The Mail-Journal - November 23, 2022

If you’re planning to stay in the area this coming holiday weekend, make plans to come to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. That’s where Chautauqua Wawasee will be holding its third annual Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.

This free, family-friendly event features something for everyone, including some of Santa’s reindeer, who will be available for petting; a live nativity scene; horse-drawn wagon rides; strolling musicians, including two barbershop quartets; and an elfin reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

While there, you’ll surely run into a variety of characters who will be roaming the grounds, including Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, a toy soldier and the Gingerbread Man, all of whom will be delighted to stop for a photo with your group.

Activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music near the Oakwood Inn. The 60-foot Christmas tree will be

lit at 6:15 p.m., accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols. Back by popular demand this year is the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, which will take place at the historic Oakwood Chapel, read by Penny Kitson and Shelly Judy.

As you walk to the chapel, look for the live nativity scene featuring Mark Mesaros as Joseph; Suzie Cook as Mary; Ron Mason, David Johnston and Jim Kroemer as wise men; Alan Kitson and Dave Schramm as shepherds; and Karen Kroemer as an angel. Milford Christian Church will provide the costumes; the Syracuse Parks Department built and assembled the nativity stable.

Additionally, the Christmas photo booth is the perfect place for your family’s annual Christmas picture. Hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores will be provided, and don’t forget to pick up some deer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer.

“As we celebrate Christmas, we often think of those in need,” said Mark Knecht, president of Chautauqua Wawasee. “A collection bin

for the Syracuse Food Pantry is available for your canned or nonperishable goods.”

Keep your fingers crossed for a bit of snow, but if severe weather occurs, check chqw.org or facebook. com/chautauquawawasee for information and updates. All events will be held outside, so dress accordingly for the weather.

Event sponsors include the Town of Syracuse Parks Department, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Oakwood Resort, Syracuse Chamber and many local businesses that will be identified in the event program.

Free parking is available around Oakwood Resort, located at 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse.

“This is a fun-filled family event and a wonderful way to get the family into the Christmas spirit.” said Kip Schumm, event coordinator. “Make this event part of your family’s holiday traditions.”

For more information, email debbie@chqw.org.

Maple Leaf Farms, Polywood competing for Coolest Thing Made in Indiana title

concludes Nov. 30.

Two local companies — Maple Leaf Farms and Polywood — are in the Final Four round vying for the title of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” contest.

The contest, which celebrates the state’s long manufacturing history and showcases the wide variety of Hoosier-made products, started with a 54-company field.

Some companies participating have headquarters located outside the state, but the product representing them is made completely in Indiana.

great thing about the product is it’s a partially deboned product,” said Chris Jellel, plant manager. He explained the deboning process has to be done by hand. “So a lot of blood, sweat and dedication goes into it.”

information from Polywood before they would make a decision.

All three cases presented to the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals at the Thursday, Nov. 17, meeting were approved with stipulations. The only remonstrators in attendance expressed concerns about a new parking lot intended for Polywood LLC employees.

The petition for an exemption to allow a parking lot in a residential district, located on the east side of Maple Street and south of North Street, Syracuse, was heard by the board in September. The board then requested more documentation and

William Bennett, Gary Cook and Melodie Rodgers, area residents, all expressed that even though expanding parking would be good for Syracuse, they were concerned about the excessive noise and reckless driving that already occurs in the area.

Matthew Shaw, chief financial officer of Polywood, provided more information on the privacy and noise concerns. Shaw stated that additional lighting is not necessary

for the parking lot, a fence and new trees will serve as a buffer between the parking lot and the residential homes and additional surveillance will be implemented.

The petition was granted under the following conditions:

• Only the first shift sewing department is to use the parking lot.

• Parking is allowed only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• No installation of lighting.

• Installation of trees for privacy and a 6-foot fence covering the Continued on page 2

Maple Leaf Farms and Polywood are competing against Hiker Trailers in Columbus, which manufactures a custom teardrop camping trailer, and Kidstuff Play Systems in Gary, producers of a tri-ride slide.

Online voting to see who reaches the finals, is open to the public at indianachamber.com/ coolest-thing-made-in-indianatournament. Voting for the semifinals runs through Friday, Nov. 25 at 10 p.m. The championship matchup will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28. The tournament

Those 54 companies were placed in a March Madness-type bracket with the public encouraged to vote during the various rounds.

The winner will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Indiana Chamber’s Best IN Manufacturing Luncheon.

Olivia Tucker, brand marketing manager, explained someone from Maple Leaf’s executive committee nominated the company for the contest. Maple Leaf’s product is its roast half duck. “The

Maple Leaf has been campaigning for votes through social media as well as talking its product up through various professional organizations, such as the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce.

Company officials are tossing around a few ideas how to celebrate, should Maple Leaf win the coveted Coolest Thing Made In Indiana award. “We’re just happy our staff is being recognized for the product,” said Janelle Deatsman, communications manager for Maple Leaf Farms.

“We’re very appreciative of the people who made this prod-

a total of $73,207.64.

in their bills until early February.

Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees approved its 2023 budget of $1,965,255 during its monthly public meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16.

President Jim Haney opened the meeting. The board welcomed new board member, Rosa Ritchie, before getting down to business.

Mike DeWald gave the treasurer’s report. He presented the monthly claim approval form for

DeWald expressed the district is financially in good standing except for maintenance costs, as there is actively a steady increase.

A motion was made to introduce an amended rate ordinance.

A multi-phase rate increase of 12% was proposed. There will be a public notice prior to the December meeting. A letter will be mailed to LRSD customers about the rate increase. If adopted, customers will not see the increase

Tom Astbury of Astbury Water Technology, Angola, presented their monthly report. He reported the “plant was operating well” with a removal level of 98%.

“A piece of metal got into the pump and caused the pump to fail. Due to hydrogen sulfite, there have been some damages. We will continue to monitor this closely,” he said.

He said it is not expensive and the other two lift stations “look

Commissioners approve court interpreter grant application request

ty courts.

Kosciusko County Commissioners have approved allowing an application for a $30,000 reimbursable court interpreter grant.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 22, the commissioners heard the request from Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge Karin McGrath.

“It would be state funds,” she said. “We have had a grant of this sort years ago … and somewhere along the line it was discovered that … it wasn’t worth the administrative costs to maintain the grant and I think it’s maybe worth trying again.

“We currently do the best we can to provide interpretive services for our non-English speaking litigants and also hard of hearing/ deaf litigants,” she said. “We just simply sometimes run into issues

with finding quality interpreters and although much frowned upon and we acknowledge that and respect that, there are occasions we have to rely on bilingual staff and even family members to assist us, which for obvious reasons is not an ideal course.”

So this grant would allow us some additional funding, I hope, to pay our certified interpreters to be available to interpret effectively and accurately regardless of the type of case. This would be for criminal cases, civil cases,” she said.

In response to a question from Commissioner Bob Conley, McGrath said interpreters were currently paid for out of a court services fund, but the idea for the grant was to help save that money for other needs.

McGrath noted the grant money would be used for all five coun-

Commissioners unanimously approved the request.

In other business, commissioners:

• Approved requests from Kosciusko Senior Services, Fellowship Missions, Kosciusko County Community Corrections, Mentone Four-Way Ambulance Service and the county for using some of Kosciusko County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The county’s ARPA committee previously OK’d the requests on Nov. 9. The requests will lastly have to be approved by the Kosciusko County Council.

• Approved purchasing 35 computers and 35 monitors at a cost of $52,451.35 at the request of Kosciusko County Systems Administrator Bob Momeyer. He already had the money budgeted.

• Approved a lease with Kos-

ciusko REMC for fiber connection for the county’s new public safety communications tower system. It’s a five-year lease at a monthly cost of $4,898.50.

• Approved a rezoning request previously approved by the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission at its Nov. 2 meeting. It was from Don McCulloch to rezone about 140 acres on the west side of Bishop Road on the south side of CR 1300N, near the old Wawasee Airport in Turkey Creek Township, from residential to agricultural.

• Approving to allow Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty to apply for a federal grant for work on Bridge 139 on CR 700E across the Eel River.

Commissioners’ next meeting is at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom.

North Webster Town Council hears about grant for a trail

The North Webster Town Council heard about a grant for a new proposed trail at its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 22.

A trail study, paid for by the town, was performed in 2020 from the North Webster town limits north to Wawasee Middle School.

Now the town can get grant assistance for the trail. The INDOT federal fund grant application is due Dec. 2.

The grant is an 80-20 match, with the town would supplying 20% of the funding. Board members signed the financial commitment letter at last night’s meeting.

The board can approve the supplemental agreement, subject to funding, said the town’s attorney Jack Birch.

“This is a requirement of the grant application,” said Beth Johnson, business development representative for USI Consultants.

“You don’t need to come up with the full 20% up front. You don’t need to accept it (the grant) if you don’t come up with the money.”

The cost of the grant could be as high as $5,000 or it could be closer to $1,000 or $1,500.

Since the funds are not appropriated, the current clerk-treasurer, Betsy Luce, who was not at the meeting, will need to be advised.

“We will come up with the money,” said Lisa Strombeck, town council member. “We will get it worked out.”

During the utilities report, Mike Noe noted the new skid loader will be delivered in 2023. By ordering it this year, the town saved $4,400, he said. The ski loader cost $89,750. “It will be very helpful,” said President Dan Thystrup.

Leaf pickup will continue until

Thursday, Dec. 1, unless otherwise needed, Noe said. He said Christmas lights are up now.

Trench repairs will be conducted near Lake Lube on South Main Street Monday, Nov. 28. There has been a shortage of concrete, he said.

During the police report, David May, deputy marshal, said there were 345 calls of service. Of those, 112 were traffic related, eight of which were accidents or vehicles in

the ditch. There were two drug-related calls and four alcohol-related calls.

He said the new officers are “doing well.”

The parks department gave its report. Two trees will be trimmed near the pavilion. A new fourwheeler will be used for seaweed removal at the town park.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at NWCC.

Maple Leaf recognized at poultry producers event

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler and the Indiana State Poultry Association recognized the generosity of Indiana’s poultry producers Tuesday, Nov. 22. The recognition occurred at the 75th annual Indiana state poultry recognition event at the Indiana Statehouse. Over the past year, Indiana poultry farmers have donated nearly 100 tons, or 200,000 pounds, of poultry products to Hoosiers in need.

Maple Leaf Farms, Leesburg and Milford, was among those who were honored for its generosity.

“I am so proud of the Hoosier poultry producers and the large impact they have on food-insecure Hoosiers,” said Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Donating 200,000 pounds of poultry products throughout the year is an incredible feat, and I am grateful I was able to thank them in person today for their generous donations.”

