The Mail-Journal - June 5, 2024

GRADUATION

Wawasee High School’s graduation was Sunday, June 2 and 220 students received their diplomas. As they walked off the stage, they shook hands

WHS bids farewell to class of 2024

Text and Photos

The Wawasee High School class of 2024 turned their tassels and graduated Sunday, June 2, with 220 graduating seniors receiving their diplomas.

Student speakers during the school’s 56th commencement

exercises included valedictorian, Senate Shaw, and salutatorian, Allison Clark, who gave their speeches to a packed gym. The school was filled with fellow students, family and faculty.

Clark thanked those who supported her the last four years. She said when she was a freshman she was terrified.

But she tried tennis, where she eventually met her best friend.

“I’ve changed and learned a lot,” she said. “I took risks, made new friends and took up a new hobby.”

She said do not have “doubt or fear, continue taking risks and make yourselves uncomfortable.”

Sheriff’s office to contract with Extra Duty Solutions for community use of off-duty officers

When the community needs the use of off-duty officers for events, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office has found a solution to help manage the requests.

Duty Solutions. Extra Duty Solutions will take what we set within our parameters, they will relate to that venue and they will set” it up, he said.

“Change is a catalyst for growth,” he said. “Courage is a catalyst for change. We Continued on page 2

Senate Shaw said he moved to Syracuse from Texas four years ago. He did not know anyone and didn’t like Indiana at first; however, he said he is grateful now, and he even took up cross country. He gave the seniors some advice.

‘High school build’ to begin this summer

School

rent career technical education building. The nursing program, CTE administration and the Chartreuse Art Gallery will move into the area currently housing the choir, band and orchestra rooms inside WHS. Culinary arts will also be moved into that area, gaining a new kitchen in the process. The space in which the current auditorium is located will be converted to classrooms, and a new addition will be constructed on the north west side of the building. The new, two-story addition will take out the social studies block, hence the need for additional classrooms.

The new classrooms will be located where the current surge area is now, across from where audiences enter the auditorium.

“The performing arts addition is

construction is complete.

Wawasee School Corporation has started a new $35 million renovation project at Wawasee High School which will see more space allocated to CTE programs, new classrooms and a new performing arts center.

The project started this week. Graphic provided by Wawasee Community Schools. the end result to a chain reaction,” explained Emily Worrell, director of communications and marketing for Wawasee Community Schools.

The project is the direct result of the community engagement project the school corporation conducted last year to create a list of priorities for the district.

The community engagement project brought together people representing all aspects of the community for five weeks to walk through each facility, looking at the budget and what priorities within the district should be addressed.

Those representatives then broke into work groups for work sessions to come up with a list of needs, such as renovations at Milford Elementary School and finding more space for the CTE program at the high school.

“Our CTE program has grown significantly and we need the space,” Worrell said. The new build project, which will cost approximately $35 million, will not result in an increase in taxes or require a referendum.

Dr. Brandon Penrod, director of finance for Wawasee Community Schools, explained the project is tax neutral for a variety of reasons such as assessed value going up and debt falling off, allowing for new debt to be added without affecting the tax rate.

“It’s a really cool project, Milford School will be too,” Penrod said. “What the architect has done is gorgeous.”

The Wawasee Community School Board and Dr. Stephen Troyer, school superintendent, felt this was a window of opportunity to make significant investments into school facilities. The district had debt that is being paid off so the school corporation is able to do this project, along with the Milford Elementary School project, without raising the school tax rate. Both projects allow the district to prioritize academic needs with upgrades to two of facilities that need the most attention.

“We are excited to have the support of both the school board and the community as a whole as we look to the future at Wawasee Schools,” Troyer said.

Acknowledging $35 million is a lot of money, Penrod said it would be well spent, “for everything that is being done and the number of students it will impact.”

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith told the Kosciusko County Commissioners on Tuesday that Lt. Mike Mulligan has been working on a program the last several months called Extra Duty Solutions in regards to filling the needs the community has for off-duty officers.

“This is a system that will be conducive to filling those needs, but I think it will be beneficial to the county,” Smith said.

Mulligan explained Extra Duty Solutions was developed by a retired police officer who dealt with all the extra duty details such as weddings, graduations and “any kind of party somebody wants to have.”

He said the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office will sign an agreement with Extra Duty Solutions, which is month to month and no cost to the KCSO or the county.

“When someone calls in for a venue security-style detail, they will be forwarded to this Extra

A text message will go out to law enforcement officers that want to be involved and who signed up with Extra Duty Solutions.

Mulligan said Extra Duty Solutions “takes care of handling all the money transactions, they pay the officers upfront. If the venue doesn’t pay, then Extra Duty Solutions will go after that venue for their payment, but the officers are already paid.”

One of the nice things about the program, he said, is that he knows Winona Lake is currently on board with it. “If we have a detail that we can’t get filled, within our parameters, then (Extra Duty Solutions) will send it out to other departments and make sure that the details are filled for the community. They manage all of it, and they pay our guys and then they send us a 1099 at the end of the year,” Mulligan said.

Commissioner Bob Conley said he thought the Indiana State Police did something similar and it’s highly successful for them.

Worrell noted these funds are not educational funds, so they cannot be used towards teacher pay. The funds freed up by the debt cliff are allocated for capital projects.

“We’re getting the most bang for our buck with this build,” Worrell said.

Penrod encourages everyone to keep up to date with the project by attending school board meetings and through social media. The next school board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the Professional Learning Center, 801 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse.

Syracuse beautification committee off to a great start

The Syracuse Beautification Committee is off to a great start this summer. The committee, overseen by Syracuse Town Manager David Wilkinson, is made up of chamber members, town council members and individual volunteers.

The committee started meeting last November and meets once a month.

Those traveling through Wawasee Village will see the banners are back up along with new flower pots. Wilkinson said the veteran banners were up most of last year. They will return closer to Veterans Day. The banners that were recently put up were pulled out of storage. Along with the banners are 53 flower pots on brackets. Fashion Farm provided the pots while Dynamic Landscaping planted them. The hanging flower pots and banners run from Crosson Mill Park to the south edge of town.

Councilwoman Cindy Kaiser noted she had calls from several people complimenting the flower baskets. Next on the committee’s agen-

da are new way finder signs that will be updated to point visitors to the many amenities in Syracuse. Last week the beautification committee along with several volunteers cleaned up under the billboard near Wawasee High School. And, a subcommittee is already working on providing improved Christmas decorations. The beautification committee is also responsible for the town’s facade grant. This is a matching grant for up to $5,000 to assist a local business in improving its building facade. So far the committee has awarded two $5,000 grants and is currently reviewing a third.

Facade grants were awarded to the new owners of the Old Polar Kraft complex and Krista Lynn Deigns. Wilkinson said he expects the facade grant fund to run out of money as it gains in popularity. He is already preparing to ask the Syracuse Town Council for more funding. Anyone interested in donating to the Syracuse Beautification Fund is asked to contact Wilkinson at (574) 457-3348 or townmanager@syracusein.org.

Commissioners OK salary analysis with financial group

One of the largest expenses for Kosciusko County government is its employee salaries and wages.

The county commissioners Tuesday, June 4, unanimously approved a request by Kosciusko County Council President Mike Long and Vice President Kathy Groninger, on behalf of the council, for a $15,000 salary analysis by Reedy Financial Group P.C.

The county already is paying Reedy Financial Group $60,000 for 2024 for financial consulting, and about half that amount for six months of service in 2023.

“This salary analysis would include, but not limited to ... assistance in the establishment of wages for the annual budget. This process includes various wage data from the county auditor to formulate the following: the estimated dollar amount effect that the proposed wage proposal for the ensuing year budget and

projected years. This includes estimates for salary, retirement/ PERF, Social Security, Medicare and two integrational wage proposal into the financial plan, and three, estimated long-term impact to the county’s operating funds,” Long said. A presentation on the analysis was briefly given at the council and commissioners joint meeting two weeks ago.

Commissioner Cary Groninger said, “I feel like this is something that is going to give the county the tools they need to better understand when they give a raise the impact to the long-term operating funds. I think once all this information is programmed in and established, then as we move forward, it’ll be a part of” the county’s annual review system.

Commissioner Brad Jackson said he knew Long was negotiating with Reedy on the cost for the analysis and Jackson wanted to know where they landed on a price. Long said $15,000, though

he pushed for $12,500. The $15,000 is a one-time fee.

Jackson said Long was going to do a straw poll — not an official vote — on the analysis with the county council members. He asked how that went.

Long said the feeling is that the majority of the county council is in support of it, but it has not been brought before the council for formal consideration in a formal vote. The county council meets for their information-gathering meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday and their regular meeting at 6 p.m. June 13.

County Councilwoman Sue Ann Mitchell, who also is the Republican nominee for northern district county commissioner, also attended Tuesday’s commissioner meeting.

“I just want to be sure that what we’re getting is what we need,” she said.

Mitchell said it was critical and important that they have a list of exactly what Reedy is going to

Sheriff’s office

Continued from page 1

“It just takes a lot of work off of any county employees who are now handling all the overtime details, and it lets this company manage everything,” Mulligan said. “I’ve reached out to several different departments - Tippecanoe County, they use; Ligonier Police Department; Fulton County - and every one of them have had nothing but good things to say about it.” Smith said an important piece to it is “the collaboration that Mike’s done with all the different agencies - Warsaw Police Department included. I don’t like not

being able to fill some of those needs, and we’ve had to turn people away just because we can’t get any interest from the department. Now, with going with this program, it affords us the ability to, we may not be able to fill it with our department, but we can pass it on to another agency that may have an officer that’s willing to go work that. We’re still filling the needs, but we’re kind of sharing it.” He said it’s very user friendly and he didn’t see any negatives with it. All the police chiefs see the need for it.

Commissioner Cary Groninger made the motion to approve the contract and authorizing the sheriff’s department to sign that contract. The motion passed 3-0.

provide so the county knows what it is getting for its $15,000. She said she supported the analysis, with some caveats.

Long said it was his understanding that there would be a two-week turnaround with the analysis, so it was still possible it could be used for the planning of the 2025 budget.

Commissioner Bob Conley questioned the value of what Reedy was going to provide that the county didn’t already have.

“What’s this project going to do for us that we’re not already doing?” he said, adding that elected officials put together a budget every year.

Kathy Groninger said Reedy will put all the information in a matrix for the county’s continued and future use. Long said it will be tied into the long-term goals of the county.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved a request from Suzie Light, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation interim co-CEO, for KEDCO to use money from KEDCO’s special projects fund in the commission-

ers budget.

“I was here a month ago explaining our Q1 (quarter one) progress, and these dollars are to support the work that was done during quarter one and a portion of quarter two,” she said.

Commissioner Brad Jackson asked if the funds were for the CR 1300N project. Light said yes, as well as work that was done on entrepreneurship and work that was done in the county regarding housing.

