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Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana

Howling At The Owl’s Nest

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

One Nation Under God

Page 10 themail-journal.com

WHS achieves notable rankings in county, state and nation

MULTIPLE RAILROAD CLOSURES — There are multiple railroad closures in Syracuse as construction crews repair the railroad crossings. Railroad closures include the intersection of Huntington and Medusa streets, the intersection of North Oak Street and

West Railroad Avenue and Eastshore Drive. As of Tuesday, Oct. 31, there is no construction happening on the intersection of North Oak Street and West Railroad Avenue or Eastshore Drive, but they are closed. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

Information meeting with KEDCO enters legal gray area By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

MIA ON THE GO — Mia Hodgson hopes to return to the state meet her junior and senior seasons. Photo provided by Doug Slabaugh.

Hodgson represents WHS at state meet

For the first time in nearly 20 years a Wawasee girl ran at the

state cross-country meet. Sophomore Mia Hodgson went up against a loaded field Saturday, Oct. 28, but placed herself inside the top 150 runners in the state. “Mia went out and raced awesome competition at the state meet,” coach Doug Slabaugh said. “The state meet is a whole different atmosphere than any other meet we’ve been at this year. Mia kept calm, poised, and excited about the experience. From the gun she got out hard and aggressively running her fastest first mile and two mile through the race.” Hodgson finished 141st overall with a time of 19:45.7. Her performance was a season best as she topped her sectional time of 19.51.6 on Oct. 14. The race took place at the LaVern Gibson Course in Terre Haute, a venue that has also

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hosted championship meets for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. “I think that is overshadowed how challenging it is to not get overwhelmed with that state meet, all the fast competition and let that affect your performance,” Slabaugh said. ”I am so proud of Mia. This season has brought many challenges along the way, but through those challenges she’s still been such a consistent runner and been such a great teammate. Mia has such a great future ahead of her and I’m so lucky I get to be part of this journey.” Hodgson was the first Lady Warrior to qualify for the meet since 2004 when Rachel Stichter was second overall in the meet for Wawasee. Back then the race was just 4 kilometers. Hodgson tied Continued on page 2

Inside

By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

What was presented as an informational meeting among Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., the developers of South Shore Ventures, and representatives of the Syracuse Town Council, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission, the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission, Kosciusko County Council and Kosciusko County Commissioners entered into a gray legal area when a quorum of the Syracuse Town Council chose to attend. The meeting was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, in the Syracuse Town Hall. The Mail-Journal received word Monday afternoon, Oct. 30, that a meeting was scheduled. The individual who informed the Mail-Journal about the meeting asked if the number of council members present would constitute a violation of Indiana’s Open Door Law. The Mail-Journal staff first confirmed a meeting was planned with KEDCO and KEDCO confirmed a private meeting was scheduled. Staff then contacted the state’s public access counselor to see if a quorum of council members at the meeting constituted a violation of open door. A representative of the public access counselor stated having so many council members in attendance presented “a funky gray area,” when it came to the law. While IC 5-14-1.5-2 B-3c states “Meeting” means a gathering of a majority of the governing body of a public agency for the purpose of taking official action upon public business. It does not include any of the following: “a gathering to discuss an industrial or a commercial prospect

Lakeland Soccer and Football See Page 7 Winners See Public Notices On Page 9

that does not include a conclusion as to recommendations, policy, decisions or final action on the terms of a request or an offer of public financial resources.” While labeled a private meeting, The Mail-Journal attempted to attend and cover the meeting. Terry Sweeney of KEDCO stated the meeting was to be private. Syracuse Town Councilman Larry Siegel stated the town attorney had been consulted and the town was on “solid legal footing” regarding the matter. Town Manager David Wilkinson elected to have Syracuse Town Council President Cindy Kaiser make the decision whether to open the meeting to the press. Kaiser was informed of the potential for an open door violation. Again, Siegel stated Jay Rigdon, town attorney, said the meeting would not be an open door violation. Wilkinson contradicted Siegel telling Kaiser, Rigdon agreed with the public access counselor’s assessment regarding the meetContinued on page 2

Wawasee High School has announced their recent accolades: not only achieving the U.S. News No. 1 spot in Kosciusko County area high schools but also gaining commendable positions within state and national rankings. “This success is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our students, staff and community,” Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing for Wawasee Community School Corporation, wrote in the press release. Wawasee High School ranked No. 1 in Kosciusko County, No. 149 in Indiana high schools and No. 6,371 in national rankings. “These results speak volumes to the dedicated and intentional work that our teachers are doing throughout the professional learning community process. Earning this award is not something we ever considered or sought out to do. It is simply a byproduct of the focused collaboration on instructional strategies and the assurance of student learning we have worked towards over the last four years,” said Geoff Walmer, WHS principal. “Additionally, it speaks volumes to our students stepping up to the plate, learning at high levels and proving that they can rise to the occasion when prepared the right way. I am very proud of each and every one of our students and staff members.” Beyond traditional metrics, these rankings also underscore the school’s intentional strategies for driving excellence. A pivotal component in this journey has been the PLC process, reinforcing continuous learning and improvement. Additionally, the strategic partnership with the AP TIP-IN program has provided Wawasee High School students with invaluable advanced academic opportunities. It’s notable to highlight Wawasee High School’s 28% participation rate in Advanced Placement coursework and exams. This can empower students to stretch their academic capacities, aiming for potential college credit while navigating high school’s rigors.

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Kosciusko Senior Services’ debut fundraiser strikes a chord, raising $37,478 to support seniors By SCOTT CLAY Guest Writer The inaugural dinner fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 28, hosted by Kosciusko Senior Services, took Kosciusko County, by storm, uniting the community for an unforgettable evening of music, merriment and philanthropy. The event saw over 20 tables filled and over 170 enthusiastic guests in attendance, demonstrating the strong community support for Kosciusko Senior Services. The total amount raised during this memorable evening was an impressive $37,478, a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Kosciusko County. The centerpiece of this fundraiser was a mesmerizing Dueling Pianos performance, brought to life by PianoWars.com and their Entertainment Director, Dave Caruso, who also took to the keys. The crowd was enraptured as two brilliant pianists faced off, delivering an electrifying musical showdown that spanned genres, eliciting cheers and applause from

every corner of the room. The evening was a tapestry of musical magic, with spirited singalongs, impromptu dance-offs, and an abundance of crowd engagement. Guests eagerly participated in a heartwarming display of support through the tip jar, with Wildman Uniform Company generously matching contributions. An engaging silent auction, featuring over 40 items donated by local businesses and community members, further heightened the excitement. Items ranged from dinners in Kosciusko County to outdoor umbrellas, botox treatments from Hollar Dentists, Weathertech floor mats from Toyota of Warsaw, restaurant gift cards, sports tickets, quilts, and an array of delightful surprises. Attendees were also given the opportunity to make tax-deductible donations while securing exciting vacation packages. The night’s Master of Ceremonies, Jeff Owens, a local realtor, skillfully guided the event, weaving humor and warmth throughout the evening, leaving no mo-

ment without laughter. The night’s special guest, Normandy Veteran Charlie Garner, at 100 years old, shared a touching testimony of how senior services have positively impacted his life. David Neff, executive director of Kosciusko Senior Services, introduced Garner and extended heartfelt appreciation to the senior services board of directors, for their instrumental roles in crafting this extraordinary event. The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of its main sponsors: Wildman Uniform Group, Maple Leaf Farms, Alderfer Bergen, and the Bowen Center. These sponsors added unique and spooky centerpieces that perfectly complemented the Halloween season. Warsaw Party Rental also played a crucial role by providing captivating decorations that dazzled the audience. The venue, The Owls Nest, set the perfect atmosphere with dimmed lighting and a delectable menu featuring a chicken and brisket buffet and beef shank with asparagus.

Scott Clay, RQAW Engineering, and Ashley Dillon, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Executive Director, both dedicated board members, were recognized for their significant contributions to table filling and event organization. Clay says, “It’s important to stay as involved in your community as you’re able to. I want to give a huge thank you to all of our guests who came out to support our county’s senior citizens who need help with transportation, home delivered meals and providing a place of companionship for our seniors. Neff, executive director of Kosciusko Senior Services, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are overwhelmed by the incredible success of our inaugural fundraiser and the tremendous support we received from our sponsors and the community. This event has set the stage for future initiatives to benefit our seniors, and we are deeply grateful to all who made it possible.” The Kosciusko Community Foundation provided Senior Ser-

Syracuse Public Library —

Bring the family to the library Syracuse Public Library will hold a Family Fun Night at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the downstairs meeting room. Families will create turkey drumstick hats, perfect for the impending Thanksgiving holiday. There will be snacks available, too. Plan to arrive at 5:30 p.m. so you don’t miss out, since supplies are limited. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food or per-

sonal hygiene items to support the library’s ongoing autumn food drive. These items will be given to the Syracuse Food Pantry and local little pantries. Can’t make it to Family Fun Night? The library will have boxes available for donations at either entrance until Monday, Nov. 20. Grab A Cup Of Joe The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library are bringing cof-

fee to the library from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Swing by the upstairs sitting area to grab a cup and some snacks. If you have time, stay and chat with the Friends and other library visitors and learn what’s happening at the library. Adult Programming Mahjong meets at 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays in the downstairs meeting room. Players of all skill levels are welcome

How do we know nature loves us back? Chautauqua-Wawasee will host a program that considers the question: “We say we love nature...How do we know that nature loves us back?” The Syracuse Community Center will be the site of this free program at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Three presenters will explore how relationships with nature teaches, feeds and heals us. Diane Hunter, John Edgerton and Cliff Kindy will offer a model of how humans from very different ancestries can find common ground and harmony in a world that longs for peace, generosity and humility. Diane Hunter has served as the Myaamia Heritage Preservation Specialist for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and is a citizen and elder of the tribe. Her expertise is in the history of the Myaamia People, their cultural experience,

artistic and story-telling nature. Earth-centered wisdom has been a part of Myaamia culture and life since time immemorial. John Edgerton is a regionally-known advocate for sustainable farming and gardening and for the preservation of early seed forms that are at risk due to genetic engineering and mass commercialization. He enjoys sharing ways to live in harmony with the natural world. Cliff Kindy, also a lifelong sustainable farmer, is a global peacemaker, a founding member of Community Peacemaker Teams. His way of life demonstrates that humans can re-learn how to live simply - with a very light footprint - as an avenue to world peace and environmental sustainability. Kindy and his partner, Arlene, share a small farm with two oth-

