The Mail-Journal - December 13, 2023

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Covering Milford, Syracuse & North Webster, Indiana Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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Wawasee school board approves Polywood Academy During the regular December Wawasee Community School Corporation board meeting, Jon Everingham went before the board to present Polywood Academy. Earlier this year, Everingham attended a presentation by Orthoworx and Purdue University’s IN-MaC. The presentation brought the idea of linking businesses and school corporations together to develop and create hands-on learning opportunities for students. Everingham and Ryan Zimmerman of Polywood collaborated on the new Pathway CTE program. “When I arrived here and got involved with CTE, I think we had around 120 students throughout the co-op, participating in half-day programming, and this year we have 343 students participating,” Everingham explained. “Truly exciting stuff; we have 14 programs across three school districts. Eight of the programs are housed here at Wawasee.” Everingham became CTE director last year. Vince Beasley introduced Everingham to Orthoworx and their initiatives. Polywood Academy- Powered by Pathways CTE Cooperative is the 15th program to be offered through CTE. The program was designed to “fill the gaps” between the other available programs. “It’s a school-business partnership,” Everingham explained, “where we feel like there was a gap in our programming. We are constantly examining what opportunities there are for students and making sure we are covering all of our bases.” The program will teach advanced manufacturing, a career that leads to endless opportunities after high school. Polywood is housing the program in their building. The program will only accept six to eight students during the first year, but as the program grows, so will the class size. There is an application process for the program. The program is slated to be available for the 2024-25 school year. “In year two, the students do an internship. Their capstone experience is a paid internship at Polywood,” Everingham said. “They’re in line to do a paid summer internship. Students are going to love this.” The teacher of the program will be a WCSC employee due to licensing and CTE funding. Polywood is donating money to cover that cost. During the learning report, Dr. Shelly Wilfong updated the board about the Indiana Learns Tutoring Grant. In this current semester, teachers have been able to provide 624 hours of

tutoring for students who fell below proficient for math and ELA. Wilfong is working with principals and teachers to expand the program even further. Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent, alerted the board to some good news: multiple Wawasee School Corporation employees received KEYS grants and multiple donations were made to school clubs and programs. Autumn Griepentrog, reading interventionist, was granted $500 for take home phonic books. Cheryl Pearson, media center paraprofessional, was granted $500 for seating for a book nook. Cindy Brady, student services coordinator, was granted $672 for Minds in Motion. Kristin Bonner was granted $200 for a new sewing machine. Lou Lefevre was granted $300 for a set of classroom books. The WHS Supermileage club received a $250 donation from Ritter Electric; $250 from The Papers, Inc.; $100 from Steffen Realty; $100 from New Market; $250 from Loose Moose Motorsports; $100 from Sands Accounting; $250 from Syracuse Bud’s Body Shop; $1,000 from Milestone Construction; $500 from Mr. Rooter of North Central Indiana; $100 from Ace Hardware of North Webster; $100 from Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware of Syracuse; $100 from Link Accounting; $250 from Wawasee Boat Company; $7,000 from Doug and Jeannine Schrock; $500 from Ousley Seawall Construction; $250 from ERA Crossroads; $250 from Phend & Brown; $100 from Schroeder Insurance Agency and $100 from Sudlow’s Pier Shop. WHS Robotics received a $100 from Alison Cole at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and $500 from KCCF anonymous. North Webster Elementary School received a $500 donation for student clothing needs from Builders Association of North Central Indiana and the North Webster Lions Club donated $100 per teacher for classroom supplies. WHS welding received material donations for students to use for welding practice from SEI Corporation and an anonymous donor. The board recognized two staff member retirements. Deb Bird served Milford Elementary School as a cafeteria staff member for 23 years. James O’Dell served Wawasee High School as a teacher for 30 years. Neither person was in attendance, but the board expressed gratitude for their dedication and hard work. The next regular school board meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Wawasee High School Warrior Room, 1 Warrior Path, Building 1, Syracuse.

WARRIOR PRIDE — The Kosciusko County Community Foundation presented the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to two Wawasee High School seniors during a ceremony at the school Tuesday morning. Pictured from left are WHS Principal Geoff Walmer,

Text and Photos By KEITH KNEPP Staff Writer The hard work of two Wawasee High School seniors paid off handsomely Tuesday morning, Dec. 12. Grant Krull and Allison Clark were surprised during their first-period honors English class by their parents, school administration leaders, and representatives from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation with the word they were each a recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition award, which will allow Krull and Clark to attend an Indiana college or university of their choice. Additionally, it covers fees and an allocation for books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study. Krull, the son of of Shawn and Lissa Krull, Milford, plans to major in mechatronics engineering technology at Purdue University in West Lafayette. He has been an active community member as a volunteer with Camp Mack, a 10-year member of 4-H, Swaggers Youth Group, Wawasee FFA and Kosciusko Junior Leaders. He has been a member of various WHS extracurricular activities, including the Supermileage Team, Iron Pride Vex Robotics, Thespian Troupe, Academic Super Bowl, National Honor Society, cheer squad, unified flag football and track teams and the swim team. “”It’s really nice to not have

THE ANNOUNCEMENT — Kosciusko County Community Foundation CEO Stephanie Overbey, far left, presented the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to Wawasee High School seniors Grant Krull and Allison Clark during a surprise announcement during the students’ English class Tuesday morning. to think about the possible debt that I could have gotten in to,” said Krull. “I knew I had a higher chance (to receive the scholarship) because of the number of extracurriculars I’ve been involved in and community service with different organizations.” “He’s worked really hard since he was a little kid,” said Lissa Krull of her son. “He doesn’t like to stay inactive. He’s always doing something. He’ll come home and say, ‘mom, I’m going to try this.’ He really has followed his own heart and his own path. It’s amazing. It’s really overwhelming to know that (his) college is paid for.” Clark, the daughter of Alan and Diana Clark, Syracuse, plans to major in biology and will grad-

CHECKING IN AT MILFORD — Santa participated in the fourth annual Milford Christmas parade. This parade, which features only emergency vehicles went up and down north/south streets throughout town Saturday night, Dec. 9, so Santa could double check his naughty and nice list. He’s shown here in the Milford S.W.A.T. Humvee on his way to the Milford Fire Station to meet with children of all ages. Driving the Humvee is Milford officer Matthew Carter. Photo by Lauren Zeugner

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recipient Allison Clark, recipient Grant Krull, KCCF CEO Stephanie Overbey, and Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Steven Troyer.

Krull, Clark named Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients

Inside

By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

uate with honors in May. Currently, her plan is to attend Purdue University, Indianapolis, but that might change with the benefits of this scholarship. She has been involved in various community service initiatives, including the North Webster Church of God, Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy and Warsaw Adult Education. Additionally, she was a member of the Wawasee tennis team, book club, robotics team, Academic Super Bowl, National Honor Society, Key Club, Environmental Club and FFA. “I’m shocked,” said Clark. “It’s really cool that I won’t have to deal with paying for college. I knew I had some sort of a chance, but I didn’t ever think that I’d ever get it. It’s a little bit of a shock.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Alan Clark. “It proves that hard work and being a good person pays off. It opens a lot of doors for her. Places she might not have gone before in Indiana, just because of the cost. She’s applied to a lot of places. It opens up a lot of some other schools that she probably wouldn’t have gone to.” “It’s humbling because our county has so many bright students,” said WHS Principal Geoff Walmer. “There are so many other deserving students, from Wawasee, from Warsaw, Whitko, Tippy Valley, but to know that this year two of them happen to be Warriors, it’s pretty special.” Walmer noted that in his five years as principal at WHS, the Continued on page 2

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Krull, Clark Continued from page 1 school has had five winners of the prestigious Lilly Scholarship. “The fact that they can overcome me and still win it speaks even more volumes about these kids,” he said with a laugh. “It’s pretty special,” said Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Steven Troyer. “It’s always exciting when Wawasee has a winner to begin with, but to have two in the same year is really cool. I know that Mr. Walmer and the high school team have been just thrilled to have students in the mix. It’s a testament to the work the kids are doing. I think Geoff said that we had 17 applicants total. To have a couple of them be successful just sets them up really well for their next step. We’re really proud of the work that they’re doing, not only academically, but they’re really good kids as well.” The Kosciusko County selection process for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship begins at the community foundation, according to CEO Stephanie Overbey. Scholarship reviewers evaluate each application without access to the students’ names or other identifying information. Qualifying criteria include academic excellence, community service, extracurricular involvement, work experience, references and essay responses. Once the committee selects the finalists, KCCF submits these applicants to the Independent College of Indiana, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Scholarship program. The scholarship has been awarded annually since 1998 to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education “in the belief that education is indispensable to the personal, civic and economic well-being of Indiana communities and residents.”

Syracuse park board hears SCC roof update By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer

PROUD PARENTS — Pictured from left are Lissa Krull, Grant Krull and Shawn Krull. Grant was one of two Wawasee seniors awarded the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Tuesday morning, Dec. 12.

AMAZING AWARD — Pictured from left are Diana Clark, Allison Clark and Alan Clark. Allison, a Wawasee senior, was one of two Warriors to be awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Tuesday, Dec. 12.

New appointees to Milford Economic Development Commission Scott Gingerich and Dan Brown were appointed to the newly created Milford Economic Development Commission at the monthly Milford Town Council meeting, Monday, Dec. 11. Gingerich is the council’s appointment to the commission and Brown is the council president’s appointment. One other person will be appointed Thursday, Dec. 14, by the Kosciusko County Council to the three-member board. The commission is being formed to handle disbursement of funds from the towns TIF District 2 if development of property on the northeast corner of CR 1300N and Old SR 15 comes to fruition by BRTB. Numerous items of business were handled by the town council, including approval of the rezoning of 7.16 acres from agriculture and commercial to an industrial II district by Ron Baumgartner. Baumgartner had received approval by the county’s area plan commission at its Dec. 6 meeting. Baumgarner, owner of The Papers Inc., Milford, made the request to conform the property to what it should be. The property is located on the south side of First Street, where one of the company’s buildings in located. A cornfield is located to the east. Neighboring property owner Dawn Engleberth, who remonstrated against the rezoning at the county level, also remonstrated against it at the town council meeting. Matt Sandy, plan commission director, presented the request and gave an overview of the industrial 2 zoning requirements. He noted the property was noncomforming to its use. Engleberth voiced concerns over noise and activity the rezoning could allow, yet noted Baumgartner has been a great neighbor. Her concern focused on should Baumgartner no longer own the property. She hoped the council would approve a variance and not change the zoning. Tricia Gall, a neighbor, stated her husband Brandon, looked up the noise regulations and they both felt comfortable with the request. She also noted what a great neighbor Baumgartner has been. There was some discussion, led by council member Ken Long, such as future plans for the property and if it would continued to be farmed. Baumgartner stated he has no plans to sell the property for it to become something else and farming would continue. He alluded to the fact should the property be sold, he hopes it would remain a printing and publishing business. Sandy did state should there be any changes to the property’s use, a petition would need to be filed and the town would be made aware of the changes. Additionally, Sandy touched on some violations in the North Park

The Syracuse Park Board took care of some of its end-ofthe-year business at its meeting Monday, Dec. 11. The funding for the Syracuse Community Center’s new roof was approved by Syracuse Town Council. The cost of the roof is just over $115,000. The new metal roof will be installed in late March or early April, said Chad Jonsson, park superintendent. The board approved the work to be done by Premier Roofing, Nappanee. Jonsson said he is working on the facilities report. This includes carpet cleaning, vehicle maintenance and other park projects. He said he is finishing the list of ongoing projects and will have the list done “hopefully by the January meeting.” Jonsson showed the proof of the new rules sign for Lakeside Park. In his tree board report, Jonsson said he has applied for the Tree City USA designation. The application is due Dec. 31. Tree plantings and removals have been done. Jonsson said he was happy with the tree company and its work. The Henry Ward pavilion and restroom project is nearly complete and the power is on, he said. The new playground equipment will be installed around May 1, 2024. The deadline to get the old playground equipment out is Sunday, Dec. 31. One of the old playground sets has been picked up with one remaining. Daren Lursen, program director, gave the program report. He reported that 200 bags of candy were handed out at Breakfast with Santa earlier this month. Over 400 plates of food were

served, which is a 25% increase from last year, said Lursen. Yoga has ended for the year but will restart in January on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at SCC. The next euchre tournament is at 6 p.m. this Friday. There are 32 people signed up, he said. The basketball league is full. The first games start Sunday, Jan. 7. Registration for the indoor garage sale begins Wednesday, Jan. 10. The sale is open to the first 31 people who sign up. The sale will be Saturday, March 2. A princess party will be Saturday, Feb. 24. Jonsson gave the financial report from Nov. 13 to Dec. 11, and November’s financial report. The board approved the park department’s 2024 non-reverting operating budget, which is $39,500. The budget is funds that are controlled by the park board and come from fees from various activities. “It is non-tax dollars,” said Jonsson. “The board sets the budget for the year. We budget what we think we will spend next year.” He said there is money left over for some park projects for next year. The budget will now be sent to the clerk-treasurer’s office. In other news, the board: • Set the 2024 meeting dates for 5:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month. • Recommended Janelle Lehman of Syracuse to serve on the board. She replaces Mary Hursh, whose term is expiring at the end of this year. • Set the park rental fee at $60 a day for Ward Park, which is the same fee for the other parks; the previous fee was $35 a day. The next meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at SCC.