The request total of $119,220.63 is out of the current budget line item of $250,000 for KEDCO special projects.

• Approved a maintenance agreement with Advance Product Group, which is New Paris Telephone, for the county’s phone system throughout every county building, as requested by County Administrator Marsha McSherry’s request. The annual contract this year is for $16,030.06, about a $1,000 increase from last year.

• Approved two change orders for the Justice Building renovation project, phase 3, adding $1,575 and $7,539, as requested by McSherry.

WHS bids farewell

Continued from page 1

must always have courage. “To change it takes courage and growth.”

Also Senate’s brother, Summit Shaw, student body president, gave his address. He said he is certain “we will positively con-

tribute to our communities.”

The invocation was given by Nathan Harper, student body vice president.

Principal Geoff Walmer gave his farewell address to the class of 2024. He noted the set of twins — nine to be exact — that were

Milford launches new customer bill payment portal

The Town of Milford announced the launch of its new online bill payment customer portal. Milford residents can now enjoy a modernized payment experience with updated payment methods, channels and enhanced communications features.

By upgrading from its legacy system to the new customer portal from the industry’s best in class electronic bill presentment and payment provider, Paymentus, Milford now provides a host of features to make receiving, managing and paying bills easier than ever. The new customer portal offers:

• Expanded credit card options including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express;

• Popular digital wallets including PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Amazon Pay;

• AutoPay to drive added convenience;

• eBills delivered by both text and email;

• Walmart Bill Pay for cash-preferred customers.

“We really wanted to expand our offerings to give our residents the ability to pay how they want, when they want,” said Milford Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall. “The new customer portal takes us well beyond checks and money orders, and really helps us maximize the power of our online portal. We are very excited to give all of our residents a modern experience that we believe will exceed expectations.”

Recent research has shown that consumers increasingly prefer using credit and debit cards to pay their bills, while digital wallet usage continues to grow, especially among younger customers. These mobile-first payment types offer anytime, anywhere convenience, proven to raise customer satisfaction.

There is no service fee added when using the payment portal.

Visit milford-indiana.org to learn more.

• Declined the bid from Office Interiors for $158,804.99 for furniture for part of the Justice Building. She asked the commissioners to accept the Business Furnishings bid of $209,917.46, and stated the commissioners have reviewed the furnishings and material. The commissioners accepted the bid from Business Furnishings.

• Approved an ordinance establishing a donation fund for the Kosciusko County Community Recovery Program, as requested by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office Matron Michelle Hyden.

• Appointed Rosa Ritchie to the Lakeland Regional Sewer District Board of Trustees, as recommended by Jim Haney, LRSD. She will finish out the remainder of Richard Dan’s appointment, which expires in April 2026. Dan resigned in March for personal reasons.

• Heard a request from Chris Nusbaum, Chapman Regional Sewer District, to include 5K Happy Landings No. 4, lots 1-19, in the sewer district. The commissioners approved the request.

graduating, possibly a record. He said COVID hit four years ago when the seniors were freshmen. He noted some statistics that have been accomplished or goals to be reached.

“You are working to become the No. 1 school in Indiana,” Walmer said of the students.

He said from 2018 to 2019, WHS was ranked the No. 12,399 high school in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report, when the students were in seventh grade. Now, he said, WHS is ranked 5,434, surpassing 6,965 schools. Of those schools, 191 are in Indiana. WHS has gone from being ranked 313 to 122 in the state.

Walmer noted an increase in SAT scores by an average of 32 points, while the state’s score decreased by 25 points as did the nation’s by 8 points.

“Those don’t happen by accident,” he said. “You, the class of 2024, are prepared for excellence.” Dr. Steve Troyer, superintendent, also spoke. He thanked faculty, parents, families and community members for “your dedication to these graduates.” He said among the senior students, 26 graduated with highest distinction, seven graduated with distinction, 20 received technical honor diplomas, 58 received academic honors diplomas and 11 got academic and technical honors diplomas.

The presentation of diplomas was conducted by Walmer and Nick Feldman, a WHS teacher.

The Wawasee Choir sung the national anthem and “Wawasee High School Hymn,” led by Amy (Coy) Matherly.

Obituaries

Gregory S. Guthrie

U.S. Army Veteran

Gregory S. Guthrie, 54, Warsaw, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024. He was born Nov. 6, 1969, in Kearney, Neb., to Ronald and Colleen (Grant) Guthrie. Gregory married Crystal Guthrie on June 17, 2020; she survives. Passionate, devoted and hardworking: Gregory’s best qualities led him to succeed at whatever he did. He graduated from Iowa City West High School and went on to honorably serve his country during the Gulf War in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division. Later, he became a plant manager for Chore-Time Brock, where he worked for over 22 years. Gregory was gravitational. He was often the center of attention in the best way, as others were always drawn to him and his massive sense of humor. He took great joy in making others laugh, never wanting anyone to worry about him. Most of all, Gregory loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. It didn’t matter at all what they were doing, just so long as they were together.

Gregory will be greatly missed by his wife, Crystal; a son, Michael (Amanda Yuszchak) Guthrie of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Kayla Guthrie of New Castle, Del.; daughter, Tyla Timmerman of Warsaw; a sister, Lisa (Jay) Warran of Hortense, Ga.; a brother, Stephen (Linda) Guthrie of Tipton; granddaughter, Harlynn Guthrie; niece, Johanna Killingbeck; and nephews, Declan Warran and Zach Treadway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Colleen Guthrie.

Gregory will be laid to rest at Milford Cemetery with military honors at a later date.

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared online at heritage-fcs.com.

Betty J. Myers

Betty J. Myers, Keizer, Ore., formerly of Milford, died Sunday, June 2, 2024, at her home.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Mark Mayhew

Mark Mayhew, 57, Syracuse died unexpectedly Monday, June 3, 2024. Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Births

Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association preserves Indiana’s deepest natural lake

The Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners was originally formed in 1944 as the Lake Tippecanoe Protective Association, with the mission of preserving the health and beauty of the lake.

Today, that is still its primary goal, but its mission statement has been expanded and rewritten in keeping with the challenges of the modern day. It reads: “To preserve and protect the ecology; encourage only those uses of property around the lake, which will produce a positive impression and a positive environmental impact; to prevent dangerous, injurious, or noxious conditions, such as pollution, unsanitary conditions, or overcrowding on land or water.”

The LTPO is made up of lake residents. There’s about 1,500 homes between Lake Tippecanoe, James Lake and Oswego Lake.

Lake Tippecanoe is the deepest natural lake in Indiana, with a maximum depth of 122 feet. As such, the LTPO does a lot to protect its ecology. They have a strategic plan with points, including pollution control, water safety, flood prevention and lake enhancement.

Aden Josiah Hochstetler Willis and Jolene (Girod) Hochstetler, Syr cuse, are the parents of a son, Aden Josiah, born at 4:02 a.m. June 2, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces, and was 19 3/4 inches long.

One of the LTPO’s top priorities in preserving the lake is weed control. If left untreated, weeds like starry stonewort and curly pondweed can choke out native plants and wildlife, killing a lake’s natural ecosystem.

Along with environmental awareness, the LTPO also promotes safety. LTPO runs a boater

safety course at Patona Bay, as well as an online course. A safety patrol makes sure boaters are following safety regulations every year from late May to September. The LTPO encourages everyone, including non-residents, to partici-

Lakeland Youth Center activity calendar

The Lakeland Youth Center offers activities and sport teams to keep children active this summer break. New programs are being added as needed, so be sure to keep your eyes on the Lakeland

Summer reading underway at Milford Public Library

“Adventure begins at your Library” is the theme for the summer reading program at the Milford Public Library and the adventure has begun. The summer reading program runs from June 3 to July 20 and is for ages from infant to 12th grade. Everyone can participate as children and teens are asked to keep track of every 20 minutes that they read on their time sheet. You can turn in a maximum of five hours per week for elementary ages and five hours a day for teenagers. The more your read the more you win, with prizes vary from food coupons, free books, gift cards and sweet treats. Family story time is back at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays. A family can earn up to seven free books just by attending each of the summer story times. Friday, June 7 is

the first of the seven weeks parents can register at the children’s circulation desk.

Other main events include a stuffed animal overnight adventure at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. The stuffed animals may be picked up the following day. Picture books of your stuffed animals’ adventure will be available the following Monday, June 17. Scott Schaffer’s Budgies program is Thursday, June 13 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 19 at 2 p.m. is Professor Steve’s Science Adventure.

The week of June 24-29 will sport a family escape room. A sign-up sheet for time slots will be available at the adult circulation desk.

Two camels will be on hand for a visit in the Meet and Greet a

Camel event on Wednesday, June 26 at 2 p.m. Learn what camels eat and more.

Wednesday, July 3, at 2 p.m. is Egyptian Food and Fun.

A cupcake decorating adventure is set for Wednesday, July 10th at 2 p.m.

The summer reading program grand finale at noon Wednesday, July 17, is the Pizza-O-Rama event. Foam and bubbles from Foamzilla is at 1 p.m.

The free lunch program is back with a few changes. Lunch will be served weekdays from July 3 and ending July 31 from 11-11:30 a.m. Lunch will not be served the week of July 1-5. Lunch will be outside, weather permitting, and is for ages 18 and younger.

For more information, visit the Milford Public Library website at Milford.lib.in.us.

Waubee Lake Flotilla July 6

Last year’s Waubee Lake Flotilla was the first ever held by the Waubee Lake Association. The association, which is dedicated to managing and maintaining the viability of the lake, chose a patriotic theme for the first flotilla outing and focused on honoring veterans.

This year’s theme is “Favorite Summer Pastime.” The flotilla will start at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6. Participants will line up just west of the boat launch, at the beachfront facing Camp Mack. Boats will proceed east along the lake’s north shore. The winner of the flotilla will receive a gift card for Harvest Coffee. Anyone wishing to compete for the prize must pre-register. Com-

peting isn’t necessary to be part of the flotilla. Those that register will receive a number that can be hung on the port (left) side of the boat for easy identification. Numbers will be dropped off to registrants during the week. To register, call or text (574) 5281085.

Youth Center’s facility calendar, lakelandyouthin.myrec.com/info/ calendar/default.aspx.

To register for a class or sport or to find out more information, visit lakelandyouthin.myrec.com/ info/default.aspx or call Lakeland Youth Center at (574) 457-3055.