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er families, making their livelihood through organic gardening. They have blended simplicity and solar energy to approach carbon neutrality. They have also captured from the rain all necessary water to support thriving gardens and home life, without tapping into the water table for their needs. Chautauqua-Wawasee’s event organizer John Beams said, “The wisdom of these three people will inspire us all to think more deeply about the natural world embracing us, and to accept humbly the quiet gift of love that Nature continues to extend to us.” Chautauqua-Wawasee is a nonprofit organization. Its goal is to help make Syracuse and the region a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family. Follow them on Facebook or visit chqw. org.

to join the group, including those looking to learn how to play. The knitting and crocheting club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the upstairs sitting area. Attendees should bring their ongoing project or the supplies to start a new one. Those who have always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet can find support at the club. WorkOne will be at the library from 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, to help those with employment questions in the upstairs sitting area. WorkOne can help with training, resumes, job searches and even mock job interviews. Children’s Programming Move & Groove Club will happen at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, in the downstairs meeting room. Children will show off their moves while doing several dance games. This program is geared toward students in kindergarten through fifth grade, but younger or older siblings are welcome to join the fun. Storytime and homeschool class will occur at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Homeschool class will be targeted toward fourth- through sixth-grade students and focus on Election Day. Younger students can join but might require the assistance of their adult. Meanwhile, preschoolers will continue to learn about the alphabet while enjoying picture books during storytime. ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Young adults can join SPL’s “Dungeons & Dragons” group from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The group plays self-contained stories so new players, ages 16-25, are never interrupting a campaign. Those who have never played the game before are welcome to join, too; extra dice are available. The library provides snacks for the group. Library Closure Syracuse Public Library will close on Friday, Nov. 10, for a staff development day.

SHARES IMPORTANCE OF SENIOR CENTER — Charlie Garner, 100, a Normandy Veteran, attended the Kosciusko Senior Services’ fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 28, and shared how the agency has impacted his life. Photo provided by Kosciusko Senior Services. vices with the initial funding to create the framework for its ongoing fundraising campaign. While the first set of funds went into building this foundation, more money was needed to spread its message effectively within the community. Due to the success of this fundraiser, Kosciusko Senior Services can now guarantee that it will have the extra resources

necessary to both communicate its message and ensure the annual continuation of this event. Senior Services expresses its gratitude to the Kosciusko Community Foundation for its essential support. For more information about Kosciusko Senior Services and upcoming events, visit kosciuskoseniorservices.org or contact (574) 267-2012.

Information Continued from page 1 ing being in a gray area. Kaiser asked Siegel to leave the meeting and allow her and Councilman Bill Musser to hear the presentation and ask ques-

tions. “I prefer to stay,” Siegel said. The Mail -Journal reporter left after agreeing to get in touch with Kaiser to discuss the meeting at a later date.

Senior Center hosts ‘Haunted Halls’ event By NANCY GRAY SPEC Director We had so much fun last Saturday, Oct. 28. The North Webster Community Center hosted its “Haunted Halls” event for the community and the Senior Center was there with bells on. We decorated a table outside our door and had loads of candy for the trick-or-treaters. It was so much fun to see all the little kids in their outfits, every thing from a little princess to a dinosaur. By 4 p.m., I had passed out all our candy, over 300 bags! It was such fun. Everybody had the option to get their picture taken in

the Barbie Photo Booth. We had a great turnout. Our calendar sales are going fast, we are down to our last hundred. We have them here at the Senior Center, of course, but you can also pick one up at Tangibles, Sheila’s Sweet shop and Jill’s Beauty Shop. If you are interested in joining us for our Thanksgiving get together, give me a call to get on the list. I haven’t been told what day it will be but it is usually the week before Thanksgiving. I will tell you in next weeks newsletter. Any questions about any of the stuff going on call me at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224.

REP YOUR SCHOOL — Mia Hodgson was the first Lady Warrior to run the state meet in almost two decades. Photo provided by Luke Morey.

Hodgson represents Continued from page 1 the school record for the 5-kilometer race her freshman season with Wawasee alumna Courtney Linnemeier. While she was not able to break the school record her sophomore year, Slabaugh knows her junior and senior seasons will provide plenty of chances for her to do so. “Really think she can do some special things from here,” Slabaugh said. “I’m also very excited about the leadership she brings and hearing her talk about want-

Correction In the 10-25-23 edition of the Mail-Journal, we wrote that Lacey Savage and Karena Wilkinson tied for first place in the Milford Kiwanis Soup Supper. However, Savage won in the civic group division and was overall champion. Wilkinson won the business division. Sandy Cantú, who was not pictured, won the individual division with her sopa.

ing to help make her teammates around her better.” The pace of the race was faster than last year, as Hodgson’s time would have been in the top 80 had she qualified as a freshman. The new format to the postseason in cross-country may have been the catalyst for the increase in speed. The semistate meet was taken out this season leading to almost 50 more runners competing in the state meet on Saturday than the year before. “Yeah the new state format is different,” Slabaugh said. ”That difference between sectionals and regionals is huge. That race size on the girls side went from 64 girls in the race to 250. So not only four times bigger but obviously the competition got better. That regional race did bring lots of competition and lots of energy in the air which was fun. The state meet this year was crazy fast. Mia’s time of 19:45 got 76th place last year. I do think this new state format makes you really have to perform to advance.”

Obituaries

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

Fredric L. Armstrong

Steve E. Bryant

Insurance Agent

Fredric L. Armstrong, 95, Winchester, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. He was born March 10, 1928, in Randolph County, to Glen B. Armstrong and Martha Harbour Armstrong. Following his 1945 graduation from Winchester High School, Fred married LouFREDRIC L. ise G. Clements. He started his insurance ARMSTRONG career in 1960 and in 1967, he established Fred Armstrong and Associates, later adding real estate to his insurance operation. This business, with offices in Winchester and Parker City, continued for 30 years. During this time, Mr. Armstrong served on the board of directors of the Parker Banking Company and was president of Randolph County Board of Realtors. His proudest accomplishment was being able to provide jobs for many people in the pursuit of his career. Fred’s memberships include Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, as well as BPOE No. 768 Portland Elks, both over 60 years. He also belonged to the Rotary Club, the National and State Association of Realtors and the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. Fred’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends at the family home on beautiful Lake Tippecanoe in northern Indiana He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years; parents; two sisters; and a brother. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Pegg; son, F. Scott Armstrong; a granddaughter and a grandson; and six great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate Fred’s life will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at the Walker Funeral Home in Winchester. Burial to follow at Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester. Friends and family may call from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 . Walker Funeral Home in Winchester is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerswinchester.com.

Gerry Kay

Gerry Kay, 77, Syracuse, died Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne. Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Lifetime Area Resident

Steve E. Bryant, 68, North Webster, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in his home from ongoing symptoms of a recent stroke. Steve was born on Feb. 17, 1955, to Sherman and Colleen (Colt) Bryant. A lifetime resident of North Webster, he attended grade school at North Webster STEVE E. Elementary and was a 1973 graduate from Wawasee BRYANT High School. Steve obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and graduated in 1977 from Purdue University. Steve resided on Webster Lake for his adult life along with his wife, Sue. They married Aug. 25, 2006, and attended North Webster Church of God. Steve enjoyed spending time with his friends, neighbors and family and could be seen enjoying the outdoors and views of Webster Lake from his deck. Steve had a successful career in sales, mainly for livestock and agricultural equipment and products. Most of his career was spent as VP of sales at Chore-Time Brock. He also worked as sales and marketing manager for KT Industries and Rotational Molding Technologies. He was a sales manager and sales representative for SKOV A/S and Osborne Industries Inc. He spent time working as a territory manager for QC Supply and was employed most recently at Thorp Equipment as a sales representative. He was known for his strong-willed character and independent nature and enjoyed many activities, which included racquetball and golf. Steve loved the game of golf and was a member at Maxwelton Golf Course. Steve also had a love for keeping up with the stock market. If he wasn’t doing one of these activities, he could be found spending time on the water in his bass boat enjoying fishing. He was also known for his love of ducks. Steve also was known to indulge in daily ice cream and sweets. He could tell you the best places to find good ice cream. More recently, he took to the game of pickleball and spent time playing at the North Webster Community Center. Steve is survived by his wife, Sue (Kruger) Bryant, North Webster; three siblings, Cathy (Ron) Shipley, Leesburg, Stuart (Toni) Bryant, Libertyville, Ill., and Carmen (George) Dougherty, Boggstown; stepchildren, Jessica Wallace, Larwill, Josh (Trisha) Mitchell, Fort Wayne, and Elizabeth Houser, Fort Wayne; stepgrandchildren, Jenna, Tristan, McKenna, Haydenn and Deliah; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his father, Sherman Bryant, North Webster. He was preceded in death by his mother, Colleen Bryant. Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services of North Webster, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster, is entrusted with the care of Steve and his family. A visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the North Webster Church of God. A life celebration will follow, with Pastor Jeff Boyer, starting at 2 p.m. at the church. Donations may be made in Steve’s honor to the North Webster Community Center or North Webster Church of God. To leave a condolence, please visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

JIGSAW PUZZLE EXCHANGE — Bring puzzles to the library and exchange them for a “new” one on the exchange cart. Photo provided by the library.

RECENT ARRIVALS — The display above shows some of the recent arrivals in the DVD collection. They are “Barbie, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Strays,” “Prey,” “The Crown: Season 5,” “Yellowjackets: Season 2,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Oklahoma!,” “Animal Crackers,” “Sesame Street” and “Elmo’s Holiday Spectacular: The Nutcracker.” They add to the DVD collection every month. Photo provided by the library.

