The Mail-Journal - May 8, 2024

DR. J. REX PARENT, 2024 WAWASEE FLOTILLA COMMODORE

yard game like corn-hole or bocci. How about some Left-Center-Right?

What ever gets your family’s competitive juices flowing, celebrate it by entering and decorating your boat for the 2024 Wawasee Flotilla Parade. You can also celebrate by decorating your yard or your pier to reflect this year’s playful theme.

Parent is a lifelong lover of Lake Wawasee, starting with family vacations at rental cottages on Natti Crow Beach. “My summer fun and summer vacation wishes have always been based on Lake Wawasee,” Parent explained. The family soon moved to Ogden Island. Later he bought his own place just a few piers Continued on page 3

PROGRESS BEING MADE Crews from Phend and Brown were busy working on the CR 1300 bridge that goes over the Norfolk Southern tracks last Thursday and Friday, May 2-3.

Ten precast 82 feet, 40 ton beams were set in place, five on each side. The crews were able to get the east side of the bridge done Thursday and finished the work on Friday.

Each beam took two cranes to lift them into place with crews at both ends to ensure they were set perfectly into designated spaces.

Work on the bridge was significantly delayed due to changes in Norfolk Southern policies.

Andy Brown of Phend and Brown said the concrete bridge deck is expected to be poured Thursday, May 30. This is dependent on Norfolk Southern giving the construction crews an outage day, meaning no trains will be coming through while the bridge is being worked on.

Main Street and CR 1300 is expected to be paved June 20-28. Guardrails, signs and pavement markings are expected to be installed July 8-31 with other miscellaneous work completed Aug 1-15. Both Main Street and CR 1300 are expected to be open to traffic by mid August.

Buehler, Huffer, Moyer and Mitchell win county races

Matthew Buehler, Tyler Huffer, James Moyer and Sue Ann Mitchell received the Republican nominations in their respective county races.

Buehler received the nomination for county circuit court judge. Huffer won the nomination for county coroner, Moyer for county surveyor and Sue Ann Mitchell won the nomination for county

commissioner – northern district. Kosciusko County had 20% of its voters turnout for the primary Tuesday, just 1% shy of the 2022 primary.

Circuit Court Judge Race

Buehler edged out his opponent Jack Birch with 53% of the vote to Birch’s 47%. Birch did have a narrow lead in the absentee and early vote results, but that lead dwindled to as high as a 15% vote difference as the votes came in.

“I want to thank first of all Jack Birch, my good friend who is a wonderful attorney and an honorable, honorable man for running a great campaign,” said Buehler. “Just a very competitive and above the belt campaign that really made the decision very, very tough for the Kosciusko County voters, the voters themselves, who have the confidence in me to go do this extremely important, incredible job; my family: my wife, my three boys, my

mom and dad who supported me throughout this entire process and mostly those who supported me throughout the campaign …

“I’m honored that the people of Kosciusko County have faith in me to do this incredibly important and difficult job and I’m excited for the general election in November and hopefully we can win there too.” Coroner Race Huffer defeated his opponent Tracy Cutler-Wilson with 66%

Wawasee School Corporation conducts phase one bid opening

The performing arts center is slowly coming to fruition for the Wawasee Community School Corporation. The corporation held a phase one bid opening Monday, May 6, in the new Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St, Syracuse. The bids were placed by prequalified contractors for the work and supply of materials for the

Wawasee High School performing arts center and CTE renovations.

“The general description of Bid Phase No. 1 is ‘Make Ready Work’ with classroom renovations, utility relocation and building demolition,” Dr. Brandon Penrod, CFO for the corporation, explained.

The scope of work varies from bid package to bid package. Bids were placed for masonry; general trades; metal stud, gyp board, ceiling installation; resilient flooring; painting; fire protection; mechanical; electrical; earthwork; and site utilities.

The bid opening was led by Penrod, Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer and Wawasee High School principal Geoff Walmer, who were also in attendance. The bids received were for phase one. The second phase will be coming out to bid in August or September. The bids are under advisement of Weigand Construction and Wawasee School Corporation. Among the bids received were:

·On bid package #04-1, Weigand Construction bid a base of $60,800 with alternate one of plus $1,000 and alternate two of plus $88,800.

·On bid package #06-1, Weigand Construction bid a base

of $183,600 with alternate one of plus $2,000 and alternate two of plus $20,000.

· On a combination bid for bid

package #9-1 and #9-3, Collector Interior Systems bid a base of $120,500 with alternate one of Continued on page 3

Syracuse-Lake Wawasee Calendar debuts

Summer is a busy time in the Syracuse-Lake Wawasee area with a variety of activities happening each month, especially on the weekends. A listing of the vast majority of nonprofit events has been compiled into a calendar and will be published monthly in The Mail-Journal. Starting with this week’s edition of The Mail-Journal a calendar listing those events in the Syracuse-Lake Wawasee area planned for the remainder of May is being published on page 2. Readers are encouraged to cut it out and place it on your pegboard, refrigerator or wherever you may place those reminders. You don’t want to miss the numerous fun events.

A calendar for each of the upcoming months will be published the last Wednesday of the preceding month, through Aug. 28. So look in the May 29 issue for the June calendar. Should we have missed a nonprofit event, contact dpatterson@the-papers.com or call (574) 658-4111, ext. 2308. We’ll publish the information in our Around The Lakes column, if it is too late for that month’s calendar. If it is a future event, we will add it to the appropriate month’s calendar.

of the vote. Huffer lead the race throughout the night as the results were released. Huffer was excited with the results and the turnout for him.

“I think its pretty good results” he stated with just three vote centers yet to be counted. “I’m glad to be staying in the office and being re-elected to the office again, to keep doing the good work that we’re doing and making the improvements we’ve done so far and working upon those

improvements,” he stated. He noted he tried to keep level headed throughout the campaign, which was hard and difficult. “We did it and we’ll keep moving forward.” He noted he recently implemented a suicide/overdose review team, which after two meetings have had good results. That team is working with other offices and nonprofit organizations in the county and getting more awareness into the community.

Continued on page 3

Shanna Zolman returns to Wawasee

Zolman inspires students to follow their passion

Former WNBA player and Wawasee graduate Shanna Zolman Mahaley returned to Wawasee High School Tuesday morning, May 7, to bring an inspirational message to the students.

Her presentation was one of two sponsored by Chautauqua-Wawasee.

Zolman finished her high school career as an All-American, Indiana Miss Basketball, co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game and, at the time, was the state’s all time leading scorer for girls. She went on to play for Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, and then played four seasons in the WNBA for the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Her presentation started with a highlight reel of Zolman’s time on the hardwood. She was introduced by friend and former teammate Jessica Barger, executive director of Lakeland Youth Center.

Zolman spoke of having a warrior like mentality. “I’m here to tell you something today... Your age group, I genuinely believe in you and the opportunities you have,” she told the student body.

“The capabilities, the impact you have... because of technology. You guys have the opportunity to change your sphere if you want too.” She challenged the students to

was

town to participate

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Tuesday evening. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

take at least one nugget of her presentation with them, and to find a cause. Zolman stressed the importance of finding something that makes them want to wake up in the morning, something that motivates them to succeed.

“What are you going to do with what you have been given,” she asked.

Zolman thanks Syracuse for unwavering support

2002 Miss Indiana Basketball and Wawasee graduate Shanna Zolman Mahaley returned home to Syracuse to give two speeches: one in the morning to the current Wawasee Warriors and one in the evening to community members and longtime fans. The event was sponsored by Chautaqua-Wawasee.

Zolman gave an impassioned speech, highlighting some of her favorite memories, her “glory days”, moments that tested her faith and her love for her community.

“When I was here, you guys gave so much to us as kids. We were 15, 16, 17, 18. But every single each and every one of you gave us love,” Zolman said. “You’re stories have traveled through the country with me and Pat Summitt. You didn’t know that. You weren’t trying to be seen or heard. You were just trying to support your local teams, but because of how you loved us, you are known.”

Zolman said intensity is never giving up and facing head on the challenges that may come.

As an example she spoke of how after losing the national championship twice, Summitt devised a plan to help the players become physically stronger.

She spoke about the three aspects of passion, intensity, sacrifice and “what is your why.”

Continued on page 5

Zolman reminisced on some of her favorite memories during her basketball career. She led the state in scoring during all four years of her high school basketball career. She led Wawasee with 74 wins. She was recruited by Coach Pat Summitt and continued playing basketball at the University of Tennessee. While there, Zolman

won four SEC championships and appeared in the Final Four three times. She was four-year All-Southeastern Conference Academic All-American. She was drafted into the WNBA and ranked 13th in three-point percentage. All are memories she is incredibly proud and fond of. A memory not so fond? Her career ending injury. During one of her WNBA games, she re-tore her ACL. After Zolman hung up her jersey, she became the director of women’s ministry for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one of

the largest sports ministries in the world. As Zolman was getting ready to wrap up her speech, an audience member asked how she felt about Caitlyn Clark, a current-day Zolman.

“She definitely has brought some much needed attention to women’s basketball! I don’t know much about her but what I do know is that she is an incredibly skilled basketball player,” Zolman replied, “and is somebody who relied on skill and hard work, and I can appreciate that as somebody who also relied on that.”

Justice building furniture, parking lot lighting bids awarded

Bids for Justice Building furniture and the parking lot exterior lighting were awarded Monday, May 6, at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting, but with a caveat for the furniture bid.

The commissioners want to see the furniture first.

The bids had been opened April 23 but taken under advisement for review.

County Administrator Marsha McSherry told the commissioners Monday they went through the bid process, had a pre-bid meeting and received three furniture bids for circuit, superior and juvenile court rooms, all the jury rooms in the north part of the building, side chairs and lobby furnishings.

McSherry said she submitted the bids to Design Collaborative for review and their recommendation was the county couldn’t go wrong with either KDA or Office Interiors because Design Collaborative has worked with both of them.

Office Interiors had the lowest bid.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said he and McSherry had talked about it at length and he made a motion to go with Office Interiors at $158,804.99 “subject to actually seeing the physical furniture, not just a sample, but actually pieces of the furniture so we can look it over and make sure it’s something we’re comfortable with.”

The motion was approved 3-0.

reconfiguration at the Justice Building. We received two bids,” she said. Those bids also were opened April 23 and included a base bid of $144,553 from D & D Electric and a base bid of $169,000 from Michiana Contracting Inc.

McSherry recommended the commissioners go with D & D Electric, which they approved unanimously.

She then presented an emergency repair on a chiller on the Justice Building roof. She said she talked with the commissioners last week about it for emergency approval, with the commissioners’ vote at their meeting Monday ratifying the proposal.

Core Mechanical’s bid was $20,384. The repair will be completed in approximately a week.

Glass and Aluminum.

“During the renovation project of the Justice Building, we found that there were three windows — two of them with extensive leaking — and we would like to replace all three,” she said.

The quote is for $18,600 for the three windows, which covers installation.

A different vendor was $300 more, and going with a different type of window would have been considerably more than the original bid of $18,600. McSherry recommended the commissioners approve the bid, which they did.

Her last item to the commissioners was an update on the Justice Building renovation project.

that part of the project. They’re doing all the wallpaper. The flooring is done in all the areas. They started wallpapering on Friday morning of last week, so give us

a week and that should be done.” Phase 3 of the project is due to start after the first of June with the furniture moving in the next area.

Clarification on school board election

In last week’s The Mail-Journal it was noted that filing will begin May 21 for the three district seats on the Wawasee School Board. The article incorrectly listed that Steve Baut’s District 3 seat was up for election. Baut is not up for election until 2026.

large seat, they must file within the district in which they reside. The two people who are elected to fill the at-large seats cannot live in the same district. The district seats represent the townships within the district.

District 1 is Tippecanoe Township.

McSherry then presented the Justice Building parking lot elec

“We pulled this out of the original bid for the parking lot

This summer event calendar brought to you by:

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“We are in the middle of phase 2, which encompasses the Superi or Court, juvenile courtroom, the lobby, hallways and their offices and the jury room,” she said. “We are moving along quite well on

The seats up for election are the two at-large seats held by Mike Wilson, who lives in District 1, and Don Bokhart, who lives in District 3. While any resident in the three school districts can file for an at-

District 2 is Turkey Creek Township.