Registration and fees may also be dropped off at the Lakeland Youth Center during its office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lakeland Youth Center offers a step-by-step how-to guide on online registering at lakelandyouthin.myrec.com/info/tutorial/. Through Thursday, July 25, a summer crafts class will be held from 9:30-11 a.m in the preschool room. The theme and craft varies from week to week. The craft schedule is available to view and register for at lakelandyouthin.myrec.com/info/default.aspx. Crafts are subject to change due to availability. Registration deadline for fall soccer is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. The first game of the season will be Saturday, Sept. 7. The

season will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 12. Practices and games are held at Wawasee Middle School. There are four divisions: peewee; kindergarten and first grade; second and third grade; fourth and fifth grade. Girls and boys grades preschool to fifth grade are able to sign up to play. Team shirts will be provided by LYC but players must provide their own shin guards and they are mandatory. Registration deadline for fall flag football is 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. The first game of the season will be Saturday, Sept. 7. The season will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 12. Each team will play games during the regular season and conclude with playoffs and a Super Bowl to determine the champion. Games will be held on Saturday mornings. All games and practices will be held at the Wawasee Middle School. Girls and boys grades kindergarten through sixth grade are able to participate. Team shirts will be given to each participant. Belts and flags are provided by LYC. Cleats are suggested but not necessary.

Accidents/Incidents

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

10:08 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 1158 US 30, Warsaw. Drivers: Ashley K. Petko, 36, West Van Buren Street, Leesburg; and Dillon K. Baldridge, 30, Gilliam Drive North, Warsaw. Petko was backing her vehicle from a parking space when she hit Baldridge’s vehicle. Damage up to $2,500.

1:56 p.m. Friday, May 31, East CR 500N and East CR 750N, North Webster. Drivers: Jeanette L. Hartley, 71, Paradise Road, Bonita Springs, Fla.; and Bret M. Goodyear, 42, East CR 650N, North Webster. Hartley’s vehicle hit the trailer Goodyear’s vehicle was pulling. This caused the trailer to become unhitched and hit the rear center area of Goodyear’s vehicle. Damage up to $100,000.

7:11 p.m. Friday, May 31, North Park Avenue and Lyon Street, Warsaw. Drivers: Amy L. Haab, 52, North Camelot Drive, Milford; and Andrew M. Norman, 22, East CR 575N, Leesburg. Haab was attempting to turn onto Lyon Street when she cut the corner too sharp and hit Norman’s vehicle. Damage up to $5,000.

4:56 p.m. Sunday, May 26, North CR 300E and East CR 1000N, Syracuse. Driver: Michael E. George, 58, EMS D22D Lane, Syracuse. George’s vehicle hit a deer. Damage up to $5,000.

7:54 p.m. Friday, May 24, 7727 E. Blacks Court, North Webster. Driver: James Carpenter, 36, East Blacks Court, North Webster. Carpenter’s vehicle hit a metal dolly and a large 55-gallon drum. Damage up to $2,500.

11:50 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 4700 block North SR 13, Leesburg. Driver: Don R. Tricker, 73, 5500 block North CR 450E, Leesburg. Tricker’s vehicle reversed into an unoccupied parked vehicle. Damages up to $2,500.

Incidents

1:28 a.m. Sunday, June 2, 4600 block East Shady Lane, Syracuse. Officers investigated a report of a domestic disturbance.

9:51 a.m. Friday, May 31, 9800 block East King Arthur Trail, Cromwell. Mary C. Baker reported theft. Value: $200. 1:47 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 100 block West Vanburen Street, Leesburg. Pamela Gonsalez, 27, reported a hit and run.

8:07 p.m. Monday, May 27, 9600 block North Sandpoint Drive, Cromwell. Officers investigated a report of domestic battery.

9:41 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 8600 block of East Backwater Road, North Webster. A gas card was used for theft. Value of $292.63.

Milford

Officers with the Milford Police Department investigated the following incident: Incident

2:20 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 100 block North Henry Street, Milford. Officers investigated a report of domestic battery.

North Webster

Officers with the North Webster Police Department investigated the following incidents: Incidents

5:58 p.m. Monday, May 27, 600 block North Center Street West, North Webster. Misty M. Glandon, 51, reported the theft of a lawn mower and bird feeders. Value: $229.

A note on lake safety and speed limits

Any individual operating a motorboat on Indiana’s public lakes must have a valid driver’s license.

Boats must obey a 10 mph speed limit between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Boat lights must include a green bow light on the starboard side (right), a red bow light on the port side (left), and an all-around white light on the stern. Syracuse has a flashing beacon light on the northwest corner of the lake (at the public pier) that starts flashing at sunset.

Motorized boats must operate at idle speed with 200 feet from shore when coming and going from shore.

In Indiana, lakes with less then 300 acres must maintain a 10 mph speed limit at all times.

The Kosciusko County lakes in this category include: Irish Lake, Sechrist Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Sawmill Lake, Banning Lake, Kuhn Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, Carr Lake, Center Lake, Pike Lake, Little Pike

Lake, Little Chapman Lake, Hoffman Lake, Palestine Lake, Ridinger Lake, Boner Lake, Stanton Lake, Waubee Lake, Yellow Creek Lake and Diamond Lake.

Lakes with more than 300 acres have an open boating policy and only impose the 10 mph speed limit from sunset to sunrise or idle speed in eco-zones.

The Kosciusko County lakes in this category include: Lake Wawasee, Big Barbee Lake, Big Chapman Lake, Dewart Lake, Syracuse Lake, Lake Tippecanoe, Webster Lake and Winona Lake.

While they have less than 300 acres, James Lake and Oswego Lake allow open boating without speed limits, except during nighttime hours. Beaver Dam Lake has open boating from 1-4 p.m. daily. Papakeechie Lake doesn’t allow motorized boats. For more information on local lakes, visit lakes.grace.edu. For a full list of boating rules and regulations, visit in.gov/dnr/ law-enforcement.

Waubee Lake Association continues to look after lake

The Waubee Lake Association first convened Sept. 29, 1968. The mission of this coalition of lake residents is to manage and maintain the viability of the lake’s ecosystem. The association has several different methods of preserving the lake’s ecosystem. They regularly take water clarity measurements; manage weed and algae control; stock the lake with game fish, including walleye, pike and bass; and dredge the lake’s inlets and channels whenever necessary. They also work in conjunction with conservation organizations, health and pollution control agencies, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The association educates both themselves and the public on algae plants that have harmed lake ecosystems in northern Indiana. Starry stonewort is a concern in Waubee Lake and several other area lakes, including Lake Tippecanoe. Along the shores of Waubee Lake, there is also Waubee Lake Park, which is maintained by the town of Milford. The park includes a sandy beach, a designated swimming area, concession stand, restrooms, playground, picnic areas and grills. There is a public boat launch ramp that can be used at a minimal charge. This year, the association will be holding its second annual flotilla at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

1:21 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 600

block of South Dixie Drive, North Webster. Phillip R. Long had a battery charger stolen. Value of $500.

Syracuse

Officers with the Syracuse Police Department investigated the following incidents: Incidents

2:14 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 100 block North Front Street, Syracuse. Officers investigated a hitand-run vehicle accident resulting in property damage.

3:44 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 900 block South Lake Drive, Syracuse. Ivy Wright reported her recycling bin as stolen. Value: $200.

Jail Bookings

Kosciusko County

The following people were booked in the Kosciusko County Jail:

June 3 — Jordan Jeffrey Bronsing, 24, 41 EMS W25 Lane, North Webster, booked on warrant service. No bond listed.

June 2 — Jordan Bryce Currie, 28, 106 E. Pittsburgh St., Syracuse, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bond: $700 cash.

June 2 — Lashaun Centelle Morris, 23, 9787 E. 1050N, Cromwell, booked for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and reckless driving. Bond: $700 cash.

May 31 — Michael Gene Fetters, 47, 409 E. Epworth Forest Road, North Webster, booked on three counts of failure to appear. Bond: $3,000 cash.

May 29 — Nicholas Jason Manges, 30, 109 N. Henry St., Milford, booked for domestic battery in the presence of a minor, disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement. Bond: $6,000 surety and cash.

Elkhart County

The following people were booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility:

June 2 — Alicia Anel Flores, 42, 9662 E. King Arthur Trail, Cromwell, booked on a warrant for theft from another county.

May 28 — Mitchell Edison Mills, 22, 20 EMS D21A, Syracuse, booked for two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. No bond listed.

May 26 — Krista Arnold, 29, 72024 Adams St., Milford, booked for theft and criminal recklessness. No bond listed.

Fulton County

The following person was booked in the Fulton County Jail: May 28 — Geneva L. Wadkins, 47, 11549 W. 450N, Cromwell, booked on a warrant-failure to appear-check deception. No bond.

Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Driving while suspended

John J. Kuipers, Syracuse, $189.50

Disregarding lighted signal

Rosalinda L. Lagos-Molina, Leesburg, $164.50

Motor vehicle lights/reflectors violation — Joshua W. Mohr, Leesburg, $164.50

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the

but

were

May 30. Only minor

CR 400N and SR 13. According to the Indiana State Police, a red Chevy S10 rear ended this Chrysler 200, which pushed the vehicle into the southbound lane, which then struck a Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade, driven by Phillip Anders, Warsaw, then overturned.

The driver of this white car was Justin Loftus of Larwill. It sustained heavy front- end damage. The Chevy S10 truck was driven by Autumn Cotterman of Pierceton. Her vehicle also sustained heavy front-end damage. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and North Webster-Tippecanoe Township responded to the accident. All three vehicles were towed from the scene. None of the drivers were transported to the hospital. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

Letter to the editor

Thank you to Tippecanoe Township

Dear Editor:

With much gratitude, I would like to thank the dedicated men and women at the North Webster EMS station. They were instrumental in saving my husband’s life recently when he was having a heart attack.

We welcome readers’ letters.

They expeditiously evaluated and transported him to Lutheran Hospital. At Lutheran Hospital, I learned my hubbies artery (widow maker), was 100% blocked!

I thank God Ed survived and had minimal damage to his

EMS

heart. I also thank God for the these dedicated individuals — EMTs, paramedics, fire rescue crew, and police officers that serve our community. I value each and every one of you! Mari Waltz North Webster

Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signature will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Emailed letters will be accepted but the above information must be included.

We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: The Mail-Journal, P. O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 or dpatterson@the-papers.com.

Mendez arrested on drug charges

Adriana Reyes Mendez was recently arrested after officers found over 30 grams of meth in her home.

Mendez, 48, 3757 N.

CR 900W Lot 64, Cromwell, is charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 2 felony; possession of cocaine with enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony; and maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony.

On Thursday, May 23, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mendez’s home in Cromwell.

According to court documents, upon searching the home, officers found 31.8 grams of meth, 1.6 grams of cocaine, multiple bags containing narcotic residue, and drug paraphernalia. Three children under the age of five were present in the home when officers executed the search warrant. Mendez was booked in the Noble County Jail Thursday, May 23.