Milford Public Library —

Jigsaw puzzle exchange

North Webster Community Public Library —

November is National Family Literacy Month Family Literacy Month celebrates the pivotal role that families play in nurturing literacy skills for children and young people. Throughout the month, families are encouraged to engage in reading activities, promoting a love for learning within the household. North Webster Community Public Library seeks to empower families to read together by providing access to books, audiobooks and story time programs for young children to encourage a love of reading even at an early age. NWCPL offers two different story times for babies/toddler and preschoolers. Baby/ toddler story time meets at 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and preschool story time meets at 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Upcoming Holiday Closings NWCPL would like to give the community plenty of notice concerning upcoming library holiday closures. This year, the library will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, Friday, Nov. 24, and Saturday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Weekly Library Events The following activities are set to take place at North Webster Community Public Library. Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events. Adult Events A Matter of Balance, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Call the library if you are interested in the January session of this event. Steve Hanford of Lions Karate will be at NWCPL at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, to teach a women’s self defense class. Learn skills and techniques to protect yourself in unsafe situations. Class is free,

Jigsaw Puzzles are a great way to pass the time during the chilly days of fall. If you have puzzles you are finished with, you can bring them to the library and exchange your puzzle for a “new” one on the exchange cart. Puzzles are located in the adult area of the library. Most of the puzzles are 500 or 1,000 pieces. Some are seasonal, animal lovers should find something fun and others have beautiful landscapes. Fall Story Time Join children’s clerk Miss Jenny for this week’s story time, Soup’s On! Children ages 3-6 are welcome. Listen to Miss Jenny read stories about soup. Make a colorful soup bowl to take home. Share a cracker snack with your story time friends. Story time continues until the week before

Thanksgiving, so register your child today. Afternoon Knitting Club The Afternoon Knitting Club meets from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Knitters gather in the teen area of the library. All skill levels are welcome. LEGO Saturday LEGO Saturday is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in the children’s department. The November LEGO Challenge is to build a turkey. You can build a turkey at the library or build your turkey at home and send a photo to milford@milford.lib. in.us by 8 p.m. Nov. 27. Library staff will vote on their favorite and the winner gets a new LEGO kit to keep. No registration is necessary. Children ages 3-15 will enjoy this program. Come and bring some friends.

Conditioning

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INTENTIONAL PLAYTIME — Children and parents interact during intentional playtime at NWCPL’s baby and toddler story time. Baby and toddler time meets at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Photo provided by North Webster Community Public Library.

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no library card required. Register in advance. Exercise classes are back at the library this week. Get Fit While You Sit chair exercise, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Let’s Move Dance, 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. These classes are free and open to the public; no library card required. Fiber Arts Friday, 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Join like-minded yarn enthusiasts to work on projects or learn a new skill. No registration required. Teen Events Have the after-school blues? Students in grades 6-12 are invited to Teen Café at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Play games, eat snacks and hang out with friends. Teen Wellness Circle, 4 p.m. Tues-

day, Nov. 7. Join fellow teens to engage in insightful discussions about physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Teen Writers Corner, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Whether you enjoy fanfiction, poetry or even short stories, come share your writing and hone your craft with other teens. Youth Events Got plans for Wawasee Waiver Day? Since there’s no school, join in for family bingo Monday, Nov. 6. Games start at 10:30 a.m. and they will play until everyone wins. PAWS to Read will be happening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. Register your child for a 15-minute time slot to practice reading skills by reading to a therapy dog. Baby and toddler time will be held

at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Join Miss Cathy for songs and stories geared toward children birth through 36 months. Registration is requested, but visitors are always welcome. Preschool story time will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. 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.

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www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Accidents/Incidents

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

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: Accidents 8:51 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, East CR 450N and North CR 175E, Leesburg. Driver: Michael Geil, 26, Bellflower Street, Elkhart. Geil’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000. 8:40 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, East CR 1200N and North Acorn Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Kristabella Arriola, 22, Briar Ridge Circle, Warsaw. Arriola’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000. 7:03 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, North SR 13, east of East CR 500N, Leesburg. Driver: Zachary T. Rush, 34, East CR500N, Leesburg. The dump bed on Rush’s vehicle hit and pulled down stop light heads at the North SR 13 and East CR 500N intersection. Damage up to $2,500. 2:42 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, North SR 15 and West CR 900N, Milford. Drivers: Ana Garcia-Hernandez, 27, Prairie Drive, Syracuse; and Christopher Drake, 55, West CR 200S, Warsaw. Hernandez’s vehicle pulled out into the path of Drake’s vehicle causing a collision. Damage up to $10,000. 8:43 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, East CR 700N, south of North Harper Road, Leesburg. Driver: Jeremy J. Crouse, 36, East Prairie Street, Leesburg. Crouse’s vehicle left the roadway and hit a large tree. Crouse complained of head pain and had minor bleeding. He was treated at the scene. Damage up to $25,000. Incidents 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 500 block North Main Street, North Webster. A representative from Sterling contracting reported fraud valued at $32,540.

North Webster Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident 11:20 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 200 block East Epworth Forest Road, North Webster. John Presser re-

ported criminal mischief of an automobile.

Syracuse Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accidents and incidents and made the following arrests: Accidents 3:19 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, South Huntington Street, south of East Pickwick Drive. Drivers: Talan Ball, 17, East Cherokee Road, Syracuse; and Yvonne Salazar, 53, South Thwaits Court, Syracuse. Ball’s vehicle rear ended Salazar’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000. 4:33 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, South Huntington Street, Syracuse. Driver: Joyce Stricklin, 80, East CR 1000N, Syracuse. While backing out of a parking spot, Stricklin’s vehicle struck a parked vehicle. Damage up to $5,000. 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, North Indiana Avenue, west of East Wood Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Katherine Moran, 32, East Douglas Street, Goshen; and Zachery Miller, 22, CR 9, Nappanee. Moran’s Subaru Outback pulled out into the intersection and struck Miller’s Isuzu NQR. Moran complained of right arm pain at the scene but declined transportation to the hospital. Damage up to $10,000. Incidents 1:14 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 1100 block South Harkless Drive, Syracuse. Alkalethia Mosely reported criminal mischief to her vehicle. 6:02 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 200 block South Huntington Street, Syracuse. The Syracuse Police Department investigated a hit and run. A white SUV struck and damaged an exterior conduit outside the business.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident 3:17 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 827 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.

Driver: unknown. A vehicle owned by Eddy E. Bonilla, Leesburg, was parked and unoccupied when it sustained damage from an unknown driver. Damage up to $5,000.

Jail Bookings Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Oct. 27 — Kayla Elizabeth Wallen, 31, 11918 N. Sir Gallahad Place, Cromwell, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Oct. 27 — Marty Lee Slabaugh, 59, 1953 E. 1100N, Milford, booked for being a habitual traffic violator and probation violation. Bond: $20,500 surety and cash. Oct. 27 — Travis Len Vanover, 48, 10909 N. Syracuse Webster Road, Syracuse, booked for failure to appear. No bond. Oct. 24 — Nolan Kyle Melchi, 43, 63 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg, booked on a probation violation. No bond listed. Oct. 25 — Thomas Jay Lung, 31, 505 W. Boston St., Syracuse, booked for possession of marijuana. Bond: $500 cash. Oct. 24 — Nicole Anne Ludwig, 35, 63 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg, booked for failure to appear. No bond. Elkhart County The following person booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Complex: Oct. 24 — Joseph K. Todd, 60, 11169 Wawasee Circle Lot E., Cromwell, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated — endangerment, operating a vehicle while intoxicated by schedule I or II, driving while suspended with prior, possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. No bond. Noble County The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail: Oct. 24 — Eliza A. DeLeon, 54, 3757 N. 900W lot 213, Cromwell, booked for a warrant arrest. No bond.

Syracuse Cemetery clean up April and October are cemetery clean up months for the Syracuse Cemetery Association. All decorations, if not already removed by Tuesday, Oct. 31, will be disposed of. “Please remember that April and October are the months

to remove old and tattered decorations on the graves. We want all to be able to enjoy and make the cemetery look good throughout the year,” the Friends of Syracuse Cemetery Association wrote on Facebook. The Friends of Syracuse

Cemetery Association also ask those who walk their dogs through the cemetery to be mindful and clean up any waste. “Please do not let them pee on headstones, as it does damage to the stones,” the association wrote on Facebook. Other Syracuse Cemetery Association rules include: no trees or shrubs planted without permission, flowers in cans or glass containers will be removed, anything that detracts from the overall beauty of this cemetery will be removed, put all debris in trash barrels, no concrete work without permission and no one is allowed in the cemetery after dark.

MORAN VEHICLE — Moran sustained substantial damage to her Subaru’s front bumper.

Two car accident in Syracuse Text and Photos By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer A two-car accident occurred approximately at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 in Syracuse. Katherine Moran, 32, told police on the scene that she was headed west on East Wood Street and stopped at the intersection of North Indiana Avenue. She stated she looked both ways but did not see Zachery Miller’s, 22, vehicle approaching. Moran’s vehicle pulled out and was unable to avoid colliding with Miller’s vehicle. Miller stated he was driving south on North Indiana Avenue when he observed Moran’s vehicle stopped at the intersection of East Wood Street. He stated that Moran’s vehicle struck the side of his vehicle. Moran’s black Subaru Outback sustained substantial front

MILLER VEHICLE — Miller sustained significant damage to his driver’s side of his septic truck. bumper damage and Miller’s septic truck sustained moderate damage to the front driver side. Moran complained of right arm pain on the scene but declined transportation to

Syracuse PD purchases two new E-bikes In an effort to increase public contact and interaction, the Syracuse Police Department has acquired two Recon Interceptor E-Bikes (electric) for patrol around the community. The bikes were purchased from Recon Police Power Bikes, a Fort Wayne based company. As part of the initiation of this program, two officers recently completed instructor training provided by the company and are in the process of training all department officers on the functions and abilities of the new E-bikes. Bike patrol makes officers more approachable, visible and provides them the ability to stop and have conversations with citizens more often. In addition, it provides officers the ability to quietly patrol areas that are normally not accessible by patrol cars along with the ability to perhaps respond to calls more quickly by taking shorter routes that patrol cars cannot. The bike patrol will allow our officers to provide better community outreach and safety for the Town of Syracuse and the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails. “Please feel free to say hello when you see our officers on the streets, in the parks, or on the trails,” said Jim Layne, Syracuse Police chief.