For decades, Indiana’s poultry producers have been working to address food insecurity in their local communities by providing protein to food banks across the state. Some of the main products donated over the course of this year include eggs, chicken, duck and turkey.

The strength of Indiana’s poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony, as Indiana is one of the top poultry producing states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high quality broiler chicken production as well.

The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state, contributing more than $15 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,500 Hoosiers.

“Our Hoosier farmers are incredibly generous and quick to give back to their community,” said Kettler. “This event highlights their year-round contributions to various food banks and pantries located throughout Indiana and we are grateful to recognize them.”

Indiana State Poultry Association members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. According to ISPA President Becky Joniskan, the large poultry donations come from the small communities across Indiana our poultry farming families call home.

“Indiana’s bountiful, high quality feed, ample water supply, dedicated farmers, and business climate that understands the needs of agriculture make it an ideal place to raise poultry,” said Joniskan. “We pride ourselves on feeding our neighbors, our nation, and, indeed, the world, with wholesome, nutritious poultry products.”

Maple Leaf had items on display, which were donated to Food Find-

Syracuse BZA

Continued from page 1 north, east and south sides of the parking lot.

• Installation of signs stating unauthorized parking may result in being ticketed/towed.

• Installation of a sign stating no right turn exit from the parking lot.

Board member Matt Goodnight stated, “We just want to make sure you’re (Polywood) a good corporate neighbor.” Any future changes must be brought back to the board.

Kevin Nelson represented himself in his petition to allow the placement of a carport 13.6 feet from the right of way of the road, located south of Valley View Drive and west of Manor Drive, Syracuse. Nelson stated he currently does not

have much space in his garage to get around if his car is parked in there, which poses an issue for him.

The board approved Nelson’s petition as it pertained to medical issues, but stated it must be put in the deed to the house that the carport is to be removed when ownership changes.

Steve Council represented Church of God Ministries in their petition to construct a covered open entrance 35 inches from the road right of way, located on the north side of Main Street and east of Mill Street, Syracuse.

The board approved the petition as presented, but noted that an after-the-fact fee and permit fee must be paid.

TCRSD hears update on Northshore-Eastshore project

spection, there was a lot of work by all. I credit my staff,” Woodward stated.

An update on the NorthshoreEastshore drives project was given at the regular meeting of Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District Monday night, Nov. 21.

The project report was presented by Anthony Carrier, an engineer with Jones and Henry, Fort Wayne.

The project has entered its final stages. All piping throughout the project has been installed. Selge

Construction has completed all concrete work and is expected to complete paving by the end of the week of Nov. 21. The crew is currently working on restoration and plans to begin installing control panels at pump stations two to five, starting the week of Nov. 28. The project deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 27, and the contractor is expected to be completed by that deadline.

In other news, TCRSD had two inspections from Indiana Department of Environmental Management Tuesday, Nov. 15 — one for the plant and one for the collection system.

“I am happy to report these were satisfactory and a lot of work,” Superintendent Tim Woodward said. “I have a great staff, and they do a great job.”

During the compliance evaluation inspection, “conditions evaluated were found to be satisfactory at the time of the inspection,” according to James Weingart, director of the northern regional office.

The sanitary sewer survey also stated, “conditions evaluated were found to be satisfactory at the time of the inspection.”

“If you look at the guts of the in-

Continued from page 1

uct possible,” said Jellel. “It’s so impressive what they do,” said Tucker.

Maple Leaf Farms has been producing its roast half duck since Serenade Foods, the processing facility, opened in the 1970s.

Employee Gabe Bollinger has been eating the roast half duck since the 1980s and said its consistency remains the same. The product is so popular with Maple Leaf customers, “we were pretty much sold out during COVID,” said Tucker.

Maple Leaf’s roast half duck is available at its retail store in Leesburg and at Martin’s and Costco stores in the area.

Polywood received the information and its executive staff tossed around ideas which product to showcase. It settled on the elevated sectional, a modular deep-seated set that can be configured into dozens of seating options.

Along with the sectional frame, Polywood also sews and stuffs the accompanying cushions at its Syracuse plant.

According to the report, the lift station inspection in Enchanted Hills was “excellent.” There was no floating debris, trash or grease noted.

The report also stated, “The wet well had been lined in the past 10 years and is in good condition. There’s very minimal floating debris. The control panel was showing some age but the district has plans in place to replace eight panels next year.”

“We have 30 pump stations, 22 generators and 49 miles of sewer in the ground,” reported Woodward.

The PRV valve was installed at the water plant as a Department of Homeland Security requirement.

The well head, phase two update was completed and sent to IDEM. This is a five-year phase program.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the district’s office in Cromwell.

Lakeland

good.” He said he’d rather do it as a planned repair than an emergency one.

The board agreed to repair the pump at a cost not to exceed $11,000 to “get it back in working order.” LRSD will also replace an aerator.

Astbury said some of the issues are “typical” for these types of systems, but “there are costs associated with it.”

“The other new or rebuilt pumps look pretty good,” said Astbury.

MapleDrum scrubbers have been purchased and will be installed by Astbury.

A five-year permit by IDEM will expire Sept. 30. Astbury will submit a request for a new permit by the end of March. “I don’t expect any problems,” he said of getting the permit.

An engineering report was given by a DLZ Corporation representative, who gave an update on Jellystone Campground’s ferric chloride project. “We are working on plans,” he said. Construction may be done in March once a tank has been ordered.

“We will invest in what needs to be done in order to connect with us,” said Haney.

The board received commercial property responses to questionnaires from Barbee Hotel, The Moorings and Lake Life Bar and Grill. The board has an option to mail out questionnaires twice a year. An inspection report will be done on an annual basis.

The connection status for four properties was discussed. LRSD has started the recommended forced connection action process on two of the properties. The other two will be sold at a sheriff’s sale.

ers Food Bank in Lafayette. This ceremony marks an annual tradition dating back to the late 1940s.

Organized by ISPA, one of the oldest poultry organizations in the nation, it was designed to recognize

the strength of Indiana’s poultry industry, as well as the annual donations made by its members, who are responsible for more than 95% of the chicken, duck, turkey and eggs produced in Indiana.

“There are a lot of great companies in the contest, including Maple Leaf. To have two companies from Kosciusko County (in the Elite Eight) is great,” said Ryan Zimmerman, senior director of human resources for Polywood.

Polywood has sent out some internal communications encouraging employees to place their votes as well as some posts on Linkedin.

A request by a property owner to rescind reimbursement charges for grinder damages was denied.

The board approved its 2023 meeting schedule. Meetings will be held the third Wednesday of the month.

The next meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at its office in Warsaw.

Kent Lee Brower

Kent started working for the phone company in his early ’20s when it was still United Telephone and retired from the same company, now Centu rylink, after 40 plus years. He loved his job and would talk to anyone who might be willing to lis ten. He took pride in his work and worked hard to grow and learn in his field. His peers and team members looked up to Kent as a leader and he was a mentor to many.

In his spare time, Kent enjoyed playing golf, watching golf and golf might have been on the TV during naptime, but you didn’t hear that from us. He also loved working with wood and leather, playing fam ily card games, mushroom hunting for morels, of course, and fishing (sometimes even on the ice).

Kent was also known for his infamous bartending skills. He loved tending the bar he built himself and creating new drinks just to see what they would taste like. These bartending nights were during fam ily gatherings, both large and small. He loved family gatherings and creating large firework displays that may have had a few close calls. He was a large man with a kind heart and an outgoing personality. He was loved greatly and will be missed by his family and many friends.

Born in Kosciusko County, he was the son of the late Bill E. Brow er and Evelyn Salmon Brower. Kent is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sandra Brower; children, Bart Brower (Michelle) of Sanford, Kim Sharp (Woody) of Fuquay-Varina, Ryan Brower of Melbourne, Fla., Scott Schmucker (Sarah) of Granger, and Jill Smith of Colum bia City; brother, Chris Brower of Topeka; grandchildren, Elizabeth Brower, Megan Brower, Darrik Brower, Ashlynn Brower-Geiger, Mar tin Smith II, Alana Schmucker, Alyssa Schmucker, Zachary Sharp and Tucker Sharp; great-grandchildren, Kayden Brower, Jamison Brower and Noah Brower; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kent was preceded in death by two sisters, Carman Danner and Vicki Hodge.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 8056 E. 500N, North Webster. The visitation will be held at 10 a.m. and the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. with a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at Union Center Cemetery in Nappanee.

Written condolences may be left for the family at www.titusfuner alhome.com.

Anita Cassidy

Anita Cassidy, 84, Ligonier, passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse.

She was born Nov. 5, 1938, the daughter of Fred and Emagene (Lemmon) Bowen in South Bend. On March 5, 1961, she married James Alan Cassidy in Ligonier; he preceded her in death June 19, 2012.

Anita worked at Studebaker in South Bend, where she met Jim, and had also worked in Chicago for many years. She was a miniature enthusiast and a very talented crafter. Anita also owned and worked in several antique shops over the years. She especially enjoyed recon necting with old friends when she returned to the area and working in downtown Syracuse at Yours, Ours & Mine antique store.

She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne (Carl) Bailey, North Carolina, and Barbara (John) Mazzolini; two grandchildren, Brittany Jean Mann and Sean James Mullahy, all of Illinois; siblings, David W. (Pamela) Alles, Ligonier, Catherine Alles (Chris) Muesing, Greenwood, Lisa Janes, Syracuse, and Thomas E. (Tammy) Janes, Ligonier; broth er-in-law, Glen Hicks, Syracuse; nieces and nephews, Carrie Hicks, Amy Hicks, Scott Hicks, Clay Hicks, Andy Janes, Jace Morgan, Clay Preston, Drew Preston, Tyler Alles, Doug Alles and Sam Muesing; and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Fred Osie and Emagene Bowen and Sonny and Mary Janes; sister, Marcia B. Hicks; and grandparents, including her very special Grandpa O.G. Bowen.

In keeping with Anita’s wishes, no public visitation or services are planned. Cremation will take place and Anita’s ashes will be laid to rest with her husband James at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier.

In honor of Anita’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be directed to the Kosciusko County Animal Shelter, 3489 E. 100S, Pierceton, IN 46562.

Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, is assisting the family with ar rangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.

Daniel P. Tittle

Daniel P. Tittle, Syracuse, passed away sur rounded by his family at Avalon Village in Ligo nier on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at the age of 76.