Adam Edward Hurley, 43, 18 EMS D25 Lane, Syracuse, is charged with dealing in methamphetamine with enhancing circum-

stances, a level 2 felony; dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony; possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, a level 4 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; unlawful possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a class A misdemeanor; and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor.

office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Anne Torpy: Bolt-Davis

Shelby Elizabeth Bolt, 22, Warsaw, and Dawson Jeremiah Davis, 23, North Webster Mullet-Borkholder

Keith Lamar Mullet, 23, Leesburg, and Rhoda Elaine Borkholder, 22, Nappanee Shumaker-Shepherd

Todd Henry Shumaker, 39, Warsaw, and Morgan Marie Shepherd, 29, North Webster Ervin-Abbs Natashia Racquel Ervin, 31, Syracuse, and Nicholas Edward Abbs, 36, Syracuse

On Tuesday, April 30, a Nappanee Police officer responded to a drug overdose. The overdose victim said she overdosed on meth that she believed was laced with something.

According to court documents, the victim said the meth she used was given to her by Hurley. While searching the victim’s cellphone, officers found text messages between her and Hurley regarding drug use. Officers obtained a search warrant for Hurley’s residence and found drug paraphernalia, syringes, and 7.5 grams of meth. Inside Hurley’s vehicle, officers found marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Hurley has prior convictions for dealing and possessing meth in Kosciusko County. Hurley has already been arrested and released on his own recognizance.

SUBSCRIPTION:

POSTMASTERS:

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams has added yet another family-friendly event to its summer event calendar. “Learning on the Water: Birding Basics” will be held 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at Tippecanoe River Adventures. Participants will get to explore local waterways while learning from the speaker, Nathaniel Wise, about native birds and how we can keep their ecosystems clean.

Wise is a lifelong bird enthusiast who grew up in Warsaw and earned his environmental science degree at Grace College. While attending Grace, he worked at the Lilly Center as an aquarium assistant, then spent two field seasons conducting bird surveys in western states. Returning to Warsaw, he accepted a role as a conservation program technician at Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District.

He enjoys birding during his free time, particularly around the area’s many wetlands. The cost for this event is $10 for a kayak rental and $15 for a canoe rental. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and water shoes. Snacks, water, bug spray and a limited number of binoculars are provided. To reserve a watercraft, visit events.humanitix.com/expedition-learning-on-the-water-birding-basics/tickets.

The Lilly Center offers a summer event calendar packed with

fun, learning experiences, including critter encounters featuring critters such as fish, turtles and mudpuppies.

Despite Kosciusko County being home to over 100 lakes, some residents never have had the chance to try fishing or interacting with a native critter. The Lilly Center is changing this by offering free events that help county residents engage with their lake in a new way.

Connecting with your lake is the first step toward caring for it. Whether you are visiting a public access point, boating, walking on the beach or attending a Lilly Center event, it is an opportunity to appreciate all the lakes have to offer.

Events are available for students of all ages and adults that incorporate science and handson activities:

Stories And STEM

Join the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and the Warsaw Community Public Library for an elementary-aged story time and hands-on activities. It will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12. Critter Encounter: Fish

Join for a delightful and educational experience at “Critter Encounter: Fish,” happening from 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, June 14. This family-friendly event offers hands-on learning, engaging activities, art projects, delicious snacks, story time sessions and

a unique opportunity to interact with fish. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational experience, come dive into the wonders of aquatic life. Register for free at events.humanitix.com/2024-critter-encounter-fish.

Lake Fun With Lilly Day

Join for lake-related activities from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19. Attendees will be able to fish, play water games and enjoy Winona Lake. The Lilly Center will provide fishing poles to borrow and bait to use, but participants also can bring their own. For more information, visit lakes. grace.edu/events/lake-fun-withlilly-day/.

Swamp Stomp

In partnership with Warsaw Community Public Library, from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, attendees will take an interpretive hike around the wetland at Grace College. They will get their hands dirty collecting wetland soil profiles and creating a working wetland model. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, hats and sunscreen to protect themselves. For more information, visit lakes.grace. edu/events/16120/.

Critter Encounter: Mudpuppy

Taking place from 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, June 28, this event offers a morning of engaging activities and hands-on learning. Enjoy mudpuppy-themed art projects, delicious snacks, story time ses-

North Webster Community Public Library —

Photo provided by Lilly Center. sions and a unique opportunity to interact with a mudpuppy. Bring the whole family for a memorable experience that combines education and fun. Register for free at events.humanitix.com/2024-crit-

ter-encounter-mudpuppy.

Critter Encounter: Turtle

Bring the family from 9:3011 a.m. Friday, July 19, to meet multiple aquatic critters and participate in hands-on activities,

Enjoy the outdoors with yard games

As summer kicks off and the weather warms up, the North Webster Community Public Library invites you to enhance your outdoor activities by checking out the wide assortment of yard games available from the Library of Things. From classic favorites like tug of war, ring toss, ladder ball and bocce ball, to exciting new additions such as a bubble machine, disc toss, Viking chess, yard pong and yard Yahtzee, there is something for everyone. Want to play disc golf? Check out multiple sets, generously donated to the library by Pedals & Paddles and local community member Hikari Iwayama. All games can be borrowed for a three-week period with a valid North Webster library card, perfect for livening up any family gathering, neighborhood event or casual backyard fun. To check out yard games, visit the North Webster Community Public Library or view the available selection through the library catalog online by visiting the library website at nwcpl.org. For more information, contact the library at (574) 834-7122.

Weekly Library Events

The following activities are set to take place at North Web-

ster Community Public Library. Attendees do not need to have a library card to participate in any of these events.

Adult Events

Make a fun or funky decorated flowerpot in this month’s Adult Craft class at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. The class is free and all materials are provided, but registration is required. Register by calling the library at (574) 8347122. Want to learn more about bird watching and bird identification?

Come to this month’s Citizen Science Club at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12. They will be learning about different types of native birds, plus how to attract them to your backyard.

Teen Events

Teen Board Game Night will be happening at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 10. Enjoy classics like Battleship or Connect Four along with card games like Nertz and Exploding Kittens. No reservation required.

Love to craft, but need the time and space to dedicate to it? Drop in for Teen Open Crafting at noon Tuesday, June 11. They will be making their own craft stamps

and using them to decorate canvas pencil bags. Feel free to bring your own project — general crafting supplies also available. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to a special Spooky Story event at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13. They will watch a documentary about cryptids (animals or creatures such as Bigfoot, whose existence is disputed), learn about local cryptid sightings and craft your own spooky stories. Snacks and other fun activities provided. No registration required.

Children’s Events

Come play with blocks during the Purdue Extension’s Block Party at 1 p.m. Monday, June 10.

Parents and children are invited to come play in this fun and engaging event for the whole family.

Family Story Time will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 11. Library director Keith Kuric will be sharing stories and fun in this program geared towards ages 2-7.

Prepare to be amazed during a comedy magic show featuring magician, Jeff Wawrzaszek at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12. This exciting event will be one you do not want to miss.

Are you interested in learning more about fossils? Dr. Don DeYoung from Grace College will be visiting the library at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, to share an interactive Fossil Workshop. Learn about living fossils, bead fossils and more. If you have any mystery rocks or fossils, bring them along for identification. This event is open to all age groups, including adults.

Join NWCPL in celebrating everyone’s favorite pocket monsters — Pokémon. At 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, the children’s department will be hosting a special Pokémon club. They will be watching the show, playing games and doing Pokémonthemed crafts. Make sure to bring your cards if you want to show off your collection.

Saturday Craft Adventures will be happening from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15. This week they will be making a unicorn and doing vegetable paint prints.

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

including games, story time and art projects. Participants will get to touch, hold, and/or feed the animals. Register for free at events. humanitix.com/2024-critter-encounter-turtle.

8 nonprofits make requests for 2025 funding to commissioners

Several of the nonprofit organizations requesting funds Tuesday, June 4, from the county for 2025 told the Kosciusko County Commissioners about their increases in costs as well as budget cuts from other funding sources. In 2024, seven nonprofits requested a total of $316,756.91, and the commissioners recommended $298,592.91, with the county council approving that recommendation.

For 2025, eight nonprofits are requesting a total of $352,802.71. This is the first year Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center made a request to the county for funding. The commissioners are taking the requests under advisement and will make a decision later on how much to recommend to the county council.

Kelly Bugg, executive director of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, requested $20,000 for 2025. Safe Harbor, she told the commissioners, “is where we do forensic interviewing of child victims. When a report comes in to law enforcement or to the DCS, and there are potential criminal charges, or there’s safety issues, then those agencies contact me and I send a

group text to a detective, a DCS case manager, a Bowen Center liaison and a prosecutor.” They all meet. Bugg interviews the child and the rest of the group watches without the child seeing them. The interview is recorded and takes place at the K21 Health Services Pavilion in the back of the building for privacy. The facility is child friendly.

After the interview is completed, the group meets as a team and discusses what the next steps are in the investigation. Each team member receives a DVD of the interview so the child doesn’t have to be interviewed multiple times.

Other counties sometimes use Safe Harbor’s facilities. May was a very busy month for Safe Harbor as they did 23 interviews. They have done about 450 interviews since they opened.

“The funding is an issue for us this year because we are mostly funded by the Victims of Crime Act, which is a federal grant, and that fund is low. And so they have told us that they are going to cut our funding, but they haven’t told us how much. We’re supposed to hear in June,” she said.

While she’s asking the county for $20,000, Bugg said she doesn’t know if that’s going to solve the issue.

Andrew Ferrell, Kosciusko

County Extension director for Purdue Extension, requested $47,521.71 for 2025, a 2% increase over 2024, for the Kosciusko County 4-H Council. He said they served just under about 2,800 youth in the county this past year through lots of programs.

Cardinal Services Executive Director Vickie Lootens said each year Cardinal Services serves over 6,500 individuals. For 2025,

Cardinal is requesting $111,373 to support the daily operations of Head Start, Healthy Families and Kosciusko Area Bus Service. For 2024, Cardinal Services was approved for $108,129.

Mary Shankster, chief development officer for Stillwater Hospice, requested $50,000 for 2025, the same as 2024 Kosciusko County Historical Society Co-Directors Greg Steffe and Sheila Strickland request-

ed $30,000 for 2025, up from the $23,230 they received for 2024.

Renea Salyer, The Beaman Home executive director, requested $50,000 for 2025, an increase from the $33,425 approved for 2024. The increase is to address some leaks in the flat roof of their building, an expense that was not planned for.

Representing Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Executive Director David Neff request-

ed $40,000 for 2025, which is the same amount requested in 2024, though the county council approved $33,425 for 2024. Matt Meersman, director of the St. Joseph River Basin Commission, requested $3,909 for 2025, a slight increase over the $3,794 approved for 2024. He said about 20% of Kosciusko County does drain into the St. Joe River, specifically Lake Wawasee and Turkey Creek.

Ty Brooks selected to All-Star series

Wawasee

Haylee Allen earns All-State spot

Wawasee senior Haylee Allen added a massive honor to her list of accolades at Wawasee Thursday, May 30, when she was recognized at the state level. Allen was named to the Softball Coaches Association of Indiana 3A/4A Third Team All-State. Allen represents the second of five districts on the Third Team All-State squad. The Warrior ace pitcher took the career strikeout record as a junior and eclipsed over 600 career strikeouts during her senior season. She finished with a total of 650 strikeouts for her career and 197 for her senior season. Allen allowed just 100 hits this past season, her fewest allowed in her career. At the plate, Allen generated the most hits, runs and RBIs on the team. Her 38 hits led to 30 RBIs and she added 25 runs.