APC recommends rezoning former church in Pierceton By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer

BIG MONEY — The members of Meet Milford presented the Milford Town Council with a check for $3,246.75 at the Monday, Dec. 11, meeting. Funds were given by the council earlier this year to pay for a town Christmas tree, which Meet Milford then reimbursed. From left are Karina Wilkinson, Angie Deak, Tricia Gall, Sierra ClarkKern, Doug Ruch, Bob Cockburn and Ken Long. Photo by Lilli Dwyer. subdivision off Syracuse Street. He noted some fences have been placed on the easements and other violations discovered. The planning office is working on remedying those violations. During this discussion it was noted the town recently attempted to run a camera through the storm sewer system, which found blockage. It is unknown what is blocking the system. Later in the meeting the council approved hiring R&R Visual to use a machine to clean and camera the line at a cost of $295 per hour for a maxi of eight hours, to discover the problem. The cost is not to exceed $3,000. This approval came after a discussion of whether to install a new storm sewer line or have further cleaning and camera imaging of the line. The council was presented a check from Meet Milford in the amount of $3,246.75 to cover the cost of the garland Christmas Tree purchased by the town. The town had agreed to initially pay for the tree, with Meet Milford reimbursing the town once funds were raised by the organization. During department reports: • Milford Police Chief Derek Kreider announced the receipt of a $93,140.93 grant from the Indiana Department of Justice and Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to hire an additional officer. This one-year grant can be applied for each year up to five years. Each

year the grant amount’s matching funds will be reduced. The first and second year provide 100% funding, with the town’s responsibility the following years going from 25% matching funds up to 75% the fifth year. Officer Ben Sanders explained the grant to the council members. • Various grants available to police departments were noted by Kryder when he addressed his grant objectives goals for 2024. He will be presenting future grant requests. • Council members approved the purchase of a 2013 ¾ ton Chevrolet with a V-plow at a cost of $27,000 to replace the town’s 1999 truck. The new purchase has around 120,000 miles. • Heard a request from Utilities Superintendent Steve Marquart asking residents to remove cars off town streets during snow events, allowing the town to plow and salt. He also stated leaf season is now over and should residents have any leaves needing removed, to bag or box the leaves in containers not heavier than one person can pick up. • Virgil Sharp, fire chief, updated the council on the cost of a new town pumper. The latest quote is for $748,000 with a 5% increase expected after the new year. While there are no funds in the town’s budget for the truck, means to finance such purchase is being investigated. • Brian Haines, assistant fire

chief, reported the testing of the town’s two new emergency weather sirens was successful with the siren at the fire station also being activated. There will be a test of the sirens the first Thursday of each month. • The council approved the $6,000 purchase of a battery operated floor cleaner for the fire station. The department installed new flooring at a cost of approximately $25,000 from community donations and has the desire to keep the floor in good shape. • Council members approved the 2024 meeting dates, which will be at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month, except for October and November. Those meetings will be held the Tuesday after the second Monday, due to Columbus and Veterans days. • Contracts were renewed with Boyce Software, used by the clerk’s office and Kosciusko County for terminal services. A threemonth contract was extended with Sweetheimer, Pierceton, on trash pickup for town residents. The current bid expires at the end of 2023, however, documents were not prepared in time to seek bids for 2024. • Gall, clerk-treasurer, announced the clerk’s office and the town hall will be closed from Monday, Dec. 25 through Tuesday, Jan. 2. The council announced it will have its year-end meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28.

The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission heard several cases at its meeting Wednesday, Dec. 6. Eric and Cara Erlewein’s petitioned to rezone 20.33 acres from an agriculture district to an agriculture II district. The property is located on the north side of CR 900N, just east of SR 13 in Turkey Creek Township. They want to build a two-lot subdivision, said their attorney, Steve Snyder. The board approved the couple’s request. The case will next be heard by county commissioners at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. Brian and Ashlee Ryman of Ryman Real Estate requested the rezoning a former United Methodist Church. The property is located on the east side of First Street and east of Main Street, Pierceton. In attendance at the meeting was Ashlee Ryman and Michele Roberts. The two women want to open an event center for weddings or birthday parties, for instance. Several remonstrators expressed their concerns, however. One was Keith Arnold. He said he is concerned about noise and litter as well as fireworks. Arnold, a veteran, said fireworks would bother him. The women stressed that fireworks would not be allowed. There are 30 parking spaces with plans for valet parking offsite, with no plans for additional parking onsite. APC board member Mike Long said he commends the women for using the now vacant space. “It’s unique and good use of an otherwise obsolete property,” he said. The case was heard by Pierceton Town Council Monday, Dec. 11.

In other news, Ron Baumgartner requested rezoning 7.16 acres from agriculture and commercial to an industrial II district. Baumgartner is the owner of The Papers Inc. in Milford. The property is located on the south side of First Street. “I just want to bring it in line with what it should be,” said Baumgartner. One of the company’s buildings is located on the property. A cornfield is located to the east of the building. He said his request was mainly a “housekeeping” issue. One remonstrator expressed her concerns. Dawn Engleberth, who lives near the plant, said she is bothered by semi trucks that come and go from the plant. “This rezoning would have a negative effect,” she cited. “This is a very residential area.” The rezoning request was ultimately given a favorable recommendation. The next step was for the case to be heard by Milford Town Council for its final decision, which was Monday, Dec. 11. Brett Harter was granted preliminary plat approval for an ag II development. The property is located on the south side of CR 500N in Tippecanoe Township. Harter wants to build stickbuilt, single-family houses on two lots and use a shared entrance. Harter must now get final plat approval. Ronald Casebeer’s request for a preliminary plat was continued to the next APC meeting which is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3. He requested preliminary plat approval for two lots on an agriculture II development on a tract of ground. The property is located on the east side of CR 875W, south of CR 200N in Etna Township. The board said it needs more information, such as soil testing, before making a decision.

Milford Redevelopment Commission sets expectations By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer Monday, Dec. 11, was the last Milford Redevelopment Commission meeting for 2023. The commission adopted a list of 2024 meeting dates and set a surety bond for next year at $75,000. This bond serves as “protection for the public against any nefarious activities any of us

would individually engage in,” said commission member Dan Brown. Essentially, money in the surety bond can be used as a backup if someone in the commission loses the town money due to mismanagement or some other circumstances. There are currently no planned changes in the appointment of board members. Current board members are Brown, Doug Ruch,

John Beer, Chuck Byrd and Tricia Gall. Steven Baut also serves on the board as a nonvoting member. Brown also mentioned an economic development commission will be formed to issue bonds for an operations facility project in TIF District 2. Brown said negotiations for the project, which he first discussed at the November meeting, are ongoing. When com-

plete, the economic development commission will be needed to issue bonds and pledge TIF funds to reimburse BRTB, the company funding the project. This project is located on the north side of CR 1300N at Old SR 15. One member of this commission must be appointed by the Milford Town Council. Kosciusko County’s appointee will be cho-

sen at the county council’s meeting Thursday, Dec. 14. Milford’s redevelopment commission will continue working with BRTB on this operations facility project in 2024, as well as keeping track of progress on the Eastfield housing development in the TIF residential. Two houses are now complete and up for sale, with two more under construction.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

Thinking about Obituaries a trade-in?

Births

Rosemary Method

By CECIL SCAGLIONE Mature Life Features

that self-driving cars are just down the road a piece. Testing is going on now around the globe, and there’s the push toward electric-powered vehicles. Should we wait til they get here or take advantage now of such safety features as blindspot warning systems, rearview cameras and emergency automatic-braking systems?

Keeping your dependable old pick-up or SUV oiled and greased until its last gear slips may no longer be the wisest choice of auto ownership. Advancing technology is making new cars much safer and easier to drive. We’re all being made aware

Rosemary “Peg” Method, 85, Milford, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Lanae Rose Miller Maynard and Lynette (Miller) Miller, Leesburg, are the parents of a daughter, Lanae Rose, born at 8:26 p.m. Dec. 9, 2023. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

TCLRSD approves three change orders By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer

GIFT WRAPPING — Emilia Layne is getting around supplies for Syracuse Public Library’s gift wrapping drop-in. Everyone is invited to visit the library from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, to wrap presents away from prying little eyes. Photo by Sarah Wright.

Syracuse Public Library —

Teen advisory board hosts book exchange 26, at North Webster Community Public Library. Volunteer judges will select winners in each age range, and those teens will receive $100 gift cards. Children’s Programming Move & Groove Club will feature festive dance games for children at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, in the downstairs meeting room. This program is geared toward children in kindergarten through fifth grade; however, younger and older siblings are welcome to join. Both storytime and home school class will get in the holiday spirit, too, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Storytime will feature holiday picture books, and children will make a holiday-themed craft. Meanwhile, home-schooled children of all ages are invited to learn about Christmas around the globe. Children’s programming will take a break during the weeks of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Adult Programs SPL’s knitting and crocheting club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the upstairs sitting area. Join the group and crank out any remaining homemade Christmas presents or work on another project. The Workshop, the library’s adult writing group, will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, in the downstairs meeting room. Attendees can bring pieces to share or writing-related discussion topics to share; they can also listen to others share their work.

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Holiday Reading In the mood for a great holiday read? The library has added several great titles to their collection. For the younger crowd, they have “Turkey Claus” by Wendi Silvano; “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh” by Mo Willems; “Count to Sleep Christmas” by Adam Gamble; “Is This … Winter?” by Helen Yoon; “Juniper’s Christmas” by Eoin Colfer; and “Out Cold: A Little Bruce Book” by Ryan T. Higgins. The adult fiction collection now has “A Christmas to Remember” by Beverly Jenkins; “Christmas Vanishing” by Anne Perry; “Mistletoe Countess” by Pepper Basham and “Unleashed Holiday” by Victoria Schade. Adult nonfiction has “Beautiful Boards: 50 amazing snack boards for any occasion” by Maegan Brown and “House + Love

The Milford Public Library hosted Silly Safari’s Animals of the North Pole show at the Community Building Thursday, Dec. 7. Over 100 people were in attendance. Reindeer Randy brought a tortoise, a giant frog, a crow, a lizard and a dog. At the end of the program, he brought in Noel, the reindeer. Every child was given a red plastic reindeer as they left the program. The red reindeer were donated by Milford Food Bank. December LEGO Challenge December’s LEGO Challenge is to build a Christmas tree. The last day to submit a photo is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26. If your creation is chosen as the best Christmas tree, you win a new LEGO set. Send your photo to milford@milford.lib.in.us. If you win, you take home a new LEGO kit.

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cent shot at it. Basically, it checks three boxes. Number one, its septic relief so SRF are very in favor of prioritizing septic relief projects. It has a regionalization component because we are not building our own treatment plan. Also, the rates are within the range that are typically grant eligible. It is certainly possible, it just depends on what other projects we are competing against.” The board approved to host a public hearing from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8. Meeting access via the internet will be available. Henschen will be discussing engineering reports and showing progress maps. The public will also be able to ask questions. The next regular board meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 8, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.

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NOEL THE REINDEER — Reindeer Randy brings Noel, the reindeer, to the Milford Community Building to meet Milford residents. Photo provided by the library.

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for East Webster Lake Wastewater Collection System. The total project funding for the East Webster Lake Wastewater Collection System is projected to be around $6,101,000. “If we are assuming the project is funded 100% through loan, we would be looking at an estimated bill of $243 per month. From there, we ran a second scenario,” Rowe explained, “the district would need to receive grant in the amount of roughly $5.1 million. So one million would be borrowed and $5.1 million would come from grant. That would get the rate down $88-$89 per month.” “What are the odds of receiving $5.1 in grants?” Chuck Simpson asked. “Can’t say exactly. If you asked me a couple years ago, I would say we would have a pretty de-

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ning

ster Lake service area mostly rely on private wells for drinking water and private on-site septic systems for wastewater disposal and treatment. Residents of the proposed service area have experienced problems with individual on-site septic systems, as many of the septic systems are old and failing. Failing septic systems allow untreated sewage to discharge to the groundwater and surrounding lakes and rivers, thus resulting in the potential for serious health and safety issues,” Henschen read from the report. During his financial report, Jeff Rowe, consultant from Baker Tilly, explained he is working diligently on completing the 2024 budget update so the board will be able to discuss it during the regular January meeting. He went on to present a rate study

RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

TEEN BOOK EXCHANGE — Young adult services librarian Michelle Parker practices wrapping a book in advance of the teen book exchange from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Photo by Sarah Wright.

BETTER CHOICE — The TCLRSD debated whether to hold a public hearing before the regular January meeting or the regular February meeting. After some deliberation, holding the public hearing before the regular January meeting was deemed “the better choice.” Board members pictured from left are Jeff Thornburgh, Chuck Simpson and Brian Davison. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

Milford Public Library —

RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

Syracuse Public Library’s teen advisory board will host a book exchange for teens from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Teens can bring books to trade. During the event, attendees will wrap the books before swapping them. Library books can be used if participating teens have library cards. Young adult services librarian Michelle Parker will also bring extra books to share. After the book exchange, teens can stay for the young adult board game night from 6-7:30 p.m., which will also occur Dec. 21 in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The group will play “Pick Your Poison” family edition, a card game of unfathomable “What would you rather do?” scenarios. Players compete to create the hardest scenario possible by combining two Poison cards. Teens in grades six through 12 are also encouraged to continue work on their submissions to the Teen Art Contest, held jointly by North Webster Community Public Library and Syracuse Public Library. This year’s theme is “Adventure.” Entries can be anything from paintings and sketches to photography, ceramics and everything in between. Submissions are due by Jan. 13, 2024, at either library. Pick up an entry package at either library or download and print one at https://shorturl.at/ dhGYZ. An art open house will then occur from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan.

