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Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

FFA Soils Teams Go To State Page 9

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Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride brings home third place ﬁnish at state %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU The Wawasee Marching Warrior Pride ﬁnished out its season

with a third place ﬁnish in the Scholastic Class B State Championship held Saturday, Oct. 14, in Indianapolis. Tony Pawlicki, band director,

noted the only band the Marching Warrior Pride saw in both regular and state competition was Bluffton. The remaining 12 Continued on page 5

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Supermileage team 11th in the world %\ '(% 3$77(5621 (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI Wawasee’s Supermileage team returned home with a

police and ﬁre escort Saturday afternoon, Oct. 14, after a week in Bangalore, India. The team participated in the Shell-Eco Marathon, a world supermile-

age competition between a few high schools, but mostly colleges, universities and tech schools. Out of 400 cars, Wawasee ﬁnContinued on page 5

61 Accidents, 2 Fatalities In 20 Years At SR 15 And CR 900N 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ '(% 3$77(5621 (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI Editor’s Note: Word was received late Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 17, INDOT is conducting a trafﬁc study at the intersection of SR 15 and CR 900 N. The study is ongoing and could take several weeks to ensure a thorough evaluation has been completed. Stop light. Flashing lights. Blinking stop signs. Any of these could

help prevent accidents at the intersection of SR 15 and CR 900N south of Milford. That intersection is all too familiar to Milford Fire Department, EMS personnel, Milford Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers and Indiana State Police. Even to those of us in the media. To those who live or have lived at the intersection, it has been a nightmare. Currently there is a stop sign for east and westbound traffic on CR 900N, with turn lanes for north and southbound traffic on SR 15.

Those traveling east on CR 900N have had 7.5 miles to travel on a flat, smooth-surfaced road before needing to stop at SR 15. Those traveling eastbound on CR 900N are alerted to a stop ahead, yet under certain conditions, the flashing stop sign at Old SR 15 and CR 900N can be seen and be disorienting. During the Oct. 10 meeting, county commissioners approved a letter to be sent to the Indiana Department of Transportation as well as local state elected officials, ask-

Council approves economic development plan for new housing An economic development plan for Rabbit Ridge, owned by Dr. Larry Allen, was approved by the Syracuse Town Council during its regular meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 17. The 9.10 acre property, located in the area of the Goshen Physicians medical complex, 1033 N. Indiana Ave., will eventually house 22 duplexes or 44 units designed for senior housing with a community building, infrastructure and other amenities. The duplexes will be built in two phases. Local attorney Steven Snyder, representing Allen, told the coun-

cil the anticipated cost of the project is $12 million. To pay for the development, 80% of the funds from the tax increment ﬁnance district for the area will be made available to the developer as the project moves forward. In order for Allen to fund the project, bonds or promissory notes would need to be obtained. These would be used as collateral to ﬁnance the project with TIF funds paying back the bonds or notes. Council Member Larry Siegel raised concerns, stating he spoke to Dennis Otten at Bose, McKin-

ney and Evans, an Indianapolis based law ﬁrm that has assisted the town in the past. According to Siegel, Otten stated only bonds are payable through any tax increment generated by projects when completed. Snyder explained the town is not issuing general revenue bonds and would not be responsible for paying them back. The developer would be responsible for paying the bonds. Snyder explained the bonds will generate income and ultimately will be no different than Continued on page 3

New internet provider coming to North Webster %\ .(,7+ .1(33 6WDII :ULWHU During Tuesday evening’s regular meeting of the North Webster Town Council, Gene Crusie, founder of Surf Internet, made a brief presentation to introduce himself to the council and the community. Crusie’s Elkhart-based company is in the process of entering the North Webster market, offering high-speed ﬁber internet

service to many of the town’s residents. Crusie explained that Surf Internet currently holds the contract with Whitko Community Schools, including Pierceton Elementary School, which creates the inroad to Kosciusko County. He said that the cost for service will range from $35 to $85 per month, depending on the speed desired. Letters to the areas the service will be available will be sent ap-

proximately two weeks before it is available. Crusie estimated the service will be ready in approximately one month. In department reports, Inframark Utilities Manager Mike Noe informed the council leaf pickup in the community has begun. In the police report, Det. Sgt. Dave May informed the council the department is accepting applications for a new ofﬁcer. In the parks report, Leeann Continued on page 2

2017 — Seven crashes, three injuries 2018 — Seven crashes, two injuries 2019 — Eight crashes, eight injuries and one fatality 2020 — Four crashes, one injury 2021 — Six crashes, nine injuries 2022 — Nine crashes, ﬁve injuries 2023 — Five crashes, three injuries, one fatality.

Reviewing crash reports available to the media through the sheriff’s department, 56 crashes were found from Jan. 1, 2013 to Oct. 7, 2023, either at SR 15 and CR 900N or within a half mile south or north of the intersection. These crashes resulted in 38 people injured, three killed and 103 vehicles. Seven of those crashes involved commercial vehicles. The damages to vehicles and property totals an estimate of Continued on page 2

Railroad crossing construction to close SR 13 The Indiana Department of Transportation announces the closure of SR 13 in Syracuse for railroad crossing construction. Starting on or after Oct. 22, crews will be rebuilding the crossing between Railroad Avenue and Medusa Street. Work is expected to last until Nov. 6. All work is weatherdependent and schedules are

nge subject to change. During the closure, drivers should use the approved detour of US 6, US 33, SR 5 and US 30, or seek an alternate route. INDOT encourages drivers to consider worker safety by slowing down, using extra caution and driving distraction-free when travelling in and around all work zones.

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ing for improvements at that intersection. Brad Jackson, president of the county commissioners, stated the county put up flashing stop signs at Old SR 15 and CR 900N to reduce collisions there, which has helped. “Logic says to take care of it to put up a flashing light or stop light. You would have both (at SR 15 and Old SR 15). That is why we wrote the letter. You could do the exact same thing (at SR 15 that was done at Old SR 15). It’s inexpensive and it would save lives.” There have been 61 accidents at SR 15 and CR 900N since 2013 according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s research. These crashes resulted in 36 injuries and two fatalities. These numbers are based on reports filed using the ARIES. ARIES compiles crash reports from all agencies: State Police, county and town. Their research found that 28% of the accidents were due to failure to yield the right of way, 11% due to unsafe backing, 10% due to disregarding the stop sign and 10% were from running off the road. A breakdown by year shows: 2013 — Four crashes, four injuries, one fatality 2014 — Three crashes, no injuries or fatalities 2015 — Four crashes, four injuries 2016 — Four crashes

‘Baby Grace’ Visits Warsaw See Page 11 See Public Notices On Page 11

Ext. 2432 rsalinas@the-papers.com

1-800-733-4111 206 S. Main St., Milford • themail-journal.com

themail-journal.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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61 Accidents Continued from page 1 over $1.2 million. The causes of these crashes ranged from using cell phones, weather, speed, crossing the center line, or following too closely. But the majority of the crashes were due to failure to yield the right of way at the intersection. Some of the drivers stated a vehicle turning toward them off SR 15 onto CR 900N had obstructed their view of oncoming trafﬁc.

All these crashes have occurred at different hours of the day. According to the reports reviewed there were eight crashes between midnight and 6 a.m.; 22 between 6 a.m. and noon; 18 between noon and 6 p.m.; and eight between 6 p.m. and midnight. Locally, Chris McKeand, chief deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, reviewing crash reports from 2018 to 2023, found there were 19 accidents since 2018,

nine of those were personal injury accidents and one fatality, where the coroner was called to the scene. “Earlier this week the Kosciusko County Highway Department presented a letter of support to the State of Indiana in making safety improvements to the intersection of SR 15 and 900 North in Kosciusko County. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce is in full support of any safety improvements that can be implemented to this busy in-

tersection within our jurisdiction,” stated McKeand Milford Fire Chief Virgil Sharp stated “Milford Fire doesn’t have the answer for that intersection. We are praying and hoping the study will come up with a solution to help make it a safer intersection.” Kassie Rowland, who has lived in the area all her life and has traveled that route numerous times, took to Facebook following the

Sept. 28 fatal. She noted she had submitted a concern about the intersection some time ago. That resulted in the state moving the stop white line in the westbound lane of CR 900N. She was told then that after they investigated the situation, a light was not warranted. Many others have contacted INDOT as well. Rowland shared information learned through a public records request received from Amy Miller,

program director for public records with INDOT, the department currently does not “have safety improvements planned for this area; however we have initiated a trafﬁc study of this intersection as a result of the customer service cases we have received about it.” Included in Rowland’s post was a link to INDOT for people to voice concerns. That link to report a concern public customer support is: indottscc.service-now.com.

County council approves 2024 budgets %\ '$9,' 6/21( 7LPHV 8QLRQ Adoption of the 2024 budgets by the Kosciusko County Council went mostly smoothly, except for concerns about a budgeted donation of $50,000 to Stillwater Hospice for 2024. Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice merged into Stillwater in March 2023. Every year, the county has budgeted money toward a number of nonproﬁt organizations in the county, including for KHCH for 2023. The county earlier this year agreed for Stillwater to keep the donation made this year to KHCH on the premise that those funds would be used for patients in Kosciusko County. The county commissioners budgeted $50,000 to Stillwater for 2024. Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell, Thursday, Oct. 12, told the other council members, “Some of you know that I have looked into what we gave to Stillwater for this year.” She said Stillwater serves 12 counties and she polled the other 11 counties and found that none of them were giving Stillwater any money for their services. “We have budgeted $50,000. I’m not feeling very good about Kosciusko County putting $50,000 in their bucket when no other county is giving any tax dollars to support them,” she said. “I don’t know that we’ve ever done this, but I would like to remove that from the budget with the understanding that next year if they came back and had funding from other places, we might consider it.” Councilman Kathleen Groninger said she talked to Stillwater Hospice Outreach Director Glenn Hall Thursday about that and while she realizes that no other counties are supporting Stillwater, Kosciusko County is because “we are supporting the not-forproﬁt that they replaced.” She said Hall said he would do whatever he could to verify that the county’s

&21&(51 (;35(66(' ³ .RVFLXVNR &RXQW\ &RXQFLOZRPDQ 6XH $QQ 0LWFKHOO ULJKW H[SUHVVHV KHU FRQFHUQ ZLWK EXGJHWLQJ IRU 6WLOOZDWHU +RVSLFH IRU ZKHQ WKH RWKHU FRXQWLHV 6WLOOZDWHU VHUYHV GRHV QRW GRQDWH DQ\ IXQGV WR WKH QRQSURÀW 6KH DOVR ZDV FRQFHUQHG DERXW WKH PRQH\ GRQDWHG IURP .RVFLXVNR &RXQW\ VWD\LQJ LQ WKH FRXQW\ 2Q WKH OHIW LV &RXQFLOPDQ 'DYH :RONLQV 3KRWR E\ 'DYLG 6ORQH 7LPHV 8QLRQ funds would stay and be used in Kosciusko County. Hall told her he would be ﬁne with showing the county that the funds stay in Kosciusko County. Councilwoman Kimberly Cates asked Mitchell if she asked for that proof 30-60 days ago. Mitchell said she eventually talked with Stillwater Chief Development Ofﬁcer Mary Shankster and Shankster sent her a list of the number of people (30) being serviced by Stillwater. There also was some discussion about Stillwater asking the 11 other counties for donations in the future. Joni Truex, councilwoman, said she would feel better if the council would grant Stillwater the money this year with the understanding that they would really like to see support from the other counties involved and that they would really like the money to stay in Kosciusko County. Councilman Tony Ciriello made a motion to adopt the 2024 county budget, including the $50,000 for Stillwater contingent upon Stillwater providing documentation by the council’s next meeting that

the full amount will only be spent in Kosciusko County. Groninger seconded his motion. His motion was approved 5-2, with Mitchell and Councilman Dave Wolkins opposed. The county’s 2024 adopted budget is $50,091,808 for the things that ﬁgure into the tax rates; with the balance of the funds being $25,765,364; for a total of $75,857,172 that will be appropriated, Mitchell said. That leaves a tax rate of $0.2816. The council also adopted the 2024 county salary ordinance unanimously. Budgets for two organizations that the county had reviewed previously were also given the greenlight by the council Thursday – the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy and the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District. For Turkey Creek what the county council adopted was a budget of $313,200 with a tax levy of $313,200 and tax rate of $0.0267. For the KCSWMD, the adopted 2024 budget is $440,093 with a tax levy of $275,272 and a tax rate of $0.0039.

New internet Continued from page 1 Hobbs told the council the tables and benches at the town park have been put away for the winter. Additionally, the park’s rest rooms have been closed for the year. In other business: • Eric Ivory, representing Borden Waste-Away, the town’s current trash provider, addressed the council regarding the current contract, which is set to expire in 2024. He is hopeful the contract will be extended or his company will receive consideration should bidding be open following the con-

tract’s expiration. • Steve Snyder, representing Family Express, spoke to the council regarding the business’s local address. There is some confusion whether its North Webster property is located at 730 S. Main St. or 740 S. Main St. He requested the clariﬁcation that the address should legally be 730 S. Main St., which will be used for various permits and deliveries. He also noted Family Express will be adding a new car wash on the north end of the property and the entire complex would use the 730 S. Main St. address.

Park foundation board meets Oct. 24 The board of directors of the Syracuse- Wawasee Park Foundation will have a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Syracuse Community Cen-

ter, 1013 N. Long Drive, Syracuse. The meeting will include a discussion of updated by-laws for the park foundation.

• Tippecanoe Township Trustee Chris Francis offered, for consideration, the final budget for the township, which had been officially presented at a previous meeting. He received unanimous approval for the budget. • Brooklyn Bradley was introduced to the council by Francis as one of two new employees with the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory. Bradley currently is a paramedic, who also is training for firefighter certification. • Mark Lawson, speaking on behalf of the North Webster Lions Club, requested approval from the council to place banners on 17 light poles in the town to promote the Mermaid Festival. The banners will be displayed during the month of June. The request was approved. The next meeting of the North Webster Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, in North Webster Community Center. The public is invited to attend.