“She was the MVP last year. She always gets the job done at the plate and at the mound. We’re really happy that she had such a good year as a senior,” coach Chloe McRobbie said. To help Allen get to her goal of making the All-State team, McRobbie trusted Allen to pitch as much as she wanted. Allen pitched in 128 of the 161 innings for the Warriors this season.

Wawasee finished the season 15-10 and 10-4 in Northern Lakes Conference play. The second place finish in the NLC was the best for the team since the 2017 season where the Warriors won two straight NLC crowns.

Allen won a sectional title her freshman season in 2021 but the 2024 season concluded with a 4-3 defeat to East Noble in the sectional semifinal on May 21. The Knights would go on to win the sectional final.

Allen will pitch for Bethel University next year. She signed

American Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, June 13, 2024

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS, go to redcrossblood.org, or contact Kathy Bartman at The Papers, 574-658-4111 - ext. 2386 to schedule your blood donation appointment. The Papers Inc. Milford Community Building 11:00 am-4:00 pm puBlic welcome

Warrior golf places sixth in sectional

Wawasee entered the sectional meet at the Eagle Glen Golf Club, Monday, June 3, optimistic it could advance individuals to regionals, and maybe even the full team. Unfortunately, neither goal was achieved with the Warriors placing outside the top three teams to advance. The Warriors were unable to land one of the three individuals who advanced, either.

Wawasee finished with a team score of 343. The tally was 10 strokes away from third place Huntington North.

Coach Steve Coverstone felt the Eagle Glen course outside of Columbia City may have hindered his team more than he expected.

“It’s an unusual course. There is a lot of trouble,” Coverstone said. “A lot of long grass. You’ve got to hit it straight. Especially on the back nine.”

Four of the five Warriors had

more strokes on the back nine than the front nine.

Juniors Myles and Maddux Everingham tied for the top spot on the team with an 83. Their score was just two strokes away from forcing a playoff to be in the top three advancing individuals from a non-advancing team.

Sophomore Preston Scherer was aiming to make it consecutive years of progressing to regionals. Scherer shot a 79 to make the regional field in 2023 but had a more challenging round Monday where he shot a 93. On the 18th hole, Scherer found the water hazard short of the green to display his sectional round in a nutshell.

Two seniors concluded their athletic careers at Wawasee in Mason Shoemaker and Weston DeLong. Both played football and basketball in addition to golf. DeLong shot an 84 placing him third on the team. Shoemaker finished with a 97.

Both seniors graduated during Sunday’s ceremony at the

high school. “They were a fun group to be around,” Coverstone said. “They worked hard. They had some good rounds, they had some bad ones. We finished the year on a good note.”

Warsaw won the sectional with a team score of 311. Plymouth and Huntington North claimed the final spots in the top three to move their full teams to regionals.

While no member from the Warriors made it out of sectionals, Coverstone could point to a successful season in other areas.

The Warriors went 5-2 against Northern Lakes Conference opponents to place third in the league. Wawasee was also third at the NLC meet on May 18 where Shoemaker landed on the All-NLC team. Scherer was an honorable mention.

“I think we had a pretty decent year,” Coverstone said. “We lost one player due to injury and one due to move out. I think we had a respectable season.”

Four Lady Warriors make All-NLC

with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program in Mishawaka back in November.

Wawasee senior Emma Yoder made sure her final act on the track and field team was a memorable one. In the state meet at Indiana University Friday, May 31, Yoder threw her season best in discus to place her third in the state. Her performance improved upon her results from last year’s state meet. Yoder was tied for fifth in 2023 at a distance of 137 feet, three inches at the event. This year, Yoder exited her Wawasee tenure with a throw for 150’1” on her second attempt. The throw was her first of the season to break 150’ making it a season best. Yoder did throw for 5’ more at 156’1” for a personal

Wawasee finished second in the NLC this season to Mishawaka.

Mishawaka led all teams with six players selected to the conference squad.

The Northern Lakes Conference released its All-NLC selections for softball with the Wawasee Lady Warriors being highly represented. Wawasee jumps off the page with four on the All-NLC team team in senior Haylee Allen, junior Evelyn Duncan, senior Natalya Holder and senior Jaci Worrell. Two more made the honorable mention category in freshman Ashlynn Corn and junior Ava Couture.

The Wawasee baseball team has an All-NLC player in senior Ty Brooks. Senior Kaleb Salazar was recognized as an honorable mention. Warsaw won the NLC in baseball and was rewarded with six players making the AllNLC team, most in the NLC. Northridge, Concord, Mishawaka and NorthWood all tied for second most with four selections each.

Yoder blasts her way to third in state

best back at the regional meet in 2023.

Yoder will throw for Indiana State University next year.

Bloomington North senior Hadley Lucas broke the meet record with a throw of 169’6” to take first.

Also at the state meet was junior Isabel Schwartz. Schwartz earned the final spot in the field for the 100 meter hurdles at the Kokomo regional back on May 21. For the state meet, Schwartz was seeded 27th but finished 24th at a time of 16.51 seconds. Her time was less than a tenth of a second away from a personal best in the event that she set back in the sectional meet at 16.42.

Schwartz will try to return to the state meet next year during her senior season.

Grant Brooks enters transfer portal

Wawasee alumnus Grant

Brooks is looking for a new place to play college baseball. The Milford native announce via social media his intention to transfer from Butler University Monday, June 3.

Brooks will have three more years of eligibility left as he recently completed his sophomore year. His freshman season was redshirted due to injury that limited him to only four appearances. Brooks pitched in 17 games this past season allowing 57 hits in 41 innings pitched. He finished with 28 strikeouts.

One simple way to keep your family safe on the lake this summer

From June to August, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams will publish weekly lake toxin notifications to notify the public about dangerous levels of blue-green algae toxins. Sign up for toxin notifications at lakes.grace.edu/ microcystin.

Blue-green algae are a photosynthesizing, increasingly prevalent, potentially toxin-producing family of bacteria natural to freshwater. The “potentially” part works in two ways: not every species of blue-green produces toxins, and the toxin-producing species do not always produce toxin.

The Lilly Center’s research team collects water samples from the lake during the week; the toxin team conducts a test to analyze whether the water sample contains the toxin microcystin. Those registered for notifications can expect an email notification on Friday morning with a link to the full results. According to the Indiana De-

partment of Environmental Management, the safety threshold for microcystin toxin is 0.8 parts per billion. The safety threshold for human health concerns is 8.0 ppb. Although less than 4% of samples in 2023 resulted in microcystin concentrations above the pet safety threshold, the Lilly Center will stay proactive in monitoring this threat. By zooming in on Kosciusko County’s major 14 lakes, the Lilly Center is laser-focused on empowering lake lovers with the information they need to stay safe in the water. Sign up for summer microcystin notifications by visiting lakes. grace.edu/microcystin. It is a simple way to stay informed and safe as you play on the water!

Blue-green algae research and toxin notifications are possible thanks to support from the K21 Health Foundation, Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission, and many other individual supporters.

REPORT AN ALGAE LOOM A blue-green algae bloom, which may lead to increased toxins, often looks like a bright green paint spill. Report a bloom sighting to the Lilly Center by calling (574) 372-5281 or by emailing lakes@grace.edu. Photo provided by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

Dixie Day Festival fires up on July 27

Editor’s Note: Errors were found in the Summer publication regarding the Dixie Day Festival, July 27. The following article provides the correct times and information on the car show.

The headline summer event for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce is set for Saturday, July 27. The annual Dixie Day Festival will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is the 15th year for the Dixie Day Festival, celebrating over 85 years of the Dixie Boat operating on Webster Lake. The Dixie Sternwheeler, the oldest stern-wheeled paddleboat in Indiana, will depart for two cruises for the day at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Cruises on the Dixie do require a ticket. Tickets are available for purchase at The Cove

Milford Public Library —

(corner of Huntington and S. Dixie Drive) or prior to each ride. Space is limited as tickets are $7 with no discounts for children or seniors.

The cruise is handicap accessible.

One big change is the Sailors and Mermaids 5K will not be happening this year.

The Dixie Day Festival will also include an arts and craft fair, an open-air market, scavenger hunt, food court, antiques and an area

boat dealer show. Dixie Day features its annual Truck and Car Show. For the first time in 2024 is a Kids As Vendors craft show.

The chamber expects a similar crowd in recent years as over 4,000 people have attended. More info can be found on the chamber website, northwebster. com, or on the Facebook page, North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

Summer Reading Kickoff June 5

This summer’s reading program theme is “Adventure Begins at the Library.” Come in and register any time beginning May 28. Register in the teen area if you are going into sixth grade in the fall and up through age 18. Anyone preschool through going into fifth grade registers in the children’s department. Brochures are available at the circulation desks. Join in at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, behind the library for a visit from Hedgehog Hannah. If the weather is uncooperative, they will meet in the library’s meeting room. Children love animals and Hedgehog Hannah provides a hands-on, educational experience that will liven up anyone’s day. Both children and adults can touch, handle and learn about critters from all over the world, whether it be a bouncing wallaby, American alligator, sugar glider, huge Burmese python, Savannah monitor lizard, hedgehog or arctic fox. Sonic the hedgehog comes

Charcuterie boards up for bid at the Syracuse Public Library

A charcuterie board is a wooden platter of beautiful appetizers, hors d’oeuvres or spreads, nuts and vegetables perfect for a casual party all times of the year.

The Friends of Syracuse Library will have 12 charcuterie boards created by local artists on display at the library with accompanying bid sheets from June 3-Aug. 15. The public is invited to view the boards and make bids. The starting bid for each board is $20. The boards will feature three themes: the lakes, local monuments and the seasons. On June 11, there will be a special open house at the library to view these boards and meet some of the artists. A large charcuterie board highlights the evening with delicious items to taste, including breads, dips, cheese, olives, spreads, nuts and vegetables. Come meet the artists and members of the Friends. The open house will start at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. The boards can also be viewed and bids taken at the annual WPOA/SLA breakfast

of the

cial

‘Block Party’ at North Webster library helps children build skills

Purdue Extension Kosciusko County Health and Human Science educator, Shannon Shepherd, will be presenting “Block Party” at North Webster Public Library, 110 E. North St.

The lesson is being offered from 1-2 p.m. Mondays, June 10, June 17 and June 24.

The program is provided to engage parents and guardians in block play with their children. The goal is for families to continue block play at home.

Free Lunch

to all the shows. Whether you want scary, cuddly or exotic animals, Hannah has it all and wants to share it with you. They will “travel” through the desert, the rain forest, the plains and more to share with you the amazing wonders of the animal kingdom. This program is free for the whole family. Seating is limited, so bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.