Born in Gary on July 19, 1946, he was one of the sons of Walter and Neva Tittle. Dan was a 1964 graduate of Portage High School. During the sum mers, he attended Culver Military Academy, where he earned the privilege of being named captain of the 54-foot square rigger Fowler sailing vessel.

He went on to Purdue University to further his education by re ceiving an associate degree in applied science, in aviation flight tech nology, and later bachelor of science in the Professional Pilot School. Later, he received a master’s degree from Purdue in industrial design. On May 4, 1968, in West Lafayette, he married Katherine Marschke and together they raised their son, David.

In his professional career, Dan worked as a plant engineer at Abitibi (ABTco) in Middlebury for many years. He also flew the DC 3 aircraft for Purdue Airlines and later built race cars. Dan’s true pas sion in life was for aircraft, especially flying the DC 3 and later his own Cessna 337 Skymaster.

He was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Associa tion in Oshkosh, Wis. Dan was a lifetime member of the John Purdue Club and President’s Council. He was also a member of the Wawasee Property Owners Association and the American Power Boat Associa tion. In his spare time during the warm months, he enjoyed life on Lake Wawasee, sailing, skiing and boating.

Along with his wife of 54 years, Katherine, those who survive with broken hearts include his son and daughter-in-law, David Tittle and Adrienne Benitez; brothers, Thomas Tittle of Ogden Dunes and Wil liam and Marge Tittle of Naples, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Beth Anne and Dave Konold of California. He is further survived by many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Syracuse is en trusted with Dan’s care. Friends joined his family from 4-6 p.m. Satur day, Nov. 19, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. A private, family-led memorial service began at 6 p.m. To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit www.titusfu neralhome.com.

Mark W. Mast, New Paris, passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 54.

Mark was born March 29, 1968, in Goshen to Eli and Margaret Mast. After graduating from Wawasee High School, he met the love of his life, Denise Richardson, whom he married on Aug. 7, 1988. Professionally, Mark worked as a production manager at Polaris/Rinker for 35 years.

Kindhearted, Mark was ready to volunteer for anything and was quick to extend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. A man of God, he attended Grace Community Church in Goshen and was bap tized two years ago on Nov. 15, 2020. Mark enjoyed racing, camping, bike riding and traveling to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Most of all, he loved and cherished the time he spent with his family, es pecially his grandchildren. Mark will always be remembered for his courageous, loving and strong spirit.

Mark will be deeply missed by his wife of 34 years, Denise; daugh ter, Danielle (Brooks) Beer; grandchildren, Savanah, Realynn and Leah; mother, Margaret Mast; sister, Sharon Richardson; and brothers, Terry (Pat) Mast, Dean (Rita) Mast and Alan (Crystal) Mast.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eli Mast; and two broth ers, Robert Mast and Glen Mast.

Friends and family gathered from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse. A funeral service immediately followed with Rev. Mike Silliman officiating. Burial took place at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Syracuse Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Grace Community Church; the Goshen Cancer Society; or to the Eagles 3760.

Written condolences to the family may be left at www.titusfuner alhome.com.

Connie Solina

Connie Solina, 77, Syracuse, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Grace Village Retirement Com munity.

Arrangements are currently pending at Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse.

Jeff Miller

Jeff Miller, 46, Syracuse, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Luther an Hospital, Fort Wayne.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw.

This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never — in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

~Winston Churchill, 1941

Medical handoff should not be kiss-off

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

If you’ve never had to visit a doc tor during your lifetime, consider yourself extremely lucky.

But not off the hook, because the likelihood of everybody becoming a patient at some time in their lives is 100%, according to a medical school dean as quoted in The Pre pared Patient Newsletter. Which means everyone can use some guid ance in “good patienthood.”

Preparation is simple. State your problem when you make the ap pointment. Be ready to relate dis eases that run in the family, and current and past medial problems and treatments.

Write down that information be fore you go, if necessary. Don’t leave home without a list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take and in what frequencies and dosages.

While you’re there, tell the doc tor about your emotional health. Tell him or her if you’re depressed for whatever reason, overly nervous about a visit by relatives, stressed by preparation for an upcoming trip or excited about the approach of a new grandchild.

Don’t leave before you get all the information you need, such as if and when you should return, what warning signals to watch for and when’s the best time to contact your doctor. Make sure you under stand clearly the instructions about what you’re supposed to do as part of your treatment.

These same rules apply if you’re referred to another doctor. In most

cases, this will be a specialist in whatever area your primary care physician feels the need for a sec ond opinion or diagnosis.

You might want to check with your health and hospital insur ance carrier to see if that doctor is included in your coverage. If he or she is not, ask your primary care physician for a doctor included in your coverage list. Don’t be afraid to shop around yourself. Make sure no one drops the ball in the handoff from your pri mary care physician to the referral doctor(s).

Besides making all the doctor visit preparations listed above, make sure your medic is going to send your medical records and his tory to any doctor(s) you’re referred to. If necessary, ask for a copy of your records and carry them to the referral visit.

Your referring doctor should tell you exactly why he or she is refer ring you to a new doctor and what to expect, including the possibility of new tests or treatment.

You should also ask about the new doctor’s personality. For exam ple, ask if this specialist has the pa tience to explain things to patients.

You also should tell all your doc tors how you learn best. If you’d rather read instructions than re ceiving them verbally, say so. If be ing shown works best, have them walk you through how things work, how many pills to take and how to give yourself medication.

It’s your health and doctors can use all the help they can get to keep you hearty and hale.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2022

Holiday Remembrance Services set for Dec. 3

The staff of Titus Funeral Home is preparing for their sev enth annual Holiday Remem brance Service at 10 a.m. Sat urday, Dec. 3, at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw or at 2 p.m. at Owen Family Funeral Home in Syracuse.

Held by the funeral home on the first Saturday of December, the event serves as a time for those who have lost a loved one

or loved ones to gather in their memory.

This year’s remembrance ser vice will feature Pastor Mike Beezley, who will lead those in attendance through music and thoughtful, reflective words.

“For those who have lost a loved one, the holidays can be difficult. For those grieving, what used to be a joyous, festive and happy time may now be ex

tremely trying,” said Cory Benz, owner and funeral director of Titus Funeral Home.

“We welcome you to join us for this special, thoughtful ser vice of remembrance. No matter which local funeral home may have served your family, all who grieve are invited to attend.”

Each year the funeral home’s service is centered around a unique theme. Families in at

tendance will receive a memo rial ornament that matches the year’s theme.

Although the event is free, a reservation is required. Please call Titus Funeral Home at (574) 267-3104 or Owen Fam ily Funeral Home at (574) 457-4002 to reserve seats and record whom your family will be remembering this holiday season.

Interra promotes Tiffany Watkins and Brook Germann

Interra Credit Union is announc ing the pro motion of two staff mem bers, accord ing to Angie Pletcher, senior vice president of enterprise risk manage ment at the credit union.

Tiffany Watkins has been pro moted to assistant vice president of compliance and fraud. Watkins will lead the credit union’s com pliance, anti-money laundering/ bank secrecy and fraud manage ment programs. This supports Interra’s excellent operating standards for established risk

tolerances in compliance while follow ing the ap plicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations and regulato ry guidelines. Watkins joined In terra in 2020 with nearly 20 years of experi ence in the industry. Most recent ly she served as the assistant vice president, compliance director for the credit union. “With significant experience in account operations, I understand the importance of finding a balance between miti gating risk and providing a posi tive member experience,” stated

Watkins. “Each member of ours has their own story, making their member journey unique to their specific needs,” she added.

Watkins holds a master of sci ence in administration with a concentration in leadership from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Mich. She also holds certifications in bank se crecy act compliance specialist, credit union compliance expert and certified regulatory vendor program manager.

Brook Germann has been pro moted to assistant vice president of security and facilities. In his new role, Germann is respon sible for securing the assets of the credit union while also over seeing the facilities department. He leads all Interra employees in safety and security training and

maintains security equipment to ensure all properties are operat ing correctly.

Germann has been part of In terra since 2017. Prior to joining the credit union, he served 22 years for the Nappanee Police Department. “Interra is invested in our communities, and we take great pride in developing rela tionships with our members and the community at large,”he said.

Actively involved in the com munity, he serves on the board of directors for Child and Parent Services of Elkhart County. He is also a member of ASIS Inter national, a global community of security practitioners. Germann holds a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and public af fairs from Indiana University South Bend.

Retired From Centurylink

Kent Lee Brower, 72, passed away Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at the SECU Hospice Home in Pitts boro, N.C.

KENT LEE BROWER

Mark W. Mast Production Manager

Miniature Enthusiast

MARK W. MAST

Professional Pilot

DANIEL P. TITTLE

TIFFANY WATKINS

BROOK GERMANN

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

Accidents 4:49 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, North SR 13, south of East South Barbee Drive, Pierceton. Driver: Ian M. Mallane, 38, East Collins Street 1, Columbia City. Mallane’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $25,000.

6:44 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, North SR 13, south of EMS B21 Lane, Pierceton. Drivers: James D. Kunce, 74, South SR 5, Cromwell; and Molly K. Landis, 31, East Goodison Road, North Webster. Landis slowed down to stop for a school bus. Kunce was unable to stop in time, and his vehicle hit Landis’ vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

2:42 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, North SR 15 and West CR 900N, Milford. Drivers: Andrew J. Cook, 39, North Morgan Street, Mentone; and Jamaica S. Bravard, 25, East CR 500N, Leesburg. Cook drove into the path of Bravard’s vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

1:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, East Armstrong Road, south of North CR 200E, Leesburg. Drivers: Criselda D. Bumbaugh, 65, EMS D22A Lane, Syracuse; and Trisha L. Lursen, 30, West CR 200S, Warsaw. Bumbaugh’s vehicle drove into the path of Lursen’s. Damage up to $50,000. 10:11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, North SR 15 and Jalynn Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Justina M. Kramer, 44, CR 23, New Paris; and Vincente C. Herrera, 21, West Syracuse Street, Milford. Kramer began to merge and didn’t see Herrera’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

3:21 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, South Huntington Street, south of East Maple Grove, Syracuse.

Driver: Antonio A. Campos, 23, Larson Avenue, Elkhart. Campos’ vehicle ran off the road and hit a sign. He admitted to drinking alcohol before he drove. Damage up to $5,000. 6:41 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, South CR 700W, south of SR 25, Mentone. Driver: Jacob A. Wright, 19, East CR 575N, Leesburg. Wright was traveling south on South CR 700W when his vehicle slid on the ice-covered roadway, leaving the road and hitting a NIPSCO gas utility box. Damage up to $25,000.