NEW TOOL — The Syracuse Police Department recently purchased two Recon Interceptor E-bikes for patrol around the community. The new E-bikes will make officers more approachable, along with the ability to quietly patrol areas that are typically unaccessible by patrol cars. Photo provided by Syracuse Police Department.

Court News Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Grendys — Candace Grendys, Syracuse, and Kasey Grend-

the hospital. Syracuse Police Department, Turkey Creek Fire Department and Turkey Creek EMS responded to the scene. Damage from the accident is up to $10,000.

ys, Syracuse. They were married Oct. 4, 2014, and separated Sept. 4, 2023. One minor child. Jones — Sarah Jones, Pierceton, and Shaun Jones, Cromwell. They were married Dec. 16, 2018, and separated Jan. 19, 2021. No minor children.

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Clean Waters Partnership Community Corner workshop to address innovations Working to achieve a common in green landscaping The Watershed Foundation, in collaboration with the Clean Waters Partnership, is excited to announce an upcoming workshop tailored for landscapers, facility managers and anyone involved in landscaping decisions. The “Green Infrastructure in Landscaping Workshop” will be held 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw. The workshop will delve into innovative, green landscaping techniques that are transforming the way we manage stormwater. “Traditionally, stormwater management, primarily focused on swiftly channeling water away from built-up areas, often employing pipes as a solution,” said Caitlin Yoder, watershed coordinator for The Watershed Foundation. “However, this approach led to unintended consequences, such as erosion, downstream flooding, reduced filtration into groundwater sources and heightened water pollution. The realization that there is a more sustainable approach has given rise to green infrastructure, a method that mimics the natural water cycle by slowing down, storing and filtering stormwater flows right where it falls.” The workshop will feature Vanessa Rainwater as the keynote speaker. With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, Rainwater has dedicated her career to implementing innovative stormwater, water quality and green infrastructure programs. Attendees can expect valuable insights into the best practices for managing water in landscape design. In addition to Rainwater, the event will host speakers including: Lyn Crighton, The Watershed

goal is a priority for Paula Fiscus By MARY HURSH Guest Writer

POLLINATORS — The Clean Waters Partnership’s upcoming workshop, Green Infrastructure in Landscaping, will focus on landscaping options that promote the use of native plant species, including species that are especially important to pollinators. Photo provided by The Watershed Foundation. Foundation; Brandon Cordell, City of Warsaw Stormwater Utility; Aaron Ott, City of Warsaw; Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County Plan Commission and Aleah Southworth, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District. These experts will be part of an open panel discussion to answer your questions on how to effectively install and maintain these plant-based solutions. Whether you’re involved in designing and installing landscaping for individual homes or large corporate properties, this workshop is tailored for you. It will explore popular forms of green

infrastructure and offer practical insights to ensure their successful integration into landscape designs. The event is free to attend and participants can choose between in-person or online attendance options. “Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge green landscaping techniques and contribute to a more sustainable future,” adds Yoder. For more information about the workshop, contact Yoder at caitlin@watershedfoundation. org. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ CWPGreenInfrastructure. For questions, call (574) 834-3242.

Thinking about an air fryer? Learn the basics Nov. 9 Purdue Extension Kosciusko County Health and Human Science educator Shannon Shepherd will be presenting “Cooking With an Air Fryer” Thursday, Nov. 9. The program will take place from 7-8 p.m. at the Milford Public Library, 101 N. Main St., Milford. Participants will learn the basics of air frying, how to compare sizes and models of air fryers, the benefits of air frying, and air fryer safety tips and tricks. Register by Friday, Nov. 3, by calling the library at (574) 6584312.

GUEST SPEAKER — The speaker at the regular Monday morning meeting for the Lakeland Kiwanis Club was Joe Schaefer. He was the person whose automobile was hit by Amanda Summers of Muncie on Sept. 21 on the south side of North Webster. She had been running away from the police starting in Whitley County. Schaefer was not hurt in the accident but hopes that nothing like it ever occurs again. Shown are Schaefer (left) with President Brandon Dennis. Photo provided.

KCCF welcomes new communications director T h e Kosciusko County Community Foundation hasannounced Angie Danko as its communications director. With over ANGIE DANKO 25 years in marketing, communications, public relations and special events, Danko brings an extensive history and experience to the foundation. “I am truly honored to be in this role as we continue bringing donor charitable dreams to life,” Danko said. “The community foundation does so much good for our communities. I’m thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to the new milestones

we will reach together.” A graduate of Purdue University, Danko currently resides in Warsaw with her family. In addition to her role at the community foundation, she enjoys working on her marketing business and serving on various nonprofit boards in the community.

“Angie’s communication and publicity skills, as well as her strong relational skills and creativity, are helping the community foundation serve donors and grantees alike,” said Stephanie Overbey, chief executive officer of KCCF. “She is a tremendous asset to our team.”

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Paula Fiscus, secondary instructional coach for the Wawasee Community Schools, begins her day in a bright but small office in the middle of the “A” hallway tucked amidst English classrooms. The walls are covered with inspirational posters and positive messages. “Every student deserves a great teacher. Not by chance. But by design,” occupies center stage. “My job is to support teachers and each day is very different from the last. For instance, recently I had an appointment with a science teacher at the middle school and then came back to the high school to meet with a student. After that, I drove to the administration building to consult with Dr. Shelly Wilfong for help on a project for a teacher. Some weeks, I have scheduled meetings that dictate my day. Some days things pop up such as helping a teacher get Google Translator to work.” One of her ongoing projects this year is professional development for teachers for both the middle and the high school. She has been working on interim assessments and the PLC process. At the last meeting, she discussed the changes made to the Indiana State Standards, looked at how teachers could use the Learning Lab (resources curated by the IDOE) and brainstormed ways staff could use resources on College Board to help students as they get ready for PSAT and SAT tests. As an instructional coach, Fiscus gets to see the “big picture.” “I have a unique perspective. I can see where we might need to improve to work for what is best for kids. For example, at a recent professional development day, I presented some resources that teachers might use to help students break down and understand graphs. If students see this strategy in multiple subject areas, it might help them bridge the gap for that particular standard. I am also working with a group of teachers at the middle school to create common writing rubrics.” Another exciting project for her is working with eighth grade English teachers to restructure the curriculum by aligning the updated state standards to new units being created, as well as aligning the new standards to a few currently used units. “We are looking at learning gaps and fitting in lessons that will address those gaps,” said Fiscus. Apart from her coaching duties, Fiscus is the Academic Super Bowl sponsor for English, a position she has held for five years. The students who signed up for Super Bowl had their first meeting in October, where reading assignments were made. Afterwards, they will meet

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE — Paula Fiscus brings a unique perspective to her job. Photo by Mary Hursh. once a month through December to go over the practice questions and strategies for answering the questions. The assigned novel will be “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. The assigned short stories and poems focus on the 1980s and 1990s. Competition begins in January, leading up to the final competition on May 4. After graduating from Wawasee High School, Fiscus earned a BA degree at Purdue in English education and an MAT degree in English from IPFW. She has been an English educator at the middle and high school level for the past 30 years. “I have had several mentors through the years, but two special ones were Cyndi Thornburg and Terry Iden. Cyndi drove to Milford to put an encouraging note on my desk my first day of teaching and Terry helped me see other points of view,” said Fiscus. “I am proud of the work we are doing at Wawasee.”

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THURSDAY — J. Redman FRIDAY — R. & P. Haab

North Webster Drivers Nov. 13-17 MONDAY — J. Parcell TUESDAY — J. & K. Caskey WEDNESDAY — A. Renner THURSDAY — B. Kennedy FRIDAY — Cardinal/T

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www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Sports

Northridge pulls away from Wawasee in sectional Text and Photos By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer When the Warriors and Raiders met five weeks ago on Sept. 22, Wawasee was within one score of Northridge with chances to tie or take the lead in the second half. It was a sharp contrast In the sectional semifinal at No. 8 Northridge, Friday, Oct. 22. Wawasee trailed 49-0 at halftime and concluded its season with a 49-20 defeat. “You never like how it ends. Every team in the whole state is not going to like the way that it ends except for one team,” Reutebuch said. “It is unfortunate, I wish we had played a better game. We didn’t execute. Offensively we didn’t execute. Defensively, we were not the same attacking defense we have been. I wish I could put my finger on what it was but they were the better team tonight.” Northridge senior running back McClain Miller sat out the regular season game due to injury but he let the Wawasee defense know early on that he intended to make up for his absence. Miller scored the first touchdown of the game three minutes into the contest. The North Dakota State commit finished with 124 yards rushing, 41 receiving and three rushing touchdowns while playing just the first half. Reutebuch knew Miller was a difference maker but was more disappointed in how his team could not defend the Raider attack. “He had wide open holes to run through. It didn’t matter who they had running the ball. He’s a good player, not taking anything away from him but they had pretty much anything they wanted,” Reutebuch said. “They were throwing the ball, they were running the ball. They had us on our heels.” Wawasee only had two first downs in the first half compared to 19 for Northridge. The Warriors were out gained in yards of offense 326-13. Northridge took advantage of good field position throughout the half to lead 28-0 after the first quarter. The Raiders scored a touchdown on all seven drives in the half. “We had some things there and we just missed them. Just couldn’t get things going, Reutebuch said. “Before you know it, you look up at the board and it is 28-0 in the first quarter. We were a little bit shellshocked I think.” Wawasee scored all three of its touchdowns in the fourth quarter during a running clock. Senior Brandon Kelly earned an interception and returned it inside the Northridge 20. Senior Hunter Tinkey would next rush for his final touchdown in a Warrior uniform. Senior Mason Shoemaker connected on two deep passes to senior Derek Bontrager on the next drive. The second pass resulted in a 35-yard score to Bontrager, the last touchdown for the two seniors. The Warriors recovered an onside kick as sophomore Luke Keim entered at quarterback and threw a 33-yard touchdown to sophomore Cameron Senter. The Warriors end the season at 2-9 after winning its first sectional contest in 11 years. The War-

TEST THE DEFENSE — Senior Mason Shoemaker looks downfield in the first half at Northridge.