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Milford community weighs in on Milford Elementary School project %\ 0$5,66$ 6:($7/$1' 6WDII :ULWHU The Wawasee Community School Corporation held a community engagement session Thursday, Oct. 12, where the Milford community was able to voice public input for what they would like too see in the new Milford Elementary School. Multiple members of the project design team were in attendance, ready to hear suggestions and feedback from the public. The meeting started with community engagement prompts. Emily Hower, of Elevatus Architecture and an architect on the project, displayed the prompt, “In one word, describe what you desire the new Milford Elementary School should be?” The most popular answers to this prompt were “inspirational,” “inviting,” “safe” and “educational pillar.” The second prompt read, “In a short phrase, what comes to mind when you think of the town Milford?” The most popular answers to this prompt were “friendly,” “family” and “community.” Once the prompts were answered and discussed, Hower pointed the public’s attention to the dot stickers on the table. Attendees were asked to place a sticker to vote on three design options for the new school. On board one, the public could vote on the design and style of the school’s exterior. On board two, the design and style of the school’s interior and on board three, community program spaces. Employees in the WCS corporation voted with a red sticker, families of Milford Elementary students voted with a green sticker and other community members voted with a yellow sticker. Once attendees were back in their seats, Hower opened the ﬂoor up to discuss why they chose the options that they did. On board one, a traditional style of school exteriors reigned in the most votes. One style got no votes because the public agreed it was “too collegiate.” On board two, the votes were more spaced out than board one. The public was excited about the gym interiors, as they pulled in the most votes. On the third board, the playground and gym swept most of the votes. The baseball ﬁeld also received a handful of votes.

The point of the voting was to allow the community to show the design team what they wanted the new school to be. The feedback will be used by the design team. Once discussion of the boards wrapped up, Dr. Steve Troyer opened the floor for the public to ask questions about the project. Why did the corporation decide to build a new building as opposed to a significant renovation to the current building? “Last spring, we went through a really large community engagement process in which we put together a committee of nearly 50 people to work through helping the board make decisions about what is important to the community. One of the things that came up in that conversation was that this particular facility needed some attention. On the surface, everything about this building looks nice. Partly because 5-6 years ago we gave the building a face lift with new paint, new carpet, new lockers and ceiling tile. That was done, at the time, really as a ‘we’re going to give Milford school one last face lift before we do something different.’ And that something different has come at this time. The systems and mechanical infrastructure in this building is quite old. A lot of the systems that are integral to the building were built in 1958 and maintaining them is becoming quite a challenge. This building is the oldest building in the district. There are some unique things about the design that make a renovation far more challenging than doing a rebuild. There is a lot of infrastructure stuff that does not support us continuing in this building. We did do a study with MKS, where we compared doing a significant renovation to the building versus building a new building and where they ended up coming at was it is going to cost as much or even more money to do a significant remodel to get this building up to where it needs to be in 2023,” Troyer explained. MKS is the contractor on the project. What capacity is being planned for? “The building currently is a two section building, which means we have two classes in each grade level. There are about 265 students.

We have designed the floor plan to be three sections, so at each grade level there will be three classrooms and 2 pre-K classrooms. We have built in expandability, we could go to four sections if we needed to. We could add another eight classrooms to the building if we needed to. For reference, I think North Webster is four sections and Syracuse is five sections. So three sections would allow approximately 420 students in the building,” Troyer explained. What is the timeline of the project? “We are in the design phase probably through next spring, early summer. Right now we’re getting close to blocking in a floor plan, but then they have to go in and design all the blueprints. Once they get that done, then there will be a bidding period and then hopefully we will be ready to start construction next summer at some point. Then we are probably looking at a 24-month build window. That will put us opening school the summer of 2026-27,” Troyer explained. Will the classrooms be about the same capacity as they currently are? “Yes, I think we talked about a cap of 25 students in the early elementary grades and 30 students in the upper elementary. Right now, I do not think we have anything over that limit,” Troyer explained. “Twenty-five is our cap right now in each class. Some grade levels have 18-19 or 17-18,” Michael Casey, principal of Milford Elementary, explained. What is the tax impact? “Zero tax impact! We have come up on a window of period which schools get every so often and that is when we have existing debt that falls off. So that is a window of opportunity for us to invest in our facilities from a tax stand point. So that falls off and we backfill that with new projects and new work so we are able to keep the tax impact steady. We are a .5399 school tax rate for the last two years and that’s our projected tax rate for next school year. We are able to do this project completely without raising property taxes,” Troyer explained. What is the total cost of the project? “This part of the project, we are looking at approximately $35 million,” Troyer answered.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — themail-journal.com

Tom Farris receives Golden Hoosier Award

Obituaries Barbara Ellen Richardson

Shirley Darlene Graff A Native Of Milford Shirley Darlene Graff, Winona Lake, passed away at 4:24 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, at the age of 88. She was born July 31, 1935, in Milford, to Sarah Ann (Gerber) Slabaugh and Roman Edward Slabaugh. Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Milford High 6+,5/(< School. After graduation at the young age of 18, she '$5/(1( married Roger Bird Graff on July 3, 1954, in Mil*5$)) ford. They were blessed with two children, shared the joy of becoming grandparents and great-grandparents, celebrated many birthdays, holidays, family gatherings and everything in between. Roger passed away Sept. 21, 2007, and had 53 years of marriage to be proud of. Shirley lived in Milford for many years, working at The Papers until moving to Fort Wayne in 1976. She was very good with her hands and detail work and enjoyed her job at Hobby Lobby as a framer. Shirley loved doing crafts, sewing, knitting and crocheting and many family members were recipients of her loving creations. She loved serving the Lord and was very active in her church home at Milford Christian Church and Cedar Creek Church of Christ in Fort Wayne. She moved to Winona Lake in 2015 to be with her family. Shirley will forever be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She leaves behind her daughter, Rhonda (Tom) Edgington, Winona Lake; son, Rick (Sonji) Graff, Warsaw; seven grandchildren, Jason Graff, Kyle (Jodie) Graff, Sara (Luke) Minear, Brandi (Tim) Wright, Nicole (Micah) Nightingale, Brittney (Matt) Abernethy and Nathaniel (Kelly) Raber; and 25 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Dot Boyd, Sebring, Fla., and Pat Yeater, Chandler, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; brother, Larry Slabaugh; and sister, Gloria Baumgartner. Shirley’s life will be celebrated with a service at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and ofﬁciated by Pastor Tim Wright. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from noon to 3 p.m. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date at Milford Cemetery in Milford. Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.

O. Lucille Kammerdiener Licensed Daycare Provider O. Lucille “Lucy” Babcock Miller Kammerdiener, Syracuse, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at the age of 89. She was born in Warsaw on June 2, 1934, to Alto J. and Catherine Babcock (Kehr). She was a 1952 graduate of Syracuse High 2 /8&,//( School. Lucy married Lloyd Kammerdiener on .$00(5',(1(5 Aug. 3, 1963, near Peru. The two shared 54 blessed years together before his passing in November of 2017. She was a longtime active member of Syracuse Church of God and was a devout Christian who followed the Lord. Lucy was a licensed daycare provider in her home for 43 years before retiring in 2009. She helped others raise their children and pottytrained more than half of Kosciusko County. Her caring and nurturing personality made her job not only a career but a true passion. Every morning Lucy would make sure to have her hair done and make-up on, while enjoying a cup of coffee, prior to the first daycare child to arrive at 5 a.m. She was the “perfect” homemaker. Lucy enjoyed baking and was a gifted seamstress. She enjoyed playing the piano and played for Sunday services at times. Her family, which included her daughter’s friends and their families, called Lucy’s home “their home.” She knew how to make everyone feel welcome. When Lucy wasn’t taking care of her family and friends, she enjoyed the lakes, talking on the phone and the wheeling and dealing of garage sales. She passed this joy on to her family, especially to her children and grandchildren. She also loved to play card games. She was an excellent bunco and Uno player. She loved time spent out on the Dixie Boat in North Webster and that is where she and Lloyd celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Lucy was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. Those who survive with broken hearts include her two daughters, Amy Sue (Jon) Lippe of Claypool and Cathy Marie (Mike) Coy of Syracuse; five granddaughters, Alissa Hewitt of Huntington, Cayla Coy of Elkhart, Tiffany (Travis) Goff of Leesburg, Liza Lippe and Madelyn Lippe of Claypool; one grandson, Bryce Lippe of Claypool; two greatgrandchildren, Greyson Goff and Brynlee Goff; four stepgrandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; two stepgreat-great-granddaughters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband Lloyd, include her parents; a former fiancé, Daniel Boocher Jr. of Bremen, who was killed in a traffic accident a few months before their wedding; former husband, Wayne Miller; their daughter, Tonda Kay Miller Hewitt; and a special uncle, Boyd “Bud” Kehr. Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse was entrusted with the care of Lucy and her family. Visitation was held there, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, from 3-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16. The funeral service began at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, the doors opening one hour prior for visitation. Pastor Stan Owen officiated. Memorial gifts are appreciated to Syracuse Church of God, 104 E. Washington St., Syracuse, IN 46567. To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit titusfuneralhome.com.

Owner Of Richardson Realty Barbara Ellen Richardson, 84, Milford, passed away at 12:36 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born April 20, 1939, the daughter of Verl A. and Irene F. (May) Zartman in Milford. On %$5%$5$ Aug. 31, 1958, she married Wayne Richardson. (//(1 Barbara owned and operated Richardson Re5,&+$5'621 alty and JW’s Drive In, both in Milford, for many years. She was a volunteer EMT with Milford EMS and a member of the Christian Church of Milford. Barbara loved to cook and prepared many funeral dinners at the church. She was especially known for her peanut butter pie. Barbara is survived by her husband of 66 years, Wayne Richardson of Milford; three sisters, Judith Gilland of Milford, Jennie (Don) Blodgett of Warsaw and Nona Bliton of Warsaw; children, Kathy Veach of Milford, John (Deb) Richardson of Goshen and Terry Richardson of Florida; four grandchildren, Jonathan Shaw of Milford, Justin Carpenter of Indianapolis, Amanda (Jerry) Anacleto of Milford and Jonathon Richardson of Muncie; 11 great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Bentley, Lukas, Mariella, Alejandro, John, Jaxon, Soﬁa, Austin, Rylee and Wyatt; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Nancy (Jack) Linville and Betty (Bernie) Cannon. A funeral service will be held in Barbara’s honor at noon Friday, Oct. 20, at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 461 W. 900N, Milford. Pastor Steve Wilson will ofﬁciate. Burial will follow at Milford Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home and also one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Will Yahed Arita Mancia Yehimmy Mancia and Jose Wil Arita, Milford, are the parents of a son, Will Yahed, born at 5:07 p.m. Oct. 13, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 9.7 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Jack K. Hubbs Sr., 95, North Webster, formerly of Arcadia, Fla., died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at home. Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

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monitor the household. There are devices available to dole out the proper medication at the proper time. When seniors leave the house, they can use cellphones, wristwatches and global positioning systems to help monitors keep track of their moves. Medical-alert bracelets help seniors get help when they fall, sensors can be installed to automatically turn off stoves, and devices can be installed to prevent bathtub overﬂowing.

As the aging population grows, so grows the need for facilities and workers to provide senior care. Complicating matters is the fact that many folks intend to grow old at home. Technology may have come to the rescue for folks who are still alert and physically unchallenged. Camera and sensor systems can be installed that link with the children, siblings or caregivers who

Tom Farris, former Lake Wawasee resident, now residing in Muncie, was among 10 people to receive the 2023 Golden Hoosier 720 )$55,6 Award. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch remarked, “It is my pleasure to honor our recipients of the 2023 Golden Hoosier Award, the highest honor I can bestow upon an older Hoosier on the state of Indiana. Since 2008, Hoosiers have been recognized for service to their communities with the Golden Hoosier Award. It is not just one act of community service, but rather a lifetime of community service and commitment to serving others that are honored with the award. As the 52nd Lt. Governor of Indiana, it is my privilege to continue this great tradition of expressing our appreciation to these fine Hoosiers.” Crouch continued, “The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging and I, along with our cohost, AARP Indiana, are thrilled in recognizing these deserving individuals receiving their awards this year. They are heroes from every corner of our state and serve their communities in many capacities.” Jenny Hamilton, CEO of LifeStream Services Inc., stated in her letter of nomination that Tom Farris has spent more than 60 years dedicating his life to nonprofit organizations, his community, his church, Ball State University and regional businesses. When it comes to ideas, strategies, art and communication, he’s always been a creative genius, to the benefit of East Central Indiana. As president of the Ball State Alumni Association and longtime member of the Alumni Council, Farris led over 198,000+ BSU alumni help support university advancement, strategic plans and programs. He helped raise over $200 million for the Ball State University Bold Campaign, the most ambitious campaign ever completed by the University. These funds were invested in scholarships, endowed chairs and other projects that have reinvigorated the school. His volunteerism with the university covers

over 50 years. He played tennis at Ball State in the 1960s and was a founding member of the Beta Theta Pi social fraternity chapter at Ball State. Farris has had a great impact over his many years of serving on the board of LifeStream Services and Yorktown Properties. He helped provide oversight and governance as chairman of the board, supporting its mission to improve quality of life and maintain independence for older adults and those with disabilities. He created the LifeStream name and original branding. His volunteering with LifeStream covers over 30 years, and he has been a leader with other ECI non-profits. In 2001, he was named Outstanding Board Member by the Indiana Association of Areas Agencies on Aging. Farris has also shared his leadership, expertise and ideas with: Ball State University College of Business Alumni Advisory Board; Muncie Federal Credit Union; Indiana Association of Regional Councils; Muncie Rotary Club/ Rotary International; Hillcroft Services Inc.; Owlsley Museum of Art; Heartland Chapter of American Red Cross; Beta Theta Pi Fraternity; Indiana Plein Air Painters Association; Advertising Federal of ECI; The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County; Cracker Jack Collectors Association; and others. Farris has been an idea developer for the business community and city/county officials for years, looking for innovative and effective options that will improve Muncie, Delaware County and East Central Indiana. His insightful analysis and expertise is appreciated as he works to make communities and organizations more effective in strategically achieving their missions. He has many diverse projects underway. Besides advising the above and other organizations, at age 79, Farris is an award-winning artist, photographer, sculptor, writer, poet, lyricist and inventor. During his 60+ year business career, Farris co-owned marketing firm, T.L. Farris & Associates and QuestMark Strategic Research, with his wife Linda. He is an avid pickleball player and fitness/nutrition enthusiast. He encourages people of all ages to develop all facets of their lives and to share their talents and passions to make their communities better places for all, including seniors.

Ivory discovered this surcharge wasn’t charged to the town until 2019. He said he would have it removed starting in November until the contract is up in July. Siegel asked if the town would receive a refund. Ivory said the matter would be negotiable during contract renewal discussions. Ivory also admitted Borden should have been more engaged with the council when the surcharge was turned on. Councilman Bill Musser noted the council should have caught the matter earlier as well. In department reports Town Manager David Wilkinson reported he has been working with the new chamber director on new welcome signs to town. He asked for input from the council. They asked for something readable and suggested Wilkinson bring them some designs to consider. Police Chief Jim Layne reported Trick or Treat hours will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, reported he wanted

to give his crew a big public pat on the back as they have all pitched in on three major construction projects around town. “They’ve been fantastic through all of this,” he told the council. Siegel praised the public works staff on how they interact with the public. Aurich told the council the Lakeside Water Main Loop project is almost finished. He hopes to complete the project by Monday. The sewer project is also well underway. And 13 oddly shaped manhole covers will be replaced with secure bases underneath. Aurich also thanked Layne and his officers for providing traffic control on Pickwick Drive. Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported the SR 13 railroad crossing will be closed Sunday, Oct. 22, through Monday, Nov. 6. Dr. Kauffman’s office, located next door to Fire Station 1 will soon house the fire department’s administrative offices as well as the township trustee’s office.