The Tippecanoe Chapman Lakes Regional Sewer District approved three change orders during its regular December board meeting, Monday, Dec. 11. Contract A, Chapman Lakes Wastewater Collection System, was approved an increase of $31,909.95 for revisions to plans due to grinder station relocations from property owner meetings and gravity sewer lateral grade calculations to ensure the property owner can connect to the grinder stations by gravity sewer. Contract B, West Tippecanoe Lake Wastewater Collection System, was approved a decrease of $13,695.35 due to electrical riser changes after coordination with KREMC and the removal of several valve junction items quantities due to redundancy. Contract C, East Tippecanoe Lake Wastewater Collection System, was approved an increase of $12,757.80 for revisions to plans due to grinder station and electrical riser relocations from property owner meetings and gravity sewer lateral grade calculations to ensure that property owners can connect to the grinder stations by gravity sewer. During the construction update report, Steve Henschen, lead engineer on the project, explained Contract A has 97.6% of pipe and 65.6% of grinders installed. Contract B has 57.3% of pipe and 52.6% of grinders installed. Contract C has 2.8% of pipe and 0% of grinders installed. Henschen continued into presenting a preliminary engineering report for the East Webster Lake Area Wastewater Collection System. “The residents of the East Web-

Watkins arrested for Accidents/Incidents drug dealing, child neglect 4

www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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

Kosciusko County Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents and incidents: Accidents 8:56 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, East CR 450N, west of North CR 1000E, North Webster. Driver: Shane A. Slater, 36, North Johnson Street, Warsaw. Slater’s vehicle left the roadway, entering a wet swamp area. Damage up to $10,000. 12:56 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, North CR 700E, south of East CR 500N, North Webster. Drivers: Carrie A. Armie, 45, West Hoffman Lake Road, Warsaw; and Cortney J. Fuller, 47, Winchester Court, Winona Lake. Armie was attempting to turn left at the North CR 700E and East CR 500N intersection when she hit Fuller’s vehicle. Fuller was stopped at the intersection at the time. Damage up to $10,000. 4:07 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, North CR 300E and East CR 900N, Milford. Driver: Arrieta Charters, 72, East CR 1000N, Syracuse; and Jose Melendez, 22, North CR 400W, Warsaw. Charter’s vehicle entered into the path of Melendez’s vehicle causing an accident. Damage up to $5,000. 9:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, North CR 75E, north of East CR 550N, Leesburg. Drivers: Ronald L. Baumgartner, 80, East Eli Lilly Road, Syracuse; and Roger T. Lemon, 78, South CR 650W, Kimmell. Baumgartner traveled left of center and his vehicle hit Lemon’s. Damage up to $25,000. 6:55 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, North SR 13, west of East CR 1000N, Syracuse. Drivers: Jack L. Smart, 74, North Koher Road East, Syracuse; and Brianna Mundo, 23, East Waco Drive, Syracuse. Smart was at the flashing red light at the North SR 13 and East CR 1000N intersection when he hit Mundo’s vehicle head-on. Munro was taken to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital by her boyfriend for stomach and leg pain. Damage up to $10,000. 5:44 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, East McKenna Road, east of EMS B38 Lane, Warsaw. Driver: Reid M. Cameron, 27, Sandpoint Drive, Warsaw. Cameron’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000. Incidents 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, 100 block EMS B42F Lane, Leesburg. Jeffery L. Sickafoose and Gregory R. Sausaman reported criminal mischief to mailboxes. 4:21 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 8600 block of East Hatchery Road, Syracuse. Burton Blackmer reported theft of motor vehicles worth $13,500. 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 3600 block North Barbee Road, Warsaw. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity. 10:55 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 300 block South Rowland Avenue, Leesburg. Officers investigated a report of domestic battery. 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 12000 block of North CR 1000E, Cromwell. Police were called to investigate a dog bite.

Milford Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident 3:23 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 500

block South Higbee Street and Turkey Creek Drive, Milford. Driver: Brian Keith Elliot, 59, Nathan Lane, Goshen. Elliot’s vehicle struck a deer. Damage up to $2,500.

North Webster Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident 6:42 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, East CR 500N, west of EMS T7 Lane, North Webster. Driver: Benjamin A. Quoss, 41, EMS T9 Lane, Leesburg. Quoss’ vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $25,000.

Pierceton Officers with the Pierceton Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident 5:29 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 1 Arnolt Drive, Pierceton. Driver: Harry N. Neely, 51, East First Street, Cromwell. Neely was backing his vehicle from a parking space when he hit a parked, unoccupied vehicle. Damage up to $10,000.

Syracuse Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accident and incident: Accident 12:13 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, North Huntington Street, north of West Bailey Street, Syracuse. Driver: Ramon Manon, 35, Short Street, Nappanee. Manon’s vehicle struck a deer. Damage up to $10,000. Incident 6:50 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 200 block East Chicago Street, Syracuse. Lisa Scarbeary reported criminal mischief to a garage.

Warsaw Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accidents: Accidents 11:29 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, Commerce Drive, near Access Road, Warsaw. Drivers: Sahara E. Taylor, 21, East CR 100S, Pierceton; and Richard K. Dedecker, 53, EMS B62 Lane, Warsaw. Taylor’s vehicle sideswiped Dedecker’s. Damage up to $5,000. 6:01 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, SR 15 and East Fort Wayne, Warsaw. Drivers: Christopher Carroll, 29, South State Street, South Whitley; and Robert Finlinson, 17, Venetian Drive, Syracuse. Carroll’s vehicle collided with Finlinson’s vehicle while merging lanes. Damage up to $5,000. 11:20 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4, 2501 Walton Boulevard, Warsaw. Drivers: Trena J. Fidler, 49, East Nokomis Drive, Syracuse; and Nicole A. Miller, 35, East Pioneer Way, North Webster. Fidler’s vehicle collided with Miller’s as Fidler was trying to park. Damage up to $10,000.

Elkhart County Officers with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office investigated the following accidents: Accidents 6:49 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, East County Line Road, south of US 6, Syracuse. Drivers: Preston Williamson, 19, Merryville, La.; and Jose Meza, 25, Cromwell. Willamson’s vehicle crossed over the center line, hitting Meza’s vehicle. Meza was taken to Goshen General Hospital for neck pain. 9:09 a.m. Wednesday, Dec.

6, US 6, east of CR 25, New Paris. Drivers: Dalton Higgins, 23, Syracuse; and Sherisa Anjanette, 46, Syracuse. Higgins’ and Anjanette’s vehicles were traveling on US 6 when Higgins’ vehicle went left of center for unknown reasons. Their vehicles collided head-on. Higgins was taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne for entire body injuries. Anjanette was flown to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for entire body injuries.

Jail Bookings Kosciusko County The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail: Dec. 11 — Allen Wade Hollan, 48, 5870 N. 675E, North Webster, booked on a warrant. No bond listed. Dec. 11 — Katlyn Michelle Waldbeser, 23, 9258 E. Backwater Road, North Webster, booked for domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash. Dec. 8 — Lucas Levi Graham, 22, 32 EMS W23C Lane, North Webster, booked for residential entry. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Dec. 8 — Michael Wayne Lee, 73, 5135 N. 175E, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Dec. 7 — Linda A. Best, 63, 804 N. Mill St., Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana/hash oil/hashish/salvia with a prior. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Dec. 6 — Lindsay Raye Housman, 36, 11194 N. Honeycomb Lane, Cromwell, booked for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic syringe or needle, and possession of paraphernalia. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash. Dec. 6 — Tony Alan Wallace Jr., 24, 508 S. Edgewater Ave. Lot 78, Syracuse, booked for possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of marijuana, and a warrant. Bond: $10,500 surety and cash. Dec. 5 — Steven Gary Rourke, 52, 4389 N. SR 13, Leesburg, booked for domestic battery — simple assault. Bond: $1,000 cash. Dec. 5 — Harley David Burkhead, 27, 312 W. Crystal Flash Road, No. 44, North Webster, booked on a foreign warrant. No bond listed. Elkhart County The following people were booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Complex: Dec. 1 — Kevin R. Anderson, 40, 6067 N. Second St., Leesburg, booked for possession of methamphetamine. Bond: $3,000. Nov. 26 — Kaiden Ruff, 20, 8348 E. Asbury Lane, North Webster, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. No bond. Whitley County The following person was booked in the Whitley County Jail: Dec. 6 — Harley David Burkhead, 27, North Webster, booked on a body attachment. No bond.

A North Manchester woman was recently arrested on drug and child neglect charges. Kimberley Jo Watkins, 37, KIMBERLEY JO 204 N. Mill WATKINS St., North Manchester, is charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 2 felony; possession of metham-

phetamine, a level 3 felony; and neglect of a dependent, a level 5 felony. On Dec. 3, an Indiana State Police trooper noticed a vehicle with an expired registration plate south of North Webster. The trooper pulled the vehicle over and identified its driver as Watkins. A child and a second adult were passengers in the vehicle. According to court documents, the trooper had prior knowledge about the second adult previously using drugs and requested a K9 unit at the scene. The K9

alerted to drugs in the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found about 28 grams of meth in Watkins’ purse. She said someone at her home must have put the drugs there. The trooper recognized that amount as one commonly seen when distributing or selling meth. The second adult in the vehicle said the drugs belonged to Watkins. Watkins was previously convicted of narcotic drug possession, failure to appear, and syringe possession. Watkins was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail Dec. 3.

Ricky Lee Bryant arrested for intimidation, criminal mischief A Syracuse man was arrested for allegedly threatening to harm people while in possession of a knife. Ricky Lee RICKY LEE Bryant jr., BRYANT JR. 30, 1003 N. Harrison St., Syracuse, is charged with intimidation with a dead-

ly weapon, a level 5 felony; and criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor. On Nov. 24, a Syracuse Police officer responded to a fight. A woman said Bryant came at her with a knife and left the scene on foot. The officer found Bryant, who said he didn’t remember what happened. According to court documents, the woman said Bryant approached her with a knife, which led the woman to lock herself in a

bedroom. Bryant stabbed the bedroom door and threatened to harm the woman’s relatives. The officer saw two stab marks in the door and noticed the blade was still stuck in the door. Bryant said he got upset and agreed with what the woman said had happened. Bryant has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance. He has an initial hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in Kosciusko Superior Court Three.

Two from Syracuse injured after head-on collision north of Milford Two people from Syracuse were injured after a head-on collision north of Milford, in Elkhart County. At 9:09 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle accident at US 6, east of the intersection of CR 25, New Paris. According to a press release from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office,

Dalton Higgins, 23, Syracuse,was traveling on US 6 in a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse when he drove left of center for unknown reasons. His vehicle hit a 2023 Kia Sorento driven by Sherisa Anjanette, 46, Syracuse. Higgins’ and Anjanette’s vehicles hit head-on. No statements could be taken from the drivers due to

their injuries. Higgins was taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne for entire body injuries. Anjanette was flown to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for entire body injuries. Law enforcement action is pending through the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

County alcohol board gives OK to Circle K following violation By DAVID SLONE Times-Union

younger has to show their ID to purchase alcohol.

A license renewal with a violation for Circle K was approved by the Kosciusko County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission on Thursday, Dec. 7. Mac’s Convenience Stores LLC, doing business as Circle K No. 4702372, 606 N. Main St., North Webster, received its renewal for a beer and wine dealer grocery store permit with a violation. In explaining the violation, Nicole Gibson, district manager, said, “They had a violation Jan. 10, 2023.” She said the employee had an alcohol violation for selling alcohol to a minor. The company had a $1,000 fine, and the employee had a $500 fine. The employee was fired for the violation. “And then for all of the other employees that are there staffed at our store, they had to take a test with age restriction and had to refresh that course with everybody,” she said. Alan Alderfer, commission member, asked if the company has training for its employees on alcohol sales. Gibson said they have age-restriction training that new hires have to take and the training is taken yearly to remind the employees that they don’t sell alcohol without seeing IDs. Anyone who looks 40 and

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Court News Superior Court III The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Alina Sanchez, Syracuse, $164.50; Eric P. Slisz, Milford, $164.50 Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises — Nathaniel C. Houchin, North Webster

Marriage Licenses The following couple has applied for marriage licenses in the

office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Humphries-Hacker Tyler Humphries, 30, North Webster, and Mackenzie Hacker, 29, North Webster

Marriage Dissolutions The following couple had filed for a marriage dissolution in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Brito — Jessica Brito, Milford, and Maria Giron Brito, Milford. They were married July 30, 2016, and separated March 30, 2023. No minor children.

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5

Local businesses show support for chamber in remodeling project By DEB PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief Often when a new executive director takes over, there are changes. This is what is happening at the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce. Ashley Dillon took over her role as the executive director on Aug. 21. She came into the position with the mission of being a servant and putting community first. Among the many projects she has in mind is the remodeling of the chamber office at 207 N. Huntington St. It only took her several months before thoughts became action. “Ashley called me,” said Bruce Jackson, T.L. Jackson Construction. “She called and said she had a vision for this and needed help. So we put plans together for her and helped with some of the scheduling and round people up.” That vision has resulted in an estimated $100,000 in donated,

time, labor, materials and even financial donations from local businesses. There’s been no cost to the chamber. “It’s a total remodel,” Jackson said. “We’re taking it down to the drywall. New trim, flooring, we’ve opened up some walls, new plumbing, cabinets, paint. I was told today we’re going to work outside.” Jackson worked with Gabe Ritter of Ritter Electric on the plans. “We collaborated with Ashley on the lighting layout, fixtures,” said Ritter. “I think it’s great, exciting,” he added about the project. “There’s going to be a lot of good things, it’s going to be good for the community to be able to see this moving forward.” Jackson added. “People come to this town and need a nice area to come in and see what we offer.” Both Jackson and Ritter stated giving back to the community is how their family businesses started out, 40 and 25 years ago respectively. The work began in the first

DONORS FOR CHAMBER PROJECT — Shown are representatives of all the local businesses who have donated time, talent, materials and finances in the remodel the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce offices. The group is shown in the chamber office, where work is currently under way. Shown in front from left are Erik Parcell, R Yoder Construction; Steve Williams, Shades to Shutters; Mark Phillabum, Polywood, Leading Edge and Jasper Plastics; Krista Bontrager, Dynamic Landscaping; Andrew Miller, Legacy Wood Creations; Rachael Rhoades, Cottage Watchman; Bruce Jackson, T. L. Jackson; Gabe Ritter, Ritter Electric; Ashley Dillon, chamber executive director; and Eddy Reynoso Jr., Eddy’s Dry Wall. In

back are Dan Stuckman, Drop Box Storage; Seth Helser, J. Lane Flooring and Design; Amanda Lease, J. Lane Flooring and Design; Larry Coplen, Coplen Construction; Tricia Small, Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware; Crystal Knafel, Dynamic Landscape; Cullen Fervida, Himco; Patrick Olson, Maumee Paint and Supply; Glen Farmwald, Glen’s Diamond Tile; Hector Alvarado, Northern Lakes Painting; Matt Buhrt, Buhrt Buildings; John Kidd, R. W. Kidd Construction; Eddy Reynoso, Eddy’s Drywall; and Jeff Dyson, chamber president. Not present were representatives from Milestone Construction, Pack Rat Storage, L. T. Siding, Builders Mart, Harter Custom Construction and Wawasee High School Building Trades. Photo by Deb Patterson.

part of November. Dillon had a schedule of the work and could then assign when crews could do

But local businesses are not the only ones working on the new chamber digs.

their part. All workers are volunteering their time and coming in when time allows.