NO STOPPING HIM — Northridge senior McClain Miller dives over the goal line on a 2-point conversion. The North Dakota State commit had three rushing touchdowns in the game.

riors had four losses that were within one score this season but continue to average just one win against Northern Lakes Confer-

“I’d love to have their numbers. I’d love to have some of their athletes. You look out on the field and our guys standing

ence teams per year. Reutebuch acknowledged the difficulties of trying to matchup with the bigger NLC schools like Northridge.

next to their guys and it is pretty obvious the size difference and things like that,” Reutebuch said.

Northridge (9-2) will play for a third consecutive sectional Friday, Nov. 3 when it hosts NorthWood (9-2).

Column: Warrior football season could be start of a turnaround All but six teams in our state end their football season with a loss. The question for the fan bases of these teams typically is, “is it a relief the By NATHAN season is over PACE or are you sad Sports Writer the campaign ended when it did?” For the 2023 Wawasee varsity football team, I am sad to see it end when it did. The Warriors could have given up this year several times, but there they were, winning a sectional game back on Oct. 20. Football teams with 1-8 records at the start of sectionals are known for bad performances in the postseason. The grind of numerous defeats make these programs capitulate quickly in sectionals. The end of the year is a blessing. The rare outlier is this iteration of the Warrior football program. Wawasee started the year 0-2 scoring just 12 points a game. A win came against a depleted Goshen team but Wawasee failed to cash in against Plymouth the following week. The next week on Sept. 15,

Wawasee saw its starting quarterback get injured against Concord on the first drive of the game and led to a 52-0 loss. It was a game that could have finished the season. I remember having a feeling of dread going into the next couple of games. Wawasee, fighting injuries and the occasional suspensions, had four ranked teams coming up with every game predicted to finish with a running clock. That did not happen. Wawasee competed for all four quarters in three of the final four games of the regular season. The defense forced turnovers against Northridge, Warsaw and NorthWood. The offense found moments of success in those games too. I remember Northridge and Warsaw fans telling me they were upset they had not put Wawasee away. The Warriors still lost those games but the fight and competitiveness of the team survived the Northern Lakes Conference slate intact. Needless to say, that does not happen much with 1-8 teams. It led to one of the bigger upsets in terms of record in the state this year as 1-8 Wawasee took down 8-1 South Bend Riley. In reality, the game was not an upset. Wawasee was the better team and had played a tougher schedule. More impor-

tantly, Wawasee never gave up on the season. It is hard to say a team turned its program around with just two wins, but that is how a program begins a turnaround. With a group of guys who didn’t care about the history from past defeats, they only cared about getting better and playing their best. What happens next is key. Younger players saw a senior class that fought hard every game. Now, the team must improve its depth for following seasons. With other NLC teams, the defense rests on the sidelines when the offense is out on the field. For the 2023 season, Wawasee was not in that boat as many Warriors played both sides of the ball. Going forward, Wawasee will rarely be a physical match in terms of size to the other NLC teams. They will have to make up for it in intensity and intelligence. There were moments where the Warriors did exactly that in the 2023 season. In 1999, Wawasee won just two games but were in the state title game five years later. It might sound doubtful to think that will happen again decades later but I made the mistake of counting this team out back in September. I will not do so again.

SENIOR FAREWELL — Wawasee seniors such as Hunter Tinkey, left, and Donovan Blair may have accelerated the rebuild at Wawasee with their play this season. Photo by Nathan Pace.

Lady Warriors hope experience equals winning season By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer The entire roster is back at Wawasee varsity girls basketball this season as coach Derek Gilreath enters his second season at the program. For year two, he has his full team back from last year. “We have high expectations but we also have a really tough schedule,” Gilreath said. “A lot of teams we have to be a lot more efficient on the offensive end to beat. Last year,

with me as a new coach, they were still learning the system so their were times where our offense was a free-for-all.” The Lady Warriors developed a winning tradition after the turn of the century winning five sectionals and two regional titles from 2000 to 2011. Wawasee even reached the class 3A title game in 2007. However, it is going on 13 years since its last sectional title and the last winning season came in the 201718 campaign.

I G H H E SCHOO E S A W L WA Athlete of the Month Titus Funeral Home Would Like To Recognize

Hunter Tinkey As Our Athlete Of The Month Hunter Tinkey is a senior two sport athlete who participates in both Football and Track & Field. Hunter’s contributions to the football team are easily seen when viewing his statistics, but he equally impacts the team through his leadership and dedication to the sport. He was pivotal in Wawasee’s first round sectional win against South Bend Riley as he scored 3 touchdowns and rushed for 159 yards.

574-457-4002

SENIOR HOOPERS — Wawasee’s three seniors, pictured from left, are Kaydence Shepherd, Brooklynn Gibson and Kylie Perkins. Photo by Nathan Pace. Wawasee girls have not won a sectional game since 2018 but have been knocked out in the opener each of the past three years by a team it defeated in the regular season. Wawasee did go 5-2 in the Northern Lakes Conference last season and returns all of its varsity players. “This year we hope to improve upon that, we didn’t graduate anybody. We started four sophomores last year,” Gilreath said. Wawasee was third in the NLC and finished 11-12 overall for a second consecutive season a year ago. Finishing in the top three of the NLC was the best placement the team has had since the 2010-11 season. The four sophomores who started are back as juniors in Lucy Wilkinson, Mackenzie Hackleman, Olivia Horn and Molly Beer. Unfortunately, Beer suffered and ACL injury during soccer season and will miss the start of basketball.

“Hopefully she’ll be back in the middle of our season,” Gilreath said. She is progressing really well which is huge for us. That’s a big loss, especially on the defensive end.” Junior Ava Couture is a player who may fill in for Beer while she is injured. Senior Kaydence Shepherd is the lone senior in the starting lineup from a year ago. “I’ve been playing basketball my whole life so I’m just excited to see what the season has to offer and have fun with it,” Shepherd said. “I know we are going to try to push through a sectional win this year.” Joining Shepherd in the senior class are Brooklynn Gibson and Kylie Perkins. Gibson hopes to improve how the team played in some of its worst defeats during her junior campaign. “I want to play the teams we didn’t play great with last year. I want to redeem ourselves,” Gibson

said. “We had a few rough games where we didn’t play our best. I’m excited to show we are not that team.” The Warriors are still undersized compared to other teams in the NLC as Gilreath will look to play aggressive defense once more and force turnovers. “We are very athletic,” Gilreath said. “Defensively we can really get after people. We like to pickup full court. Use our quickness and athleticism to cause turnovers for other teams. Last year a lot of our offense was dictated by our defense. This year has been a main focus of ours in maintaining that defensive presence but also being a lot more efficient on the offensive end.” Wawasee opens the season at Manchester Wednesday, Nov. 1. The home opener is Saturday, Nov. 4, vs. Prairie Heights at 6 p.m. for junior varsity and 7:30 for varsity. A trip to state champion Fairfield is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

Sports School Lakeland soccer and football winners Fall tournaments for youth soccer and youth flag football were recently held at the Lakeland Youth Center.

PUMPKIN PATCH — Katie Young’s Syracuse Elementary kindergarten class were all smiles and had a lot of fun on their pumpkin patch field trip last week. Photo provided by Delana Walker.

PEE WEE POWERHOUSE — Encore Sotheby’s Kansas City Chiefs took home the pee wee division title in flag football. Front row from left, Nathaniel Jasso, Reid Gardner, Jack Leach, Bo Beasley, Greyson Kaiser and Theo Gilreath. Second row from left, coach Joe Leach, coach Scott Beasley, and coach Creighton Kaiser.

PUMPKIN TIME — For Red Ribbon Week, all students at Milford Elementary School were able to decorate pumpkins with messages about “Be Kind to Your Mind-Commit to Live Drug Free!” during Peg Zimmerman’s art class. All the pumpkins were donated by the Milford Food Bank. Part of Joe Bontrager’s fourth grade class is shown displaying their decorated pumpkins. In front from left are Aiden Griepentrog, Cooper Beer, Bennett Berkeypile, and Adler Beer. In the middle row: Quinn Haynie, Caraline Deak, Lola Stoller, and Logan Clevenger. In the back row: Kensington Kephart. Photo provided by Peg Zimmerman.

SECOND AND THIRD GRADE SOCCER WINNERS — The Schrock Family team consists of, front row from left, Rebel McDaniel, Sayler Mckee, Adam Wolfe, Colt Sherman, Ayden Rhodes, Jazlyn Tayagua, Emmett Lauck, Laurel Szynal, Terence Bennett, TJ Dimmick, and Jayce Trainer. Back row: coach Jon Szynal.

Wawasee Middle School hosting Veterans Day program Wawasee Middle School will host a Veterans Day program at 2:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Families of all veterans and active military in the community are invited to attend the program and concert. The seventh and eighth grade band and choir will perform a concert.

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE SOCCER WINNERS — The Beyond Landscaping team took the title and the players include, front row from left, Sawyer Mckee, Eli Mikel, Lucas Mathew and Ellianne Neff. Second row from left, coach Zach Prescott, Lyndan Tenney, Parker Rumfelt, Landon Prescott, Audrey McNamara, Jordi Blosser, Graham Evans and coach Rhett Mikel.

Hackleman earns all NLC honorable mention The All-Northern Lakes Conference volleyball team team was announced Tuesday, Oct. 31, with Wawasee junior Mackenzie Hackleman being represented as an honorable mention. Hackleman led the Lady Warriors in kills this season while playing outside hitter. Wawasee went winless against NLC foes but did go 1412 out of conference to finish 1419 overall. Hackleman will next try to earn a spot on the AllNLC girls basketball team as she starts on the varsity team.