District 3 is VanBuren Township and east half of Jefferson Township. The filing deadline is noon, Thursday, June 20.

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Obituaries

PAMELA M. PLETCHER

Born on May 26, 1949, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of Henry and Esther May (Harris) Veer. On Nov. 29, 1969, Pam married Gary Pletcher, and together they raised two daughters. Throughout her life, Pam dedicated herself to the field of education. She earned her master’s degree in elementary education from IU Fort Wayne. She served as an English teacher at Wawasee High School from 1979 until her retirement in 2011 and was also employed at International Student Exchange, where she housed and supervised foreign exchange students. Pam’s passion for nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on many people over her 40 year teaching career.

Known for her hospitality, Pam was held in high regard by those who knew her and made new friends everywhere she went. She was deeply involved in Wawasee High School activities, a long-standing sponsor of Key Club and a proud member of Kiwanis. In her leisure time, she found joy in cooking delicious meals and spending time outdoors near the lake or tending to her flowers. Additionally, Pam had a love for travel and her adventurous spirit led her to explore various countries around the world. She especially loved visiting her former exchange daughters and meeting their families.

In addition to Gary, her husband of 54 years, Pam is also survived by her daughters, Taia Wagoner and Bria Zolman; grandchildren, Micah Wagoner, Amaya Zolman, Josiah Wagoner, Cohen Zolman and Starla Wagoner; as well as her brother, Kirk Veer; sister, Malina (Patrick) Kleepbua; and nephew, Chase Kleepbua.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Peter Wagoner.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services is entrusted with Pam’s care. Friends and family may gather for a celebration of life from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Wawasee High School with a memorial service starting at 6 p.m. Flowers may be delivered to the high school on May 10 during school hours. To leave a written condolence, please visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

Karen Sue Curry passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, under the care of hospice in Mishawaka surrounded by her children.

She was born on April 25, 1966, in Goshen to Charles and Vickie (Fair) Myers, and spent most of her lifetime in the Benton Township and Syracuse areas. She was a 1984 graduate of Fairfield High School.

KAREN SUE CURRY

Karen’s warm and welcoming personality meant she rarely knew a stranger. Her love for reading, particularly romance novels, spending time outdoors tending to her beautiful flower garden, enjoying Christmas festivities, embarking on trips to Frankenmuth and Myrtle Beach truly defined her vibrant spirit.

She cherished her role as a mother above all else and found fulfillment in creating a loving home for her family. She will be missed by her children, Colette Carunchia (husband, Andrew) of Millersburg and Charles A. Curry “Andy” (wife, Erin) of Syracuse; and her four beloved grandchildren, Brayden Clark, Grace Carunchia, Addison Carunchia and Wyatt Carunchia. She is also survived by two sisters, Tina Barnett (husband, Tyson) of Warsaw and Sheila Charlton (husband, Steve) of Syracuse. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Charles and Vickie Myers; and by her grandparents.

Titus Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with care of Karen. Friends gathered there from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5. A life celebration funeral service was held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home the following day, May 6. Doors were open for one hour prior. Burial followed at Stony Point Cemetery near Clunette.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association), 1016 W. Jackson Blvd., Unit #1073 Chicago, IL 60607. Written condolences may be left for the family at TitusFuneralHome.com.

Dr. Rex Parent

Continued from page 1

down from his family. Rex and his wife Connie are now back on Natti Crow Beach. A nationally recognized innovator and leader in the field of ophthalmology, Parent’s love for Wawasee was well illustrated with the acquisition and reimagining of the Oakwood Resort. Under Dr. Parent’s leadership, Oakwood has become one of the premier lakeside resorts in the entire country.

This year’s Flotilla will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Participants will gather along Natty Crow Beach at 1 p.m. and begin the parade traveling counter-clockwise around the lake. As always, there will be several designated prizes and cash awards.

Prizes include the coveted Commodore Cup, The DNR award, The Neighborhood Award,

Wawasee History, Most Patriotic, Commercial, Non-Profit, Wooden, Classic, Antique Most Original, and Several new awards reflecting our game-night theme. There are also awards for the best onshore displays.

In order to be eligible for an award participants must register. Registration forms will be available on the Flotilla Facebook page, at local retailers or at Team Tuttle Mortgage in Syracuse. Follow the Flotilla Facebook page for more information and updates on merchandise, additional prizes and other information.

Also, the Flotilla Road Race will be Thursday, July 4, at Lakeside Park. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m. Gather the family for the 2024 Wawasee Flotilla and get your game on.

Dennis J. Mischke

U.S. Army Veteran

Dennis J. Mischke, Milford, formerly of Watseka, Ill., passed away unexpectedly in his home on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the age of 66.

He was born on Sept. 4, 1957, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Donald J. Mischke and Ronne Teselsky (Johnson).

Throughout his life, Dennis wore many hats in his career. He was known to have worked various jobs, including operating heavy equipment, as a crane operator and even in boat building before his retirement. His commitment to hard work and versatility left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Also, his time in the United States Army also reflected his commitment to serving his country.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Dennis was known for his vibrant personality — he was funny, charismatic and often was a bit of a troublemaker. He lived life his way. His hobbies were just as eclectic as his personality. He enjoyed playing the guitar and was an avid music enthusiast. He was also an ordained minister and played a role in church, both as a minister and musician. In his spare time, Dennis also loved to watch superhero TV shows.

Dennis cherished his family above all else, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Time spent with family during cookouts or sitting at home warmed his heart. He is survived by his children, Sarah Mischke, Randy (Ashley) Wells, Norman (Kayla) Wells and Denise Baltierra; grandchildren, Beau Wells, Lily Baumgartner, Jake Baumgartner, Kayla (Jimmy) Baughman, Levi Wells and Joseph Miller; great-grandchildren, Weston and Lianna; and siblings, Donald Mischke, Pamela Phillip, Kristi (Jim) Ingalls, John “Hans” (Keith) Mach and Clifford (Rose) Mischke. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife, Shirley Mischke (Tindle); sister, Elaine Mischke; and brother, Daniel Mischke.

Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse is entrusted with the care of Dennis and his family. Friends and family may gather for visitation there, 1001 S. Huntington St. Syracuse, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11. At 1 p.m., Dennis’ life celebration service will begin, ending with military honors.

Memorial gifts may be given to his daughter, Sarah Mischke.

To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit TitusFuneralHome.com.

Buehler, Huffer

Continued from page 1

Surveyor Race

Moyer was the overwhelming winner in the county surveyor race receiving 67% of the vote to his opponent, Ryan Prince’s 33%. Throughout the evening when vote totals were released, Moyer kept that 30% or higher vote edge.

When the dust settled, Moyer stated “I want to thank all those who voted for me and supported me through this process and I look forward to working with all the office holders in the courthouse, the landowners and the contractors. I can’t wait to get started.”

Commissioner’s Race

There appeared no question throughout the evening that Mitchell would take the nomination for county commissioner – northern district. Out of the gate with the first results, Mitchell had a 48% vote lead over her opponents Nate Scherer with 34% and Marcia Baumgartner with 17%. When all votes were tallied Mitchell had received 47% to Scherer’s 35% and Baumgartner’s 18%.

“I am so grateful to the voters for the support and for their vote of confidence in me. I have loved serving the county for many years and this is one more time, to change to one more roll,” said Mitchell. “I’m a researcher. I’m an active person. I want to know what’s going on. I want to be sure we’re voting for the right thing and that we are moving forward in the right direction.

“I have a great deal of love for this community. They’ve been so good to me. I came here and knew nobody. I’ve had such a blessed life. I’m so fortunate and appreciative of everybody who has been supportive,” said Mitchell.

Kosciusko County Republican Chairman, Mike Ragan, stated he knew most of the races would be close. “I’m pleased with all the ones that prevailed and I’m grateful for all of them for running. It’s really risky business to step out and stick your neck out and run in a race. I’m

plus $2,000 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-1, Collector Interior Systems bid a base of $84,000 with alternate one of plus $2,000 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-1, Jack Laurie Floors bid a base of $52,000 with alternate one of plus $780 and no change to alternate two.

just proud of the candidates who stepped up and offered us a choice.” County Goes With Braun, Stutzman While results throughout the state are not yet available, through the Indiana Secretary of State’s office, Kosciusko County’s choice for governor is Mike Braun and Marlin Stutzman for U.S. Rep. District 3.

Other news outlets have declared Braun and Stutzman winners in their respective races. Statewide according to news sources Braun received 40% of the votes statewide and Stutzman received 24% narrowly defeating Tim Smith who had 24% Braun received 39% of the vote in the county. Coming in second was Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch receiving 21% followed by Brad Chambers at 18%. Doden received 12%, Curtis Hill 7% and Jamie Reitenour 4%. Stutzman lead the way in the U.S. Rep. District 3 race locally. He received 31% of the vote, followed by Tim Smith with 20% and Wendy Davis with 18%. Vote results for other candidates for U.S. Rep. District 3 were Andy Zay, 17%, Grant Bucher, 6%; Jon Kenworthy, 5%; Mike Felker, 3% and Eric Whalen 2%

Additionally Kosciusko County voters chose Donald Trump over Nikki Haley for President. Trump received 80% of the votes to Haley’s 20%.

McCray, Adolph Win For Democrats

There were two contested Democrat races: U.S. Senate and U.S. Rep. District 3.

It was Valerie McCray defeating Marc Carmichael with 64% of the votes in Kosciusko County for the U.S. Senate nomination. Carmichael received 36%. Statewide McCray received 68% of the votes to Carmichael’s 32%

Kiley M. Adolph received 52% of the vote in Kosciusko County for the U.S. Rep. District 3 race against Phil Gross who received 48%. On the state level, Adolph received 63% to Goss’ 37%.

· On bid package #09-1, Rosema Construction bid a base of $62,000 with alternate one of plus $1,000 and no change to alternate two.

· On a combination bid for bid packages #09-1, #09-2 and #093, Jack Laurie Floors bid a base of $78,695 with alternate one of plus $1,180 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-2, Jack Laurie Floors bid a base of $21,100 with alternate one of plus $350 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-2, Tile Interiors bid a base of $21,400 with alternate one of plus $900 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-3, Midwest Painting bid a base of $13,420 with no change to alternate one or two.

· On bid package #09-3, BZW Master Painters bid a base of $20,120 with alternate one of plus $504 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-3, Complete Drywall and Texture bid a base of $15,630 with alternate one of plus $469 and no change

to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-3, Jack Laurie Floors bid a base of $15,930 with alternate one of plus $240 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #09-3, Hanna Brothers Drywall and Painting bid a base of $20,000 with alternate one of plus $250 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #21-1, Shambaugh and Sons bid a base of $16,695 with alternate one of plus $250 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #21-1, F.E. Moran bid a base of $10,450 with alternate one of plus $50 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #23-1, Core Mechanical bid a base of $149,715 with alternate one of plus $1,300 with no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #23-1, Mechanical Services bid a base of $83,547 with alternate one of plus $2,506 with no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #26-1, Gaylor Electric bid a base of $154,000 with alternate one of plus $3,080 with no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #26-1, Kissinger Electric bid a base of $159,895 with alternate one of +$1,450 and no change to alternate two.

· On bid package #31-1, G&G Hauling and Excavating bid a base of $802,661.09 with alternate one of plus $11,633 and alternate two of plus $2,161.90.

Accidents/Incidents

Kosciusko County

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

3:36 p.m. Thursday, May 2, South Main and Church streets, Leesburg. Drivers: Ian P. Waikel, 16, North Perry Drive, Milford; and Mandy J. Slone, 47, East CR 750N, Leesburg. Waikel’s and Slone’s vehicles collided after moving back onto the roadway after an ambulance went by. Damage up to $5,000.

5:38 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, SR 13, west of Grandview Drive, Syracuse. Driver: Adrew O. Hohman, 40, Packerton Road, Warsaw. Hohman’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $2,500.