Members of the Wawasee Building Trades are also helping Continued on page 8

Remonstrators make sure they’re heard at county board of zoning meeting By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer The Kosciusko County Board of Zoning heard an appeal from the December meeting of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer, which was held Monday, Dec. 11, during its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 12. The case for Mamaroan Lakehouse asked for a variance to permit construction of a new residence 5.25 feet from the northeast sideline, 21.9 feet from the rightof-way of EMS T24 Lane and the A/C condensers and generator 3 feet from the northeast sideline along with construction of a new garage 5.97 feet from the right-ofway of EMS T24 Lane and 24.70 feet from the right-of-way of Forest Glen Avenue. The property is located in Plain Township. The hearing officer approved the variance for the house, but denied the variance for the garage. In a hearing that lasted 40 minutes, attorney Steve Snyder explained the new property owner wanted to move the garage from

the north side of T 24 Lane to the south side. Snyder noted his client’s reduced the size of their home to accommodate set backs. He also told the board T24 is considered an easement, allowing property owners to access Forest Glen Avenue. Snyder told the board the old garage was removed and a retaining wall put in its place. The plan is to use the retaining wall as the south wall of the new garage. The size of the garage has been reduced to accommodate the retaining wall. Entering and exiting the garage would be from the west, so as to not hamper traffic. Snyder pointed out moving the garage would provide better visibility along T24. Along with the new garage, drainage on the property was also a concern. Snyder told the board his client intended to clean out and maintain a drainage ditch on the property and install a culvert that would direct drainage water to Tippecanoe Lake. A new drain will also be installed on the west

side of the property to direct water from the roof towards the lake. Jo Swartz, a nearby neighbor, remonstrated saying “Everybody wants a new neighbor and everybody wants improvement.” She expressed concern about fire trucks being able to access T24. And while she credited the property owner with being willing to address drainage issues, she noted springs pop up everywhere in that area. She requested the property owner be required to do a water study before any construction take place. Snyder rebutted saying “Change is difficult.” He reiterated the significant consideration his client had given regarding the drainage issues. He noted sewer would be installed in the next 18-24 months which should alleviate any concerns regarding septic systems. Lee Harman, president of the BZA, looked at the surveys provided and stated he didn’t understand Swartz’s concerns. Moving the garage from the north side of T24 to the south side would pro-

vide more space for cars to get through. Kevin McSherry said fire trucks would probably stage on Forest Glen Avenue and run hose to any house fire on T24. The board approved both variances for the house and the garage. Remonstrators came out in force for the case involving Steve Smith. Smith petitioned the BZA to permit construction of an open porch 1.4 feet from the west property line, 4 inches from the platted road right-of-way and 15 feet from the water’s edge. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township. While Smith was not in attendance Matt Sandy, area plan director, told the board Smith did have a survey done and the setbacks he gave previously were incorrect. Several remonstrators were on hand and the board chose to hear from them. One, who had lived in the neighborhood for 50 years said she was opposed to the plan as it was not in line with the setbacks.

Blake Harris, who owns the cabins on Kuhns Lake, said he was also against the plan, noting the property currently has no parking and the area is located in a floodplain. Snyder also remonstrated on behalf of a client suing Smith for allegedly putting his pier in the water in the common area of the neighborhood. The board moved to deny the petition. The board approved the following petitions: • A request by Thomas Lahmon for a variance to allow a shed to remain as placed 4.6 feet from the south property line and 10 feet from the right-of-way of the road. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township. • A request by Janeen McKenzie for a variance to build an open porch 18 feet 7 inches from the water’s edge. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township. • A petition from Elizabeth McSoley to reconstruct a garage 0.9 feet from the southeast sideline and 23.6 feet from the right-

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of-way of the road. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township. • A petition from Jeana Potulney to construct a second floor and residence additions with a window awning and a door awning 12.4 feet from the water’s edge and 24.7 feet to the right of the road. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township. The board denied the following petitions: • A request by Tange Thompson for a variance to construct/ reconstruct a garage, carport and a portion of a residence 1.5 feet from the right-of-way of the road and 3.5 feet from the west property line. The property is located in Plain Township. • A request by Tim and Amy Goon for an exception to construct a 1,920 square foot accessory building where 1,200 square feet is allowed in a residential district and to build it 1 foot, 4 inches from the east property line and 2 feet from the south property line. The property is located in Plain Township.

6

www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Sports

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — Wawasee seniors were recognized prior to the match with Goshen. Front row from left: Brooke Catron, Ciara Rodriguez, Deserae Vetor, Kaleb Salazar and Addie Hayes.

Back row: Boe Click, Anthony Hughes, Donovan Blair, Titus Taylor, Jaxon Senter and Adam Jackson.

Text and Photos By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

available for the match in Taylor and Click. Wawasee was forced to take a forfeit at the 285 weight class. “They are dealing with some personal things right now we’ll leave unsaid but they will be back,” Salazar said. “They’ll be ready to go.” The seniors who were able to give it a go against Goshen had strong nights. Blair and Salazar both earned pins. Salazar is ranked No. 11 in the state

TITUS CHEERS ON — Senior Titus Taylor encourages his teammates calling for two points in a junior varsity match.

Goshen wrestling edges out Wawasee on senior night

Two regional powers in the sport of wrestling met at the Hardwood Teepee Thursday, Dec. 7, as Wawasee recognized its senior class. While the Warriors celebrated the moment, visiting Goshen was the team to celebrate a 43-33 win. “We’ve got to continue to work and come back ready to

go,” coach Jamie Salazar said. The Warriors honored its senior grapplers prior to the match in Jaxon Senter, Anthony Hughes, Boe Click, Kaleb Salazar, Titus Taylor, Adam Jackson and Donovan Blair. Lady Warrior seniors were also recognized in Deserae Vetor, Brooke Catron, Ciara Rodriguez and manager Addie Hayes. However, Wawasee was shorthanded Thursday night against Goshen with two seniors un-

WARRIOR WAY WINNERS — Wawasee High School athletics recently announced its 2023 Warrior Way Winners for fall sports. In the front row from left: Brooklyn Roose (unified flag football), Bree Anne Kitson (competitive cheer), Ciara Rodriguez (girls soccer), Kaydence Shepherd (golf), Cyanna Leon (girls

in the 113 weight class according to Hooisermatwrestling. com. Blair is also ranked on the site at No. 14 in the 190 weight class. Goshen does have a wrestler in senior Cole Hinkel who could have matched up with Salazar at 113 but the Redhawks opted to have Hinkel compete at 120 and earn a pin there against Senter. “Jaxon had a tough match. He did what he did. He went out

cross country). Back row: Mackenzie Michael (cheer), Lucas Linder (football), Ty Brooks (tennis) and Senate Shaw (boys cross country). Not pictured: Titus Taylor (boys soccer), Hannah Truex (volleyball). Photo provided by Wawasee athletics.

BLANKET WINNERS — Three Wawasee seniors earned their Warrior blanket for achieving seven major awards. Pictured from left are Mason S h o e m a k e r, Cade Garden and Senate Shaw. Photo provided by Wawasee athletics.

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there and gave it his all. That’s the most we’ve could have asked for.” Salazar said. His brother, sophomore Cameron Senter, did earn a pin at 126. Junior Jay Miller-Harris rallied for a pin at 132. Junior Ethan Rodriguez cut the Goshen lead to one at 31-30 after a pin at 144. However the Redhawks took two of the final three matches to

carry the match. Junior Carson Nine captured a 9-6 decision at 151 for the final Wawasee points. “There was a lot of things that really looked promising,” Salazar said. “Carson Nine really dug deep and wrestled tough at the end.” Wawasee will next host its December Super Duals at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

WawaseeRoundup Boys Varsity Basketball Dec. 9 — Wawasee traveled to Whitko and fell in three overtimes 58-53. Junior Maddux Everingham tied the game at 37 at the end of regulation but Wawasee could not put the home team away in the first and second overtimes. Whitko controlled the third overtime 9-4 to win. Everingham led the Warriors with 16 points. Junior Weston Hoffert and sophomore Nolan Holzwart added nine points each. Wawasee falls to 3-2 and will play at Warsaw 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Dec. 9 — Wawasee dispatched Whitko 45-27 to jump to 3-2 this season. Junior Brayden Miller had a game-high 13 points and junior Kane Dukes finished with eight. The Warriors will travel to the Tigers of Warsaw at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Girls Varsity Basketball Dec. 8 — Wawasee won a defensive battle on the road at Northern Lakes Conference foe Goshen 29-20. Wawasee trailed at the half 16-11 but held Goshen to just four points in the second half. Junior Mackenzie Hackleman led Wawasee with nine points and junior Ava Couture scored six. The Lady Warriors improved to 9-2 with the win and 2-1 in NLC play. Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Dec. 8 — Wawasee defeated Goshen 36-25 on the road to move to 7-4. Junior Kiersten McCreary led the team with 11 points. Sophomore Taelyn Tom was second on the team with six. Dec. 12 — The Lady Warriors played two quarters against Bethany Christian and won 2215. Junior Kiersten McCreary had a team high six points and Olivia Frost scored five. The Lady Warriors are 8-4 and will next host Warsaw at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Junior Varsity Wrestling Dec. 7 — Wawasee fell to Goshen 42-27 at home. Wawasee won four matches via pin from Zeke Spore, Kyron Cantu, Thom-

as Sigsbee and Blake Rolston. Devin Sewell won a 4-3 decision in his match. Dec. 9 — Wawasee took part in the Goshen JV Invite as Gage Boyd won his bracket tournament for the 138 weight class. Three Warriors fell in the championship matches and settled for second place in Garrett Tittle, Anthony Hughes and Blake Rolston. Four more finished third in their respected brackets in Devin Sewell, Thomas Sigsbee, Zeke Spore and Kyron Cantu. Girls Wrestling Dec. 9 – The Lady Warriors had two place second in their tournaments at the Lakeland Invite in Isabel Schwartz and Cyanna Leon. Kenidi Nine was third in her weight class. Alex Garcia and Tiana Senders were both fourth-place finishers on the day. The girls will have their next meet at Central Noble 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Boys Swimming Dec. 12 — The Warriors traveled to NLC foe NorthWood and won 110-75. Senior Nathan Harper won the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:48.33 and later won the 100 backstroke. Zack Kryder secured first in the 100 breaststroke at a time of 1:08.39. Noah Mettham captured the 500 freestyle at a time of 5:26.35. Wawasee also won both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. The next meet is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, when Plymouth visits Wawasee. Girls Swimming Dec. 12 — The Lady Warriors took out the host Lady Panthers 122-61. Junior Julie Mishler broke NorthWood’s pool record in the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.32. Addison Beasley won back-to-back events in the 100 butterfly and the 100 freestyle. Reese Beasley also won two events as well in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Senior Emma Yoder claimed first in the 100 breaststroke at a time of 1:18.87. Wawasee also went 3-0 in relays. Wawasee will next host Plymouth at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

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THE BIG REVEAL — Nathan and Zack Kyder remove the cover from the plaque commemorating their late father, Andy Kryder, at the Wawasee Middle School natatorium.

A THANKFUL FATHER — Roger Kryder speaks to the crowd during Saturday’s ceremony for his late son Andy Kryder. His wife Marge, right, also spoke.

RECORD HOLDER — Julie Mishler had a big day breaking two school and pool records.

Swim team honors Kryder, Mishler smashes records Text and Photos By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer

der gathered for the ceremony at the natatorium including his parents, Roger and Marge Kryder, who both spoke at the ceremony. Roger Kryder thanked the community for helping to remember his son and ended his speech with a moment of silence. He also thanked God for the 45 years his son had to make an impact on people. Kryder is a 1994 state champion at Wawasee in the 100 freestyle and 200 medley relay. He also coached the middle school and high school girls swimming programs before passing away in 2020 after a battle with cancer. “The impact he made on the lives of those athletes will last for many years to come,” Doty said.

Swimmers and fans entering the Wawasee Middle School Natatorium will now be greeted by a memorial plaque honoring the late Andy Kryder. The plaque was unveiled by his two sons, Nathan and Zack, Saturday, Dec. 9, during the Wawasee Invite. “It is our great honor and privilege to recognize Andy Kryder with this memorial plaque,” Wawasee athletic director Brent Doty said. “So that all who enter our pool from here on will know of his accomplishments and his contributions to the Wawasee community.” Family and teammates of Kry-

“Andy had a natural gift to make his swimmers want to give there all and created a family feel, in and out of the pool. A true gift to many of those young swimmers.” His wife Colleen joined his children, Nathan, Cammy and Zack, at the ceremony. Zack, the youngest and the last in the family to go through the swim program, earned the Swimmer of the Meet Award, as he won two individual events and two relays. The boys earned first place out of seven schools in the invite with a score of 564.5 top second place Culver Academies (471). Senior Nathan Harper, a Ball State commit, won four events as well including the 100 butterfly and the 100 breaststroke. Harper

also won in two relays. Noah Mettham also won two events in the 200 and 500 freestyle events with personal records in both. Senior Cade Garden rallied to win the 100 freestyle event for the Warriors. Senior Will Long captured first in the diving competition. The girls were second in the invitational with 379 points. Culver Academies won the invite with 534 points. However, the day belonged to Wawasee junior Julie Mishler. Mishler broke her own school and pool records in the 50 freestyle and broke the 100 freestyle record previously held by her sister Alexis. Mishler lowered her time in the 50

to 22.28 and her time in the 100 to 49.75. “I would definitely say it has been one of my best meets,” Mishler said. Mishler is committed to the University of Louisville and had a strong showing earlier in the week at 2023 Speedo Winter Junior Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Mishler competed against swimmers from the eastern half of the country in the 50 and put in in a time of 22.12 Thursday, Dec. 7. The mark places her among the best in the nation for her age group. Mishler credits her success to her persistent training. “I practice every day except Sundays. I do dryland training and weight training every morning,”

Mishler said. “I love the experience of being on the team with people I grew up with. It’s just a good overall experience.” Addison Beasley Won two events for the Lady Warriors in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. Senior Emma Yoder, who recently signed with Indiana State University for track and field, won the 200 freestyle. Sarah Cheng was second in the diving event for Wawasee. Wawasee has a home meet Thursday, Dec. 14, against Plymouth at 5:30 p.m. in what is the final meet until after the holidays. The diving portion of the team will take part in the Warsaw Dive Invitational 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

Lady Warrior defense shuts down ranked foe By NATHAN PACE Sports Writer Wawasee girls basketball picked up arguably its most impressive win of the season Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Bethany Christian. Going up against an undefeated opponent, the Lady Warriors limited the offense of the Lady Bruins to prevail 4832. “For us that’s a really big win,” coach Derek Gilreath said.

