Memorial Scholarship

Kosciusko County 4-H Horse and Pony Club Scholarship Fund

Andy Kryder Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ruth Ladd Medical Scholarship

Glen “Jug” Leek Scholarship Fund

Seth V. Lewis Advised Scholarship Fund

David F. Lichtenauer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Martee Mitchell Lollar Memorial Scholarship Fund

Felipe A. and Azucena F. Lopez Memorial Scholarship Fund

James & Deborah Ann Lotz Memorial Scholarship Fund

Madison PTO Scholarship

LeRoy Markley Scholarship Fund

Dr. Harold Mason Memorial Scholarship Endowment

McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund

Selma McKrill Brown Educational Fund

The Paul K. and M. Magdalene Miller Scholarship Fund

Ray and Jan Monteith Scholarship Fund

Winston “Win” and Carolyn Morrison Scholarship Fund

The Rob Morton Scholarship Fund

Judy Mugg Scholarship Fund

Murphy College Fund

Deborah J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robert and Lenny Nichols Scholarship

Elmer E. Ostrom Scholarship Endowment

Marcia and Homer Ousley, Jr. Fund

Dennis Overmeyer Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth and Cecile Parks Memorial Scholarship for Nursing

Bruce V. Petro and Janet H. Petro Education Endowment

Pfeiffer-Rarick Scholarship Endowment

Larry and Shirley Polk Endowment Fund for Agriculture

Sergeant Terry Polston Memorial Fund

Janet Marie Rager Memorial Scholarship Fund

Reach Higher Scholarship Fund

Margaret Reafsnyder Memorial Scholarship Fund

June Reed Nursing Scholarship Fund

Dave and Diana Reinhart Tuition Scholarship Fund

The B. Franklin Ringle and Eleanore Ringle Educational Endowment

Sacred Heart Scholarship for Post-Secondary Education

The Lyn Sasso Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dr. Richard Sasso Memorial Veterinarian Scholarship Fund

Shane Family Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jackie Rae Shilling Tucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

Tim and Nancy Shoemaker Art & Physical Education Endowment

Karo Smith Coy Nursing Scholarship Fund

Richard and Gladys Stewart Nursing Scholarship Fund

Coach David Stookey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jaden Stout Memorial Scholarship Fund

Brendyn Stump Memorial Scholarship Fund

Sue Sutton Memorial Scholarship Fund

Pete and Fay Thorn Educational Fund

Max Truex Memorial Scholarship Fund

Everett and Ethel Vandermark Scholarship Fund

The Fleda C. Vandeveer Educational Endowment Fund

The Thomas R. Walter and Anne Marie Walter Educational Endowment

Steve Watson Aviation Scholarship Fund

Carl N. Wendel Scholarship Fund

Wilson-Rhodes Memorial Scholarship Fund

Tracey Ann Yeager Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kailey Lynn Zehr Memorial Scholarship Fund

Zentz Family Scholarship Fund

Zimmer Biomet Scholarship Fund

American Association of University Women Scholarship

Mary O. Elsbury Memorial Scholarship

Archie and Betty Ferguson Workforce Skills Scholarship Fund

Mary (Leedy) Hand Memorial Scholarship Endowment

K21 Health Scholarship Endowment Fund

Shirley and Wendell Sadler Memorial Scholarship

Gertrude and George Schiff Charitable Endowment Scholarship

The Warsaw Evening Lions Club Scholarship