4:05 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, North Warner Road, Syracuse. Driver: Joshua C. Hanshaw, 38, East Cherokee Road, Syracuse. Hanshaw’s vehicle collided with a deer. Damage up to $5,000. 12:53 p.m. Saturday, April 27, North CR 300E, south of East CR 750N, Leesburg. Driver: Criselda D. Bumbaugh, 66, EMS D22A Lane, Syracuse. Bumbaugh’s tire caught on the roadway, causing her to overcorrect, lose control and hit a tree. Damage up $25,000.

2:36 a.m. Friday, April 26, 31 E. Fourth St., North Webster. Driver: Eric T. Calhoun, 38, Charring Cross Drive, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Calhoun’s vehicle hit powerlines, causing a pole to collapse. Damage up to $25,000.

10:26 p.m. Friday, April 26, East US 30, east of CR 325E, Warsaw. Drivers: Frank Knez, 69, EMS B46 Lane, Leesburg; and Mohammed N. Mohammed, 27, Wilson Avenue, St. Paul, Minn. Knez was attempting to enter the left turn lane at the interchange when he sideswiped Mohammed’s vehicle. Damage up to $25,000.

9:47 a.m. Thursday, April 18, North SR 13 and North Syracuse-Webster Road, North Webster. Driver: Kenneth J. Gunkel, 52, EMS B1A Lane, Leesburg. Gunkel’s vehicle hit a turkey. Damage up to $5,000.

Incidents

2:51 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 500 block of Turkey Creek Drive, Milford. A grill and a window were damaged.

10:18 a.m. Sunday, April 28, 400 block of Lehman Drive, Milford. Felipe De Jesus Baro, 63, reported a window broken.

12:01 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 100 block West School Street, Leesburg. Officers investigated a report of invasion of privacy.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident 11:52 a.m. Monday, April 29,

County Voting Results

700 block of South Main Street, North Webster. A $20 bill was stolen from Ace Hardware.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident

3:57 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, North Front Street and East Medusa Street, Syracuse. Drivers: Jose Medina-Cervantes, 38, West Old Road 30, Warsaw; and Jane Wellman, 76, East Medusa Street, Syracuse. Medina-Cervantes’ vehicle backed into Wellman’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

Warsaw

Officers with the Warsaw Police Department investigated the following accident: Accident

10:47 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, US 30, at the intersection of Meijer Drive, Warsaw. Drivers: Nicole M. Kolter, 42, North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago, Ill.; Edward Egner, 62, Ruse Street, North Manchester; Lamar Schwartz, 45, South Higbee Street, Milford; and Evy A. Armas Gonzalez, 32, East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. Kolter had to stop for another vehicle causing a chain reaction crash. Damage up to $50,000. Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

May 6 — Wyatt Craig Cunnington, 20, 9200 E. Morrison Island Road, Syracuse, booked for possession of paraphernalia, neglect of a dependent and possession of marijuana/hash oil/hashish. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

May 5 — Kaitlynn Faith Scarberry, 21, 9200 E. Morrison Island Road, Syracuse, booked for neglect of a dependent and visiting a common nuisance. Bond: $5,250 surety and cash.

May 5 — Bailey Allen Pauwels, 22, 1330 E. Dove Lane, Milford, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated – endangerment. Bond: $700 cash.

May 4 — Cory Adams White, 34, 11939 N. Camelot Lane East, Cromwell, booked for failure to appear – misdemeanor. Bond: $500 cash.

May 2 — Jason Wayne Elijah, 49, 121 E. Esterbrook Drive, North Webster, booked for failure to appear – misdemeanor. Bond: $500 cash.

May 2 — Tonya Sue Day, 47, 9601 N. Sandpoint Drive, Cromwell, booked on warrant service. No bond.

April 30 — Samuel Levi Combs, 19, 978 E. 900N, Milford, booked for failure to appear. No bond listed.

April 30 — Jenna Nicole Klopsenstein, 20, 978 E. 900N, Milford, booked for failure to appear. No bond listed.

April 30 — Dustan Ray Gesaman, 51, 56 EMS B4 Lane, Leesburg, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

April 29 — Drew Justin Phares, 44, 4498 E. Fox Run, Syracuse, booked for resisting law enforcement. No bond listed.

Noble County

The following person was booked in the Noble County Jail:

May 1 — Brenden L. Tinkey, 21, 9519 E. Pixie Parkway, Cromwell, booked for a possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. No bond listed.

The

heavy rescue equipment called at 8:56 a.m.

Air was called to the scene. No further information was available at press time.

Leesburg and New Paris fire departments were put on standby

Hughes arrested on several drug charges

James Dale Hughes was arrested for possessing over 14 grams of methamphetamine. Hughes, 50, Milford, is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 4 felony; driving while suspended, possession of marijuana with a prior conviction, and possession of paraphernalia with a sentence enhancement, all class A misdemeanors; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Feb. 15, a Warsaw Police of-

ficer checked a registration plate on a vehicle. The registration returned to Hughes, whose driving status in Indiana is suspended prior.

According to court documents, the officer saw Hughes approach the vehicle. Hughes admitted to his driver’s license status being

suspended prior.

Upon searching Hughes’ person, the officer found six bags of marijuana and a bag containing 14.7 grams of meth. Hughes said the officer would find drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. He admitted to using meth. Hughes has prior convictions for possessing meth, possessing paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Hughes was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail April 18, with a $15,250 surety and cash bond.

Hanna to serve local sentence for OWI

Dylan Forest Hanna, who has three prior operating while intoxicated convictions, will serve a 2 and 1/2 year sentence locally for driving under the influence.

Hanna, 33, 10515 N. Grove Road, Milford, was charged with battery against a public safety official, a level 6 felony; operating a vehicle while intoxicated and violation of driving conditions, both class C misdemeanors; and OWI with a prior conviction resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 5 felony. Two additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Hanna was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court Three Tuesday, April 30.

For battery against a public safety official, Kosciusko Superior Court Three Judge Chad Miner sentenced Hanna to 2 1/2 years in the Kosciusko County Jail, with 1 1/2 years executed and one year suspended on formal probation. Hanna also received the same sentence for the Level 5 felony OWI charge, with the Class C misdemeanor OWI charge merging into the L5. For violation of driving conditions, Hanna received a two-month KCJ sentence, with the entirety of that sentence to be executed.

All of Hanna’s charges will be served at the same time.

In total, Hanna received a 2 1/2 year sentence, with 1 1/2 years executed and one year suspended on formal probation. Miner said he had no objection to Hanna serving the executed portion

Court News

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Speeding — Marlen R. Bontrager, Milford, $164.5

Driving while suspended

Leon Allan Casper, Cromwell, $189.50

Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises — Karen S. Jeffrey, Milford, $25

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Yoder-Lord

Melissa Renee Yoder, 39, Syracuse, and Justin Lee Lord, 38, Syracuse Rowland-Templin

Reagan Marie Rowland, 22, Warsaw, and Jackson Mitchel

Templin, 22, Leesburg Lockhart-Daugherty Waylon Winthrop Lockhart, 39, North Webster, and Jarin Isaac Daughtery, 32, North Webster Yoder-Miller

Brian Lynn Yoder, 27, Topeka, and Danielle Marie Miller, 24, Milford

Marriage Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Erlenwein-Ramirez — Stacey Erlenwein, Syracuse, and Mauricio Ramirez, Tampa, Fla. They were married March 5, 2004, and separated July 2, 2020. Two minor children. VanHoozer — Wendy VanHoozer, Milford, and Danny VanHoozer, Middlebury. No minor children. No other information was available.

through work release, but at sentencing, Hanna had not been approved for participation in the program.

Hanna’s driver’s license was also suspended for two years.

At sentencing, an acquaintance of Hanna’s provided testimony about Hanna’s growth within the last year. She described him as “kind, patient, and good-natured,” stating she was shocked to hear about his arrest because of his positive demeanor.

The acquaintance also said Hanna was the primary caretaker for several children and had taken on a lot of extra responsibilities. She asked Miner to place Hanna on house arrest for his sentence.

Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Naue described Hanna’s case as a “serious series of events” and said this was Hanna’s fourth OWI

charge in the last 10 years.

Defense Attorney Austin Rovenstine noted Hanna’s participation in counseling. He also requested Hanna serve his sentence through home detention. Hanna said he’s been sober for 372 days and changed his people, places, and things.

“I’m grateful this didn’t have a worse outcome,” said Hanna. “I’m ready to right this wrong and want to continue supporting those who count on me.”

On April 26, 2023, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling in Syracuse when he saw a vehicle cross the road’s center and fog lines several times. According to court documents, Hanna, the vehicle’s driver, was non-compliant with the deputy’s verbal commands. Multiple deputies responded to the scene and Hanna shoved one of the deputies with his left hand and forearm.

The deputies also noticed Hanna exhibiting signs of intoxication. Hanna’s vehicle was also supposed to be equipped with an interlock device at the time of this incident and it was not.

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County alcohol tobacco commission has no say on

The Kosciusko Alcohol and Tobacco Commission doesn’t have a say on the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas approved within the county, but some comments were provided on D.O.R.As to the commission at its meeting Thursday, May 2. Warsaw and Winona Lake have been approved for D.O.R.A. locations.

In July 2023, the state passed the legislation for Indiana communities to create D.O.R.As. A municipality can create up to seven areas within its jurisdiction allowing citizens to purchase alcohol at designated establishments and consume the beverage anywhere within the D.O.R.A. boundaries.

At Thursday’s meeting, Crystal Watters, of Rex’s Rendezvous, asked the commission if there was any information they would like to put out about the D.O.R.A.

Excise officer and commission member April Tackett responded, “I really don’t have anything to say about that, simply because once it gets approved on the state level, then all of the specifics — like what kind of cups do you use, where do the signs have to be, all of that stuff — is in their city ordinance, so I can’t even regulate it.”

Watters said the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce has a meeting next week for everyone that’s going to be within the D.O.R.A .district.

Heidi Blake, with Kosciusko Cares and Kosciusko Drug Free Coalition, said their primary goal is to prevent underage drinking and tobacco use.

“So we are here really just to hear about what’s going on each month and we actually would love to partner with tobacco and alcohol retailers, as far as volunteer enforcement and different things that are (going on) in the community,” she said. “We have concerns about the D.O.R.A. as well. We do partner with a statewide organization — Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking — and they do have guidelines that they suggest for us as far as D.O.R.A. Again, it’s not that we want to prevent people from coming downtown or coming to these businesses or people having fun, we’ve just got concerns to make sure that alcohol stays away from youth.”

She said there’s been issues in other communities that have D.O.R.As, so she just wants to make sure that underage drinking is prevented.

Commission member Dan Woods said they really don’t have any control over D.O.R.A. He said they agreed with her on her concerns, but the commission’s hands are tied once they give an establishment the okay to have their own alcohol license. The cities and towns with D.O.R.As have the control over the rules and enforcement of the D.O.R.A.

Blake said they have the same issue with tobacco and

that there are retailers in the community who knowingly sell tobacco to people under the age of 21. She alleged there are retailers who lost their license to sell tobacco but are still selling it without a license. She said most of the issues they have with retailers are not with locally-owned retailers.

In other business, alcohol permit renewals without violations approved by the commission Thursday were for:

• Family Express Corporation, dba FE81 North Webster, 730 S. Main St., North Webster, beer and wine dealer, grocery store.

• Hook – SuperX LLC, dba CVS Pharmacy #6499, 308 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, beer, wine and liquor, drug store.

• Hook – SuperX LLC, dba CVS Pharmacy #6503, 618 S. Main St., North Webster, beer, wine and liquor, drug store.

• King’s Keg Inc., dba King’s Keg, 421 S. Main St., North Webster, beer, wine and liquor, package store.

• Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, dba Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, 7245 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg, beer, wine and liquor, restaurant.

• Tippy Creek Winery LLC, dba Tippy Creek Winery, 5920 N. CR 200E, Leesburg, beer and wine retailer, restaurant.