Lucas Linder named Academic All-Star Wawasee football is represented on the 2023 edition of the Indianapolis Colts Indiana High School Academic All-Star Team. Wawasee senior Lucas Linder earned a spot on the offensive side of the team as a wide receiver. All 24 players selected to the Academic All-Star team are current seniors ranked in the top 5% of their class. The Indiana Football Coaches Association selected the list after coaches from across the state nominated players. The Academic All-Star team is designed to honor players who excel in the classroom as well as on the field. Linder caught five passes for 38 yards this past season on offense and recorded 24 tackles on defense.

“Kind of a monkey off our back as far as playing teams that should be able to compete with us. They are a very good team. They’re averaging 55 points per game coming into today. I thought our defensive effort was awesome. We understood the scouting report well.” The game turned into a defensive battle early with both schools holding opponents to just over 30 points a game. Wawasee was just 2-11 from the field in the first quarter with Bethany Christian in the same boat offensively at 2-10. Junior Mackenzie Hackleman had 14 of her team-high 18 points in the first half to help lift the Warriors to a 16-13 advantage into the locker room. Hackleman was 5-9 from the field the first half while the rest of the team started out 1-12. Junior Lucy Wilkinson scored a bucket just before halftime. “She was huge for us,” Gilreath said on Hackleman. “None of those were forced shots. All of them were out of our offense. Two or three of them were just hustle plays off of offensive rebounds. That’s what we like to see out of her. Not just settling for outside shots but attacking the rim a little bit and shoot the ball with confidence.” In the third quarter it was senior Kaydence Shepherd getting the Warrior offense going. She drew fouls in the third and fourth quarters and went a perfect 9-9 from the line. Shepherd

finished with 15 points. Junior Olivia Horn added six points and five came from Wilkinson. Junior Ava Couture and senior Kylie Perkins each had two points. Wawasee lost to Bethany Christian last year 37-32. The Bruins went to the 1A state final last season and entered Tuesday’s game at 9-0. Bethany Christian was tied for No. 3 in the 1A poll entering the game as well. Those accolades did not matter against the Wawasee defense as it held Bethany Christian to just 1-16 from the 3-point line. Senior Zoe Willems led the Bruins with a gamehigh 19 points but none of her teammates reached over four points for the game. Now 10-2, Wawasee is a win a away from matching last season’s win total with a month and half remaining in the regular season. The schedule stays challenging with a 7:45 p.m. date with county rival Warsaw Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Hardwood Teepee. Warsaw is the defending Northern Lakes Conference champion. Warsaw won last year’s meeting 56-41. “Warsaw is our focus right now. Being able to compete with a state-ranked team,” Gilreath said. “Last year we played a really good first quarter against them. This year we want to sustain it through out the entire game.”

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Julie is a junior girls swimming & diving athlete who this season has already broken the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke records at Wawasee. Additionally this month, she won the 2023 Speedo Winter Junior National Championships in the 50 Freestyle recording the 4th fastest time in the history of the event for 15-16 year olds. Along with her prestigious athletic achievements she is a leader in the classroom as she ranks in the top 20 of her class academically.

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STRONG FIRST HALF — Wawasee junior Mackenzie Hackleman had 14 of the 16 points the Lady Warriors scored in the first half against the Lady Bruins. Photo by Nathan Pace.

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www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Community Corner FOOD BOXES — Wawasee Kiwanis raised donations from area businesses, individuals and partnered with the Milford Food Bank to provide food boxes for 52 families in the community. The food boxes were packed by Kiwanis members with assistance from the Boy Scouts and Wawasee High School Key Club. Shown in the front row from left are Carol Boone; Ann VanDyke; Larry Martindale, chairman; Chris Trame; Jennifer Wilkinson; Don Curry; and Bentley Truman. In back are Tom Hoover; Larry Winkler; Randy Huber; Kayla Voss; and Tony Ferrera. Photo provided.

Dyson serving as guide for Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer If you ever wondered what the difference was between the executive director of a chamber of commerce and a chamber board’s president, Jeff Dyson has the answer. Dyson, who is currently serving as the president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce board, explained the role as being an equal board member and as a member on the chamber’s executive board, being a guide to the executive director as far as the direction the chamber of commerce wants to go. “My focus is on being a guide,” he said. “The director is the hero. She’s the one leading the charge day to day.” Dyson was elected president of the chamber board approximately a year and a half ago. He said the toughest part is watching the chamber go through some challenges, much like a parent watching their child going through some challenging times to learn and grow. As chamber president, Dyson oversees a board of 10. He noted the chamber of commerce has grown quite a bit in the past few months. He said he believes the community has rallied behind the new chamber director, Ashley Dillon. Prior to joining the chamber, Dillon worked for several years at The Owl’s Nest. Dyson believes through her previous job, Dillon has probably served most of the community and people have wanted to support her in her new role. Dyson came to the area through his wife, who is a native of Ligonier. The couple have two children, a son who is a freshmen at Trine University and a daughter who is a sophomore at Wawasee High School. The family moved to Syracuse to fulfill a dream both Dyson and his wife had of living on the water. When he isn’t busy with chamber business, Dyson is the vice president of marketing for

Local businesses show Continued from page 5 out. Jeff Dyson, chamber president, stated this has been a great experience. “They have done a wonderful job. A few have been offered jobs from contractors they have worked beside.” Dyson credits connections Dillon made while in the hospitality business with The Owl’s Nest. “She was able to pull a lot of her connections. She was serving all these people. Now she has the opportunity to still serve, but they are now helping/working with her in a different capacity to improve the community. It’s a great fit. She’s doing a phenomenal job … the growth is phenomenal. She’s got a lot of connections, there’s a lot of new faces, a lot of old faces. They’ve been here for a long time and all are stepping up to make this something great. “I’m really excited,” added Dyson. “I am very excited that local businesses in town are rallying

Scott to host card shower GUIDING THE CHAMBER — Jeff Dyson has served as the president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce for the last 18 months. He sees his role as being a guide to the chamber director as to the direction the chamber wants to go in. Photo provided by Jeff Dyson. DSI, a wholesale distributor of marching band accessories, in Ligonier. The company manufactures and imports shoes, gloves, drill equipment and much more. Dyson got interested in marketing from broadcasting. He worked on his college radio station, both on air and doing marketing for the station. Dyson’s in-laws started DSI 40 years ago and a few years ago sold it to Varsity Brands. In his spare time, Dyson is a licensed pilot. He said he’s loved to fly since he was a little boy.

PROFILE

Lois Scott is celebrating her 90th birthday by hosting an open house card shower from 2-4 p.m.

Winter reading program starting soon Embrace the joy of reading this winter at the North Webster Community Public Library with the winter reading program. Back by popular demand, the library is excited to announce a new adult winter reading program for ages 18+, but for younger readers, NWCPL will also be hosting a special reading challenge just for teens in grades 6-12. Adult winter reading will run from Jan. 1-Feb. 29 and early birds can register starting Dec. 26. The teen program will run through Christmas Break, Dec. 22-Jan. 7. The best part? Win fantastic

North Webster Bridge Group The North Webster Bridge Group met Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in the North Webster Community Center. Winners were Mike Wyrick, first, and Jerry Hetrick, second.

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Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Milford First Brethren Church, 110 W. Catherine St.

small. “The new conference room will accommodate more people and will be available to chamber members to use,” she stated. Dyson added there will also be opportunities for small businesses to utilize private work spaces. Dyson concluded, stating with the amount of time, money, materials and labor local businesses have poured into this project, it shows local businesses are “supporting this project. They are the ones that are championing, making this happen.” Work will continue on the building as the volunteers have time available, but the remodeling will not stop with just the interior. Exterior work will also take place, including new landscaping. Dillon is speechless when it comes to all the contributions she has received. Many have said jokingly that she is one who doesn’t take no for an answer, but asks what you could do to help. “If you would like to get involved, reach out to the chamber,” Dillon said. This could be by email, a phone call or a visit to the chamber’s website, swchamber.com.

North Webster Community Public Library —

Bridge Results

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behind the chamber and they are donating their time, their materials. Some people are donating their money in order to renovate this building so that we have something the community can be proud of. And it’s exiting to have Ashley as the leader behind this project, being able to pull this all together.” Dyson said there is excitement in the chamber and growth that is long overdue. “The chamber got a fresh breath of life when Ashley stepped into the role of executive director because she’s had a positive experience with so many people in this community. Now she’s in a role where she can make a difference in this community. Everybody is getting behind her and wants to see something positive out of all of this.” Dillon stated the idea came after being contacted by local businesses needing a conference room. But the conference room was too

prizes simply for reading the books you already love. Sign up by visiting the library or register online from the convenience of home. Adults can also participate in weekly brain challenges for extra chances to win prizes. Join in making the winter season a little less dreary with a good book and the chance to win some exciting free prizes. Weekly Library Events The following activities are set to take place at the library. Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events. Adult Events Ready for a thrilling challenge? Join in for the spooky, spirited “Nightmare Before Christmas” escape room game. Put your problem solving skills to the test, uncover hidden clues and race against the clock to make your escape. Game times will be 3, 4:15 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. Call the library to register for a time slot. Teen Events Work together to find clues, solve puzzles and escape before time runs out in the special teen edition of the “Nightmare Before Christmas” escape room

game. Join in at either 3:30 or 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, for this fun and spooky holiday game. Teen cookie decorating, 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22. Come decorate pre-baked sugar cookies and use your imagination to create something delicious. Register in advance. Youth Events The final Baby and Toddler Story Time of the year will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19. Join Miss Cathy for holiday songs, stories and intentional play. Perfect for children birth through age 3. Story times will resume again in the spring after a brief hiatus. Kids cookie decorating, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22. Elementary-aged students are invited to come use their imagination in a delicious way by decorating prebaked sugar cookies just in time for Christmas. Register in advance so they know how to plan. For more information about any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit the library’s website at nwcpl.org or click into the library’s Facebook page.

Mobile Meals drivers Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers Dec. 18-22 MONDAY — M. Smith TUESDAY — C. Manning WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland THURSDAY — C. Hill FRIDAY — P. Smith Milford Drivers Dec. 18-22 MONDAY — M. Webb TUESDAY — K. Stanley WEDNESDAY — C. & J. Wagoner THURSDAY — L. Kammerer FRIDAY — S. Weisser North Webster Drivers Dec. 18-22 MONDAY — G. Smith TUESDAY — R. Chambers WEDNESDAY — A. Renner THURSDAY — B. Kennedy FRIDAY — A. Mock

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

School

SANTA STORE — Milford Elementary School recently held a Santa Store where items were $1 each, with all proceeds donated to Riley Children’s Hospital. On the left are fifth grade students Marin Szynal and Quinn Risedorph, with Peg Zimmerman helping students with their purchases. On the right are Madison Kaiser and Adelyn Montes. Photo provided by Beth Banghart.

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TEACHER REWARDS — On Tuesday morning, Dec. 5, the North Webster Lions Club handed out $100 to each teacher at North Webster Elementary School to use for supplies for their classrooms. The Lions Club gave $100 to 23 teachers. Pictured is Lion Scott Fox handing out the money. Photo provided by Principal Lee Snider.

GALLERY OPENING — After months of hard work and collaboration Chartreuse Talent, Wawasee High School’s Student Gallery & Showroom opened Thursday, Dec. 7. The gallery features the artwork of the design fundamentals, ceramics and advanced drawing classes available for sale. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

Chartreuse Talent opening a success By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer After months of hard work creating art and learning how to successfully run a business, Chartreuse Talent, Wawasee High School’s student gallery and showroom opened to great success. An open house was held at the gallery, housed in the career/ technical education building, on Thursday, Dec. 7. While the open house was 2 hours long, within a few short minutes, most of the student made ceramic pieces were tagged with “sold” signs. Students in Christi Ziebarth’s design class and Diane Miller’s ceramics class had art available for sale. Students from the advanced drawing class had succulent floral drawings done in charcoal, prisma and tea-painting The design class made a line of niche’ non-traditional mosaics will serve the beach-vibe of the community from mosaic pieces from recycled vinyl.

Tobi Pressler, one of Ziebarth’s students, said he “was stressing beforehand that there would be nobody (at the open house). There are so many people!” In fact the gallery space was crowded with well wishers, and cashiers were kept busy handling sales. “It’s a rousing success, so far,” said student Lynk Klinefelter. “We need to put out more product.” Students receive 50% of the purchase price when pieces of their art was sold. The gallery features plenty of wall space to feature the students mosaic art, succulent floral and ceramics, all for sale. Also on display were drawings for their next project, a community mural that will be done at the Syracuse Community Center. Seating in the gallery was also provided by Polywood which gave a very generous discount on the furniture purchase. “Polywood has been very good at working with the school and the department,” said Jon Ever-

ingham, CTE director. Everingham explained the gallery is a collaboration between two different departments, the business and art students to give them experiences that are unique and close to real life. Some of the skills the students learned to do included marketing, keeping tract of inventory and learning how to price point. Everingham and Ziebarth both said they hoped the students developed an interest in the business side who they learn how to open their own gallery if they want. “Christi has done an amazing job. She’s special,” Everingham said. The Christmas tree was decorated with smaller mosaic pieces. Shelves and cubbies were used to feature the ceramic pieces and smaller mosaics. The gallery will be open to the public for special events throughout the school year. For more information about Chartruse Talent, visit spinmosaic.com.