5:21 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, North CR 850E, north of East CR 350N, Pierceton. Driver: Jerren M. Ethridge, 18, East Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Ethridge’s vehicle slid on the ice. It hit an embankment, rolled and spun. Damage up to $10,000. 4:05 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, SR 13, south of CR 900N, Syracuse. Driver: Ryan Crisamore, 29, Main Street, Sidney. Driver hit a deer and drove into a ditch. Damage up to $10,000.

7:17 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, East Epworth Forest Road, east of EMS W11 Lane, North Webster. Driver: Kristina L. Stump, 51, North CR 950E, North Webster. Stump’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $10,000.

3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, CR 1350N, east of CR 700W, Nappanee. Driver: Heather Myers, 31, CR 1150N, Milford. Driver swerved to miss a box truck and clipped the wheel of a horse-drawn buggy. Damage up to $2,500.

7:18 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, CR 500N, east of Brown Street, North Webster. Driver: Jenna Mock, 34, Hawthorn Drive, Warsaw. Driver struck a deer. Damage up to $25,000.

3:38 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, CR 150W and CR 400N, Warsaw. Driver: Mitchell Purdy, 40, Lakeview Trail, Leesburg. Driver struck a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

6:50 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, CR 200E, south of Armstrong Road, Leesburg. Driver: Jade Grady, 24, EMS D Lane, Syracuse. Driver struck a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

8:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, 11900 block North Camelot Lane East, Cromwell. Officers investigated a report of domestic battery.

3:16 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 9000 block East Hatchery Road, Syracuse. Ronald S. Goltz reported the theft of a weed eater and gas caddy. Value: $350.

9:41 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 10900 block North SR 15 and

West CR 1100N, Milford. Perry D. Weimer reported a vehicle being damaged after an item fell from another vehicle.

1:01 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 9800 block North SR 13, Syracuse. Officers investigated a report of an animal bite.

10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 11600 block of Pied Piper Parkway, Cromwell. Michael Ross reported the theft of a snowblower. Value estimated at $260.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents

1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 511 S. Main St., North Webster. Driver: Rashanda L. Miller, 37, West Third Street, Ligonier. Miller’s vehicle hit a parked vehicle. Damage up to $2,500. 6:22 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, SR 13 at the entrance of a Family Express gas station. Driver: Dean Culbertson, 60, CR 1300N, Syracuse. Driver ran into a ditch as he was attempting to turn into the parking lot. Damage up to $5,000.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accidents and made the following arrest: Accidents

6:36 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, North Syracuse Webster Road, north of East CR 1200N, Syracuse. Driver: Isaac A. Winters, 16, East Wawonaissa Drive, Syracuse. Winters hit a patch of ice, causing his vehicle to slide off the road and strike a tree. Damage up to $5,000.

5:58 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, East CR 1300N, west of North CR 250E, Syracuse. Driver: Austine J. Swanson, 21, West Hovey Street, Warsaw. Swanson hit a patch of ice, causing their vehicle to slide and strike a utility pole. Damage up to $10,000. Arrest

3:24 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 100 E. Maple Grove St., Syracuse. Antonio Arden Campos, 23, 131 Larson Ave., Elkhart, was driving erratically and drove his vehicle into a ditch.

Campos admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and he failed sobriety testing. Campos was booked into Kosciusko County Jail for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. No bond listed.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents

8:22 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, North CR 150W, north of Executive Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: Emilie F. Cavender, 20, West CR 550N, Ligonier; and Olen J. Borkholder, 48, North CR 400W, Milford. Cavender was traveling south on North CR 150W when she turned in front of Borkholder’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

6:51 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 109 E. Main St., Warsaw.

Driver: Anthony L. Shilling, 34, West Church Street, Leesburg. Shilling’s vehicle hit a parked vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in Kosciusko County Jail: Nov. 20 — Scott Michael Dingess, 36, 525 Meadow View Drive, Syracuse, booked misdemeanor battery. Bond: $500 cash.

Nov. 19 — Joellen Corinne Richardson, 43, Leesburg, booked for intimidation. Bond: $600 cash.

Nov. 19 — Autum May Obacz, 40, 400 N. Main St., Syracuse, booked for sex offender registration violation. Bond: $5,250 surety cash.

Nov. 19 — Tamara Jeanne Grawcock, 55, 10970 Birdie Court, Syracuse, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Bond: $700 cash.

Nov. 17 — Gage Louis Trowbridge, 28, 902 N. Huntington St., Syracuse, booked for failure to appear. No bond listed.

Nov. 15 — Ryan Von Smythe, 33, 12750 N. 825E, Syracuse, booked on two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicatedendangerment. No bond listed.

Nov. 15 — Tina Lyn Hurst, 42, 8368 E. Lakeview Drive, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine. Bond:

$5,250 surety cash.

Nov. 15 — Orien Jacob Rosbrugh, 28, 313 E. Huntington St., North Webster, booked for obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety cash.

Nov. 15 — Michael Johnathan Stump, 55, North Webster, booked for possession of methamphetamine. Bond: $5,250 surety cash.

Nov. 15 — Lyndale Owen Schmucker, 41, 2033 S. SR 5-27, Cromwell, booked for possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor failure to appear. Bond: $10,250 surety cash.

Nov. 15 — Ronald Brian Bame, 52, 100 EMS D24 Lane, Syracuse, booked for invasion of privacy. Bond: $1,000 cash.

Nov. 15 — Cody Hawken Osborn, 36, 61 EMS W23 Lane, North Webster, booked for felony failure to appear. No bond.

Nov. 14 — Treesa Renee Metz, 27, 13454 N. Main St., Milford, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety cash.

Elkhart County

The following people were booked in Elkhart County Jail: Nov. 11 — Kevin R. Anderson, 39, 6067 N. Second St., Leesburg, booked for possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of marijuana/hash oil/hashish/salvia and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $3,000.

Nov. 10 — Jason A. Maggert, 35, 15654 CR 50, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine and possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug. No bond listed.

Whitley County

The following person was booked in Whitley County Jail: Nov. 16 — Mykah Lee Hall, 23, Syracuse, booked for domestic battery, disorderly conduct and conversion. Bond: $2,100.

Child pornography case results in five-year sentence

A Syracuse man will serve five years in prison after printing off images of child pornography at a local pharmacy.

Robert B. Fowerbaugh, 52, 411 N. Main St., Apt. 1, Syracuse, was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography with aggravating factors, both level 5 felonies; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor. Six additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Fowerbaugh was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court I Monday, Nov. 21.

For each count of possession of child pornography, Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Fowerbaugh to 2 1/2 years at the Indiana Department of

Correction, and 1 1/2 years probation. The counts of child pornography possession will run consecutively.

Fowerbaugh also received a two-month sentence at the Kosciusko County Jail for paraphernalia possession.

The paraphernalia possession sentence will be served at the same time as one of Fowerbaugh’s child pornography possession charges.

McGrath noted Fowerbaugh’s prior criminal history and a previous incident with violating alternative sentencing as aggravators in the case.

In total, Fowerbaugh will serve five years in prison, and three years on probation. Fowerbaugh has 244 days of jail time credit and must register as a sex offender.

According to court documents in March, Syracuse Police officers began investigating Fowerbaugh, who printed photographs of child pornography at the Syracuse CVS Pharmacy. In an interview with officers, Fowerbaugh said he printed child pornography there on six occasions. Officers also obtained a search warrant for Fowerbaugh’s home and found several photos depicting child pornography, as well as drug paraphernalia.

“I’m looking forward to getting help,” said Fowerbaugh at his sentencing. “I’m glad a light was shone on these wicked deeds.”

Mishler: General Assembly kicks off 2023 session

State Sen. Ryan Mishler (RMishawaka) recently gathered with fellow legislators at the Statehouse for Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly.

Organization Day includes the swearing in of new and returning members of the General Assembly. This day also marks the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers and gives each Senate and House of Representatives caucus the opportunity to organize in preparation for the 2023 legislative session.

During the first session of each General Assembly, lawmakers craft a comprehensive budget to fund government services for the next two fiscal years.

“I am eager to start working on the budget this session and build upon our strong fiscal po-

Court News

Civil Plenary Elkhart County

The following civil plenary has been awarded in Elkhart County Superior Court IV State of Indiana v. Twenty Real Estate, LLC, Syracuse, and Omer G. Kropf, complaint for appropriation of real estate.

Superior Court III

The following infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Amanda R. Yoder, Syracuse, $160.50; Joshua D. Hill, Syracuse, $160.50 No valid driver’s license — Brenda E. Ross, North Webster, $160.50

Unlawful possession of tobacco, e-liquid or an electronic cigarette — Aubrey Lung, Milford, $160; Jaydon Brown, Milford, $160; Izaiah Criswell, Milford, $160; Jesus A. Criswell, Milford, $160

Marriage Licenses

Kosciusko County

Sechrist-Julian Brandon Sechrist, 24, Leesburg, and Sharlie Julian, 21, North Webster

Beatty-Serrano Yuzon Branden D. Beatty, 45, North

Webster, and Patricia Shayne Serrano Yuzon, 29, North Webster Rider-Paseka Johnny L. Rider, 61, Warsaw, and Beverly A. Paseka, 60, Warsaw Wotring-Wright Jesse Wotring, 40, Elkhart, and Skylar Wright, 18, Warsaw Holbrook-Hernandez Dekota Holbrook, 26, Warsaw, and Latisha Hernandez, 28, Warsaw Poor-Brock Hunter A. Poor, 20, Warsaw, and Macayla N. Brock, 18, Roann

Marriage Dissolutions

Kosciusko County

The following couple have filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Anderson — Emma R. Anderson, Leesburg, and Greg A. Anderson, Leesburg. Married: Dec. 3, 2011. Separated: no date listed. There are three minor children.

sition,” Mishler said. “We have many projects and initiatives to consider and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to create a strong, balanced budget that will benefit the Hoosier state.”

As the 2023 session begins, Mishler encourages residents of Senate District 9 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have at senator.mishler@iga.in.gov or (800) 382-9467.

Holmes arrested after stealing copper tubing from Menards

Steven T. Holmes, 33, 86 E. South St., Milford, was recently arrested after allegedly stealing more than $1,000 worth of copper tubing from the Warsaw Menards.

He is charged with theft and theft with a prior conviction, both level 6 felonies; and theft, a class A misdemeanor.

On Aug. 30, a Warsaw Police officer went to Menards regarding a theft that occurred in July. The officer spoke with an employee, who said the store’s inventory was being checked when it was discovered copper tubing was missing.