Syracuse Public Library —

The Wawasee School Corporation and the Department of Agriculture will once again provide free lunches for children ages preschool through 18 years old. This year you may come and pick up a lunch and take it home to eat. If you

would like to stay at the library and picnic, they do have a couple of tables available donated by Polywood. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on and share lunch with your friends.

The school bus will be in the library’s parking lot from 1111:30 a.m. This is a wonderful program so please support it by getting free lunches for your children.

Register to taste international snacks

Discover what other countries like to snack on during Taste the World at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the Syracuse Public Library’s downstairs meeting room. The library has collected snacks from Spain, Turkey, Japan, Italy and other locations for this limited event. There are some interesting flavors represented — from a cod candy to fried egg potato chips. Attendees will find more conventional snacks, too. All ages, from children to adults, can register to participate at tinyurl.com/SPLTastetheWorld. Register each taster separately so there are plenty of supplies.

Children Programs

Storytime resumes for the summer at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, in the downstairs meeting room. This program is geared toward younger children, from birth to around 5 years old. Attendees will enjoy stories, learn a little about South America and make an easy animal-themed craft from the continent.

Tween Time will focus on Brazil and Carnival at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Community Roots outdoor space behind the library. Tween Time is geared toward ages 8-12. Other ages can attend, but some projects may be more advanced. Parents can contact children’s librarian Megan Daumen, mdaumen@syracuse.lib.in.us, for more information.

During Globe-trotting Fridays, Syracuse Public Library will wel-

come a special guest and ventriloquist, Mike Hemmelgarn. Attend Hemmelgarn’s comedy juggling and ventriloquist program at 2 p.m. Friday, June 14, in Community Roots. All ages are welcome to attend.

Teen Programs Teens will sample books from different genres during a special Book Tasting from 2-3 p.m. Monday, June 10, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Attendees will also enjoy some tasty treats alongside the books.

Aspiring teen writers can join the young adult writing club from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. The group will talk about character creation before playing a writing game. During teen book club, teens will enjoy independent reading time with a book of their choice before sharing their thoughts on what they are reading. The group meets from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Young adult “Dungeons & Dragons” meets from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Each session features a self-contained story so new players are welcome at each session. The library also has extra dice to share. FOL Charcuterie Board Open House The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library are holding a charcuterie board fundraiser with the help of talented local artists. See all the boards up close during the Friends’ open house from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the library’s

upstairs sitting area. The Friends will provide refreshments during the open house, and visitors can place bids on the boards. After the open house, the boards will be displayed in the community before returning to the library in August. Bidding concludes at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the library. Taste & Explore Learn about North Africa and the Middle East while creating a Hamsa talisman out of clay during June’s Taste & Explore from 4:305:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the downstairs meeting room. The library will provide all the necessary supplies for free. Supplies are limited. Register at bit.ly/4dXz4Lv. For information, email Emilia Layne at elayne@syracuse.lib.in.us.

“Block Party” consists of five stations with different types of blocks. The children and their parents rotate through the dif-

ferent stations, which focus on different areas of development. Blocks use a child’s own action for learning skills, with adult support, in the areas of math, science, literacy (pre-reading and language), social and physical (gross and fine motor development). Parenting skills are further developed at a block party through demonstrations and guided practice. In the “Block Party” programs, adults learn to guide children’s early-learning experiences and use blocks as tools to support a child’s development.

Community Corner

is the most time

Bontrager turns discarded wood into functional artwork

Text and Photos

Steve Bontrager has found a way to upcycle unwanted wood scraps unto beautiful works of art. Working from his home on the northern shore of Waubee Lake near Milford, Bontrager carefully constructs usable cutting boards out of discarded wood he collects near his workplace in Goshen.

“I’ve actually been doing this for years,” he said. “There’s a cabinet shop in Goshen that puts their cabinet scraps out by the road. They’re nice hardwood — maple and oak — and I thought, I can make something out of those.”

After collecting the wood, Bontrager begins by gluing pieces together and coming up with interesting shapes to create one-of-a-kind cutting boards. He said the process requires lots of sanding to make them smooth.

On average, Bontrager said it takes around six hours of labor to make one board. Most of the wood is 3/4-inch thick, which he turns on edge before gluing them together. He adds accent colors using the thinner pieces of wood he collects. He then uses a router to go around the edges of the board to create the perfectly unique shape of each piece.

Bontrager estimated he’s made around 40 of the boards in the four years he’s been doing this as a hobby. He has given away many of them to friends and family, as well as donated them to different organizations to use as auction items for fundraisers.

“I’ve sold a few, but it’s mostly just a hobby,” he said.

“The ones I’ve sold, I donate the money somewhere. I started a Facebook page to keep track of them all.”

The boards vary in size, depending on the length and thickness of the wood he gets. The largest one he’s made is around 3-feet long. Bontrager has never paid for any of the wood he’s used. He does purchase the walrus oil to coat the surfaces, which is a food-safe wood preserver.

“They’re kind of pretty to chop on, but some people use them for charcuterie boards for meats and vegetables,” he said. “Making these help me take my mind off things. It keeps me out of wife’s hair. It’s mostly during the wintertime that I work on them. During the summer, I’d rather be out there fishing or landscaping.”

Bontrager said he has been a carpenter most of his life, something his father and grandfathers also did.

“Dad messed with woodworking, so I grew up with it,” he said. He works at Greencroft Senior Living in Goshen, where he oversees the renovation of apartments and independent living spaces. Before that he worked for R. Yoder Construction in Nappanee.

PROFILE

On May 5, 2005, he said he fell 18 feet through a barn roof and shattered his leg. He said he’s lucky that the injuries he suffered weren’t worse, or that he even survived the fall. After growing up in Nappanee, Bontrager and his wife, Londa, purchased their home at Waubee Lake in 1988. Since then, he has made numerous renovations to the home, including adding another level to what started as a simple cottage. He also has performed many interior upgrades to the house.

of Columbus. Photo provided by Mike DeLucenay.

The Papers Inc. hosting blood drive June 13

The Papers Inc. will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Milford Community Building, 111 S. Main St., Milford. Call (800) RED-CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org or contact Kathy Bartman at The Papers Inc., at (574) 658-4111, ext. 2386 to schedule a blood donation appointment. Four, $25 gas cards will be given away by The Papers Inc.

SPEC exposed to COVID; now reopened

Last week was a little rough for our senior center. We found out on Wednesday, May 29, that our room had been exposed to COVID. Rather than take any chances of it spreading, we chose to close until Monday, June 3. Everyone who was exposed has been asked to take a COVID test before coming in. I just took my test, and am negative, so I will be there.

Just a little reminder: Toni’s Foot Connection will be here Wednesday, June 12. She only has two open appointments so call if you need her services. Hasn’t this been a wonderful spring so far? All of the plants in the garden are way ahead of last year. The tomatoes already have blooms and the sweet corn is about 10 inches or more. I have noticed a lot more gardens around the area. I can understand when I see the prices at the store. If you haven’t been in for awhile, come in and check out our garage sale tables. I will be refreshing them every day. That about does it for this week; have a happy and healthy week ahead.

Wawasee High School class of 1974 reunion set for Aug. 2-4

He gets a lot of his ideas for different shapes online.

“I see different ones on Pinterest and think, ‘oh, I could make that,’” he said. “I’ve started doing some different things where I run the slats at an angle or add more walnut for more accent.”

“I just enjoy making them and giving them away to people and let them enjoy them,” said Bontrager. “Once I retire, maybe this will become a retirement gig for me. I’ve got a few more years before that will happen.”

The Wawasee High School class of 1974 50th reunion is set for the first weekend in August. The main events will be on Saturday, Aug. 3, beginning with a Lake Wawasee excursion on the Lilly Pad at 1 p.m. A banquet at Oakwood Resort will follow starting with a 5 p.m. social hour. Additional activities available during the weekend include a Wawasee Historical boat tour at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, and a boatin worship service at 8:30 a.m.

Bridge Results

Sunday, Aug. 4, at Oakwood. Invitations were sent out the week of May 20 to the last know addresses of all class members. Return of the registration form with admittance fee is need on or before July 5. Class

Mobile Meals drivers

Volunteer drivers for Syracuse, Milford and North Webster Mobile Meals have been scheduled as follows: Syracuse Drivers June 10-14

MONDAY — M. Smith TUESDAY — C. Manning WEDNESDAY — J. Rowland

WAWASEE GRADUATION 2024

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 4, 2014

Tom and Terry Reiff of North Webster recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. The couple added their own unique gold band to a cane that has been a cherished family heirloom handed down through several generations.

The two finalists in the Burger Wars for Indiana’s Kosciusko County have been determined. North Webster American Legion Post 253 “hoe burger” and Rozella Ford Golf Club’s “balsamic goat cheeseburger” are the last two burgers standing. They are fighting it out to be the county’s best burger. The two finalists were determined by a bracket contest on the Indiana’s Kosciusko County

Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 2, 2004

Taxpayers of Tippecanoe Township are being advised Tippecanoe Township Board will be discussing the possibility of North Webster Tippecanoe Township Library becoming a Class 1 taxing library during its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 8. Each year, North Webster Elementary School Principal Jim Garner selects one fifth-grade student to honor. Andrea Huston was chosen because she had perfect citizenship, A-B grades and attended NWES all six years. The honor was also meant to give

credit to Huston’s mom, Angie, who is a PTFO officer and helps in the classroom and with other school-related activities.

Four hundred six degrees were conferred upon students during Bethel College’s 57th commencement exercises held May 2 in Wiekamp Athletic Center. North Webster resident, Rose Marie Gesaman, received a bachelor of science in nursing, summa cum laude.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 1, 1994

Not in my town. That’s the attitude Sally Johnson takes toward the semi-nude dancing going on at Cruisers Night Club. While recognizing Indiana may allow that type of dancing, she feels her

community has right to say that it doesn’t want that type of behavior. North Webster Town Council heard arguments May 11 both for and against an ordinance, which would ban nude and semi-nude dancing in public establishments which serve alcohol.

On May 18, 14 North WebsterTippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce members and one guest met at Neva’s Place. Those in attendance were: Jodie Pensinger, Bob Pilcher, Dan Thystrup, Rob Newman, Rick Glass, Mike Wilson, Julia Badskey, Christine Sands, John Cripe, Mike Heminger, and guest Bruce Cavell.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 6, 1984

12573N.300E.,Syracuse.Varietyof itemsforeveryone!

Miller’sCountryGreenhouse.Bigdiscount onflowers,patiopots,hangingbaskets, veggiesandmore.June3untilsoldout. 574-658-5500,ext.2,5567W.1100N., Milford,IN46542.

J. Homer Shoop of North Miami, Fla., late of North Webster, and Alice Rinker, North Webster retailer, who were both visiting Europe, were scheduled to be in Milan, Italy, the same day. Wouldn’t it be odd if they met on the street in Milan?