Council approves Continued from page 1 if a developer put in a subdivision. Siegel then asked since the units were rentals if a commercial TIF was needed. Snyder said no, the residential TIF covers rental property since it’s housing. Siegel then questioned whether the town could maintain the infrastructure, water, sewer, road maintenance, on the remaining 20% of the TIF. Snyder said yes, since all of it would be brand new. He also pointed out the town will be taking in water and sewer revenue and won’t accept the streets into its maintenance program until after the ﬁrst year and they’ve been inspected. “This is a reasonable compromise because the tax entities will get something,’ Snyder said. The council approved the economic development plan. The council approved the 2024 budget. The adopted budget is $4,657,760 with an adopted tax levy of $2,644,149. The adopted tax rate is 0.8194. RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

SALE GOOD OCTOBER 16-21, 2023

DELI MEAT & CHEESE Co-Jack Minihorn Cheese $

RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

DISCO

1.99 Lb.

Deli Ham (Whole Muscle) $

1.89 Lb.

89¢ Ea. 10.5 Oz. 1530 3rd Road, Bremen, IN 574-546-9010

Sweet & Smoky BBQ

Sweetest Day

79¢ Ea. 17.5 Oz.

* ALL ITEMS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST * While Supply Lasts

On Sale From Oct. 18.-Oct. 21

Dozen Roses

15.00

SUPER SATURDAY OCTOBER 28 • 8AM-5PM

Locally Made Made In Tamales TSawmeet Bourbon ale $

FROZEN DEPARTMENT Chicken Tender Fritters ¢ 5 Lb. Bags

9.19 Ea.

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Pumpkin Bread $

We will have Bacon & Turkey

4.49

Caramel Macchiato Biscotti

89 Lb.

HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. • CLOSED SUNDAY

4.29 Lb.

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Fresh Pineapple $

2.19 Ea.

UNTED ITEMS

Honey O’s

2.39 Lb.

Mozzarella Cheese $

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RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

The council also approved ordinances to increase both the water and sewer rates. The new rates will begin in January 2024 and show up on the February billing. The council approved an appropriation ordinance to move $158,143.50 from local road and bridge to the matching grant fund. The council approved allowing Indiana Telephone Network to rent space on the north water tower for equipment. The contract will be accepted after council edits and review by town attorney Jay Rigdon. Eric Ivory, municipal account representative for Borden Waste Away came before the council to discuss fuel and compliance charges that are outside the town’s contract. The town has been paying these fees, which average about $4,500 a month, for several years. Ivory explained Borden typically charges a 20-30% surcharge for Environmental Protection Agency compliance and fuel. However

RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

Gary W. Meier, formerly of Syracuse, passed away at Celebrate Senior Living in Fort Wayne on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at the age of 66. Born on Jan. 18, 1957, in Lafayette, Indiana, he was the son of Graham and Wilma Meier (Goins). Gary was a 1975 graduate of Wawasee High School. *$5< 0(,(5 Gary marched to the beat of his own drum. He was strong-willed, had a good sense of humor, and could be admired for his adventurous take on life. He lived for the thrill of driving fast (sometimes too fast) on his motorcycles. When Gary wasn’t on the road, you could ﬁnd him pursuing his more creative passions. He was a skilled woodworker and forged his own style over the years. He always enjoyed creating unique pieces for family and friends. Those who survive him include his sisters, Katherine Parker (Phillip Herbertz) of Plainﬁeld and Carol Spires of South Bend; brother, Jerry Meier of Scottsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents and brother, Joseph “Joe” Meier. Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Gary and his family. His family is grieving privately. No public services will be held. To leave a condolence, please visit www.TitusFuneralHome. com.

Births

Jack K. Hubbs Sr.

Gary Meier 1975 WHS Graduate

Change of command Accidents/Incidents ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes 4

www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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: Accidents 1:55 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, West CR 900N and North CR 425W, Milford. Driver: Leon Diaz, 43, West Wabansia Avenue, Chicago, Ill. Diaz’ vehicle left the roadway and then over corrected, going off the roadway on the south side of the road, causing the vehicle to roll onto its top. Damage up to $10,000. 6:22 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, East CR 500N and EMS T7 Lane, North Webster. Driver: Alec Gainey, 21, Fort Wayne Street, Warsaw. Gainey’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $2,500.

North Webster Ofﬁcers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident 10:49 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.

11, 700 block South Main Street, North Webster. Dean Burchard reported theft of his wallet.

Syracuse Ofﬁcers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accident and incidents and made the following arrests: Accident 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, 726 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Driver: Connie L. Morrow, 74, East Maple Grove, Syracuse. Morrow accidentally hit a concrete barrier. Damage up to $5,000. Incident 12:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 700 block South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Police ofﬁcers were called in reference to an employee at the business acting odd. 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 200 block East Greenhaus Drive, Syracuse. Ryan Adams reported his vehicle’s steering wheel’s wires had been cut. Arrest 12:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 700

Republican Hall of Fame Dinner Nov. 2 The 2023 Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame banquet will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at The Owl’s Nest, CR 800N, North Webster. The evening will include the announcement of the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. U.S. Senate candidate and Third District Congressman Jim

Banks will be the keynote speaker. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $60 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Reservations can be made by calling Mike Ragan, (574) 2651430 or Austin Rovenstine, (574) 551-3805.

block South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Shane Allen Ketcham, 27, 500 Meadow Drive, Syracuse, was arrested and booked into Kosciusko County Jail for charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.

Jail Bookings Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Oct. 16 — Aaron Edward Torbet, 42, 4361 E. Duffy Drive, Syacuse, booked for theft. Bond: $600 cash. Oct. 16 — Elizabeth Lynn Love-Barngrover, 39, 13477 Hillside Drive, Syracuse, booked on two counts of failure to appear, invasion of privacy, and probation violation. Bond: A combination of $1,500 cash and no bond. Oct. 14 — Thomas Rodriguez, 32, 604 W. Emeline St., Milford, booked for being a habitual trafﬁc violator. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Oct. 13 — Jonahlyn Phaeth Quirk, 31, 209 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, booked on a probation violation. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Oct. 13 — Austin Samual Wood, 26, 305 Ulrich Drive, Milford, booked on a probation violation. No bond listed. Oct. 13 — Shane Allen Ketcham, 27, 500 Meadow View Drive, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Books $5,250 surety and cash. Oct. 12 — Jerry Dewayne Newton, 54, 3487 E. CR 750N, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated with prior and operating a vehicle while intoxicated — endangerment. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

Capt. Steve Yargosz relieved Capt. Jason Williamson as commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes during a change of command ceremony the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 17. The ceremony took place aboard the installation at the seamanship trainer on the main side of the installation. Rear Adm. Wesley McCall, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, served as the guest speaker. “Events like today and many others along the way in our Navy journey are the glue that bonds us all together,” McCall noted in his remarks. Yargosz is a native of North Webster and earned a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1998. He commissioned through Officer Candidate School and completed aviation maintenance duty officer training in 1999. Operationally, Yargosz served in Fighter Squadron 143 as a material control officer, deploying on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS John F Kennedy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Dec. 2002, he was selected for lateral transfer/resignation and completed flight school in Oct. 2004. Following flight school, he served with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 4, deploying three times with the Black Knights onboard USS Ronald Reagan. As a department head with the Red Wolves of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84, he deployed four times to Iraq where he flew over 120 combat

Wallen arrested after allegedly battering, choking woman ),5( 35(9(17,21 :((. ³ 7KH 0LOIRUG )LUH 'HSDUWPHQW WHDPHG A Warsaw sponded to a domestic incident XS ZLWK 6WDWH )DUP DQG WKH 1DWLRQDO )LUH 3URWHFWLRQ $VVRFLDWLRQ WR SUR was near Dewart Lake. Upon arrival, PRWH WKLV \HDU·V )LUH 3UHYHQWLRQ :HHN FDPSDLJQ ´&RRNLQJ 6DIHW\ 6WDUWV man recently arofficers saw Wallen, who said he ZLWK <28 3D\ DWWHQWLRQ WR ÀUH SUHYHQWLRQ µ 3KRWR SURYLGHG rested after hit a woman. allegedly According to court documents, battering the woman said Wallen tried and choking to kill her and grabbed her by a woman. the throat, throwing her to the Shane Miground. Wallen allegedly said chael Walthe woman was the devil and len, 37, 1310 that demons were talking to The Milford Fire Department tion Week campaign: Island him. teamed up with State Farm and • Turn pot handles toward the E. Wallen then grabbed the womthe National Fire Protection As- back of the stove to prevent spills View Drive, 6+$1( 0,&+$(/ :$//(1 Warsaw, is an by her throat again and forcsociation to promote this year’s and burns. Fire Prevention Week campaign, • Always keep a lid nearby charged with strangulation and ibly choked her. Officers noticed “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU. when cooking on the stove. If a domestic battery resulting in the woman had cuts on her back Pay attention to fire prevention.” small fire starts, slide the lid over moderate bodily injury, both lev- and that her throat was very red el 6 felonies; and domestic bat- and swollen. This year’s campaign, which ran the pan and turn off the burner. Wallen refused to speak with Oct. 8-14, worked to educate fami• Stay in the kitchen while you tery, a class A misdemeanor. On Oct. 4, a Kosciusko Coun- officers about what happened. lies about simple but important are frying, boiling, grilling or broilWallen was booked in the Kossteps they can take to keep them- ing food. If you leave the kitchen ty Sheriff’s Office deputy and selves and others safe. for even a short period of time, North Webster Police officer re- ciusko County Jail Oct. 4. Milford Fire Department and turn off the stove. local State Farm Agent Dan Bu• If you are simmering, baking chman encourage all residents to or roasting food, check it regularly, cook with caution. In support of remain in the home while food is those efforts, Agent Edge recently cooking and use a timer to remind donated a Fire Prevention Week you that you are cooking. kit to the fire department, which • Keep kids and pets 3 feet Syracuse, $164 Superior Court III includes home fire safety and pre- from the stove/oven and where hot Marriage Licenses The following fines for infracvention activities and information foods and liquids are being served. for children and adults, a press re• Watch what you heat. Set a tions have been assessed in KosThe following couple have aplease said. timer to remind you that you are ciusko Superior Court III, Judge plied for a marriage license in the “State Farm encourages hom- cooking. Chad Miner presiding: office of Kosciusko County Clerk of eowners to make fire prevention • Keep anything that can catch Failure to register — Robert M. the Court Ann Torpy: an important part of their overall fire — oven mitts, wooden uten- Musgrove, North Webster, $164.50 Najacht-Graff home safety plan. Fire Preven- sils, food packaging, towels or curInsufficient personal flotaAbigail Najacht, 27, Milford, and tion Week reminds that cooking tains — away from your stove top. tion devices — Mitchell G. Moore, Kenneth Graff, 28, Milford with caution should be at the top • Be alert. If you are tired or of the list. This also is a good time have consumed alcohol, don’t use to check your smoke alarms to en- the stove/oven. sure they are functioning,” said For more information about Buchman in the release. Fire Prevention Week and this Milford Fire Department shared year’s theme, “Cooking safety Clip the form below, complete with your information, the following cooking safety tips starts with YOU. Pay Attention to enclose payment and mail to: through this year’s Fire Preven- Fire Prevention,” visit fpw.org.

Cooking safety tips for Fire Prevention Week

&$37 67(9( <$5*26= missions in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula. As Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, he led the Tridents through multiple Fleet Replenishment and Training Squadron carrier landing qualification support detachments, as well as detachments to fleet week in New York, exercise JADED THUNDER 19, and Hurricane Dorian Bahamas disaster relief. Following command, he served as navigator for USS George Washington during the ship’s midlife refueling and complex overhaul. Ashore, Yargosz was a student at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va., where he completed JPME Phase I and received a masters in military science. He served as a policy analyst focused on United Nations and European drug policy while at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President, in Washington, D.C., from July 2014 to Jan. 2017. He completed JPME Phase II at the Joint Forces Staff College in 2020. Williamson served as Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer from May 2021 to Oct. 2023. As commanding officer, Williamson inspired the command to execute critical services that ensured the uninterrupted annual training of 39,000 recruits to sailors and the training of 15,000 enlisted surface warfare specialists in direct support of the Navy’s directive to maintain and protect the Navy’s accessions supply chain. McCall awarded Williamson the Legion of Merit for Williamson’s leadership during three years at the helm of the installation and his 25 years of honorable and dedicated service to the nation. “During my career, I have been fortunate enough to be part of many highly functional organizations ... I learned a lot

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Syracuse Redevelopment Commission approves plan for senior housing %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU In a brief, 7 minute meeting, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission, approved an economic development plan for Rabbit Ridge, owned by Dr. Larry Allen. The project is called Rabbit Ridge as the previous property owners used to hunt rabbits there. The 9.10 acre property, located in the area of the Goshen Phy-

sicians medical complex, 1033 N. Indiana Ave., will eventually house 22 duplexes or 44 units designed for senior housing with a community building, infrastructure and other amenities. The duplexes will be built in two phases. To pay for the development, 80% of the funds raised through the tax increment ﬁnance district for the area will be made available to the developer as the project moves forward.