• Tippy Dance Hall Marina LLC, dba Oswego Mini Mart, 2757 E. Armstrong Road, Leesburg, beer and wine dealer, grocery store.

• Family Express Corpora-

Tippecanoe Township voters choose Sue Ann Mitchell as commissioner

While voter turnout in North Webster was low, voting on Election Day was steady, often busy at times, according to poll workers, for May’s primary. Tippecanoe Township has four precincts.

Scott Fox, inspector at the voting poll at North Webster Community Center, said 10 people were waiting in line when the doors opened at 6 a.m. By 10 a.m. a steady stream of voters cast their votes.

“It’s been steady all day, with machines filled up,” Fox said.

Sue Anne Mitchell, who is running for Kosciusko County commissioner, won all four Tippecanoe Township precincts.

In precinct one, she led with 64.98% of the votes.

In precinct two, Mitchell led with 58.08% of the votes.

In precinct three, she led with 65.95% of the votes.

In precinct four, Mitchell led with 55.33% of the votes.

County records show a total of 1,188 registered voters in precinct one, with voter turnout nearly 26%, or 257 voters voting on Election Day.

In precinct two, of the 1,356 registered only 24% voted.

In precinct three, out of 1,352 registered voters, voter turnout was only 20%.

In precinct four, of the 1,269 registered voter turnout was close to 23%.

Marlin Stutzman beat the

Zolman inspires

During one workout, the team did wall sits for seven minutes straight. While they did wall sits, trainers put 45 pound weights on their laps until they had 180 pounds. Summitt warned if they fell out from the wall sit, they would have to do sprints until they threw up.

Zolman spoke of how her and her teammates legs were literally shaking, yet they knew mentally they could handle the extra weight.

Zolman went on to tell a story about a young man in Florida who was attacked by an alligator. The boy’s father died trying to save him, and the boy also lost both legs due to the alligator grabbing him by the legs and starting to barrel roll. When interviewed by reporters the boy spoke of how much his father loved him to sacrifice his own life to save him. What is your why? Zolman explained God created each student uniquely “What would it be look

tion, doing business as Fami-

ly Express #82, 409 Argonne Road, Warsaw, beer and wine dealer, grocery store.

• Garcha G Mart Inc., dba Warsaw G-Mart, 400 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, beer and wine dealer, grocery store.

• Hook – SuperX, dba CVS Pharmacy #6462, 100 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor, drug store.

• R.P. Watters Corp., dba Rex’s Rendezvous, 204 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor, restaurant.

• Saint Regis Club LLC, dba Anthology Whiskey

E.

and

restaurant.

• T.O. Downtown Inc., dba Downtown Eatery & Spirits, 205 W. Center St., Warsaw, beer, wine and liquor, restaurant.

Low voter turnout for Van Buren and Jefferson townships

Final vote counts in Van Buren and Jefferson townships show a fairly low turnout for the Tuesday, May 7, primary. In a precinct-by-precinct breakdown, all precincts were below half, or 50%, of registered voters.

At the Wawasee Community Bible Church polling center, a rush of voters came in around 9 a.m Tuesday. The tally at 10:45 a.m. was 229 voters.

Precinct committeeman Steve Tucker, who has been handling elections since 2012, noted that this was the slowest election he had seen so far.

“We had six people in line when the door opened at 6 a.m., normally we have double or triple that,” said Tucker.

Van Buren Township

• In precinct 1, there are 1,123 registered voters. Of those voters, 206 cast their votes this election, totaling 18.34%.

• In precinct 2, turnout was lower, with 92 of the 560 registered voters turning out, or 16.43%.

• Precinct 3 had the highest turnout, with 285 votes out of the 1,181 registered voters, or 24.13%.

Jefferson Township

• In precinct 1, only four of the precinct’s 202 registered voters turned out, making for a total turnout of 1.98%.

• In precinct 2, 65 of 332 registered voters cast their ballots for a percentage of 19.58%.

• Precinct 3 had the highest turnout of the township, with 59 out of 242 registered voters, or 24.38%.

In both precincts, Mike Braun was the pick for governor and Donald Trump the winning Republican nominee for this year’s presidential election.

For county commissioner, northern district, Nathan Scherer had the most votes in Van Buren and Jefferson townships,

with greater numbers than Sue Ann Mitchell. He took 41.63% of the vote over Mitchell’s 28.40% in Van Buren precinct 3, the precinct with some of the highest voter turnout. He also had the most votes in Van Buren 1 and 2, as well as Jefferson 1. Candidate Marcia Baumgartner matched Scherer in Jefferson precinct 2, where they both took 40.38% of the vote. Ultimately, Kosciusko County voters chose Mitchell, who took about 47% of the total votes countywide. James Moyer was the pick for county surveyor, and Tyler Huffer for county coroner. He tied with opponent Tracy-Cutler Wilson in Jefferson 1, both taking one vote each, but Huffer was victorious in every other precinct.

The next election will be the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. To register to vote, check voting status, find a polling place or apply for a mail-in ballot, visit indianavoters.in.gov.

Mike Braun, candidate for governor, beat the other five candidates with a majority of the votes in all four precincts.

Donald Trump had the highest votes for president in all four precincts.

left, gets help from Linda Stookey prior to Cunningham casting her vote Tuesday, May 7, at North Webster Community Center. Photo by Phoebe Muthart. other candidates for U.S. Representative. District 3. For Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge, Jack Birch had the most votes, beating his opponent Matthew Buehler. For the county coroner race, Tyler Huffer had the most votes, beating Tracy Cutler-Wilson. James Moyer beat Ryan Prince for county surveyor. There was a tie for county council member at-large in precinct three with Kathleen Groninger and Racheal Rhoades each receiving 34.62% of the votes. In precinct two, Groninger led with nearly 35% of the votes, while Rhoades led with almost 35% of the votes in precinct one. In precinct four, Rhoades also led with nearly 38% of the votes. In the U.S. Senator race, Valerie McCray beat out her Democrat opponent, Marc Carmichael, in all four precincts with over 60% of the votes in each precinct.

like if you put your arm around someone and said ‘I want to learn about you because you’re different’ rather than mocking them?” she asked. She demonstrated passion by filling a glass bowl with ping pong balls, rocks and then sand. The ping pong balls represent the most important things in a person’s life. The rocks the second most important things and the sand, the least important.

“Being able to think deeply within yourself about what is important to you. What will motivate you to get up in the morning...

“Every single one of you is created for a purpose with talents and gifts,” she said ending her presentation. “If you have a passion, don’t let anyone distract you from it. If you don’t have have a passion, find someone to help you.” With a few minutes left to spare, Geoff Walmer, principal of Wawasee High School, noted the

school is striving to become the number one high school in the nation. In the last five years it has gone from being ranked in the 12,000s to the 5,000s of nationally ranked high schools.

In the state Wawasee High School went from being ranked 313 to 121.

Walmer said Wawasee wants to be the most compassionate and kind high school, both in the country and state.

“As you look back, you will regret those you mistreated,” Walmer said. “My hope for you is if you wronged someone, seniors, you have three weeks to right that wrong. Juniors and those lower, you have time to make it right.”

After her presentation, Zolman said it was a bit strange coming back to Wawasee. “Enough time has gone by that so much has changed,” she said. She added talking to high school students is difficult because she’s never sure how she was received by the audience.

Scherer sweeps in nearly all Turkey Creek precincts with low voter turnout

The results are in from yesterday’s primary election. County Commissioner candidate Nathan Scherer swept the vote in most Turkey Creek precincts. Scherer scored 55% of the total vote in precinct one; 45% in precinct two; 51% in precinct three; 58% in precinct four and 49% in precinct five. Sue Ann Mitchell secured 43% of total votes in precinct six, beating Scherer by 2%. Brad Chambers, Lake Wawasee and Lung Lane summer resident, trailed Mike Braun in every precinct. In precinct one, Chambers scored 28% of

Community Corner

Claudia Campal and her one year in America

Claudia Campal couldn’t find Indiana on a map a year ago, now she is glad to have spent her year abroad at Wawasee.

“I wanted to come to the United States and I couldn’t choose where but when I found that I was going to come to Indiana I was happy about it,” Campal said. “I never heard of Indiana in my life before coming over. Maybe looking forward to California but I am fine with Indiana.”

Campal is from Northern Spain and had visited France and Portugal before spending a year at Wawasee as a foreign exchange student. She made a goal to be involved in the school for her one year and played volleyball, was the manager for swimming and is now in her tennis season.

“I never tried any sports that I’ve tried here,” Campal said. “I had the opportunity to try something new. I had been doing the same all my life so I tried something new. I did it. I was not the best at all but it was fun.”

She will soon return to Spain where she has one more year of high school there. She plans to be a doctor and specialize in oncology.

and eat lunch is at 12 and dinner at 6 I was kind of like ‘What?’ It was weird but then you get used to it and now it’s fine. It was hard at first,” Campal said.

She also observed how school in America was different than her classes in Spain.

“I will say classes are more practical than memorizing. I would say Americans are really into sports. It’s a big thing. High school is really into sports which is something I expected but not as much. It’s kind of a big thing here,” Campal said. “You go to school, you study. It’s only study stuff. You don’t do anything else.”

There are a few aspects she wishes America would copy from Spain when it comes to transportation and gathering with friends.

“You always have to have a car. There are no roads to walk. It’s just weird,” Campal said. “Something I really miss is food and social life. In Spain you always hang out at houses instead of going out. It’s harder to socialize here I would say.”

PROFILE

Campal says her favorite moments at Wawasee have been day-to-day life.

“Just the life with my host family and friends is fun. Just traveling and like everyday life,” Campal said.

She has traveled to more than just Indiana the past year with trips to Chicago, Indianapolis, New Hampshire and Niagara Falls.

Campal says cultural shocks began with what times people in America eat their meals.

“I would say the times for eating. I eat lunch at 3 and I eat dinner at 10 or 11. To come here

Campal is one of four foreign exchange students on the girls tennis team and has typically played doubles with Sofia Caligara from Italy. Both Campal and Caligara have had Dina Coverstone as their host parent. As her year abroad winds down, Campal is thankful for the kindness she has seen at Wawasee and encourages area students to spend a year overseas too.

“The kindness in the people. I was expecting people to be kind but they are welcoming and easy to talk with,” Campal said. “It is an experience where if you have the opportunity to do it you should. You literally start from zero in another place and you became really involved in another language. You try to meet new people. It is sometimes hard but it so worth it.”

Mobile Meals drivers

SPEC casino trip is May 20

As you can see, we are starting May off with a bang. The Dablers are back at it. Take a look at the April tree behind them; of course, it was our Easter tree.

The Dablers have been changing our tree every month for years. Every month has its own theme. This month, they decorated the tree with an Indy 500 theme. The senior center wanted to show Kay and John Dabler just how much we appreciate them by awarding them with a gift certificate for dinner at Maria’s Restaurant. Thank you both so very much. We get so many compliments on our tree, and it is all due to your hard work.

In other news, keep in mind that our next casino trip is coming up May 20; we are already booking seats on the bus. The money is due, along with your information, by May 15. Call us at (574) 834-1600, ext. 224.

The euchre tournament will be May 16; call the above number to register. Because of the great attendance at the tournament, our prizes are going to be bigger, too.

Toni’s Foot Connection will be here May 15. We have five openings left so call for information or to book an appointment. That about does it for now, so until next week please stay happy and healthy.

LITTLE LEAGUE BREAKFAST The

WEDNESDAY

KYLA class honored at 31st graduation

All 28 members of the 202324 Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy Class attended the 31st graduation Wednesday, May 1, at The Owl’s Nest, North Webster. Barbara Ridley, the 2023 Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce

“Woman of the Year” was the guest speaker. Her topic was her opportunities and leadership in the county. She started her presentation with several definitions of leadership, followed by her own personal experience, her leadership involvement and how she received those roles.