According to court documents, while checking surveillance footage, Menards employees discovered a man had stolen copper tubing from the store on July 15. In the footage, the man is shown placing a box of copper tubing into his cart and leaving the store without attempting to properly purchase

the tubing. The man was also holding a piece of paper in his hand, apparently attempting to make it look like he had a receipt.

The value of the copper tubing was estimated at $1,852.96.

The next day, the officer followed up on the theft report with a Menards employee. The employee said they received further information about the suspect from Menards’ corporate center. The information indicated similar thefts of copper tubing occurred at a South Bend Menards store July 11 and 28, as well as at a Mishawaka Menards location July 2. These thefts were all committed by the same individual, who also attempted to steal copper tubing Aug. 2 from the South Bend Menards store, but was stopped by employees. Corporate center employees believed the suspect was Holmes.

Through further investigation, officers determined the suspect was Holmes, who had been previously convicted of theft in Goshen in June 2021.

Holmes was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Nov. 10 with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.

[U.S.P.S 325-840] ISSN 2834-3999 Vol. 61, No. 41 Consolidation of

206 S. Main St. P.O. Box 188 Milford, IN 46542-0188 Phone (574) 658-4111 1-800-733-4111 FAX 800-886-3796

102 E. Main St. Syracuse, IN 46567-1119 Phone (574) 457-3666 Fax 888-511-7914

tosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite Software and Photoshop software. Ads may be submitted as PDF’s & E-mailed to adcomp@the-papers.com. If you have any questions give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Warmth amid the cold at North Webster’s tree lighting festival

Hundreds of area residents withstood chilled bones and stinging cheeks Saturday, Nov. 19, to attend this year’s highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony in downtown North Webster.

Festivities began in earnest around 5 p.m., about the same time a cold front descended on the area, producing white-out conditions and 25 mph wind gusts that pile drove the wind chill index down to 8 degrees, according to records from the National Weather Service station just north of town.

But warmth also abounded and triumphantly had its day. Cloistered groups of comrades chatted and laughed around the several fire pits dotted around downtown and the evening’s revelers flocked into nearby businesses for free chili, hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate and neighborly fellowship.

The densest congregation of festivalgoers packed into The River for free hot chocolate and marshmallows, with staffers estimating they handed out more than 500 cups of the wintertime quaff.

Tangibles Resale and Consignment served free helpings of chili and ran out of its 100-plus cup

supply well before the official tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. on Pilcher’s lawn.

Silver Bells, a seven-month-old reindeer, made

Milford Public Library —

The

Overdrive switching to Libby

Do you read e-books using your library card? If you are currently using the Overdrive app, please be aware that app will be discontinued in early January. Instead, the same materials can be accessed using the new and improved Libby app, which is free to download and many readers say it is more user-friendly than the older Overdrive app.

Why make the switch? Libby has many new and improved features, including a centralized bookshelf for all loans and holds, a “tag” option to categorize books however you’d like, customizable notifications for any holds that are ready to be checked out and compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sonos speakers.

Libby can be downloaded for free on any device that uses apps, including smart phones, tablets and even Kindle Fires. If you need help downloading or using Libby, contact the Milford Public Library and they will get you set up to use

Libby as soon as possible. Don’t get stuck without your favorite ebooks or e-audiobooks when Overdrive goes away. Download Libby and start reading today.

And if you’ve never utilized ebooks through the library, why not start now? Instead of paying for Kindle Unlimited or purchasing tons of e-books from other online vendors, try borrowing them from the library instead. MPL is part of a larger e-book consortium called the Indiana Digital Library so MPL users have access to thousands of great e-book, e-audiobook and e-video titles through Libby. And it is all free with your library card. So if you’d like to give e-books a chance, download Libby and get reading for free.

New Parenting Styles & Strategies Resources

Milford Public Library is excited to announce a new resource: Parenting Styles & Strategies. Perfect for new parents, those

Syracuse Public Library —

thinking of becoming parents and even old parenting pros, this title brings together informative and helpful information about parenting strategies for infants, toddlers, school-aged children, preteens and teenagers. This resource contains hundreds of articles and essays that dive into issues contemporary parents are facing and offers tools and strategies to help deal with difficult behavior, develop sound parenting techniques and promote learning and cooperation.

Some of the many issues discussed in this resource include ADHA and other learning disabilities, balancing school and fun, body image and nutrition, conversations about drugs and alcohol, digital device addiction, healthy sleep habits, peer pressure, middle school to high school transition, parenting disagreements, sibling rivalry, speech development, teaching social skills and many more.

And even more exiting, all this information will be available online as well. Visit milford.lib.in.us to gain access to this and other valuable resources. Library patrons can access these resources

from home, at the library or anywhere there is an internet connection. So take advantage of all the amazing resources available to you for free through your local public library.

Giving opportunities at the library

The holidays stoke the giving spirit in many people. The Syracuse Public Library is offering two ways to channel that spirit. Its ongoing food drive supports the Syracuse Food Pantry and the town’s two locker pantries, located at Turkey Creek Fire Territory Station No. 1 and Wawasee High School adjacent to the Academy building. A list of most-needed

items is available at the library’s circulation desks and www.syracuse.lib.in.us/news/spl-holds-autumn-food-drive. The drive will wrap up Friday, Dec. 9.

The library’s hat trees have returned as well, featuring cozy hats, scarves, gloves and mittens. Need something to keep warm? Feel free to take what you need from the hat tree. Adult sizes

North Webster Community Public Library — Win prizes during first adult winter reading program

North Webster Community Public Library is excited to announce its first adult winter reading program. Earn drawing tickets between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 and you can enter to win some great prizes. Earn drawing tickets by reading, completing DIY crafts, attending library programs and completing puzzle “challenge packets.” There will be monthly prize drawings as well as a large drawing for the grand prize at the beginning of March.

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 Writers Corner, 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28. This month’s theme is “a food-related story.” Write a story and come to share.

The Glean Team, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. This experienced genealogy team is available to help with any genealogy or research questions.

Teen Events Have the after-school blues?

Stop by 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, to hang out with friends, play board games and battle in Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. Feel free to bring your own games to play. Snacks, coffee and pop will be provided. No registration is required.

Teen Book Club, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. This month’s book is “When You Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead. Come prepared to discuss.

Teen Study Hall, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Teens can stop by to work on homework in a relaxed, social environment.

Youth Events

Baby and Toddler Time, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 . Join in for a fun experience of songs, stories and learning. Then plan on sticking around for meaningful and relaxing play plus networking with other parents. Appropriate for children ages birth to 36 months.

For more information about any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit nwcpl.org or the library’s Facebook page.

are upstairs; the downstairs tree has children’s sizes. Want to help support the library’s goal to keep Syracuse warm? Donate new and homemade winter accessories. The library will also accept very lightly used or like-new items.

Support The Friends While Online Shopping

If you’re shopping on Amazon for holiday gifts, use Amazon Smile, smile.amazon.com. Amazon Smile allows you to support a local charity with every order you place if the purchased items qualify. The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library is one of the available nonprofits. Follow up the steps at smile.amazon.com to

get set up and select “Friends of the Turkey Creek Township Public Library” as your charity.

Children’s Programming Resumes Post-Thanksgiving Two sessions remain for the home-school program before its holiday break. Home-schooled children can join the class at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, to learn sign language basics. Then return at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, to learn about Christmas across the globe.

Storytime also continues at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday until Dec. 7. There will then be a very special holiday storytime at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Clas-

sic holiday stories will be read, and there will be cookies and hot cocoa. Also, don’t forget about LEGO Club at 4 p.m. each Monday; its last session leading up to the holidays will be Dec. 5.

From Dec. 1-16, children can also use the library’s letter writing station to craft letters to Santa. With December’s arrival comes new seasonal take-andmake crafts. Pick them up while supplies last.

‘In The Garden’ Welcomes Guest Speaker

Syracuse Parks Superintendent Chad Jonsson will join “In the Garden” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the downstairs meet-

ing room.

Jonsson will talk about the town of Syracuse’s status with Tree City USA and share information about the town’s latest plantings and how it maintains its urban canopy.

Young Adult Programs

Young adult video gaming will meet from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. There will be snacks while young adults play the library’s Nintendo Switch.

Plan to attend the young adult paper snowflake craft from 6:307:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. This craft is a drop-in, so stop by when you’re able to.

a well-received appearance with his two handlers from North Manchester-based Animal-Grams, Joni Cripe and Colson Beart.

A couple dozen ATVs, most decked out in Yuletide lights, participated in the evening’s light parade at 5:15 p.m., proceeding south on Main Street past pockets of sidewalk spectators braving the brief but frigid cold front onslaught.

weather took a back seat

during the evening of family fun, but ultimately exerted its finality after the tree lighting ceremony. Within 15 minutes after the lighting, the snow-covered sidewalks and Pilcher’s front yard were once again devoid of pedestrians, who hustled back to the warmth of their respective abodes.

Lady Warrior basketball falls to Triton, defeats Concord

end of the first quarter. Sophomore forward Molly Beer stole the ball and scored to finish the quarter.

Warrior basketball falls to Fairfield in season opener

Yoder dropped six treys and finished with 18 points.

The Wawasee Warrior basketball team started off blazing hot in their season opening game against Fairfield, but came up short in the end, 74-65, Tuesday, Nov. 22, at The Hardwood Teepee.

Warrior junior forward Collin Ziebarth started the game by drilling a three from the left corner. Warrior sophomore guard Myles Everingham then drilled another three-pointer from the left corner, giving the Warriors a 6-0 cushion early in the first quarter.

Ziebarth nailed two more three-pointers during the first quarter and was really lighting the net on fire. Ziebarth finished with 11 points in the quarter, giving the Warriors a 21-18 advantage.

Warrior junior forward Carson Smith made a strong move to the basket, scoring the deuce to open up the second quarter. Fairfield senior guard Seth Yoder was knocking down three pointers all night long, nailing a three to give Fairfield their first lead of the game, 28-25, with 1:44 left in the second quarter.

Warrior sophomore guard Maddux Everingham scored and was fouled, hitting his free throw to complete a three-point play, tying the game 28-28 with 1:30 left before the half. Fairfield junior guard Alex Hofer scored on a half-court heave at the buzzer right before halftime to give Fairfield a 31-28 lead at the break, causing the entire gym to erupt.

Hofer opened the second half scoring six points for Fairfield while giving his team a 37-30 lead with 6:00 left in the third quarter. Ziebarth knocked down another jumper to bring the Warriors within five points, 39-34.