MORE S’MORES — North Webster Elementary School hosted their annual fall family night on Thursday, Oct. 26th. Activities included playing on the playgrounds and ball fields, walking on the fitness trail and nature trails, playing the disc golf course, free food, and making s’mores by the campfire. The event was sponsored by the Title 1 program, and every child who attended received a free book. Pictured are kindergarten students Austin Bradford, left, and Axel Lewallen. Photo provided by Lee Snider.

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Award for area sailor, Jason T. Slabaugh 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 30, 2013 Air Force Airman Ashley M. Danyluk, daughter of Hilda Deleon of Syracuse, graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio- Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program including training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Air-

men who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is a 2011 graduate of Wawasee High School, Syracuse. Congratulations to Lynn Allegret on 20 years with The Papers Inc., as of Oct.18. She is an account executive for Senior Life and works out of the Syracuse office.

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20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 29, 2003 Congratulations to Richard Lemberg, Syracuse, who was awarded the Dr. and Mrs. Rick Burns Purchase Award for his entry “Seed,” in steel, at the 25th Elkhart juried Regional Exhibition at The Midwest Museum of American Art. Lemberg was among 248 artists submitting 465 works in all media for the judges’ consideration. Agatha Dumford of Syracuse received 6th place over all in the horsemanship 11 years old and un-

der category at the Indiana State Fair Horse Show. There were over 30 Indiana contestants entered in the event. The Dumford family is looking forward to next season with Aggi’s new horse, “Twice the Man.” He was the 2001 Horse of the Year PTHA and APHA circuit in 2004. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 27, 1993 Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason T. Slabaugh, son of Sharon A. Savage of Syracuse, recently received the Meritorious Unit Com-

mendation, along with his shipmates aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, homeported in Norfolk, Va., and the crews of its embarked units. Also visiting Branson, Mo., were Carroll and Carol Koble, Medusa Street, Syracuse and Doyle and Jo Butler, Harkless Drive, Syracuse. Carol and Jo are Syracuse Elementary School teachers. This group attended shows of Wayne Newton, Bobby Vinton and Shoji Tabuchi. 40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 2, 1983 Joe Baumgartner is something more than just that fellow who guards the street crossing on South Huntington Street, Syracuse, for the school children. You bet, Joe is also quite an ecologist in his own way. Joe has come across a group (about 17) Canadian “honkers,” wild geese to most of us. They are on a secluded pond north of Syracuse— that’s all Joe will tell us about their location. Mrs. Fred Byland of Syracuse is expected to arrive home this week end from Hawaii where she has been spending a two-week vacation

with her mother, Thelma Tharp, and her sister, Wanda Kelly, both of Tampa, Fla. Mrs. Byland is an employee in the trust department of the State Bank of Syracuse. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 31, 1973 Mr. and Mrs. Christian Koher of Syracuse were hosts Sunday night for 29 members and guests of the Saint Andrew’s United Methodist church choir for a Halloween costume party. The group had a scavenger hunt and participated in Halloween contests. Prizes were awarded to Joe Longnecker, Mrs. Betty Lawson and Vicki Jensen. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cutter, Syracuse, arrived home last Tuesday from a trip to Paris and London, courtesy of General Motors, Chevrolet Division. Bill wound up a sales contest with a broad smile on his face that brought him the trip. He and Theda flew from O’Hare Field in Chicago direct to Orley Field, Paris, and spent four days in the City of Light before going to London, visiting all the historic and fun spots in good old Londontown.

It happened in North Webster ... 50 years ago

Pifer elected president of North Webster Youth League 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 30, 2013 North Webster American Legion Post 253 is calling all present and former Marines to cut the 238th year Marine Corps birthday cake Sunday, Nov. 10, at the post. The first piece of cake will be given to the oldest Marine in attendance. Cake cutting and a live band, Short Term Memories, will begin at 1 p.m. Don Ritter, doing a great job of supplying Legion news, also included that the location of the post is on SR 13. North Webster Elementary School fifth-grade students of Mitch Willaman recently celebrated “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” The whole class participated. 20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 29, 2003 Jordan Mann as a jailbird, Aaron Mann as a police officer, Jon Skaggs as a sumo wrestler, and Eli Mederios as a vampire, were all the winners who attended the Halloween party at North Webster Elementary School. Approximately 150 children were at the event in the school gymnasium, hosted by the Lakeland Kiwanis Club and the Key Club. Matt Doll, North Webster, recently received his second-degree black belt in taekwondo from Master Instructor Ken Gillenwater. Doll received a certificate from Gillenwater. Doll is the son of Michael and Linda Doll. He has been training at Lions Karate Academy, North Webster, for the past nine years. Jennifer DePlanty, daughter of Jacque and Steve DePlanty, North Webster, was recently elected homecoming queen for 2003 by the students and faculty at Manchester College. A senior, DePlanty is majoring in psychology. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 27, 1993 Lakeland Kiwanis Club met Monday, Oct. 25, at North Webster Church of God. Bradley Stinson, sponsored by Alice Rinker, was inducted into membership of the club. The new director of the North Webster Child Care Center is

Carmen Coyle of Columbia City. She is a 1989 graduate of Columbia City High School. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Ulshafer, Leesburg. 40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 2, 1983 North Webster Girl Scouts have started this fall’s season with a flurry of activity. Members of troop 170 made the decorations for their Oct. 25 Halloween party. Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi Iota Xi Sorority met Oct. 25 at Camelot Hall for a social evening. Julie Dubois gave a program demonstrating physical fitness and exercise. May Grodrian was hostess for the Oct. 27 meeting and open house for Tippecanoe Township Hobby Club. Guests were Wilma Conner, Wahneta Gebhhart and Lucille Hobell. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 31, 1973 Bob Pifer was elected president of the North Webster Youth League during the October board meeting. Also elected were: Phil Cripe, vice president; Jim Green, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Jack Mort will represent the newly instituted girls youth league program. Retiring officers are: Harry Minnick, president; Mark Minnick, vice president; and Jack Rhoades, secretary-treasurer. Tippecanoe Township Home Extension Club met in the home of Mrs. Boyer of Leesburg. Mrs. Tom Willman assisted the hostess. Margaret Welker, treasurer, was in charge of the morning business session. Mrs. Rue Hunnicut, garden chairman, discussed the care of Christmas cactus plants and the proper way to prepare your garden for winter. Mrs. Boyer and Mrs. Floyd Cleaver were presented birthday gifts. Russell Mickley gave the citizenship report. A Halloween party and wiener roast highlighted the October meeting of the Barbee Busy Bees Home Extension Club. A carry-in supper was served and games were played. Officers of the 71 Home Extension Club of Mentone were special guests.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

History of funeral service in Syracuse —

Funeral home was the only ambulance service By MICHAEL L. HARRIS Guest Writer

OCTOBER MEMBER OF THE M ONTH — Shown celebrating Ace Pest Control as the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township October Member of the Month, in front, from left are Elise Guy, chamber treasurer, Guy’s Lawncare; Scott Kuhn, chamber vice president, Tangibles Resale; Emily Shipley, chamber president, North Webster Community Center; Paula Miller, chamber director, Paula Miller Farm; Greg Long, owner, Ace Pest Control; Joe Long, James Kilgore, and Chase Williams, Ace Pest Control. Shown in back: Karen White, chamber secretary, Caliber Designs; Nicole Nabinger, chamber director, Kinetic Firearms; Gwen Fuchs, chamber director, Northwest Bank; Dave Long, and Stacey Erlenwein, Ace Pest Control. Photo provided by North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

Ace Pest Control is the October Member of the Month North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Ace Pest Control, 634 N. Main St., North Webster, as its October Member of the Month. Ace Pest Control has served the North Webster area for over 85 years of service. Congratulations go to Greg

Long, owner, and his staff for exceptional community service and support. Ace started in 1938 and still remains family-owned and operated. In 1990 the company moved to its current location on SR 13. Now with nine technicians and three secretaries, Ace Pest Control services residential and

commercial properties dealing with pests and bugs like termites, ants, bed bugs, mosquitoes, ticks, rodents and many more. Find out more information about Ace Pest Control and its services by emailing info@acepestonline.com, go online to acepestonline.com or by calling (574) 834-2834.

It happened in Milford ... 30 years ago

Fellows enlists in U.S. Navy’s delayed entry program 10 YEARS AGO, OCT. 30, 2013 Evar and Mary Ellen (Bray) Troup of Milford recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married Oct. 24, 1953, in the Milford Christian Church. Rev. Noble Neff officiated. Evar retired from Dana Corp. (Weatherhead) in Syracuse after 41 years of service. Mary Ellen retired from CTB of Milford after nine years of service. Fourth-grade students in Autumn Griepentrog’s class at Milford Elementary School mixed vinegar and baking soda to produce a volcano. On Tuesday, this and several other fun classroom experiments, like the homemade lava lamp and exploding lunch bag, were conducted. 20 YEARS AGO, OCT. 29, 2003 Ronald McDonald visited Milford school Friday morning as part of a program to encourage elementary students to use the library and read books. He used humor, props and even a few students at times during his presentation. Work has begun on the new ice cream shop in town. Marquart’s Eats and Treats will hopefully be opening some time in January, reports Vickie Marquart, who owns the business along with her husband, Steve Marquart. The new ice cream shop will be located on SR 15, just south of Milford. Remodeling is being done on the building, which used to be the site of Brooks Auto Sales. “We are waiting on trusses,” Vickie adds. A resident of Milford was the highest bidder for the beautiful baby blanket that was auctioned off Saturday, Oct. 11. The blanket was given by an anonymous donor with the provision that funds from its sale be used for the expense account of Milford Community Building. The winner, who asked not to be named, donated $300 toward the cause. 30 YEARS AGO, OCT. 27, 1993 Byron Fellows of Milford has enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s delayed entry program. The DEP allows young men and women to enlist on inactive duty up to a year prior to receiving their iniPublic Notice

tial training. Fellows is scheduled to receive recruit training at the U.S. Naval Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., in September 1994. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Hollar, Milford, will celebrate 64 years of marriage with a family dinner at Amish Acres. Hollar and the former Freda Tusing were married at the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw, Nov. 2, 1929. The Hollars have been farming west of Milford for most of the 64 years that they have been married. 40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 2, 1983 Kim Joyce, a first grader at the Milford Elementary School and daughter of Sharon Joyce of Dewart Lake and Jim Joyce, attended the Milford Halloween Parade Saturday night as a hunchbacked prisoner complete with ball and chain and walked away with the grand prize honors. Some 50 youngsters participated in the event sponsored annually by the Lions, the Kiwanis, the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary. At long last the sign has been installed on the community building to make it easier to find for visitors to Our Town. This scribe likes the sign and congratulates the Milford Area Development Council on its choice of style. Milford citizens have no trouble finding the community building as it is a very busy place. 50 YEARS AGO, OCT. 31, 1973 Members of the Milford volunteer fire department were called into action at 2:30 p.m. last Sunday when a fire was set in the large unoccupied building along the Big Four tracks on North James street. The building was formerly occupied by fertilizer companies. Fireman Phil Campbell said damages were not as Public Notice NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Silver Lake Town Council will hold an Administration meeting for Capital Planning on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 10:00am. The meeting will be held at 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, IN. The public is welcome to attend. hspaxlp