She noted leadership is pur-

sued and leadership is bestowed. “My road to leadership was by setting goals, ground rules, having a mission statement and diversifying,” said Ridley. She concluded her presentation with a verbal resume which included all areas of her road to leadership positions. Ridley stated leadership pursued is when you are looking for office such as leading a company. Leadership bestowed is being quiet, observing more than speaking. “It’s OK to work behind the scene without recognition,” she said, adding she is an introvert and has learned to walk past her fears. “The positions I hold were bestowed. I didn’t ask,” she said.

She shared how often times one thing leads to another, which happened to her. “When I commit, I do not quit,” she said. She told the KYLA members, their parents, administrators, and members of the community that by setting goals, ground rules, having a mission statement and being diversified, “you get places you never thought you’d be.”

Over her life, she has added numerous skills, leading her to two college degrees. She has started a sewing guild, is taking various martial arts trainings, walking and exercising with a personal trainer. Learning was also stressed. “Learn all you can and learn to communicate.”

Gift bags presented for Teacher Appreciation Week

Lakeland Kiwanis does many things within our community, as well as the state of Indiana and our nation. As the week of May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week, the Kiwanis of North Webster has a project of saying thanks to elementary teachers, as well as everyone who works within the North Webster Elementary School. This includes 33 teachers and 52 employees within the school system. The project was a gift bag that was given to each employee. The total value exceeded over $3,000. Donation and gift cards were contributed by Ace Hardware, Dan’s Pies, Roll’n Smoke BBQ, Sheila’s Sweet Treats, The River Coffee House, Scoops Ice Cream and many individual anonymous donors. The Lakeland Kiwanis meets at 6:30 a.m. every Monday at the North Webster Community Center. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join.

Snider, principal of North Webster Elementary School, and Brandon Dennis, president of the Lakeland

She concluded her speech with a saying her late husband always told their children. “You can’t soar with eagles and run with turkeys.”

The evening concluded with presentations of two of the projects by KYLA class members. Food 2 Go and Warming Hearts projects were presented.

Food 2 Go was a program to bring food to middle school students at Edgewood and Lakeview. The five-member team purchased paper bags, created flyers explaining their project, dropped bags off on front porches in Warsaw asking for nonperishable food items, and picked up those bags several days later. Over 250 bags were dropped off and they raised $255. The students delivered 75 bags full of groceries and split the donations between the schools. They are hoping their efforts will be continued to make an impact.

Warming Hearts - Providing Compassion One Blanket at a time, was a project where tied blankets were made and distributed to fire stations and Fellowship Missions. The blankets were made by the team members, along with assistance from Fellowship Missions. The group started with 50 blankets and through community and church support, 90 blankets have been given out.

Other projects included: Treats for Pups — Made dog treats for Animal Welfare League. Engineering with Fellowship Missions — Helped brainstorm and plan efficient ways to use a new space at Fellowship Missions.

Growing Foundation #2 — Car-

ried the legacy of a former group by raising money to buy and plant trees in Kosciusko County.

Triangle Trinkets — Used upcycled and recycled materials to make toys for children at Fellowship Missions.

Sutton Victa and Eleanor Schenck were announced as the two at-large board of directors for the 2024-25 KYLA program. Each class member was presented with a graduation certificate to conclude the evening.

KYLA is a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity for high school juniors in Kosciusko County to learn about leadership and become informed about the community they live in. Applications are being accepted for next year’s class. Current high school sophomores are eligible to apply. The online application, as well as additional information about KYLA, can be found at kosciuskoyouthleadership.org.

Meghan Bontrager of

ECO-FRIENDLY

PRACTICES From left are Kathy Wright, a Soil and Water Conservation District volunteer, Katie Macke and Ellie Macke.

They were looking at a model of eco-friendly practices at Saturday’s Earth Day Festival at WACF.

WACF hosts annual Earth Day Festival

Text and Photos

Fun for the whole family, the seventh annual Earth Day Festival was held at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation in Syracuse Saturday, May 4. There were 21 vendor tables this year so people could learn how to help protect the planet and help the environment.

Pam Schumm said the number of vendors was the highest it has been since the Earth Day event started. With free admission, the first 250 visitors got a free lunch consisting of hot dogs, chips and water.

Activities for all ages included raptor birds, arrowhead making, native seed balls, bird migration, wild spaces maps and more. Among the organizations taking place were the Soil Water and Conservation District, Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation, Syracuse Lions Club, Syracuse-Wawasee Garden Club and Syracuse Public Library, among others.

Attendees could also take a walk through the woods and enjoy looking at the wetlands from the amphitheater and the spring time views of the lake. Schumm, a WACF board member, said she was very pleased with the turn out and the great weather with temperatures in the 70s and sunny skies.

“Turn out has been very good,” she said. “It gives people a chance to get out in nature and for kids to get outside. This event is to showcase all that can be down outside. We have walking trails, and we want people to use the trails,” Schumm explained. WACF has walking trails the public can use at any time.

CLEAN WATER Learning about rain barrels at WACF’s Earth Day Festival was Theo Yoder, 10, and Isabelle

Lady Warriors rally, tackle NorthWood 9-8

When the Wawasee varsity softball team needed some seventh inning magic, the Lady Warriors pulled together four runs in the bottom of the inning to beat NorthWood 9-8 on Monday, May 6. Wawasee trailed 9-5 going into the final frame, and scored the winning runs on a base hit from sophomore Heatherlynn Holder.

“It was a 3-2 count and I was really just trying to hit anything,” Holder said. ‘I was really trying to have a composed mindset and I really just believed in myself and had my team backing me out in the dugout and really keeping it alive.” Holder scored two runs with the hit as freshman Ashlynn Corn and junior Evelyn Duncan crossing home. Duncan got on base in the inning thanks to an intentional walk. Duncan hit a solo homer in the sixth inning to cut the Panther lead to 8-5.

NorthWood scored four runs in the top of the sixth to lead 8-4 and had all the momentum going their way until Duncan blasted her ho-

Wawasee baseball was knocking on the door of beating its conference and county rival Warsaw Wednesday, May 1, but did not catch the breaks it needed. The result was a 3-2 win for the visiting Tigers in a contest that took 10 innings and close to three hours to complete. Coach Joe Salazar viewed the loss as an example of how the team must improve its hitting.

mer over the left field wall.

Coach Chloe McRobbie thought it was significant for her team to win a game where it trailed against a quality conference and sectional foe.

“We’ve had a lot of close games this year,” McRobbie said. “I told them that last inning I believe in each and every one of you but you have to believe in yourselves. They just trusted each other and picked each other up to get the job done.”

The game started strong for the Warriors with three runs in the first inning. Those were assisted on an errant throw to first base and two pitches that got away from the NorthWood catcher.

Up 3-1 in the top of the third inning, Wawasee was in trouble with the bases loaded for NorthWood and just one out. Duncan made a key defensive play, catching a line drive to first base and getting the runner out for a double play. Allen pitched all seven innings for Wawasee and finished with 11 strikeouts. She allowed six walks and seven hits. Wawasee outhit NorthWood 10-7 with Allen, Holder and junior Ava Couture accounting for two hits each.

“We just have to execute offense. We got to find a way to get our bats going. We didn’t do our jobs when we needed a few times,” Salazar said. “We got to find a way to score runs.”

The Warriors trailed 2-0 after the second inning but tied game with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Junior Addison Coy tied the game in the fifth with an RBI single to score freshman Finley Miller. Coy finished with a gamehigh three hits. Wawasee had its best chance to steal the game in bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded. Senior Ty Brooks was on third waiting for a chance to cross home plate and give Wawasee the win. Brooks and the Warriors thought they had the game won, believing Warsaw pitcher Oliver Nisen had committed a balk. Had the umpires agreed,

“We really push that every person in the lineup whether you’re one or you’re nine is important for reasons like this. With Heatherlynn being in the nine spot, we are putting her there because we need a strong hitter in the nine hole. She really stepped up. That was something that was really needed,” said McRobbie.

The win moves Wawasee to 11-8 and 6-3 in Northern Lakes Conference action. The Warriors are in a battle with NorthWood,

Brooks would have automatically proceeded to home from third to win the game. Instead the balk was not called and Warsaw was able to earn the final out.

“You can’t control what they don’t call,” Salazar said. “A lot of times we haven’t been getting calls at the key times and it bites us but you can’t control what they don’t call. It should have been the end of the game right there.”

Brooks pitched the first seven innings of the game earning nine strikeouts and allowing five hits. Senior Ryan Menzies was called upon to pitched the extra innings as the scored stayed the same the next two innings at 2-2. Warsaw finally obtained a run in the 10th inning and it proved to be the decisive difference. Menzie finished with two strikeouts and allowed four hits in his three innings from the circle.

Brooks and junior Kane Dukes each had two hits in the game with Dukes adding an RBI.

Wawasee lost to Warsaw in the first meeting between the two rivals on April 15, 8-2.

“We made a six-run improve-

Northridge and Plymouth for second in the conference. Mishawaka is currently first and undefeated at 9-0. Wawasee went 12-13 last year and are one game away from matching the win total.

Wawasee lost to Fort Wayne Carroll 10-1 Saturday, May 4, but beat rival Warsaw for a second time this season Wednesday, May 1, with a dominant score of 14-2 in just five innings. Allen has 11 strikeouts in the win over Warsaw as well. Wawasee

ment. Should have won this time. We are getting better. We just have to find a way to finish,” Salazar said.

Wawasee had a busy turnaround with a 9-0 victory at Triton Thursday, May 2. The Warriors scored seven runs over the first two innings and the pitching duo of senior Hunter Fiedeke and Finley Miller combined for six strikeouts. Junior Reed Reidenbach hit a tworun homer in the seventh inning.

The momentum did not carry over to Friday, May 3, where Wawasee lost to Mishawaka 24-0.

The Warriors took on a top-15 team from Class 3A in Mishawaka Marian Saturday, May 4, on the road. The Warriors led 7-4 in the middle of the sixth inning but the host Knights would tally seven in the bottom of the inning and would win 11-7.

Monday, May 6, Wawasee lost 2-0 at NorthWood. Brooks earned the start on the mound and finished with nine strikeouts.

The Warriors are currently 7-10 and 2-8 against NLC schools. Wawasee will next host Northridge at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.

Boys Track and Field May 1 — Wawasee closed out the regular season with a win over Plymouth, 69-62, but fell to Warsaw, 108-24, in a three-team meet.

Hathaway, Yakym and Rokita address local Republicans

Text and Photos

Kosciusko County Republicans

heard not only from the Indiana State Republican Chairman Anne Hathaway, but also from Attorney General Todd Rokita and State Rep. 2nd District Rudy Yakym at its annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The dinner was held Thursday, May 2, at The Owl’s Nest with over 200 attending.

Hathaway was the keynote speaker sharing some of her experiences with the Lugar Series and growing up with politically active parents.

As party chair, Hathaway stated, “Not one job that I’m going to ask you to do or that we’re going to ask you to do,I that haven’t done myself … I understand that the party needs to be from the ground up, not the top down … I want to make sure we’re doing it well and we’re not taking it for granted.”

She talked about her first campaigns, learning, understanding and the importance for citizens to get involved, to make change.

Since being elected as state chairman on Aug. 30, she has been working on building the party up

and focusing on being prepared for elections. “Indiana is a state where Republicans take for granted how successful we’ve been … we have to keep fine tuning, working, building and bringing people in.”

Hathaway said Kosciusko County is a model for other counties throughout the state as demonstrated Thursday seeing how it brings people together and brings people in.

She stated how she has been working on getting opponents for offices where there never have been opponents before. “We need the competition … instead of assuming people might get appointed. We then started to think about the tools we needed our tool kit .” Communication, getting information out early and talking points are in the kit. Another area being worked on is a victory plan — raising money and getting out the vote. “We’re such a Republican state, I’m a little worried about intensity this year. If you listen to the national prognosticators, people are saying that people are not going to vote in 2024. That they’re not excited. That there’s no enthusiasm this election. They don’t like either presidential candidate and they’re worried. That’s

really important to all of us to pay attention to. There is going to be more fraud in this election than ever before across the county … we need to make sure that we turn out all our Republican voters, get to the polls … if we don’t turn out it’s going to have serious impact.”