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from those tours,” said Williamson. “Truly, I learned the most in this tour. This team is the best that I’ve had.” “In his time here, over 100,000 sailors graduated from boot camp. That’s about 40% of our war fighting force in enlisted service,” said Yargosz, in appreciation of his predecessor as Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer. Williamson is a native of Yankton, S.D. He graduated from Boston University in May 1998 with a degree in biomedical engineering and was commissioned through the ROTC program. He was designated a Naval aviator in June 2000. His assignments at sea have spanned both coasts, serving operational flying tours with the P-3C Orion and the P-8A Poseidon squadrons. He has logged over 2700 hours in multiple fixed wing aircraft in support of the maritime patrol missions. Additionally, he served afloat on the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan. Highlights include time with the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron 40 from 2000 to 2004, the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron 8 as a Department Head from 2009 to 2011 and command of the “World Famous Pelicans” of Patrol Squadron 45 during the P-8’s maiden deployment to Sixth Fleet in 2016. Ashore, he has served as instructor pilot with the “Pro’s Nest” of Patrol Squadron 30, as deputy executive assistant to the director, Air Warfare and as the MQ-4C Triton requirements officer on the staff of the chief of naval operations. He most recently served as deputy commander of Task Force 72 in Misawa, Japan. “I appreciate your support coming here,” Yargosz told the assembled Naval Station staff and tenant command commanding officers, executive officers and command master chiefs. As the “Quarterdeck of the Navy,” Naval Station Great Lakes enables and sustains fleet, fighter and family by providing superior, integrated base operating support to over 50 tenant commands, including Recruit Training Command, the Navy’s only boot camp. Naval Station Great Lakes is also home to 80% of the Navy’s surface warfare specialty training. Naval Station Great Lakes is the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training station in the Navy. The installation includes 1,153 buildings, with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. Naval Station Great Lakes sits on 1,900 acres and uses 50 miles of roadway to provide access to the station’s facilities.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — themail-journal.com

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Wawasee Marching Continued from page 1 bands the Warrior Pride saw in state competition were from the central and southern parts of the state. “The kids performed well,” Pawlicki said in an email. “Easily their best performance of the season.

They very possibly could have won Saturday, if they would have had a performance slot closer to he end of the bands in our class.” The Marching Warrior Pride was the ﬁrst band to compete Saturday morning. This was the third time the

band had competed in state competition and the highest it’s placed. In 2021 the band ﬁnished 11th out of 14 and in 2022 it ﬁnished ninth out of 22. The band did set a new high score for the season and for Pawlicki’s tenure with the program.

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Supermileage team Continued from page 1 ished 11th in the world. This is the second world competition for Wawasee, the last being in 2019 in London, England, where they unofficially came in eighth. Allen Coblentz, instructor for the group, was proud of the team and their representation of Wawasee and the community. The team overcame some challenges in the competition and “They interacted so well with the other schools,” he said. Some traded hats or T-shirts with teams from other countries. “I’m so proud ... represented Wawasee so well. They did a great job. You think of Wawasee as classy and helpful. They shared tools and items with other teams. ... Proud of them and their representing the school and the community. It’s a tribute to their parents and how they were raised.” Coblentz is also proud of the team in overcoming some challenges faced at the competition. While the team didn’t leave until Saturday, Oct. 7, the supermileage car — an urban concept car with an internal combustion engine — was crated and shipped out the end of June. It arrived one week before the team. While they attempted to protect as many parts as possible, some parts did not fare well after 1 1/2-2 months in salt air. Coblentz stated when the car was unpacked some parts were rusted and needed cleaned. The team spent Monday working on the car and preparing for technical inspection later that day and Tuesday. Once the inspection was completed, they were able to get the car on the track for testing and driver training. Charlie Krull, who was the backup driver in qualifications, was put in the hot seat. The regular driver was unable to get out of midterm exams at college. “It was interesting and as always things happen,” said Coblentz. The two days of testing resulted in no issues, including a short test time on Wednesday morning. Then on the first official run, things fell apart. “We had some electronics go wrong on the engine,” Coblentz related. The team had two hours to get it

(6&257 +20( ³ :DZDVHH·V VXSHUPLOHDJH WHDP ZDV JLYHQ D KHUR·V ZHOFRPH KRPH 6DWXUGD\ DIWHUQRRQ IROORZLQJ SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ WKH 6KHOO (FR 0DUDWKRQ 6\UDFXVH 3ROLFH DQG 7XUNH\ &UHHN )LUH 7HUULWRU\ HV FRUWHG WKH EXV IURP WKH QRUWK HGJH RI 6\UDFXVH WKURXJK WRZQ DQG WR WKH KLJK VFKRRO 6DWXUGD\ DIWHUQRRQ 2FW )LUHÀJKWHUV WKHQ MRLQHG WKH SDUHQWV DW WKH VFKRRO LQ WKH ZHOFRPH KRPH DQG FRQJUDWXODWLRQV 3KRWR E\ 'HE 3DWWHUVRQ fixed and were under pressure. The pressure was not only the time frame, but having to work in a room and with limited tools. “Under pressure and limitations, they got the work done. It did not run as good as before,” he stated. At the Americus competition last year, the car went 650 miles per gallon. This run was only 300 miles per gallon. The team did get one successful run, and when the first round was done, they were in 11th place. They needed to be in 10th place to continue into the second round. “We didn’t have all we needed after the first run,” Coblentz said. He explained they could only ship what they thought they would need and they had to separate things out for shipping regulations. Wawasee was one of three high school teams from the United States. “We’re super proud of where we’ve come and be competitive on a world scale,” said Coblentz. He is in his 25th year of coaching the supermileage teams. The group did spend their last day sightseeing before boarding their evening flight home Friday, Oct. 13. They visited a palace, temple, did some shopping, visited a few botanical gardens

and the capitol building. They even experienced the country’s suggestions of laws — buses to mopeds weaving in and out of traffic, use of horns and driving on the opposite side of the road than in the United States. “It was good. They were able to see some places and experience other cultures. It broadened their understanding of the world,” said Coblentz. Coblentz was assisted by Dominick Faurot and Scott Fox, who were also chaperones. Mindy Coblentz was also a chaperone. Now the team is gearing up for the Shell Americus competition in Indianapolis the first part of April, a race Wawasee has won the last five years. But there’s a challenge. The supermileage car will not return from India until around Christmas. “The team has been put at a disadvantage,” Coblentz said. “They will have January, February and March to work on the car.” But the team has proven it can overcome adversity, as every time adversity has come up, the team has pulled through. “If you think about it, the variables they work with, the decisions and time frame, they have overcome,” said Coblentz.

Tippecanoe Township board adopts 2024 budget %\ .(,7+ .1(33 6WDII :ULWHU The Tippecanoe Township board of trustees met in regular session Tuesday, Oct. 17. During the meeting, the board unanimously approve the 2024 budget as prepared and presented by Township Trustee Chris Francis.

Francis also provided an update on the township’s cemeteries, noting new signage has come in and been installed. He added the only remaining tasks at the cemeteries for the year are leaf pickup and regular maintenance. Francis provided an update on the ﬁnancial audit of the township, saying phase one has

been completed and approved. Phase two also has been completed with corrections; however he is waiting on ﬁnal approval. The next meeting of the Tippecanoe Township Board of Trustees will be held following the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory meeting at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7.

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Siegel brings up need for annexation resolution again %\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU Once again Syracuse Town Councilman Larry Siegel brought up the need for the town to have a resolution regarding annexation. He made his comments during the “old business” section of the council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 17. Siegel began by asking ClerkTreasurer Virginia Cazier how her office handles tap-on fees for water and sewer. Cazier explained usually a developer or home owner comes in asking to hook up to town utilities. Cazier went through the rates for providing water and sewer. Siegel then asked how the clerk treasurer’s office knew if the property was in or out of the town limits. Cazier said the address was usually put in the GIS to determine if it was within the town limits before any fees were accepted. Siegel again stated there needed to be a resolution detailing property out of the town limits needed to be annexed in order to receive utilities. He stressed the point by giving examples how in the past properties outside the town limits received utilities without being annexed. Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, explained state law requires if a home is within 300 feet of a sewer line it must tap on. State law also allows municipalities to regulate water and sewer. Aurich also informed the council tap-on fees are handled by his office. His administrative assistant plugs the address into the GIS to determine if the property is within town limits. Siegel went on asking how would Cazier or Town Manager David Wilkinson know what to do if there was no resolution outlining the town’s position. Cazier said it was common sense, if you lived outside

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“water under the bridge” and were decisions made by previous councils years ago. He seconded Kaiser telling Siegel if the issue is so important to him he should make it an agenda item, not bring it up at the end of the meeting when people want to go home. Kaiser asked if there was any more old business, seeing as there was none, she called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board discusses fire station %\ .(,7+ .1(33 6WDII :ULWHU In a short meeting held Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory board heard from Township Trustee Chris Francis about the status of the fire station. Plans have been in the works for more than a year to renovate the current facility, located at 202 N. Main St., North Webster. Francis reiterated several times that the current building as it stands is rapidly deteriorating and sinking into the ground. He noted that geologists, contractors and other professionals have examined the site to determine why this is happening and to try to come up with solutions to stem the problem. “We’re down to two designs — option A and option B,” he said. “Both have phase in options … What we need to decide is which option to use and whether to do it all at once or phase it in.” Francis emphasized the floor of the station needs to be addressed first. They are hoping to come to a

decision no later than the first of the year. In other business: • Fire Chief Jeremy Likens informed the board the department responded to 63 medical runs, 21 fire runs and three runs into Noble County during the month of September. This brings the year-to-date total number of runs to 717. • Francis requested and was approved to spend $21,300 to pay two outstanding invoices relating to the planning of the renovation of the fire station. • Board member Jim Rhoades noted a proposal for an updated disciplinary procedure, which was discussed during a special meeting, has been tabled until further notice. The board is waiting on advice from legal counsel before proceeding. • Francis said that approval of 2024 wages for fire territory employees will take place during the November meeting. The next meeting of the Tippecanoe Fire Territory board will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7, following the meeting of the North Webster Town Council.

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the town limits you had to be annexed into town in order to receive utilities. Again, Siegel noted several examples where this didn’t happen. Cindy Kaiser noted the matter needs to be an agenda item so council members can research and come to the discussion informed, not in old business. Councilman Bill Musser noted the examples Siegel gave were

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themail-journal.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Sports Warriors move six runners to regional 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ 1$7+$1 3$&( 6SRUWV :ULWHU Wawasee cross-country did not advance as a full team Saturday, Oct. 14, at Ox Bow Park, but six are moving on to regionals. Despite rain and cooler temperatures the Warriors had one of their best results this season. Sophomore Mia Hodgson was third in the girls race with a time of 19:51.6. Hodgson was 16 seconds faster than her time in the sectionals a year ago and will have a great shot at a being one of the 15 girls who advance to the state meet as individuals. Hodgson says she had to adjust to the wet conditions quickly. “I went right through a puddle the first stretch of the race and I went ‘OK we’re doing this. I just toughed it out. It was cold at times,” she said. Junior Jasmine Hernandez finished in the top 10 despite a challenging start. “I ran into a bush the first 400 meters,” Hernandez said. Her time of 20:33.1 was a personal record to get her 10th in the meet. She beat her previous best time by nearly a minute and now has the 11th best time in program history for a fivekilometer race. While Hodgson and Hernandez are moving on, sophomore America Benitez nearly qualified despite losing a shoe. “America ran such a tough race. Before a mile in the race she got her heel stepped on and lost her shoe,” coach Doug Slabaugh said. “That did not stop her from still running a 20-second personal record and just missed qualifying for regionals by less than 10 seconds. Talk about guts, heart and will.” Sophomore Heatherlynn Holder and junior Cyanna Leon also ran personal records today. Leon was new to the sport just before school started. The Lady Warriors were seventh at a team score of 164. “Coming into the meet we were seeded eighth and supposed to score 195 points. As a team these girls got seventh and 164 points. That is a team effort,” Slabaugh said. “So proud of these girls and the growth they have shown.” The boys were also seventh and finished with team score of 180. Freshman JD Stoffel placed in the top 20 to be one of four runners advancing. Stoffel was 19th overall with a time of 17:07.5. “He’s really been focused this week and I think it helped him to pull through,” coach Jose Lopez said on Stoffel. Three more Warriors will join Stoffel in regionals in freshman Mason Worrell, junior Hunter Allen and junior Issac Winters. The pack running placed the trio in the top 45 overall. Worrell ran a 17:47.9, Allen a 17:49.1 and Winters a 17:52.5. “We didn’t have the greatest race but our core guys raced well enough to qualify out,”

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%\ 1$7+$1 3$&( 6SRUWV :ULWHU Traveling to the leader in the Northern Lakes Conference Friday, Oct. 13, was expected to be a challenge for the Wawasee Warriors, and rainy conditions made it even tougher. The host No. 8 Cavemen led 41-0 at the half and would win 41-22 to claim a share of the conference with Warsaw. Wawasee fumbled twice on kickoff returns in the ﬁrst quarter to contribute to a 21-0 advantage for Mishawaka after the period. “We turned it over on two kickoffs, you can’t do that,” coach Jon Reutebuch said. “All credit to Mishawaka, they are tied for the conference championship. We knew we were going against it anyway. With all of those things going against us

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it made it very, very tough.” On fourth and one at their own 41-yard line, Mishawaka not only converted but scored a 59-yard touchdown carry up the middle to lead 35-0 with 3:49 left in the half. Caveman Senior Brady Fisher threw his first touchdown pass of the game before half to lead 41-0. The Warriors had a chance to get on the board before half as they reached the 11-yard line of the Cavemen with just six seconds left. The snap got away from senior quarterback Mason Shoemaker on the final play of the half and the Warriors did not come away with any points. Not helping the situation, Wawasee had four starters out for the first half due to disciplinary action. “We were missing some guys out there tonight and it made a big difference. We were missing four starters there in the first half and a couple others got injured,” Reutebuch said. Mishawaka played junior varsity players in the second half and Wawasee took advantage. A fumble by the Cavemen gave the Warriors a short field and senior Donovan Blair would punch it in for a Wawasee touchdown from two yards out. Sophomore quar-

terback Luke Keim threw a touchdown pass to senior Derek Bontrager in the third, as well. Keim would later rush for a touchdown in the fourth. The Warriors fall to 1-8 and finish the NLC slate at 1-6 to tie with Goshen and Plymouth for sixth. The Cavemen move to 7-2 and 6-1 in NLC. Sectional 18 play begins 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, when South Bend Riley visits Wawasee. The Warriors will be seeking its first sectional victory since 2012, as they have lost 10 straight sectional openers. “That’s been our goal all season to win the first game of the sectional. We’ll be ready to play next Friday night,” Reutebuch said. The Wildcats enter at 8-1 and No. 15 in Class 4A but have played a weaker schedule than the Warriors. Out of the eight losses for Wawasee, six of those opponents are ranked in the top 15 of their respective classes. Getting over the hump in a sectional game is something Reutebuch and the players feel can jump start the program. “It will be huge,” Reutebuch said on winning a sectional game. “It has been a few years and that’s the next step.”