WMS team receives Semi-State Grand Champion award Dec. 9 Wawasee Middle School’s robotics team, called Pirates of the Caribbean, attended the first Northern Indiana Semi-State Robotics tournament Saturday, Dec. 9, at Purdue University, Fort Wayne. They competed against the top 48 teams in northern Indiana, including teams from the Chicago area, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis. There were four areas teams competed in, including an innovation project, the robot design, team core values and the robot game. At the end of the day, Wawasee Middle School was awarded with the Semi-State Grand Champion award, which is the highest award to receive from this tournament. They will be moving on to the Indiana State Championship in January with a chance to move onto a national championship or international championship.

ROBOTICS TEAM — Wawasee Middle School’s robotics team was awarded with the Semi-State Grand Champion award Saturday, Dec. 9. In the team picture from left are Lincoln Stoller, Jaxon Bainter, Zephyr Losee and Carter Edgar. Photo provided by Ryan Edgar. The four students who make up this team are all sixth grad-

ers: Jaxon Bainter, Carter Edgar, Zephyr Losee and Lincoln Stoller.

DINNER AT THE UPPERDECK — Diners enjoy dinner prepared by students in the culinary arts program at Wawasee High School. The UpperDeck takes place during home junior varsity basketball games. The 10 tables are purchased by local corporations and can serve 44 people. Photo provided by Jon Everingham.

UpperDeck offers culinary arts students real world experience By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer A random thought while attending a Notre Dame football game has resulted in a unique real world experience for culinary art students at Wawasee High School. Jon Everingham, CTE director at Wawasee High School, was attending an Irish game in a VIP box where food was served. He thought it would be cool to have food served at Wawasee High School basketball games, so he began looking for area restaurants to partner with the culinary arts students. “We are all about experience learning, Everingham said. “We started the UpperDeck to give the culinary arts students experience. What is the UpperDeck you ask? It’s a unique dining experience held during junior varsity basketball games. The UpperDeck serves as as a fundraiser for both the boys basketball and the culinary arts programs. The way it works is 10 local businesses have purchased tables which are set up in the mezzanine, overlooking the basketball court. The UpperDeck can serve 44 people. During the junior varsity game, the culinary arts students serve a meal. Those attending are treated as VIPs, entering the school via a different door where they are greeted by Dane Cripe and Windsor Bonner, who serve as house managers. Dan Bauer, who oversees the culinary arts program, explained all the students rotate through the UpperDeck. He requires them to serve at least twice during the season. During service, one second-year student is in charge of a team made up of first and second year culinary arts students. Bauer determines the menu for the first half of the season. Second year students design the menu for the second half. The meal is three courses with a starter such as an appetizer, salad or soup, main entree with a protein,

starch and vegetable and dessert. “Part of their learning experience is having to plate something so it looks nice,” Bauer said. He explained the hardest part is teaching the outer rim of the plate is sacred, nothing should be on the rim of the plate. Guests are welcomed by Cripe and Bonner. The tables are set up with tablecloths. Bauer explained the idea is to have dinner done and cleaned up by the time the varsity basketball game starts. The purchase price of the table includes dinner and the games. If the corporations can’t fill their table for each home game, Cripe and Bonner find people to attend. Everingham purchases a table and says he enjoys giving his seats away. “It’s always really good. It’s always a surprise because you never know what you’re going to have.” Whatever the culinary arts program is working on that week will be featured at the UpperDeck. Alyssa Ratliff is a first-year culinary student. She liked serving the food and interacting with cus-

tomers. Alyxandra Manges is also a firstyear student. “It helped me learn more about communication, how to speak to others,” she said. Both girls said the first 10 minutes of service was a bit nerve racking and the first table was hard. “I’d never done anything like that before,” Manges said. Both said a pep talk from Bauer really helped. Both girls served spinach and artichoke heart cups, mashed potatoes and gravy with pulled beef and pumpkin roll for dessert “It was yummy,” Manges said. Both girls said they can choose which games they want to work the UpperDeck. Their next time will be during the Jan. 5 home game. They said cooking for multiple people is easy when there is good communication. During Christmas break, Chubbie’s and The Sleepy Owl will make the food for the UpperDeck while the kids serve the food. The culinary arts program has students from Wawasee, Fairfield, Goshen and Columbia City participating.

SILENT READING TIME — Syracuse Elementary first grader Jacob Dimmick enjoys some silent reading time while his classmates pick out their library books. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

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www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Season Is Upon Us ... Search the Classifieds For Your Next Opportunity!

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

It happened in Milford ... 30 years ago

James C. Evans resigns from CTB Inc. CLASSIFIEDS 10 YEARS AGO, DEC. 11, 2013 We’ve gotten word that the Wawasee Middle School PTO’s 24th annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday was a great success. More than 200 vendors participated, but one particular vendor was glaringly absent from the festivities. Deb Beer, the famous Cookie Lady, was unable to share her delicious baked goods this year. She broke her ankle in October, requiring pins to repair the fracture. She is currently recuperating. On Friday, all of the town employees including reserve officers, redevelopment commission members and the township trustee enjoyed an evening with dinner catered by Penguin Point and entertainment by the Boomer Boys, who performed songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s intertwined with the old Christmas songs. Service recognition awards were given. 20 YEARS AGO, DEC. 10, 2003 The well won’t run dry in Milford. At least for now. A new well for the town of Milford was approved at Monday night’s meeting at a cost of $82,260. The

new well will be situated at the present site of the existing well. Funds for the new well will come from the town’s Economic Development and Income Tax money. Ashley Lyon, a fourth grade student at Milford Elementary School, is donating proceeds from her one-song CD to the Northern Indiana Food Bank Friday. She will present a check on Channel 22 and will sing the song “Call on Jesus.” So far, Lyon has sold over 100 CDs and raised about $1,200. 30 YEARS AGO, DEC. 8, 1993 Milford’s eighth-grade boys basketball team defeated Nappanee Nov. 30, 49-29. Milford built a 26-6 lead after one quarter and then substituted frequently from then on. Scott Frantz led the Trojans with 13, Jay Haugh scored nine, Jordan Bender, eight, and Brad Andrews, seven. James C. Evans has resigned from the position of president of CTB Inc., according to Howard S. Brembeck, CTB chairman. Evans joins Chore-Time and Brock in 1974 and has held the positions of assistant general manager and

CLASSIFIEDS Phone Or Fax In Your Ad Before 11 A.M. Tuesday MILFORD 574-658-4111 FAX 800-886-3796 SYRACUSE WARSAW 574-457-3666 574-269-2932 FAX 888-371-2934

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LEISURE, RECREATIONAL ........ M010-M110 MERCHANDISE ........................... P010-P290 PETS ............................................ Q010-Q030 REAL ESTATE SALES ................ S010-S110 REAL ESTATE RENTALS............ U010-U120 TRANSPORTATION ..................... W010-W100

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

Tree Service

A010

WANTED TO BUY

COMPLETE HOUSEHOLDS OF Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles, Coins, Old Toys GUNS Musical Instruments, Anything Of Value

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Moving Sale

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• Tree Removals • Competitive Prices • Tree Trimming • Free Estimates • Storm Damage Cleanups • Climbing Or Bucket Lift Available

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New Paris

LEISURE, RECREATIONAL Misc. Recreational M040 FOR SALE: 2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE, 1 owner, engine has a big bore kit, garage kept & well taken care of, 29,800 miles. $10,500. Call 574-453-7182 for more information.

A070

HO MODEL RAILROAD STUFF. I’ve got way too much!! Engines - 35; rolling stock 200+; trees; buildings; boxes of track & switches. 574-536-7204

Rex A. Heil, REALTOR /BROKER

Brady’s Home Furnishings, Webster Food Pantry in the Warsaw, recently made a dona- amount of $500 in toothpaste and ALL CLASSIFIED tion of futons valued at $550 to cash. Wilma Mitchell, pantry afY L N ADS MUST BE the latchkeyOprogram in North filiate; Mabel Shawver, pantry diPRE-PAID rector; and Joyce Ditmer, pantry Webster. The new All Saints Knitting affiliate were there to receive the um donations from Knights represenand Needlework Clubd Mhas aximcreatWor 5 1 * ed dozens of children’s hats, mit- tative, Jerry Curry. tens, gloves and scarves during North Webster United Methodist Church extended a warm welthe past few weeks to donate to BOXED ONE COLUMN ADS North Webster and Syracuse ele- come to Avis Jane, the puppy that $7.60 per column inch for one to three insertions. mentary schools. church member Daphne Yoh had $6.30 way per column inch for or training to be a Leader Dog Another to help those in four been need is by bringing a non-perthe Blind. more insertions of theforsame copy. ishable food item to the library’s Third graders in Lori Jones’s “Magic of Christmas” celebration class at North Webster ElemenThursday, Dec. 19, in the North tary School recently achieved an 85% of higher comprehension Webster Community Center ban- LEISURE, ANNOUNCEMENTS .................... A005-A100 RECREATIONAL ........ M010-M110 BUSINESS ................... C010-C430 MERCHANDISE ........................... P010-P290 quet hall. SERVICE They will be collecting accuracy rating in their indeEMPLOYMENT ............................................ pendent reading. TheseQ010-Q030 students food products............................. at the door toE010-E080 be do- PETS FARM ........................................... G010-G070 REAL ESTATE SALES ................ S010-S110 nated to the North Webster Food REAL earned 13RENTALS to 28 ............ pointsU010-U120 on their FINANCIAL .................................. H010-H030 ESTATE Pantry. Local............................. school teacher, Matt TRANSPORTATION accelerated reader program. The INSTRUCTION K010-K020 ..................... W010-W100 Pulley, and his wife, Ashley, will students are: Christopher Steprovide musical entertainment, vens, David A. RylKuchar, Kaci along with Celtic music by The Whitehead, Kelsie Hopkins, AarLiving Word and a performance on Becker, Joshua Ma- lik, Blaide BUYER BEWARE The Papers IncorFergus, Andrew Busse, Jonathan by the North Webster Day Care. porated cannot screen all advertisements Bollenbacher, Brittany Willis, 20 eliminate YEARS possibilities AGO, DEC. 2003 to of 10, fraud or misleading If it sounds too Brooke Miller, Kayla Garber and Knightsinformation. of Columbus Francis • Tree Removals • Competitive Prices good to be true, it usually is. Persons Frecker. Pitka Council 6323 of Syracuse Brittany • Tree Trimming • Free Estimates

$ 25

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Call Dan The Tree Man

SyracuseA010 knitters warm little hands and heads Auction Sales 574-831-4381

New Paris

LEISURE, RECREATIONAL

10 YEARS AGO, DEC. 11, 2013 Syracuse Eagles adopted a family Deb CarpenterTO of BUY Syracuse for Christmas through the SyraWANTED COMPLETE HOUSEHOLDS OF Marcuse Food Pantry. Nancy Petry, credits her husband, Deacon Furniture, Antiques, ion Carpenter, withCollectibles, an idea that Lynn Plummer and Teri Lindzy Coins, Old Toys will now warm the hands and presented Traci Helton of the SyrGUNS FOR SALE: 2005 HARLEY-DAVIDSON acuseGLIDE, Food Pantry heads ofInstruments, local school children this ROAD Musical Anything Of Value 1 owner, with enginewrapped has a big Christmas chilwinter. Irene Biller, Sally Biller, bore kit, garagegifts kept &for well three taken care of, CALL ME 574-457-6754 $10,500. Call food 574-453-7182 dren, miles. non-perishable items, Priscilla Hite, Elise Nyikos and 29,800 for more information. Sue Holloway all took their knit- as well as a cash donation inting needles out of hibernation as tended to help provide Christmas soon as they learned of Deacon meals for those families needing HO MODEL idea RAILROAD I’ve got Marion’s and STUFF. sat down to assistance. way too much!! Engines - 35; rolling stock knit it into reality. The new All 20 YEARS AGO, DEC. 10, 2003 200+; trees; buildings; boxes of track & Saints Knitting and Needlework Josh Gohlke of Syracuse travswitches. 574-536-7204 club in Syracuse has created doz- eled to Richmond on Nov. 22 ® ens of children’s hats, mittens, ,toREALTOR participate in a martial arts /BROKER gloves and scarves during the tournament. He competed in six KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY past few weeks to donate to North different events: forms, sparring, “Your Contact for Buying or Selling” Webster and Syracuse elementa- weapons, breaking, loudest kiai Cell: 574-528-0537 and / Lakecontinuous Office ry schools. sparring. Josh rexaheil@kw.com The Ladies Auxiliary of the owned placed first in all six events! Each office independently & operated.

A070

Rex A. Heil

WANTED

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST For Northern Indiana’s Only Free Digital Daily Newspaper This is a full time position covering city, town and county meetings and events as we bring the broadest and most complete news coverage to our 250,000 weekly website visitors. Candidate should be naturally curious, adept at asking probing questions to get to the heart of the story, able to meet firm deadlines, and a skilled storyteller. Internet, social media, computer and camera knowledge and skills important. Must live in or near Kosciusko County and must have a degree or on-the-job experience in writing, journalism, mass communications or a similar field. This is a full time position with competitive wage and benefit package. Position is based out of Warsaw. If you have the skills, we have a home for you.

Please Send Resume To:

“Your Contact for Buying or Selling”

WANTED

ster police force effective Dec. 9. He started with the police force as a reserve officer in May. 50 YEARS AGO, DEC. 12, 1973 Mr. and Mrs. Allen Streby, North Webster, are the parents of a 7 pound, 8.5 ounce son, Eric Ray, born Monday, Dec. 3, at Whitley County Hospital in Columbia City. Eric has a 22-month-old brother, Craig Allen. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Streby, Pierceton, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Carlin, Warsaw. North Webster Fireman’s Auxiliary recently held its annual Christmas party and gift exchange at the fire station. Following a carry-in dinner, square dancing was enjoyed. New officers were elected for the coming year and are: Mrs. Steve White, president; Mrs. Jim White, vice president; Mrs. Lawrence Warble, secretary; and Mrs. Roy Spry, treasurer. The annual congregational business meeting and election of officers were held Dec. 2 at Barbee Community Church. New officers were installed for 1974.