She asked local Republicans to vote absentee or early vote. “We have a lot of low intensity voters and we’re going to have to spend extra time knocking on doors, calling people, giving rides to polls. I firmly believe the margin of victory is in the grassroots work we do …”

Hathaway talked about the state convention, which will focus on the party mission – to have a safe, secure and transparent election as well as a timely convention with fun. She is also focusing on the national convention, which she is the chairman.

“I worry so much that we have been so complacent. We can’t. We have to stay diligent. We have to stay focused. We have to use the tools that are in the tool kit and I just can’t tell you how important it is for me, for you to know that I may be your state chair, but I’m your partner. I’m standing shoulder to shoulder, hand to hand, to make

sure you have everything you need in order for us to win in November. Antisemitism Addressed Yakym stated confidently it is only six months away that for once and for all President Joe Biden will be fired. “It cannot come fast enough. After only three years, Americans are worse off. We have less money in our pockets because of inflation. Look around the world. Our adversaries no longer fear us or respect us. Our allies are being attacked because of the weak leadership coming out o the United States of America and it’s the weak leadership that we see even here on the home front that has allowed the rise of antisemitism to take place on college campuses. You can clearly see the radical left agenda no matter where you look on college campuses.”

He noted several college events at Columbia and George Washington universities. “This behavior cannot be excused. It cannot be tolerated.”

Visiting Israel recently the one concern the prime minister, president and military leaders had was the antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. He related visiting the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem and seeing that when antisemitism was allowed to rise in places

that made it culturally acceptable to slaughter Jews during the Holocaust. “We can never allow that to happen again and that is why one of the bills that I’m carrying in Congress right now will take from colleges and universities. If they allow antisemitism on their campuses, we will defund them. We will no longer send American taxpayer money …”

He also spoke about the southern border, hearing concerns locally of how fentanyl coming in from the border is killing kids, a nearby county that is seeing one death a month from fentanyl and recently in Marshall County the largest cocaine bust in the county’s history, said to have come from the drug cartel who are controlling the southern borders. He stated under Biden, border crossings are adding new records every month and President Barack Obama had one-sixth the border crossings that Biden has had.

He concluded with recognizing those veterans present and the mental health crisis of veterans. He related where one veteran was told it would be 60 days before he could get an appointment. “Our veterans deserve to get the care they earned while serving this country. Our vet-

erans went to war for us. They deserve a federally elected representative who will go to war for them.” AG’s Office

Rokita talked about the work of his office during his term.

“We’re drinking from a fire hose a lot of days, but we’re winning most of our cases,” he said. He noted a 100% win rate on jury trials. He stated people “need to have a secure influence … You see it on our TVs every night, talking about what’s happening on our college campuses, you’re seeing our country attacked, our very way of life attacked every day. I fight against that for you in court every week … it starts at your family. It starts at your church. I’m not asking you to get into fists to cuffs with anybody, but you gotta have the conversation about saving this country. You gotta understand social issues are not just social issues, at their root is an attack on our economy, free enterprise system”

The evening also included candidates and/or representatives in uncontested and contested races an opportunity to speak before those gathered. Most offices from U.S. Rep. 3rd District down to county races were represented.

Nurses play an important role in leading our region to better health. You’re the ones who help care for us when we’re sick or injured. Who help ensure patients’ needs are met and their questions are answered. Who push yourselves to grow and learn every single day. In honor of National Nurses

It happened in North Webster ...10 years ago

Several local 911 dispatchers honored

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 7, 2014

Several 911 dispatchers were honored at Monday’s county commissioners meeting. The dispatchers were honored for their work when numerous school buses collided in North Webster in May 2013. They are 911 Director David Rosenberry, Dispatcher Trina Gard, Dispatcher Jessica Scheil, Assistant 911 Director Sarah Lancaster and Dispatcher Tina Cook. It was quite a race for the second seat on the Tippecanoe Township Board of Trustees. In-

cumbent Steve Carson pulled out a victory while the other incumbent James M. “Jim” Rhodes easily kept his seat. Challengers were Richard Owen and Jonathan T. (Jon) Tyler. Voting for all four precincts took place at North Webster Community Center.

20 YEARS AGO, MAY 5, 2004

Jeffrey and Anita Cox, North Webster, are the parents of twin daughters born Monday, April 26, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Courtney Nicole was born at 5:46 p.m., weighing 4 pounds, 6 ounc-

es and measuring 17 inches long. Caitlyn Marie was born at 5:47 p.m., weighing 4 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 17 inches long. Courtney and Caitlyn have two brothers, Brandon Cox and Derrik Click, and a sister, Heather Cox.

30 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1994

Marine Cpl. Todd F. Dawes, son of Joyce M. Matson, North Webster, is currently off the East Coast of Africa with Command

Element, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was recently involved in the evacuation of Americans from Rwanda. He is a 1987 graduate of East Chicago Central High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in March 1991.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 9, 1984 North Webster Cub Scouts annual father and son cake auction was held April 26 at Camelot

It happened in Milford ... 20 years ago

Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Prado judged the 16 cakes and Becky Ertel was auctioneer. Chris Lung received a Frisbee for baking the cake auctioned at the highest price. Awards of Scout pins and equipment went to cake bakers: Jason Ray, Kevin Harris, Steve Bartel, Ryan Merchant and John Novle.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 8, 1974

Mrs. Mildred Brady, Mrs. Goldie Hunnicutt and Mrs. Margaret Welker were hostesses for the meeting of Barbee Hoosier Club. They met at the Barbee Conservation Club building. A carry-in dinner was served. During the business session, plans were discussed for election day. Hostesses for the next meeting will be Stella Risser, Edna Roger and Susie Reed.

New pavilion being installed at Waubee Lake Park

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 7, 2014

The big news from last week, not just in Milford, but all over northern Indiana, was a 400-ton piece of history cruising the railroad tracks between Fort Wayne and Elkhart. Locomotive number 765 passed through Milford Thursday afternoon.

20 YEARS AGO, MAY 5, 2004

Eight Milford Middle School students were chosen most valuable players for the winter sports season. They are Heather Kelly, basketball; Tara Weisser, basketball; Jenni Dunithan, gymnastics; Kayln Lantz, basketball; Melissa Brace, basketball; Ross Stichter, basketball; Brad Sorensen, basketball; and Keegan Beer.

A new pavilion is being installed at Waubee Lake Park. Phil Price and Sons is doing the installation. The crew started last week and the project should be finished this week. The old pavilion was torn down in order to make room for the new one. The cost of the pavilion is $13,315.

30 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1994

A worker from Helman Construction Concrete Specialists of Warsaw works on the curbing in front of the Milford Post Office Saturday morning. The post office was mandated by the federal government to alter the former wheelchair ramp leading to the sidewalk that aligns its building.

A long access, which will eliminate the 3 1/2 inch step from the sidewalk into the building will be constructed.

Brian Spangle is a new member of the sales staff at Milford

Motors Sales & Service Inc. A lifetime area resident, Spangle is a 1984 graduate of Warsaw Community High School. He previously worked at Lakeside Chevrolet, Warsaw.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 9, 1984

Lana Kay Beer and Michelle Rene Berkey have been designated as valedictorian and salutatorian of this year’s graduating class at Wawasee High School. Miss Beer, daughter of Frank Jr. and Lois Beer, r 1 Milford, plans to attend Purdue University to major in engineering. Miss Berkey, daughter of Stephen and Arlene Berkey, r 4 Syracuse, will attend Indiana University, Bloomington, to major in business.

Gina M. Hurd, daughter of John and Carol Hurd, r 1 box 252, Milford, has been initiated into Alpha Lambda Delta, freshman honor society.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd (Lori) Clouse, r 1 box 123B Milford, are the parents of a son, Christopher Allen, born Friday, May 4, at 8 a.m. in Goshen Hospital. He weighed eight pounds, 2 1/2 ounces and measured 21 1/2 inches long.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 8, 1974

The 50th annual Milford high school alumni banquet will be held at Milford’s junior high school on Saturday, June 8. A social hour will be held at 5 p.m. with a Swiss steak dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. Mark Ramser will serve as master of ceremonies.

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Campbell have purchased Campbell’s Market in Milford from Mr. and Mrs. Campbell’s parents, Mr. and Mrs.

Merle Campbell, Sr., who have operated the popular meat market and grocery on the corner of Main and Emeline streets since 1951. They took possession of the business on April 15, they announced this week in a joint statement.

The 50th anniversary of their marriage will be celebrated by Mr. and Mrs. Royce V. Fuller of Milford on May 25 at a dinner for their family and a few close friends. The Fullers were married May 17, 1924, in Chicago, Ill.

Change of zoning request for Whispering Pines withdrawn

A zoning request by Whispering Springs to rezone 79 acres from agriculture to high-intensity industrial has been withdrawn.

The original zoning request was made before the Noble County Plan Commission during its regular meeting Wednesday, April 17.

Originally, Whispering Springs requested the change in zoning so it could build an expanded facility at 3710 S. SR 5, Pierceton, which would allow the manufacturing of plastic bottles as well as bottled water for sale and distribution.

The property is located in Noble County, just east of the Kosciusko County Line and just north of the Whitley County Line.

In the original plan, Whispering Springs proposed building a 92,000-square-foot building with outdoor storage and two retention ponds.

During the meeting a number

of remonstrators came forward with concerns since the property in question is located just north of the Pisgah Marsh.

Whispering Springs would like to expand its facility to the property since there is a large underground aquifer. Ann Zydek, a resident near the proposed site, was one of the remonstrators. In a phone interview, she said she spoke at the meeting on behalf of several neighbors who were every concerned about the area being polluted since Whispering Springs wanted to manufacture plastic bottles in the plant.

Among their concerns were nano plastics escaping the plant and having a negative impact on humans and animals and semi-traffic leaving the plant. According to Zydek, representatives of Whispering Springs told the plan commission 15 to 20 trucks would be entering or leaving the plant per day at first and that number could increase to 30 trucks a day.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

To address the traffic concerns, representatives of Whispering Springs said traffic would enter and exit the property on SR 5 rather than CR 350. Remonstrators noted that stretch of SR 5 is very hilly and curvy with a number of accidents occurring over the years.

Remonstrators were also concerned about runoff from the plant affecting the marsh. Zydek noted any runoff from the plant was likely to end up in the marsh.

“We need to preserve the marsh for future generations,” she said.

Another concern was the aquifer being drawn down causing issues for neighbors who are on well water.

“This is a glacier area. ... If this part of the state, when you look at a natural resource as a commodity, it (opens up a host) of issues,” Zydek said.

Neighbors of Zydeck believe Whispering Springs taping the aquifer, along with changing weather conditions, may have caused a marsh on their property to dry up.

“Something is changing. We can tell because we’re here,” Zydek said. When it withdrew its zoning request, Whispering Springs informed the Noble County Plan Commission it intended to work on a new plan and present it and a new zoning request sometime in the future.

Tourism brings in millions of dollars to county, commissioners hear

Tourism in Kosciusko County brings in millions of dollars to the local economy.

Monday, May 6, Cori Humes, executive director of the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau, updated the county commissioners on what the KCCVB has been doing to increase travel to the county.

“As you may know, we are the destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Kosciusko County as an attractive destination. We also work hard to enhance Kosciusko’s public image as a dynamic place to live, work and play,” she said.

That’s important because visitors boost the county’s economy and assist in sustaining jobs in the hospitality industry, she said. “That economic impact of travel in Kosciusko County is significant.” The study conducted last year found visitors spent $272 million in Kosciusko communities and supported about 2,548 jobs in hospitality.

“So economic impact is major for our travel and tourism here in Kosciusko County.”

The report also found travel generated about $64.1 million in cash revenues in 2022, which Humes said was a significant bounce back from post-pandemic.

Tourism is invaluable because it enhances quality of life and attracts

and retains talent as well, she stated. The Visitors Center serves as a county resource for the variety of visitors for a variety of reasons.

“We provide outdoor recreation, arts and culture, shopping and dining and so much more to those who are visiting our Visitors Center,” Humes said.