Warrior runner helping lead young roster %\ 1$7+$1 3$&( 6SRUWV :ULWHU 67$< 7+( &2856( ³ 6RSKRPRUH $PHULFD %HQLWH] IRXJKW RII WKH DGYHUVLW\ RI ORVLQJ D VKRH WR QHDUO\ TXDOLI\ IRU UHJLRQDOV Lopez said. “JD and Issac both had personal records today. Issac needed one to get out and he was right on the line.” It is the most runners the boys have had qualify for regionals since the Warriors advanced as a team in 2018. Freshmen Ivan Waikel was just a few spots away from advancing as his time of 18:17.1

Get to know Wawasee senior Payton Sewell. Sewell plays outside linebacker on the football team and has been key to the defensive effort for the Warriors. Favorite workout song? I’m a big Kevin Gates fan. A lot of Kevin Gates songs. Favorite food to eat after a game or practice? After a game, probably something small like eggs or a bowl of cereal. Barbie movie or Oppenheimer movie? I went to watch the Barbie movie this summer. Marvel or Detective Comics? I’m a Spider-Man fan so Marvel. Favorite vacation destination? The Dominican, I went there and it was fun. Favorite athletic moment?

Cavemen wash out Warriors, sectionals next

3$<721 6(:(// Probably the Tippy game. The vibe was different. It was a lot different. Favorite quote from coach Jon Reutebuch? Eat, sleep, hydrate. After high school are you going to stay in Indiana or

placed him 48th overall. Senior Landen Kessler ﬁnished his running career at Wawasee as he was 50th overall at a time of 18:20.6. The advancing runners from Wawasee will next head to the regional meet at New Prairie Saturday, Oct. 21. The boys will race ﬁrst at 10:30 a.m. followed by the girls at 11:15 a.m.

move out of state? I’m going to stay in Indiana. Any plans after high school. Electrician. Best place to visit on the weekend? My house, go ﬁshing, go on the boat. How did you become the big hitter on the defense? I’ve worked my way up my whole career. I’ve always been little and undersized. I’ve always had to push a little harder to get people to the ground. How have you gotten better at defense? Kept working. Going hard at scout team. Getting every rep I can. How is playing outside linebacker different from middle linebacker? With middle linebacker the bigger lineman they come towards you. With outside you don’t get touched as much so it’s a lot more reading.

Wawasee junior Hunter Allen did not always have a good relationship with cross-country meets at Ox Bow Park. His freshman year, Allen was the kid parents and coaches waited on to finish running at the end of meets. Allen was among the slowest runners at the Northern Lakes Conference meet. “Freshman year, we ran this race and I finished next to last. That was just where we were,” Allen said. Allen was 55th out of 56 runners at the NLC meet at Ox Bow Park in 2021. His time of 19:54.5 back then has been trimmed by over two minutes two years later. He will now be running in the regional meet for a second consecutive season. “Something just clicked. This team, we knew we needed to push,” Allen said. “That year (2021) people just thought of Wawasee cross-country as someone to step on. The team decided we needed to change that.” The boys moved four runners out of sectionals Saturday, Oct. 14, and will run in the New Prairie regional Saturday, Oct. 21. Freshmen JD Stoffel finished inside the top 20 of the sectional meet, the best finish for a Warrior since Karlson Hand was 10th in 2020. Since 2021, the Warriors have shed over 60 points off its team score at the sectional meets. Allen is thankful for coaches Jose Lopez and Doug Slabaugh helping with the quick rebuild. “Personally, I’ve grown exponentially with this team. My coaches, Lopez and Doug, they are just the best,” Allen said. “They’ve taught us basically everything. Whether it’s striding or race strategy, how to eat well, how to sleep well. We started from ground zero and now we’re just building up.” Allen is now the veteran on the

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team trying to encourage three talented freshmen in Stoffel, Mason Worrell and Ivan Waikel. All three were in the top 50 of the sectional meet with Worrell joining Stoffel, Allen and junior Issac Winters in advancing to regionals. “Me and the team have been working a lot together,” Allen said. “We’ve been taking priorities with our health. We’ve been making a huge effort just working on the small things, like our strides and stuff like that. Deﬁnitely trying to make everyone be accountable to the team. Every workout, everyone has to be working out as hard as they can.” Since his freshman season, Allen feels he has grown the most

in terms of how to operate a race. “Rather than just thinking about how fast you can run you’ve got to really learn the courses now and learn how to race correctly,” Allen said. “It’s more than just running cross-country. Just like how football has plays. You got to learn how to race and race correctly.” Allen runs track for Wawasee to and hopes to run in college. He and his teammates run roughly 50 miles a week to prepare for meets. Allen lives in the Leesburg area and gets most of his practice done on the surrounding roads. “It’s wherever we can get mileage at,” Allen said. The regional race for the boys will start at 10:30 a.m. CST.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — themail-journal.com

Sports

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Panthers overwhelm Lady Warriors in sectional final 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ 1$7+$1 3$&( 6SRUWV :ULWHU Having home-court advantage was not enough to for Wawasee to claim a sectional title against defending champion NorthWood, Saturday, Oct. 14, as the visiting Panthers cruised to a 3-0 sweep. The 25-6, 25-19, 25-13 win gave NorthWood its fifth consecutive sectional crown. “They are a great team,” coach Stephanie Denlinger said. “NorthWood deserved to win. They are a competitive program all around. I’m proud our girls were able to hang with them and show what they are capable of.” Junior Mackenzie Hacklemann earned a kill in the first set to cut NorthWood’s lead to 6-2 but the Panthers would outscore the Warriors 19-4 the remainder of the set. Wawasee stole the first set when the two Northern Lakes Conference foes met in the regular season on Oct. 5. Denlinger knew it would be more a challenge to take the first set again in the sectional final. “I don’t think NorthWood expected a week and a half ago just how on fire those girls were going to come out. I think we caught them by surprise and were able to capitalize on that in that first set,” Denlinger said. “This time around they have very recent film. They knew what we were capable of and they did not underestimate what we could do.” Denlinger changed the rotation on the court for her team and Wawasee briefly held a 7-6 edge in the second set. NorthWood went on a 6-0 run before a kill from senior Abbigail Burelison ended the streak at 12-8. A later block from sophomore Danika Miller would cut the score 17-14 but that was as close as the Warriors would come in the second set. NorthWood got out to a 24-10 lead in the third but Wawasee would force three game-points before the Panthers finally clinched the sectional.

Syracuse Public Library —

Still time to complete TeenTober Punch Card TeenTober draws to a close at the Syracuse Public Library during the last week of October. Teens are encouraged to continue filling in their punch cards with library visits and by attending at least one program. Teens with completed punch cards will be entered into a drawing for a giant bag of sour candy. During the week, teens have four programs left that they can use to fill their punch cards. They can sign up to make do-it-yourself pins from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Space is limited for this program, so register upstairs at the library or on the library’s online calendar at tinyurl.com/SPLDIYPins. Don’t forget to include what theme you’d like for your pins. The teen advisory board will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Teens who join the board will help shape future teen programs and activities. The anime club will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. This month attendees will be challenged to guess which opening goes with what anime. The winner with the most correct answers will win a bag of candy. The young adult writing club will meet from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. During the meeting, members will have 20 minutes to craft their own skin-crawling PG-rated tales to share ahead of Halloween. While working, they can enjoy snacks. Children’s Programming Children in grades kindergarten through fifth will participate in various dance games during Move & Groove Club at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, in the downstairs meeting room. Participants are encouraged to bring water bottles. The home school class will focus on apples when it meets at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the

'2 ,7 <2856(/) 3,16 ³ $PEHU &R[ SUDFWLFHV PDNLQJ GR LW \RXU VHOI SLQV EHIRUH WKH 6\UDFXVH 3XEOLF /LEUDU\·V SURJUDP IRU WHHQV IURP S P :HGQHVGD\ 2FW LQ WKH 5RVDO\Q -RQHV 5RRP 3KRWR E\ 6DUDK :ULJKW downstairs meeting room. This session will be with younger students in grades ﬁrst through third. Preschool-aged children can join story time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Story time introduces children to fun picture books, the alphabet, American Sign Language and Spanish. Each session usually features a fun craft, too. Adult Programs Bring your ﬁber arts projects to the library at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. The knitting and crocheting club meets in the upstairs sit-

ting area, with members working on their projects and chatting. Beginners and advanced knitters and crocheters are welcome to join the group. The adult book club will meet to discuss “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer on Thursday, Oct. 26. The in-person discussion will be at 1 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room, while the Zoom discussion will occur at 6 p.m. Email Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib. in.us for information or a Zoom invitation.

North Webster Community Public Library —

Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Library will be hosting their fall book sale this week. Book sale times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Come out for a great selection of books, plus many other items as well. This sale will also include many puzzles — perfect for those fall and winter evenings at home. The following activities are set to take place at North Webster Community Public Library. Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events. Adult Events NWCPL is hosting A Matter of Balance at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23. Call the library if you are interested in the January session of this event. Writer’s Corner, 10 a.m. Monday, ),1$/ *$0( ³ 6HQLRU $O\ 0F&OLQWLF KDG ÀYH NLOOV LQ WKH VHFWLRQDO Oct. 23. This month’s writing theme ÀQDO GHIHDW is “a tale of terror … from the mon“They found their fight there great day. I know that what the ster’s perspective.” Come to share at the end,” Denlinger said. “They girls did today they did every- your writing and get inspiration made them sit on that game thing they could to be prepared from others. point for however many that in the best way possible. I’m The library will be hosting a spewas. They were not just going to proud of how they approached cial Halloween escape room cengo down. They were going to go today. Obviously it is disappoint- tered around “Five Nights at Freddown swinging and I’m really ing knowing what this group is dy’s.” Can you escape the creepy proud of that.” capable of that things didn’t turn office before the animatronics catch NorthWood junior Claire out better.” you? Time slots include 4:30 and Payne tied for a game-high eight Wawasee ends its season at 14- 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, and 5:30 kills and three blocks as Wawas- 19 and will depart four seniors in p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Register in ee struggled with the taller front Burelison, Jaci Worrell, Jolie Lik- advance by calling the library. line of NorthWood. ens and Aly McClintic. Denlinger During the Friday Night Fright “She always gets up at the net ends her first season as varsity Feature, the library will be showto make a hit,” Denlinger said on coach with plenty of appreciation ing “Ghostbusters.” Join in at 6 Payne. “She’s always presenting for her senior class. p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, for this special herself to her setter and that’s “I am really glad they were my after-hours movie. not always easy to do for a mid- first group. I had parents reach Teen Events dle. Especially as a tall middle. out to me back in March and ask The library is hosting a special To be so dynamic. She is a con- if I would be interested in coming teen escape room to celebrate the stant threat.” back. It was not even on my ra- movie release of “Five Nights at Wawasee did defeat West No- dar. They kept talking to me and Freddy’s.” Join in at 3:30 p.m. Monble in the semifinals earlier in pulling me back in. I am so glad day, Oct. 23. the day 27-25,17-25, 25-22, 25-20 I did it. I wouldn’t change it for Teen Wellness Circle, 4 p.m. to advance to the sectional final anything. They are a really fun Tuesday, Oct. 24. Join fellow teens for a second consecutive year. group of girls and I really enjoyed to engage in insightful discussions “Overall I thought it was a getting to be with them.” about physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. This program is geared towards students in grades 6-12. The Teen Advisory Board will be meeting at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Youth Events PAWS to Read, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23. Register your Junior Varsity Football seconds of the game. The guys played for all four child for a 15-minute time slot to Oct. 14 — Wawasee hosted Mishawaka in quarters. I am proud of the guys this season. practice reading skills by reading the season finale and fell 16-12. There was a lot of growth throughout this seato a therapy dog. “The Warriors competed in a hard fought son on JV.” Baby and Toddler Time will be battle in the rain this morning,” coach Nick The junior varsity season concludes at a reheld at both 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Feldman said. “The fight came down to the final cord of 3-6. Tuesday, Oct. 24. Join Miss Cathy for songs and stories geared toward

>H^HZLLRoundup

38==/(6 ³ /LEUDU\ VWDII PHPEHU $P\ 'HQQLV RUJDQL]HV SX]]OHV IRU WKH XSFRPLQJ )ULHQGV RI WKH /LEUDU\ %RRN 6DOH 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ WKH OLEUDU\ children birth through 36 months. Registration is requested, but visitors are always welcome. Preschool Story Time will be held at both 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Join Mrs. Pam to sing songs, read books, share ﬁngerplays and learn through fun literacy activities and crafts. This

program is geared toward children ages 3-6, but all family members are invited. Registration is requested, but visitors are always welcome. For more information about any library events, call the library at (574) 834-7122, visit the library’s website at nwcpl.org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

Kosciusko visitors bureau reports tourism rebound post-pandemic The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau has released the 2022 Tourism Economic Impact Report, conducted through Certec Inc. In 2022, Kosciusko County experienced an increase in visitors of 5.8%, welcoming 1,671,894 visitors total. These visitors spent $272 million and generated 2,548 jobs in Kosciusko County. Additionally, $64.1 million in tax revenue and $12.7 million in local tax revenue was generated by tourism in Kosciusko County. The top three states people visited from were Indiana at 39%, Illinois at 11% and Ohio at 10%. Tourism jobs provided $54.3 million in wages. Previously, the KCCVB conducted a tourism impact study every two years, but skipped 2021 because of the pandemic. The last report was done in 2019.

The visitors bureau noted that tourism has not only rebounded from the pandemic but increased in 2022. “This Tourism Economic Impact Report highlights just how important tourism is to our area,” said Cori Humes, KCCVB executive director. “Over a million visitors come through our area every year, bringing millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to our county. Continuing to cultivate a strong tourism economy is vital for our area.” The full report as well as more information on the visitors bureau as well as the impact of tourism statewide can be viewed on bureau’s website at visitkosciuskocounty.org/industry. For further information, contact the KCCVB at (574) 2696090, info@koscvb.org or by going to the Visitor Center in Warsaw.

themail-journal.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Community Corner

Kosciusko Foundation gives $141,000 in grants to 21 area groups Twenty-one local organizations recently received more than $141,000 in funding from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Community Funds. Funds are awarded three times per year. Community Funds are awarded based on a competitive grant application process. Nonproﬁt organizations serving Kosciusko County can apply in seven areas of interest that include arts/culture, human services, civic projects, recreation, environment, health and education. Lost Sparrows was one of this year’s grant recipients. Its proposal was for an online learning management system to build trainings and allow content to be shared quickly and easily on childhood trauma.