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO CONDUCT A RECREATIONAL EVENT ON PUBLIC WATERS Wawasee Iceboat Squadron, 9337 E. Natticrow, Syracuse, has applied to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, Under IC 14-15-7-3 and 312 IAC 5-3-1, for a permit to conduct iceboat races. This event is scheduled to be held on January 6-7, February 25-March 2, 2024 on Lake Wawasee, in Kosciusko County. Any person objecting to such an event may do either or both of the following: (A) File a petition with the central office of the division requesting an informal hearing. The Petition must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) individuals who are at least eighteen (18) years old and who reside in the county where the event will occur. A hearing under this clause is governed by 312 IAC 203. (B) Request the division notify the petitioner in writing when an initial determination is made to issue or deny the license. Following the receipt of notice under this clause, a petitioner may request administrative review of the determination under 312 IAC 3-1. The address for the Law Enforcement Division is as follows: Law Enforcement Division Department of Natural Resources Indiana Government Center South 402 West Washington Street, Room W255D Indianapolis, IN 46204 hspaxlp

extensive as they might seem as the fire was contained to the rafters under the roof and between the walls. Guests of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Miller of near Milford on Friday evening in honor of their birthdays were Mr. and Mrs. Howard McDonald and Mr. and Mrs. Woody Slabaugh of Nappanee, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Greenwalt and Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Ganshorn of Etna Green. The group had supper at a restaurant west of Goshen then returned to the Miller home for a social evening. Birthday cake, ice cream and coffee were served.

Editor’s Note: This is part five 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 those days because we ran the only ambulance service in the area, our home, which was still located in the back of the funeral home, the building on South Main Street that Robert Pletcher purchased all those years ago, was dispatch central. We had an extremely high CB tower mounted on our garage roof, and phone bells on the back of the building, so my mother could run to the neighbors for coffee, and still get home to catch the phone by the third ring, a house rule. Police officers on the evening shift would often come by the house, drink coffee, eat pie and chat in our kitchen until the wee hours; our door was never locked. As I got older, I too would sometimes be called on to go on an ambulance call. My dad would drive, and I would be assigned to sit in back. I said, “what do I do?” The answer, “just make sure they’re breathing … until we get them to the hospital.” So I would sit in the back of the ambulance and pray they wouldn’t die under my charge… After I got my driver’s license, I would occasionally drive the ambulance, but only when there was no one else available … I don’t think the patients appreciated a 16-year-old at the helm when they were in pain. I was, however, frequently assigned to deliver flowers to the cemetery. I was supposed to arrive before the hearse and funeral procession, but finding some of the smaller cemeteries throughout the county, often led to me arriving late, which didn’t go over very well. I wish

Public Notices NOTICE OF HEARING Pursuant to Indiana Code § 20-26-7-37, the Board of School Trustees of Wawasee Community School Corporation gives notice that on November 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., they will meet in public session at the Wawasee High School Warrior Room, 1 Warrior Path, Building 1, Syracuse, Indiana, to discuss and hear objections and support regarding the proposed renovation of and improvements to school facilities, including deferred maintenance improvements, site improvements, and the purchase of equipment and technology. You are invited to attend and participate in the public hearing. Dated: November 1, 2023 /s/ Secretary, Board of School Trustees Wawasee Community School Corporation hspaxlp LEGAL NOTICE The Town of Pierceton is applying for a construction grant funded by the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) program, administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to improve sidewalk connections on School Street and Third Street. The intent of the project is in response to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure residents have safe social distancing and walkable connections to the Elementary School and Pierceton Park. The Town of Pierceton will hold its first public hearing on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:30 PM at 105 W. Walnut St., Pierceton, IN to provide residents an opportunity to learn more about the need to apply for the grant and the planned improvements to add sidewalks on School Street and Third Street. The Town is eligible to apply for up to $1 million in CDBG-CV program funds, but will be seeking federal assistance for $270,641, with an estimated project cost of $422,641 to construct 6-foot wide sidewalks on School Street and Third Street. If awarded, approximately 52.1% of the grant award, $141,003.96 will be used to benefit low-to-moderate income individuals on an area wide basis. The Town of Pierceton is committing at least 30% of its allocated Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) funds ($152,000) and OCRA will match the investment one to one for the construction of the aforementioned activities. Interested residents are invited to provide comments regarding the sidewalk improvements either at the public hearing or by prior written statement. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities or with limited English proficiency can be requested at the contact information below. This project will result in the displacement of no individuals or businesses. Information concerning the proposed project may be obtained from: Myra Mast Town of Pierceton Clerk-Treasurer Pierceton Town Hall, 105 W. Walnut Street, Pierceton, IN 46562 574-594-2231 hspaxlp NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the school corporation known as Wawasee Community School Corporation (the “School Corporation”) that the Board of School Trustees (the “Board”) of the School Corporation will meet at the Wawasee High School Warrior Room, 1 Warrior Path, Building 1, Syracuse, Indiana, at the hour of 5:30 p.m. (Local Time) on November 14, 2023, to consider the following additional appropriation of the bonds (the “Bonds”) which the Board has determined to issue. The Board considers such additional appropriation necessary to meet the need existing at this time: An appropriation in the amount not to exceed $6,105,000 from the proceeds of the Bonds, including all original issue premium and all investment earnings thereon, to be deposited in the School Corporation’s Construction Fund (Fund #2301) on account of the renovation of and improvements to school facilities, including deferred maintenance improvements, site improvements, and the purchase of equipment and technology (collectively, the “Project”) in the School Corporation, including the incidental expenses necessary to be incurred in connection with the Project and the issuance of Bonds on account thereof. The funds to meet such additional appropriation are to be provided by the issuance and sale of Bonds by the School Corporation. The foregoing appropriation is in addition to all appropriations provided for in the existing budget and tax levy, and a need for such appropriation exists by reason of the inadequacy of the present buildings to provide necessary school facilities in the School Corporation. Taxpayers of the School Corporation appearing at said meeting shall have the right to be heard in respect to the additional appropriation. Dated this 1st day of November, 2023. /s/ Secretary, Board of School Trustees Wawasee Community School Corporation hspaxlp

I could say I quickly learned them all but in fact I’m still learning. During this time my father became good friends with Wade Mishler, the local funeral director in Milford. This led to mutual assistance and the exchange of services and equipment when necessary. Mishler would, when necessary, cover ambulance services for Syracuse, and we would loan him our funeral coach when a second was needed, or vice versa. Wade’s grandson, Sen. Ryan Mishler, owns Wade’s former business in Milford and can still be counted on for additional support when necessary. In 1965, my dad went together with Joe Blocker to buy the former Hartzler Gutermuth Funeral Home on South Fifth Street in Goshen. Blocker had strong family connections to Syracuse, and his wife Vi was the widow of a popular doctor in the Waterford area. By the 1970s my father was making plans to build a new funeral home. He bought several pieces of land he thought might hold promise for a new facility including the former Hunnicutt Hanger property which now is the home of Pizza Hut, Affordable Storage and the Frog Tavern’s overflow parking. Eventually he decided it was not economically feasible to build two buildings and decided to combine the Syracuse and North Webster facilities into one new modern building exactly halfway between the two towns. The building he built on the corner of SR 13 S and CR 1000N was a product of his own design after studying many other new facilities throughout the country. The building sits at an angle on the lot so that two sides are visible from the road. At the time of its construc-

tion in 1976, it was the only structure at that intersection. Since then the Wawasee Middle School and several churches have located on that corner. During the construction the funeral home site became known in the local newspaper as “Charlie’s Corner.” And following Robert Pletcher’s record of firsts, it was the first completed structure in Kosciusko County designed and built specifically for use as a funeral home. In 1985, my dad sold the Harris Funeral Home to Gary Eastlund who had worked for him for 20 years, but my dad remained active in the local funeral business for the rest of his life. In all, he served the community for 65 years and was recognized by the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, as the oldest active licensed funeral director in Indiana prior to his death in 2017. In 1988, the funeral home changed its name from Eastlund-Harris, to simply Eastlund Funeral Home, the name under which it continues to operate today. My dad, who was a stalwart member of the Rotary Club, often served lemon shake-ups at Rotary events, truly exemplifying Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ in all that he did. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge, and served terms on various boards including the chamber of commerce, the State Bank of Syracuse, The Kosciusko County Funeral Directors Association and the Syracuse Cemetery Board. The Eastlunds were also very active in the community. Gary was a member of the local Lion’s Club, and Barb ran the Warsaw office of the BMV for many years.