Hofer drove to the basket and completed the “and-1” after knocking down his free throw, giving Fairfield a 45-34 lead with 3:22 left in the third quarter. Maddux Everingham scored on a driving layup to beat the buzzer, cutting his team’s deficit to 50-38 at the end of the third quarter.

Maddux Everingham knocked down a three, bringing the Warriors within eight points halfway through the fourth quarter. Both Evering-

Boys JV wrestling — Nov.

19: West Noble Invitational

The Lady Warrior basketball team fell at Triton 48-22 Saturday, Nov. 19.

Triton came out hot during the first half, outscoring the Lady Warriors 32-8. The Lady Warriors were able to regroup and play Triton pretty evenly throughout the second half, but could not overcome the first half deficit.

Junior guard Kaydence Shepherd and sophomore forward Olivia Horn led the Lady Warriors with six points apiece.

The Lady Warriors defeated Concord 48-36 Friday, Nov. 18, at the Hardwood Teepee.

The team jumped out to an 11-4 lead in the first quarter. Both sophomore guard Mackenzie Hackleman and sophomore forward Olivia Horn scored early. Junior forward Brooklynn Gibson came into the game and hit a big three-pointer near the

Concord started to rally during the second quarter and came within 16-11 with 2:31 left in the half.

Hackleman nailed a three-pointer from the left wing with 53 seconds left to put the Lady Warriors up 1913. Concord made four free throws off two Lady Warrior fouls and closed the gap to 19-17 at halftime.

Horn started the third quarter with a deuce by powering her way to the basket.

Sophomore guard

Lucy Wilkinson drilled a three to put the Lady Warriors on top 24-17 with 6:45 remaining in the quarter.

Wilkinson then threw a beautiful pass to Hackleman for a layup to give the Lady Warriors a 26-17 advantage.

The Lady Warriors were able to maintain their edge throughout the fourth quarter.

Beer led the way with 12 points and Hackleman chipped in 10 points.

16-18; 132: Sam Wolpert (Bell) Technical Fall Titus Taylor (Waw) 16-23; 138: Logan Stuckman (Waw) Decision over Blake Luginbill (Bell) 6-2, 19-23; 145: Ethan Rodriguez (Waw) Fall Landon Rich (Bell) 25-23; 152: Gavin Davis (Bell) Maj Dec Hunter Miller (Waw) 25-27; 160: Xavior Polocios (Bell) Dec Carson Nine (Waw) 25-30; 170: Gavin Malone (Waw) Dec Duke Myers (Bell) 28-30; 182: Cameron Zimmerman (Waw) Fall Dustin Christner (Bell) 34-30; 195: Henry Kukelhan (Bell) Fall Donovan Blair (Waw) 36-34; 220: Keagan Martin (Bell) over FF (Waw) 0-6; 285: Yovanni Hernandez (Bell) Fall Eleazar Vazquze (Waw) 0-12.

results — Luke Stuckman 4-1, 2nd place; Colten Coburn 5-0, 1st place; Dalton Yoder 3-2, 3rd place; Rielyn Brettell 3-2, 3rd place; Zeke Spore 3-2, 3rd place; Dominic Brown 3-2, 4th place; Alex Dibble 5-0, 1st place; Chase Dennis 5-0, 1st place; Benjamin Brace 3-2, 3rd place; Payton Sewell 5-0, 1st place; Will Hoy 4-1, 2nd place; Kassidy Carter 2-3, 4th place; Blake Coburn 1-4, 5th place; Derek Morrison 5-0, 1st place.

Girls wrestling — Nov.

19: Rochester Invitational results — 120: Ciara Rodriguez 2-2, 4th place; 138: Deserae Vetor 0-2, did not place; 145: Kenidi Nine 3-0, 1st place; 145: Brooke Catron 3-1, 3rd place; 170: Alex Garcia 3-1, 1st place. Basketball

JV boys basketball — Nov. 22 lost to Fairfield 45-29.

JV girls basketball — Nov. 18 defeated Concord 4427; Emerson Krull scored 16 points while Kylie Perkins added 10 points. Nov. 19 lost at Triton 23-20; Olivia Frost led Wawasee with five points.

shooting by Fairfield. Myles Everingham led the Warriors with 19 points. Ziebarth added 15 points and Maddux Everingham chipped in 14 points.

ham twins nailed three pointers during the last two minutes of the game. Despite a flurry of scoring from the twins in the fourth quarter, the Warriors could not overcome the hot

Frank presents history of North Webster Public Library to Friends of the Library

Helen Frank, former librarian for the North Webster Public Library, gave a presentation on the history of the library to the Friends of the Library during its meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Frank explained how in 1978 the library assistant at North Webster Junior High School and the library assistant at the elementary school discussed starting a community library.

At the time state law required a community have a population of 10,000 to have a public library; however, library service authorities provided a way for smaller communities to have services very similar to a public library.

For a community to have an LSA, required 1,500 signatures. These were collected and presented to the North Webster Town Council and Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board, which passed resolutions establishing the North Webster Tippecanoe Community Library.

For two years the library operated with donations and volunteers out of a small building in town. Later the North Webster Lions Club donated a larger building located at the festival grounds. Money was raised through paperback book sales and fish fries. Approximately 3,000 books were collected at the fire station.

The building was open with a community open house on March 1, 1980, and volunteers kept the library open part time. In June 1981 the first librarian, Dean McFadden, was hired and had a budget of $12,000.

The building at the festival grounds was used until a larger space at one end of a manufacturing building was donated. The library moved again in May 1988.

Frank was hired at the library in 1992. The budget was still $12,000. Digitalization helped increase the collection. In 2002 the library entered into discussions with the North Webster Senior Center and Community Center about moving into the old school.

In April 2004, the library moved into the north wing of the community center where it had four to five times the space.

Frank explained how a conveyor belt method was used to move the entire collection from the festival grounds into the new library. Frank told the Friends of the Library the entire library was moved out and put on the new shelves within four hours.

In 2004 the library had a budget of $38,000 and began looking into how to become an official library. It was still a library services authority up until that time.

With some help from the state library, the North Webster Library presented its findings to the Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board and on July 1, 2004, a resolution was passed establishing an official public library in the community. However, the library had to wait two years to receive tax money for the budget.

Within a few years of the library being in the North Webster Community Center it ran out of space in the youth area. In 2009 the library joined Evergreen, which allowed patrons to check out books the library didn’t have.

In 2015 the library started to run out of space again. The state library suggested a one-story library. In 2016 the library staff started working with a project manager and an architect. The library collaborated with the community center to demolish the old high school. In 2019 the library received more than $1 million in grants and donations along with a bond.

Construction of the library continued throughout the fall of 2019 and the state shut down in 2020 during COVID. “In about nine months the building was finished,” Frank said. A ribbon cutting on the new building was held July 13, 2020.

Beth Smith helped start a number of projects, including the popular cemetery walks. During Frank’s presentation, she showed a number of photos from various programs the library had held over the years.

Openings available in area schools for young children

Because child care is so important to working parents and yet many times is unavailable, Wawasee Community Schools has taken the initiative to offer infant and toddler care as well as early learning opportunities to families.

Currently child care is available at Milford Elementary, North Webster Elementary and Wawasee High School for children 6 weeks to 3 years old. Early Learning Centers for children 3 years old to kindergarten are available at Milford, North Webster and Syracuse elementary schools.

Weekly tuition for the infant/ toddler program is $175 per week. Tuition for the early learning program is $150 a week. Teachers and paraprofessionals staff each room. Student interns at Wawasee High School also help with the program at the high school.

The child care programs for children 6 weeks to 3 years old can only be accessed by paid employees of Wawasee Community School Corporation or by a student in the corporation who has a baby. The Early Learning Center programs for children 3 years old to kindergarten age are completely open to the public and any child can attend.

“The early learning program is special because children are exposed to the culture of an elementary building and get to know the staff early. They have access to school resources such as academic and social-emotional resources,” said Jennifer Phillips, director of special services.

A typical day for children includes breakfast, large and small group, independent work time, outside time, lunch, restroom, quiet time and snack. Teachers use the HighScope program where children are guided to explore, interact and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play.

There is also a developmental delay self-contained preschool program available for ages 3-5 housed at North Webster Elementary School.

Another added benefit to the area is the partnership between Wawasee Community Schools and Polywood that offers children of Polywood employees a year-round child care program from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children who are 3 years old by Dec. 1 are eligible.

If you are interested in the openings now available for infant/ toddler or Early Learning programs, contact Brittany Rosenberry, coordinator for the early learning center, at (574) 457-3188. Currently there are openings at Syracuse, North Webster and Milford elementaries.

Registration for the 2023 school year will begin in April when students register for kindergarten.

Jessop ready to take on role as North Webster clerk-treasurer

like to be involved.”

After nearly two decades, the town of North Webster will soon have a different clerk-treasurer managing its finances.

Earlier this year, longtime public servant Betsy Luce announced her intentions to step down from the office she’s held for 19 years and that the local Democrat party had begun its search for her replacement. It didn’t take long before it was announced Leigh Anne Jessop would be assuming that leadership role for the town.

Jessop, a Kosciusko County native, grew up in rural Pierceton, graduating from Whitko High School, where she was active in 4-H and FFA. She grew up on a quarter horse farm, the daughter of Jay and Liz Dausman, before leaving the area to attend college in Wyoming. After receiving a two-year agricultural degree from Casper College, she returned to Indiana to attend Purdue University.

Eventually she changed her career tack, moving into finance and the orthopedic industry in Warsaw, where she spent a decade in a variety of roles for Zimmer and OrthoPediatrics.

She also began developing an interest in real estate, eventually accepting the office manager position with RE/MAX Lakes in North Webster while continuing to do side work as a consultant in the orthopedic field. A year ago, Jessop also relocated from Warsaw to North Webster with her now 13-year-old son, Van.

“With the pandemic, I had a shift in priorities,” said Jessop. “Webster has a slower pace. I love the community, I love the people. It’s a community you can be as involved in as you want to, or just keep to yourself. I like to be with people. I

She said she was just getting involved with the local Democrats, going to different events and “seeing how I could get involved. When this opportunity came up, I at first thought they were asking me to help them find someone for the position. But then they were like, ‘Well no, what do you think about doing the position.’ I said, ‘let me think about it.’ Eventually I decided it was one of those things that I’d regret if I didn’t try it.”

Jessop has been working with Luce and the staff at town hall to get up to speed to take on the role beginning in 2023. She acknowledged the staff has been doing it right for so long that the transition should be relatively easy.

“Everybody has been very nice and helpful and encouraging,” she said. “They’re all very knowledgeable and are workhorses. They know what they’re doing and they do it well. They also have no problem expressing their expectations, which I love. Nobody has been timid.”