“As we work to support families in our community and help train teachers on the impact of trauma, we realized the critical need for an online learning management system,” said Darren Gagnon, president of Lost Sparrows. “The grant received from the Community Foundation will be used to provide quality training for those who need it most in Kosciusko County.” Many other local organizations received Community Fund grants as well, including: Advocacy Links Resource & Advocacy Center; American Red Cross – Northeast Indiana; Baker Youth Club; Boomerang Backpacks; Brightpoint; Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana; the Center for Whitley County

Youth; the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana; Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana; Harrison Elementary School; the Honeywell Foundation; Joe’s Kids; Junior Achievement Serving Warsaw and Tippecanoe Valley; McMillen Health; Milford Food Bank; Northern Indiana Plein Air Artist Association; Silver Lake Conservation Foundation; Stillwater Hospice; Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation; and YMCA of Muncie-Camp Crosley. The next grant application deadline for Community Funds is Wednesday, Nov. 1. For more information, contact Alex Hall, vice president of programs, at alex@kcfoundation.org or visit kcfoundation.org/grants/community-fund-grants.

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Wood turned passion into purpose and career %\ 0$5,66$ 6:($7/$1' 6WDII :ULWHU “Since I was a young boy, I always had something in my hand to draw or write with, whether that was chalk on the sidewalk, color pencil on my bedroom walls or even just a plain No. 2 pencil and paper,” Christian Wood explained, “I was always artistic from a very young age and well advanced in any art I participated in.” With his wife, Jasmine, Wood owns J&C Studio in Syracuse, which opened in July 2022. The duo was intentional when creating the studio to ﬁght the stereotypes that tattoo shops are typically pigeonholed in to. “We are working harder everyday to make our shop a secure and safe space for everyone,” Wood explained. “We did not go with a traditional theme to our shop, but wanted to make it more family friendly and relaxing. Judgment free environment. And a tattoo shop that even allows children in! We have a section just for kids that can come and paint, draw and unlock hidden artistic potential.” Wood had a lot of dream jobs; however, tattooing was never on his radar. “As a kid, it was astronaut or rock star. Tattooing came out of nowhere and changed my life

forever,” Wood explained. He has been tattooing for nearly five years and has no plans of stopping. “I had gotten my first tattoo on a weekend I had free of work,” Wood has plenty of work experience, ranging from factory work to volunteer firefighting to welding, “and as my eyes gazed through the entire process, I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.” Wood’s favorite style of tattoo is black and gray realism, but he has recently found himself dabbling in color tattoos. “I have always wanted to do something where I could help people,” Wood explained. “This not only gives me the opportunity to sit down with everyone from all walks of life and listen to their stories, but also gives me the opportunity to be able to talk with them and give advice in places I’m able to speak on.” He thanks God for all the success and good he has found in his career and life. “I wouldn’t have any of this, if it weren’t for God and my extremely supportive friends and family,” Wood said. “I hope to be a symbol of peace within the tattoo industry and community that can bring even more people from all walks of life into a tattoo shop and understand that we are people of love and friendship.”

PROFILE

Mobile Meals drivers Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers Oct. 23-27 MONDAY — S. Gilbert

We Understand Commitment At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future — for you, your family and generations to follow.

TUESDAY — C. Manning WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland THURSDAY — J. Clark FRIDAY — K. Young Milford Drivers Oct. 23-27 MONDAY — M. Webb TUESDAY — A. & C. Haab WEDNESDAY — J. & K. King THURSDAY — J. Kammerer FRIDAY — S. Weisser North Webster Drivers Oct. 23-27 MONDAY — J. & K. Caskey TUESDAY — Bart’s Watersports WEDNESDAY — D. Senger THURSDAY — A. Renner FRIDAY — A. Mock

Bridge Results North Webster Bridge Group The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 10 and 12, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners Tuesday were Mary Prescott, ﬁrst, and Dick Adams, second. Thursday winners were Mike Wyrick, ﬁrst, and Jerry Hetrick, second.

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SPEC hosting open house Oct. 20 %\ 1$1&< *5$< 'LUHFWRU 6HQLRU 3ULPHOLIH (QULFKPHQW &HQWHU We are having an open house at SPEC Friday, Oct. 20. We invite you to drop in anytime between 1-4 p.m. to say hi, eat some homemade cookies and meet some of our longtime members; please come and join us. Well, other news this week is bittersweet. On the happier side, one of our longtime members, Phyllis Burnworth, celebrated her 90th birthday. Her family hosted an open house at her son’s farm near Kimmel. There was a huge turnout and absolutely the biggest ice cream churn I have ever seen. It was fabulous. On the sad side, another longtime member, Carolyn Barrett, actually one of the founders of SPEC, passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, Wednesday, Oct. 11. Her service was Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Titus Funeral Home, North Webster. That about does it for this week; have a happy and healthy week. SPEC is located inside the North Webster Community Center.

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Tippecanoe Lake Control Structure According to Terry Frank, operator of the Tippecanoe Lake Control Structure, as per state guidelines, starting Nov. 1 the gate at the Tippecanoe Control Structure will be opened and ad-

justed for a lower winter level for Tippecanoe Lake. In the spring (April 1, 2024), the gate will be closed and adjusted for the summer water level of Tippecanoe Lake.

David E. Sands, AAMS

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — themail-journal.com

School Wawasee FFA soils teams roll on to state 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ 0$5,$+ 52%(576 :DZDVHH ))$ $GYLVRU Every day we count on the work of soil scientists. Knowing the soil that’s underneath our feet helps builders and engineers make adjustments so that we all have smooth roads, dry basements and working septic systems. More importantly, farmers and gardeners use knowledge of their soil texture and natural soil drainage to implement conservation practices that prevent erosion and runoff. Eighteen members of the Wawasee FFA Chapter participated in the Soils Career Development Event where they are trained to determine the slope of the land texture of the surface and subsoil, and other features such as previous erosion, natural soil drainage, patent material and limiting layers. Students then make recommendations based on those physical characteristics. If the location is a potential home site, students will make recommendations for a basement, type of septic/soil absorption ﬁeld and more. If the location is to be used for agricultural practices, students determine the potential for erosion and make recommendations for cover crops, no-till farming practices, drainage tile and more.

Barscz among student leaders at Des Moines University Josi Barscz, a student from Syracuse, who is in Des Moines University’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, is serving as vice president of the Infectious Disease and Public Health Club for the 2023-24 academic year. Barscz also is treasurer of the Medical Students for a Sustainable Future at DMU and vice president of the Student American Academy of Osteopathy. The Infectious Disease and Public Health Club takes an interdisciplinary approach toward building a better understanding of the specialty of infectious disease, the disciplines and practices involved in become a disease prevention specialist and the public health applications and benefits of implementing successful disease prevention strategies. Medical Students for a Sustainable Future is a national network of health professional students dedicated to preventing and assessing the health harms of climate change. It seeks to provide education and outreach opportunities for DMU students in areas such as sustainable living, waste reduction, advocacy and community service. SAAO is a nationally recognized organization and the official osteopathic manual medicine club on campus. It aims to aid students in their study of OMM at DMU as well as to create opportunities to perform OMM treatments on patients on campus and in the community. Its mission is to aid in the understanding, practice and proficiency of osteopathic principles among osteopathic students and to improve public awareness of OMM.

To prepare and learn the skills necessary, these students have attended over 12 hours of practice in classroom and have participated in invitational contests to demonstrate their knowledge. Their season culminates with the area contest where teams from eight counties in northern Indiana compete for a qualifying spot (top six) to the state contest. This year, 27 senior teams (high school) and eight junior teams (grades 3-8) participated in the area contest, held Sept. 29 in Kosciusko County. Wawasee’s teams placed first, fourth, and 16th in the senior FFA Division and first in the Junior Division. Placing individually out of 97 individuals in the FFA Division were: Wyatt Schafer, first; Jace Beer, third; and John Reiff, seventh. In the Junior Division, Jenna Beer placed first and Trevor Roberts, fifth. The junior team of Jenna Beer, Anna Bowling, Trevor Roberts and Maisie Schafer will compete against 20 other teams for the state championship Saturday, Oct. 23. Senior teams will compete for a chance to qualify for the national contest. Wawasee FFA members who qualified for state are Jace Beer, Gabe Ihnen, Haley Maynus, Audrey Miller, Preston Miller, John Reiff, Wyatt Schafer, Cavan Tom and John Wilkinson. Good luck to these competitors as they compete this weekend.

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Pierceton and Warsaw Michael and Tracy Wilson

themail-journal.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Take Advantage Of The Great Savings In

To Place A Classiﬁed Ad Call (574) 457-3666, Syracuse Or (574) 658-4111, Milford

October is National Audiology Awareness Month—

Bass Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology reminds the public to protect its hearing October is National Audiology Awareness Month. Bass Audiology, Syracuse, and the American Academy of Audiology are urging the public to be aware of the importance of good hearing health. “Make an appointment with an audiologist and get your hearing checked today,” said Dawn-Marie Bass, doctor of audiology. “Hearing is one of the most important

aspects of our health — it connects us to people and keeps us vital in the workplace. If left untreated, hearing loss is associated with other health issues, especially as we age.” The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states approximately 28.8 million Americans

CLASSIFIEDS Phone Or Fax In Your Ad Before 11 A.M. Tuesday MILFORD 574-658-4111 FAX 800-886-3796 SYRACUSE WARSAW 574-457-3666 574-269-2932 FAX 888-371-2934 Please take the time to make sure your classified ad is correct. The Papers Incorporated will not be responsible for errors in ads after the first publication. Ad position other than classification is not guaranteed. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID

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INDEX ANNOUNCEMENTS .................... A005-A100 BUSINESS SERVICE................... C010-C430 EMPLOYMENT............................. E010-E080 FARM ........................................... G010-G070 FINANCIAL .................................. H010-H030 INSTRUCTION ............................. K010-K020

ANNOUNCEMENTS BUYER BEWARE The Papers Incorporated cannot screen all advertisements to eliminate possibilities of fraud or misleading information. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Persons responding to ads are advised to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area or the Indiana Secretary of State’s Fraud Hotline before sending any money. 1-800-223-8791

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could beneﬁt from the use of hearing aids. While age is often cited as a factor, there are growing numbers of younger people reporting hearing difﬁculties. A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care cited 11 risk factors for dementia including hearing impairment in mid-life. The report also stated dementia typically starts many years before it is recognized. Untreated hearing loss can impact the brain and cognitive health. There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual,

for instance going from normal hearing to an untreated mild hearing loss, is associated with a three-fold increase in fall risk. One of the factors in maintaining healthy hearing is being conscious of the degree and amount of loud sound exposure. Many hearing losses are caused by damage to the tiny sensory receptors, or hair cells, in the inner ear. The damage can be caused by too much noise, and it is permanent; however, steps can be taken to prevent this damage because noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable. The simplest way to protect your hearing if you can’t avoid loud sounds is to wear hearing protection. An audiologist can

help to identify the right hearing protection including custom hearing protection that can provide a comfortable ﬁt and good sound quality. The four main ways for protecting your hearing are: E — earplugs A — avoid loud sounds R — reduce the level of sounds S — shorten time in loud environments “There is no doubt people are concerned about their health. Often, though, they don’t think about the importance of hearing health,” said Bass “An audiologist educates patients about safe versus unsafe levels for listening. They utilize tools and share resources that empower patients

to protect their hearing. Additionally, they perform hearing evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation efforts for hearing loss, tinnitus, and certain balance problems.” “Anyone suspecting that his or her hearing has diminished or is unsure, should see an audiologist and get tested as soon as possible,” Bass recommended. “Changes to hearing tend to happen gradually; by the time hearing loss is noticed, it may have been progressing for a while. Improving hearing improves quality of life — our ears are too important to put off taking care of them.” For more information, visitBassHearing.com

It happened in Syracuse ... 20 years ago

Local runners complete Chicago Marathon 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 16, 2013 Spinning Fish Pottery Studio, located at Creative Fish Art Gallery, Syracuse, is now open to the public. Creative Fish Art Gallery owner Kathleen Boyts was approached about the need to have a pottery studio with open studio time for potters and beginners, including a studio space to create pottery and have it fired. A celebration was recently held at Miller’s Merry Manor, Syracuse, for all the staff and residents. The event was the result of a perfect survey designation from the State Board of Health. Patrick Boyle, CEO for the company, was treated to special music provided by Gladys Culver, 103. Culver enjoys playing the piano daily at the facility to the delight of everyone, and was happy to play a few special numbers for Boyle. 20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 15, 2003 Congratulations to local marathon winners on making it across the finish line of the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Six Syracuse area residents were among the 32,500 runners according to the results on the Internet. Bruce Daugherty finished with a time of 3:32:06 and placed 4,194 overall. Justin Fredricks finished with

a time of 3:40:56 and was 5,832 overall. Michael Hixenbaugh’s time was 3:37:42, and placed 5,150. Kelly Drinkwine’s time was 5:09:34 and placed 26,785 overall. Michael Hedman ﬁnished with a time of 3:52:29 and 8,438 overall. Senior Airman Zachary Daniel Lash, a 1995 graduate of Wawasee High School, was recently named a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Airman Leadership School. The Distinguished Graduate honor is bestowed on only 10% of the class for outstanding performance in academics, physical training and leadership potential. Lash is the son of Jerry and Susan Lash, and grandson of Ann Lash, all of Syracuse. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 13, 1993 Many boys have a fascination with trains and 2-year-old John P. Kirkwood, East Main Street, Syracuse, is no different. Bob Troutman, who is an avid train buff, heard about the little guy’s interest and made him a special present for this second birthday, Oct. 12. John was presented with his birthday present, an observation car complete with his name on the side and the car num-

FULL-TIME POSITION The Town of Milford is looking for a full-time laborer in all departments. Pay depends on experience. Apply at Milford Town Hall, 121 S. Main Street, Milford, IN 46542. More information on website: www.milford-indiana.org

ber, which was his birth date — 101291. Bud and Bette Slabaugh, East Northshore Drive, Syracuse, ﬂew to Las Vegas the weekend of Oct. 2 with Goshen friends Larry and Mona Shafer. Bette said they had a lot of fun and enjoyed a trip to the Hoover Dam. 40 YEARS AGO, OCT. 19, 1983 Larry L. Laird, son of Robert J. and Rowenna D. Laird of Syracuse, has been promoted to chief master sergeant, highest enlisted grade in the US Air Force. Laird is an intelligence operations manager at Washington Navy Yard with the Air Force Intelligence Service. The chief is a 1959 graduate of Syracuse High School. The Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, international society of women educators, met for their second meeting of the

season on Oct. 10. During the business session, thee was an afﬁrmative vote, conducted by vice president Norma Rush of Syracuse, to join Alpha Nu Chapter with South Bend chapters, forming a new district in order to promote the best interests of the chapters. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 17, 1973 New dispatcher at the police and ﬁre station is Barbara (Mrs. Eli) Kauffman of Syracuse. She started her duties on Monday. When Mrs. Ellsworth Peterson (hubby is state representative from the Ligonier area) was asked about the possibility of her husband running for the state senate for the seat held by John F. Augsburger, she said, “If 14 years in politics with my husband have taught me anything, it has been to keep my mouth shut.”