Public Notices 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 issue bonds in the aggregate amount not to exceed $6,105,000 to fund the proposed renovation of and improvements to school facilities, including deferred maintenance improvements, site improvements, and the purchase of equipment and technology. Dated: November 1, 2023 /s/ Secretary, Board of School Trustees Wawasee Community School Corporation hspaxlp N.1-8 LEGAL NOTICE The Town of Syracuse Park and Recreation Department is requesting offers for the removal of the playground (2 structures and 1 swing set) at Henry Ward Park, located at 142 E. Medusa St. The Syracuse Park and Recreation Department is planning the replacement of the Henry Ward Park playground in 2024. In exchange for the ownership of the existing playground equipment, groups or individuals are responsible the complete removal and transport of the playground including the disposal of any trash or rubbish that may be part of the project For purposes of the offers the playground is in as-is conditions and the Town of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department is not liable for any pre-existing damage or damage to playground equipment during removal or transport. The Town of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department would request that offers include a removal timeline with removal to be finished by December 31, 2023. Sealed offers will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on November 8, 2023 and should be submitted to: Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department 1013 N. Long Dr. Syracuse, IN 46567 For additional information please contact the Town of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department at 574-457-3440. hspaxlp O.25-N.1 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING STATE OF INDIANA KOSCIUSKO COUNTY SS: BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA IN RE: THE PETITION OF ALEX J. VALENTINE TO VACATE A PART OF A STREET AND ALLEY IN THE PLAT OF WOOSTER TO THE CITIZENS OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed with the Auditor and the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana, by Alex J. Valentine, requesting the vacation by ordinance of a part of an alley and part of a platted street in the original Plat of the Unincorporated Town of Wooster, more particularly described as follows: A. All of the North/South alley lying between Lot 6 and Lot 7 in Block 5 in the original Plat of the Town of Wooster. B. A portion of Center Street lying between the center line of Center Street and the South line of Lot 5 and Lot 6 in Block 5 in the original Plat of the Town of Wooster. C. A further description of the area to be vacated is found in a survey description prepared by J.K. Walker and Associates, P.C., that being “description of survey tract I” in the attached Exhibit 1, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. D. A drawing depicting the area to be vacated is attached, labeled Exhibit 2 and incorporated herein by reference. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana, has set the Petition for hearing at 9:00 a.m. on November 21, 2023, at the Commissioners Room (old Courthouse), 100 West Center Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580. Any person may appear and be heard upon the Petition at the time, date and place above scheduled for hearing and/or may send written comments or response to the Auditor of Kosciusko County, Indiana at 100 West Center Street, Warsaw, In 46580. After hearing, the Petition may be granted, denied or continued and an ordinance may be introduced and passed according to law, providing for the vacation of said street and alley. Witness my hand on behalf of the Commissioners of Kosciusko County, Indiana this 24th day of October, 2023. Rhonda J. Helser, Auditor Kosciusko County, Indiana ROCKHILL PINNICK, LLP By: Scott E. Reust 105 East Main Street Warsaw, Indiana 46580 574-267-6116 Attorneys for Petitioner hspaxlp

www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Around The Lakes

CHECK IN HERE — Dozens of people attended the Women of Today’s “Howl at the Owl” fundraiser at the Owl’s Nest in Syracuse. Pictured at the registration table, from left, are Tiffany Barker, Taylar Meeks and Sierra Clark-Kern. ICTURED ABOVE are Haylee Allen and Laney Gross in their Barbie costumes during Haunted Halls at the North Webster Community Center last weekend. Over 650 kids went away with a lot of candy and a ton of smiles. —o— WAWASEE FFA is providing meals to farmers as a way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our community, it’s important to support and give back to the 2% that feeds the 100%. Many generous donations have been received from local businesses to be able to put on this event.

FUN JAMS — The band “Disagreeable” provided the entertainment at Friday night’s “Howl at the Owl,” a fundraiser for Women of Today.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 (or while supplies last.), farmers or their family members can pick up a meal at any of three local grain elevators: CereServ, Clunette, and Deatsman’s. Farmers do not have to be a customer at that elevator to get a meal. —o— A N G E L A AND Jeff Goralczyk, right, took some time away their usual Friday night engagement at the Pickwick Theater to attend the Women of Today’s “Howl at the Owl” party at the Owl’s Nest. They were looking good as a macabre June and Ward Cleaver. Maybe they will end up on the big screen if they ever decide to do a movie version of Leave it to Beaver! —o—

WELCOMING FACES — Pictured from left, Brandi Niles, Jena Koehl and Haley Brown were welcoming faces Friday night at the Owl’s Nest during Women of Today’s “Howl at the Owl” fundraiser.

Women of Today ‘Howl at the Owl’ last Friday Text and Photos By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer Women of Today, a Syracuse-based organization dedicated to raising funds for the youth in the Wawasee community, held its “Howl at the Owl” fundraiser at The Owl’s Nest in North Web-

ster on Friday, Oct. 27. Dozens of guests came in their finest Halloween costumes to enjoy food, drinks and fellowship. Live music was provided by the band “Disagreeable,” which spun numerous familiar tunes. The evening also featured a table filled with silent and live auction items donated by local

businesses and members of the community. All money raised during the evening will be used toward the numerous programs in the community supported by Women of Today. For more information about the organization, visit facebook.com/WomenOfToday2015.

Church by Amy Rensberger, the 6-week series is open to the community and will be using Hayley Dimarco’s workbook, “A Woman Overwhelmed: A Bible study on the life of Mary, mother of Jesus.” The cost of each participant workbook is $17.61 and can be purchased ahead of time on Amazon or after the introductory meeting. A sponsorship may be available to those who may

THE SYRACUSE Public Library will be closed Friday, Nov. 10, for staff development day. The popular “Hat and Scarf” tree is now available at SPL. Stop by the front entrance and take what you need to stay warm this winter. The library’s annual autumn food drive is underway through Nov. 20. Bring nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to the SPL. —o— LUNCH WILL be served at American Legion Post 253, North Webster, from the Mess Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Friday. Every Wednesday dinner will be served from the Mess Hall from 5-7 p.m. with a chance to win the Treasure King Drawing and 50/50. Every Friday dinner will be served from the Mess Hall from 5-7 p.m. with a chance to win the Members Drawing and 50/50.

CUMC to host Advent Bible Study An Advent Bible study is planned to study Mary, Mother of Jesus at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. An introductory meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. At the first meeting, participants will discuss plans for weekly meetings, which will be held at either 7:30 p.m. Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on the wishes of the group. Led

A BIBLE study for students in fifth grade and above will be beginning at 4 p.m. Fridays at Harvest Coffee in Milford. No preregistration is required to participate. If you have questions, call Karena Wilkinson at (574) 658-3066. —o—

not be able to afford their own workbook. The series will culminate with a Sunday morning worship event at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, of “The Mary Story,” which includes Scripture and music that chronicles the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus. For more information call the church office at (574) 457-3778 or Rensberger at (574) 5290080.

MCHATTON-SADLER FUNERAL CHAPELS

“Our families serving your family with professionalism, compassion and care.” Pierceton and Warsaw Michael and Tracy Wilson

There will be a silent auction from 4:306 p.m. featuring an assortment of baked goods. A live auction will follow at 6:30 p.m. featuring a variety of donated items. For further information, visit the events page at milfordfoodbank.org. —o— THE KNIGHTS of Columbus in Syracuse will have an all-you-can-eat pancake, sausage and scrambled eggs breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Proceeds from the morning meal to benefit the K-County Kraken baseball program. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for kids under 12. Carry outs will be available. The Knights of Columbus Hall is located at 414 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse. —o— LAKELAND KIWANIS meets at 6:30 a.m. every Monday in the North Webster Community Center. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Lakeland Kiwanis serves the community by supporting the New Webster Community Public Library, North Webster Chamber of Commerce, North Webster Dixie Day and other North Webster charities. For more information, follow them on Facebook. —o— HARVEST COFFEE soon will be embarking on a capital campaign to raise funds for needed upgrades and improvements. Planned projects include resurfacing the parking lot, replacing the exterior ramps, repairing the building’s soffits and fascia, painting inside the building and removal of a couple of trees. Stay tuned for further information and ways you can help. —o— REGISTRATION OPENS Monday, Nov. 7, for the Syracuse Adult basketball league at the Syracuse Community Center. Games will be played January through March. The complete fee and team rosters must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 19. A minimum of six teams must sign up and a maximum of eight players can be rostered. Roster forms and league rules will be available to pick up at the Syracuse Community Center. All players must be at least 18 years old and out of high school. For more information contact Darin at (574) 457-3440 or dlursen@syracusein.org. —o— THE NORTH Webster Community Center is hosting pickleball from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, 12:30-3 p.m. Monday, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and, for beginners, 3-6 p.m. Fridays. Yoga is hosted at 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Co-ed volleyball is 5:30 p.m. Mondays and the women’s league is 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cardio drumming is hosted at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. Saturday. For more information, call (574) 834-1600. —o—

The Legion will be celebrating Veteran’s Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, with ham and beans and chili soup. Quilts of Valor will be presented at 3 p.m. Donations of turkey, dried dressing mix, turkey gravy and pies for the community meal are being accepted at the Legion. Contact the Canteen at (574) 834-4297 to leave your information. They will call to confirm your donation. The Legion will be closed Friday, Nov. 24 for staff to enjoy a day of rest after Thanksgiving. —o— LAST WEEK, the Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club hosted the North Central District Garden Clubs for the annual meeting. Seven clubs sent 36 people to the Syracuse Community Center for a continental breakfast followed by a business meeting, lunch catered by Coffee Depot and a program. Mary Hesser presented “Tree Factoids” for the program and everyone left with a tree seedling. —o— MILFORD FOOD Bank is holding its “Gobble Up Hunger” fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 4. The programs will take place at Milford Elementary School, 611 E. Emeline St. There will be a 2, 1 and 1/2 mile run/walk with registration beginning at 3 p.m. After the race, a haystack supper will be served from 4:30-7 p.m. A freewill donation will be accepted for the meal.

L.I.T.E. RECOVERY Hub in Milford has expressed its gratitude to Ryan and Emily Austin for their generous donation of their car. “With living in a rural community, finding reliable transportation can be challenging,” said L.I.T.E. founder Tammy Cotton. “Our recent post for help with transportation at L.I.T.E. on Facebook was answered by Ryan and Emily. Ryan and Emily had recently purchased their dream car and were eager to donate their old one to a worthy organization. Upon discovering our post, they knew that LITE was the perfect recipient of their generous gift. “We cannot thank you enough for this amazing gift! Your generosity is greatly appreciated and words cannot express how grateful we are.” Pictured above, from left, are Ryan Austin, Cotton and Emily Austin.