In 2023, visitor traffic increased by about 27%. “So we’re seeing more and more people visit inside the Visitors Center located off U.S. 30,” she continued.

Humes talked about their local, regional and state collaborations to promote the county and their digital and print advertising. Annually, they print their Kosciusko County Visitors Guide, with 50,000 of those distributed across the county and state of Indiana. Several projects have been completed in the past year, including the bureau’s digital sign which partially was funded by county American Rescue Plan Act dollars. They also rebranded to “Clearly Kosciusko.”

“Lastly, we just wanted to say that tourism is an economic driver to Kosciusko, as many of you know,” Humes stated.

In other business, the commissioners approved:

• Kosciusko Area Bus Service’s request to apply for the 2025 Indiana Department of Transportation operating grant, as requested by Marcie Arndt, Cardinal Services vice president of programs.

She said they are requesting $507,836 in federal funds and $253,918 in state funds, subject to change based on INDOT’s approval. KABS will cover the other 25%, which is $253,918. Arndt also introduced Kristin Rude, KABS’ new general manager.

• Emergency Management Agency Director Kip Shuter’s request to update and revise the public safety communication plan. They also approved for Shuter to apply for a $149,481 State Homeland Security Grant for exterior courthouse security cameras. He said they

requested the grant last year but it was denied.

• A memorandum of understanding between the county and Wawasee Community School Corporation, as presented by county attorney Ed Ormsby.

The MOU will allow Wawasee to

APC approves two preliminary plats

Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission approved two cases, denied one and continued another at its meeting Wednesday, May 1.

It also gave a favorable recommendation for a revised cargo box ordinance amendment.

The board approved a case for Morgedy. The petition is for preliminary plat approval for a commercial development on a 18.886 acre tract of ground. The property is located on the east side of SR 13, north of County Road 400N, North Webster, in Tippecanoe Township.

The case was continued from last month. At issue was site visibility at the intersection, mainly due to a hill. A traffic study was also conducted.

While INDOT didn’t make a recommendation, it suggested SR 13 was better for the main entrance and CR 400N be used as a secondary entrance.

Attorney Steve Snyder said he spoke to the county highway superintendent, Steve Moriarty, and he agreed and said SR 13 is a better entrance and exit.

“The visibility we can’t change. We can only conform,” said Snyder.

The board accepted the revised preliminary plat as presented. Loose Moose Motorsports is looking at moving into the property.

Annette Knepper’s petition for preliminary approval for a residential development on 18.8 acres was approved.

The property is located on the west side of EMS C28 Lane, north of EMS C28E Lane in Plain Township. Located near Big Chapman Lake, it is a 19lot residential plat.

One of the issues was drainage easements. There must be specific plans for water run off and how it will be controlled. There will be water retention areas where necessary, said Snyder, who represented Knepper.

“There will be a catch basin,”

he said.

Snyder said all lots will eventually be connected to Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District, possibly in 2025. Holding tanks can be used until that happens, said Snyder.

“This is a straight-forward plat,” said Snyder.

APC Director Matt Sandy read the names of those who said they support the case. The case was approved as presented, noting the sewer and drainage plans.

Robert and Loretta Stutzman petitioned to rezone 11.17 acres from an agricultural district to an agricultural II district.

The property is located on the north side of CR 1100 North, west of SR 19 in Scott Township.

“It is compatible with an ag two subdivision,” said Snyder, the Stutzman’s attorney.

Soil type, however, is an issue due to installing a septic system. Certain soil types must be suitable for a septic system, according to the county

health department.

“I don’t know if we can get a septic system in there,” said Sandy. “That’s one thing we need to find out first.” “Drainage and tile is an issue for me.” said Bob Conley, an APC board member.

The case was continued for up to 60 days in order to get a plan for a septic system.

The board denied a vacation request for Albert Deckys for his property, an alleyway in Atwood, due to two remonstrators’ objections. The case goes to the county commissioners next for its decision.

In other business:

• Approved a final plat on CR 900N, east of SR 13 in Turkey Creek Township for Erlenwein Acres.

• Approved a favorable recommendation for a cargo box ordinance amendment. The next step is for the case to be sent to county commissioners for its decision. The next meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 5.

Engineering firm updates county commissioners on US 30 study

The ProPEL US 30 East study report is still on target to be completed by the end of the year.

Rusty Holt, supervising traffic engineer at WSP, the engineering company studying US 30 East for the Indiana Department of Transportation, reminded the Kosciusko County Commissioners at their meeting Monday, May 6, that the last time they spoke to them was after the purpose and need document last summer.

“A few things have happened since then,” he said. “We made a lot of progress on our study, that’s why we’re making an update on where we’re at and up to.” He said they’ve released the level 2 report on the study at the end of March and had a comment period through April. They’re going to take those comments and use them as they move into level 3 of the study.

“Level 3 will be in the summer and we’re still looking at the end of the year for the full report,” Holt said.

The ProPEL US 30 east study area

extends from Beech Road in Marshall County to the Indiana/Ohio state line in Allen County, with portions of I-69 and I-469 around the north side of Fort Wayne excluded from the study.

Because of the size and complexity of the US 30 corridor, he said they’ve anticipating three screen levels for the alternatives analysis.

Universal Alternatives was published in November. That report was revised with the final version released when the level 2 report was released.

One of the things that appear in the level 2 document is access management, “which is really just a control of how people interact with US 30, whether they access it at a certain point or cross it, so it’s a way to control that access in a way that is safer and provides better mobility for the people nearby.”

Another thing in the report is free-flow facilities. “So it’s the level of access for the facility. A free-flow would have no stop on US 30, so all the traffic signals would be removed and US 30 would not be forced to stop anymore.

The third item in the document is

It happened in Syracuse ... 10 years ago

Neuenschwander chosen as state finalist

10 YEARS AGO, MAY 7, 2014

Laney May Neuenschwander, 9, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Indiana Pageant at the Marriott downtown in Indianapolis. She is the daughter of Ty and Cassie Neuenschwander of Syracuse. Neuenschwander’s activities include run club, beauty pageants and online photo pageants. She also enjoys art, sewing, designing and fashion. Congratulations to town employee Don Robinson on his 20 years of outstanding service to Syracuse, its residents and visitors. He was honored with a cake at work to celebrate. As this winter certainly proved, the town is certainly blessed with dedicated employees.

20 YEARS AGO, MAY 5, 2004

Knights of Columbus Francis Pitka Council 6323 of Syracuse made a contribution to the Wawasee Marching Band in the amount of $1,200. The Knights sponsored a special pancake and sausage breakfast for the band. Presenting the check was Mike DeLucenay of the Knights of Columbus. Accepting the donation were Wawasee Band Booster Treasurer Denise Berning and band director Fred Elliott.

Syracuse American Legion Auxiliary Unit 223 will be sending Laura Bowerman as their delegate to Hoosier Girls State. Hoosier Girls State is a program designed to educate young women, leaders of tomorrow, in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. She is a member of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, the National Honors Society, Future Educators of America, nine-year member of 4-H, Key Club and Drama Club.

30 YEARS AGO, MAY 4, 1994

Bill and Vivian Kern, longtime

residents of Syracuse, have put together an album of old scenes of Wawasee, Syracuse and Papakeechie, which are very interesting to browse through. They have been collecting old photos and postcards for about nine years.

Paul and Lucy Hollar, Oakwood Park, Syracuse residents, recently returned from St. Cloud, Fla. They stopped on the way home at Greenwood to spend a weekend with their daughter, Ginger Lull, and her husband, Lester. They enjoyed attending a jazz concert in which their granddaughter, Trena Lull, sang the main part and also a duet.

40 YEARS AGO, MAY 9, 1984

Lorraine Meek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Edwin Meek, 618 S. Main, Syracuse, was one of the recipients at Fort Wayne Bible College for this year’s American Bible Society national awards for excellence in Bible, theology and Greek. Miss Meek is a 1978 graduate of Wawasee High School and is working toward a bachelor of arts degree in Biblical studies.

Kent Lawson received a gold jazz ensemble award from the Ball State University School of Music. Lawson is a junior majoring in symphonic instruments at the university. A graduate of Wawasee High School, he is the son of Betty Lawson, r 2 Syracuse.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 8, 1974

George Xanders, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Xanders, 178 N. Shore, Dr., Syracuse, has been named to the dean’s list at Wittenberg University for the winter term, of the 1973-74 academic year. Mrs. Lulu Francis returned to her Syracuse home this week following a winter stay at Lake Worth, Fla. The Verne Platz family of Indianapolis have also returned to their r 4 Syracuse home for the season.

intersection improvements, whether it’s just a proposal to upgrade an existing intersection in some way, all the way up to an alternative intersection such as a reduced conflict intersection, roundabout, etc.

The other thing in the report is crossroad overpasses and underpasses where they wouldn’t have access to US 30 anymore but traffic could cross the highway without stopping and US 30 traffic wouldn’t have to stop. “And then converting an intersection to an interchange, which we all know what interchanges are,” Holt said. There were 55 improvement alternatives that came out of level 1, with 17 of those classified as primary and secondary. Primary and secondary are the ones that are practical and meet the purpose and need and goals that were identified in the study, he said.

Level 2 was where the evaluations of those began. “We had a five-step process for each of those intersections. We looked at the same five steps for each one of them, just to make sure we were treating them all equally. We answered the same ques-

tions for each one,” he said. “The 31 primary intersections are the most important roadways in the study area, where people access and interact with US 30 the most. So all the signalized intersections, as well as anything that’s classified as a major collector or an arterial.”

Of the 31 primary intersections, he said 23 are signalized. He then reviewed the five-step process. The first step is trying to determine which of the 17 primary and secondary alternatives are applicable at one intersection. “Some of them you would have to implement at multiple intersections; since we’re not doing that at level 2, we’re just going to look at that at level 3,” he said, leaving 10 of the 17. Of those 10, in step two, they looked at ones that change the traffic-control type — things that change how traffic interacts with US 30. Step three was “taking those traffic control decisions and working through a decision tree with yes or no answers to figure out which type of traffic control works at each intersec-

tion and which ones don’t.”

Step four was looking at each individual intersection and expanding on “the things that come out of step three. So step four would say, if it’s a signalized improvement, here are five types of signalized improvements, which ones work and which ones don’t.”

For step five, anything that came out of step four would be provided a high level of a conceptual footprint of what the improvement might look like by area of impact basis, “not the actual improvement itself but how big the improvement would be,” Holt said.

From those five steps, he said they developed a table that ranks each alternative and gave it an assessment, whether it’s a low, medium or high impact; the purpose and need identified; as well as environmental, human, right-of-way and cost impacts.

Heading to level 3 of the study, Holt said everything that came out of level 2 will move into level 3.

“It will take each individual intersection, group them together in 3- to 5-mile segments and see how things work together,” he said.

Holt said they are continuing to hold office hours on the study and take comments on the website. Level 3 is expected to be published this summer.

After Holt was finished with his update, County Commissioner Bob Conley spoke out against J-turns, saying “nobody in this world would ever want one,” with Commissioner Brad Jackson agreeing with him. Holt said there have been a handful of comments that expressed some appreciation for J-turns as they do improve safety in certain circumstances.

Commissioner Cary Groninger asked about the study of intersections that weren’t labeled as primary. Holt said in level 3, every intersection in the study area will be reviewed. “Every intersection will have some sort of recommendation inside the improvement packages,” he said. Groninger also talked about the importance of US 30 as a freight corridor, as well as its importance to the small towns of Etna Green and Pierceton as US 30 runs through those towns.

L.I.T.E. opens second location downtown Warsaw

Living in Transition Effectively celebrated its second location at 121 W. Center St., Warsaw, Monday, May 6, with a ribbon-cutting with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

Tammy Cotton, founder and executive director of L.I.T.E., said services started April 1 at the Warsaw location. L.I.T.E. is a regional recovery hub, which is a designation through the state, so they oversee six counties: St. Joe, Elkhart, Marshall, Fulton, Cass and Kosciusko.