• Storm Damage Cleanups

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Each office independently owned & operated.

30 YEARS AGO, DEC. 8, 1993 Kathy Colby was hostess for the Nov. 17 meeting of Rural Neighbors Club. Darla McCammon gave a lesson, titled, “The Telephone.” There were 41 members present for the Nov. 17 dinner meeting of Irish Lake Estates, held at a local restaurant. Evelyn Juday gave the invocation. The group voted to make a donation to the North Webster EMS. Hosts for the evening were Mr. and Mrs. George Piper and Mr. and Mrs. Don Davis. 40 YEARS AGO, DEC. 14, 1983 Dorothy Snoke and Lois Blaugh served as assistant hostesses for the Dec. 5 Christmas dinner party of Charm and Chatter Club held at the home of Virginia Osburn. Lakeland Kiwanis Club, North Webster, has received detailed information from the state Bureau of motor vehicles concerning handicapped car tags. Deputy Peter Capotosto has resigned from the North Web-

• Climbing... Or Bucket Available ago It happened in Syracuse 10 Lift years

®

Cell: 574-528-0537 / Lake Office rexaheil@kw.com

home for friends and relatives, from 2-4 p.m. December 16. Vernon and the former Elizabeth M. Higgins were married December 11, 1948, by Clyde K. Landrum at Leesburg. Hubert L. Krull participated in a recent fly-in program presented by the farm equipment division of Hesston Corporation. He flew to company headquarters in Kansas for a 24-hour visit, viewing windrowers, forage harvesters, hay handling machines and other products on the assembly line.

North Webster Fireman’s Auxiliary hosts Christmas party

Call Dan The Tree Man

574-831-4381

46th birthday. 50 YEARS AGO, DEC. 12, 1973 The Milford public library board of trustees appointed Miss Carolyn E. Grove to the position of head librarian at the monthly board meeting on Friday, Dec. 7. Miss Grove presently lives near Bristol and plans to move to Milford as soon as suitable housing can be found. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Stutzman of r 1 Milford will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their marriage with an open house at their

Phone Or Fax In Your Ad Before 11 A.M. Tuesday MILFORD 574-658-4111 FAX 800-886-3796 SYRACUSE WARSAW 574-457-3666 574-269-2932 888-371-2934 ItFAX happened in North Webster ... 50 years ago

Moving Sale

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Auction Sales

Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago. Belated congratulations go to Dick Smith who bowled a 700 series in team competition during the recent men’s city tournament at Syracuse. Smith bowls for Denny’s 66 in the Milford Business League. Yesterday was a day for birthday congratulations in the Lakeland Schools as Milford Elementary Principal Ned Speicher celebrated his 35th birthday and Assistant Superintendent George Gilbert celebrated his

Misc. Recreational M040

ximum ord Ma *15 W

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

general manager for Brock and general manager for Chore-Time. Prior to being appointed president in 1981, he was manufacturing operations manager and an executive vice president for CTB. 40 YEARS AGO, DEC. 14, 1983 Carl Van Gilst, manager of engineering, Chore-Time Equipment, Inc., Milford, has received the Doerfer Engineering Concept of the Year award from the American Society of Agriculture Engineers. The award was given during a special luncheon at the

E-mail: rbaumgartner@the-papers.com 206 South Main St., Milford, IN 46542

Cody R. Hepler, son of Julie A. Hepler and Bruce M. Jones, both of Syracuse, recently enlisted in the U.S. Army’s Delayed Entry Program and will report for active duty July 7, 2004. The Wawasee High School senior is scheduled to take basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Va. He has chosen the position of food service specialist as his military occupation. 30 YEARS AGO, DEC. 8, 1993 John and Betty Knapp reside at Waco Point on Wawasee Lake, Syracuse. Members of the National Audubon Society and birders for years (they have resided in this area for 50 years), they got a really good look last week at an adult bald eagle. Betty also noted that, with migration in progress, over the past few weeks they have spotted horned grebes, common and hooded mergansers, loons and ring-necked ducks. Bill and Doris Coburn, Dolan Drive, Syracuse, are proud grandparents. Their granddaughter, Erica Coburn, a senior at Warsaw and a member of the Lady Tiger golf team, was selected as an honorable mention member of the Academic All-State golf team for the 1993-94 season. 40 YEARS AGO, DEC. 14, 1983 Mr. and Mrs. Calvin E. Beck of r 1 (Bonar Lake) Syracuse became residents of the Hubbard Hill Estates as of last week. Cal is remembered as a longtime Syracuse teacher and basketball coach and his wife Izel as his most loyal fan. Bill and Barbara Beemer, Syracuse, had an unusual and most pleasant experience recently when they were on a business trip to southern California and stayed two nights on the fabulous Queen Mary. Bill said the Great Lady was built in 1928 for $30 million. The Beemers also toured Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose,” the large aircraft

built of plywood that made but one short flight. 50 YEARS AGO, DEC. 12, 1973 Kinglsey Pfingst of Rancho Cordovia, Calif., visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Pfingst of Syracuse this past week and has returned to his California home. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rogers of Syracuse will leave Thursday for Sao Paulo, Brazil, S.A., to visit their daughter, Carolyn, her husband, Tony Johnson, and of course, their new granddaughter, Marni. They will be gone two weeks, spending Christmas there.

TUCKER NAMED MAPLE LEAF FARMS PRESIDENT — Maple Leaf Farms Inc. is pleased to announce that John Tucker has been named president of the company, which is headquartered in Leesburg. Tucker has worked for fourth-generation, family-owned Maple Leaf Farms for more than 30 years. During his tenure, he successfully led the company’s sales and marketing, human resources, research and development, information technology and new business ventures departments. He has also served on the company’s board of directors. Tucker studied restaurant and hotel management and psychology at Purdue University. He and his wife, Maria, reside in Warsaw. Photo provided.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — www.the-papers.com

CHRISTMAS SONGS — Members of the Leesburg Elementary School Choir perform at the Leesburg Candelaria on Saturday, Dec. 9..

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LIGHTING UP THE STREET — Luminarias line one of the streets in Leesburg during the Candelaria on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Candelaria returns to Leesburg

Text and Photos By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer Leesburg’s annual Christmas tradition continued on Saturday, Dec. 9. The town’s Candelaria and Christmas party occurred then for the 13th year since organizer Christina Archer restarted it after a hiatus. She estimated “a little over 1,300” luminarias were set out by around 50 volunteers from the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4-H Club and Boy Scout Troop 729 in an hour along town streets. The Christmas party at the old fire station included Santa visiting with kids and cookies and hot chocolate for attendees. New this year was a performance by the Leesburg Elementary School choir. Members sang songs including “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Mike Beezley from Beez and the Rocker also performed with Anna Gibson and Mike Todd at the party. “I really think it brings our

SOME TREATS — Heather Gaines, left, hands Ayla Allen a plate of Christmas cookies at Leesburg’s Candelaria on Saturday, Dec. 9. community together,” said Archer of the event to media members Saturday. “Leesburg only has 500 people, but look how

many people are here.” “It really brings everybody out and … makes it all worthwhile to do it because bringing

THE JOLLY OLD ELF — Finley Baker, left, and Penelope Baker sit on Santa’s lap during the Leesburg Candelaria on Saturday, Dec. 9.

people out to enjoy a good time with their friends and family and neighbors is just something I have enjoyed,” she added.

Fourth annual Christmas parade considered a success Text and Photos By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer The fourth annual Milford Christmas parade, held Saturday night, Dec. 9, was considered a success. “This is one of Santa’s highlights of his year,” said Milford Patrolman Matthew Carter, who organizes the parade. The parade features only emergency and town department vehicles which traveled the north/south roads. All the vehicles had their lights flashing and the sirens went on sparingly. Milford’s Street Department decorated one of its pickup trucks with a lighted Christmas tree, while Christmas carols played from one of the fire trucks. This year, in addition to Milford Police, Street Department and Waste Water departments participating, the following departments were invited: New Paris, Leesburg, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Lutheran EMS and Indiana State Police. Even Kosciusko County Dispatch gets involved by either

having a dispatcher ride in the parade or their flag is draped on the Humvee Santa rides in. With temperatures in the low 50s/high 40s, residents showed up on street corners to catch the parade as it went by. Carter explained the parade started during the COVID shutdown when there couldn’t be meet and greets with Santa. He approached the town council about the parade. “It was a pretty big hit (that first year),” he said. “It just grows and grows more each year.” The parade lasts about 35-45 minutes. Santa leads the parade riding in Milford’s S.W.A.T Humvee. Carter said this is one of the rare opportunities Santa has to ride in a Humvee. Once at the fire station, Santa settled in by the Christmas tree to meet with local children and hear about their Christmas wishes. While they waited, children could make an ornament for their Christmas tree and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies

SHARING HER LIST — Maycee Helblig shares her Christmas list with Santa after the Milford Christmas Parade. Santa met with area children at the Milford Fire Department after the Christmas parade Saturday night.

ALL DECKED OUT — The Milford Street Deparment decked out one of its pickup trucks for the parade, complete with a lit Christmas tree.

HIGH FIVE WITH SANTA — Blayze Sharp, 1, shares a high five with Santa before the Milford Christmas parade. Holding Blayze is Christa Sharp.

READY TO ROLL — Santa makes a few adjustments to his hat after getting into Milford Police Department’s S.W.A.T vehicle for the annual Milford Christmas Parade held Saturday, Dec. 9.

Public Notice

Public Notice

LEGAL NOTICE WELL HEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM ANNUAL MEETING Culver’s Hill Community North Webster Community Center December 13, 2023 2:00 PM Denny Merritt Certified Operator hspaxlp

LEGAL NOTICE WELL HEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM ANNUAL MEETING Ponderosa Estates North Webster Community Center December 13, 2023 1:45 PM Denny Merritt Certified Operator hspaxlp

HANGING OUT WITH SANTA — Leesburg’s annual Candelaria and Christmas party were held on Saturday, Dec. 9. Here Lincoln Schneider, left, visits with Santa. Public Notice NOTICE OF DISPOSITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY VIA ONLINE AUCTION FROM JANUARY 5, 2024 TO JANUARY 25, 2024 Pursuant to I.C. 36-1-11-4 and I.C. 5-3-1-2(e), notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Kosciusko County (“Commissioners”) will hold a public auction through Hahn Auctioneers, Inc. from January 5, 2024, to January 25, 2024, via online bidding, including absentee and telephone bids, conducted by Hahn Auctioneers at https://hahnrealtyandauction.com/auction/ to offer for sale the following real property (“Real Property”): Vacant land located at the Southeast corner of the intersection of County Road 900 S and Smalley Lane with the Kosciusko County Parcel ID of 025082-002.A, Tax Bill ID: 025-708006-54, State ID: 43-14-33-400-004.000-021 and further described as follows: Lots Numbered 30, 31 and 32 in the First Addition to Northcrest Addition on Beaver Dam Lake, which addition is located in the Northwest Quarter of Section 33, Township 31 North, Range 5 East in Seward Township, and the plat for which addition is recorded in Plat Book 5, page 59 as Instrument Number 12283 in the Recorder’s office at Kosciusko County, Indiana. The minimum bid determined by the Commissioners for the Real Property shall be $5,000.00. Bids starting at the minimum bid will be received at the auction, and the auction will continue until the highest bidder at or above the minimum bid is determined. The Real Property will be sold to the highest bidder pursuant to the form of the purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”), sales disclosure (“Sales Disclosure”), and deed (“Deed”) on file with the Commissioners, a copy of which may be reviewed and obtained at the office of the Kosciusko County Administrator, 100 W. Center Street, Warsaw, IN. 46580 prior to the auction. Bids may not be subject to inspection of the Real Property, obtaining financing to purchase the Real Property or any other conditions. The Real Property will be sold “AS IS”. Buyer shall sign the Purchase Agreement and Sales Disclosure on January 25, 2024, upon the end of auction, and provide the same to Hahn Auctioneers or to the Kosciusko County Administrator, as directed by Hahn Auctioneers. Buyer shall deliver the purchase price by cashier’s check to either Hahn Auctioneers or to the Kosciusko County Administrator, as directed by Hahn Auctioneers, by the end of business on January 26, 2024. The Commissioners will approve and sign the Purchase Agreement, the Deed, and the Sales Disclosure at the January 30, 2024, Commissioners’ meeting. The Commissioners will record the Deed along with submitting the Sales Disclosure and pay for recording and transfer fees. A copy of the recorded Deed shall be sent to the Buyer once recorded. The Buyer shall inform the Kosciusko County Administrator where the recorded Deed shall be sent. The Real Property may not be sold to a person who is ineligible under I.C. 36-111-16. A bid submitted by a trust (as defined in I.C. 30-4-1-1(a)) must identify each: (A) beneficiary of the trust; and (B) settlor empowered to revoke or modify the trust. The Commissioners reserve the right to reject any bid made by an ineligible person or any trust which fails to provide the required identifying information. The Commissioners reserve the right to terminate the Purchase Agreement entered into by the Commissioners with any ineligible person or any trust which fails to provide the required identifying information. The auction and any subsequent sale of the Real Property shall be conducted pursuant to and subject to the requirements of the laws of the State of Indiana which govern the disposal of real property by political subdivisions and their agencies, including, but not limited to, I.C. 36-1-11, et seq. hspaxlp D.13-20