Zelma Kile was hostess for the recent meeting of Lakeland WCTU. Guest speaker for the day was officer Lance Grubbs of the Warsaw Police Department. Mary Wilcoxson, president, was in charge of the business session. Mr. Kirby Stahly presented Steve Eastman with North Webster’s Overall Academic Award for the seventh grade. Jeryln Sponseller was the recipient of the same award for her eighthgrade class.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 5, 1974

Mrs. James M. (Dolores M.) Bachelder has recently joined the staff of Lake City Bank, North Webster, where she has been named an assistant vice president and will assume responsibilities as a loan officer. Eunice Haskins and Ann Fidler were initiated into Beta Psi Chapter of Lambda Chi Omega Sorority during a ceremony held May 28 at a local restaurant.

Mrs. Ruth Boyer, Leesburg, was hostess for the May 28 meeting of the PEO Sisterhood. Mrs. Jack Clark, Syracuse, assisted the hostess. Kay Marie Stolba gave a demonstration of needlepoint. Ruth Luithly, president, was in charge of the business meeting.

Book signing by local author at Syracuse library

A new novel has published by local author Amy Pritchard Sheffield. Find the author inside Syracuse Public Library from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, for a unique opportunity at her book signing. Drop in anytime to the book signing; books will be available for purchase. Don’t miss the three-part novel of Coast Guard adventure and allegory that explores the triumph of the greatest commission in the face of fear. Follow the life of Joshua Mansoul as he comes of age as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. His mission ‘So others may live’ is fraught with physical, mental and spiritual demands from coast to coast. His adventures in Florida, North Carolina, Alaska and Michigan are full of rewards and heroism. How will he assist those who call for the Coast Guard in their worst hour as their only hope? And yet, how they respond when he puts his life literally on the line for strangers is unfathomable. The author, A.P. Sheffield, is a native of Syracuse and a class of 1996 Wawasee High School graduate. She spent many hours shelving books in the library and is excited to Continued on page 11

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 4, 2014

Holly Kolberg graduated from Grace College and Theological Seminary with summa cum laude honors during commencement exercises held May 10 in the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake. Kolberg is a double major in counseling and sociology. She is the daughter of Doyle and Cynthia Kolberg of Syracuse.

A part of the past in Syracuse was literally torn down. The south end of the building now used by Post 223 of the American Legion in Syracuse, 1806 S. Huntington St. (SR 13), was demolished by Don & Sons Excavating, Syracuse. Originally the building had been built in about the mid-1950s for Hoosier Skateland, a popular roller skating rink. Most of the skating rink is gone now, though a small part of it actually went into the current bar area. That portion of the building had become more of a liability than an asset for the American Legion and it was decided

It

happened

to tear it down.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 2, 2004

The Haggenjos of Syracuse, Tom and Shirley, recently returned from a trip to Saugatuck, Mich., where they spent sometime shopping, paddle boating on Lake Michigan and dune buggy riding. Tom said he really enjoyed the vacation. He also said he and his wife just returned from a trip to Europe. The trip was taken in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. They visited several countries, such as Germany, Italy, France, England and others.

Four hundred six degrees were conferred upon students during Bethel College’s 57th commencement exercises held May 2 in Wiekamp Athletic Center. Area graduates include Syracuse’s Catherine Mary Campbell, bachelor of science in nursing, summa cum laude.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 1, 1994

Chester Timmons, now 73 years old, North Street, Syracuse, who was with the 315th

in Milford

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Infantry, 79th Division in the Normandy France Campaign, was shot four times just outside Ste Mere Eglise at St. Lo after landing on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He received the Purple Heart combat infantryman badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater ribbons and one Bronze Star good conduct American Theater. He received his honorable discharge while recovering at Billings General Hospital, Fort Benjamin Harrison, on Nov. 13, 1945.

aquatic plant management.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 6, 1984

SYRACUSE 574-457-3666

Please take the time to make sure your classified ad is correct. The Papers Incorporated will not be responsible for errors in ads after the first publication. Ad position other than classification

Robert and Nancy Myers, North South Shore Drive, Syracuse; Robert Hampton, executive director for the Wawasee Property Owners Association; David Culp and Betty Knapp, WPOA members attending on behalf of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation; and Robert and Betty Busch, Dewart Lake, attended the sixth annual Indiana Lakes Management Conference in April in LaPorte. Those who attended the conference heard about

State Senator John Augsburger (R-Syracuse) has been selected to serve on the Indiana General Assembly’s 1984 Interim Committee on Small Business. The Small Business Committee was formulated to study problems related to the small business and family farm. A Syracuse businessman, he was elected to the District 13 Senate seat in 1976. Lucille and Jay Peffley of Syracuse are getting hyped up for an overseas trip they are planning. On Sunday, June 17, they will leave with a tour group for Europe where they will visit Paris; Copenhagen where they will stop off at the Tivoli; East and West Berlin; Vienna; and Zurich, Switzerland. They will be gone 23 days.

$7.60 per column inch for one to three insertions. $6.30 per column inch for four or more insertions of the same copy.

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 5, 1974

Mrs. David Gibbs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Elder of Syracuse, was honored at a surprise bon voyage party over

... 40 years ago Dr. Doug Strycker will be practicing in Milford

10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 4, 2014

Thor Industries Inc. announced expansion plans for its Bison Coach subsidiary with the acquisition of a 55,000 square-foot production facility located on approximately nine acres in Milford. In addition to the facility, the company also agreed to purchase approximately 20 acres of additional land that can be used for future expansion as needed.

Denny Cory, a 1962 Milford High School graduate, and his wife, Pam, returned to the Milford area recently to visit his sister Diane Weisser and her husband, Fred. Currently Denny and Pam live in Hamburg, Germany, and return to the U.S. every two years. Denny noted one of the highlights was watching fellow Milford classmate Ron Baumgartner inaugurated as senior king and ride in the parade.

20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 2, 2004

Ryan Mishler and June Mishler stood next to the Milford Cemetery sign recently erected by the family of Wade Mishler.

It is believed this is the first sign ever erected indicating the cemetery’s name. According to family members, this sign was

Book signing

Continued from page 10

come home and share her own.

Her calling to the mission field has taken her overseas, coast to coast of North America, and now to the shore of picturesque Lake Nottely in the North Georgia Mountains.

Today, Amy and her military husband, Ryan, are thrilled to make their home with their young adult children in a small lakeside town reminiscent of her native Indiana home. The couple met Eglin Air Force Base (Florida) and spent their careers serving others in branches of military service. Her witness to the heroic and

not only a dream of Wade Mishler, former funeral home director in Milford for 50 years, but also his son, Greg Mishler. William and Vivian Kern, 505 W. Fourth St., Milford, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary June 11. William and the former Vivian Goon were married June 11, 1944, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Kern, Syracuse, with Rev. Joseph Bailey officiating.

30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 1, 1994

One month ago, Chore-Time Equipment lost one of its most valued employees as Sylvia Hostetler of Milford stepped down after 10 years at the Milford company and 15 years at its sister company — Brock Manufacturing. Today Hostetler will most likely be found fishing, traveling or just spending time with her family on Waubee Lake.

Tim Schwartz, son of Dian and Ron Schwartz of Milford, plays baseball for Vincennes University, and after only one season became the first VU player in six years to hit over .400. His team-leading .420 batting average in 43 games was

dangerous mission of the United States Coast Guard convinced her there was truth in the mission “So Others May Live” to be shared with the wider world. She hopes to bring honor to the men and women who have shared in the mission of the USCG and the co-mission beyond, Semper Paratus (Always Ready)!

“Rescue Checklist” can be found on Amazon or at the Syracuse library. The eBook is available for purchase on Kindle Unlimited on Amazon. It is available through Ingram for bookstores and libraries. For more information, email rescuechecklist@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ....................A005-A100 BUSINESS SERVICE...................C010-C430 EMPLOYMENT.............................E010-E080 FARM ...........................................G010-G070

third highest in the school’s history. Tim is a Wawasee High School graduate and is studying physical education. He just completed his freshman year at VU.

the weekend. Mrs. Gibbs will be leaving Sunday to join her husband in Germany. Stephanie Lynn Bunish Fuller, of Syracuse, received her diploma from Manchester col-

lege during the college’s 85th annual commencement Sunday afternoon. Dr. Frederic Ness, president of the association of American colleges, gave the commencement address.

BUYERBEWAREThePapersIncorporatedcannotscreenalladvertisements toeliminatepossibilitiesoffraudor misleadinginformation.Ifitsoundstoo goodtobetrue,itusuallyis.Persons respondingtoadsareadvisedtocontact theBetterBusinessBureauinyourareaor theIndianaSecretaryofState’sFraud Hotlinebeforesendinganymoney. 1-800-223-8791

full-time responsibilities of Dr. Rheinheimer, was in town Monday and will be in Milford most of the week talking with office personnel and inventorying office supplies. Dr. Strycker will begin seeing patients July 23.

40 YEARS AGO, JUNE 6, 1984

Mrs. Walter (Trudy) Ritter, 212 N. Henry, Milford, received the Grand Chapter appointment to the International Temple for District 20 in the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Ritter has been a member of Order of the Eastern Star for 25 years.

Auction Sales A010

Anything Of Value

Marine Pvt. Rodney L. Pippenger, son of James L. and Pamela K. Pippenger of r 1 Milford, has completed recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. During the 11-week training cycle, he learned the basics of battlefield survival.

Garage Sales A040

HAWTHORNESTATESAnnualCommunityGarageSale,June14-15,Fridayand Saturday,8-5.Locatedat450Nand250E, nearChapmanLake46582.

Dr. Doug Strycker, who will be practicing in Milford with Dr. Dick and assuming many of the

Service C170 ENDOFSEASONCLEARANCESALEat Miller’sCountryGreenhouse.Bigdiscount onflowers,patiopots,hangingbaskets, veggiesandmore.June3untilsoldout. 574-658-5500,ext.2,5567W.1100N., Milford,IN46542. Construction C040 GARAGESALE,June7-8,8am-? 12573N.300E.,Syracuse.Varietyof itemsforeveryone!

50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 5, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Arch Baumgartner, co-publishers of The Mail-Journal, are wielding the shovel at the groundbreaking of the new printing plant addition on South Main Street in Milford. The structure, thought to be the largest single improvement of Milford’s Main Street in 75 years, will be completed in 120 days. It will have a limestone front with a mansard roof.