For the immediate future, Jessop said she is stepping back from her full-time role at RE/MAX but is planning to continue in a part-time capacity. She plans to work from town hall, a change from the past couple of years during which Luce was working from home since the start of the pandemic.

“It’s a new opportunity,” she said of her new job. “There’s so much about the town I didn’t know as far as what goes into managing the different aspects of it. I’m enjoying learning all the different facets of it. I really enjoy learning new things. I always feel like if I’m not learning something new, I’m going stale.

“Everything is running so well now. I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh look on things.

I enjoy updating processes, just going in and seeing if there is something we can be fine tuning and bringing up to speed, but I won’t know

that until I’m doing it. I don’t want to mess with something that’s working. There’s no reason to mess with something that’s working.”

Nov. 17, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center.

and Jean Cowan, second. Thursday winners were Mike Wyrick,

and Jean Cowan, second.

Happy Thanksgiving

From

It happened in North Webster ... 40 years ago

Senior citizens powwow held at North Webster Church of God

10 YEARS AGO, NOV. 21, 2012

Congratulations to Jerry Rhodes, who received his AARP Community Leadership Award at Senior Primelife Education Center’s Thanksgiving dinner at noon Tuesday at the North Webster Community Center. It was presented by AARP District Director Curt Sylvester and AARP Director June Lyle, who came all the way from Indianapolis for the event. It was the highlight of the annual dinner.

The Lakeland Kiwanis Club of North Webster Festival of Trees will be on display in the North Webster Community Center from Nov. 25 to Dec. 28. Go by, stop in and enjoy the display. It’s free.

The congregation at North Webster Church of God is getting connected. So far in November, 136 members have logged on to the church’s new online media site, Connect.

20 YEARS AGO, NOV. 20, 2002

Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan awarded the town of North Webster a $500,000 Community Focus Fund grant Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Indianapo-

lis. The CFF grant will be used to rehabilitate an abandoned school building for use as a library, senior center and community center.

The Nov. 4 meeting of Wee Webster 4-H Club was held in the fellowship hall in North Webster Church of the Brethren. New officers were elected. They are Sandi Miller, president; Heidi Shock, vice president; Nathan Hasse, treasurer; Heath Shock, secretary; Tim Popenfoose, health and safety; and Brad Clayton and Hayden Shock, recreation.

Edna Lawson read a poem titled “My Everyday Thanksgiving” to open the Nov. 6 meeting of the Hoosier Auxiliary of Barbee Lakes Conservation Club. Peg Young gave the invocation before a carry-in luncheon was served at noon with Young and Pat Friddle as hostesses. Following dinner, a slate of new officers was presented by Ann Harter.

30 YEARS AGO, NOV. 18, 1992

The Tippecanoe Audubon Society is sponsoring a program on the restoration of wild turkeys to Indiana. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24,

in the science building at Manchester College. Ginger Murphy, a naturalist at Salamonie Reservoir, will be the guest speaker.

North Webster Friends of the Library met Nov. 4 at the library, with Marty Crawford serving as president pro tem. Betty Hinton gave the treasurer’s report. At the request of Helen Leinbach, librarian, funds were allocated for the purchase of books for the remainder of 1992.

40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 24, 1982

A senior citizens powwow was

held Nov. 10 in North Webster Church of God. A carry-in dinner with turkey as the main dish was served at noon. A program was given by Bob Owens, Huntington, who is a sub chief of the Miami Indian Tribe of Indiana.

Dorothea Snoke was hostess for the Nov. 18 meeting of Backwater Friends. Nancy Corbin and Donna Bollenbacker assisted the hostess. Fran Bowser gave devotions. Jane Minear was honored with a baby shower.

A “Thanksgiving Prayer” was read by Dorthea Kurth to open the Nov. 17 meeting of Tippecanoe Township Club. The ladies met at the home of Betty Hinton, Webster Lake. Assistant hostesses were Goldie Hunnicutt and Jo Henry.

50 YEARS AGO, NOV. 22, 1972

Mrs. C.J. Menzie was hostess for the Nov. meeting of the Past Chiefs Club. Due to the absence of both president and vice president, Mrs. Stanley (Ermal) Vana-

tor, secretary, conducted the short business meeting. Mrs. Frank Greene and Mrs. Russell Moore were welcomed back after recent hospitalizations.

Mrs. Leonard Effie Vanator barely escaped serious burns Saturday night in an accident at the Legion home when leakage in the steam table, due to weakening in the welded edges, broke through and hot water flooded the kitchen area just as she prepared to transfer food to the steam table.

It

happened

in

Milford

… 30 years ago Sewell awarded Girl Scout Gold Award

10 YEARS AGO, NOV. 21, 2012

Bonnie Newman of Waubee Lake, Milford, turns 80 today and a flock of plastic flamingos has been placed in her front yard by her family in honor of her birthday. Bonnie is married to Leon and is the mother of Tony (Paula) Newman, Syracuse, and Andrea Newman, Milford.

The fifth annual Milford Community Bazaar was a great success, according to Nancy Levernier, one of the organizers. Plenty of people came to look over the many items vendors had for sale, and they made many purchases for under the Christmas tree.

Also, 438 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Milford Food Pantry so local residents can all have a full plate this Christmas.

The Chamber is conducting a monthly drawing for $50. The first prize was awarded to Ruth Ann Stork, who submitted her entry at 20th Century Restaurant. Owner Bob Brooks presented the award.

20 YEARS AGO, NOV. 20, 2002

Kyle Mark Lantz, son of Mark and Cynthia Lantz, Milford, has been accepted as an honor student at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion for the 2003 fall semester. He will study sports management.

Paul and Barbara (Hershberger) Miller, 4341 W. 1350 N., Milford, celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage on Nov. 15. The couple were honored Nov. 16 at an open house hosted by their children at Northwood Chapel.

Brent and Pam Beer, 1777 W.

1100N, Milford, are the parents of a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, born at 4:35 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in Goshen General Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19 inches long. 30 YEARS AGO, NOV. 18, 1992 Elizabeth Sewell, daughter of Rick and Cathy Sewell, 325 E. Camp Mack Road, Milford, was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award, the top award a girl can receive in Girl Scouts. Sewell is the first girl in Kosciusko County to receive this award.

Dr. Floyd and Irene Rheinheimer, 11989 N. 175E, Milford, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at an open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, in the Maple Room at Goshen Holiday Inn, US 33E. Rheinheimer and the former Irene Miller were married Nov. 22, 1942, in Shore Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, with Leonard Haarer performing the ceremony.

After three years of planning, two Milford couples — Frank and Lois Beer and Lowell “Buss” and Mary Anne Rassi — celebrated their recent 40th wedding anniversaries with a week-long vacation in Hawaii (their first trip ever to “The Aloha State).”

40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 24, 1982

Soon another old two-story building linking Milford to the past will be torn down under the extending arm of the huge backhoe belonging to Darrell Custer. The old two-story opera house, located on the west side of Main Street near the corner of Emeline Street, will live no more. It has

served its purpose and plans call for it to be replaced with a modern structure which will house a doctor’s office.

Denny Yoder, Nappanee, has been promoted to the position of sales representative for Brock Manufacturing, Inc., Milford, according to Lowell (“Buss”) Rassi, sales manager. In his new position, Yoder will work with distributors in three states: Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

Kathryn Dian Bice, a student in the school of nursing at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, recently received her nurse’s cap in ceremonies at the Church of Loretto on the Saint Mary’s campus. Kathy is the daughter of Donald and Monica Bice of Milford.

50 YEARS AGO, NOV. 22, 1972 Milford’s Postmaster and Mrs.

Paul Kizer bought their Christmas present early — a pool table. The reason for their early purchase is because their entire family, including 16 grandchildren, are expected for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Little have returned home from a Mediterranean Medley tour in which they visited five countries in 10 days. After two nights in Rome their tour boarded the Jupiter, a Greek liner which served as their hotel for the next five nights. They stopped at various points of interest with the last stop being a fabulous hotel in Yugoslavia where they spent two more nights. Stops during the tour were in Naples and Palermo; Malta and Corfu in Greece; and Dubrovnik.

It happened in Syracuse ... 10 years ago

Syracuse resident turns 104

10 YEARS AGO, NOV. 21, 2012

Evelyn Bobeck celebrated her 104th birthday at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse on Nov. 8. A surprise party was held at the facility for Evelyn with family, friends, residents and staff.

Cynthia and Michael Robbins, Syracuse, are the parents of a daughter, Sophie Elizabeth, born at 5:58 p.m. Nov. 12 in IU Health Goshen Hospital.

Syracuse Town Councilman Bill Musser sent a letter to the editor, clarifying that he was actually in support of the renovations discussed at the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board meeting despite Mr. Bill Dixon’s comments.

20 YEARS AGO, NOV. 20, 2002

In reference to the latest utilization numbers of the Syracuse Community Center, Syracuse Park Department Superintendent Michael Hixenbaugh stated “it’s amazing to me, especially since we are just getting started.”

Tammy Kratzer, owner of Poppycock’s, is just one of many friendly merchants in Syracuse who will be hosting Syracuse Holiday Magic Nov. 21-23. Tom Thornburg, Park Pharmacy; Sande Wappes, Picket Fences; Kay McCulloch, Next-to-New Shoppe; and Martha Stoelting, Village Florist, are a few of the other friendly Syracuse retailers inviting shoppers to stop in and save during Syracuse Holiday Magic.

30 YEARS AGO, NOV. 18, 1992

Bob List Photography announces the grand prize winners of the Spectacular Spouse Contest for August and September. Glenn and Mary Popenfoose, Syracuse, were the lucky winners in August. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 6, 1992.

Mr. Popenfoose is retired from Syracuse Rubber. He and his wife currently operate Sunshine Wood Products from their home. They travel to many area craft shows displaying and selling their woodworking and needlepoint creations.

Fred and Eleanor Avery, Syracuse, happily accepted the grand prize for the month of September.

Mr. Avery has been employed by NIPSCO for the past 32 years and his wife is retired after 30 years with the Monsanto Company. They were married June 5, 1971,

and have three children and two grandchildren.

The Syracuse Wastewater Laboratory was given statewide recognition when it was awarded the Laboratory Excellence Award by the Indiana Water Pollution Control Association. The Syracuse department was the only one of its size to receive the award.

40 YEARS AGO, NOV. 24, 1982

Brian Roberts, from Syracuse, has won the National Future Farmers of America Crop Proficiency Award for 1982. He is 20 years old and a sophomore at Purdue University.

