www.thepapersonline.com
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties es Know Your Neighbor . . . . 2➤
Vol. 52, No. 36
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
Uncooperative winter weather puts a on winter sports :+(5(·6 7+( ,&(" ³ 'DQ +XUG DQ LFH ÀVKLQJ JXLGH ORRNV DW D VSRW ZKHUH KH JRHV LFH ÀVKLQJ IRU PXVNLHV 3KRWR E\ ,DQ %URZQ
%\ ,$1 %52:1 6WDII :ULWHU If you are a winter sports enthusiast, this year has likely been quite the disappointment. Kosciusko County has historically been a top destination for individuals who relish the thrill of revving their snowmobiles or catching fish from the icy depths of its numerous lakes. Sadly, those opportunities seem to be occurring less frequently, to much of the community’s dismay. While the winter season typically brings heavy snowfall and cold temperatures to northern Indiana, recent years have seen a decline in snowfall, warmer temperatures and milder winters. The lack of snow in northern Indiana can be attributed to a variety of factors, including climate change, changing weather patterns and shifts in atmospheric pressure systems. These factors have led to drier conditions, with less moisture in the atmosphere, which in turn has reduced the amount of snowfall. The impact of this lack of snow has been felt across the region. For one, it has had economic consequences, as the winter tourism industry, including snowmobiling and ice fishing, has suffered. Zach Pascale, a resident of North Webster, enjoys snowmobiling but, for him, this year has been a letdown. Over the years he’s attended the winter festivals around Syracuse, but this year many events have been cancelled. “There were maybe two days where it was possible to ride around here.” said Pascale. His coworker Patrick Higgins, owner of Higgins Power Sports in Syracuse, said that over the past few years, especially since the pandemic, the snowmobile industry in Indiana has dwindled
since the ‘80s. “Most of the people who spend money on snowmobiles in Indiana go up to Michigan. That’s the reason why the market is so poor in Indiana, because of the lack of snow,” said Higgins. Ice fishing enthusiasts in northern Indiana have faced a difficult season this year due to the lack of snow and fluctuating temperatures. With milder winter conditions, the thickness of the ice has been unpredictable, making it challenging for anglers to safely access the water, if at all. Dan Hurd is a semi-retired pro fisherman and a native of North Webster. He runs Ice Predators Outdoors, where he is a certified ice fishing guide. “My phone was getting blown off the hook and once we got the ice, I was getting ready to start scheduling and it was gone,” said Hurd, who was only able to get out on the ice once this year. Joe Mast is a resident of Lagrange County and an avid ice fisherman. In the past he often ventured out on the n waters of Syracuse Lake and Lake frozen asee, but much like many snowmobilWawasee, ers, hee has migrated north to the state of gan for his ice fishing excursions. Michigan In all my years, let me tell you, “In this year has been the worst,” said Mast. hese conditions These have led to a reducn the number tion in of ice fishing expes, and have had ditions, mic consequences economic
for local businesses that depend on the winter tourism industry. Milford resident Joe Denton owns Ye Olde Tackle Box, a bait and tackle store in North Webster. “There were only maybe seven days of ice fishing last year. It’s been horrible this year.” Moreover, the lack of snow can also have ecological consequences. It can affect wildlife, particularly those relying on snow cover for insulation and as a source of water. Overall, the lack of snow in northern Indiana has raised concerns and impacted various aspects of life in the region. According to Purdue University’s Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment, average annual precipitation has increased 5.6 inches since 1895, and the rate of changes have been increasing in recent decades. One of the key findings points to winters and springs being much wetter than previous years. As climate change continues to be a major issue, it remains to be seen how northern Indiana and other regions will adapt to these changing weather patterns.