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www.the-papers.com — THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio stepping down The Board of Directors of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation announced on Dec. 7 that CEO Alan Tio will conclude his five-year term leading the organization effective at the end of the year in order to pursue other professional opportunities. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we commend Alan for his leadership of our local economic development efforts and applaud the accomplishments we have made together during that time,” said Chair Jan Orban. “We are well-positioned in the community, region, and state to see ongoing advances in the years ahead thanks to the bridges that have been built by KEDCO.” During Tio’s leadership, KEDCO has completed a strategic relaunch of the organization in 2019 and a complete rebranding in 2020, established initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, housing, and talent recruitment with a staff of five fulltime employees, greatly expanded the number of local communities KEDCO serves, and relocated to the KEDCO Downtown Business Studio earlier this year. KEDCO’s housing initiative and a related focus on community development have supported the reopening of the Stonehenge Golf course and development of adjacent Raccoon Run housing subdivision, de-

velopment of the Eastfield housing subdivision in Milford, and emerging projects with redevelopment of the Gatke and Owens sites in Warsaw, all working alongside community partners. KEDCO has always maintained its focus on supporting existing industry with ongoing outreach to local employers, leading to a current pipeline of 15 active job creation and investment projects, and by working with economic development partners to help companies such as recently announced Mentor Media and PeekMed choose to expand into Kosciusko County. These accomplishments came while the organization operated remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 and while Tio was mobilized to active duty status in the United States Navy for nearly one year. Tio was also recognized during his tenure at KEDCO as one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America by Consultant Connect. “It has been an honor to work with the board of directors, our fulltime and consultant partner team, and our economic development partners to serve companies and communities in Kosciusko County,” said Tio. “The future is bright for our community and with the board leadership and the top-notch team

Church

that are in place, KEDCO is poised to keep doing great things in the years ahead.” KEDCO recently worked with local partners to complete the Critical Corridor Connections agenda for downtown Warsaw and the Winona Avenue corridor. The organization is now supporting efforts to establish a countywide entrepreneur support organization, to study establishing a countywide water and wastewater district, and to create plans for transformative investments in multiple corridors. Orban and incoming Chair Blaine Conley will lead a transition process with support from the executive committee of the Board of Directors and the KEDCO staff to ensure that operations continue without interruption going into 2024. Additional details about the timing and process for selecting a new KEDCO leader will be shared as they become available. “Alan has brought a level of creativity, energy, and tenacity that we will ensure KEDCO continues to be known for going forward,” said Conley. “KEDCO has taken on a number of complex assignments that provide opportunities for us to expand our partnerships with local, regional, and statewide organizations to maximize what we can accomplish together.”

ABCDE F GH I J K L M NOP Q R S TU V W XY Z

2,000 years later and still saving lives By PASTOR DAVE WINTERS Wawasee Community Bible Church Jesus never fails. Jesus saves. This is why he was born at Christmas. But what does he save us from? From who, or from where does Jesus save us? What if you don’t think you personally need any “saving,” you think your life is okay, but that loser across the street or the drug addict at work could definitely use some saving? Yet the Bible makes clear Jesus came to save us, even if we don’t think we need saving. The angel Gabriel declares to Joseph the truth of the life in Mary’s womb, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) The name “Jesus” literally means “God saves.” And the very word “saves” has three aspects; to rescue, to heal, and to preserve. Jesus has come to rescue you. “… and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save/rescue his people from their sins.” Jesus came to rescue you from your sins. Our sins are what separate us from God. Our sins are our choices to serve ourselves instead of God. God sent Jesus to restore us to himself. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now,

PASTOR DAVE WINTERS let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. With Jesus, what matters is the present moment, will you live for Jesus today? Our past sins are canceled, and Jesus invites us to lay aside guilt and shame. Psalm 6:4 is a short prayer, “Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your loving kindness.” Jesus has come to heal you.

‘Coffee, Cookies and Carols’ Christmas Eve service Grace Lutheran Church, 203 E. Main St., Syracus,e will be hosting a “Coffee, Cookies and Carols” service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24. The church will be serving a

variety of coffees, hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy. A service of carols and reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

“… and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save/heal his people from their sins.” Jesus has come to heal of the pain you have caused yourself by your sins. Jesus has come to heal you of the pain the sins of other people against you have caused. Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 1 Peter 2:24 states, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” Ask Jesus to save and heal your heart, mind, and life this Christmas. Jesus has come to preserve you. “… and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save/preserve his people from their sins.” Jesus has come to preserve you, to protect you, and defend you. He preserves you with His blood. You are forgiven. The good news of Christmas is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! Christmas is about God coming to rescue us from our greatest crisis, our sins. The greatest problem for all humanity, for us, for you, is our sins. But, She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The greatest need all of us share is the forgiveness of our sins, and this is the greatest gift Jesus offers us this Christmas. Yet even more Jesus never leaves us and is always near to rescue, heal, and preserve you. Ask Jesus to rescue, heal and preserve you whatever you are going through this Christmas season.

Camp Mack announces winter break day camps Camp Alexander Mack has announced the opening of winter break day camps for kindergarten through fifth grade students, to begin Jan. 2. These day camps coincide with the extended vacations of the Warsaw Community Schools and the Wawasee Community School District, as well as other local public and private schools. The day camps provide a wide variety of seasonal activities, both indoor and outdoor, that will provide high quality activities for students during the breaks. Each day will be filled with reg-

Around The Lakes

ular indoor and outdoor camp activities like crafts, recreation and games, free play, making friends, learning from nature, and seasonally appropriate camp activities including archery, campfires and hiking. Sack lunches and snacks are provided daily. “We are excited to reach out into our community to provide camp programs to new campers,” said Hunter Jackson, outdoor education director. “Our number one priority is to provide help to parents and fun in the wintertime to campers.” Registration is now open for the

winter day camp, Jan. 2-5. The cost for four days is $120. Before- and after-camp care is available at additional cost. Financial assistance is available to students who receive free or reduced lunch assistance at school. Campers can register now at ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1321&campCode=132&idSession=438103. Registration for the Spring Break Day Camp, April 1-5, will open Jan. 5. For more information, visit campmack.org or email info@campmack.org.

MCHATTON-SADLER FUNERAL CHAPELS

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

HE MILFORD Kiwanis Teachers Toolbox Project has found a new home. Previously located in the Milford Methodist Meeting House, it is now in a classroom at Milford Elementary School. Made possible by Kiwanis fundraising and donations by the community, it is serving teachers and students with essential supplies. More than $2,000 worth of supplies have been gathered for this project. “Thank you to Mr. Michael Casey, principal, for providing a classroom, Andy Vester, custodian, for his help and Mrs. VanLaeken’s fifth-grade students for helping to unload the truck,” said Kiwanian Becky Alles. “The Milford Kiwanis club is helping improve Indiana, one child and one community at a time. Kids Need Kiwanis!” Pictured above with some of the supplies are, in the front row from left, Becky Alles, Helen Ann Strycker and Doug Strycker. Behind them are Rich Bender, Chuck Bird, Ted Vogel and Rebeca Vogel. —o— WANT TO give the gift of blood? A blood drive will be from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at North Webster Church of God, 302 N. Main St. Visit redcross.org to sign up. This is the most common type of donation, during which approximately a pint of whole blood is given. This type of blood donation usually takes less than an hour. —o—

ATTENTION FELINE enthusiasts! Swing by New Hope Pet Rescue during its adoption hours, and check out the various felines who are looking for a home. With a wide variety of cats and kittens waiting to steal your heart, it’s a purrfect opportunity to add some whiskered charm to your life. Don’t miss out! —o— L.I.T.E. RECOVERY Café recently updated its weekly schedule,. The Café is open 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. During the two weekdays, the schedule includes a new member orientation, a mealtime and a recovery class, among other things. On Saturday, the schedule includes breakfast, new member orientation, a financial assistance class and a recovery class, as well as other programming. For further information about L.I.T.E. and its programming, including R.I.S.E., call (574) 306-0006 or email info@liteinkcj.org. —o— THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE Historical Museum will host a special open day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Typically the museum is closed on Mondays. For the holidays, the museum will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23, though Tuesday, Dec. 26, resuming regular hours Wednesday, Dec. 27. Are you looking to make those last charitable contributions before the end of the year? Consider a donation to the museum. The museum is looking to expanding somewhere on the community center campus with a minimum 10,000 square-foot building. —o— YOU MAY have noticed the big green clothing donation bin that sat in the northwest corner of the Dollar General parking lot in Milford is no longer there. Left in its wake are mounds of unwanted household items, including a large couch, that were unceremoniously dumped before the bin was removed. Unfortunately, some people used the area as a dumping ground for their trash, using the donation bin as a plausible cover, even though it was clearly printed on the side that it was for clothing and shoes only, and that nothing should be left outside of the bin. As is often the case, the actions of a few ruined it for all, including those who were using the bin properly, as well as those who benefited from the donations. A similar situation occurred several years ago when the Goodwill donation bins were removed, as well as when the recycling station on the south side of Milford was taken away last year. Amazingly and frustratingly, even though the green bin was removed last week, people have continued to drop their junk at the site. Unfortunately, it will fall on someone else to clean up this eyesore. —o— THE NORTH Webster Food Pantry is es-

pecially in need of egg noodles, cereal, peanut butter, tuna, chicken, ham, turkey, bologna and hot dogs. If you have any reusable bags laying around that you don’t need, the food pantry would like to have some. They are very useful to clients who have to either walk or ride a bike. The food pantry is located at 102 S. Morton St. Call (574) 244-2142 or email nwfoodpantry@gmail.com. Their hours are from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, and 1-3 p.m. Thursday. —o— AN ARTICLE about the Milford Food Bank was published in a recent newsletter of the Kosciusko REMC. Operations Manager Bill Doege is interviewed extensively and tells the story of the Food Bank, as well as the impact of the “Operation Round Up” grant it received. To read the article online, you can find it on the KREMC website at kremc.com/milford-food-bank. —o— TURKEY CREEK Fire Territory will host its next Safe Sitter class from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. This class is designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with games and role-playing exercises. Students even get a chance to use “manikins” to practice rescue skills like a choking rescue. The cost for the class is $30 and includes a personal SafeSitter kit. Students should bring a sack lunch with them. Preregistration and payment is required. To register call (574) 4574100. This class has proven to be very popular, so consider registering early for the next session. —o— ‘TIS THE season to celebrate. North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce had its Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 9, at Emily Shipley’s house. Shipley is the executive director of the NWCC and president of the chamber. Senior Primelife Enrichment Center in North Webster will host its Christmas dinner Friday, Dec. 22, and the North Webster Community Center will host its party Monday, Dec. 18. The North Webster Fire Department will have its annual holiday party Saturday, Dec. 16. —o— AT THE beginning of this month, the MedStat office in Nappanee MedStat closed. Goshen Physicians stepped in and is now offering walk-in urgent care services at its Nappanee office. Nurse Practitioner Lylian Hermann, who ordinarily works in the Goshen Physicians Milford office, is providing walk-in or same day appointments for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries in Nappanee. The clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, at 1953 Waterfall Drive, Nappanee. Hermann will continue to care for her Milford patients at the Nappanee location for the time-being. She will return to Milford as soon as a provider is hired to meet the walk-in urgent care needs in Nappanee. —o— THE NORTH Webster American Legion Auxiliary’s Christmas party is Tuesday, Dec. 19; cocktail time is at 5:30 p.m. and the party begins at 6 p.m. Euchre is at noon that day. The auxiliary recently decorated this tree at the Legion. A special shout out to Sherman Bowers for repairing the angel. Be sure to take some time and look for your favorite veterans. “There are 199 pictures (of veterans) on the tree. This is a labor of love,” said Sue Ann Mitchell. Seen below, kneeling in front, is Andrea Barker. In the back row from left are Karen Griffin, Mitchell, Sherie Sumpter, Liz Lantzer and Rhonda Brink.

A Supplement To The Mail-Journal

Sounds Season of the

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Caroling, Caroling

Songs Caroling, Caroling..................................................................... 2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas............................................ 3 Jingle-Bell Rock.................................................................. 4 & 5 A Holly Jolly Christmas............................................................ 6 Go, Tell It On The Mountain..................................................... 7 The First Noel............................................................................. 8 Up On The Housetop................................................................. 9 Toyland...................................................................................... 10 Christ Was Born On Christmas Day...................................... 11 Feliz Navidad................................................................... 12 & 13 Mistletoe And Holly................................................................. 14 Ding Dong! Merrily On High!................................................ 15

Advertisers Aaron J. Apple, R|M|H Insurance Group.........15 Bud’s Body Shop Inc..........7 BZ Automotive Group.......3 Chautauqua-Wawasee.......7 Chubbie’s Pub-N-Grub......... 5 & 11 Clayton Garden Center...........................12

Daniel Buchman - State Farm Insurance...........16 Dockside Apparel & Gifts............................9 Eastlund Funeral Home................9 Roger’s Auto Center.........10 Team Tuttle Mortgage LLC.............15 T-N-T Performance..........10

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Jingle-Bell Rock

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Jingle-Bell Rock

Continued on page 5

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Jingle-Bell Rock Continued from page 4

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

A Holly Jolly Christmas

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Wishing everyone a joyous chautauquawawasee.org 107 W. Chicago St. Syracuse

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The First Noel

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Up On The Housetop

In the spirit of the holiday season, we’d like to share our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. May you and yours enjoy a festive season of peace, joy and goodwill.

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Toyland

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas from

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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Christ Was Born On Christmas Day

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Holiday Parties! Gift Cards Are Great Stocking Stuffers! 1201 S. HUNTINGTON ST.

SYRACUSE

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Our Kitchen Give Us Is Open Away For 7 Days A Week! Christmas

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Feliz Navidad

Continued on page 13

We want to say Thank You for making us part of your year!

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GARDEN CENTER

(574) 834-2249

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Feliz Navidad Continued from page 12

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Mistletoe And Holly

The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Ding Dong! Merrily On High!

Wishing you aL.L.C. Team Tuttle Mortgage, Merry Christmas “Your Independent Mortgage Planners!”

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Merry Christmas!

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The Mail-Journal ­— Wednesday, December 13, 2023

24 Hour Good Neighbor Service®

State Farm®

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Merry Christmas

Daniel V. Buchman, CPCU CLU ChFC, Agent 1101 S. Huntington St., Ste. 2, Syracuse Syracuse,, IN 46567

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