“We’re also a recovery community organization, which is another designation. And we have the Lighthouse Recovery Women’s Home next to the (Milford Method-

ist) Meeting House, which is where our Recovery Café is,” she said.

In September, L.I.T.E. opened The Recovery Café in Milford.

There are six staff member. Most, but not all, are peer coaches, which, Cotton said, means the peer coach meets weekly with the client oneon-one and walks them through their journey in recovery. That could mean they go with the client to court or The Bowen Center, helping them find treatment or getting the client into a recovery program, helping them with a budget or holding them accountable.

“This is life stuff,” Cotton said.

L.I.T.E. decided to open a second location due to the need. One of the big barriers to finding resources is transportation, so not everyone

Public Notice

LEGAL NOTICE

The North Central Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Bremen Public Schools, Rochester Community Schools, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation, Warsaw Community Schools, Wawasee Community Schools, Whitko School Corporation) hereby announces its intent to destroy confidential educational records, having been collected and maintained for the purpose of providing special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Indiana State Board of Education, Article 7, for all students whose year of birth is 1997 or before. All personally

who needs L.I.T.E’s services can get to Milford, Cotton said. They also wanted to be close to the Kosciusko County Jail as their services started within the jail. They wanted some sort of safety net for those coming out of jail.

She hopes L.I.T.E. can provide more collaboration, more support for people trying to find their recovery and reduce recidivism.

All of L.I.T.E’s services are free, as the organization is funded through grants and private donations. People can stop by the Warsaw location and meet with Shelly Metzger, peer navigator who will soon be a peer coach, and she can refer the client to a peer coach and “get them on their way.”

L.I.T.E. doesn’t have hours of operation for the Warsaw location yet. Cotton said they’ll see what the need is first. People can call (574) 306-0006.

Cinnamon toast and campfires memorialize every summer at Camp Alexander Mack

Text and Photos

Along a slate blue wall in the John Kline Welcome Center at Camp Alexander Mack is the famous recipe for Camp Mack cinnamon toast. The ingredients include one loaf of sliced white bread, one cup of melted butter, two cups of white sugar and 1/4 cup of ground cinnamon. “This is, by far, the most popular breakfast item,” said Todd Eastis, assistant executive director. The framed recipe is among the many pictures and mementos that form a camp timeline marking memories from the founding of the camp in 1925 through the current camp season.

Camp Alexander Mack, only six miles from Syracuse, is the home of the Schultz Chapel, the Wampler Retreat Center, the Sarah Major Lodge, the Ulrich Lodge, the Mission Village Yurts and the Quinter-Miller Auditorium. Cabins are sprinkled around the property in circles fronting a campfire area. Several camps are offered over the summer including family camps, overnight camps, eco camps and specialty camps. “Eco campers stay in the 115acre wilderness area and cook their own meals. A big treat for them is to cook a chicken in a

pit,” said Eastis. “I came to Camp Mack as a camper when I was a freshman in high school because they had a worship arts and music camp. I was in band and so enjoyed music. It was the perfect fit for me,” said Eastis. Eastis emphasized that Camp Mack is all about finding the perfect fit for kids. “The rock wall is an activity that campers in the upper elementary and middle schools do. It is a fun challenge. We work with kids to figure out their goals, big or little. We want to meet kids where they are in all their experiences at camp.”

A big campfire the first night at camp is traditional. Staffers pop popcorn and the kids sing songs to get the energy going. More popcorn popping sessions follow during the week with s’mores added for an extra treat. The evening sunsets on the east side of the lake are spectacular. For some campers, the day begins with a dip in Waubee Lake or a morning Bible study. “Waubee has a 10 mph speed limit, so we do not have to worry about fast boats. It is a smaller lake with a neighborhood feel,” said Eastis. After a morning swim and breakfast, campers disperse to their various activities ranging from crafts and water sports to hiking on the trails around the lake and through the wilderness area. Eastis says the camp has something

for everyone.

Lunch and dinner is a together-time for campers as they meet for family-style meals at the big round tables in the massive Kate Warstler Dining Center. “Chicken tenders, mac and cheese and fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies are favorites,” said Eastis.

Next year, Camp Mack turns 100 years old and the camp will celebrate all year beginning with a summer staff reunion in December of 2024 and special monthly events through November 2025. The camp is located at 1113 E. Camp Mack Road in Milford.

Idols for destruction

Whatever you spend your time and energy pursuing — whatever it is that brings you the most fulfillment in your life — chances are that that is also the most precious to you, and can be considered to be your ‘telos’ — that is, your purpose, goal — your ultimate end.

In a book entitled, “We Become What We Worship,” GK Beale wrote that idolatry brings with it a sort of “sensory organ malfunction.” In other words, the more idolatry, the more like those idols you become. As a result, you end up seeing but not perceiving, touching but unfeeling, hearing but not understanding, and so forth.

Israel had become like this with her massive idolatry, when Isaiah prophesied in 6:9-10, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; keep on looking, but do not understand.’ Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim...” God hates idolatry not only because it attempts to take from

Him His rightful place of worship, but also because it utterly destroys everything in its path. Hosea 8:4: “They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction.” Some have said that the family can be an idol. Meh... Or golf or video games. Now, that is possible. But just because something gives you lawful pleasure — something you like — doesn’t automatically make it idolatry (and we need more godly families.)

Rousis Rushdooney wrote: “Because God is God, the absolute Lord and lawgiver, fear of God is the essence of sanity and common sense. To depart from a fear of God is to lack any sense of reality.” God’s people are not to be insane. False gods always promise big, but they can never deliver. They may even start out as fun and pleasurable, but always at a price. Calvin famously wrote, “man’s nature is a perpetual factory of idols.” For something to be considered idolatrous doesn’t automatically mean that it’s

Around The Lakes

OGA CLASSES are offered at the North Webster Community Center from 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The drop-in rate is $5 per session. For more information, call Norma Monik at (574) 529-4284. Pictured from left are Trudy Hall, Mary Huber, Norma Monik, Jan Lantz, Betty Wills, and Sally Miller.

SYRACUSE PUBLIC Library’s In the Garden group is seeking native plant donations to fill its memorial garden for long-time SPL librarian Becky Brower. The group has a very specific list of native plants it would like to include in the garden, which is accessible at syracuse.lib.in.us/ news/seeking-native-plants-for-beckys-garden. If you want to donate any of these plants, email Sarah Wright at swright@syracuse.lib.in.us.

They are trying to fit as many items into a limited space and will coordinate plant donations once they know what people have.

NWCC IS getting its activities and events for summer scheduled. Do you have a great idea on summer activities you’d like to see the community center do for ages 0-100? If so, the staff would love to hear from you. Call or email the center at (574) 834-1600 or info@nwcommunitycenter.com with any ideas, or check out the NWCC Facebook page to make a comment or suggestion.

MILFORD HAS announced that town-wide garage sales will be coming up Memorial Day weekend, May 23-27. There is no cost for a permit, however there is a $3 charge to be included on the garage sale map. You can sign up at town hall in the clerk’s office.

IN PREPARATION for Memorial Day, members of Auxiliary Unit 223 decorated The Mail-Journal’s office window in Syracuse for Poppy Days, which are Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, and Memorial Day, May 27. Thank you Janna Stollery and Robin Youngs for the beautiful job!

THE NORTH Webster Community Public Library will be closed all day Friday, May 10, for a staff training day. The library will resume normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11. —o—

SHEILA CLASSEN, local coordinator for International Cultural Exchange Services, is looking for Warrior host families for exchange students coming in August. The students include a young man from Italy and a young lady from Spain. If you are are interested in hosting or would like more information, (574) 529-1340 or sclaassen@icesusa.org. —o—

DO YOU have stuff to get rid of but don’t want to have a garage/yard sale? If you would like to donate items to the Milford Food Bank’s sale on May 25, bring your items to Bill Doege on a Monday or a Friday between 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The last day to take donations will be Monday, May 20.

PASTOR TIM BUSHONG cultic or ritualistic. When I challenge anyone’s unspoken and unproven assumptions, what I’m really doing is challenging the foundations of their unacknowledged religion. Any believe system is in this category when it has a theory of knowledge, an authoritative literature, a set of values, and an eschatology. Something is at the top of this pyramid, as it were, and the Bible says that if it’s not God at the top, it’s an idol.

THE WAWASEE High School greenhouse and plant science classes have been hard at work planting and caring for the items for this year’s plant sale. The greenhouse is packed full.

The students not only grow their own plants for sale but also for Harvest Market in Milford to help support scholarships that go to Wawasee students. The sale has been going on this week, but will continue from 3:05-5 p.m. today and tomorrow, May 8-9, at the high school greenhouse.

Items offered include hanging baskets, petunia pots, vegetable and flower starts, tomato and pepper plants, herbs, aloe and random succulents. Check out the sale’s Facebook post on MyWawasee.com for a plant availability list, which is updated each morning of the sale.

SINCE CHAUTAUQUA-WAWASEE’S springtime “Points of Interest” cruise has sold out, they want to make sure you don’t “miss the boat” this autumn. The fall “Then and Now” Cruise is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26.

It’s never too early to purchase your cruise tickets as these sell out quickly. You can get them at eventbrite.com/e/wawasee-then-now-historicalcruise-tickets.

THE AMERICAN Legion in North Webster will present “Celebrate with the Post 253” on Armed Forces Day Saturday, May 18. A presentation begins at 3:30 p.m. and Russ Chandler will perform from 4-6 p.m. This is a free event.

The Legion will have a Mother’s Day Buffet from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 12. Euchre will be played at noon Tuesday, May 14, at the Legion.

SYRACUSE PUBLIC Library will welcome former Indiana Poet Laureate Shari Wagner for a special writing workshop at 1 p.m. Friday, May 24, in the downstairs meeting room. The workshop’s theme is “Poetry as Memoir: Exploring the Terrain.”

Workshop participants will discover surprising details and insights as they explore memory’s terrain with the tools of the poet. This session will suit people interested in writing poetry or memoirs. SPL received a grant from the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards, powered by Indiana Humanities, to present this workshop.

The library will provide snacks and other refreshments. For information, contact adult services librarian Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib.in.us, or communications specialist Sarah Wright at swright@syracuse.lib.in.us. You can also call the library at (574) 457-3022.

They are looking for good, usable, working items, toys, small furniture items are acceptable. They do not want couches, recliners, beds, mattresses or anything broken or that is missing pieces or parts. Gently used children’s clothing will be accepted, but not adult clothes. If you have questions, email Doege at milfordfoodbank@gmail.com.

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LOOKING FOR a job? Check the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. Several local businesses are looking for help. In addition, the Syracuse Parks Department is looking for lifeguards for the summer season, and is offering $20 an hour.

THE 15TH annual Dixie Day is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 in North Webster. Craft vendors are being sought for the day. Visit northwebster.com/events to download an application to be a vendor. Booth space is $50. For more information, email nwdixieday@gmail.com.

THE SYRACUSE Sons of the American Legion will be hosting a blood drive from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, May 10. The drive will be held at the Syracuse Community Center, in Celebration Hall. Call (800) 733-2757 or visit RedCrossBlood. org and enter amisy to schedule an appointment.

MILFORD LIONS Club had special speaker Brooks Willams from Lake City Bank give updated educational information about modern styles of banking to help keep Milford Lions Club on the cutting edge with all it is involved in.

“Milford Lions Club is striving to keep progressing forward and updated in all we are involved with for our community,” said the club’s president, Lisa Ensz, who is pictured on the left with Willams.

ROMP AND Roll Camp will be June 4-6 at North Webster Community Center. There are morning and evening classes available. Registration is now open. There are limited spots available. To register, visit nwcommunitycenter.org or call (574) 834-1600. The cost is $25. —o—

SHRED EVENT 2024 is just around the corner, and the Syracuse Parks and Recreation department is thrilled to invite the public to join them in the event. It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18, at the Schrock Athletic Complex, 12166 N. Kern Road, Syracuse.

This is not only a great opportunity to safely destroy documents, but it’s also for a good cause. Those participating are asked to donate a minimum of