It happened in Milford … 40 years ago

Nick and Earleen (Fisher) Tatro moving to Tel Aviv 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 16, 2013 On Friday, students at Milford School participated in a walk-athon. Kids walked throughout the morning, and each grade had a particular theme to dress up as. Students at Milford Elementary were treated to an ethnomusical treat Monday. Yurtfolk, comprised of LuAnne Harley and Brian Kruschwitz, teach audiences of all ages about different cultures around the world with music, dance and folk tales. They call their group Yurtfolk because they live in a yurt, a round, freestanding home that originated in Mongolia, southern Russia, and northern China. Harley and Kruschwitz’s 700 square-foot yurt is nestled in North Manchester. 20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 15, 2003 David and Bobi (Bowser) Doll, 12598 N. Conner Court, Milford, observed their 25th wedding anniversary Tuesday, Oct. 14. They are both graduates of Wawasee High School, classes of 1976 and 1977, respectively. He is employed at Chore-Time Brock, Milford, and she is employed at Shear Success, Milford. Marlin Miller of Milford is the recipient of an Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing. The awards were presented during the opening session of the 13th annual Indiana Affordable Housing Conference in Indianapolis Oct. 7. Preschool classes from Milford United Methodist Church visited the Milford Fire Department Monday. Children in both the morning and afternoon classes got to ride one of the ﬁre trucks as well. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 13, 1993 The day ﬁnally arrived for the board of directors of Leisure Living Apartments, East Catherine

Street, Milford, to break ground for the new complex. Funds have been released from the federal government for 16 new apartments. Board members had been working since 1988 to secure funds for the complex which will be built to the east of the existing complex. Hoping to add a favorable chapter to a storied history, Gary and Nancy Whetten are in the process of purchasing the building on Main Street in Milford that formerly housed Campbell’s IGA. Noting that the transaction should be completed by Friday, Oct. 15, Gary Whetten, who owns and operates the adjoining Bud’s Bar, says the fate of the building is still undecided. 40 YEARS AGO, OCT. 19, 1983 Nick and Earleen (Fisher) Tatro, veteran Associated Press correspondents, will be moving from Beirut to Tel Aviv, where Nick is the new bureau chief. They are in Milford this week visiting Earleen’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Noble Fisher. The Milford Junior High A and B volleyball teams defeated the Syracuse Yellow Jackets on Oct. 10. The B-team, behind the serving of Donna Miller, Renee Beer and Danielle Schwab, won in two games, 15-11 and 15-7. Rhonda Stookey led in hits and passes. The A-team pulled out a close three-game win, 5-15, 15-5 and 16-14. Bill Motts, 81, 409 West Emeline St., Milford, had his best day ever at the bowling lanes on Friday, Oct. 14. Motts, whose average is around 150, rolled games of 215, 211 and 203 for a total series of 629. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 17, 1973 Strange things are happening Continued on page 11

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — themail-journal.com

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‘Baby Grace,’ Wendi Lou Lee shares her story

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Referring to her character’s name, “Grace,” on The Little House on the Prairie, Wendi Lou Lee spoke about God’s grace in her life and how “grace sometimes comes in little tiny moments and you see that goodness.” Lee was the keynote speaker at Operation Read’s annual Author Dinner Thursday, Oct. 12. The event was held at the Shrine Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw. Before she started on her presentation, she spoke about Operation Read and a little about promoting reading. She noted as a child she didn’t have books in her house. The only time they had them was when

the family went to the library. She remembers being in ﬁrst grade and there was a book fair. “I remember the one time that my mom told each of us girls, there was three of us, to pick out a book.” She remembers one of her sisters getting “On Market Street,” an ABC book that her sister still has. “I didn’t grow up in a book reading family at all. We didn’t have shelves of books in our house and I never, ever liked reading. I never did it as a kid. I didn’t read Little House on the Prairie until I was an adult.” Through her husband’s family, she learned to love reading and was around a lot of books. “Literacy begins at a very, very early age. What you all are doing here is incredible. I applaud you. Thank you for being here supporting this incredible organization.”

It happened in North Webster ... 40 years ago

International Palace of Sports promotes plans for new park, public beach 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 16, 2013 The general membership of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce elected new board members to ﬁll expired terms during the regular monthly meeting Monday. Chosen for three-year terms were: Karilyn Metcalf, Dixie Sternwheeler; Richard Owen, Owen Family Funeral Homes; Helen Leinbach, North Webster Community Public Library; and Don Roulo, The Cake Lady. Dave Colquitt, Eastlund Funeral Home, was reelected vice-president. North Webster Town Council awarded the contract for a new pole building to local contractor Hartley Construction at the monthly council meeting Tuesday evening at the North Webster Community Center. Thaddeus Du Bois had one of four of his handbags on the runway at Boston Fashion Week during the past week. His sister, Clarissa Du Bois, who now has a photography studio called CYD Gallery in Goshen, was one of the show’s photographers. 20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 15, 2003 Terry Pawlosky, North Webster’s park director for 11 years, will step down at the end of the year. North Webster Town Council members heard from her at its meeting Thursday, Oct. 9, a different day than their usual meeting. Andrews and Jeff Morgan were present; council member Ken Wagner was absent. A burglary and theft spree by two area brothers ended Wednesday, Oct. 8, in a gravel pit near North Webster. The two were taken into custody without incident on the south side of Backwater Lake on Kosciusko County’s east county line. Donations were made to North Webster Emergency Medical Services, North Webster Fire Department and North Webster Area Community Services Oct. 1, when the Hoosier Auxiliary of Barbee Lakes Conservation Club met. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 13, 1993 On Nov. 1, 1993, Robert Reiff of North Webster will hit the road in his big yellow school bus for the last time. After 36 years of driv-

ing a bus for the Wawasee School Corporation, Reiff will be retiring. With retirement around the corner, Reiff does plan on keeping busy. His ultimate goal is to take a trip to Alaska. Betty Richcreek and Nancy Howell will be the ofﬁcial delegates of Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi Iota Xi National Sorority at the northeast district meeting Oct. 30 at Matterhorn Restaurant, Elkhart. Others attending will be Norma Eisaman and Janet Allen. Delegates will be attending from 24 chapters in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. This year, pheasant hunting in the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 20. A daily fee will be charged. The bag limit is two birds per day. 40 YEARS AGO, OCT. 19, 1983 Charles Parker, director of International Palace of Sports, explained plans for a park and public beach, which will be located at the present Dixie boat landing in North Webster. He stated the IPS is helping promote funding for a park and public beach. The estimated cost is $200,000. Mr. and Mrs. Varner Chance, North Webster, were hosts to an English visitor, Noel Bibby, through last Wednesday evening. The Chances met Bibby in Cheam, England. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 17, 1973 A reception was held at the Knights of Pythian Hall Sunday afternoon honoring Mrs. Carl Kissinger, who was recently appointed district deputy. Mrs. Ermal Vanator greeted arriving guests. The Lions Club annual family night carry-in dinner meeting was held at the Epworth Hotel Thursday night with approximately 60 people attending. Ofﬁcers of the club elected this summer are: Gary Eastlund, president; Aaron Hinesley, vice president; William Metcalf, secretary; and Paul Royer, treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Spry attended the Covered Bridge Festival at Rockville Saturday. Local residents who attended the festival Sunday included Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Warble.

Nick and Continued from page 10 in this world of ours, each day for the past week people have been spotting unidentified flying objects in the area. Last night (Tuesday) one was spotted in Milford with town marshal Don Drake confirming the sighting. Drake told a Mail-Journal reporter this morning he had been called to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kinney east of town after

Mrs. Kinney and her children had observed an unusual light hovering over the area. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon May of Milford have returned from two days at the 17th annual Covered Bridge Festival at Rockville in Parke County. The Mays enjoyed a bus ride through the country and saw many of the old covered bridges, some of which are over 100 years old.

Lee, who has only been an author for the past seven years, not only spoke about how her first book “A Prairie Devotional,” was created, but provided insights about the red feathers found on each table and the title of her latest book, “Red Tail Feathers.” She also answered questions she is frequently asked about career: her work with Michael Landon, the cast and crew of Little House on the Prairie; how much she remembered about the show; her acting career after Little House; when she started writing; and if she kept in contact with the cast. She ended the evening by answering several questions from the audience. Lee shared how she and her twin sister, Brenda, came to be on the show for four seasons, and the one commercial they did after that, which was also the end of their career. She said how Landon became a stand-in father figure, and gave them the foundation of what a family was like. She also said how the entire group connected with Little House was a family. Regarding the start of her writing career and the red feathers, Lee related it came after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015. She said how she was at a low point in her life until a little bird “comes into my life. I didn’t see those red feathers until it turned around … maybe this was supposed to happen. Maybe things are as they seem.” Three months after that surgery, she started writing her memoir. After going to a writer’s conference, where no one was interested in it, she tossed the book. Instead, after meeting a devotional acquisition editor and pitching an idea, she wrote some samples and the book was published. She then concentrated on the memoir, which was finished in August. “Honestly, God said ‘here you go.’ It gave me time as a person and as a writer to be able to tell this next story well or better than it was before.” Lee noted 23 years after leaving the show and Hollywood, she met up with the cast at a luncheon 19 years ago. For the last 18 years she has been traveling with Alison Arngrim, who was Nellie Olson; Charlotte Stewart, Miss Beadle; and Dean Butler, Almanzo Wilder. “I can’t believe this is my life. God is so good, and he’s brought me so far. Incredible. Beyond just being on the show … I still have this family that everywhere we go, it’s like summer camp…” Lee left the audience with this thought: “I had to look back at my life and I had to see the good. See the good even in those hard places. I wonder when you look back in your life, can you see grace? Can you see it in your life? If you can’t see it right off the bat, maybe you just need to dig a little bit deeper

and see maybe the hard places that grace hides itself in, and also that grace really shows up in unexpected ways. So when you’re in a challenging time to look for grace where you wouldn’t think it could hide.” She also challenged those present to think about, “What is your red feather? What is the thing in your life that makes you think of God’s faithfulness or maybe just hope for the future? Because we all have hard times. We all need something to get through those

hard times.” Lee was presented with a drawing, made by North Webster Elementary Art Teacher Kim Gause, depicting various aspects of Lee’s life. Prior to Lee’s presentation, DeeAnna Muraski, executive director and CEO, highlighted the programs of Operation Read, formerly Kosciusko Literacy Services. Such programs included the baby library where 100% of newborns in the county receive their ﬁrst book, a baby’s ﬁrst bookmark and

baby’s ﬁrst library; Read to Grow Children’s book club; adult tutoring books; book review offering reading incentives which will be offered at Milford Elementary this year; Senior Memory Program and more. Guests had the opportunity to purchase Lee’s two books, get autographs and have photographs taken with her. Each guest left with a bag with information about Operation Read, candy and of course a book and bookmark.

Abbs joins Syracuse Park Board with vision for the future %\ 0$5< +856+ *XHVW :ULWHU Kristin Abbs decided to seek a board position with the Syracuse Park Board to have an active role in caring for and preserving recreational areas for current residents, visitors and future generations. “As a nurse practitioner, I have a vested interest in healthy spaces for people to remain physically active. As an avid gardener, I enjoy working outdoors and planting a variety of plants for others to enjoy,” said Abbs. Some of the projects Abbs envisions for the future include maintaining and improving current park safety and accessibility, expansion of parks and trails and community outreach so more people are aware of community park resources. “We can make many things, but we can’t make more land. Many plants and trees take decades to reach their ornamental potential. Fiscally responsible routine care and maintenance can extend the life of our parks and trails, saving money for additional projects,” said Abbs. Abbs was born and raised in Wisconsin and earned her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Wisconsin and her master of science in nursing at Bellin College of Nursing in Green Bay, Wisc. “The medical ﬁeld unites my passion for science and problem solving with my love for helping others. I enjoy researching the latest scientiﬁc advances and sharing this knowledge in ways that empower and improve quality of life for my patients and their families,” said Abbs. One of the most important services that Abbs and her family often perform in Syracuse is keeping the trails and the parks clean. “I would really like to start an ‘adopt a park or trail’ where families or organizations could volunteer to help keep these areas clean.” Abbs is currently a family nurse practitioner at Goshen Physicians Urology. Before that, she worked in

Public Auction

October 21, 2023 Abandoned Storage Units between Syracuse & North Webster at Pack Rat Self Storage Let it be known, this is to certify to all concerned parties that an AUCTION SALE of stored household, business and/or other miscellaneous merchandise will take place at the PACK RAT SELF STORAGE, 8227 N. State Rd. 13, Syracuse, IN 46567 on Saturday, October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. This sale is being conducted as a unit lot sale only to satisfy the delinquent storage charges accumulated by the following renters: Only minimum bids will be taken to satisfy the storage charges.

Scott Bolinger 10080 N. Turkey Creek Rd.-Lot 9 Leisa Bowling 707 W. Market St. Judy Christian 420 W. Crystal Flash Rd. Rhett Cook 409 N. Harrison St. Dream Mobile Marine 8164 E. Sunrise Dr. Assorted boats, trailers & automobiles (see below) Shanna Grifﬁth P.O. Box 707 Laila Hepburn 1341 Clover Creek Lane Richard Johnson 10080 N. Turkey Creek Rd.-Lot 1 Jonathan Kline Ashbury Drive Michael Ott 608 Poplar Drive Dustin Sieglinger 9 EMS W 30 A Lane Lonnie Sroufe P.O. Box 707 Chad Stover 404 W. Pickwick Rd. Chandler Walley 6669 N. 5th Trail Nick Whitehead 12997 N. Eastshore Dr.

Syracuse, IN 46567 Warsaw, IN 46580 North Webster, IN 46555 Syracuse, IN 46567 Syracuse, In 46567

Unit #503 Unit #124 Unit #2A10 Unit #431

North Webster, IN 46555 Goshen, IN 46526 Syracuse, IN 46567 North Webster, IN 46555 Syracuse, IN 46567 North Webster, IN 46555 North Webster, IN 46555 Syracuse, IN 46567 North Webster, IN 46555 Syracuse, IN 46567

Unit #66 Unit #200 Unit #45 Unit #30 & #216 Unit #619 Unit #87 Unit #44 & #509 Unit #180 Unit #107 Unit #8B20

In addition, we will auction off individually - 6 trailers, 4 boats & 3 automobiles that have been abandoned by customers. We will issue “Bill of Sales” to buyers.

.5,67,1 $%%6 ³ 6KRZQ DW WKH ODNH DUH .ULVWLQ *UHJ 4XLQWLQ 3LHUFH DQG /DWKDQ $EEV 3KRWR E\ -HQQLIHU 6]\QDO perioperative hospital care with the Lutheran Medical Group in Fort Wayne. While in Wisconsin, she worked in outpatient surgery, infu-

sion therapy and gastroenterology patient care. She and her husband Greg live on Syracuse Lake with their three sons.