A barn west of Milford was totally destroyed by fire at about 4 p.m. Monday on the John Fisher farm southwest of Milford. Glen Hostetler resides on the farm. No cause has been given for the fire.

you are HEREBY ORDERED to demolish and remove the unsafe building located at 1008 N. Roosevelt Street, Silver Lake, IN 46982, which real property is legally described as follows: LOT NUMBERED ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (114) AND ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (115) IN COURTLAND PARK, AS RECORDED IN OLD PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 379, NOW IN NEW PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 199, IN THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, INDIANA. This unsafe building must be demolished and/or removed, including foundations; and the resulting premises must be made safe. This must be accomplished within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order. A hearing regarding this demolition order will be held at the Silver Lake Town Hall, located at 604 North Jefferson Street, Silver Lake, IN 46982, on June 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

If you, as Respondent, have title to this property or are the land contract purchaser, then you are responsible for complying with this Order. If you, as Respond-

A glimpse of history for kids at Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum

Even though children will be away from school this summer, they can still catch a glimpse of history in our community by attending Youth History Club at the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum.

“All classes are free and will focus on history as it pertains to our area,” said Jamie Clemons, museum director.

The first class on June 6 focuses on bees and why they are important to the environment and the area and what they provide.

“We will talk about the different types of bees and the diseases they can contract. We will make beeswax candles and taste honey

A B C D E F

Around The Lakes

H I J K L M N Q R S T U

from New Paris,” said Clemons. June 13 is the return date for Archaeologist Cathy from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She will share insights into local archaeology. Indigenous and settler homes will be the focus of the June 20 meeting. Afterwards, the children will build their version of these homes with Lincoln Logs. Geology on June 27 features rocks found in our area and an activity designed to help children identify the rocks. July 11 and July 18 dates feature the Olympics and games played at the Olympics. Children will watch a video provided by Trayton Harris, a recent graduate of Elkhart High School. He is preparing to take part in a tryout

for the US Track and Field team. Shoes Through History is the feature for July 25. Children will learn about styles of shoes worn throughout history and even make their own pair of moccasins.

The summer fun finishes with atlatl training on Aug. 1 and 8.

HE NORTH Webster Lions Club presented a check recently to become a bronze sponsor for Camp Hero, which is ran by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

attend six out of nine craft days, and NWCC will keep track of that on their bookmarks, so participants should be sure to always bring them along.

I grew up with a friend named Jack with Cystic Fibrosis. Every summer he went to the hospital for two or three weeks. I’d visit with him while the nurses gently but firmly patted his back all over in an effort to get his lungs clear.

Three days before Christmas at 21, Jack was back in the same hospital on life support. He would not be going home this time. Our old high school gang sat silently and helplessly watching the monitors. It was a dark, wet and foggy winter night. The fear of death was palpable among my friends who didn’t know Jesus.

As I walked past the room next to Jack’s there was a little blonde girl, maybe 10 years old, the nurses were patting her back all over, and I heard the girl say, “what’s going on in that room? Why are people crying?”

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes, There is a time to be born and a time to die. Death is inevitable for us all, but it doesn’t have to be paralyzing. Considering the certainty of death can help us to live wisely.

Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere

PASTOR DAVE WINTERS handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:4-7) Reflecting on the brevity of life is wise and helps us make the right choices in the here and now of our daily lives. Here is a good prayer, Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of

An atlatl is a device for throwing a spear or dart that consists of a rod or board with a projection at the rear end to hold the weapon in place until released. The children will have an opportunity to practice throwing the atlatl and then take the device home with them.

Shown above, from left, are Tom Nelson, Scott Fox, Cpl. Kyle Denton, Deputy Mike Kyle, Mark Lawson, Greg Stump, Monty Lackey, Dean Glancy and Brad Troutman.

W X Y Z

All classes will begin at 10:30 a.m. The museum is located inside the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Dr.

A time to be born and a time to die

wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Life’s greatest questions, “Is there a God? And if there is a God, then what does he require?”

There is a God. He has given you the gift of life. And He has given us the gift of His only Son Jesus that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Corinthians 5:10 says, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

It’s a rational exercise to prepare for the time to die, if eternity does indeed last for eternity. But in Christ you need not have fear. You can’t earn your way into heaven. You can only ask God to forgive you of your sins and take Jesus’ death as a substitute payment for your sins. If you are trusting in yourself being a good person or in your good works it’s a false hope, you will only find peace and rest only by receiving God’s grace and resting in his grace. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

Boat-in service on Lake Wawasee in its 55th year

Although the weather has been less than cooperative for Lake Wawasee’s 55th year of boat-in church service, attendance has not faltered. During last week’s service, Sunday, June 2, there were approximately 50 boaters who dropped their anchor alongside the SS Lilly Pad. Boat-in worship is a long-running, community favorite tradition. Boat-in worship runs from May to September. Lake Wawasee boat-in worship is sponsored by the local churches of Syracuse and Wawasee. This half-hour service, which runs from 8:30-9 a.m., includes music, prayer and a short sermon. Worship on the water is the perfect way to start your Sunday. Worshipers can attend the boat-in service via the SS Lilly Pad, their own boat or for those who do not have their sea legs, bring a chair or blanket and sit on shore at Oakwood Inn Resort. For those who would like to attend the service on the SS Lilly Pad, climb aboard the vessel before 7:30 a.m. On Sunday, June 9, Rev. Harlan Steffen, of Wawasee Chapel, will lead the sermon, Colossians 1:15-20, “Divine Hope — Jesus.” Bill Brooks and Associates will be providing the music for the

RECENTLY, THE Town of Milford contracted with Dan the Tree Man to remove 10 very large trees near the public access boat ramp to Waubee Lake at the town park.

According to Superintendent Steven Marquart, the trees were taken down for safety reasons, as they were unhealthy. Additionally, other trees in the area were heavily trimmed.

WAWASEE AREA Conservancy Foundation has announced that its “Healthy Shoreline Award” is back. WACF aims to restore natural shorelines to improve water quality, prevent erosion and create safer habitats for local wildlife, making the lake better for recreational activities.

Unlike concrete walls, natural shorelines reduce erosion and calm the water. They use glacial rock and native plants for these improvements. Visit wacf.com/education/ healthy-shorelines/ to learn more about how you can support healthy shorelines.

THE OWL’S Nest in North Webster will be hosting the Kosciusko County Republican Party’s “Bingo for Guns!” from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22. There will be 10 games played for 10 guns, including handguns, rifles and shotguns. Additionally, there will be a 50/50 cash drawing, door prizes, a cash bar and food for purchase.

A limited number of tickets are available for $100 each, and participants must be 21 or older. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Steve Foster at (574) 5275782.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, will be here before you know it. That will be the first 2024 edition of Food Truck Friday in Milford. This month’s theme is “Milford on the Move!”

THE WAUBEE Lake Association notes that if you plan on making a donation to the fireworks fund, checks should be made out to Tracey Burke. This is not a Waubee Lake Association function. Checks can be dropped off in the pavilion during the Waubee Lake Poker Run this Saturday, or arrangements can be made with Burke via Facebook.

If you’re planning on participating in the Waubee Lake Poker Run, sign in begins at 11 a.m. at the boat ramp. There are prizes for first, second and third places this year, including a kayak and paddle, beach tote and towels and an INTEX River Run 2 pack float system.

Music will be at the pavilion from 1-4 p.m. There also will be concessions and a bake and plant sale. There also will be a pontoon in the middle of the poker run with beverages available for a donation.

A TENDERLOIN supper will be held from 3-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, at North Webster Church of the Brethren, 7281 E. 600N, North Webster. The cost is $12, which gets you a tenderloin sandwich, chips, coleslaw and pie. Eat-in or drive-thru is available.

ANYONE DRIVING by the area where the Chinese Gardens used to be, Pickwick and Eastshore drives, may have noticed the area has been cleaned up. The Quinn family, friends of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, recently purchased the two lots and cleaned out all of the invasive plants. Because invasive plants tend to take over an area fairly quickly, the lots now look like a bush hog went through the area.

THE ANNUAL Webster Lake Conservation Association Family Dixie Ride is at at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15.

The ride is for WLCA members and their families. Snacks and beverages will be provided by WLCA. Activities and prizes are planned, especially for young cruisers.

The Family Dixie Ride includes an hour of cruising on the Dixie around Webster Lake. The ride is provided to WLCA and its members by the Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., in memory of Tom Plew, a longtime volunteer of both organizations. —o—

worship. Each week will be lead by different religious leaders and highlight different musical talent.

Free community block party in Milford

Word of Truth Ministries, 180 Ministries and Community Care

Ministries have set the date for their fifth annual free community block party. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the north side of Dollar General, West Catherine Street, Milford. There will be fun for the whole family, including face painting, games and a bounce house. There will also be free hot dogs and live music to enjoy.

The block party is a great way to soak up the nice weather, meet your fellow community members and enjoy each other’s company.

Meet Milford reminds everyone to get registered for the one mile fun run (or walk) which supports Milford Food Bank. There also will be other healthy activities planned for the evening that promote get-moving fun in the community, including a chance for you to jump in and participate in the main parking lot, next to the Milford Community Building.

They will be giving away a free kid’s bike and Milford Kiwanis will be giving away bike helmets. Be sure to stop by between 5-8 p.m. for great food, drinks and desserts.

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JOIN THE Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, for Adult Trivia Night at Ruddell Pavilion. Wear your best nautical-themed attire and join them for WACF’s first-ever trivia night with Tiger Trivia. Enjoy a cash bar, food and exciting trivia. It’s bound to be an unforgettable evening.

Your participation is crucial to the success of this event. We have several sponsorship opportunities available, as well. For further information about sponsorships or to sign up for the event, go to wacf.com/event/adult-trivia-night-with-tiger-trivia/ so you can be a part of this exciting event. You can also call (574) 457-4549 with any questions. WACF is located at 11586 SR 13, Syracuse.

NORTH WEBSTER Community Center started the free lunch program for schoolaged kids, from kindergarten to 18 years old. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday, a craft will follow lunch.

NWCC also has free bookmarks. They began handing out the bookmarks on Monday, June 3, for kids to keep. Prizes will be awarded to the kids, who

WOMEN OF Today invites the community to join them Saturday, July 13, for their annual Donut Dash 2.5 mile fun run/walk. The race is unique to Syracuse, as it incorporates both portions of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation trail and the Conklin Bay Boardwalk. Participants can expect to run/walk on all terrain (trail, boardwalk, and road). Men, women, children and fourlegged friends are invited to participate.

This year will include multiple pit stops along the course with different mini donuts and drinks. Once you cross the finish line you will be greeted with a full sized donut, a drink station and coffee truck.

The race entry fee is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Register by June 19 to be guaranteed a race day shirt. Race day registration is available but does not guarantee a shirt. All proceeds will go to improving the lives of youth in the Wawasee community. In 2024, Women of Today was able to donate to summer reading programs at area libraries, sponsor children to attend summer camps, open The Hanger (a full service boutique free to students at Wawasee High School) and more. —o—

CLAYTON’S GARDEN Center donated these beautiful flower pots for outside the North Webster Community Center. Don’t they look great? —o—

Registration is ongoing for this year’s Mudtastic Classic which will be held June 22. You must register by Friday, June 7 at runreg.com/mudtasticclassic or at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.