It’s good to learn this week that the well known Smith-Walbridge Camp, Inc., will not go out of the Smith family’s hands. Merl Smith, who has been sole owner with his capable wife Maggie since 1970, and pretty much the head honcho since that time, made the announcement that son Gary will be taking over active ownership and management of the camp.

Three local artists are as proud as punch to learn they have been accepted into the Northern Indiana Artists (NIA) art show at the South Bend Century Center some time the first of February. They are Betty Appenzeller, Jean Miller and Marilyn Moore. They were among the 12 new artists chosen from northern Indiana and once accepted, they are on a permanent list for the twice-ayear showing of NIA artists.

50 YEARS AGO, NOV. 22, 1972

Mrs. Vern Brinkman was hostess Monday night to 15 members of the Senior Mothers club at Syracuse with Mrs. Lewis Cobbum assisting.

Mr. and Mrs. David Gall of r 4 Syracuse are the parents of a daughter born last week at Goshen hospital.

Camp Fire Girls of Goshen and Syracuse are now members of the Goshen-Syracuse Council of Camp Fire Girls, Inc., following a Monday night meeting at the First English Lutheran church in Goshen where the merger took place. A buffet style dinner was served. Attending from Syracuse were Mrs. Dennis Bjella, Mrs. Peggy Overfelt, Mrs. Jerry Lowe and Mrs. Milton Karesh.

AN ATV and Jeep lighted parade was held Saturday, Nov. 19, in North Webster. It was held just before the town’s tree lighting ceremony that night. Thanks to colleague Ray Balogh for this awesome photo of the parade.

—o—

MILFORD FIRST Brethren Church will host its monthly free community meal from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the church gymnasium. Attendees are requested to enter the building through the east double doors.

The meal will consist of homemade soups, drinks and dessert. The public is invited. The church, located at the southeast corner of Catherine and Henry streets, hosts the free dinner the fourth Wednesday of each month. The church also operates the Van Buren Township Food Pantry. For more information, call Jim Strube at (574) 453-7878. —o—

SUSIE, THE doe who has been hanging out by The Waters of Syracuse (formerly Miller’s Merry Manor) was moved to new digs over the weekend. According to a post by Andrea Muir on Facebook, a number of concerned citizens partnered with the DNR to move her to more appropriate quarters.

Her new home is remaining undisclosed at this time for her own safety and the wellbeing of other wildlife sharing her new home. Muir’s post said her new home will be revealed after she’s had time to get acclimated and settle into her new surroundings. —o—

NORTH WEBSTER Community Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary and it is hoping to reach its goal of $250,000 by the end of the year. Now through the end of the year, your dollars can be matched. Right now the center has collected just over $100,000. The center is completely supported by donations and gifts with absolutely no tax dollars funding the facility.

They also hope you take advantage of an amazing opportunity to double any gift given to North Webster Community Center, thanks to Pro Wake Watersports and Lloyd and Becky Shroyer, up to a total of $10,000, according to the NWCC Facebook page. Visit nwcommunitycenter.org/ support-us and click on “donate now.”

By the way, the center offers room rentals for the holidays or any celebration, big or small. For reservations, call Laney or Emily at (574) 834-1600, ext. 222. —o—

A NUMBER of organizations will be offering Thanksgiving meals throughout the community. The Twisted Tiki Food Truck recently posted on the Experience Syracuse Facebook page that it will be offering free Thanksgiving meals from 3-6 p.m. Thanksgiving day, while supplies last. The food truck will be located at 107 E. Pickwick Drive, Syracuse.

In its post, the Twisted Tiki stated it had an amazing first year and was so thankful for the support, they thought this was an appropriate way to say thank you to the community. —o—

CONGRATULATIONS TO Larry Burkhart for being named the Order of Kosciuszko for “exceptional service to God, country and others,” as the plaque states. He is commander of the North Webster American Legion Post 253. He is an Air Force veteran who spent 20 years in the service.

—o—

ANYONE INTERESTED in doing some Christmas caroling in the Milford community is invited to gather Sunday, Dec. 11, at Harvest Coffee, 207 N. Higbee St. From 6-7:30 p.m. the group will stroll or drive through the town, spreading Christmas cheer through song. Afterward, everyone is invited to gather back at Harvest Coffee for hot chocolate and cookies. All ages are welcome to join in the fun. For more information, call (574) 658-3066.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Exchange is looking for host families for foreign exchange students who will be attending Wawasee and surrounding high schools. Message Jennifer Coppinger Miller, regional manager for International Student Exchange, for more information.

—o—

MRS. CLAUS will be hosting free sleigh rides and handing out treats from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at North Webster Public Library.

—o—

LAST FRIDAY, Milford Food Bank was able to load 18 skids filled with food and miscellaneous items and send them to Kentucky to help the victims of this past summer’s flooding. “We are so thankful we are able to partner with a local church and bring many blessings to those still in need,” noted Bill Doege, Milford Food Bank’s operations manager.

—o—

THE SYRACUSE Parks Department will host an adult basketball league that will run January-March. Cost is $350 a team. Team registration is underway. The team fee and team rosters must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 19. A minimum of six teams and a maximum of eight teams may participate.

Roster forms and league rules will be available at the Syracuse Community Center or may be downloaded. 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—

“WE HAD a great turnout for our monthly euchre tournament,” said Nancy Gray, SPEC director. “Mark Herring brought in those wonderful sweet rolls from Rise’n Roll. We had five tables going. This month’s winners are Theresa Crary, first place; Charles Fawley, second place; Darcy Dean, most loners; and Steve Wright, low man. Our next tournament will be Thursday, Dec. 15.

“We are almost out of our historical North Webster calendars. If you want to get one give me a call at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224. We are putting Christmas items out on our thrift shop tables and the Christmas trees are going up in the halls. It’s starting to look festive in here at the center. That about does it for this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving,”

—o—

MILFORD METHODIST Meeting House will host “Rock the House” from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. The event will feature The Circuit Band, who will be playing rock ’n’ roll and songs of praise. Refreshments will be served, and there will be an opportunity to tour the building and take place in a meet and greet. The event will be held in the former Milford United Methodist Church building, 210 W. Catherine St. Everyone is invited to this free event. —o—

THE SYRACUSE Public Library’s annual hat tree has made its return. Patrons are asked to help fill it by bringing in new or lightly used hats, scarves and gloves/mittens for those in need to take.

Each year local knitters and crocheters donate handmade winter gear as well and the library always welcomes more. Adult-sized winter gear can be found on the main floor while kids sizes can be found in the children’s department. For more information about the hat tree, contact Becky Brower at bbrower@syracuse.lib.in.us.

Thanksgiving: good for the soul

Be thankful. It’s good for the soul.

Perhaps the most inherent benefit of thankfulness is the incorporation of an outside party into the process. Unless one is thanking oneself — an advisably rare indulgence in self-importance — one is directing that gratitude toward, and acknowledging the value of, someone else. That in itself is an uplifting exercise in emotional health. It’s hard to be narcissistic while humbly acknowledging someone else’s contributions in one’s life, and it is nearly impossible to be lonely and depressed while doing so.

Thankfulness can also trigger an epiphany of the incalculable efforts and collaborations in the chain of human endeavor to allow one to perform even the simplest praiseworthy effort.

I remember one incident during my high school days that still vibrantly resonates half a century later. My dad and I dropped off some bags of groceries to an impoverished widow in downtown Fort Wayne. As I set one of the bags on her kitchen table, I noticed the box of Nilla Wafers sitting on the top of the sack.

An intriguing question sparked my mind: “How many people did it take to bring that box to this table?” Over the decades I have reflected on that challenge with a burgeoning fascination and deepening sense of thankfulness for the often unwitting interconnectedness of the human experience.

Sure, I was one who hefted the bag onto the table, but Dad drove me to the widow’s home from the grocery store, where the cashier placed the box in the bag. We had chosen the box from the display previously stocked by another store employee, who retrieved

Milford First Brethren to host free community dinner Nov. 30

Milford First Brethren Church, 110 W. Catherine St., will host a free community meal from 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in the church gymnasium. Attendees are requested to enter the building through the east double doors.

The meal will consist of homemade soups, drinks and dessert. The public is invited.

The church, located at the southeast corner of Catherine and Henry streets, hosts the free dinner the fourth Wednesday of each month.

The church also operates the Van Buren Township Food Pantry.

For more information, call Jim Strube at (574) 453-7878.

the box from storage after other workers unloaded the delivery truck.

Dad paid for the purchase with money he earned from repairing cars at his service station, paid to him by customers who, in turn, earned the wages at their respective jobs.

And Dad needed a place to work and all the equipment attendant to his labors. Someone had to build his service station, install gas pumps and hydraulic lifts and manufacture the tools he used for repairs. Multiply that small army of engineers, excavators, building contractors, electricians, tool and die makers and other technicians and general laborers, all using equipment manufactured in factories built by other armies, by the efforts necessary to provide gainful employment for each and all of Dad’s customers.

The retrograde analysis exponentially mushrooms when considering how many blue- and white-collar workers it took to plan and install roadways, bridges and utilities to get bulldozers, semis and other vehicular behemoths along highways, through forests and into mines and warehouses.

The wafers were made from ingredients that required plowing, tilling, planting, harvesting, mixing and cooking, and the box required the felling and processing of lumber, preparation of ink,

manufacture of the plastic liner bag and assembly by tireless machinery.

Add to all those efforts the financial and insurance industries, safety and health inspectors and shipbuilders for import and export trade.

Scan the rear horizon back centuries when mines were opened, roads were carved and the power of electricity and internal combustion engines was first harnessed, and stand in awe of the invisible thread of human collaboration between and among the literal tens or hundreds of millions of hard-working souls, many of whom never came within a thousand miles of each other or even inhabited the globe at the same time — just to bring a simple box of wafers to a hungry widow.

And thank them all.

Especially on this holiday, whose central purpose can never really be exhausted, for there is far more thanks deserved than we could ever conjure or shout into the ether, even in our most fertile imagination.

Happy Thanksgiving.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Silver Lake Town Council Meeting scheduled for December 14, 2022, has been changed to December 12, 2022. Meeting location is 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, and will begin at 7:00 p.m. hspaxlp

PUBLIC NOTICE

Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake St., Syracuse, IN 46567, 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 a Polar Plunge. This event is scheduled to be held on January 28, 2023 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 2-3.

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. hspaxlp

you need, or to leave a blessing for someone else.

DID YOU know Harvest Coffee in Milford has a little food pantry out in front of the shop? It is sponsored by Wawasee FFA and is supported by the Milford Food Pantry and individuals in the community. The pantry is available 24/7 to take what