3XEOLF 1RWLFHV NOTICE OF DETERMINATION Pursuant to Indiana Code § 6-1.1-20-5, notice is hereby given that the Board of School Trustees of the Wawasee Community School Corporation has preliminarily determined to enter into a lease agreement and issue bonds in one or more series of bonds in the aggregate principal amount of $58,805,000 to fund the i) renovation of and improvements to Wawasee High School, including the construction of new Performing Arts Center, (ii) reconstruction and/or renovation of Milford School, and (iii) renovation of and improvements to facilities in the School Corporation, including deferred maintenance improvements and site improvements, and the purchase of equipment and technology. Dated: October 18, 2023 /s/ Secretary, Board of School Trustees Wawasee Community School Corporation hspaxlp O.18-25 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given, that the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals shall hold a public hearing on a petition filed by Chris Verta, requesting a VARIANCE be granted from the Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance, which would permit: PETITION FOR A VARIANCE TO ALLOW OFF STREET PARKING ONLY WHEN ORDINANCE REQUIRES 22 PARKING SPACES Said real estate is located at: 100 E. Main St., Syracuse, on Key Number: 008-024-068 This hearing will be held in: Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse on Thursday, October 19, 2023, 6:00 p.m. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments will be considered if they are received in the Office of the Kosciusko County Plan Commission, Court House, Warsaw, Indiana, no later than 72 hours before the meeting, (mailing address: 100 W. Center St., Rm. 303, Warsaw, In 46580). Any digitally submitted comments or exhibits on devices, such as but not limited to, flash memory drives, thumb drives, or external drives must be submitted to the office 72 hours before the hearing and presented at the meeting will not be viewed in accordance with the Kosciusko County Cybersecurity directives. KOSCIUSKO COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Matthew Sandy, Director hspaxlp O.11-18 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given, that the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals shall hold a public hearing on a petition filed by Chris Verta, requesting an EXCEPTION be granted to permit the following described real estate to be used for the purpose of: EX-2023-120 CHANGE & ALTERATION OF A NON-CONFORMING USE BY ALLOWING THE REMOVAL OF 1 RESIDENTIAL USE UNIT IN UPPER LEVEL & ADDING ANOTHER COMMERCIAL USE ON THE MAIN LEVEL, WITH NO OFF STREET PARKING. Said real estate is located in an area which is presently zoned as Commercial by the Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance. The use requested is listed as a Exception for that area, or a similar use which is consistent with the objectives and purposes of the particular District. Said real estate is located at: 100 E. Main St., Syracuse, on Key Number: 008-024-068 This hearing will be held in: Syracuse Town Hall, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse on Thursday, October 19, 2023, 6:00 p.m. All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written comments will be considered if they are received in the Office of the Kosciusko County Plan Commission, Court House, Warsaw, Indiana, no later than 72 hours before the meeting, (mailing address: 100 W. Center St., Rm. 303, Warsaw, In 46580). Any digitally submitted comments or exhibits on devices, such as but not limited to, flash memory drives, thumb drives, or external drives must be submitted to the office 72 hours before the hearing and presented at the meeting will not be viewed in accordance with the Kosciusko County Cybersecurity directives. KOSCIUSKO COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Matthew Sandy, Director hspaxlp O.11-18

themail-journal.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Around The Lakes

History of funeral service in Syracuse —

An age of firsts %\ 0,&+$(/ / +$55,6 *XHVW :ULWHU Editor’s Note: This is part four of a series on the history of funeral service in Syracuse. Michael Harris obtained his information for these articles from The Syracuse Journal, and Ron and Joan Sharp’s various volumes of “A History of Syracuse.” In 1952, after 25 years serving the Syracuse community as its funeral director, Orval sold the business to my father and mother, Charles M. “Charlie” and Ann (Lovell) Harris. In July 1959, Carr began having some serious health problems resulting in several stays at the Veterans’ Hospital in Fort Wayne where he died in October 1961. Carr was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Syracuse American Legion, having served in World War I. Shortly after Carr purchased the funeral home from Pletcher, a man by the name of Elmer M. Calvert operated a funeral business in Syracuse, approximately March 1931 to May 1932, but apparently discontinued his efforts shortly thereafter. About the time of Carr’s death, my father purchased the North Webster Funeral Home formerly owned by Ira Rothenberger, brother to Syracuse funeral director, J.W. Rothenberger. After Ira Rothenberger retired, the business was sold to Hayworth and Bilby for a short time around 1934, but was later purchased by long-time Rothenberger employee, Frank Troxel. My father purchased Troxel Funeral Home from Frank Troxel. In 1926, Ira Rothenberger had followed Pletcher’s lead and opened a dedicated funeral facility in North Webster behind his residence at 203 E. South St. The facility consisted of a “reception room, a spacious chapel, fully equipped preparation room, slumber room and a large display room where a complete line of funeral supplies (were) shown.” When my dad ﬁrst purchased

it, he remodeled the preparation room, but the rest of the facility remained in a similar condition to when Ira Rothen&+$5/(6 0 berger ﬁrst +$55,6 opened it. By today’s standards it was pretty unimpressive, but in those days, it was state-of-the-art. Troxel continued to work for my dad, helping out with funerals for several more years. But the day-to-day operations required a more constant presence. So my dad hired a young funeral director and his wife, George, and Jeanne Deaton. The Deatons were a wonderful young couple and a great addition to the North Webster business. Of course in those days everyone associated with our business, covered wherever needed to be covered. Not only were we running funeral homes in two different towns, but we were also running ambulance services covering Syracuse, North Webster and the lake areas connected to those towns. My dad and mother had both grown up with meager means. My dad, during his early years, lived on his maternal grandparents’ farm outside of New Paris. Later, he and his parents raised milk cows on the hill where Mount Wawasee, the ski resort was later built. Mount Wawasee’s natural springs (known at that time as Buzzard’s Hill) made a great milk cooler. Later, the family moved to Jefferson Township north of Goshen and continued farming. My dad’s father was quite ill much of the time, and so my dad got up every morning to milk cows before going to school. Yet he still found time to play basketball for Jefferson High School, graduating in 1942, the year his father died. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and served as a gun-

Church

ner on a merchant marine ship, protecting vital supplies for the troops on the European front. After the war, he eventually decided to go to mortuary school. My mother, Anna E. Lovell, who he married in 1949, had grown up in the Knightstown Children’s Home following the death of her mother when she was 9 years old. Despite her hardships, however, my mother had gone to nurses training and gotten her degree as an RN. Because of her degree, she was able to provide the needed support for my father to get his embalming license. After graduating, my father served his internship at the Haverstock Funeral Home in LaPorte. So in 1952, with no money in the bank and no one in their family able to provide financing, they negotiated a deal with Carr to purchase the Syracuse funeral home, which became the Harris Funeral Home. Nine years later, in 1961, they were in a position to finance the purchase of the North Webster funeral home which became known as the Harris-Troxel Funeral Home. Perhaps because of their upbringing and own trials, my parents were always happy to help other young people. The Deatons were some of the first, they came on-board to help serve the North Webster community. When they decided to purchase their own funeral home in Bourbon, my father hired Gary and Barbara Eastlund to take primary responsibility for the North Webster facility. Barb was my maternal cousin and when she married Gary it seemed like a natural transition for them to become part of the family business. Over the years, many people, both young and old, worked for, and with, my dad. Because the business was still growing, fulltime employees other than the Eastlunds were not possible, but many well-known and soon to be well-known members of the community helped out from time to time.

UDOS TO Lakeland Kiwanis Club members who give back to the community. This organization is responsible for the beautiful American ﬂag displays throughout Main Street in North Webster.

Seen above are Kiwanians Tom Lavin and Roger Miller, who were hard at work removing the ﬂags for the season. This is just one of the many ways Lakeland Kiwanis serves and supports the North Webster community. —o— HARVEST COFFEE in Milford has been offering free meals this week to students 18 and younger during Wawasee’s fall break. They will continue doing so from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday. They are located at 207 N. Higbee St., Milford. Call (574) 6583066 for more information. —o— GRACE LUTHERAN Church will be participating in the “Trunk or Treat Trail” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. It is free for all children. —o— NORTH WEBSTER Community Center’s annual “Haunted Hallways” will take place from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Bring the kids in their Halloween ﬁnest for a time of family fun and treats! —o— LEAF SEASON has begun in Milford. Superintendent Steven Marquart asks that residents put their leaves in narrow piles no more than 6 feet wide along on top of the curb and away from objects. They do not do pickups in alleys. Make sure the piles are free of rocks, sticks and trash that can damage the equipment.

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Syracuse Baptist Church to host conference Syracuse Baptist Church, 10013 N. Syracuse-Webster Road, will host “Jesus and Politics IV: Hail to Jesus” conference 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Quaker Haven Camp, 111 Ems D16C Lane #8051, Syracuse. The event covers a wide range of interesting topics, including family, church, local governance, school, business, art, music and politics. The conference is a time for fellowship, food and networking. “We’ve always placed much more of an emphasis on ‘Christ and Culture,’ dealing with funda-

mental issues that everyone faces, but predicated on the proposition that Christ’s Lordship extends to every institution that exists,” Pastor Tim Bushong explained, “This means, like the Abraham Kuyper quote, ‘There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!’” Speakers include Pastor Tim Bushong; John Moody, seminary graduate who is involved with food co-ops, homesteading and food freedom; Jon Harris, a seminary gradu-

ate who hosts Conversations That Matter, a Christian podcast; Pastor Joseph Spurgeon and William Wolfe, a seminary student who served in the Trump administration. The event will also incorporate the singing of Psalms and hymns. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com/e/jesus-politicsconference-iv-hail-to-jesus-tickets634816913477?aff=eand. Lunch will be provided. Past conferences are available on Syracuse Baptist Church’s YouTube channel. Syracuse Baptist Church holds worship 10:30 a.m. every Sunday morning.

First Brethren to host community dinner Milford First Brethren Church, 110 W. Catherine St., is hosting a community dinner 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. This month’s menu consists of homemade soups, a side and a dessert. The church hosts a community dinner on the last Wednesday of every month with a rotating menu. For more information, call (574) 658-3141.

NORTH WEBSTER Ski Bees has announced its new officers for 2024. They are: Rich Presser, president; Ben Guy, vice president; Doug Jones, secretary/ treasurer; Mike Jones and Ben Guy, dock coordinators; Tom Jones, boat captain; Matt Murdock and Tom Collins, announcers; and Zach Kerley, safety and risk assessment. For more information, go to websterskibees.com. —o— THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE Chamber of Commerce had 363 people vote for the light pole decorations. Every single entry is awesome and the Chamber thanks everyone who participated. This year’s winners are Lakeland Youth Center, third place; Parker Hannifin, second place; and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, first place. Congratulations to the winners! —o— THIS WEEK is fall break for many students in the area, so Made on Main is opening the studio. Stop in during studio hours Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 19-21 to pick a project and have some fun. There’s something for all ages and all skill levels. If you haven’t been into Made by Main yet, here’s your chance. It is located at 103 S. Main St., Milford, will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday; 5-7 p.m. Friday during Food Truck Friday; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. —o— BART’S WATERSPORTS retail shop closed after 51 years. Their last day was Saturday, Sept. 16. However, they will continue to sell the same great products online at Barts.com. They are currently revamping the website, so stay tuned for their new online shopping experience. —o— DON’T FORGET about Food Truck Friday from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in downtown Milford. It’s the big Fall Festival and 2023 series finale. —o—

THIS IS Syracuse was thrilled to welcome 16 participants to its ﬁrst session, learning to play beginning guitar and pour painting. These events are wonderful opportunities to get to know other community members, learn a new hobby and have a fun night out.

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projects in the community. The cost is a freewill donation, so be sure to give generously and vote on your favorite entries! —o—

The next session is from 7-8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 18. You can register on the “This is Syracuse” Facebook. For more information, email thisissyracuse@gmail.com or call (574) 457-3778 and leave a message. —o— NORTH WEBSTER Church of God, 302 N. Main St., will host “A Sweeter Life,” a Rose Garden Community fundraiser, from 7 -8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Join them for testimonies, homemade pie and encouragement. The featured speaker is Jennifer Stephens. Event details, sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales can be found by visiting rosegardenrecovery.com and clicking on the event’s link. —o— THE TOWN of Milford will be sewer jetting during the next two weeks, according to Superintendent Steve Marquart. He added that this can cause an odor to come out of your drain, but that it will subside. —o— REGISTRATION IS open for the Upward basketball league at North Webster United Methodist Church. The deadline to register is Dec. 2 and can be done by going to registration. upward.org/UPW85191. The program is for basketball players and cheerleader, children ages kindergarten through ﬁfth grade. There will be nine weeks of practices, and eight weeks of games. The ﬁrst game is Jan. 15, 2024. —o— DON’T FORGET about this Friday evening’s seventh annual Soup Supper Cook-Off inside the Milford Community Building, 111. S. Main St. The event is sponsored by the Milford Kiwanis with all proceeds going to their many

DID YOU know North Webster has a free medical clinic located at North Webster United Methodist Church? It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays; enter through the front doors. The clinic is run by St. Anthony’s, a free health care clinic offering a limited range of medical testing and health care services to economically disadvantaged residents of Kosciusko County who do not have health insurance. All services are provided by appointment only. There is no charge for any care provided by the clinic. To schedule an appointment, call (574) 526-1401 or visit kosciuskofreeclinic.com. —o— ONCE AGAIN, the staff at the Syracuse Public Library is asking for patrons patience with its holds system. The state is still working on transitioning between courier services. There are still backlogs of items that are being delivered around the state. As such, Evergreen has decided to put a hold on placing holds until Oct. 31. Library staff can still place a hold for patrons to pick up one of its items, pick up an item at a local library or possibly purchase the item. Continue to ask the staff for help getting an item. —o— NORTH WEBSTER Church of God will host its annual trunk or treat event from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. If you have been to this event before, you know there are so many different themes and that it is really fun to walk through as a family in a safe and, of course, candy-ﬁlled environment. This event is indoors and there’s no need to preregister this year. The church will have candy, games, hot dogs and chips for everyone. —o— THE MILFORD Lions Club recently had a wonderful evening learning about the Wawasee FFA Project, “Feed the Farmer.” Pictured below, from left, are FFA Chapter Treasurer Emma Jackson, Secretary Emerson Krull, Vice President Libby Haab and President Lucas Wilkinson, accepting a donation from the Lions Club for the project.